Decatur Democrat, Volume 44, Number 12, Decatur, Adams County, 31 May 1900 — Page 1

all THE news ALL THE TIME.

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ConrtENCEMhNT. A ulus o' Thirteen Young Ladle* and QentleParticipate in the Clo.lng Exerdaee | ol Their School Work. X happy and expectant audience .ompletely filled Bosse’s opera house Friday evening and greeted the rising of the curtain at 8:80 o’clock, for the .ruinating exercises of the Decatur HiL’h school class of 1900. The stage nieture was a beautiful one and the audience showed their appreciation of their appearance with hearty applause. There were thirteen members of the class, each of whom took some part in the evening's entertainment, which was out of the ordinary somewhat, the urogram consisting of musical selections, essays. orations and reading. Music was furnished by a special orchestra under the leadership of Prof. Fred Falk and their part of the program was excellent. Rev. C. G. Hudson opened the exercises with an earnest praver, asking the blessings of God upon the young lives now to lie launched upon the world, not only for that evening, but for all time to come. The first number, “College Bells,’’ a pretty instrumental selection, was rendered by Miss .Jessie Magley. being well appreciated afid received. She was followed by Jess D. Dailey in the opening address. In behalf of the class of 1900 he bade the audience welcome and thanked them for the interest they had manifested in their welfare. He told of the work they have done during their school life and showed that the future path through life would probobably not all be strewn with roses. He spoke in a clear, concise and unaffected manner. Louis Rice read a well prepared essay upon “A Study of the Boers, giving a history of their country for manv yei rs and telling of their customs'. habits and mode-Wf living. He showed clearly the sympathy of the American people for the striving sister Republic and his effort was heartily received and applauded. A reading “Our traveled Parson” by Miss Bessie Billman followed and was among the most interesting selections of theevening. Although probably her first appearance before the public her easy and winning manner were evident and she received many deserved compliments. Her reading was good and the audience followed the Pastor hero of her selection through hill and dale and over the mountains of Italy and other foreign countries with unabated interest. Piano selections (a) Nocturne and (b) Elftanz by Miss Hattie Niblick were given in a polished and charming manner, and her execution of those two difficult pieces has been pronounced by competent judges as perfect. The oration of the evening was delivered in a statesmanlike man ner by Orval Harruff. He surprised his friends and did great credit to himself. His subject, “The Conquest of Truth" was ably handled and he followed his hne of argument from the time of our ancient forefathers many centuries ago down to the present with an accurateness and understanding which showed the expeudi turn of much time and study. Miss Agnes Schrock, the clever elocution ists who has several times displayed her abilities as a reader was the next on the program and her friends who anticipated a treat were not disappointed. She was at her best and “Wild Zingeralia,” the subject of her recital was protrayed perfectly. The story is indeed a weird and wild one and the many varied scenes were made to seem almost real by the earnestness and skill of Miss Agnes. Her number was greeted with rapturous applause. “The Walderauchen,” a pretty, yet difficult piano selection was nicely gi»eu by Miss Francis Robinson and her rendition w as greatly appreciated by all and especially by those who understood the art of music. Miss Iva Steele in an essay upon “The Passion Play” entertained the audieuee in a splendid manner. No subject could have lieen chosen at this time which would have been more interesting to all than this famous play now being given at the village of Oberammergau. Miss Iva gave a complete history of the origin and character of the play and tc.d of the people who spend their lives in the story of Christ's life and death. Her paper was well written t’ K “tvely delivered. A reading by rred J. Patterson, entitled, “The Farting of Luuncclot and Guinevere” roll owed, and was given with an ease ami grace vet with all prop* r gestures rt "d inflections to make the rendition Perfect. The story is a sad one and \.JJ, e °rn<it reading thereof was very u’l'icult yet Fred acquitted himself splendidly. Miss Josephine Niblick "*' n favored her hearers with the production of (a) Crescendo and (b) Mazurka, on the piano and her grace n<l style won plaudits from the entire audience. Bernice Peterson in an essay in * i lato 7 °f *v Sin.” was interestKs her subject being taken from i ' ikosiieat'N famousstory," Macbeth.” Flol in the history of that age of , n "’ re vividly told by the author than was Mac •or 't 01,111,1 . noll *' ar,> found more lesJ,',' which the people of this ~,,1 Ur - V <nn Profit than by thia. These ri , ot '"' r facts were told by " uernice tn a clever manner and

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I the effort was duly appreciated. The I closing address was delivered most creditably by Miss Francis Bollman , from toe subject* "Why the Class of 1900 has completed the High School course,” showing that the diplomas they received had been won only after years of labor, that each year" more work is required fjoin those who com plete the course and that the grade of our schools is gradually becoming higher ami higher. Representing her i class they thanked the Shperinten- i dent andjteachers for their efforts and patience in preparing them for the j graduation time. Her address to the class was earnest and sincere and h p r part in the exercises was admirably i delivered. Prof. H. A. Hartman made a short address to the members of the class and presented the diplomas, after which the Rev. J. L. Kline pronounced the benediction. Following the Commencement; exercises a large number of friends of th« class gathered nt the High School building mid enjoyed a reception given in honor of the class of 1900 and the occasion was a most brilliant one. Dancing, music and refreshment served as modes of entertainment and the young folks were in their realm for several hours. James R. Bobo as attorney for John 1 E. and Lavina King, has filed a suit in the Adams circuit court asking damages from the city of Decatur in the sum of SISOO. She alleges tiiat a few days ago while walking along ' Mercer street she stepped upon a plank sidewalk, that one of the boards turned in some manner and she was thrown to the ground with sufficient force to sprain and badly bruise her left arm and shoulder, that she is thus prevented from doing any labor and that she should receive’ for the damages thus sustained the sum as above set forth and all other proper relief. The passenger time table for the G. R. A I. railroad has been changed, the same taking effect last Sunday. The night trains remain the same, but ■ the south bound morning train, herei tofore scheduled to leave here at eight o'clock, now leaves at 7:30 a. m,, j passing the north bound at Monroe. The north bound afternoon train has been changed from 3:32t03:19. While these changes are not much they are sufficient to make one miss the trains i if they are not careful for a while. ■ The north liound morning train due here at eight o'clock and the south bound afternoon train due at 1:19 are not changed on the new schedule. Arthur Russell and Miss Bertha Crabill were united in marriage at the home df the brine's parents on Tenth street Sunday evening at six o’clock. The ceremony was beautiful and was performed by Rev. H. C. Duckett of the Presbyterian church. Quite a number of invited guests were ' present and partook of the delicious ' supper wmen followed The bride and groom are lx>th well known here. Miss Crabbil having for some time 1 made her home with Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Erwin. Mr. Russell has lieen employed at J. D. Reiter’s barber shop. Friends bf both are numerous and all join us in best wishes. They will soon be at home to their friends in a neat little cottage on Line street, now being fitted for their convenience. Calvin Miller and George McKain were at Anderson last Saturday and secured the contract for the rebuilding of a large creek in Madison county, which runs from Alexandria to Anderson. The contract price is $1,250 and the boys secured the plum over two other bidders, one of whom they beat only fifty-eight dollars. They are to have the job completed before snow falls and will start to work in about two weeks. Mr. A W. Fitz gerald, who is now overseeing the construction of a large ditch for the same firm in Marion county, will serve in a like capacity on this contract and we have no doubt the county commissioners will be highly pleased with the work as Miller Ac McKain have a reputation of doing their work just right. The contract is considered a good one and the teys are highly pleased over their success. At the morning session at the Presbyterian church ls“t Sunday morning, Clark J. Lutz, who repre j sented this district of the I’resbyterry as a lay delegate, to the St. Louis national meeting, gave a report of the proceedings of that body. The principal topic of the week was the dis cussion of the division or change in the Presbyterian creed, upon which subject there seems to lie much difference of opinion. It was finally agreed and a committee appointed whose duty it is during the ensuing year to make a close study and secure the opinions of the churches in the var ions parts of the country and to make it report at the next annual meeting of th<' National Presbytery as to whether or not the general voice of the people is for a change. Mr. Lutz says ho scarcely believes such a change will Is* made, and if it is it will not Is* made for at least throe years as it would take that long to complete same. His reqsirt was interesting. He had intended publishing an account of the meeting in last week’s Democrat, but owing to the tact that he had been ill for several days while there, he was prevented from preparing it.

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1900.

C. M. Hocker is renewing his acI quamtance with the Adams county hoosiers, after an absence of many months at his new home in Brownstown, where he is engaged in the manufacturing business. He reports his new location as still being the cream of the earth and expresses no regrets that he divorced himself from I his business interests here. In this issue again appears the | | statement of the Old Adams County ' Bank, one of the oldest and best! financial institutions, not only in the ! state but the United States. The! statement credits them with assets amounting to nearly three-quarters of a million, and it likewise shows them ' to be the custodians of more than ! •5567,000 in deposits. Their growth is somewhat marvelous. There occurred at Curryville on | : Sunday at the home of the parents, R E Pierce and wife, a family re ' union that was a remarkable one. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce are the parents of twelve children, all of whom are living and present at this reunion. The old. st child is now fifty-eight years old am’ the youngest thirty-two. The parents and children are enjoying good health at present and bid fair to keep unbroken this family record. Tuesday's Huntington Herald said: The future of the Clover Leaf, so far i as ownership is concerned, is still a' problem. It is rumored that the Chicago A Erie company will on June' Ist, take charge of the property, aud j upon that date Receiver Hunt will j i step down and out. During the past week parties connected with the I Morgan syndicate have gone over the road inspecting it, but their intentions are not known. According to this the hopes so fondly cherished by our citizens some time ago that this’ city lie made the division for both these great railways may yet be realized. At any rate we will not be long in suspense and the change would no doubt help our city greatly. At a session of the board of county j commissioners last Thursday, the bid : of Gerber A Sprunger, fur the use of. the old fair grounds, was accepted, upon a bid of $41.50. Bids were re ceived upon the gravel roads in Wabasli township. Hoffman, Augsburger A Reynolds were the lowest on the Geneva. Ceylon A Wabash township road, and they were given the contract at $26,950. A. J. Trost of Portland, was the lowest bidder on the Joel Hirschy road, and a contract was also entered into with him for $9,661, for the faithful completion of the same. The auditor was instructed to draw a warrant on the treasurer for the payment of bond and accrued interest on the East Washington and Decatur and Monroe township macadam road. Mrs. Samantha Dorwin, Mrs. James N. Fristoe and Mrs. Daniel Sprang returned home from the Slate Federation of Clubs meeting at Lafayette last Friday. They report an interesting and important session and were delighted with their trip. An Indianapolis paper in speaking of the meeting, said: "The literature, music* aud art of the Hoosiers were represented. There is a remarkable interest in these in Indiana as in many other western states. In clubs perhaps no state is richer in proportion to its population. They are sometimes laugher! at. Their tendency todawdliug, mutualadmiratiod, mere talk and restless socilism is condemned by sages who don't belong to them and perhaps can’t get into them. But when all that can lie truly said against them has been said, they are a center of intellectual activity', and as a dissipation they are agree able and harmless.” Decoration Day, that sacred of all holidays, when we do homage to the men who offered their lives as a sacrifice for their Ibve of country, was celebrated yesterday, and all possible honor was paid them by their com rades who still live. Each year the ranks grow thinner and the band of G. A. R. Ixiys who yesterday rnached with bowed heads and saddened hearts \ to the various cemeteries placing upon the graves of fallen heroes wreathes iof flowers, wti, but a small per cent, of I those who left their homes in old Adams county to do or die for the flag they loved so well. The exercises were appropriate and beautiful, begin ning early in the morning, when a squad of old veterans beaded by the martial band marched to the various cemeteries about the city, excepting Maplewood, and decorated the graves. At 10:30 the members of the G. A. R. and W. R. C. formed in line and marched to the court house. There the exercises were opened by the reading of the jxist order by Adjutant Janies Smith, followed by prayer by the chaplain. Hon. C. J. Lutz, inade an interesting talk and read Lincoln's famous sseech at Gettysburg. He was followed by the orator of the day. Hon. J. W. Headington, of Portland, who spike nt length, his address being most suitable to the occasion. The morning exercises were closed by singing patriotic song. "America.” At 1:30 p. in. members of the G. A. R. soldiers of the Spanish war. W. R. C., school children aud citizens formed in line and marched to Maplewood where proper exorcises were rendered and the graves decorated.

Woodward A Ball, the furniture dealers, filed a replevin suit last Saturday with 'Squire Coverdale, and the same was promptly executed. The ease was against Mrs. Mattie Schlegel aud was for housenold furniture sold to her several months ago, upon which only a small payment had been made. The goods were recovered without any great amount of trouble. John Moore, of Kirkland township, I has purchased the Pennington meat ! market on south Second street and I removed it to the Bremerkamp build- ! ing on Madison street, formerly occu- ! pied by Joe Brunnegraph’s fish and game store. He was formerly ! engaged in the butcher business in I this city and will no doubt do a good business. The deal was closed last Saturday. Prof. Fred Falk, the music teacher, was quite badly hurt last Saturday morning, and as a consequence has his right arm in h sling. He with several other gentlemen were removing a piano to the second floor of the Big Store by the elevator route. He ( was standing at one end of the instruj merit and as the elevator neared the I second floor his arm was caught and wedged in. He was relieved from I his position as soon as possible, but not before his arm had been badly i wrenched. The muscles along the I fore arm were torn and one bone i broken, making a very painful injury, i He is at his studio this week, but his I arm will not-be presentable for several | days. The High School boys are making I great preparations for their field day exercises, which are to be given next M ednesday afternoon at Steele’s park The occasion will be a great one for those interested in sports and they will be participated in by representatives from Winchester. Portland, Bluffton and Decatur high schools. The sports consist of putting the shot, throwing the hammer, running aud hurdle races, etc. Quite a number of “rooters” from each school will be here to assist their contestants and the occasion is tn lie enlivened with goal oband music. Our citizens should turn out well and greet the strangers and our own boys with a royal welcome. The field day takes the place this year of the oratorical contest, which has lieen held annually for several years. See the posters for particulars. On June 10th. low rate excursion tickets will be issued for special train leaving Frankfort at 1:30 a. m., scheduled to stop at principal stations between Frankfort and Toledo, arriving at Toledo at 8:20 a. m., connecting with the new steel steamer, ‘Tashmoo’ the largest excursion steamer in the world, having a licensed capacity for 1.000 passengers, seating . apacity 3.200. Ou June 10th the White Star line, steamer "Tashmoo,” will issue excursion tickets to Detroit and return for 50 cents for the round trip. Special train will return to Clover Leaf stations leaving Toledo about 9:00 upon the arrival of the steamer, or tickets will be honored on train 3 following, 12:20 midnight. Passengers may purchase Detroit tieftets on the train or at the dock ticket office. It is well worth the journey to Toledo to see this magnificent steamer. Those wishing to be exclusive may find a parlor car in the rear of the Toledo train. Charles Carey, representing a New York leatherine wholesale firm, was in the city the former part of the week and called upon several business men. Among other firms whom he visited was J. S. Bowers A Co., where he displayed his samples and made vain endeavors to sell a bill of goods. He was unable to make Decatur business men realize the necessity of carrying his line and soon decided to leave town. He was registered at the Burt house, where he still owes a dollar bill, and where he tried to Imrrow money to get to Fort Wavne. His attempts at that business, however, were as fruit less as were' the sale of his goods. Finally he pawned 1 his grip, containing six cans of the | famous grease, to Shelby Henderson I and left on the first tram for Fort Wayne, Nothing farther was heard from him until Wednesday, when the chief of police of Fort Wayne telephoned John S. Bowers, asking him if he had issued a clus’k to Carey for thirteen dollars and upon reply that he had not he was requi'stal to come ■ to that city the following day to appear against said Carey for forging nia name. Mr. Bowefs did so the wiley gentleman was Ixiund over to court in the sum of S3OO. It sn-ms that Carey tried to pay his board bill with the check but was unable to do so an<l then made several attempts to get it cashed at various saloons. The police bucaine suspicious us him and took him in charge until they could ascertain the facts of the case, with the results as above stated. He was a nice appearing fellow, about thirtyfive years of age, well dressed and shrewd looking. However, he should have known better than to have made the sum on the forged check that unlucky number, thirteen. Why! the fellow seems to have been actual)y invit iugdisaster. At any rate the peniten tarv stares him in the and his follies are at an end for several days at least..

PETER P. ASHBAUCHER. It is with no ordinary feeling of sadness that we record on these pages the death of another worthy citizen of this county. One by one they are called to their reward and it becomes necessary for us this week to add to that long list who have gone before the name of Peter P. Ashbaucher. How vividly are brought to our minds! those lines, “’Tis the wink of an eyej the draught of a breath, From the 1 blossom of health to the paleness of i death.” It seems but yesterday since [ he moved among us, with his ever | happy word and pleasant smile, attending to the busy affairs of his life, yet now he has crossed that silent river of death, from whence no traveler returns. His illness was of shun duration, only a few days of suffering and pain being allotted him. Two weeks ago last Monday he was first away from his business, but from that time he sank gradually into the long i slumber from which he will awake to immortality beyond the tomb. He I was affected with a complication of diseases known as typhoid pneumonia either of which, with one of his ago. j generally proves fatal. Every care which could possibly be given by j loving and willing hands ana all help possible from physicians were his, but without effect. For several days before the end came, friendsand loved ones knew that recovery was impossible, yet they toiled on, hoping against hope for some change in his condition which would cheer them, but none came, and quietly and peacefully at nine o’clock Monday morning he sank to rest, amid the tears and sorrow’s of his family and loved ones. His was a life well lived. True, he ■ was but a man, and where is one who has not made mistakes! But those of our deseased brother were few and , will soon be forgotten, while on the , other hand the nobler and tetter , points of his life were many and well worth imitating. He was a kind and gentle husband anil a most generous , and indulgent father, and in his home, . ever made happy by his presence, will rest a sadness which can never be taken away. In public life he was i honest and straight-forward and his friends were numbered only ,by the . limit of his large acquaintance. He , was born at Canton, Berne, Switzerland, February 14, 1852, and while ■ yet but an infant, his parents were! taken away from him by the hand of! death. He was then taken care of by an aunt. Mrs. Yost, who still lives and 1 mourns the loss of one whom she had learned to love as her own child. In 1853 Mrs. Yost and her ward came to the United States and settled in . Wayne county, Ohio. There Peter spent the first ten years of his life. ‘ enjoying as only a boy can, the lib erties of a new country. In 1862 they came to Adams county, residing at Berne and there our subject was reared to manhood, receiving such education as was possible in those days. He was an industrious youth and this trait followed him through his life, always busy and ambitious, ; he soon came to be a recognized force 1 politically as well as otherwise in the ' county, and in 1886 he was elected trustee of Monroe township, which ' office he filled faithfully for seven ' years. Every duty assigned him was done in a conscientious and paiustak-! ing manner and the people of his' township soon came to know that he was their friend and leader. In 1894 ; he was nominated aud elected by the democrats of Adams county as sheriff 1 and in 1896 was re-elected without' opposition. As he had been in his trustee's office so was he as sheriff, genial, approachable, kindly, His record is that of an honorable mj^n. 1 who never shirked a duty or diverged from the path where conscience led and the pages of hisoflicial record are indeed a memorial to his life. He was married Septemter 25, 1875, to. Miss Mary Luginbill of Berne, and the union has been a most happy one. To them were born twelve children, * five sons and seven daughters. Os these, two sons and two daughters | have proceeded the father tu the eternal home. Three sons, five daughters and one grandchild mourn with the widow in this the hour of their bereavement. All the children still live at home excepting one daughter, Mrs. William Van Camp, who resides at Linn Grove, but who was at her! father's liedside when the end came. I In the familv circle Mr. Ashbaucher was always cheerful, considerate and loving. The business cure of his life! he carried alone, its happiness lie shared With his What was I bright and tender and true of him will lie upjiermost in the mind of the bereaved wife, softening her sorrow until they shall tiitsdagain. Mr. Ashbaucher was a linn and steadfast be-1 liever in Christianity, and April 20, 1872, he joined the Mennonite church. He was true to that church until 189-1. since which time he has identified with the reformed church of this city. At the expiration of his term of office ax sheriff, he euteied into part* uership with Charles K. Ik-11 and pur chased the large hardware store of B. J. Terveer, the firm taking possession January 1, 1898. He continued in this business until last January, when the linn of Ashbaucher A Bell sold their interests to Brittxon Bro’s. Alsmt a month latter Mr. Ashbaucher and Mr. Koenemau, under the firm

CIRCULATION 2800 WEEKLY

NUMBER 12

name of Ashbaucher A Koeneman, purchased the meat market and packing establisnment heretofore owned by Gerber A Sprunger, the new firm taking possession February 19. He remained in this business until his death. He died at nine o’clock last Monday morning, aged fortyeight years, three months and fourteen days. He was a sturdy, healthy I appearing man, and little did we I think, when a few days ago we mingled with him in business pursuits ! that so soon the church bells would | toll his passing from this world, but i however hard it seems to think thus, ‘tis true and the will of He who rules all things has been done. During the last week of his iliness he was unconscious, although at times he would rally slightly. Sunday eveningho-aid a few words to his family but he was very weak and his words unintelligij ble. Yesterday the last rites were perj formed and hundreds of friends fol- | lowed the casket, containing his inanimate form to Maplewood cemetery, where amid flowers and evergreens it was lowered into its last resting place. 1 Services we. ■ held at the residence at 9:30 and at the Methodist church at j ten o’clock, and that large edifice scarcely held the many friends who attended. Rev. Kruse delivered an English sermon and Rev. Sprunger of Berne, the German. The Knights of Pythias lodges of this city and Berne attended and performed the ritualistic sen ices at the grave. The Fort Wayne District Christian Endeavor union, including the following counties: Huntington. Whitlev, Allen, Adams and Wells, will hofd their next annual convention in the city of Huntington on the evening of the sth and on the 6th day of June. An excellent program has been prepared, free entertainment will be furnished those coming from a distance and an en ioyable time may be anticipated by all who attend. All persons interested in the work of the young people and especially all Christian Endeavorers, are most cordially invited to attend this convention. The program will consist of speeches, papers and discussions. Music of an exceptionally high grade will be furnished and everything possible done to make it the most interesting session ever held in the | state. Huntington News-Democrat. Next month the census enumerators I will be at work over this and every other county of the United States. He will call upon you sometime during the month of June and you should be ready to answer the questions he I asks you with alacrity, that you may 'thus save him time and maktv the reI port of Adams county full and complete. From time to time we have mentioned some of the many things he will wish to know, but these are only a sma’l per cent, as you will find out. Tha enumerator's schedule must show the relation of every person to the head of the family. Color or race, sex, month and year of birth of the person enumerated, age at last birthday, whether single, inarned, widow ed or divorced, number of years married. mother or father of how manv children, number of children living, place of birth of parents, if foreigner, year of immigration to this country, | numter of years here, naturalization, I trade or profession of each person over ten years of age, mouths not <*nployed, number of months employ ed. and whether the person can read, | write or sp-ak the English language i must all be told plainly. It will be necessary to state whether the prop lerty occupi si is owhdd or rented, and iif it is owned, if it is free from mortgage. These questions are found in the population schedule, and when it is considered that there are seven or eight other schedules nearly as long, the work of the census man can lie appreciated. Since our last report of doings iu the circuit court room the following I business has lieen transacted: State 'vs William Halting, unlawfully ob- : structing view, tried by jury, found guilty and fined twelve dollars and costs. State vs John Coffee, larceny, reset for eighth Friday. State vs i William Dickerson, selling liquor i without license, bond fixisl at j Recognizance filed and approved. State Life Insurance company vs I Roswell O. Johnson, note, $l5O, rule 1 to answer absolute in five days. Slate ex rel Noah Mangold vs Daniel P. Bolds, et al. affidavit and motion by. I defendant for change of venue and same granted to Jay county. Same 'entry, same ruling in case 5l 12. Lizzie and John Hendricks vs Huliert Topp et al. separate demurrer to second, thini anil fourth paragraphs of i answer of HutertrfTopp filed and cas i reset for ninth Thursday. Richard B. Maitler vs The Vernon Insurance and Trust company, defendant withdraws the third aud fourth paragraphs of answer: demurrer by plaintiff to second paragraph of answer. De inurrer overruled. Reply filed, jury ! iuipaiinelisl and case tried. J. H Meizer vs John Lew. set for eighth Frijay. Isatella Williams vs Peter B. Manlev et al, proceedings ordered staid and ixind ordered iu the sum of S6OO, payable to defendant. Defend ant objects and objections are over ruled. Adolph Dittmer, naturalization papers granted. G. A. Deitch exparte, admitted to the Adams county bar.