Decatur Democrat, Volume 45, Number 18, Decatur, Adams County, 11 July 1901 — Page 1

ALL THE NEWS ALL THE TIME.

VOLUME XLV.

Edward Kintz, who is attending the Marion Normal College, spent a few davß with bis parents returning to his studies Monday. Clark J. Lutz and family leave today for Atwood lake, located about five miles north of Rome City. Thev have rented a cottage there and will proceed to make the most of life for a period of about two weeks. James H. Stone was at Detroit over the Fourth, being entertained while there by his sou. R. C. Stone and family. He says Ross is getting along nicely, being still employed by the Independent Telephone Company as ; manager. Jesse King, of Portland was tried Tuesday, before 'Squire Zearbaugh.of \oble township, upon a charge of criminal assault brought by a 19 j rear old girl named Lizzie Arnold. King was acquitted after several hours but the case is said to have been full of sensational plays, among which was a free-for-all fight. Now cometh the day when the small boy make‘h his appearance with the small cannon: the day when he asketh for powder and receiveth the same, whereupon he goeth forth and loadeth the deadly instrument and inilieteth divers injuries on his boyish anatomy. All of which he doeth anil suffereth for the glory and honor of this great republic and his own ideas of patri otic propriety. Wheat harvest is here. Throughout the county farmers are cutting wheat. | The crop is excellent. The acreage is j not so large. Crop estimates in the ! I’nited States, however, indicate that the yield will be the largest in the j history of the country. Some states, like the two Dakotas and Minnesota, will have a much larger yield. The price will be good, as the foreign crop I is poor. The ground has lieen broken for the new residence of C. A. Dugan, corner of Fifth anil Monroe streets. It is the intention to complete the cellar and enclose the house this fall and put ing on the finishing touches early next spring. The house is to lie of brick and will no doubt lie a handsome home, although Mr. Dugan informs us positively that it is to lie only a plain, substantial residence. The local division on the Clover Leaf is sure to leave Bitiffton and with it will go fifteen or twenty men employed on the local freight. The new division point as before stated will be in Van Buren and with the change in view the yards at that place are being enlarged and new side tracks will be laid. Materials have been ordered for the construction of coal docks and in a few weeks the division point will be changed and an additional train put on between Van Buren and Delphos. Miss Gusta Cramer the popular voung lady who has held forth at the telephone exchange several years is again at home and will soon be able to go on duty. For a month past she has lieen at Hope hospital. Ft. \\ ayne as the result of an operation for appendicitis. There is not the slightest doubt but that the operation saved her life as Dr. Porter, her physician says the trouble was such that it would have been fatal before this time. She is looking quite well and her many friends here are glad of her safe return. Saturday, people were sweltering and wishing for cooling breezes, while along toward Sunday evening nearly every person out of doors had on a wrap, while in a number of houses gas fires had been started to take off the chill. On Saturday the thermometers were registering 9*5 degrees in the shade, while on Sunday about the same time the mercury column was 66 degrees a fall of exactly thirty-three degrees. It is seldom that such a dedided change, more especially in July, is registered. The change began Saturday night and Sunday morning found it quite cool, a state of affairs which existed all day. Monday morning, however, warmth was again strongly in evidence, and yesterday old Sol hail about regained his gait of a week ago. A rate war for east and west bound business between the Clover Leaf and Wabash can scarcely be averted. A very spirited correspondence, to put it mild’y, has lieen carried on during the past two weeks which has resulted in the breaking off of diplomatic relations between the rivals. The points at issue are of long standing and of great diversity. The \\ abash charges the Clover Leaf with cutting beef and provision rates. That the \\ abash has nauled this business to St. Louis and there lieen ordered to turn it oyer to the Clover Leaf, whicn has carried it to Toledo, is cited as unmistakable evidence of rate manipulations on the part of the Clover Leaf. This is only one of the many instances which the Wabash traffic officials complain of to the management of the Clover Leaf. As the Clover Leaf belongs to no traffic association, the only redress that the Wabash has is by meeting the. situation. In this, it is said, the Wabash will have the support of some of the strongest eastern lines The Wabash, it is claimed has the consent and support of the members of the Central Traffic association.

Obcatilß

John Fetzer, the bicycle man. join-! ed the excursionists to’Detroit yesterday and spent the day in looking over various kinds of machinery. Misses Jessie Wickes and Amy Kitson were guests of honor at a party given by Miss Lizzie Voglewede Friday evening. The affair was an enenjoyable success. Mrs Rachel Steele and son, C. M. Hower, left this morning for an extended visit in and about Denver. I hey will visit relatives and enjoy themselves in general, the trip being solely for pleasure. They expect to be absent about six weeks. Numerous entertainments were at Steele’s park Thursday, including the Waltz Sisters’ specialty show, fishing pond, fancy glass stand and various kinds of games. All were patronized liberally but as has always been the case, the sure thing men with dice games and pinch wheels did more business than any one. ’Tis the old, old adage, “a fool and his money are soon parted.”

The remains of Stephen Z. Delk, Dunkirk, and William B. English, Portland, were transferred from the C. &E. to the G. R. I. railways yesterday afternoon on their way home from Manila. The former was a memlier of Company H. 45th regiment volunteers and died of dysentery November 7, 1900, while the latter was killed in action August 7. 19(X), being a member of Company B. 30th regiment. The Niblick building on Second street just north of Dyonis Schmitt’s meat market is undergoing some improvements which will make it one of the handsomest businest rooms in the city. The remodeling is being done for Gus Rosenthal who will remove his large stock of clothing and gents’ furnishing goods there the first of next month. Gus is advertising a removal sale to lower his large stock. Next week will probably be the last one for the recruiting station in this city as the rush seems to lie over. Sergeant Hare expected to close Saturday but concluded as several were still studying over the matter, to wait a few davs. He has lieen at Geneva this week looking for soldiers but will be here all next week. Two young men, Homer E. May of this city and George W. Sheets of Van Wert were sworn into service here Monday and left Tuesday for Cincinnati. Several new cases have been filed in the Adams circuit court this week, including the following: George W. Bolds et al vs David Chaney, complaint on contract. Lillian Gates vs John H. Gates, divorce. Christian W. Hocker vs James E. Sanden, com plaint on note, demand $75. William J. Myers vs James N. Fristoe, suit on account, appeal from Squire Coverdale’s court. Margeret Miner vs Peter Wilhelm et al, complaint for partition Jacob Sheterbeck vs Fred Shamerloh and James Varpe, foreclosure of mortgage. State vs Harry Steid, from justice court. For the first time in several months the fire alarm was turned in Tuesday morning about three o’clock. The scene was soon located at the Gilpen West End grocery near the Egg Case company’s plant." The fire originated iu the rear of the front room and is presumed to have been caused from a . cigar stub having lieen tossed in a box of saw dust which had been used as a spitoon. The fire was undereon siderable headway when first noticed i and by the time "the fire companies ' arrived the loss on stock was consid 1 erable. The loss to the building will Ibe small but on the stock is nearly ' total, being estimated at $1,300. The I store was owned by Wash Gilpen and ; Don L. Quinn aud «as insured for S9OO. i The building is owned by the DecaI tur Egg Case Company and is also in- : sured amply. Mrs. Katie Erhart who resides in the south part of town caused all kinds of excitement Tuesday after noon, breaking the monotony and giving quite an exhibition to those about. It seems that during the fireworks Saturday night one of Mrs. Erhart's little girls was struck in the face with something thrown quite a distance. Mrs. Erhart looked about at once and saw Wren Emery a young man aliout twenty years of age who lives close to the Erhart home and at once lielieved that he had thrown the missel, with that belief in mind she had Emery arrested on charge of assault and battery. The case was tried before 'Squire Smith and the young man acquitted whereupon Mrs. Erhart proceeded to tell the court, prosecutor and other officials what she thought of them and in no very gentle tone at that. The kind hearted justice took her storming for a few minutes then ordered the constable to eject her which he did. This didn’t tend toquieteri her however and her husband and little girls were unable to convince her that she ought to go home. She was soon so mad that she became hysterical and marshal Hart was compelled to take her home. At first she believed he was taking her to jail and put up quite a struggle but upon hearing that he was simplv taking her home she went along without further trouble.

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, JULY 11, 1901.

Not an accident of any consequence occured to mar the pleasures of the Fourth of July celebration here. Not even a fight with its attending results has been reported and every one lias had a splendid time. Genial Bob Peterson has been all smiles for a week past and his voice rings with parental pride as he informs his friends of the fact that “it’s a boy," and S. W. Peterson has a smile of huge dimension for all who call him grandpa. The little youngster as well as his mamma are doing nicely. H. A. Fristoe of the Smoke House,” was one of the contestants to select a name for number 7 the G. R. &1. train lately named “Northern Arrow.” He suggested the name “Idle hours” and says he believes yet it was the one they should have chosen but then you know Al always was stubborn in his ideas and we stand ready to wager thirty cents that if he ever owns a railway he’ll name his private car “Idle hours.” The private car of Ralph Peters, general superintendent of the southwest system of the Pennsylvania lines was attached to the north bound after noon train Monday. Mr. Peters and family were enroute to Petoskey. Michigan, for an outing. This is perhaps one of the finest private cars in the country and was used by President McKinley on his trip from Canton, Ohio to Washington, on the occassion of his first inauguration. Attorney R. S. Peterson, of Decatur, came here on a call by Revs. J. A. Sprunger and Wm. Egley, of the Orphanage, who went to see him on Saturday to investigate into the merits of a contemplated libel suit against Fred Rohrer, editor of the Witness on account of his statements made iu regard to the home. Mr. Rohrer was called up and at a conference was asked by Mr. Sprunger to retract, but ' he had nothing to retract, and after some parley the matter was dropped until next week,—Berne Witness. The county institute this year will begin on Monday, August 28, and continue five days. County Superintendent Brandyberry has secured some 1 able and distinguished instructors, among them lieing J. W. Carr, of An--1 derson; Mrs. C. W. Boucher,of Marion; 1 Will M. Pfrimmer,’the Indiana poet, > of Kenton, and M. S. Brown, of En--1 glish. Thursday will be trustee day, ‘ when au especial program will be on tap. Ender the new law teachers will receive the same wages for attending institute that they get for teaching, and this means that the absentees will be few and far between.

The case of John S. Bowers vs Calvin Miller et al including his partners, the county commissioners and engi neer came up for trial in the circuit court last Friday morning. The case is one wherein an injunction is aked for to prevent the placing of any more stone, other than that from the Deca tur quarries upon the Decatur and Monroe macadam road which has lieen under course of construction for some time. A number of witnesses were examined and the suit lasted all of Friday and Saturday and until Monday noon. A nnmlier of close questions were involved and Judge Heller has same under advisement, having promised a decision some time this week. The plaintiff was represented by attorneys Erwin & Erwin. Miller & Company by A. P. Beatty and Schafer Peterson and the county bv C. J. Lutz. D. M. Hensley tells of a sad incident which occurred while aboard a G. R. & I. train a few evenings ago on his way to Rome City. Shortly after leaving the station here the conductor approached Mr. Hensley and informed him that a little babe was dying in the coach ahead and that the mother had got on the tram at Decatur. Dave thinking perhaps he might know the lady and could be of assistance, at ouce accompanied the conductor. It transpired that the lady was from Lima. Ohio, and with her three children was on her way to northern Michigan to ioin her husband from whom she had lieen se|ierated several months. The baby was suffering from intense fever and was very ill. A trained nurse offered her assistance and everything possible was done to save the little one’s life, but it was evident their efforts must be in vain. Then another serious question pre sen ted itself when the conductor informed them that he was forbidden by law to carry a corpse not properly prepared from one state into another. The poor mother was penniless and nearlv distracted with grief and there were tears in the eyes of nearly every passenger. A collection was taken up by Mr. Hensley for the lady and a purse of nearly ten dollars given her in case she was compelled to get off. She was given apartments in the slapping car and told that should the baby die she should not tell the conductor, and in that manner she might arrive at her destination. When the train arrived at Rome City the child was still alive, but Mr. Hensley was informal bv one of the passengers that when only a few miles north of there the little baby breathed its last, and that the broken hearted mother holding it closely embraced in her arms traveled safely through to her destination.

The list of marriage licenses which have been handed out at the office of county Clerk Johnson this week is made up as follows: Will L. Brill to Susie A. Mathacker, John Miller to Ida Shaffer, Edward Whitright to Blanch Kelley, John W. Zimmerman to Mary Shindler. Beery, Holthouse & Co., are home from two sales in Ohio of their famous range horses, one at Spencerville and the other at Mendon. Both were successful enterprises, they selling out smack and smooth. Their next sale is at Warsaw on Saturday followed with one at Columbia City on next Tuesday.

It may interest some of our readers to tell them that a man was recently arrested and fined $25 for listening to a telephone message passing over the line, and through his own house, and telling others what he had heard. He was fined on the theory that messages, or conversation, over the wires are confidential, and the fact that he owned a ’phone on the line did not give him any right to hear and repeat the conversation. If you have a 'phone you will agree that this is a goal law. A peculiar suit has been brought against the Grand Rapids & Indiana railway in Michigan by railroad commissioner. He has instituted procedings to compel the road to reduce its passenger fares in Michigan from three to two and one-half cents per mile, the annual report showing that the road was earning a greater sum than $2,000 per mile. • The company refuses to make the reduction. The samequestion was in controversy between the state authorities and the Wabash. The latter had to make the reduction.

The state board of health will meet next Friday to formulate a proposition to Governor Durbin with reference to the general vaccination in the state. The board believes the state should take steps at once toward general vaccination, if smallpox is to be checked. Reports of the disease continue to come in from various parts of the state, indicating a general spread of smallpox. Governor Durbin has been apprised of the desires of the board, but was unwilling to take up the matter until the board presented to him just what it thought was needful. It has been projiosed todrawon the state epidemic fund for money with which to carry out the general vaccination scheme. Thornton Hunter, the venerable cat tie buyer of Ossian, and partner of W. H. Rupright in that business, is lying at the point of death in Hope hospital Ft. Wayne, where he was operated upon Wednesday by Dr. Porter for cancer of the stomach. For about a year be has been troubled more or less with constipation of the bowels. While in California with the Ossian party he became so serious the party returned earlier than they had intended to. It was thought he would not survive the return trip, and when begot to Ossian he was very weak and for two days his condition was alarming. He was taken in a carriage to the hospital last Tuesday. The operation showed can cerous trouble in the bowels. Anoth er operation will be performed as soon as the patient is able. His iron con stitution is in his favor, and. although chances are against him, there is still a lingering hope that he may recover. The mysterious disappearance of Frank Maples has caused considerable excitement about here this week and no end of anxiety and worry to his wife and other relatives. Maples is a son in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Johnson who live south cf the city. He formerly resided here and is well known, having lieen a seller, industrious and honest man. He is a plasterer by trade and for several years has lived at Ft. Wayne. Aliout a month ago he was overcome by heat while at work and has since been under the care of a physician. He was morose and seemed in a deep study all the time, even telling his wife that he lie lie veil he ought to go to a hospital but she objected and he con sen ted not to. Last week they came here to visit her folks and things went along smoothly until Saturday night. On that occasion Mrs. Johnsen was silt ing up with a sick daughter and twice before mid-night Frank came down stairs, giving as an excuse that he couldn’t sleep. Finally the sick daughter fell asleep and Mrs. John son who was nearly worn out laid down to rest awhile. In the meantime. presumnably about two o’clock Maples got up the third time, dressed and went away, where no one can tell or has yet lieen able to find out. He took Air. Johnson’s hat and left his own, he wore only one sock, having left one upon the front porch and did several other strange things. He had about $375 in safe keeping and of this amount he counted out an even SIOO showing that his departure was premeditated. Airs. Maples is in poor health and is nearly distracted over the disappearance of her husband. Every effort to locate him has been in vain and the attempt has about been given up for the present. In a talk with his physician at Fort Wayne that gentleman told a relative that Frank was undoubtedly a little unbalanced on account of his recent illness, and it is the general opinion that he has entered a hospital or asylum somewhere for treatment.

The young ladies thimble club en j joyed Monday afternoon as guests of J Alias Bessie Shrock. The event was one of the clubs usual pleasant ones. Among the guests who participated were Misses Minna Case of Magley, Margie Hanna, Ft, Wayne and Grace Tantum, Bloomington, 111. The refreshments were delicious. Mrs. J. F. Horton and children are the guests of Albert Brittson and family and other friends. Rev. Horton will stop for a few days on his return from Cincinnati where he has been attending the National convention of the Christian Endeavors Society. Rev. and Mrs. Horton were formerly residents here, the former being pastor of the Presbyterian church. In last week’s issue of the Rochester I Republican the following item ap-' peared: Last night a heavy iron rail was placed across the Erie railroad track about a mile west of this place, and it is thought it was for the pur pose of wrecking No. 12, the limited express and mail, which always car ries a good many passengers, but fortunately a freight train came in a little ahead of the passenger and the cow-catcher picked up the rail and ' carried it about half a mile. On passing the road crossing the Montgomery farm it tore the fence out and the rail was thrown alongthe side of the track. Clark J. Lutz, as attorney for Lillian Gates, has brought suit for a divorce from her husband. John H. Gates. The parties are residents of Monroe township and the complaint j shows they were married November j | 2, 1893, cohabiting together until May i 29, 1899, when it is alleged the defendant, without cause, wholly abandoned the plaintiff and has lived apart from her since without her consent and against her will. The defendant has wholly failed for more than two years to make any provisions for plaintiff, although amply able to do so. There are no children living as a result of the marriage. The plaintiff asks that the matrimonial bonds be severed and that her maiden name. Lillian Smith, be restored. A tally-ho loaded to over-flowing with a merry laughing crowd of the j jolliest young people on this earth or ' any where, left town Friday evening at seven o'clock for Magley where they were entertained at the palatial j home of Miss Mina Case. The event was in honor of Mr. Almond Case | and Miss Lillian Case of St. I Louis, Mo. The evening was a happy one foi all present and prof ’ of this was clear and substantial toall | who either saw the party on their way lor while at theirdestination. Among ! those who partook of the hospitality lat the Case home were the following from here: Misses June Merryman, Bessie Schrock, Margie Hanna. Blanch Dibble, Bertha Heller. Geneveive Hale, Dessie Beery, Agnes Schrock, Josephine Niblick, Fanny Hite, Midge Smith, Marie Patterson, Vera Patterson, and Messrs. Grover Huffman. Fred Patterson, Dan Vail, Robert Schrock, Clarence Holthouse. Hugh Hite, Fred Bell. Tom Ehinger and Charles Merryman. The evening’s amusements included gamesand refreshments of a delicious nature. Perhaps very few of our readers know that among our industries in the factory line is a window screen factory and that this enterprise is even now in operation. Such, however, is the case and we predict that the De catur Window Screen Company will soon be known all over this country. Temporarily the concern is located in handsome quarters at the rear of J. S. Bowers’ residence on First street. The building is 65x20 feet in dimenmensiops and is a handsome home for them just at present, although within a few weeks it will probably lie much too small. The factory was formerly located at Delphos, where W. R. Cochran, patentee of the screen, reresided. Several cities have made good offers to Mr. Cochran and one or two other gentleman who were associated with him and they decided io accept one of them and that too at once. Mr. Bowers has been making a great effort to organize a board of trade here, whose duty it would be to induce goal factories to locate here and he has succeeded fairly well. However, the organization is not yet in a position to make any offer, and I Mr. Bowers, realizing the merits of i the Cochran screen, went to Delphos I a few days ago, purchased the factory I and has since removed it here and located as above stated. The machines were set last evening and the proprietors expect to do their first work today. Mr. Cochran is managing the concern at present and will personally superintend affairs. It is the desire of Mr. Bowers to organize a stock com puny and if proper inducements can be offered they will erect a large sac- ■ tory and go into the business right, I employing several hundred men. If not they will probably remove to some other city as several are ready and willing to assist them. A factory will also lie located bv the company someI where in Pennsylvania aliout Septem- | tier 1. The screen is undoubtedly a ■ winner and within a very short period will Im the most popular on the mar ket. Our citizens should take hold of this project in earnest and see that i proper inducements are made to keep j th>> factory in Decatur.

CIRCULATION 2800 WEEKLY

NUMBER 18

Our Celebration. We congratulate the Decatur Driving club upon their fitting celebration of Independence day and are free to inform them that it was the best ever seen in our city so far as we are able to judge. The crowd was large, the day fair and the entertainment even more than was advertised. The early morning hours was broken at day light by the firing of anvils which continued several hours. The visitors began coming early and by nine o’clock the streets were crowded with merry, fun searching and good natured people. The program, up to six o'clock was carried out just as advertised and every one went away feeling they had gotten their money’s worth. The parade at 9:30 was unique and j most attractive consisting of the I Bluffton K. of P. Baud, the Waltz band, Rosenthal’s Drum Corps, the driving club in uniform and the two ball teams. The parade started on first street going south to Adams and then down Second street to Monroe and thence to Steele’s park where the big day’s program was opened by a ball game between the famous i Celina team and Place’s Creams. The game was full of interesting plays and all who attended were well pleased. Good plays on both sides were frequent, pitcher C. O. France and short stop Frank Peterson doing the best work for the home club. The score was nine to three in favor of the Celina team. At one o’clock the lace program was started and to say that the events were the liest ever seen either here or iu nearby towns, would be putting it mildly. Every event was interesting and anyone well worth the admission. The first race was the 2:40 pace which was won after a hard struggle by Joe AL, owned by Calvin Miller. There were four enterics in the race, and Prescott owned by A. P. Beatty, Winfield, Jr., owned by Dr. D. D. Clark and Joe IAL, eached secured a heat. The j fourth heat looked like a sure thing for Clark’s horse but he broke at the stretch and was forced to second I place in the heat and race. Edna Medium, D. W. Beery won the 2:25 I with Hiberniam King, L. AL Swain a I close second, in fact the first heat was declared dead as neither horse had the advantage as they came under the wire. The free-for-all pace went to Glad Boy owned by Elmer Johnson. with Mack K., Homer King owner, second in one of the prettiest and fastest races ever seen at Steele’s track. In the ladies race Mrs. E. AL Peoples who drove Electric King, owned by George Flanders was the winner. lieing closely pushed by Mrs. H. H. Hamm who drove her own horse. Cambric Wilkes, Mrs. Calvin Miller secured third place with Joe AL Then came the jumpers iu the free-for-all running race and interest was at the top notch when half a dozen horses were lined up for the starting signal. There were various opinions and some money to back them up as to which would win, “The Doctor" apparently lieing the favorite. However a surprise was in store for the race was won in straight heats by "Broncho Bill" owned by Beery, Holthouse & Co., and ridden by Louis Holthouse, “The Doctor” securing second place. The bicycle race was won by Logan Wolfe of Steele in two straight heats, Gus Krouser and Ralph Erwin both of this city securing second and third respectively. A mule race with four starters was also among the events and one of the animals showed considerable speed. The race program continued until seven o’clock at which time it was intended the baloon ascension should occur, but a threatened storm and considerable wind compelled an abandonement of this part of the program. A heavy rain followed and the fireworks display could not be given to the disappointment of everyone. However the club, in order to show their good intentions gave the display on Court street in this city Saturday evening. This pait of the program was splendid and has lieen pronounced by every one as the beat ever witnessed here, consisting of many expensive and fancy pieces and continuing over two hours. The crowd which attended is estimated at from 3000 to 5000 and the club have come out about even financially. The days program was high class and required the expenditure of considerable cash, but the success of the occassion and the satisfaction expressed by everyone amply repays the club members and should they hereafter advertise a meeting of any kind a large crowd is an assured thing. Prof. Charles AL Simcoke who has been serving as instructor in book keeping and business methals io the ! High School for a year past and who ■ was selected for another year has re- ‘ signed. His action was taken on ac i count of a better offer to fill a similar i position in the schools of Joliet, 111. tie left Monday for Poughkeepsie, New York where he will attend one of the best business colleges of the Unit jed States for two months, thus better | preparing himself for his labors. Mr. ! Simcoke is an Adams countv boy and jwe hope to see him rise to the top of the ladder in his work. He gave splendid satisfaction here during his , first years work and the trustees jvero loath to see him go.