Decatur Democrat, Volume 46, Number 13, Decatur, Adams County, 5 June 1902 — Page 1

ALL THE NEWS ALL THE TIME.

VOLUME XLVI.

CLASS OF *O2. TWELVE >Ol NO LADIES AND GENTLEFIEN RECEIVE DIPLOMAS The Graduating Exercises Unusually Interestins Entertaining. The Decatur High School class of 'O2 have performed their parts and each member has received his diploma for the industrious work of past years. It has been said of the class that thev have the highest average and are the nearest an equality of any who have ever completed the work. Their commencement exercises were held at Bosse’s opera house, Friday evening, and that spacious build iag was crowded to its capacity by the friends and relatives. The stage wis decorated with ferns and palms ami presented a lieautiful appearance, when at 8:30 o'clock the curtain was lifted. The class consisted of eight young ladies and four gentlemen, twelve in all, and their friends and instructors certainly felt proud of their appearance on that eventful evening. The program was opened by an appropriate selection entitled ‘An Autumn Bud,” by the High School orchestra, after which Rev. E. H. Pontius led in prayer, the audience standing. Miss Carrie Thomas, a former member of the class, then favored the audience with a piano solo, receiving deserving applause for her efforts. Mr. John Gilig was the first graduate on the program, his subject being •Following a Mirage, intermingled with which were words of welcome for those who had attended the closing exercises of their* school life. He likened the mirage of the desert, which travelers have described as an apparent green spot which never materializes to the air castles of the youth who leaves the well beaten path for something beyond his grasp. So far the class have clung io the path and now they have reached a turning point of their lives, and the question is will they follow in the footsteps of those who have found the safi* wav, or will they seek the mirage. He spoke in an easy manner and his paper showed great care and study. Miss Katherine Krick followed with veil prepared essay upon the life of Maurice Thompson, one of Indiana’s most renowned authors. He was described as a child of nature, almost his entire life being spent among the beauty scenes of Mother Earth, and his happiest moments were when rambling hill and dale. His best effort was "Alice of ()ld Vincennes,” which created quite a furor in the literary world. His life from Itovhood to his death a few months ago. was carefully outlined and his good traits of character vividly brought out. A reading entitled “The Fiddle Told,’’ by Miss Lola Jackson, was the next number and was certainly an in teresting part of the entertainment. Miss Jackson showed grea* talent in the elocutionary art am. surprised even her friends by her splendid rendition of a most difficult reading. The story was one, where the old fiddle of a convict, who had suffered imprisonment for a crime committed in the heat of passion, was sent to the gov- ■ ernor of the state, together with an appeal for pardon, and so well did it tell its story that the longed-for freedom was granted. Miss Grace Suttles was the next to appear, her subject being "If it Mere Done. When ’Tis Doner' She told the story of Macbeth vbo after comitting murder found that it was but the begining of a life of remorse for his terrible act. so it is w ith our sins and too late we find that they are not done when the first act is committed but like a peble thrown mto the mighty ocean, reverberate perhaps forever. The same is true of good deeds and not only the effect realized then is the result, but they are echoed on through generations to! coine. The lessons taught were up-! lifting and well presented. "Day Dreams” by Miss Mae Ges-1 singer was then Riven and proved an unresting and instructive paper. The dWains of youth are but the realities of man and great things depend thereon; they are not mere fancies, but form themselves into facte as 1 f by. The boyhood dreams of Edison and other great men have meant much to our generation and the same is true in every other hue. The youth dreams by the houi of the great things ahead and who <'an say that these do not, to a great | extent determine his future. These facts should lie taken advantage of and ambition for great and good Hungs instilled into the mind of the youth, Maynard Frisinger followed with an oration “Our Jury System,” in "Inch he described fully the various mtxles of juries which have been ! ls “*l by the civilized world, as a med- 1 vvr , ’ ec ' ( l' n g causes at court.! " lule the number of jurymen and ' the extent of their powers Mill varies *'■ different countries and states, still t . ,? r,n " practically unehanged, of •widtng the rights of man by his neighbors tried and true, has been

Dbcatilß Eb^ oc *4t

for centuries the common one and will no doubt so continue. Maynard had his paper well in hand anil his delivery was good with the exception of his speaking a little rapidly. The Quality of Mercy.” a beautiful theme, was described in a well prepared paper by Miss Bertha Heller, who delighted her friends by her graceful manner and earnestness in delivery which was almost perfect. I Her subject was one of which vol | nines could and have lieen written but Miss Bertha certainly did it credit. Nothing is more beautiful or praise worthy than the compassionate (treatment of the unfortunate and [ helpless, which is mercy.; Justice with its unerelenting hand may ca§t into ; prison the fallen man, seperating him i from family and loved ones, but mer- ! cy, compassionate and ever ready to ! forgive pleads for his release and , unites the broken ties. A reading “The race against time” I was then given by Miss Blanch Dibj ble and her efforts showed the result iof former training; her style and i manner of delivering were of the i graceful easy kind which comes only from practice and her selection was I well suited for one of her ability. The race against time was. so her storv ran, made by the daughter of a wealthy southerner, who was to be ! seized and hanged by the Ku I Klux Klan, a band of desperadoes who existed in the southern states during the reconstruction period; the j daughters’ wild ride of sixteen miles, during which time she meets the I band of murderers and escapes from them, finally finding her father in i time to save his life was well told and i Miss Blanch held her audience well J under control while speaking. The next number on the program was to have been “A hero in lowly life," by Edwin Magley, but owing to throat affection Mr. Magley was excused. Prof. Hartman informs us however that his Oration was one of the best written in his class. “Poor boys and great eminence” was given by Raleigh Parrish, and was a paper of merit. He discredited the idea that only a boy of lowly life, born in a log cabin as it were, can acquire fame for many there are who reach the top of the ladder, even I thongh reared in the lap of luxury. True it is that the poor boy is more < apt to devote himself on account of necessity but be he rich or poor he 'cannot acquire eminence unless he has ability and energy. These two form a combination strong enough to carrv anyone to the highest round in any line of trade or profession. “The Swan Song.” a reading by Miss Faye Smith, followed and was up to the usual high standing of that young lady's performances in elocution and as heretofore she completely captivated those present. Her storv was an interesting one and described how a little German musician won a grand prize from the Queen's hand for composing the most beautiful voilin selection. A cruel competitor heard the little fellow rehearsing his piece and realizing that he could not match it. stole the air and on exhibition day set the throng wild. Little Karl heard and was heart broken, but managed to take his place when the time came and playing only from inspiration, won a great victory, But the shock to his system was too great and his efforts were followed by a collapse that resulted in death. The Edelweis and validictory was given by Miss Adalia Sellenjeyer, and that young lady did her part with credit. The Edelweis is a small white flower which grows on the top of the mountains of Switzerland, and oulv in the most dangerous spots; the traveler who is successful in securing a bunch of Edelweis, is at once known as a hero and has proven his title to that term. As a result there are but few who have ever gained this renown and so it is in life; but few are able to gather the Edelweis, still perhaps from the qlass of 'O2 some will lie able to do so; only the future can tell. Her words of farewell to the friends, teachers and classmates were well chosen and nicely expressed. During the exercises several vocal solos were rendered by Prof. E. D. Kelley, of Kokomo, and he so delighted his hearers that he was compelled to answer to a number of encores. At the close of the program Prof. H. A. Hartman presented the graduates with their diplomas. The benediction was pronounced by Rev. E. Allen. Immediately following the exercises the class membt#s were taken to the I. 0. 0. F. hall, where a brilliant reception was tendered totheir numerous Friends. The event was a delightful one throughout and the twenty first annual commencement will lie long remembered in school history. George Tricker, president of the Great Northern Fair association was here from Decatur looking after the interests of the association. He has secured Mrs. D. E. Studabaker to take charge of the floral display during the fair next September. Miss Marv Todd has lieen solicited to oversee the art department. The directors of the fair are placing disinterested parties in charge of all the d< partments so that no complaint can follow of favoritism, the judges will be chosen likewise. — Bluffton News.

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 1902.

All persons interested in the cemetry at Salem church three miles east of town are requested to meet at that place tomorrow for the purpose of cleaning and repairing same. Over one hundred people gathered at the home of Mrs. Rebecca Ernst, near Peterson. Sunday, the occasion being that lady’s seventy-eighth birthday anniversary. A sumptuous dinner was served and a good time enjoyed. Miss Silva Droppieman who'has spent several months here with her grandmother, Mrs. Meibers, left Mon ilay for her home at Jeffersonville. She was accompanied by Agnes Mei bers who will spend the summer with her. The Misses Sciatta, Allie and Minnie Bender, of West Milton. Ohio, have been the guests of their aunt, Mrs. M. L. Kizer, and other relatives and friends and Linn Grove. They came to Decatur Tuesday accompanied by their cousins, Misses Myrtle and Mary Kizer, Frances Winans and Mrs. Frank K. Haughton, and are guests of Jacob Bender and other relatives. The postmaster at Ridgeville has had his salary decreased because of the falling off in business at that office. Since the removal of the Kitsleman Brothers and their wire fence factory to Muncie from -that place last fall, the Muncie office has had an increase in salaries and now Ridgeville suffers a decrease. The company did a large amount of advertising besides selling all its stock to the buyer direct through the mail. Melno Ivene, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. E. Patterson was born at Bingen. Ind., Dec. 26, 1901, and departed this life at Fort Wayne, Ind., June 1. 1902. aged 5 months and six days. She leaves a father and mother and many relatives and a large circle of friends to mourn her early demise. Though in her short life she suffered untold misery, willing hands administered to her many needs to release her where ever possible till Jesus in loving kindness and mercy came in his magic power and healed all. and tenderly gathered her in his arms and carried her to the world where suffering is unkown, there to await the arrival of loved ones who mourn her departure. It is certainly just that a person furnishing information to a newspaper should share in its responsibility, and several states have introduced or passed such amendments to the libel laws. The following is pending in Iowa: "Any person who willfully states, delivers or transmits by any means whatsoever to the owner, manager. editor or reporter of any newspaper. magazine, periodical or social for publication therein, any libelous statement, untrue in fact, concerning any person or corportion, and thereby secure the publication of the same is hereby declared guilty of a misdemeanor. and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not exceeding SSOO, or by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding one year, or both. Judge Heller has lieen holding court this week, hearing the case of Williams & Flickinger vs C. L. Ayers et al which went to the jury last night. Other business has been transacted during the past week as follows: State vs C. -L. Ayers, attachment issued. Lizzie Hendricks et al vs Hubert Topp et al. defendant 'ordered to pay into court balance of judgment heretofore ordered against him within five days or show cause why he does not do so. Cornelius Eiting vs Toledo, St. Louis A Wes tern Ry company, cause dismissed and costs paid. Sarah J. Steele vs Chicago A Erie Ry Co., submitted. Frank Gilbert vs I’. E. Fugate, verdict returned allowing plaintiff sl,500. Leo Kohn, admr., vs Gehard Kohn, answer filed in four paragraphs. Wabash School township, vs Eugene Barnes, appearance by Jacob Butcher for Barnes. The seventeen-year locust is a real ity, we are ready and willing to swear to the fact for we have actually seen them. James Fristoe was one of the excursionists to Columbus Sunday and while sojourning about one of the parks of that city his attention was called to a tree upon which were thousands of the locusts. The country in that locality has been overrun with the insect and the people are ready to substantiate all that has ever been said of their existence. Mr. Fristoe brought a number of the locusts home with him and exhibited them Monday. They resemble our ordinary locust very much except they are only half as large. AV hen they emerge from the ground after seventeen years they fly to a tree where they cling for several days, when the back opens and a caterpiller crawls out and proceeds to eat every thing in sight in the way of fruit and leaves. After lie has fulfilled his duties in thus damaging property his last act is to deposit an egg which greatlv resetnbles«a seed ami which worksitself into the ground and after seventeen years comes to life as the locust. It seems that from some cause or other the little varmints have lieen extinguished here. At rate their appearance has not lieen reported.

Attorney Henry B. Heller is at Indianapolis this week attending to some business before the supreme court, looking up friends and making headquarters about the Democratic Convention hall. The Tuesday evening Bluffton News said: Eugene Morrow and wife, Miss Cora Morrow, and Harry Studabaker and wife went to Lima, Ind., today to attend the commencement at Howe Military Academy Ralph Morrow will graduate with a large class and will return here with his parents for the summer. He may continue his college education elsewhere next fall. Voglewede Bro's, the up-to-date shoeßfirm have began a new system of window advertising, using wax figures. This week a dude and his bride and a policeman in uniform are the objects, the lesson being that as the people in a busy thoroughfare are ordered to move on, so are A’oglewede , Bros, ever on the move, keeping up with the progressive times in the way of good shoes for-the least money. The case of the town of Geneva vs George AV. Hanna and his bondsman I was tried in Jay county this week, the jury returning a verdict Tuesday evening in favor of the plaintiff and affixing the amount of judgment at 51600. This however stands against only six of the bondsmen, the others I lieing relieved. C.’J. Lutz, and La- [ Follette A Adair appeared for the plaintiff and D. E. Smith and Frank Snyder for the defendants. Indiana need not fear great earthquakes, according to State Geologist Blatchley, who is an authority on all such matters. “AA'e are outside of the earthquake and volcanic belt,” said he. “Earthquakes usually occur in the proximity of volcanoes and volcanic upheavels are most likely to occur along the borders of continents, or on small islands, where the earth's crust is thin and land is new, rather than in the middle of continents. In the gas belt they used to think that when the gas was exhausted the earth would collapse, but the pores which contain the gas are so small that one has to use a microscope to see them, so you see not much damage can re suit from pumping out the gas. ’ Mann A Christian have been awarded the contract for the building of the handsome new G. R. A I. depot in this city, their bid being* $5500 and same is to be completed within four months from the time they get the grounds. The company will remove ! the present depot to the west side of the tracks and prepare the grounds , for the builders at once. A complete description of the building appeared in these columns several weeks ago, and it is certainly a feather in the! cap of the Decatur contractors when ; they can secure work against I the competition they had on this job. On the other hand the G. R. A I. company need have no uneasiness for the building will be constructed in as good shape as could I have been done bv any firm on earth.l The state superintendent of public instruction has just received the medal and diploma granted the educational exhibit of Indiana at the Paris International exposition. This was the highest award granted in Group 1. Class 1, the highest group and class. The exhibit was collected by State Superintendent Frank Jones and consisted of a book discribing the course from primary grade to highest work at the state university diagram- ! ing the course and including speci- j mens of work by the students, such as compositions, maps, examination papers and report of original investigations. The medal shows on one side the head of the Goddess of Liberty with the Point Alexandria 111 for a back ground while on the other is ergraved “Etadd’ Indiana," against I the Louvre and the Seine in the back | ground and surmounted by allegorical figures representing industry and the arts and sciences. Although July Uh is still a month away the preliminary steps for a big celebration here have been taken and large bills announce the event which is to be a record breaker in every way. The affairs are in charge of the Decatur Driving club who conducted the celebration last year in such a creditable manner. They are ready and willing to guarantee every attraction advertised and the day will certainly be one of many amusements. The races will begin at twelve o’clock at Steele’s park, the opening event being the ladies race for a purse of $250. Following this comes the 2:40 pace, purse $250: 2:25 pace, purse, $250; 2:25 trot, purse, $300; free for all pace purse, $350 and a free-for-all running race for a purse of $1(X), making a grand total of SISOO. AA’hile the races are an important part of the days' program there are many other amusements for those who prefer them including music bv good bands, balloon ascension, high wire slide, and trapeze acts. In the evening at the court house square the greatest display of fire works ever seen in the city w 11 la* given, together with il luminited wire walking, band con cert and other attractions which will make the day one long to be renwunbored by all who attend. Arrange to hear the eagle scream in Decatur.

j The families of D. M. Hensley and I John S. Peterson are now located at t Rome City, whither they went Satur- [ day and by now are fairly well set- . tied for the enjoyment of the summer ! as only those can do who take ad vantage, of a cottage along Sylvan lake. Mrs. Florence DeA’ilbiss of Lancaster. Ohio, will arrive Saturday and will be the guestof Mr. and Mrs. John Heller and other friends for a few days. She will spend the summer with the A. R. Bell family at their Oden. Michigan, cottage where they expect to go about the middle of the month. i Judge Richard K. Erwin, Sheriff [ Daniel Erwin and Dore B. Erwin and | their families left this morning for I Allen county where they are attending the great Erwin celebration at the home of their Uncle Richard K. Erwin, af,ter whom our honored judge I was named. Today is the 70th birthday anniversary of Uncle Richard and the 40th anniversary of the wedding of he and his good wife. In consequence of this double anniversary the day is being celebrated in I grand style at the old homestead six miles west of Fort AA'ayne and big I and little Erwins are there from all I over the country. The commissioners court has lieen in session this week and the greater I part of the time has been taken up in | allowing the large number of bills which have lieen filed with them. Besides this part of the weeks’ program a petition has been filed for the Joel Schuman road and A. A. Sprunger. J. J. Hirchy an., Joel Tanner appointed as viewers of same. John J. Soldner gave bond as superintendant of construction of the C. E. Bollinger macadam road. Jacob Huser resigns as superintendant of the AA'oods macadam road and James AA'illey was appointed to said position. Application for liquor license filed by AV. Kitson, and AA'illiam Hartings. Evidence heard and license granted to each of the above applicants. Henry Stetler of this city, lecceived a telegram Monday announcing the death of his son, E. D. Stetler. at Beaumont. Texas, on the morning of May 26th. On that date he did not appear for breakfast at his hotel and upon going to his room they found him lying unconscious on the lied. He was at once placed in an ambulance with the purpose of taking him to the city hospital but died before arriving at that institution. No furI ther particulars were given, but the ' parents have written for a full ac--1 count. Dayton Stetler. as he was i known was reared in this county. He was forty-three years old and left here seventeen years ago, going to I Fort AA'ayne where he resided for I three years, then going west and finally south. Trouble in locating his | parents, caused the delay in the announcement of his death. Mrs. G. T. Ralls and Miss Francis Battenberg of Atoka, 1 Indian Territory are expected home next week for a visit with their parents Mr. and Mrs. Charles Battenberg, and other relatives. Miss Francile has recently been selected as a teacher in the High School at McAlister as may. lie seen from the following clipping from the , Atoka Indian Citizen: Miss Francile Battenberg has been elected to a position in the South McAlister high school. Following is the Capital's; comment: “Saturday afternoon the ' school board held a meeting to select[ the corps of teachers for the city' schools. There were quite a number of applications presented and it was no easy task to make the selections. The result of the session was the election of the following teachers for the! next school year: Teachers of High ; School building are Misses Lee, Bat tenberg, Griffin. Fisher. Baker and Humphrey.” Miss Franeile’s Atoka i friends congratulate her. but, know-! ing her as we all do, could not have | expected any other result. Ben Middleton has again assumed the proportions of a hunted criminal ] and while the officers patiently wait for him he is a prisoner in his own ■ home. It seems that some of Ben's family have the small pox and the house or rather the Middleton part of it is quarntined. A family by the name of Edwards live in the other half of the house which is located just south of the Erie.railroad. Saturday a little Edwards girl saw Ben in the yard and called to someone who was near to look out or they might get the small pox; this angered Ben and he said mean things to the little girl, which were taken up by an older brother, who however proved a little light and was promptly trounced by Ben. A'oung Edwards then naught revenge through law ami filed an affidavit for his arrest. Constable Bennington was sent out to bring the defendant to court Now Ben always did have a horror for constables and as he hud his fighting clothes on anyway just proceeded to wade into the officer with both feet. After delivering a knock down and scratching Pennington's face up he escaped into the house whore he lias safely kept hidden behind the big reil small-pox card. It is possible( that another complaint fori resisting an officer will be awaiting Ben when he sallies forth from his retreat.

CIRCULATION 2800 WEEKLY

NUMBER 13

The Warren Tribune of last week said: Frank Studebaker sold some I Hereford cattle at fancy prices at the [Chicago cattle sale last week. He ! topped the sale with a three-vear-old heifer at $2,100. His sale averaged i $746 an animal. AA’ith Mr. Souers’ [ phenomenal sales at Indianapolis the week previous. AA’arren breeders are rapidly making an enviable reputation The Geneva correspondents to the Portland Commercial Review, a few days ago said: Pyle A Juday the popular young oil and real estate agents who have their office in the Pyle build - ing corner of High and Line street have enhanced their quarters by the addition of an unusually fine sign. The board sets fourth in a vivid terms the business they are following. The most attractive part is the picture of the oil well being shot as shown’in the center of the board. Med Miller is the artist and this comes fully up with his usual standard of painting. The Indiana federation of Catholic societies, a state branch of the nation al federation, recently formed, was organized, Sunday, at the Grand hotel, Indianapolis, delegates were present, representing about 5000 members of ten or twelve different organizations. The meeting was addressed by T. B. Minahan, Columbus, 0., president of the national federa tion. He said the object of the federation was to protect catholic interests, but not to stir up religious strife. The following officers were elected: President, AA'illiam P. Cosgrove. In dianapolis; first vice-president. Peter AVallrath, Evansville; second vicepresident, John Joyce, Kokomo: secretary, D. P. Downs. Terre Haute; treasurer, Joseph O'Day, Muncie; ex ecutive committee, Catherine Flana gan, Anderson: Frank A’oiro], Fort AA'ayne; John AA’. AA’imberg, Evansville; J. F. Tobin, Marion, and James H. Deery, Indianapolis. At a specia. meeting of the county commissioners last Thursday, bids were received for the construction of the Blue Creek township macadam roads. Four bids were filed by the following firms, E. AA’oods, Huffman A Co.. C. L. Ireland and Julius Hougk. The latter was the successful bidder, his offer on the three roads being about $3,000 lower than the closest bidder to him, and was as follows: Salem road, 516.549; AA'oods, $17,531 and North Blue Creek. $9,193, making a total of $43,581. At the regular June meeting of the board, which convened Monday, the matter of deciding which road should lie built first was taken up and the session was a heated one, as each road had its representatives here urging the completion of their thoroughfare first. The usual custom of contract! ing for the cheapest road first was followed and the decision thus given was for the AA'oods road by about $69, this being the least expensive according to the length. Mr. Haugk will build a new quarry in Blue Creek township, and will endeavor to use all the home help possible. AA'ork will be begun soon.

John Everett is the newly chosen school trustee to take the place of John AV. Tyndall whose time expires this month. Mr. Everett was chosen by the city council at the meeting Tuesday evening and his election oc I curred on the first ballot receiving four votes and Gust Sellemeyer and G. AV. Archbold each one. Mr. Ever left is a man of good judgement and ’ will no doubt make a splendid officer. I The meeting of the council was the the first regular .I une session. Maylor Beatty presided and every memI ber was present. The minutes of the ! meetings of May 27 were read and approved after which the following I bills were presented and allowed: J. D. AVieshaupt. labor $16.50. H. . Hart, coal >24.< xt. D. F. Teeple, i freight $6.59. E. M. Tyrrill, labor ! $4.90. John Elick, tile $2.91. AA’ells ! Fargo Express Uo., express $2.20. iG. R. A I railroad company, freight $84.11. H. B. Knoff, pay roll SB.OO. Jacob Eady, salery SI.OO. H. B. , Knoff, pay roll $6.25. Thos Haefliug ! salery $40.00. Howard DeAA itt, salery $40.1X1. M. J.Mylott, salary $65.(X). D. Elzy, salery SIO.OO. Thos. Baker, salery $50.1 X). David Myers, salery $50.00. H. B. Knoff, salery $41.66. A board of health consisting of Councilmen Peterson, AV eaver and Corbett was then chosen. The ordi nance requiring fiagman at Adams, Mercer and AVinchester streets, one to lie employed by each of C. A E„ G. R. A I. and Clover railroads were filed and adopted; ordered that the ordinance be published. A motion increasing the salerv of City Treasurer AV. J. Archbold from 1200 to S3OO was carried by a full vote. A resolution regarding the allowances of saleries of city officers was carried by a full vote. Thu names of L. A. Graham U. S. Cress, L. T. Brokaw, J. AV. Teeple and AA’illiam Blackburn were adopted to be presented to Judge R. K. Erwin with a request that they be appointed city couimis sioners. The City Engioueer was ordered to give B. J. Terveer a grade on north end of south Sixth street that he may macadamize same, said [ Terveer to" have* all expenses. The water works committee were ordered to contract with Manager Bowers for four months gas at station.