Decatur Democrat, Volume 47, Number 44, Decatur, Adams County, 7 January 1904 — Page 3

— ' DOCTOR E, J. Beardsley, General Practice and Surgery. But Special Attention given to Eye, Ear Nose, Throat and Chronic Diseases. Expert in Fitting Glasses. Thoroughly equipped lor treating Eye, Ear Throat and Catarrhal eases. CALLS answered, day or night, OEFICK-—over potoffice. RES IDRNCE—cor. Monroe and Ninth ste Office Hours—9 to 11 a. m. 2 to 4p. m.

We publish a New Years poem written by Mrs. A. P. Schroeder. of Manley, Minnesota, formerly Miss Parrott of this county. Tito poem is well written and contains a number of good and beautiful thoughts, which cannot help being appreciated by all who read tho lines. The ability of the writer is well shown in the poem. The city council held their third special continued session for the week Thursday afternoon and ac eepted the report of the commissioners on the assessments to property owners, for the Marshall street sewer. A number of objections were filed but the council sustained the report and the assessments must be paid to the city treasurer within ten days or the same will stand as a line against the property and bonds will be issued to pay for the improvement. A similar action has been taken on the Erwin,Miller, Meyer branches? and the Monroe street sewer extension as well as upon the Rugg and Fornax street improvements, as may be seen from an announcement by City Clerk Hower elsewhere in this issue. Unless the assessments are paid within ten days they will draw Interest from December 30, 1903. At Thursday's meeting all numbers were present excepting Mr.Stettler. Mayor Coffee was absent and Mr. Corbett acted as chairman of the meeting. If ever motal man was surprised it certainly was Rev. E. A. Allen Friday evening when fifty members of his church and flock burst in on him to show him how much they appreciate his good work and his earnest efforts in securing them their present place Os worship. During the afternoon Miss Gusta Cramer telephoned him that certain parties from Bluffton would arrive about six o'clock to be married and Rev. Allen at once hastened to change his clothes, shave and add in general to his every day appearance so that ho would look proper to fulfil his duties and while thus waiting for the parties, who never came, his flock burst in on him. To say that he was surprised can hardly express it. he was actually overcome. After the excitement had subsided he was presented with a beautiful chair, to which he responded in a neat lit tle speech, however to show that they had not overlooked Mrs. Allen as she was presented with a fine set of knives and forks. A fine banquet was served after which all adjourned wish ing Rev. Allen and wife many more happy New Years.

AV \A/aiT|ir|£ to the Public f. if /Ygainst cheap imitative U. S. mail box agents and peddler's when you can buy best U. S. Standard Lettered Complete at a Low' Price ot $1.25 to $1.50 Over 300,000 qovV iq Use Approved TvVice by Postmaster Geqeral ♦ Remember, RrWays oq hand. SCHUG BROS., Berne, Ind

E.jW. Jackson and family lost all their clothing excepting that which they had on, by fire about ten o'clock this morning. They live in St. Marys township and in some unknown way the fire broke out in an upstairs closet. If was discovered just in time to prevent the entire destruction of the house but not before a loss of at least <125 had been made. Besides the clothing a watch belonging to Mr. Jackson and which he had left in a vest was ruined. The property was fully insured in the Continental Company. L. A. Graham, agent and the only loss will be the inconvenience. Sheriff Butler has completed his report for the year 1903 and same has been forwarded to B. F. Johnson, chief of the bureau of statistics for Indiana, In perusing same wo found several items of interest. During the year the jail has entertained 237 prisoners of which number all but three were males. Eight of the number were negroes, nine were charged with assault and battery, two with forgery, five with larceny, one with murder, ninetythree with intoxication, ninetyeight with vagrancy, one with bastardy and twentyeight forother charges. Not on an inmate of the jail was charged with burglary, embezzlement, robbery, perjury, horse stealing or other crimes for which a space was designated on the blank fitted out by Mr. Butler. Only eight people were charged with penitentiary offenses during the year and most of these were commonplace crimes, the one prisoner charged with murder being the only serious one against the 237 prisoners. The record is certainly a good one for Adams county. Rural carriers are almost certain of receiving more pay, but just how much cannot be told yet, but it will probaby be an increase of <2OO making a salary of <BOO per year. Congressman Hemenway, chairman of the appropriations committee said: “There is no doubt that the carriers of rural free delivery will get an increase in pay, but I do not believe it will be given by a bill, but by an amendment added to the general postoffice appropriation. Personally lam very much in favor of giving these mon an increase and I am satisfied it will come.” Congressman C. B. Landis said there much he was uncertain. “I would be an increase, but just how think,” says Mr. Landis, “that the rural carrier ought to receive a straight salary of at least <6OO a year and an allowance of not less that S2OO a .year for horse hire or maintenance. We are all working for the measure and there is no doubt that the increase will be made.” Congressman Holliday says there is a disposition to increase the pay of the rural free delivery carriersand that it w’ill be done. He favors paying them according to their work and not according to the length of service. "The house will pass a suitable measure,” said Mr. Holliday.

George Steele, city engineer, had a very severe attack of heart trouble Saturday evening which came pearly using him up. A doctor was hastily Summoned and from reports today he is resting some easier, but is still quite sick. Ho is now residing with Mr .JU. Crawford until his new home is completed and was while there that he was attacked. Irl R. Hicks, the weather prognosicator forcasts weather for January that is discouraging. At the beginning of the month there will be a storm period central on tho 3 and 4th. The temperature will rapidly full and there will be gales and blizzards. On the heels of these will come a dangerous cold wave from the northeast. A regular storm period will extend from the 6th to Ith central on the 6th. The storm will be moderate and rainy at tho beginning, but will become severely cold. A reactionary storm period is predicted for 14, 15 and 16th. A regular storm period will extend from the 18 th to the 23rd, becoming bilzzardous in the last half of the period. The month will end in the cenei- of the storm period. At Indianapolis Wednesday at the meeting of the Indiana State Teachers Association a surprise was sprung when Prof. J. W. Carr, read an interesting paper under

The New Year. [By Adele Parrott-Schroeder, of Manley, Minn., formerly of this county.] Once more again the Earth has run In boundless reams of space, Her annual journey ’round the sun, Through God’s eternal grace. The grand old Earth with hoary head. But glowing heart of May, Moves eastward with magestic tread On this ‘her natal day. Another year comes with the morn, We wonder what it brings: If pleasures, grief, the rose or thorn Lie folded in its wings. ’Tis vain toprobe the veil to know Time’s secrets hidden there; For each successive day will show As much as we can bear. Bright opportunities for all, The dawning year contains, Forev’ry one both great and small With willing heart and brains. The hand that guards the rolling spheres Through fields of space and time, Will lead us through life’s hopes and tears, Youth, age, and manhood’s prime, Ah, may the coming year be found A path through pastures green, Where streams of living truth abound, And birds and flowers are seen! A year of work and usefulness With noble deeds replete, A year of love and cheerfulness, An anthem rich and sweet.

the head of "A Permanent Teaching Profession." Accompanying the paper were resolutions which were passed by the the association with out a dissenting vote. The resolutions may mean much for the profession from this time on and great interest will 1h taken in watching future developments along thelines suggested. Among them were these Resolved: First—That this association appoint a committee of five to be known as “The Committee on Taxation and Teachers' Salaries, whose duty it shall be to investigate the salaries paid to the public school teachers. Fourth—That we, the members of the Indiana State Teachers Association pledge ourselves to use all honorable moans to secure for the teachers of the state salaries sufficient to warrant them in remaining in the profession permanently. Fifth— Believing the cause to be worthy and of vital importance not only to ’teachers but to the children of the state, we invoke the aid and cooperation of the Governor, the members of the legislature the tjtate Board of Education the school officials thejniblic press the Christian ministry and the people in general to assist in making it possible for teaching to become a permanent profession.

Pat Rafferty who is Irish by descent and has the mark of Ireland printed in on his face in bold letters but known by the boys in town as “Santa Claus” was arrested this morning by Marshal Cordua on a charge of vagrancy. He was taken before ‘Squire Smith who on seeing the dirty condition of the m m had more respect for the county jail than to send him there, as he was loaded with lice and filth. The ’Squire after giving him a severe lecture on cleanliness and showing him a bar of soap, liked to frighten tho fellow to death and taking advantage of this ordered him to leave town at once, and if he was ever seen about here any more he would order him taken to the river and given a bath. Pat accepted the terms and at once left the city. A happy crowd watched the old year out and the now year in at the home of Mr. and Mrs. D. M. Hensley Thursday and the event was ■no of the most pleasant recorded m the history of the Young Matrons Club, the members of which and their husbands were the guests. The crowd were all present at nine o'clock and progressive podro was indulged in for about two hours, nine games being played, each a close and interesting one, which proved the contestants evenly matched. A riot almost occurred

; at. one period of the race when it was discovered that Harry Moltz . had bribed the game score and had more games to his credit than had i been played. A compromise was \ finally agreed upon and the games proceeded. Mrs. J. H. Heller won first ladies prize, a tieautiful silver spoon, suitably engraved for the occasion while Harry Moltz captured honors for his sex and was awarded i a silver grip tag. W. A. Lower was . given one booby and the ladies consolation went to .but there i. our life was threatened if we gave any details concerning this prize : and we cannot knowingly thus tempt fate; must for once acknowI ledge that we have been bought • off. From eleven o'clock until the I chimes announceing New Years ;' day rang out the crowd, just eat. .' an amusement which may seem common place enough to our read- ■ era, but which tfas the happiest hour of a happy event to tint hun • gry creatures who proceeded to de- •' vour the delicacies sot before them. ■ ,I’he cigars that followed tasted so H.d that not a man had the nerve . to ’swear off" ami Arthur Rose actually “swo’-e on.” It was a pleasant society event and every one present are willing to >*Bix their 1 hand and seal to this statement.

Clarence David C >ffeo the nine months old child of Mr. and Mrs. D. D. Coffee died Sunday morning at seven o’clock of pneumonia. The child had been sick almost every day since its birth and death at last ceased its suffering. The i funeral took place Monday morning j at nine o'clock from the St. Marys . Catholi c church and interment at the St. Joseph cemetery. George Steele, City Superintend -' ent of the water works plant, and whom we had long ago placed on! the list of confirmed bachelors, ■ was united in marri ige Thursday to Miss Goldie McKinney,of Georgetown, Illinois. The happy event was solemnized at the home of the bride’s parents and was attended by only tho immediate relatives and friends. George, sly old fox, said never a word to his Decatur friends and even intimated that he was leaving town on business for the city, but anyway we won't be mean about it and we tender our sincere congratulations with best wishes for a happy New Year today and a century to come. The bride is an accomplished lady and the daughter of one of the well to do merchants. George is one of our best known citizens and has friends : galore in this city and county. Mr. I and Mrs. Steele arc expected ho me ' within a few days and will of course ' make their future home here. The Sennho outdid all their other social gatherings last evening by entertaining their husbands to a fine banquet at the Murray Hotel, , That is their husbands at least . thouhgt so. The hotel was beautifully decorated and from eight o’clock on the fun was kept up and the members and their husbands enjoyed themselves by playing cards, guessing contests and a peanut frolic, at all of which Clark | Coverdale showed himself a winner ' and our informant wishes to an [ nounoe to the public for Clark's benefit, that for the balance of the year he can supply his customers with fresh peanuts. During the banquet the men did not dare to speak as a fine was imposed upon ■ anyone found guilty of this offense. | But they defend themselves by saying that they had no chance, as ■ the women kept up a constant con versation and those who wore bashful were thus spared. The men real- ‘ ized that if they said anything it I would result in another feast which they would undoubtedly be ostracized. All who partook of the good things claim it was tho best they ever ate and Mr. and Mrs. Murray were complimented time again and the men are hoping the ladies will entertain them again soon. The honored guests were Miss May Bowers and Mr. A. Baxter of Fort Wayne and Miss Callie Scheibocher of Chicago. The next district meeting of the K. of P. lodge will lie held in Montpelier on February 6th. Os the meeting tho Montpelier Herald speaks as follows: While it has for some time been generally understood that the next district meeting of the K. P. lodges of this, the sixth district of the state would be held in this city, it required the decision of the grand lodge officer.- to make the selection and set the date. This has'now been made and Montpelier is the place selected and February 6th the date on which tho meeting will be held. The meetings are usually attended bv from 350 to 600 Knights and is always a good thing for the town in which it is held as well us for tho lodge that entertains. The district is composed of ' the counties of Wells, Jay. Black- ' ford and Adams and contains thir ' teen lodges with a membership ol ■1461. Each lodge is requested to seI cure five or more 'representative 1 candidates and present them at the I district meeting for the purpose of ' receiving the first great lesson in I Pythianism from a team composed i of gk-und lodge officers. At each dis ‘ trict meeting over the state, a Jine ! silk banner will be given to the lodge furnishing the largest number of candidates for the Page rank. Cun not this lodge keep the sixth district trophy hero. It is the desire of the Herald that Montpelier extend the Knightsen that day the same hoartv welcome they receive I elsewhere and wishes to suggest i this far in advance that on that day I each bMJiness house and many of . the residences be decorated in suit--1 able emblems and the eoolars of the edge, blue yellow and red. The local lodge which is a credit to the ' city will appreciate it and it will be a tine advertisement for hustling i Montpelier.

The revelries of the Black Rag still contnue and Thursday evening entertained a large number of their young friends at a fashionable ball at tho Entre Nous club rooms. The hall was beautifuly decorated with club colors and artificial palms. The electric lights were covered with all colors of tissue paper giv ing the room pleasiog effect and pinned upon the lace cutains holly galore. The ball opened precisely at nine o'clock and the orchestra was kept busy 7 from then until lute hour. Tho dancers appreciated the work of the musicians, the music was furnished by True Fris toe Rag time orchestra and as usual gave perfect satisfaction. Tinmembers of the club are cretainly extending themselves to the limit this this week in the way of enter tainment and will long be remembered by their friends. The postoffice opened at nine o’clock Friday morning in the new Fritzinger block on Monroe street, first door east of the Burt House. The quarters are brand new and the office is now one that any city’ of 5,000 population on earth might well feel proud of. The building has been under construction for several months and is a modern and up to date building in every respect. It is built of brick with handsome stone front, is commodious, light and has the advantage of being located on an alley corner. The old postoffice, where we have been wont to go several times a day’ for so many’ years was closed at five ’ o’clock Thursday 7 and within a few hours the old building was bare of all furniture and mail racks. All night was required to fix up the new quarters and get ready 7 for the rush ot business that came at nine o’clock next morning but Postmaster Brittson and his assistants did it and are to be praised for the manner in which they did it. It is a complicated and by no means easy ta.sk but so accurately was the mail redistributed that but few objections were heard, and we take that every’ one secured their mail in a satisfactory manner. The now room is an inviting looking place. The walls are nicely papered, some new furniture inducing a new Mosier safe have been added and the I'. S. boys will soon be able to handle mail in a metropolitan manner. Within a lew months prehaps by April first Decatur will have free city delivery and the postoffice here will equal that of any city 7 several times our size in every 7 re'spect. The Indiana University Glee Club has come and gone but that i they will come again is the sincere | hope of each and every person that was in the large audience Thursday ! night. At 8:15 the College orchestra i played thier introductory selection. which was warmly appreciated. It was music they played and every one in the well filled assembly room realized that only time and practice could produce such harmony, even from skilled musicians. The Glee Club proved to be all that had been anticipated ami responded, good naturedly to the repeated encores. Prominent vocalists who were in the audience ' last evening were not backward in 1 asserting that it was the best chorus singing ever heard in Decatur, i Mr. Woodburn, the club soloist has a rich and pleasing voice, of great, ; volume and wide range his selec | tions were well received. Walter Percy- Pfaff,—the great and only 7 Pfaff.—made his usual hit, by his j witty impersonations and pleasing ! personality as well, and with due deference to the Glee Club, we would fain spend a whole evening with Pfaff S heekell, the lightning ' sketch artist, was the best, ever 1 seen here, and vretainly made a hit. His marvelously rapid sketches, his j quick changes of expressions by- a few dexterous strokes did not fail to interest andamusehis sjtectators. i His part of the program is perhaps the most novel of any and for that reason the most prominent. Having once seen this entertainment :we could never imagine it being i complete without the hay seed, band. Pfaff the leader is a circus • in himself but with that aggregai tion he had last evening. Si Plunkard and Josh Sprueeby will have to assume a reclining position in the’ far rear. It was one of the inosti | wholesome and interesting enter J tainments of the kind ever seen there and proved Prof. Hiatt to beß : unsurpassed as an organizer andl 'director. The boys will " n, yß ■be warmly received should y roB ’turn. 1