Decatur Democrat, Volume 50, Number 4, Decatur, Adams County, 29 March 1906 — Page 1

a u THE NEWS AL L THE TIME

VOLUME L.

BOSTON WESTON ON TRIAL He is Being Tried for the Murder of R. J. Holthouse

IS DRAGGING Won Case Will Go to Jury Tomorrow Evening Nothing Sensational Today-Some of Yesterdays Evidence—Decatur Witnesses Used. Huntington, March 28.—The Wetson trial is dragging along to day and will not go to the jury before tomorrow evening. The defense will not conclude before 'his evening. YESTERDAYS' EVIDENCE. Tie first witness used Tuesday by the state was Dr. Costello, who toldofthe examination he made of the deceased at the time he was called to the Burt Hotel and the examination he assisted in making at the post mortem. His testimony was given in a clear and concise wanner and appeared to carry con viction to the jury. He was not subjected to any cross examination. Earl Steele, a reporter on the Even ing Herald, was then called and testified as to certain statements made by the defendent to him the next morning v fter the injury had been delivered. His cross examination was very light and resulted in no asisstanoe to the defense. Fred Grappy, a freight conductor on the Erie railroad, was then called and told of a conversation be heard Weston and the night clerk in the Erio restaurant have in the Erie restaurant. He stated in substance that Weston said: You ought to ha ve seen him go *hen I hit him,” and while he pne lying on the pavement some ®ne of the Decatur p irty made the remark. ‘‘Now see what you have pone yen have killed this man,” pndWeeton said, “Let me at him aa d I will finish him.” C. J. Fuhr pun, the Erie passenger conductor pho had charge of the tram that look the party home from Huntington to Decatur on that fatal n >sht, testified that none of the party were intoxicated and could pot be shaken a particle in the !;’oßs examination. Mrs. R. J. Holtbouse, wife of the deceased, Wa 'tben called to the stand and jio-tided to the age of her husband. height and weight and told poncerning the surviving members ' t ' ie ' r familv. Daring this examination she broke down and for * moments gave vent to her 96 !D gs in tears. The entire audi Ba ' e was _in sympathy with her many tears were shed by 099 who were affected by her ptimony, and seemed to realize “ e trne condition cf affairs. John p a, on the father of the defendant * en testified as to the height and e '?ht of his son and as to his y’ 8 , wa s not cross examined. J p^°^ erman > night clerk at 8 rie restaurant, then veiified J* statement made by Fred Grap r j s ’ 6 height conduotor, in every a '* )BCt ' Bntl h* 3 testimony carried w ith the jurv as he tfr * ' n a straightforward man ‘nd j V tiliS ' ;! ‘’ ne the state rested d(. e Banyan, counsel for the D 8e ' tna <ie his opsniug state

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ment to the jury asjgto' what the defense expeted to show. The sum and substance of his statement was that they expected to plead self defense and that the altercation was the result of a drunken quarrel. Sherman Stults was then called and testified as to the reputation of the defendant tor peace and quietude, he stating that it was good. Upon cross examination, however, he admitted that he did hear of Weston holding up a woman at the Wita.-L, u<p and relieving her of a ten dollar bill. H. E. Wilkinson stated that Weston’s reputation was good, bat that he had never heard any one say so and that his opinion was based upon his own dealings with Weston. T. H. Smith also testified that Wes ton's reputation was good but on cross examination he admitted that he knew of Weston's police record. Miss Dessie Moore stated that she was not personally acquainted with Weston but that she thought his reputation was good. C. E. Bush a flour and seed man also testified that Weston s reputation was good. Dr. Mollvaine also testified that Weston's reputation was good. Marion B. Stults stated that Weston's reputation was pretty fair but was not the best and also admitted he was acquainted with his police record. Mrs. Henry Hearly stated that his reputation was good in so far as she was concerned. Theodore Mullen, a travelling man of Paris 111., was called next but after going a short ways into his testimony he was ordered to stand aside as he would be used later. W. B. Drake was also call d and ordered to stand aside as as the attorneys at this junction got into a very heated argument over a legal proposition Upon an agreement between the attorneys the state was permitted to use Judge R. K. Erwin, R. K. Allison, L. G. Ellingham, D. D. Coffee and A. P. Beatty as to Holthouse's reputation, for p?aoe and quietude in Jtbe community in which he resided and all testified that his reputation was good. H. L. Confer, D. W. Beery and Peter Foster were then called in named to testify to some minor detail in the case. After their testimony court adjourned until nine o’clock Wednesday morning. Speaking of the case the Huntington Herald said “The saddest pxrt of all this is not the danger to young Heaton, whose years may be spent behind the bars, nor yet the sorrowful snuffling out of the life of a good fellow like Roman J. Holthouse, which will always be a burden on the defendant s mind. The real sorrow is on the little wo man in the widow's weeds and the four small children who sat by her in the crowded court room. Like in another trial in the same court room, it is again brought out that though men may fight and die, the suffering,the blackness without the light, falls on the women and the children. And no vengeance, no acquittal, can restore the husband and father, or bling peace to the young man whose evil temper has stamped him with the shame and remorse of a slayer of his fe) low man, unintentional though it may be. ” Huntington, Ind., March 2«. When court opened yesterday after noon the court room was crowded with spectators who came to hear the evidence and gaze with eyes of curiosity. Mrs. Holthouse ocoup.ed a position anear [the prosecutor. Near her sat her three sons ar d in a swinging cradle at her side was the little four months old baby. On the .other side sat

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 1906.

her father, B. J. Terveer, who was always on the lookout to be of some assistance to his daughter. Clem Holthouse, a brother of the deceased, sat near Mr. Terveer and showed a deep interest in the case. On the other side of the court room near his counsel sat the defendant, Boston Weston, who had a pallid and eager look about him, and who seemed to take in every bit of evidence that was introduced. He was neatly dressed in a black suit and wore a stand up collar and a black tie. It was evident, however, to all of those who saw . him that he was restless and I naturally afraid of the result that l is sure to follow. At 1 o’clock, promptly, court convened, with Judge Branyan on the bench, C. O. France was the first witness used and told the story that is still fresh in the minds of our readers of how the accident occurred and what brought it about. He was subjected io tierce cross examination by the defendant's counsel, John Branyan, but stuck to his story well and never wavered a pirticle. He was followed by Dr. C. V. Connell. D. W. Beery was then called and substantiated the story as told by those whom he followed. Charles N. Christen was the next witness and told his story in a clear and conoise manner, which seemed to carry much weight with the jury. L. A. Holthouse, the next witness, toldjof a conversation he hai with Mr. Glass, the proprietor of the 'livery stable for whom Weston was working. Branyan subjected him to a very tedious examination but could elicit nothing from Mr. Holthoue that would assist the defense in any respect. It was then 5 o’clock and court adjourned until 9 o’clock this morning. It is evident from the cross examination of the defense that they will endeavor to show that Holthouse invited a quarrel and that Weston acted in self deense. All of the evidence introduced yesterday, however, tended to snow that Weston had no prov ocation whatever in striking the deceased. The witnesses who the state used today were Earl Steele, a reporter on the Herald, Luke Brickley, a reporter on the NewsDemocrat, to whom Weston made certain statements Fred Grappy, frieght conduotor on the Erie railroad,F. ficlderman, night clerk at the Erie restaurant, William Riley, policeman, Mrs. R. J. Holthouse, Dr. Thomas, Dr. Costello, W. P. Sohrock, A. A. Butler, M. J. Krohn. The entire sympathy of the public in general at Huntington is with Mrs. Holthouse and her children, and the consensus of opinion is that the verdict rendered by the jury will be “guilty.” Supt, L iwrenoe Oplinger returned to Dooitur yesterday morning late spending Sunday at Linn Grove with relatives. He informed us that they intended to move into their property, recenetly purchased of ex Sapsrintendent Bran dyberry, today. He also stated that 113 i had completed the grading of the manuscripts of the ninetyfour applicants that took the teachers’examination in February. About forty-five were successful. —Berne Witness. Warren Crawfoid, for the past year night manager of the Oyster Bay Hotel has tendered his resig nation and last night was his last night as manager of the hotel. He has been employed continuously by the hotel management for the past to ears, the last year of which has been as manager. Fa miliarly known to hundreds of/patrons of the hotel as “Spseder,’ he has a large circle of friends who will be sorry to learn of his departure from the hotel. He has a number of ventures In sight, and, having shown himself a man "[of capability and of executive capac ity. it is probable‘he will embark in business for himself, although he has not finally decided as to what he will do.—Marion NewsTribune. Mr. Crawford is well known in this city, having former ly made this his home, and his friends here will, no doubt, be g Hd to learn of .his prospsrity. -

A charge of wife desertion was filed Monday against W. H. Laugh rey by his wife. The trial was to have been held before 'Squire Smith at 9, o’clock this morning, but before the time for the trial Mrs. Laughrey went to the ’squire’s office and withdrew the charge, a reconciliation having been effected between the estranged couple. Albert H. Keller and bro ther, W. L., the well known Monroe merohats, have dissolved partnership, to take effect April 20. The former will retire and will probably locate at Richmond. W. L. K Q ller will continue the business as sole owner and proprietor, and will, no doubt, continue to enjoy the large patronage which the store has always known Elsewhere may be found a notice of interest to those who owe the firm. About forty of the friends of Mr. and Mrs. Poling gathered at their pleasant home on Eleventh street Monday night to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their marrige. They will bear with them in the further journey of life pleasant memories of this happy event. Tokens of friendship in the fo-rn of many beautiful and useful presents were l°ft to gladden lheir hearts. A two course luncheon was served, music on a high grade phonograph was dispensed and a general good time enjoyed by all. May many like events come to them to sweeten life along the way. The state board of health has just finished examining 113 samples of jellies and jams and out of the number 93 over 82 percent were illegal, containing either benzoate of soda or coal tar dyes. Nearly every well known brand was found to be adulterated or poisonous. Os 662 brands of tomato catsup examined 54 were adulterated or had a preservative. Out of 20 wines examined three were pure, 56 out of 63 samples of aoqua ammonia were under the required strength, three out of six samples of cider vinegar were adulterated and eight out of fourteen samples of milk were impure. A party of twenty five, all mom bers of the local order of Pocahontas,went to Blufttun Friday, where they will attend a district meeting of the degree of Pocahontas. A large number are expaoted at Bluff ton today and a fine program has been arranged. The Decatur team will this evening confer the work and we fully prepared to do their best, and to hold up their former reputation. After the degree work onight a bi£ banquet will be served. Those who went from here were: Mr. and Mrs. J. Fristoe, Mr. and Mrs. J. Eady, Mr. and Mrs. Al Gerard, Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Weaver, Mesdames John Barnett, Harry Cordua, J. Ashbaucher, El met Moser, E. A. P. Baatty, Walt Murray, Dick Burrell, Charles Patton, Bud Brokaw, Frank Yaney Sadie Crawlay J. Keller G. C. Steele and Miss Lizzie Davis. Fred Rohrer, the plucky editor of the Berne Witness, whose fight against the saloons cf that town has given him a reputation over the entire state, was again asasulted last evening. Fred was at Portland Monday to hear Judge LaFollette’s decision in the liquor cases. He returned home on the afternoon train and shortly afterward George on him. the result as toldjin today’s Witness being as follows: “In the afternoon after George Nichols and Fred Rohrer were home from Portland, the former filled up on bad whiskey and proceeded to the Witness office to give the latter a beating. He wei t into tithe private office of Mr. Rohrer, behind the desk and knocked him off the stool and hit him righthand left over the head. Mr. Rohrer took it all in good hu mor until three men who were working in the office came and jumped onto Mr. Nichols, who is about six feet tall a id weighs over 3CO pounds,;and threw him on the floor an ’ held him there until the town marshal finally arrived. The marshal then took him out and after littlo while let him go. No ar rests have yet been made.”

Constable William Adler of Kirkland township, brought George Meyer, a neighbor hoy, to town Monday, the lad being wanted before 'Squire Smith for assault and battery. At an entertainment at the school house in district number six. Friday evening, Meyers whipped a young man named Norse, the latter refusing to fight. Meyers pleased guilty today and was fined a dollar and costs, 110.40 in all, Mr. Adler staying the docket for the boy, who promised to be good hereafter. Tom Railing, the Deiatur pitch er, has signed with the Decatur (Ill.) Three I league team for this season. Tom wrote to the manage ment here over a month ago ask ing for a place on the Blutffon team. He is a good man and will undoubtedly] make good with the Decatur team. Tom was the whole works for the Decatur, Indiana, team last season and the latter will probably give up all intentions of even starting out this year since they have lost the man that won all their games for them last year.— Bluff fun Banner. Another pioneer of Adamsbounty one who saw this community grow from a vast wilderness into the present beautiful and prosperous condition, Mrs. J. R. Boyd, died at her home at Pleasant Mills at 7 o’clock Monday. For fourteen months she has suffered from a tumor and foi the past several days her death had been expected. She was born in this county in October, 1836, and her entire life of three score years and ten had been spent here. She was wellknown and beloved by the hundreds who were acquainted with her. Her husband and six children survive her, they being Mrs. Eva Mathewson of VanWert, Mrs. Phoebe Davis of Chicago, Dick Boyd, rural route six; and Mrs. Edith Roebuck, Mrs. Addie Butler and Morris Boyd of Pleasant Mills. Besides these there are [twenty grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. The funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock from ths United Brethren church at Pleas ant Mills, Rev. Barker officiating, The various commitsees of the Civic Improvement society mat at the Commercial club rooms Monday for the purpose of organizing for real work. The enthusiasm manifested was of the degree that assures the future success of the work undertaken. Every committee was represented, last evening except the one on home ground culture. The chairmen of the var ious committees as chosen were as follows: Streets, alleys and sidewalks, John W. Tyndall; garbage, D. M. Hensley; sanitation, Dr. Marie Holloway; tree planting, Oscar R. Huffman; public parks and lawns. Rev. H. Theo. Wilken; schools, Arthur D. Suttles; entertainment, W. L. Labre; culture of vacant lots, Rev. Luke; factory, Mrs T M. Reid ; membership, Mrs, Voghf. These committees will meet separately from now on and the real work of cleaning and beautifying Decatur will soon be on in earnest Among the very important committees is the one on’garbage, whose duty is to devolve a plan whereby all waste materials may be removed from private and business premises. Their plan is to •wx • I ll—■> have same done three times each week and to do this]some]funds are necessary. Every patriotic citizen should be willing to do his part in this bv subscribing any amount from ten cents a week up All who will contribute to this fund should hand [their name and tbe amount they wilUfgive to D. M. Hensley at once. Hblp the[society and you beautify Jyour[home and city and increase [tbe health stan dard. An invitation has been issued to all school children to J join the society. Their fee is ten cents a year. To each, ten packages of flower seeds will be given and a flower show will be held next summer at the library] at which time prizes will be awarded to those who have made [the best showing from these seeds. "’Five prizes will j be given

CIRCULATION 2800 WEEKLY

NUMBER 4

The looomotve department of the Ede shops in Huntington stint down Friday evening indefinitely. A bulletin posted late Friday afternoon came as a startling surprise to all local employes as there has been no recent indication that the suspenison of all locomotive work was iminent. The order affects about 300 men. According to the reading of the bulletin, conditions havo reached a status in the prospective coal strike that 1.-’ffio has decreased correspondingly. The Erie, being classified as a coal road, has been materially acted. The Erie management has announced the policy that, to reduce expenses in keeping with the loss of revenue, a heavy retrenchment has been necessary. Only a sufficient farce will be maintained at the various terminals to look after running repair work. All local back shop departments closed Friday evening at 6 o’clock. The car department was not included in the close-down orders.—Huntington Herald. W, A. Kuebler and C. A. Dugan arrived home Sunday morning from Kansas City, Rafter an absence of two weeks, during which time they saw most of the southern country and were royaly entertained by the managers and promoters of the “Orient Railroad.” The boys are enthusiastic over their trip sand spoak in the highest terms of their tmtmont and the country through which this line runs. The trip was made without accident and without delays and they oontendsd with the finest weather imaginable and as everej thing in bloom, tne same as the northerners see here in June. The train left Kansas City at 12 o’clock to weeks ago [and immediately made headway for the south. The train wts composed of a bag gage car, an assembly car, four compartment cars and the special car of A. E, Stillwell, the promoter of the road. The train was furnished in a luxurious manner and the one hundred and twenty-five that were aboard were entertained as royally as kings. £At Muskogee Messrs. Dugan and Kuebler saw F. E. France and had quite a conver sation with him, The train ptoI ceeded then to the]Clty of Mexico, Old Mexico, where a reception was hold in their honor by President Diaz, after which the palace was turned over to the party for inspection. It was at this place that the boys saw Russ Harruff and Paul Wooten, both former residents of this city, and of them the men speak in the higest terms. Harruff is financial manager of tbe Mexican Herald and is held in high esteem by his employer and i draw a salary,]of S4OO per month, Mexican money. Wooten is sporting editor on the Mexican Herald and in the afternoon teaches mathematics in the "Mexican public schools. He receives a salary of $350 per month, Mexican money. At Cuihuahua]she pirty was again royally entertained by Governor Ferris and the city was turned over to them. Their stay in this place, however, was short. On the return trip the train took a different roffie and passed through Cherokee, where they saw Harvey Roop ana had quite a chat with him. They report him in the best of health and doing well. At Wichita, Kansas, the pilgrims were entertained by the Commercial Club at a ban quat and from the reports of the Decatur men they never experienced a better time. Messrs. Dugan and Kuebler were well pleased with their trip and accoraing to their converastion would be glad to experience the same again. They traveleed 6,419 miles in their moving palace and every moment was a happy one. In their party were James Whitcomb Riley,the Hocsier poet; ex-Governor Morrel of Kan sas, and a dozen or more millionaires. The trip is made for the purpose of interesting northern capital in the Orient railroad and it is probable the Decatur men will soon hold some stock. It would require many pages to tell all the sights and interesting events of the trip. Suffice it to say that it was the most satisfactory two weeks’ travel ever enjoved by either Mr, Dugan or Mr. Kuebler.