Decatur Democrat, Volume 51, Number 33, Decatur, Adams County, 17 October 1907 — Page 1

■thc NE< s I ALLI Hr TIME

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ARTIN WITHDREW HIS NAME L the Charges Filed Against Mayor I Coffee

|USED A SURPRISE Jen’s Charges Were Filed I Judiciary Committee, Who Will Report. |re complications lyor Accuses Councilman ■Van Camp of Illegally Selling Goods. ■e council met In regular session ajday night, Mayor Coffee presiding, ■ every councilman being present, ■our before the time set for the ■ing of the hall the crowd com■ced to gather at 7 o’clock when ■doors were opened the room was ■ filled to overflowing, and every ■able space was occupied by those ■ing to hear what the action of the ■cil would be on the charges filed ■si the mayor, D. D. Coffee. Im■ately after the reading of the min■the mayor orderel that the charges' ■led against him be read in open ■cil, which the clerk proceeded to Kaking the charges filed by Green ■ which, upon motion, were re■d to the judiciary committee, this Hg Christen, Van Camp and Mar- ■ The charges as filed by four of ■councilmen were then read, and it ■ here that Councilman Martin ■ng the surprise of the evening, K he rose and asked the council ■ his name be stricken from the ■ges. giving as his excuse that he ■ looked into the matters alleged, ■ was thoroughly convinced that ■ mayor was not guilty of the ■ge of appropriating the sum of one ■red and fifty dollars to his own ■ and as this charge was erroneous ■asked that his name be stricken ■etrom. This action on the part of ■tin came as a complete suspise to ■councilmen and spectators, and ■i present indications throws a com■tied light upon the entire proceed- ■ The other three members of the Keil who signed with Martin, howK are still firm in their stand, ■egarding the action and stand takMartin, the charges were reKed to the Judiciary Committee, K under the ordinance governing ■ trial of city officials will be com-! ■ed to file some kind of a report ■he regular meeting. What ■ report will be no one seems to ■able to tell as the charges filed ■the council now seem dead, and ■ only thing left to act. upon is the ■ge of Marshal Ed Green. During ■ evening D. D. Heller entered his ■UI appearance in both cases for Coffee, and it would seem that ■ mayor is preparing to put up a ■t for his rights and will attempt ■continue in office. Another sur■e was tendered the council when ■ Rice and Erwin sewer matters ■« before the council for final ac- ■ on the assessment rolls, at which K 3 the mayor filed two vetos on the making some very serious ■tges against Councilman Van Ctimp. Rice sewer had progressed as far ■*° the hearing of objections to the made upon the same, and K^ e passing of the resolution conaction of the city civil K' neer and ordering the clerk to K~‘ ; the assessment roll to the SUr(, r for collection, when the K^ Or filed hi s veto, which alleged the facts: That the acceptance “ sam e by the council as a whole n contravention of a section of H? tute tlla t says that no member ■‘c council of any city shall either H/* y °r indirectly be a party to or manner Interested in, any conKL city fo r anjr matter> cause or which any liability or indebtB [ 3 in any manner created or

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passed upon by the council or by any member thereof, and any contract in contravention of the foregoing provision shall be absolutely void. He further stated in his veto that a contract was awarded to Henry Stevens by the council, and that the said Stevens has since that time contracted with the A. Van Camp foundry for a cast manhole cover for the consideration of five dollars, the same being passed upon by the city civil engineer, and approved by the council; and A. Van Camp, being a member of said council and being the proprietor of the foundry, that he thus sold to Henry Stevens the material referred to, which was used in the completion of the said contract, consequently that part of the contract is void and that amount should be deducted from the assessment in proportion to the entire length of the sewer assessed. Mr. Van Camp, in response to this charge, stated that the mayor was right in averring that he had sold the cover to Stevens, and that the cover was used in the completion of the sewer, but that he had been advised by his attorneys that he could readily do so without conflicting with the statutes, and if any wrong had been committed that he was an innocent party, and that if the statute so provided he did not expect to draw one penny for the cover, and would willingly lose the same. However, before finally closing. he asked the council to give him some time to have his attorneys look into the matter and advise him more fully in the premises. With this understanding, no action toward passing the resolution over the mayor’s veto was taken. The same procedure was gone through in the Erwin sewer resolution, and these matters now stand awaiting further development. The action on this matter by the mayor was wholly unexpected to the entire council, with the exception of Chronister, who seemed to have Van inkling of what was coming as he voted “No" on the original reading of both resolutions. According to the advice of City Attorney DeVoss, Councilman Van Camp has committed no serious offense, and he is of ion that he had a right to sell to any contractor as he did to Stevens. Bids were then called for for the construction of the Lewton sewer, and but one bid was filed, this being by Myers & Myers, and calling for $3,000, which was five hundred dollars over the estimated costs, and the same was rejected. Bids on the Lenhart sewer were then opened and read, they being as follows: Henry Stevens, $146; Myers & Myers, $152.25. Stevens being the lowest bidder on the job, and being well within the estimated costs of the same, the contract, upon motion, was awarded to him. The request of L. F. Alexander, asking to be released from his lease with the city on the section of the building occupied by him at the city hall, was read, and upon motion granted. Mr. Alexander has secured better quarters, and the council did not desire to hold him to a contract when he derived no benefit therefrom. The following bills were read: Old Adams County Bank $45 00 L. C. Helm 30 00 John Sprague 95 49 J. D. Wisehaupt 47 75 D. F. Teeple 26 89 J. C. Patterson 1 63 J. D. Stults 45 83 Decatur Hardware Co 5 20 Old Adams County Bank 33 7t> Milt Leavell 13 6d L. D. Ray 1 °° r Old Adams County Bank 56 2o Butler & Butler 74 49 Old Adams County Bank 11 Old Adams County Bank 180 00 H- Harruff . 29 9 a. r. & 9 n; .fames Hurst Butler & Butler “ L. G. Ellingham 33 ia Old Adams County Bank 22 t>u — -o ’ Dr. A. Ralston one of Adams coun t/s best practitioners, and for many years a resident of near New Corydom was looking after business and friend here today, _

Decatur, Indiana, Thursday, October!? 1907.

A TOWN DESTROYED (SPECIAL TO THE DEMOCRAT.) Terre Haute, Ind., Oct. 15. —The town of Fountanet, fifteen miles northeast of here, was completely destroyed this morning when the Dupont Powder Works exploded. The town had a population of 800, and not a single house was left standing. Thirty people were killed, 100 seriously wounded. As usual in such cases, no cause is known. At a few moments after nine o’clock three explosions occurred in quick succession. At 10:30 another terrific explosion occurred, when the magazine, 150 feet from the mill, exploded, the latter being caused from the heat from the burning ruins. The shock was felt all over Indiana, at Cincinnati, .Louisville .and other points. o MANY NAVY OFFICERS Indiana is Well Represented in Cruise to the Pacific. Washington. October 15.—-Southern Democrats of prominence, who had a "heart to heart” talk wish William J. Bryan down in Virginia Last week, are telling Democrats from other parts of the country who are here that it is useless to attempt to sidetrack Bryan as a presidential candidate for Governor John Johnson, of Minnesota, or any other man. Bryan told these men. who went seeking information, that he would give out a statement the latter part of November or early in December. They got the impression that his announcement will 'come about the lime the Democrttic national committee meets to fix a time and place for the national convention. He did not say to them he positively refuses to make way for any other man, but they gathered from what he did say that such is his determination.

Washington. October 15. —For an inland state Indiana is occupying a conspicuous place in the new navy. While all the reassignments of officers for the cruise to the Pacific ocean have not been made, it is settled that the state will be well represented on that cruise. Rear Admiral James Henry Dayton is in command of the present Pacific fleet and when Rear Admiral Robley D. Evans gets around there with his sixteen battleships and numerous small craft, Admiral Dayton will be next to him In command. The other rear admiral from the state, George A. Bicknell, is in command of the navy yard at Portsmouth. A SPLENDID OFFER. Will Become Assistant Manager of One of Biggest Plants in World. James Dougherty, manager of the Decatur Furnace Company, has resigned his position, and has accepted a place as assistant manager for the International Heater Company, one of the largest concerns of the kind in the world, located in Chicago. Mr. Dougherty first made his announcement of the proposed change a week ago, since which time the board of directors have made every possible effort to induce him to change his mind, but the offer from the Chicago company presented so many future possibilities that he today informed the local company that he had decided to accept. Mr. Dougherty is one of the best furnace men in the country, and his departure is deeply regretted. His contract here expires January Ist, but he has asked to be released by November 15th, and this request will likely be granted if a competent manager can be secured to succeed him here. The furnace company has advanced rapidly during the past year, and has a great future.

A GOOD COMPANY. I Produced Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall at Opera House Last Night. Miss Bianca West scored a decided hit at the Bosse Opera House Monday evening when she filled the title role in the dramatization of Charles Major’s romantic novel, "Doro’Jby Vernon of Haddon Hall." This was Miss West’s first appearance in our city, but, regadless of this, she immediately established herself in the hearts of her listeners as a favorite, and her every appearance brought forth much applause. That Miss West is destined to rise higher in her profession is the concensus of opinion of all who saw her act last evening; and as she is surrounded by a perfect cast of actors and actresses, the success of the production of “Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall” is assured. The Bosse Opera House was packed to -is capacity by those desiring to see this play and ascertain for themselves if Miss West and her company were all that had been said for them by the press and public, and we venture to say that not one person left this playhouse that was not more than pleased with the production, and today are praising the acting of Miss West and her company. The part of Dorothy Vernon, as taken by Miss West, was acted and played to perfection. and her whole heart and soul seemed to be taken up with the part she was acting, and the applause that grfeetted her wap thunderous. The entire cast) was excellent, and supported Miss West in perfect style. The scenic effects were beautiful, being especially adapted for this play, and showed to an excellent advantage. ■ o . . MEYERS HOME AGAIN. Loose Method of Dakota Deputy Sheriff Allowed Prisoner to Escape.

Sheriff Meyers arrived home Monday evening from North Dakota, after a fruitless trip for Harry Scott, the bigamist. His story is about as published in Yesterday’s issue. After making the • proper arrangements at the governor’s office at Bismarck. Mr. Myers went to expecting to claim his but was surprised to learn that nothing of him or his double lifts: He went: from there to Buford, where Scott has resided, and found he had left the country. A deputy had arrested the young man and kept him at his home a few days, permitting him to come and go as he pleased. In fact. Scott himself had, as agent for the railway, taken the message which told that the officer was en route, and knew just when to leave. Mr. Meyers believes that Scots is in Canada. He talked to Mrs. Scott, who expects to join her husband as soon as he is located and secures a new position. It is probable that the faithless young man will not be apprehended for some time at least. o BODY FOUND IN CANAL. The body of Barney Myres, the aged resident who disappeared from tne home of hip daughter, Mrs. Frank Hortsman, north of Delphos, some two weeks ago. was found Saturday afternoon in the Ohio and Erie canal, at a point) three and one-half miles north of Delphos, by William Smith, a canal man. Dr. R. R. Richison, county coroner, made an official investigation of the case, and his finding is that Myres was dead before he fell into the canal, this theory being supported by tbe absence of water from the lungs. It is believed that he sat down to rest, while walking over a bridge, and was suddenly stricken of heart failure, his body toppling over into the channel after the spark of life had left it. Mr. Myres was sev-enty-five years old and was widely known. o Mrs. Joel Reynolds received word from Alliance, Ohio, that her brother, Arthur E. Shaw, was united in marriage on last Thursday evening to Miss Cora Reynolds, of Alliance. Directly after the ceremony they went to their own home, which Arthur had furnished, awaiting his bride.

BY LOCAL LODGE. A Social Session, a Big Supper, Two Initiations and a Good Time. Os all the interesting and enjoyable sessions that have been held at the Pythian Sisters’ Hall in this city, that of Monday night eclipsed them all. With thirty-four members of this order from Bluffton and thirty from Ossian present, besides a large attendance from the city, the hall presented a delightful appearance, and every person there experienced a pleasant time. Yesterday noon the Bluffton delegation arrived and repaired to the hall to await the elegant supper that was served at five o'clock. The Ossian members were conveyed to the city in a hack during the afternoon, and at the time assigned for supper, the spacious hall was well filled with hungry people. During the afternoon social session an advertisement contest was indulged in, and rs. C. R. Lipkey, of Bluffton, was awarded the prize—a beautiful china plate. The afternoon session proved quite interesting, but this was a minor feature of the event, for the work of the degree teams from Bluffton and Ossian in initiating the candidates, Miss Lilah Lachot and Miss Eva Acker, was excellent, both teams being perfect in their work. After the initiatory work was conferred, many short talks were given by visitors, that were interesting indeed, and at eleven o’clock refreshments were served, which concluded one of the brightest social events that has ever been held in the ciky.

NEXT WEDNESDAY. Jhe “Laddies” Are Hustling the Sale and Deserve a Crowded House. Tickets are out announcing that on Wednesday night, October 23d, at the Bosse Show House, a local talent company will'present “My Uncle from Japan” under the auspices of the Volunteer Fire Department of the city. With the proceeds of “My Uncle from Japan" the department expects to purchase some equipment that will greatly Increase their effectiveness, and they are working hard in their ticket canvass and are entitled to the individual support of our citizens, and the Bosse Opera House should be taxed to its utmost capacity to accommodate the crowd that appreciate the efforts of the fire “laddies,” and who will help by their attendance to make the Are department benefit show a howling financial success. The price of the ticket is twenty-five cents, certainly within the reach of all, and you will be amply repaid for your attendance, as the best dramatic talent in the city have offered their services, and they will be assisted by a chorus of nearly twenty charming young ladies with beautiful voices to carry out the musical program of fifteen minutes, selected from the big song hits of the latest big city musical comedies and comic opera successes. The show will be staged under the direction of Henry Thomas, who will do his utmost to make it an artistic success. Tickets can be secured from the members of the fire department. Watch for later announcements of cast, chorus and program.

MAP OF DECATUR l» COMPLETED. Mr. Cunningham of the Sanborn Map Company, today completed his work or preparing a new insurance map of Decatur business houses and factories. The map will be issued in about a month. The drawing required three week's work. o Similarity in the manner in which the burglaries were pulled off indicates that both jobs were done by the same fellows. In each instance t/ie burglars gained an entrance by removing a pane of glass from a window. The saloon of Henry Ladlg, on Calhoun street, and the Boyles grocery, a small store located in the outskirts of the city, on Fairfield avenue, were "touched up” by burglars, probably’boys, some time Saturday night. In neither case did the crooks secure much plunder for their trouble.

CIRCULATION 2SOB WEEKLY

MUST SELL JOURNAL. After Publishing This Issue and Giving Notice—Hobbs Divorce Case Settled. Attorney Dore B. Erwin filed a new divorce case entitled Martin F. Martz vs. Mary H. Martz. The couple were married March 24th, and lived together until August 4th. A plain charge of adultery is made. The defendant was formerly Miss Bottlioff. Peterson & Moran have appeared as attorneys for Clara Watkins In the divorce case filed against her by John Watkins. In tihe Journal Publishing Company receivership case, the receiver was authorized to publish a paper this week and to sell the property, either at public or private sale, after giving five days notice in said paper. State ex rel. Ed Green vs. David D. Coffee, mayor, mandate suit for salary, showing that complaint is lost and substituted complaint filed. Arthur L. Hobbs vs. Margaret Hobbs, divorce, cause dismissed at cost of the plaintiff. Horace Kohn vs. Joseph W. Hakes, account $256. Defendant ruled to answer within five days. Clara Watkins vs. John Watkins, suit for support and $1,500. Demurrer to defendant’s answer filed. Frank Barthol vs. Henry E. Keller, damages, $5,000. Answer filed in ten paragraphs. Rule to reply. J. B. Holthouse, guardian, for Theresa Nix, filed his final report and was discharged. o C. J. Lutz has returned from Oxford. Ohio, where he made a short visit with his daughter, Gene, who was quile ill. Her condition is much improved, and the physician thinks she will recover without further trouble.

THE OTHER WORKERS Mrs. Stanley Vice-President —Committee on Program, Etc. Lafayette, Ind.. October 14. —The W. C. T. U. convention elected the following officers: Mrs. Culla Vayinger, of Hartsville, president; Mrs. Lizzie Stanley, of Liberty, vice-president; Miss Mary Woodard, of Fountain City, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Rose Pearce, of Cayuga, recording secretary; Miss Clara Sears, of Anderson, treasurer; Mrs. Ida Mix, of Kokomo, L. T. L. secretary; Mrs. Mary S. Craig, of Upland, “Y” secretary In addition to those, the following trustees were elected: Mrs. Lizzie Hann, of Indianapolis, Mrs. Lyda Outland, of Upland; Mrs. Ida Mix, of Kokomo, and Mrs. Rose Sears, who finished the unexpired term of Mrs. CammackGibson. Standing committees for the coming year's work were appointed as follows: Model program—Mrs Julia Shugart, Mrs. S. M. Stahl, Mrs. Edna Smith and Mrs. Jennie Ridgeway, the corresponding secretary Appropriation committee—Mrs. Sarah Lenfesty, Mrs. Boyer, Mrs. Ida Mix and Mrs. Holler, with the treasurer acting as chairman. Plan of work committee — Corresponding secretary acts as chairman; Mrs. Ella Kroft, Mrs. Nettie Maddox, Mrs. Margaret Smith, and Mrs. Irene Gard. Resolution committee—Mrs. F. D. Perkins, Mrs. Princess Hohn, Mrs. Mattie CammackGibson. Mrs. Mary D. Hendricks and Mrs. Ella B. Wright. o It is now said that George W. Ellis, former county superintendent of schools, has fled from Elkhart county, following charges that he had been guilty of graft practices while In office. ElMs had taken a position as principal of the New Paris schools, but disappeared suddenly when charges were made against him by the county attorney, who had been investigating his accounts. ,

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