Decatur Democrat, Volume 52, Number 27, Decatur, Adams County, 8 July 1909 — Page 1

Kill the news H ALL THE TIME

Ifolira LI I

0. E. VOGT RESIGNED ■rendered at Council MeetI ing Last Night to Take I Effect August Ist |\N ELECTRIC BELL ■Mil Be Installed by Erie— I Other Important MatI ters Disposed of I Chris E. Vogt, who has served as ■ ity engineer for Decatur for two ■ ears or more past, Tuesday night tendered his resignation at the regular lieeting of the city council, same to lake effect August Ist. The resignalion was immediately and promply accepted, and this being the last buslKess of the session, the meeting ■hereupon adjourned. Every member ■.-as present .when the meeting was ■ailed to order and the minutes of the ■revious meeting were read and apBrovef. Mr. Cline representing the ■hicago & Erie road and Mr. John ■’lemming, the local agent, appeared Before the council and asked that Bhe ordinance providing for a watchBian at Eleventh street be reconsidered and a bell substituted. All the Bjembers favored this excepting Mr. Bhronlster, who objected vigorously, But was voted.down and the bell will Be used. The C. & E. agreed to put Bie bejl in at once., The fact that Bement sidewalks on Fourteenth street Bre going to pieces was discussed and Beferred to the street committee. Dr. Beavers asked that he be permitted B> construct a sidewalk on Monroe Breet at the curb from First street to Be river on the south side and this Bas referred. J. S. Bowers filed a ■etition signed by him that he be Bllowed to construct a brick sidewalk Bn North Second street as he has a Bt not yet filled up, also for a water Bydfant In front of his home, and one Bt the packing house, an electric light B front of his home and that a hood Be placed over the Clark sewer. His Betition was referred in parts to the. Bpropriate committee. The assessBents on the Weikle sidewalk on Bourteenth street were read and filed Bad an opportunity will be given to Bear objections. John E. Smith' and Bharles Brock -appeared to remonBrate against the building of the Brown sewer on Eighth street, and Be matter was referred to the sewer Bmmittee. For the second time no Be bld on the construction of the ■liver Jackson sidewalk and no ac‘ Bon could be taken. A resolution Bas adopted for the payment to Me- ] Ball company for <4,440 this being Be-half the amount agreed upon for Be new boilers. John Sprague who Bs the contract for sweeping the Beets was refeused his m<?ney when Bs bill fbi; $82.50 came up, it being , ■ported that he had not done his Bork according to contract and he Bill' have some trouble securing his Blowance from the remarks heard at Be meeting. An old sore was brought B again when a letter was read from ■me Vermont gentlemen who holds Becatur refunding bonds for $13,500 Bid which are due. Every council Br a number of years has fought this Bse out with the same result. The ■cords fall to show what they were ■sued for and when x due. They will' at the next meeting. The ■rance committee gave their O. K. ift'the report of the city treasurer Bd city clerk. Bills were reported B the finance committee and allow- ■ as follows: Bih Teeple $ 96.58 B Fulton 1.75 Blius Haugk 22.80 Bf. Teeple 22.37 H F. Teeple 20.06 B t). Stults 45.83 ! ■|nk Aurand 1.25 Bft; Medham 3.00 Bicago & Erie 285.22 : Bee. Appliance Co 191.59 i Bank R. Snyder 36.08 ' I R. &’ I. Ry. Co 108.95 : Bion Oil Works 36.54 , ■ •Vogt 76.00 . Blver & Co. 50 < Bed Spuhler 17.75 J Bnday Creek Coal Co. ...... 267.65 . BjagT

G. M. Jones Co 38.70 M. A. Hanna ft Co 72.08 Adams Express Co ..... .60 p. Hyland 46.34 C. V. Dorwln 225.00 M. J. Mylott 248.50 Wells 1 Fargo Co. 2.80 Geo. Keiser ft Co 40.95 Natural MUI Supply Co. ...... 1.25 Gifford Elec. Supply C 0....... 48.40 Fort Wayne Mee. Works .... 123.21 W. J. Archbold .............. 13.46 True ft Runyon 1.04 Monarch Elec. Wire Co. 2.48 Geo. Zimmerman 7.50 A. Cool . 85.50 Marlon Whitright 5.25 John Sprague 13.50 “HAPPYJACK’HERE —1 He is a Globe Trotter and is Walking on His Way Around the World THE TRAMP ACT He is to Do All this Without a Penny to Pay the ? Bills > * “Happy Jack” the globe trotter, arrived in Decatur yesterday, coming from Van Wert arriving here at ten o'clock last night. He is traveling around the world on a wager of two thousand dollars and an automobile. He left Boston on AprU 1, and is expected to complete the tour in one year, walking to San Francisco where h<* expects to arrive by the middle of September. He then ships to Cobo, Japan, then to Sydney, Australia, New Castle on the Thames. He will then walk to London, from there through Scotland, on to English Channel to Hamburg, Germany. From there he goes through Denmark to Copenhagen and oh to Boston, where he is due to arrive on April 1, 1910. He makes the trip tramp like and without a cent of money, everything he eats and wears is given, him on the way. From every citly he gets a letter from the mayor of the city, this being the countersign that he has been in every city which his contract calls for. From here he goes to Huntington, Rochester, Crown Point on into Chicago. According to “Happy Jack’s” story this wager came about In a funny"way, During one of W. J. Bryan’s trips to Boston he made a speech and In that speech said “no man can go across this country without money.” "Jack" heard the speech and he immediately gained an audience with Mr. Bryan and agreed to |go around the world instead of across the country and- do it without a penny if there was a sufficient wager in sight. Munsey’s Magazine heard of this story and they sent two reporters from New Yorlc to Boston to .talk with “Jack.” When they finished their interview W. J. Bryan and Munsey agreed to each give a thousand dollars, and a Detroit Auto company hearing of the offer, agreed to give a car. "Happy Jack” keeps a diary and once a week has a newspaper to mail all the newspaper clippings, accounts of his trips in his own' notes, letters from mayors of the different towns through which he passes and to send them to Munsey’s Magazine. He complained of not feeling the best while 'here this morning, but attributed it to the fact that .the last few miles into this place he traveled at a too fast pace and thought that this had slightly indisposed him. He is twenty-eight years bld and looks like he was equal to the occasion and would win the wager. , o— — BHE HAD FEW BIRTHDAYS Benham, Ind., July 6.—With the death of Mrs. Mary Benham, which occurred July 2, this part of the state lost one of its oldest citizens. She was 93 years old, but had very few birthdays, as she was born February 29,18115. She died on the twenty-sixth anniversary of her husband’s death. When she was only onA year old her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roger Ellis, came to Indiana. She was married to James Benham in 1835. Seven children survive. oldest is Milford Benham, of Muscatine, la., who has a daughter 50 years old. , ■» *J . v 1 * • t

Decatur, Indiana. Thursday, July 8 IMo

IN BAD CONDITION Superintendent Whittaker in Serious Mental Condition HAS HALLUCINATIONS Friends Fear a Breakdown of Mental Faculties Jeffersonville, Ind., July 7.—Dr. Carl Weidner, of Louisville, specialist on mental troubles, was called in consultation with the attending physicians In the ease of former Superintendent W. H. Whittaker of the Indiana reformatory. Following the consultation, Dr. Weidner gave a diagnosis to the effect that, in his opinion, Mr. Whittaker will never be any stronger mentally than he is at the present time, and fears that he may become totally insane. Mr. Whittaker labors under many hallucinations, one of them being that different persons are trying to take his life. He refuses to drink any water during his conscious moments, unless assured it was not taken from the well at the reformatory. He labors under the impression that this water is poisoned. Another one of his hallucinations is that different convicts, inspired by persons nbt connected with the institution, have placed typhoid germs in the water of the reformatory wells for the purpose of causing his death. These are but a few of the many turns his mind takes in its present unsettled mental condition. The physicians are considering, it is understood, the advisability of removing Mr. Whittaker to the Fletcher sanitarium 'at - Indianapolis. It has become known in the last day or two that Mr. Whittaker has for some time been a sufferer from diabetes, and this, together with the mental strain under which he has been laboring for two weeks, doubtless aggravated his mental condition. Mrs. Whittaker, who has never been robust in health, is prostrated and also continues in a serious condition.

ARE MANY THEFTS Many Valuable Articles Have " Been Stolen at Craigville Recently VISIT BELL HOME A Valuable Watch Was Pillaged Home of Hilliard Bell The citizens of Craigvil’e are much aroused over several thefts that have occurred in that city and vicinity in the past few weeks. The last loss reported is that of a fine gold watch from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hilliard Bell, residing one-half mile north of Craigville. The watch, which belonged to Mis. Bell, was put in a dresser drawer. during a few hours absence of the family, which time they; spent with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. V. D. Bell, in Craigville. When they returned the timepiece could not be found and no trace of it has yet urned up. A few days before that time Clarence Hower, a young man of Craigville, was suspicioned of taking a ring and several other articles from the home of Dr. and Mrs. D. C. Hoffman. When questioned about the articles the lad confessed. He also took two brass boxings from the elevator an dreturned these, asking forgiveness from the elevator managers. The lad appears to nave amanla for taking things and an investigation may be made. He is not held guilty for the Bell theft, however. 11 ■>■■■■—o— — Surviving members of the Miami tribe of Indians held a reunion at Boyd park, between Wabash and Peru on Sunday. Chief Gabriel Godfrey, the last lineal descendant of the old t chieftains, was a conspicuous figure in, thh event.- . - j

JUDGE BRANYON HAS RETIRED Poor Health Causes Huntington Jurist to Give Up Practice. Judge James C. Branyan, one of the oldest and most prominent members bf the Huntington bar, judge of the circuit court, democratic candidate for congress from the Eleventh district, and a member of the state legislature, retired from the active ' practice of Jaw today and will hereafter spend his days in quiet retirement, This action was taken followl Ing the return of his son from Canada and on account of his poor health during the last six months. The law firm which had been connected with almost every important case in thv county will be continued under the name of Branyan Bros., with John S. ' Branyan and Wilbur Branyan the i partners.—Huntington News-Demo-IF, . ■ MAKING PROGRESS r 1 : ' » ■• - r • Tariff Bill Passed the Senate Committee of the ' Whole . T - J E■■Jl > | SOME LIKE TAFT ‘ r Think the Business of the ' Administration Properly p Transacted i s . Washington, July 7—The tariff bill 1 passed from the committee of the 1 whole to the senate at 1:20 o’clock _ (this afternoon. The senate took a ? recess until 3:30 o’clock to await a print of the bilf as amended tn comi mlttee of the whole. Senator Oldrich • expects a final vote on the bill before ■ Friday. The senate reassembled at r 3:30 o’clock, and on Mr. Aldrich’s i suggestion adjourned, when" all the

amendments made in committee of the whole will be voted on en bloc, except such as senators may wish to reserve for further amendment. Mi. Aldrich said the entire bill would be open for amendment. A decision that the'conference committee on the tariff bill shall be made up of eight senators and eight Representatives has practically been reached. Os the sixteen men ten will be Republicans and six Democrats. Senator Aldrich will dominate the committee. His

latest proposal is to take Into the committee from the senate, Hale of Maine; Penrose, of Pennsylvania; Burrows, of Michigan, and Smoot, of Uitah, Republicans, (anjd Daniel, of Virginia; Bailey, of Texas, and Money of Mississippi, Democrats. Washington, July 7.—Some of the relics of the last administration are still disposed to criticise the Taft administration because it does not move along to quick step time, but no one ventures to say that business is not being transacted with thoroughness and always with the constitution and the laws., of the land in mind. The one thing above all the others that has impressed observers during the four months of Taft is the president’s determination that every question that arises shall be maturely considered before it is decided. This applies to the small questions as well as to those of large Import o CIGARETTE BAKER IS FREE Charge' of Bribery Dismissed at Indianapolis. Indianapolis, July 7.—The bribery charge against Oscar A. Baker, of Marion, Ind,, former representative of the tobacco trust, was nolled on the motion of Prosecutor Hooton in the criminal court yesterday, but the proceeding placed Hooton little nearer to a solution as to what he should do with SIOO held by him as evidence. Baker said it did not belong to him. Ananias Baker,, who was at the time of the giving of the alleged bribe of SIOO, a member of the state house of representatives, took the SIOO from the accused Baker, as he said, to trap the tobacco lawyer, and later turned the amount over to the state. It was passed down to Hooton by the former prosecutor. Ananias Baker is now dead, and it was for this reason that the case was nolled, O. A. Baker being a fugitive until the death of the principal witness in the case.

EXTOL HIS PRAISES The “Young Knight” Recognizes Ability of Harold Wilcox IN GRAILDOM He Has Held Very Response sible Positions and is a Favorite ■ N The “Young Knight” a periodical published exclusively for the Knights of the Holy Grail, has reached our exchange table, and within its covers is a very interesting sketch of the efficient work of Harold Wilcox, formerly of Decatur, who has figured prominently in the annals of Graildom. The tribute paid to this studious young man is as follows: The state Merlin of Michigan is the above named Harold V. Wilcox, whose likeness appears elsewhere in this issue. Associated with him is his father, the Rev. C. B. Wilcox. The father and the son work together, perhaps the son is the runner-up while the father scores. Both’ have had much experience in the work as they were in charge of the fine castle at Decatur, Ind., and its large success was largely due to their efforts. Here are some of Harold’s adventures and victories: Charter member of Perci--0 vale castle, Decatur, Ind.; first night of the purse (castle went bankrupt); toastmaster at the Percivale castle anniversary banquet, biggest banquet ever carried through in the city; au thor of “The Legend of the Holy Grail” published in the November and December. numbers—a play; knight commander of Percivale castle; captain of castle at the Winona camp; Republican leader in the Percivale senate; joint winner in all debates in which the castle participated; professional Holy Grail booster.

SELECT MANAGER R. D. Myers Will Have Charge of the Decatur Furnace Factory MR. SMITH RESIGNS Mr, Myers and Family Will Arrive from Illinois Within a Few Days Mr. M. S. Smith, who has served as manager of the Decatur Furnace factory for two years past, has resigned and will conclude his duties at that plant some time within the next few weeks. He will be succeeded by Mr. R. D. of Lawrenceville, 111., who will move his family here at once. They have rented the Miss Hattie O’ Studabaker house on Third street just south of the Central school building and will occupy same within a week or two. Mr. Myers is, a native of this county, a brother of John T. Myers of the Myers & Dailey clothing firm, and a son of the late Henry H. Myers. For a number of years he has beep engaged in the oil supply business and for five years past in the supply manufacturing business, in which he has succeeded. He is well fitted for the position and will prove a very valuable man for the place, being a splendid manager and salesman. Mr. Smith has been an industrious and careful manager of the plant while here, and has many friends who will regret to hear that he and his family are contemplating leaving the city. They have not perfected their plans.

The Misses Agnes and Rose Geary arrived home from Cleveland and are the guests of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Geary west of th,© city.

OIROULATteN MOG WEEKLY

Munber 27

HER SON TO BE PAROLED Bluffton Woman Has Been Working Months to Secure This. Bluffton, Ind., July 6—A happy piece of news was received here this morning by Mrs. Nancy Hower, 70, who has been working constantly for the past eighteen months for the parole of her son, Jesse, in the Jeffen sonvllle reformatory, having been confined upon conviction of criminal knowledge and aid in an Illegal operation that resulted in the death of his wife at Fort Wayne. She received word today that the parole prayed for so long had been granted and her son will come home to work on the John Miller farm south of the city. Doctors and others implicated with Hower were never prosecuted. TRAIN THE VOICE ————— 'lj: Prof. Tucker, of Marion, Has Started a Class in Decatur J K i ■ MEN’S CHORUS Will Be Started—the First Meeting Will Be Held Tonight d ■- Mr. Carlisle Tucker, hailing from Marion, Indiana, and reputed a§ one of she best professors of voice culture in this section, is in the city organizing a male chorus. The initial meeting will be held tonight at the office

of Dr. Fred Patterson, at which time the organization will be perfected and a meeting night chosen. Prof. Tucker states that there is some very good talent in this city, which after development, will make the public sit back and take notice. A large number of Decatur gentlemen already pledged themselves as members of the class the actual practice will begin within a very few days. Mr. Tucker will come to this city at least once a week and will devote hfs energies to the advancement of his scholars. Local singers are more than pleased to have the opportunity to obtain instruction here at home and the fee to be charged is exceedingly reasonable. It is expected that at least forty people will be in the class ere the work is well started. As understood now, it is the intention of Prof. Tucker to organize choruses in Bluffton, Huntington and several other towns in the vicinity of Marion, and at certain times each year these several choruses will unite in forming one large chorus to be used in festival work. Just a few weeks ago the chorus which Prof. Tucker has been conducting in Marion sang with the great Thomas orchestra of Chicago, and the reports of their work are very flattering, reflecting great credit upon Mr. Tucker. i o DIED AT CLEVELAND Mrs. Dodane, Mother of Petre Dodane of this City, Buried Today. Mrs. Justine Dodane, widow of Francis Dodane and long a resident of Allen county, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. F. J. Bercot, in Cleveland, 0., on Saturday from the infirmities of age. Mrs. Dodane was 81 years of age. She was born in France, February 22, 1828, and came to America with her parents about, sixty-five years ago. They settled at Louisville, 0., and later moved to Jefferson township, Allen county. Os late years the aged woman had made her home with her daughter, accompanying the latter to Cleveland eighteen months ago, where she had since resided. Besides Mrs. Bercot, the following children survive: Mrs. Felicia Barday of Jackson township; Mrs. Louise Vuillemin, of Sheldon; Mrs. Catherine Cholley, of Louisville, O.; Peter Dodane, of Decatur; Mrs.'Jane Martin, of Monroeville, and Mrs. Elizabeth Arend, of Cecil. Two children preceded her in death. Funeral services from St. John's Catholic church at New Haven Wednesday Sentinel.