Decatur Democrat, Volume 56, Number 12, Decatur, Adams County, 23 March 1911 — Page 3

INSURANCE is wrong. in a debate held by ft Monroe townI school recently on the question Whether or not Ute Insurance was good for mankind, the negatives won L a margin of seven points. With Wlldas Soldner and Paul Gl- , (or the affirmative, and Jacob lelchty aud Menno Leichty representm'g the negative, a hot debate was j.eld. The judges were Rev. Joel. Leh .rum. Fed Bentz and Clinton LehWn’ who gave a decision that Willed the honors to the negatives l,j a margin of seven points. \o hesitancy was noticed in the actions of the debaters in taking the door and the building was crowded long before time for the debate to eommence. The Berne high school quartet rendered several good vocal selections, and the feature of the evening was the numbers presented by Mr. Lehmann and Miss Leichty, which consisted of several old German love warbles, which were received with satisfaction and encore after encore were called for. — o - JOHN DREW IN “SMITH.” Smith." in which John Drew will appear at the Majestic theater on Tuesday, March 21st, is the fifth of W. Somerset Maugham s plays to be presented in this country. The ones already seen here are “Lady Frederick. made well known by Ethel Barrymore: “Jack Straw,” in which Mr. Drew appeared; “Mrs. Dot,” presented with Billie Burke, and "Penelope,” in which Marie Tempest appeared both in America and England. Mr. Maugham is at the present time the most prolific and most popular of Eng lish authors. He is now working on a comedy called “Loaves and Fishes,” which will be produced by Charles Frohman as were the other pieces mentioned. "Smith” has been universally conceded the best thing he has yet done. It is a play with a purpose, but absolutely free from sermonizing, and it offers Mr. Drew the finest part be has had in a long time. o HEARD BILLY SUNDAY. Rev. I. Imler of the United Brethren church returned Friday evening from Lima, Ohio, where he visited relatives and attended the revival conducted by Evangelist Billy Sunday. Billy Sunday has been conducting services there four weeks, and expects to continue two weeks longer. The services are conducted in a large tabernacle holding 7,000 people and the tent is full and running over at every service. During the past four weeks there have been 2,200 conversions. o That the diplomas to be used this year by the Decatur high school will be attractive ana ot the latest design, and one which eaca member of the ilass can preserve for years to come, was seen Friday, when the order was placed Mr. R. C. Kantz, representative of the W. M. Welch Manufacturing company, of Chicago, was in the city Friday and paid a visit to the schools and talked the matter over with the class. They soon made their decision from the selection carried by Mr. Kantz and agreed upon the same style of diplomas as were used by the class of 1910. It is known as a book diploma and of the latest pattern manufactured. They will follow out the high school colors, which are Purple and gold, the back being of a Purple unfinished kid, with letters of gold, giving the pupil's name, title of •chool and city. The inside of the outer cover will also be highly finished in satin to correspond with the outer leaf, while the diploma will be of white sheepskin. Taken as a whole the diploma will be one of the prettiest ever used by any preceding class snd will be an elegant piece of work for time to come. The class this year is composed of eighteen members and the graduation exercises will be held on the evening of May 26th. Already much preparation has been given for the happy occasion and the closing of this years’ class will be up to the top notch in every respect. Yesterday and today were banner ones for the hardware firm of Schaub & Gottemoller, and from the size of the crowds which have been attending their place or business during that ’■me they certainly have been doing a large volume of business, and from the report of the proprietors they are more than pleased with the patronage which they have enjoyed during these two days. At 2:30 p. m. Friday a twenty-six piece set of Rogers silverware was given away absolutely free t° the party holding the lucky numt’or, which was awarded to Mr. Emil idler of Route 5, who was delighted with the beautiful and useful present which he obtained. The store was crowded to its utmost capacity dur-1 ln g die entire day, and the doors had t° be kept closed so as to accommodate tUFUrowd inside. Another drawlng took place this afternoon at 2:30 p - ®., when a high upholstered rocker wa® given away absolutely free. Dur-

ing the two days the firm has disposed | °f two car load, of buggies and carriage. and had to carry an extra force of clerks in adltion to the ten salesmen which were in the city at the time displaying their line of goods and having charge of the sale. Fowler, Ind., March 18—(Special to Daily Democrat I—On information furnished by his son, John W. Poole, a farmer living near here, was arrested last night, charged with the murder of Joseph Kemper, a farm hand. According to the story told by Poole's son, Emery. Kemper and Poole often quarreled. In December, 1909, Kemper disappeared and he discovered blood stains on the kitchen floor. The son said that previous to this another farm hand had disappeared under similar circumstances. He told the detective that he believed Kemper's body had been buried somewhere on the farm, but a search failed to produce it. Young Poole declares that he gave the detective the information fearing his father would kill him and his mother in one of his rages. Cleveland, Ohio, March 18—(Special to Daily Democrat) —Former Mayor Tom L. Johnson is in a critical condition and it is feared he is dying at his home here. After a relapse Wednesday his family were summoned from New York and today Johnson has been unconscious. He has been ill for several months. BURNED TO DEATH. (United Press Service.) Boston, Mass., March 18 —(Special to Daily Democrat) —As a result of a fire which started in a tenement bouse in the southern part of the city at an early hour this morning four persons are known to have ben burned to death during the burning of the building. The dead includes two negro women, a thirteen-year-old daughter of one and an infant of the other. o , William Harden, who last August celebrated his eighty-fourth birthday anniversary, and who has been one of the prominent farmers of Union township for much more than a half century, passed away at noon Saturday at his home northeast of the city. Ten days ago Mr. Harden suffered an attacx of paralysis which his strength, impaired by the ravages of extreme old age, was unable to withstand, and his spirit, which has been hovering on the dividing line between time and eternity for the several past days, winged itself today noon to the eternal home. Mr. Harden leaves an aged wife and several children to whom his death is a grievous sorrow. The children are Louis, residing in Michigan; Mrs. Anna May, George. William and Mont, at Bluffton; Ross, of Union township; Mrs. Willis Cassiday of Spencerville, Ohio; and Edna Burger, at home. MEASLES ON INCREASE. That the measles epidemic, which for several weeks has been raging in the city, is still on the increase is evidenced from the fact that Dr. H. E. Keller, the secretary of the board of health, has completely run out of yellow cards. He had a number on hand and only a week or so ago ordered more printed, and these are all tacked up on quarantined homes. Just as soon as some are released, others are quarantined, and more new cases are coming to his notice nearly evrey day. Some of the cases are very serious, while others are on the Improve, but taking kt all together, it is thought all will wme out from the epidemic without any loss of life. Results from the recent examination held in this city for the postmastership of Monroe, succeeding E, W. Johnson, resigned, have been received, and Otis O. Hocker, of that town, who received the highest grade, will probably be commissioned postmaster, though the commission has net yet been received. It will probably be given in time for him to begin his new duties April Ist. The following were the candidates and the grades received by them: Otis O. Hocker, 94.05: Will Smith, 90.9; H. D. Osterman, 90.78; O. V. Graham, 87.35. The retiring postmaster is E. W. Johnson, who has served three years In this capacity. He has not yet fully decided upon his future plans, but is considering going to Gary to reside. The new man for the postmastership is a brother of C. E. Hocker, deputy postmaster of the Decatur postoffice. That "Sorrows come not as single spies, but in battalions" seems to be a sad fact in the family of Lase Graham, for many years residents of this city, but who for the past six or seven years, have been residents of Marion. Just one week ago today word was received in this city that their daughter, Mrs. Stella Weesner, had died in the hospital at Marion on the day before, Friday, March 10th, and now Mrs. Fred Linn has received a message from the mother, Mrs. Graham, stating that she yesterday had receijj

ed a dispatch from New Mexico that I their son, John, who had been in the standing army, had died in the hospital there. No details were known by the mother, but these will follow soon in k letter to her. Mrs. Graham stated, however, that the remains wqpld be brought either to the former home here for burial, or to Geneva, where Mrs. Graham's relatives reside. John will be well remembered here, the greater part of his life having been spent in this city. He was about twenty-six years of age, being the second son of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Graham were prominent members of the Decatur 1.0.0. F. and Rebekah lodges, respectively, and their acquaintance here is large. o— — It is seldom in this well regulated world that a man gets more than he asked for, but that is what happened to Charles E. Estell in his suit against himself as administrator of his father’s estate, on a claim of 8624. The jury retiree at 5:30 and came in at 10, the verdict read Saturday, giving Estell $750. For nearly two years Charles had cared for his father and this suit was for the allowance of his claim for those services, one of the heirs objecting. Peterson & Moran represented the plaintiff. Hooper & Lenhart filed a new case, Ellis & Fleming vs. Ransom Smith, damages, $l5O. Plaintiffs are commission merchants at Cincinnati and defendant sold them a load of corn. Plaintiff paid for corn as first class, but afterwards found it to be unsound, they allege, and now sue for damages. A marriage license was issued to Nathan Meschberger, 26, laborer, to Ossie Mosure, 20, daughter of John Mosure. — ——O ' SUNDAY SCHOOL CONTEST ON. Besides the Epworth League contest, there is also a contest on between the Sunday schools of the Wayne street M. E. church of Fort Wayne and the Decatur church. Last Sunday the day was rainy, but there were 176 present at the Decatur M. E. Sunday school, and only 163 at the Ft. Wayne church school. ■■■- 1 IT — * The commencement exercises proper this year for the graduating class of the Decatur high school, will again include an address, the able Dr. E. H. Lindley, heao o’ the department of philosophy of Indiana University, having been engaged for this address. The graduating class this year includes eighteen members and their part in the commencement exercises, as on former occasions, where a commencement lecture is given, will be in the preceding eventsof commencement week. Dr. Lindley is a very able speaker, as well as a thoroughly educated man, and his address will be one of the leading educational features of the year, the hearing of which will be a rare privilege for Decatur audiences. The commencement will be held this year, May 26th. o MR. SHERRY ILL. Jacob Sherry, of Route 10, who for several weeks has been in very poor health, remains about the same, and seems to make but very little change either way. For nearly two years his health has been declining, owing to his heavy labors performed during his younger manhood career, and although but fifty-nine years of age his strength is rapidly failing him. His many friends wish for him a speedy recovery. o RUSH AT HITE’S GROCERY. The Sam Hite store on Winchester street was the scene of busy endeavor this morning between the hours of 9 and 11 o’clock, with a store full of customers. The clerks could not fill the orders on account of the heavy xush which occurred. One man on the outside was kept busy carrying baskets of eggs and 2,300 dozen were taken in by 12 o’clock. Over fifty rigs were hitched awaiting their load of groceries and many of the customers were forced to wait outside until someone came out of the store so that they could get in. Ten clerks are working and no orders have been made ready for city delivery on account of having to wait on the people present. SLOWLY IMPROVING. Mrs. Stewart of Root Township, Sick Since September, improving. Mrs. Joseph Stewart of Root township, who since last September, has been very’ sick at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John A. Mumma, with what is known as Entehocoele, is now able to walk from one room to another. An Improvement to this stage had been expected some time previous, but owing to a temporary relapse, which overtook her, made her improvement very slow. The first notice of her Illness was last September, from which she slightly recovered, going to the home of her pa»nts

for a visit, when she suffered another relapse. Since that time her condition has not been the best and her recovery very sl®w. It is now thought by those in charge that unless something unforseen sets in she will get along from now on all right with the proper care and attention. Saturday’s Fort Wayne JournalGazette said: “A larger number of corporations have been formed and tiled with the secretary of state since January Ist last than durins any similar period of time in the history of that office. During the brief tenure of office, from January 1, 1911, to the present time, of Lew Ellingham of Decatur as secretary of state, has broken all records for activity in the state in forming new corporations. Mr. Ellingham, who was in Fort Wayne last night en route from Indianapolis to his old home at Decatur, stated that already $55,000 in fees for the filing of papers have been received by his office since the first of the year. "Everything points to a record year in the history of the office of the secretary of state. The corporation business naturally takes procedure over all else in the office, and from it the state realises a large sum. The largest fee paid the state this year to date has been that paid in by the reorganized Studebaker company of South Bend. This fee was over $15,000. The Fort. Wayne & Northern Indiana Traction company of Fort Wayne, comes second with a fee of SB,OOO for its reincorporation. “Secretary Ellingham stated while here that the last proof for the published proceedings ol the general assembly, the acts of 1911, left the office of the secretary of state yesterday afternoon for the printer. This completes the voluminous work of the office in compiling and getting together the laws passed by the legislature. The acts will be ready for distribution about April Ist. “The acts of 1911 will form one of the largest, if not the largest, volume of laws ever published by an Indiana general assembly. It will have over 800 pages and will include 292 Laws, the number passed by the recent session at Indianapolis. It is said the book will be larger than the acts of 1905. which included the new cities and towns laws. By comparison, it is noted that the acts of 1909 took up 500 printed pages and included 189 acts. Secretary Ellingham's office has yet to compile an index of the new laws, and this will require several days. “Mr. Ellingham was returning home to attend the funeral of one of his long-time friends, the late Attorney R. S. Peterson, who died Thursday, and will be buried Sunday.” TAKE IN FIVE. Star of Bethlehem Enjoy a Pleasant Evening. The Star of Bethlehem lodge held a very interesting session at their lodge room Friday evening, when a class of five members were taken into the ranks of the lodge. A good attendance was on hand to witness the work and which was carried out in a very satisfactory manner. Another class will be taken in next week, applications for same having been already signed up and ready for the conferring of the work. Thrs organization has been in this city only three months, but during this short course of time, Iras done excellent work in the bringing together of a large class. — - o OPENING OF NEW SCHOOL. Fred V. Milts, A. H Sellemeyer and O. L. Vance of the city -school board, with others, have received programs for the opening of the new Fort Wayne school house, known as the James Smart building, -which will occur March 23rd, from two to five. The building is one of the most handsome in the state, and built up-to-the-dot. A particularly fine feature is the fact that the windows are built all on one side, and that side is practically all glass, giving lighting facilities according to the present day standard. Mr Mills, with others, had the pleasure of going through the entire building recently, and all expressed the wish that Decatur might have just such an one. o In the still air the music Hes unheard. In the rough marble beauty hides unseen. To make the music and tlhe beauty needs The Master's touch, the sculptor’s chisel keen. Great Master, touch us with thy skillful hand, Let not the music that is in us die! Great Sculptor, hew and polish us, nor let Hidden and lost, thy form within us lie. —Bonar. Miss Agnes. Gillig entertained the Needlecraft ’girls, with Miss Nina Reed as a guest, In a delightful way , Friday evening at her home on First

street, sewing being laid aside to devote the evening to amusements and entertainments, in keeping with the St. Patrick's Day. Hirst of all, there was a contest In which questions Wfre to be asked in Irish brogue, the person answering being required to answer in any other words than plain “yes” or "no” under penalty of forfeiting a button, six buttons being given each one for forfeits. The winner was the one who closed with the least number of buttons. Then came an Irish potato race, and the telling ol Irish stories. A luncheon, nieely served In two courses, carrying out the color scheme of green in the menu, was an item of pleasure. Favors were sugared cakes in the form of Irish pipes, tied with emerald green ribbons. During the luncheon papers on which were written Irish stories, the papers being cut fn two parts, were read and matched, the partners thus found, being required to compose a "blarney verse” to each other. Miss Sue Mayer will be the next Thursday evening hostess. Rev. D. O. Wise has returned from Ridgeville, where he visited with his parents and other relatives and officiated at the wedding of his cousin, Miss Dora Smithson, who last Tuesday evening became the bride of Orval Rust. The wedding took place Tuesday evening at 8 o’clock at the home of the bride's parents, the couple standing under an archway from which were suspended snow-white bells, and where the beautiful ceremony that made them one, was read by the Rev. Wise. Festoonlngs of green and white, with white bells, were tastefully used in beautifying the home. Seventy guests witnessed the wedding and enjoyed the delicious dinner that followed. Many beautiful and costly presents were received. Thursday evening at 6 o’clock at the home of Rev. and Mrs. Horace Kohne, at Willshire, Ohio, occurred the wedding of Forest O. DeOrmand of Salem and Miss Hazel M. Myers of Mercer county, Ohio. Both are highly esteemed and their future pathway will be strewn with the best wishes of all. A festive St. Patrick’s Day party was that given Friday evening at the D. B. Erwin home on North Second street by the Misses Ireta Erwin and Frances Cole for the junior class of the high school, with a few other friends. The decorations were appropriate, the parlor being given over to the class colors —maroon and gold—and the reception room to the high school colors of purple and gold, .n the form of streamers and festoons from walls and chandeliers, while the dining room was in festive green array in honor of St. Patrick. This -.v.t perhaps the most beautiful room ol all. The green festoonings were brought from the walls to the chandeliers and from the chandeliers to the corners of the table, which v.a.; honored with the punch bowl, from which, during the evening, this refreshing drink was dispensed by Mi - Gladys McMillen of Pleasant Mills and Miss Mary Erwin. All sorts of Irish contests and amusements were called into play. Caere was a potato race In which Paul Myers won first prize, and a drawing contest in which each was required to draw the picture of an rrtshman, and in which William Bowers came out with flying colors. Then there was a comic auction, with Lynn Shoemaker playing the part of auctioneer with perfection, bringing the proverbial "high dolla-.” Music and dancing were also enjoyed and a luncheon, carrying out the season’s colors in the menu, was served by the P. F. F, girls. Those present of the juniors were Helen Fonner, Zelda Snitz, Ruth Baltzell, Orpha Sheets, Gladys Kern, Blanche McCrory, Velma L,oniiart, Naomi Dugan, William Bowers, Virgil Krick, Edgar Vancfl, Sherman Beery, Sim Burke, Dallas Elzey, Paxil Myers, Gregg Neptune; of the teachers, the Misses Schrock, Williams and Smith; and other friends, Irene Smith, Alice Dailey, Lyn® Shoexnaker, Lulu Atz, Carl and Don Smttb and Gladys McMillen. There were certainly "high faluten dean’s" last Thursday at the home of J. W. Brodbeck, southeast of the city, where a number of ladies of the neighborhood gathered to assist at a quilting, and both needles and tongues were kept going some during the entire day. The grand climax came at noon, when a sumptuous repast was served, to which each guest did ample Justice. Al! departed at the close of the day, feeling that the occasion had been a grand success. Those present were Mrs. E. W. Dailey, Mrs. George Koos, Mrs. W. O. Bigham, Mrs. Henry Foreman. Mrs. W. H. Brodbeck, Mrs. C. W. Brodbeck and Miss Clara Shell. Q - —— The Scout idea has sprung up spontaneously all over America. In Canadian cities the Boy Scouts are in the thousands'.- In the United States tofrns and cities are being swept by th® idea. Gangs of boys are to be seen on every nan a aoing their best

to Scout-craft, “doing a good turn every day to some one" and getting fun out of It. Prominent business men and our leading educators are behind the movement, and a popular organization that needs no equipment is filling a big gap in the recreational education of the boyhood of America. Great as has been the success ot the Boy Scouts fn England, America, with its vast stretches of territory, woods and streams, furnishes a promise for a greater. The Aim of the Boy Scouts. The alm of the Boy Scouts Is to supplement the various existing educational agencies, and to promote the ability in boys to do things for themselves and others. The method is summed up in the term Scout-craft, and is a combination of observation, deduction and handiness—or the ability to do. Scout-craft consists of first aid, life saving, tracking, signaling, cycling, nature study, seamanship and other Instructions. This is accomplished in games and team-play, and is pleasure, not work, for the boy. The only equipment it needs is the out-of-doors, a group of boys and a leader. The Scout’s Oath. Before he becomes a Scout a boy must take the Scout's oath, thus: “On my honor I promise that I will do my best: “1. To do my duty to God and my country. "2. To help other people at all times. “3. To obey the Scout Law." The Scout’s Salute and Sign. When taking this oath the Scout will stand, holding his right hand raised level with his shoulder, palm to the front, thumb resting on the nail of the little finger, and the other three fingers upright, pointing upwards. "This is the Scout’s Salute. "When the hand is raised shoulder high, it is called, the half-salute. "When raised to the forehead it is the full salute. The three fingers held up (like the three points of the Scout's badge) remind him of his three promises in the Scout’s oath.” There are three classes of Scouts — the Tenderfoot, Second and Firstclass Scout, and each boy coming into the organization must become a Firstclass Scout before he can wear the First-class Scout badge, and in order to do this he must pass through three examinations, such as: Know the Scout’s oath and laws. Know the composition of the American flag and the right to fly it. Tie four knots out of seven. Elementary first aid and bandaging. Some knowledge of signaling. Track a half mile in twenty-five minutes at Scout’s pace. Lay and light a fire, not using more than two matches. Now these are | some of the things that the Scout must know and he is taught a great many others.

The Scout's Law. 1. A Scout's honor is to be trusted. 2. A Scout is loyal to his country, ■ his officers, his parents and his eraI ployers. | 3. A Scout's duty is to be useful ' and help others. 4. A Scout is a friend to all and a brother to every other Scout, no matter to what social class the other belongs. A Scout must never he a snob. 5. A Scout is courteous. 6. A Scout is a friend to animals. 7. A Scout obeys orders of his parents, patrol leader, or Scout-master without question. 8. A Scout smiles and whistles under all circumstances. 8. A Scout is thrifty. Scout’s motto: “Pe prepared.” - Scout-Master. The Scout-master is the adult leader of a troop. A troop consists of three or more patrols. The Scout-master can begin with one patrol. He must have a deep interest in bpys, be genuine in his life, have the ability to lead and command the boys' respect and obedience and possess some knowledge of boys’ ways. He need not be an expert on Scout-craft. The good Scout-master will discover experts on Scoutcraft, or for the various activi-. ties. -w The writer is in charge of the boys in Fort Wayne and desires the co operation of towns in the counties surrounding Allen and would be pleased to receive letters of applies tion for Scout-master in this city. These letters should state your business, previous experience with boys and two references. Th's letter mall ed to Edwin T. Jackson, Scout maste’ - Troop 1, Fort Wayne, No. 802 W. DeWald street. Fort Wayne, Ind., will receive prompt attention. ■ FUNERAL SERVICES. At 1 o'clock this afternoon at the Grove church east of the city took place the funeral of William Harden, whose death occurred on Saturday, shortly after the noon hour. A number of friends and many relatives from this city and Bluffton were in attendance and the church . • was thronged with people paying their last respects. Interment took place at the, Maplewood cemetery.