Democratic Press, Volume 1, Number 34, Decatur, Adams County, 6 June 1895 — Page 1

THE DEMOCRATIC PRESS.

VOLUME I.

THE COUNCIL Have Performed the Last Sad Rites Upon Dr. Trout and His Little Injunction Water works are assured regardless of Dr. Trout. The National Bank stepped in and took the bonds of the Decatur Water M orks Company in the amount which the cityproposed to issue when Dr. Trout introduced his injunction proceedings. The Decatur Water Works Company has been organized, with G. Christen, Jno. T. France, L. M. Howe, J. T. Merryman, F. M. Schirmeyer, L. C. Miller, C. A. Dugan and the City of Decatur as stockholders. The council at an adjourned meeting yesterday granted to the Decatur Water Works Company, a franchise of the streets and alleys to enable them to put in the plant. The city, however, re served the right to buy the plant from the water works company. This company, at a meeting held at the gas office last evening, sold to Fais >n Leech & Co., of Chicago, first mortgage bonds in the sum of §35,000, and to the Howe Pump A Engine Company of Indianapolis, §3,500 second mortgage bonds, and to tlie Decatur National Bank §15.000 second mortgage bonds. The water works company then contracted with the Howe Pump & Engine Co. of Indianapolis, for the construction of the plant in accordance with the plans and specifications adopted by the city. Contract price §63,500. I nder the arrangements made the second mortgage bonds will fall due first and be paid off before any of the first mortgage bonds become due. After the completion of the plant under present arrangements the city has the option of purchasing it, and the cost price at that time will be about §SOO. Os course if the city purchases the plant, and of course she will, it will be subject to these bonds. The city will pay off the bonds by paying hydrant rental on 91 hydrants at §65 each pei year for six years, and after that §55 per hydrant per year. At that rate the city will own the plant, free from mortgage, iu about sixteen years. These payments can be made without increasing taxation, except probably for the first two years. The increase, however, need not be great. The common council of this c ; ty, deserves a medal, and the National Bank deserves two medals. R. R. Bradford and George M. Christenan of Geneva, were callers at our sanctum while in town Monday, and of course both unhinged themselves from sufficient lucre to entitle them to the Press and all the news.

H. Max Romberg is putting in a new pneumatic tired phaeton and several new buggies, as well as a fresh assortment of- horses iu his livery stable. lie is fixing to take care of his custom trade in a manner that can’t help but please those who patronize him. An affidavit has been filed iu the county clerk’s office by John S. Hines against Isaac N. O'Neal. _ It seems that both are undertakers, and at one time were in partnership in the business at Portland. They afterwards dissolved, Hines buying O'Neal’s interest and good wiil. as well as agreement that the latter should not engage iu the business at Portland. After that O’Neal opened up in the business ness again, contrary to promises and agreement, so at the November term of our circuit court an injunction —similar to our waterworks injunction —was served on O Neal, enjoininghimfromfurther engaging in the business, but so far he has turned his blind ear to that injunction, and this affidavit will bring him into court for contempt in disobeying its judicial orders.

The Winchester Democrat has been purchased by Garland 1). Williamson, who will hence forth become its editorial manipulator. George Shaft and Sam Diehl of Craigville, were pleasant callers at this office Saturday, at which time Sam recorded the usual amount of fun for the boys. The Pennville Gazette makes the startling announcement that they have more material on hands than they need. Surely there never were such fortunate fellows as those Gazetters. The normal school to be eon ducted by Teachers Walt* rs and Winans in this city, will open about June 15. Both of these gen-' tiemen are good instructors, and hme’s hoping the normal will be a spankin’ success. The horse of L.D. Adams took a short run last Friday morning, in the melee spilling Lloyd and Will Schrock along the street. The animal was caught and returned tothe boys before any damage was done to either manor beast. Those famous Zerkle triplets have been to Bluffton, where they i created more curious excitement than Barnum could unearth. Wells ‘county soil doesn’t produce such handsome feminity nor such quantities. Adams leads them all. Kirkland township produced a runaway that resulted in badly ; fracturing several bones for Miss McCune, and also John Elzy. lhe recovery of the young lady is some what doubtful. This is one more sad reminder that such needless foolishness is not a necessity. Julius Hough of Union township, with his assistants Noah Murphy and lid Oman, have just completed the abutments for a bridge across Three Mile creek in Hartford township, and return' d home Saturday. Julius is i hustlerat mason work, doing strictly first class, honest work. The new eases filed at the county clerk’s office since last week include Martha A. Stewart, executrix, vs. John Andrews, et al., on note. Martha A. S'ewart, executrix, vs. John F. Lochot, et al., on note. Lyman Rowe et al., vs Chasper N. Langet al., on account. The Northern Indiana Oil Company vg. William Shoemaker; injuneti >n. Many' of our people personally know Emerson Kern, who at one time was a merchant in Geneva. The daily papers Sunday gave an account of him stabbing a brother, whom he fairly disembowelled in his frantic effort to revenge himself. The brother was accused of being too intimate with Emerson’s wife, the facts of which we know i nothing about. The class reception at the central school building was attended hy two hundred guests. The high school rooms were prettily decorated with blooming plants, and formed a pleasant reception hall. Refreshments were served in the superintendent’s office, and cool draughts of lemonade were ofiered in the reception rooms. The orchestra dispensed sweet music in the hall, which added much to the enjoyment of the evening. Announcement cards have been received here making public the marriage of B. R. Waite and Miss Lulu Meeks both of Geneva. The marriage was consumated while they were visiting relatives in Michigan some time ago, the same being kept a profound secret until the cards were issued. The bride has been a teacher in the Geneva public schools for ten years, while the groom is the successful manager of Waite & Go’s clothing house. The Press extends congratulations. A farmer writes that he feels about this way: “It’s scarcely any wonder that lines are on my brow; it's hard to make alivingas things are going now. I plant nice pota toes and sit down to watch them grow then comes a frost and lays them low. 1 plant some little seedlets to raise some succotash; my neighbor's hens comes and knock them all to smash. I had an arbor iu which to snooze and rest, a cow came in and climed it and sent it galley west. I bought a dozen egglets(they cost so much I cried; jthey hatched a lonely chicken, and it went off and died. The insects ate the cabbage, the worms have nailed the corn, my sheep are wild and wooly, my cow has lost a horn. My pig has got the ineasels and squeals unseemly tunes: my geese are hunting water, and I am full of prunes.

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 1895.

Mrs. Judge Heller entertained a number of her lady friends with a i dinner party Monday evening. An ' enjoyable time is reported. i Francis W.Beery and Hattie Cus 1 eer, Ernest Krickenberger and Em 1 ma Boenke, Barney E Weisman- 1 tel and Rose Gass, conclude the marriage record for the past week. The city council of Decatur at a ' special meeting Tuesday af'ernoon declared the water works question off, and for the present it will so re- 1 main. They are very- ancient in ' the Adams connty metropolis.— Portland ('ommercial. It has been said thatnitro-glycer- !' ine is being occasionally hauled through this city. Whether there ' is any ordinance laws upon this subject we know not, but some j thing should be done to put a quietus upon such a dangerous pro- , ceeding. The illustrated advertisements of EhingerA Meyt rs running in this paper have caused no little talk and comment around town. They have created a general curiosity to see the celebrated “H.B. & M.” cloth ing on exhibition at Ehinger & Meyers store. Work has already began upon the improvement ofthe buildingfor the Auten furniture store which has lo i rated itself just south of this office. Mr. Auten has associated himself with James Gay of < ,oshen and together they will bid for furniture trade besi 'es carry ing a full stock : of undertaking goods. A paper is in circulation the purpose of which is the organization of a base ball club. The plan is to issue of season tickets to all games, ■ the amount to be paid is five dollars the same payable when the club first organizes. The plan seems all right and if one hundred names can be secured, the club will be a sure ■enough winner. The report of the grand lodge Knight of Pythias shows their membership in the state to be 34. 507. They paid out for sick benefits during IS9I, §56,461.41, funeral benefits §13,043.13. other relief §l4669.75, education of orphans§3,3l9IS, —which foots a total for relief during the yearof §87,493.57. .1. E. Watson was chosen as a supreme lodge representative. Richard Dick Erwin has been reappointed county attorney for one year. The appointment was made jin commissioner’s court JTuesday. < >ur comity dadsshowed their usual jgood judgment in that appointment, as Dick is a yard wide and all wool. Cigars flowed freely around the auditor’s office Tuesday, at the 'spense of the new county attorney. Pressman Freel of the Marion Morning News, was a visitor in the city over Sunday, and casually remarked that the Democratic Press was the finest printed newspaper that reached their exchange table. This is saying a good deal but the truth is mighty and will prevail. We possess good type, good presses and good printers, a combination that is wholly necessary to good printing.

Our readers will remember Ed Potts who lived here a few years ago. Ed is express messenger from San Francisco to Los Angeles, Cal., and a few days ago while the train was running forty miles per hour a trunk handle gave way and Ed was precipitated out of the ear door. He ploughed up some of mother earth and broke down a few panels of fence, but received no damage himself. A little arnica on his elbow, which he used as a plo.i, was all that was necessary. His co employees now style him “The Rubber man of California.” Auditor France and deputy have completed their distribution of fi nance to the various townships,city and town corporations, from all sources, giving to Union township §2,048.60, Root §2,640.63, Washihgton §4,455.90, Preble §l,928.95, Kirkland §2,719.65, St. Alary’s §1,908. 19, Blue Creek §l- - Monroe §3,296.24, French §2,392.65, Hartford §2,782.28, Wabash § 1,301.85, Jefferson §1,95071, Decatur corporation §7,825.65, Decatur schools §6,676.26, Geneva corporation §1,002,21, Geneva school §1,593.92, Berne corporation §1,157.34, Berne school §1,917.30, making a total of §52, 507.70. The amount received from the state school fund exceeds by §2,500 the amount received last year, making that much more money to distribute among the school funds of the county.

The Monroeville brass band furnished music here Decoration Day. The boys are old hands at the business and played some very excellent music. That evening they serenaded several of our people, who in re- J turn did the proper thing. The gravel road men were heard Monday there being §131.25 expended on the Reynold gravel road. Aaron Bricker was allowed §421.57 Tim Gofiingan §267.49, George M. ] Christman §379,07, David Eckrote §57.33, aad Nathan Hillery §35. Decatur’s prospective water works are no more as a restraining order was granted by Judge Heller, Tuesday which practically put a quietus on the project. What use 1 has Decatur for water works any- ' way with twenty-two saloons in the ' town! —Geneva Herald. J. S. Coverdale, Lou Miller, ; ■ Thomas Auten, Henry Wiunes, ; Milt Byers, Craig Miller, Charles t F. True, J. B. Ford, Rev. E. T. . Gregg, C. M. France, Godfrey Christen and Gus Gregory repre \ seated the Masons ot this city at the funeral of John North at Bluff- , ton Monday. The time is now ripe for the smel- : ling committee to nosearound some i of these back alleys and then see if ■ there wouldn't be some improvement in cleaning same. '1 here is sufficient filth in some of these alleys to make a human sick for a life time. Clean up and you shall be ; whiter than the driven snow in June. Cashier Allison and Dr. Thomas and wives were serenading some of their friends the other evening. Their musical echos harmoniously blended during the stillness of the night, and the treat was worth an admission fee any time. The Press editor awakened during the midst of “Anneta”, for the rendition of which we humbly bow our gracious thanks. At Warren, they have religious hugging socials to swell the treas- ; ury, andthefollowingscaleofprices have been adopted: girls under 16 years, 15 cents a hug of two minutes, or 10 centsashort squeeze; from • 15 to 20 y ears, 50 cents; from 20 to 25 years, 75 cents; schoolmarms, 40 ■ cents; another man's wife, §1.00; ! widows from 10 cents to §3.00; old ! maids, 3 cents apiece or two for a , nickel, no time limited. —Ex. ■ While walking up the street the . other day a lady (?) noticed that the I editor's pants were ripped and at once called the attention of another lady to it by making fun of us. We desire to state to that lady that a . new pair will be purchased as soon as her husband calls and pays his delinquent subscription account [ with this paper. We need another ■ pair of pants and will appreciate all money due us. Churubusco Truth. ; The Council last Tuesday evening approved the contract and bond of ■ Rooison, Gillig <N Co., for the mac- ‘ adamizing of West Monroe Street. • City Attorney Mann was instructed ’ so settle the case of Trout vs the 1 City, if a satisfactory adjust ment could be made. A petition was filed by the residents on North I Seventh 8 reet asking the council > to put in a new pump in the public i well on that street. John E. Kern , was elected school trustee of the, i city for three years to succeed Har i ry Miesse. Twelve ballots were s taken, eleven ballots resulted; J. E. Kern three, D.F. Quinn two, and 'i A. Van Camp one. The twelfth >' ballot resulted Kern three, Quinn I ■ three, and Mayor Quinn cast the ■ • deciding vote in favor of Kern, and ii declared him elected. ' | Three thousand people were in the city last Thursday devoting ■ themselves to the proper observance J of Decoration Day. The program as printed in this paper was car- ’ ried out in full, lhe graves of all I the heroic vets who have passed in - to ranks in that world above, were , properly- covered with flowers. - Ritual services and address by Rev. . Kain of Monroeville, was held at - the court house at 1:30. The adi dress was a patriotic and commem- . orativeone, highly pleasing the G. A. R. members, as well as many , others who listened to the same. II In line of march were the drum i corps, school children of the city ) ; and teachers, martial band, Wom- , J ans Relief Corps, Grand Army, Sons e ! of Veterans, American Mechanics, e; Odd Fellows, Monroeville Cornet e j Band,Catholic Knights and Militia, g The day was observed in a most pae ' triotic fashion, and everybody par- - ticipating therein felt repaid for i their trouble.

CLASS OF ’95. T 1 I 15th Annual Commence- * ment a Grand Success. « i Largest Class in the IJis- « torv of the School. J j X The fifteenth annual commencement of the Decatur High .School x occurred at the M. E. church. Fri- | day evening. May 31. Promptly x at 7:45 o'clock the class, teachers and Board of Education and the ~ speakers, headed by Supt. A. D. *' Moffett, entered the church and , took their place upon the rostrum J and seats reserved for them. Theclass was composed of twentyone. The sixteen young ladies ' were simply and appropriately ‘ dressed in white India linen, and:' with the five young men presented 1 a picture of unadorned youthful J grace much admired by- the large j audience that attended theexercises in spiteof the intensely hot weather. 1 After music by the orchestra. Rev. j Gregg offered an eloquent prayer, 1 which was followed by another musical selection. D'French Quinn then delivered an address in which he told the purposes and pleasures of an alumni association, and made an appeal to resident alumni to revive ami maintain the organization. Mr. Quinn is a very- pleasing speaker, and received merited applause. The class address which. : according to the unanimous wish of the class, took the place of the usual oration, was given by George Emory Fellows, Ph. D., Professor of European History in the Indiana University. His subject was the growth of the idea of civil rights, and the address, though somewhat marred by the abridgement made necessary by circumstances, was scholarly and suited to the occasion. He showed that the first I idea of civil rights was attained when man rose far enough above barbarism to respect the right to! life. The next step was made when men conceded the right to liberty, after the hard fought battles of the American revolution and civil war. ! The third step, not yet accomplish- | ed, will be made when the right! to labor is admitted. Some of the problems touching the ques- | tion of civil rights that arenow demanding solution iu Eu-! ( rope, he said, are standing arm- ! | ies and a state church; and in the United States, the equalization ofj taxation and the tyranny of majori ties. In closing the exercises Supt. Moffett gave a brief report of the progress of the schools during the j past three years, and urged pa rents to keep their children in; school until the high school course was completed. With a feeling of deep earnestness he spoke of the constant effort made by the instructors iu the high school to lead the pupils to a high idea of life, and in presenting the diplomas ad monished the class to press forward toward the ideal life, the example for which is found in Christ. COMMENCEMENT NOTES. M. C. Thomas of Gas City, ati tended commencement. Miss Morrow of Bluffton, came over to see her friend Miss Grace Miller graduate. The class of ’95 made a veryhandsome appearance on the ros tram, and the compliments they j received were many. One very- commendable feature ofthe commeucement exercises—on account of the extremely hot i weather—was its brevity. The exercises were not annoyed ' by the small boy, as is usually the j case upon such occasions. The i very best of order was maintained. Dr. Fellows spent an hour at the . I reception, and expressed himselfas | very highly pleased with the class ’ of'9s. • ■ Notwithstanding their sprains . and bruises, caused by a runaway 5 accident Friday morning, Earl Adams ami Will Schrock were on t the rostrum and at the reception. . I The music furnished by Hart's - orchestra, at the graduating exer- - cises and reception of the class, r was excellent. They should be liberally patronized by our people.

NUMBER 34

The class of '95 was composed of sixteen young ladies and five young gentlemen—twenty-one in all. What town the size of Decatur can beat it? We doubt if there is one in Indiana. Take the advice of Superintendent Moffett. It was excellent. “Do something; set up an ideal life and work for it.” Miss Cora Gottschalk of Berne, came up to see her friend. Miss Sada Hale, receive her diploma. Mesdames Herman Holbrockand J. C. Peters of Fort Wayne, were visiting Jacob Schafer ami wife during commencement. Misses Nellie Spangler of Fort Wayne, and May Smith of Williamsport, came to see their friend Miss Dollie Schafer graduate. Miss Blanche Dicks of Lebanon, arrived Thursday to attend commencement and visit her friend Miss Sopha Mangold, who was a member of the graduating class. The members of the orchestra were so overcome by the splendor of the class of ’95 tiiat they were unable to play the commencement march, or—forbid the thought—they failed to see them enter. Misses Grace Miller and Nellie Winness were the valedictorians of ! the class. That two should tie for j first place is a very- remarkable occurrence. We doubt if such a coincidence will happen any where iu Indiana, 'lhe two young ladies are to be congratulated upon their high standing and success. Miss Fannie Rice was the salutatorian. The W. C. T. U. about a month ago offered a prize of §3 to the ! member of the high school, who would write the best essay upon the subject of “The Effects of Alcohol, Socially and Physically.” About eighty essays were written and delivered to the judges who were selected to award the prize. The judges, after a careful examination of all the manuscripts, decided that No. 76 was the one which was entitled to the §3. Miss Bess Congleton was the lucky winner. Here are our congratulations ■ upon your success. May prosperity, happiness and ! success crown the efforts of the class of ’95, is our most earnest wish. ROLI. OF HONOR. I The following pupils have not been absent from school for the , terms mentioned: For eight years—Earl Fristoeand ! Mary Myers. F'or six years—Fannie Devilbiss, ■ i Jesse Daily and John Gillig. For four years—Bruce Christen. . 1 For three years—Myrtle Watts, . Hattie Blackburn, Charley Phillips, Bessie Schtock, Ella Wyatt . I and Samuel Wyatt. [ ! There were 88 others who were . not absent during the year. Several of these have been present for two years. Lack ofspaee and time . preventsourpublishing their names . at present. One hundred pupils not absent during the entire sesi sion of 180 day s means much to a .! school teacher.

Through the kindness of Prof. Moffett, we are enabled to give our readers some facts which prove that our schools are in a very prosperous condition, and are steadily progressing. School enumeration -1891-2,1183; 1892-3.1257; 1893-4, 1226. High School enrollment—lß9l-2. 29; lS!>2-3. 46: 1893-4. 57: 1894-5. 10". Per cent, of attendance—lß92-3. 95.7; 18934,96.4: 1 "94-5. 96.8. A per cent of 9(1.8 is remarkable when we consider the severity of the winter, the great amount of sickness during the past school year, and the fact that no tardiness is allowed thus causing every case of tardiness to be an absence. The policy of the superintendent in a great degree measures the success of the schools. If it is just and liberal, and at the same time tempered with firmness and kindness, the schools are sure to advance. Such seems to have been the policy in our schools and the figures given above bear out the statement that PiT>f. Moffett and his efficient corps of teachers are worthy of the confidence and hearty co-operation of every one interested in the continued advancement of our schools. A drug firm at Geneva advertise for a lost, strayed or stolen kitten, which seems to be breaking their tender hearts at its extended abi sence. The boys are old enough to quit such foolishness by getting married and by industry and in the ■ course of time, have something better to play with than a wee. sma’ tiny kitten.