Daily Democrat, Volume 1, Number 5, Decatur, Adams County, 16 January 1903 — Page 1

VOLUME 1

A CLOSE CALL Mrs. Buhler and Son nearly Asphyxiated. The Increased Pressure of Gas almost Causes Death of Decatur Citizens. Mrs. John Buhler and son, Jesse, who reside at the corner of Jefferson and Ninth streets had a narrow escape from death this morning, and the incident should be a valuable lesson for every Decatur citizen. Before retiring last evening Mrs. Buhler went to the cellar and turned the gas on in the furnace, forgetting however to turn the damper, which had but recently been attached to the furnace pipe. As a result the house filled with burnt gas. About 4:30 this morning Mrs. Buhler awoke, feeling very sick. At first she did not know what was the matter, but after a few moments realized the facts. She called her son Jesse, who arose at once and started for the door to ascertain the trouble. Just as he reached the door he staggered and fell, remaining unconscious for an hour or more. When the boy fell, his mother then really frightened, screamed, and neighbors who heard and answered were quick to realize the condition of things. The gas was shut off, windows opened and the impure air soon driven out. Then the sick were cared for and Dr. J. S. Coverdale summoned. It required an hour before the patients began to show signs of improvement and get beyond the danger limit. Both Mrs. Buhler and son, especially the former, are still quite ill, but it is believed no serious results will follow. It seems almost miraculous that Mrs. Buhler should awaken when so low, but that fact and the quick response of the neighbors undoubtedly saved the lives of both. The danger of gas at this time of year when its pressure is so uncertain should be well known by this time and a little extra care may avert many serious accidents. THROWING BOQUETS. Mann & Christen get their Cash for the Friedheim Church Building. The members of the German Lutheran congregation at Friedheim, have settled with the contractors, Mann & Christen, who recently completed their very elegant new church building. The settlement was without the usual stormy session in which all sides are right. There was no differences to arbitrate, both the contractors and the building committee agreeing; and it ended by the latter putting up the entire contract price in clear glittering cash, and then added a few boquets to the boys for the good work done. All that remains is the dedication of the handsome new structure, and that event will take place one week from next Sunday, January 25. ———————————— TAKE A CHANCE. Only costs Twnety-Five Cents and you may Draw the Capital Prize. Edward J. Eisbrenner, of Rogers City, Michigan, wants a wife so badly that he has decided to raffle himself off. He has issued 1,000 tickets, which will be sold at twenty-five cents each, at designated business houses in Rogers City, Poset Metz and Larocque. Edward says: "I agree immediately after the raffle to marry the lady who holds the lucky number, which shall be drawn by a blindfolded boy." The only condition which the wifeseeker imposes upon the purchaser of his matrimonial tickets is that she must be a respectable; healthy, unincumbered Catholic between forty and forty-five years of age. Eisbrenner is a widower, fiftyfive years of age, five feet four inches tall, weighs 170 pounds, healthy, well preserved, black hair, blue eyes, speaks English, Polish and German. ACTUAL TRANSFER MADE. The Zero Mitten factory of Bluffton was formally turned over to Kewanee people yesterday after three days The price was about $85,000 and Mr. Sixby formerly owner remains in charge as manager. While the new firm is known as the Boss company the name of the Bluffton plant will continue the same as before, the Zero. The factory will open for business next Monday and will employ 125 girls.

THE DAILY DEMOCRAT.

THE BEST EVER. The Metal Frame Window Screen Company doing a Land Office Business. The Metal Frame Window Screen company are idle this week, owing to a shortage of material used in the process of manufacture of this very desirable article. Manager Cockran took advantage of the occasion and is at Pittsburgh where he is busy booking one of the largest orders of the season. The company has had a constant run for several months and during all of that time made no surplus stock, advance orders only being filled. This promises to be a manufacturing concern of considerable magnitude and importance. Their screen which is simply a daisy and possesses all the salient points-cheap, durable and practical-is taking the eye of all dealers, and as a result they have labored thus far beneath an avalanch of future orders that is sufficient to turn the heads of those whose money is backing the enterprise, Their branching out to meet the demand of trade is only a matter of a short time. ENJOY LIFE. Progressive Pedro Indulged in at the Koenneman Home. One of the pleasant social events of the year for the young people of the northern part of the county was a pedro party at the Louis Koenneman home near Williams, Wednesday evening. Excellent music was rendered by Henry Brockmeyer and Miss Sophia Hockemeyer. Delicious refreshments were served and every moment of time spent was a delightful one. At cards highest honors were awarded Miss Hannah Hockemeyer, while the "booby" went to Henry Brockmeyer. The list of guests included Misses Pauline Hostemeyer, Eliza Berning, Sophia and Mary Hockemeyer, Louise and Mina Scheiman, Hannah Hockemeyer and Louisa Zwick and Messrs. Henry Brockemeyer, Charles Loral, August Hostemeyer, Charles Hocke meyer, William Oetting, George Berning, August Bultmeyer, William Hostmeyer and William Hockemeyer. FOR CHARITY’S SAKE. Great time at the St. Vincent de Paul Event. Perhaps no better social time has ever been held in this city than was enjoyed by the many who attended the progressive pedro party given by the St. Vincent de Paul society at the C. Y. M. S. club rooms last evening for sweet charity's sake. At least 150 peoplewere present, there being thirtyfour tables of players besides the ladies of the section and others who were present but did not indulge in the festivities. The prizes for the ladies were won by Miss Amelia Smith first, Mrs. C. S. Niblick second, and Miss Clara Voglewede third, and for the gentlemen H. J. Yager first, Fred Tague, second and Fred Heuer third. Mrs. Charles Mtibers by a serenuous effort succeeded in carrying away the grand booby. Following the cards came delicious refreshments and then those who so desired indulged in dancing until a late hour. It was a joyous happy event and the receipts which as stated are to be donated for charitable purposes count up a snug sum. A WORD ON FASHION. How the Ladies Should Hold Their Skirts. Of the two really good styles of holding up the skirt at present, one is to grasp the folds with the right hand at the back but a little to the left and then to pull them around to the right hip and raise them a little so that the edge of the skirt clears the ground all around. The other way, which has the advantage of not outlining the figure quite so much, is to fold a little horizontal plait in the skirt at the left side and lay it up over the belt, drawing it a little toward the back, by which means it is quite raised from the ground at the left side and only needs to be held up a bit at the right. This is by far the easier way for the arm, also. The girl who has labored to acquire the art of getting her skirt into a little wabbling bunch directly in front of her knees, thus drawing it tight around her back, is considered out of date for her pains. She has altogether the wrong idea.

DECATUR, INDIANA, FRIDAY EVENING, JANUARY 16, 1903.

WILL ENTERTAIN. A Brilliant Social Occa- sion here Tuesday. Decatur Ladies Extend Greetings to their Bluffton Friends. According to carefully formed plans a social event that will outshine anything of the kind of recent date will be given in this city next Tuesday afternoon and evening. It will be remembered that a few months ago a number of ladies from this city enjoyed a days pleasure at the hands of Bluffton ladies. The event of th time was a splendid one and was certainly highly appreciated. Decatur ladies will now endeavor to return the compliment and accordingly invitations have been issued for the date mentioned. The Bluffton delegation will be composed of fourteen members of the fair sex as follows: Mesdames D. E. Studabaker, Harry Deam, Edward Daily, Ella Daily. Earnest Weicking, Ferd Mosiman, Dell Locke, N. K. Todd, Abner Oppenheim, Amos Cole, Alliert Forest, Harry Studabaker and Will Pontius. they will be met at the depot by the reception committee and escorted to the Nachtrieb residence where they will be entertained by Mrs. W. H. Nachtrieb and Mrs. F. M. Schirmeyer. For six o’clock dinner they will be the guests at the W. H. Niblick home, for which invitations have been issued and were as follows: “Christina Rosena Niblick, Jennie Virginia Stubabaker, Viola Mae Allison, Philimeua Miner va Niblick, will give a doings, corner 2-Jackson streets, Tuesday. 20th, 1903-three’till train time.” To this "doings" have also been invited twen-ty-four ladies. SCHOOLS PROSPEROUS. The Truancy Law Greatly Benefits the Public Schools. The teachers in the various schools throughout the county are remarking the way the schools have been attended this year. At all times the number of pupils has been what might have been expected considering the enumeration and those who attend seem to take an unusual interest in the work and are benefitted accordingly. Another thing they comment upon is the case with which the various pupils are controlled. There has been but very little trouble during the whole term and patrons, pupils and teachers are accordingly pleased. This is accounted for in various ways by those in a position to know. They state that the truancy law is entirely responsible for the good conditions of affairs. While this law is destined to keep the pupils in the school and prevent tardiness, it also aids in a peculiar way in keeping up the order. — AT JACKSON. Peninsular Cement Plant to E(l)ect Officers Next Tuesday. Next Tuesday at Jackson, Michigan, an important election will occur which will elect eleven directors, whose duty it will be to manage the largest cement factory in the country. It is known as the Peninsular cement Plant, and perhaps is the most complete factory in its line ever constructed in the world. It's cost was perhaps a million dollars, and of this amount of the capital stock something like $100,000 is owned by business and monied men of this and VanWert counties. A good block of the stock is in this city, while Geneva, Berne and other parts of the country are represented with single holders of $10,000 blocks. The plant is running in full blast and will be a prize winner. The eleven directors will be located in various places in Indiana and Michigan, where nearly all the stock is owned. J. E. Moser, the photographer may attend the meeting of the stockholders and election there next Tuesday. BUSINESS CHANGE. Frank Lichtle, firm, Pennington & Lichtle, who have been running West End meat market since October 1, 1902, sold out his interest this morning. Charley Pennington bought the same and will continue at the same old place.

JUST IN TIME. Young Man saved from Night in Jail by Timely Arrival of Friends. Yesterday afternoon two young fellows from Monmouth came to this city with thirty cents in their pockets and by evening they had on a jag just big enough to make them feel like millionaires, and wanted to run the town in true western style. But this would not do so they locked arms with the city marshal and marched triumphantly on to the jail. Just as they were about to be locked in one of those gilded cages a friend in need came with a bobsled and the two ex-millionaires were dumped in and all were aboard for Monmouth. NO REPRESENTATIVE. Adams County given a Complete dose of Disfranchisement. Last week a legislative apportionment was introduced in the upper branch of the legislature that was so rank that it smelled bad even at this distance. The senator who concocted the conglomeration of disfranchisement is a friend of the gentleman of color, and upon many public occasions has lamented the ingratitude of the South in not giving the negro every recognition enjoyed by the whites. This bill cuts Adams county out of a representative and kindly tacks it onto Jay and Randolph counties, and for senatorial purposes we are joined to Wells and Blackford. Yesterday, however, a new deal was turned out in the shape of another bill, which gives Adams a representative and joins us with Allen on the senatorial proposition. It is to be hoped that the last bill be given precedence. BERT WEBB IN JAIL. Oil Worker will pay his Fine by Serving Eighteen Days. Lew Mason constable of Geneva arrested Bert Webb of that place yester day and brought him into circuit court last evening. Webb is an oil driller and has the reputation of being a little mean at times. An indictment was returned against him by the recent grand jury for assault and battery. He plead guilty and was fined five dollars and costs making a total of $17.10. Prosecutor Moran asked him whether he wanted to pay or stay the fine and he replied "well Shorty, I guess I'll go to jail," and that’s where he is now. Out of twenty-nine indictments returned by the grand jury this is the twentyfourth to which the defendant has plead guilty. FOR ASSAULT. Another Geneva Man sent to Jail for a Few Days. A man named McKissic is doing time at the county jail on a mittimus issued by 'Squire Veley of Geneva McKissic mixed up with a man named Moore a few days ago with the result that he was arrested on a charge of assault and battery. Tried before said ’Squire Mac was found guilty and fined a dollar and trimmings. A careful inventory of cash on hands failed to show a balance of $8.50, the total amount, and in default he was sentenced to nine days in jail. He was brought here last evening by Lew Mason. SIXTEEN CASES. Winchester Small Pox Epidemic is Still Raging. Winchester small pox epidemic is still raging although no new cases have been reported in the last few days. Sixteen cases are now under quarantine, and the condition of part of those afficted, is critical. The board of health are using heroic treatment, public schools are closed and all public gatherings are forbidden. They believe the critical period is passed and that soon all danger will be over.

SELF SUSTAINING. The Electric Light Plant Making Money. Comparison of Figures from the Office of City Treasurer Archbold. Under the present system governing the financial end of the electric light plant, all collections are in the hands of the city treasurer W. J. Archbold. Like the remainder of his official cares, great care and efficiency prevails. He has prepared a detailed statement covering the last six months of 1901 and 1902, the latter period be ing under his management. It reads like a fairy tale: 1901. 1902. June $368.57 $325.68 July 222.15 617.99 August 281.63 560.98 September 261.04 380.07 October 124.11 451.89 November 299.97 462.65 December 260.72 465.73 $1818.19 $3254.99 The showing is excellent and not only reflects credit upon the business methods of Mr. Archbold but it speaks in glowing terms of the practical side of the city owning its own electric light plant. It is a paying institution and not only pays its own way in the world, but makes money for the city. Now with the service what it should be every one would rejoice. INJUNCTION SUIT. Case Against The City Will Come Up Monday. Bright and early Monday morning the case of Joseph Smith and others against the city of Decatur and others will be called for trial in the circuit court. The case is the result of the letting of a contract a few months ago to br()ek Fourth street. The contract was awarded to Calvin Miller and a day or two later a temporary injunction to prevent building same was granted. In the meantime a permanent injunction has been asked for and this question is now to be settled one way or other. How much of a fight will be made cannot yet be ascertained. SOCIETY IN GENEVA. Social life seems to be prospering at Geneva, as at other places we know of. Mrs. Will Hale and Mrs. J. H. Hardison entertained the whist club at the latter's home last night and tonight the young people will give a swell invitation dance at Brigg's hall, which promises to outshine anything of its kind this season. The Theater. Good show at Bosse's tonight by "Tide of Life” Company. Manager Bosse has received word from Dunkirk where the company recently played, stating that this company is the best that ever showed there. Incidents follow each other thick and fast in the new realistic drama, “The Tide of Life,” to be presented at the Bosse opera house Friday, Jan. 16. Heart wringing pathos, rollicking humor, music, singing and dancing, daring electrical effects, heroism, combats, and over all the atmosphere of true refinement, are all to be found in this drama, according to the critics of New York and other cities. When the curtain rises on the real life scenes along the docks of New York, and one that there is villiany afoot, the attention is held by a breathing strain. There is a splash and some one is struggling in the dark waters. Before one has ceased shuddering at the incident one finds himself in a junk shop in the heart of the sea faring district, and, with a hurley river pilot triumphing over his enemy for the time being, the audience understands the plot that is to be developed throughout the five acts. After that you do not notice the flight of them, and you can hardly believe that the evening is over when the final curtain falls. You have been so absorbed in the play that you do not know that you have been in the theatre ten minutes. Does not that prove that the “Tide of Life” is a strong play? It would seem so.

NUMBER 5

REAL ESTATE JUMPS Assesment Values Goes Skyward. County Assessor Eli Crist Returns from the Indianapolis Meeting. The county assessor, Eli Crist, came home from Indianapolis where he has been attending a meeting of the county assessors of the state. Their meeting began last Monday and lasted four days, the principal speakers during that time being Governor Durbin and other members of the state tax board. The change of the assessment of real estate will perhaps affect those who pay taxes more than any other avenue traveled by the township assessor and their assistants. The great fluctuations and increase in the value of real estate both in the city and country, and more especially in the country, is causing all this rukery with the assessors and giving them ample room to heed the cry for a raise in assessment values. In the assessment of personal property there is no apparent change from last year, so about the same rules will govern. The Indianapolis meeting was largely attended by the county assessors and as usual some valuable information was imparted, and the Adams county representative got his share. It will not be long until he will call the township assessors into session and with them discuss the changes proposed. If you own a dog you had better sell him to the butcher before the first day of April rolls around. WELLS COUNTY LAKE It Covers an Area of 900 Acres, Meter Measurement. If true, some of the Bluffton people are imposing on the good nature of the state geologist. Dispatches in this morning’s papers from Bluffton say: "State Geologist Batchley has authorized C. C. Deam Prof. E. B. Williamson and Prof. Clem Uhler to make a survey of Wells county’s only lake, a small body of water in Jackson township. This lake covers about 900 acres, and is so thickly surrounded by underbrush that it is difficult to get to the water. The shores are lined with a thin layer of earth on which vegetation is very rank, but the layer of earth is so thin that it will not support the weight of a horse. Several animals have disappeared in the morass. An oil well was drilled neat the lake two years ago and at every drop of the drill the earth trembled so that the drillers feared the derrick would sink in the pit. The depth of the lake is not known. It is known however, to be over 100 feet in places. It is gradually growing smaller, and is now only half the size it was fifty years ago. — THE COUNTY COUNCIL Their first meeting of the Year is next Monday. The county council will nold their firs meeting for 1903 next Monday. At that time the council will be asked to make a few additional appropriations, among them being sufficient to erect a new smoke house and a new wood house at the county infirmary. They will also appropriate the unexpended balances in the various funds into the general fund, the same to be then used in paying onstanding orders and claims against the county. The county council is comsosed of a body of seven members and their consent is necessary before proceeding along these lines. MONROE LITERARY. A society for literary purposes has been organized at Monroe and will hold their first meeting tonight. An excellent program has been arranged, including a debate in which the society will decide who was the superior in intelligence, Daniel Webster or Stephen Douglass. J. H. Weldy, Sylvester Johnson and Wilda Fuhrman represent the affirmative and C. E. Hocker, Murray Scherer and Chester Johnson the negative. Officers of the literary are C. E. Hocker, president; J. H. Weldy, vice president; Ada Witwer, secretary and Leo Faurot treasurer.