Daily Democrat, Volume 1, Number 38, Decatur, Adams County, 24 February 1903 — Page 1

VOLUME I

REJECTED. Democratic Senators Have a Caucus. ■ TMf jkruse to Support the Two State ■Proposition as Submitted. -jrtclal to The Dally Democrat. 2:30 p. m. WAington, D. C.. Feb. 24. The Demwatic Senatorial Caucus have held • hot session and sent to the republic:-: caucus an ultimatum of rejection of their proposition of making twosiat sos Arizona, Oklahoma and New Mexico. The democrats declare they Will not accept anything on a basis ft two states. NOT GUILTY. Will Ward Acquitted On ■I Second Ballot. Jury Finds The Defendant Innocent of The Crime of Embezzlement In a Few Minutes.

Pros'eutor Moran concluded the final iggument in the cast* of the state vs Will Ward at 1:45 this afternoon, and Judge Erwin proceeded with the usual instructions, which occupied aixiut twenty minutes, the jury going to their room, with J. H. Smith as bailiff. shortly after two o’clock. Ward is charged with selling about twelve tons of hay, the property of Mrs. Elizabeth France, now deceased, and converting the money. $92.25, to his own use, the crime being desig bated as embezzlement. The trial of the Base began yesterday morning with J. C. Moran appearing for the state and A. P. Beatty and C. J. Lutz for Ke defendant. The jury was compost 1 of the following men: Philbdt Base, William Woodward. William Baker, Charles Dutcher. Albert Spoiler. Frank Winans. Solomon Tablet, John Chronister. Alonzo Ball. Bud Bn )kaw. Thomas Perkins and Georg* A. Bunner. The evidence was all in at ten o’clock and an hour on each side was allowed for arguments. Moran opened with a statement of the case. Beatty and Lutz followed with speeches for the defense and Moran closed. At three o'clock the jury returned a verdict signed by William Baker, foreman, whiclread, “We, the jury, find the defencant not guilty." This was the result of the second ballot, the first steading ten for acquittal and two for conviction. SHORT ORDERS. An Up To Date Eating House to be Opened Here. Within a short time Decatur will have the advantage of a real, quick service lunch room. Will and Charlie Phillips will conduct the same and their experience vouches for the successful operation of the restaurant. Arrangements were entered into this forenoon, whereby they get control of the business room just east of the Winnes shoe store, which will befurn | wired with up to-date equipment and be reach for cczupancy bv the middle of March. Will Phillips is at present working in Chicago, but will arrive home in a few days. Both are popu lur and deserving young men and will undoubtedly make a success in the undertaking. , | GOOD POSITION. Frank G. Christen, who left here about a week ago, writes his friends that be has accepted a position in the general offices of the Illinois Central at Mcago. He is a competent and thoroughly honest voung man who will n doubt succeed in his new work. Mrs. Christen will go to Chicago eith er neat week or the week following.

The Daily Democrat.

SICK AND ALONE. A Stranger Becomes 111 But is Cared For. James Klintauk Taken Care Os By The Good Hearted People of Decaiur and Sent to Fort Wayne.

James Klintauk, a painter by trade, whose home is at Cincinnati, reached here yesterday noon. He was sick and finally worked himself up to the office of Drs. Clark & Clark, who cared for him through the afternoon, giving him medicine and all possible assistance. The young man who was a total stranger here was suffering from a well developed attack of pneumonia and was certainly in bad shape. He refused to go to the county infirm ary, stating that he wanted to go to Fort Wayne where he could get into the hospital. He told a straight story and his sad plight awagened thesympathy of John Gillig, a Daily Democrat representative, who brought him to this office, fixed him up comfortable and solicited assistance which came readily. Jack Tester started out to raise a sum of money to care for the poor fellow and his acts were applauded by nearly everyone. The sick man who could scarcely talk would thank his unknown friends by looking at them in away which proved he appreciated their efforts. Marshal Cordua likewise {{treated him kindly and assisted him during the afternoon and evening. The man said he had been sick at Lima since Saturday but run out of money and the authorities there ordered him out of town. He seemed like an honest and clever fellow, deserving of the sympathy and help extended him. He was taken to Fort Wayne at midnight and is no doubt by this time a patient at St. Joseph.

FELL DOWN STAIRS. Henry McLain Meets With Rather Serio«s Accident. Henry McLain is laid up with a broken arm. a badly disfigured face other bruises and injuries, the result of a fall down a flight of stairs. For many vears he has roomed over this office and about one o’clock this morning he felt sick and started down street to see if the fresh air wouldn't do him some good. He was weaker than he thought and as he started down the back stairs fell head first. He lodged in a peculiar position and was unable to extricate himself. He was dazed and his left arm broken and he remained lying there, head downward until nearly five o’clock when he managed to make Dan Coffee, who has a roo u in the same block hear him. He was assist ed to his room and Dr. C. S. Clark called who dressed the injuries and he is being can'd for as well as possible under the circumstances. He is very ill, however, and his age will make recovery elow. He believes some one struck him and trier! to rob him in the hull but there is no way of ascertaining whether or not this is the true theory.

ALL ABOARD. District K. of P. Meeting at Bluffton Tomorrow. The district Knights of Pythias meeting at Bluffton tomorrow is full of promise for a largely attended meeting they going from all four quarters of the district. Kekionga lodge is up in arms doing the hustling act with a view of turning out a rip-snorting delegation, and its probable that fifty to one hundred brave and true knights will leave at 11:25 over the Clover la*af and will land then 1 in good time to take in all the ceremonies of interest .luring tho day and evening. A fare of forty five cents has lieen con ceded by the railroad campany to those going over for the events of tomorrow.

A NEW COUNTY. A new county may lie added to the list of ninety two that now compose the state of Indiana in the near future. A movement to that?end has been started at Tell City, and if sue cessful a new county will lie formed of portions of Perry and Spencer counties, which now adjoin.

DECATUR, INDIANA, TUESDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 24, 1903.

IT WAS SWELL. The Carroll Home Presents a Society Scene. Miss Blanche Carroll Entertains Her Friends in Royal Style. One of the most brilliant events of the season was the Washington party last evening at the spacious home of Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Carroll, their daughter Miss Blanche, being the hostess to about, forty of her young friends. Miss Blanche, a la Martha Washington, was gowned in a rich blue velvet, brocaded in pink rose buds, white silk shawl about her shoulders,high heeled shoes, powdered hair brought high on her head, with pink roses in her hair and bodice to complete her toilet. She made a most charming appearance and looked as if she might have stepped down from an old colonial painting. Every portion of the house was beautifully decorated in the national colors and flags. The first thing that greeted the eye as you stepped into the hall was a large picture of George and Martha Washington drapped and flagged. The colors lieing twined about the balustrade, while the walls were festooned with the same. In the parlors the colors were suspended from each corner of the room to the chandlier, whose incandescent lights were decorated with the shades of the red, white and blue and flags over doors and windows. In the dining room the colors were suspended from the chandeliers and fastened to each corner of the table, canopy fashion. On the center of the table was a center piece embroidered in the red. white and blue and on it was placed a gold candelabra with red candles and shades which made a very attractive appearance. On the wall was a large flag most artistically draped, smaller flags and the colors decorating the rest of the room. A short program of music was given after which came a guessing contest pertaining to the life of Washington, which resulted in Agnes Mylott receiving first prize, a beautiful medallion picture, the consolation going to True Fristoe. A delicious luncheon was then served, Lucile Hale and Vera Ehinger attending to the wants of the guests in a most expeditious manner. Then came the cherry tree contest. On a side table stood that historical tree hanging with cherries, to which each one was led in his or her turn, blindfolded, given a pair of scissors, anti were told to clip the cherries. John Crawford succeeded in clipping off the most cherries in six trials and his reward was a box of bonbons in a heart shaped box of burnt maple. The consolation was given to Will Berling. Miss Blanche has the reputation of being an ideal hostess and she certainly proved herself such on this occasion. Dancing was indulged in until the wee’ sma’ hours and each one went home feeling that had the Father of his Country stepped in on the scene, he certainly would have given a smile of groat approbation at the way in which he was being honored.

BROKE HIS LEG. Well Known Farmer Mav Die as Result of Accident. John W. Cowens of Beuna Vista, is one of the regular panel of the jury and while home over Sunday received word of the very serious condition of his uncle, John Powers, a well known and wealthy farmer who lives just across the Wells county line in Nottingham township. Mr. Cowens and family immediately drove over to the Powers home and found that their uncle was indeed in a very serious condition. While working about his place Thursday he fell and broke his left leg at the hip joint. He was helpless of course but the extent of his injuries were not known until two days afterwards when physicians were summoned from Bluffton and the leg was set. The old man who is seven ty seven years of age. was given ether and three hours afterwards when Mr. Cowens and family left he had not yet regained consciousness. No word has been received from him tixlay but it is believed that owing to his age he cannot recover and it is almost certain he can never use his leg if he should live. He is the father of Will Powers, a well known Bluffton con tractor.

FROM THEIR VIEW. How Bluffton People Look At The Shooting Scrape. Wells county people, who go to Decatur, must be careful how they indulge in German joy juice. Should a Wells county man become intoxicated, the eagle eye of the city mar shal is at once upon him and on the slightest provocation he is landed in jail. A Decaturite can fill up on booze until the foam runs out of his ears and no one pays any attention to him. C. E. Tompkins, a Wells county farmer living near Echo, had experience with their peculiar system Saturday. He went to town early in the morning and by noon was comfortably full. He fell in with a St. Louis sharper, who piloted him to the Wigwam saloon. Here, it is alleged by a preconceived scheme he was caused to get into trouble with the bartender, Harry Maxwell, who it is claimed is a card sharp. Maxwell was behind the bar and Tompkins was in front. Tompkins had a small twenty two calibre single shot pistol, little more than a toy, and raised serious objections to being slim-slammed. He finally pointed it in the direction of the dispenser of high balls and pat hands and pulled the trigger. The next moment Maxwell was kicking him into the street. Tompkins then hunted up his rig and started for home. He had not reached the city limits when Maxwell, backed by the entire police lorce, set upon him and hustled him off to jail.

OPERATIONS RESUMED. The Weather Permits Active Work In The Oil Field. During the last two weeks the mud, followed by the severe cold spell, have combined in knocking out all plans for work in the oil fields and the only thing to be done was just to wait. Now that the weather has moderated to the extent that men and teams can stand it, scores of both are engaged in hauling machinery and timber to lo cations for wells and within the next few days many new holes will be started oil ward. A bill drawn by Representative Warren of Madison county, and introduced in the legislature, is to regulate the plugging of abandoned gas and oil wells, and provides that the abandoned wells shall be filled with sand and rock to a point at least twenty-five feet above the oil or gas bearing rock, on top of which shall be placed a wooden plug not less than two feet iong. The important feature is that the firm or corporations having custody of wells shall file with the county auditor within fifteen days after it has been plugged the affidavit of at least two persons who assisted. A fine of at least S2OO for each violation is provided for an additional penalty of S2OO for each ten days violators neglect or refuse to comply with the law. Representative Warner will introduce another bill for the protection 'of the oil and gas field. It provides for the easting off of the fresh water from all wells so that it will not run back and destroy the wells. The state gas inspector is empowered to enter I on anv lands to test wells for the presi euce of fresh water.

TO THE GOVERNOR. The Bill For Giris’ Industrial School Ready To Si£n. The house Monday passed the Goodwine bill for the separation of the Girls’ Industrial school from the Women’s prison The bill will go to the governor as soon as the senate concurs in the house amendment that the board of control shall consist of three women and one man instead of two women amd one man. which was a provision of the bill as it passed the senate. The new institution is to be built near Indianapolis, on the cottage plan. The bill carries an appropriation of $150,000. This legislation is regarded by many as the most important of thesession.

A FEW MOTIONS. Action Taken in Two Circuit Court Cases. The following court business was transacted this morning before lieginning the Ward embezzement case: Margaret Scherry vs. Kosa Werling et al., commissioner John Schurger files boud for SIO,OOO which is duly approved. George W. Bolds et al vs. David Cheny, continued by agreement of parties.

BUSINESS CHANGE Decatur Lumber Company In Fresh Hands. Will P. Edmondson Succeeds in The Management of This Company. A business change of some magnitude occurred when Will C. Edmondson of Elwood, assumed charge of the Decatur Lumber Company. The change went into full force and effect this morning when Mr. Hendrickson retired from the active management. The new manager Mr. Edmondson, is a bright young business man with the appearance of every qualification necessary to success. He was formerly connected with the Winters Lumber Company where he made a glowing mark of success, being familiar with every feature of the business. Mr. Hendrickson who came here from Hartford City some years ago, and who placed the Decatur Lumber Company on a proper footing, is a citizen of excellent repute and the kind that a town can not lose without regret. His future plans are not yet settled or if settled not. ready to lay bare before the public. Whatever they may be, it is hoped that Decatur? holds charm sufficient to contine him as a resident of the best town on this side of the globe.

COMING SURE. A Morgan Representative will Arrive Next Week. The Toledo-Indianapolis Inter-Urban Line Now Looks Like a Reality. From reliable information we are informed that a representative of the J. P. Morgan Syndicate will be in the city next week to look over the route for a proposed line of electric railway with Indianapolis and Toledo as the terminal points. The line will connect with the system as planned at Van Wert, 0., thence running in a southwest course intersecting this county in the vicinity of tho Decatur and Van Wert public highway: thence into Decatur, on Monroe street, west to Preble, south to Peterson, Honduras, Linn Grove, White Oak: thence going by the wav of or in the vicinity of Montpelier. Hartford City. Ander son, Noblesville, terminating at Indianapolis. It is not known definitely what route will be inspected, but however enough information has been obtained to determine the general route of the proposed undertaking. This proposed line will intersect one of the best farming sections of the state, and will greatly accommodate a great many people, from the fact that this proposed route will traverse a section of the state which is remote from any traction accommodations whatever. If this line is established it will be the first direct route of accommodations established between the cities of Toledo and Indianapolis. This is the same lino mentioned a few days ago.

WILL PUT ON “DOG.” Kuebler & Moltz Co. to Have Their Store Room Front Remodeled. The Boston Store is to have a new front, the finest one in the city, bo said one who knows, thin morning. The eye-beams are here and work will begin presently. It is to be done with a great cost of money to the Odd Eel lows. The whole front is to be torn out and a solid plate glans put in. The entrance will lie from the northeast corner. Ten feet of the wall along the northeast corner is also to be torn away and replaced with heavy plate glass. The columns are to be highly polished stone of novel device for a store room. Other improve ments, not now determined on, are to be made, and when the whole is com Dieted the prophetic decree will be fully realized.

NUMBER 38

A BANKRUPT TOWN. Pennville, in Jay County, May Go lni» Receiver’s Hands. The little town of Camden, or Pennville, may be forced into the hands of a receiver, and even worse things are predicted for it in the event that a big law suit is decided adverse ly to the town. In 1872 the town issued $7,000 worth of bonds for the construction of a school house. The Merchants and Clerks Savings Bank of Fort Wayne bought the bonds and the town has never paid any of the principal, but has paid $15,000 inter est. There are a number of unusual circumstances in connection with the case, the first of which is that the town was never incorporated, that it is hopelessly in debt, and if a judg ment were recovered it would be necessary to either appoint a receiver or continue the officers now in office un til the amount is collected by taxation. The treasurer of the town is not even a resident, but lives in Blackford county, although he exercises all of the perogatives of his office and collects the taxes in the same way he did when he lived there. It will be necessary if the bank obtains a judgment to raise the amount by taxation, and as it is now believed the town is in solvent it is possible the people will sacrifice their property rather than pay the tax.

THE WHIST PLAYERS. I The Club Delightfully Entertained At The Home. The beautiful new residence of Mr. . and Mrs. Charles A. Dugan was a I blaze of lights last evening, the occa- ’ sion being a meeting of the Whist | club. The session was rather a I special one, as the club has not been meeting regularly, and was in 1 honor of Mr. and Mrs. George Hollo | way of Ravenna, Ohio. The event ■ was a most delightful one, and the ' entertainers were certainly at their j best. High scores were made by Mrs. L. G. Ellingham and W. A. , Kuebler. Delicious refreshments were served.

BLUFFTON LADY DEAD. Mrs. James P. Hale Dies After a Lons Illness. The death of Mrs. James P. Hale occurred last evening at seven o'clock at her home in Bluffton. She has been suffering with cancer for several years, though her recent severe ill ness has continued but three months, during which time she suffered ter ribly. She was about forty two years old and well known here, her husband being a brotherof John D. Hale. She was formerly Miss Delia Wilson. Her husband survives her ami is heart broken. The funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at two o'clock.

GIVEN A SWORD. Rear Admiral Tavlor Fixed Up To Fight. Imposing ceremonies attended the presentation to Rear Admiral H. C. Taylor, of the United States navy, of a handsome sword from the people of Indiana in recognition of his distill guished services as commander of ths I battleship Indiana in the historic light off Santiago. The presentation occur red at 2:30 o’clock yesterday in the rotunda of the state house. Rear Admiral George Brown, U. S. N. retired, presided. DIED THIS MORNING. Jacob Mock, an Aged Resident of Allen County. Dead. Jacob Mock, aged seventy nine years, died at one o’clock this morning at his home just north of Williams Station. The deceased was well known in this city and held the respect and honor of all who knew him. He leaves a wife and eight children to mourn the loss of a kind husband and father. The Ixxly will be taken to New Haven for burial ami the funeral services will bo held at that place.