Daily Democrat, Volume 1, Number 95, Decatur, Adams County, 30 April 1903 — Page 1

VOLUME 1

life sentence. James Howard Convicted a Second Time. famous author and explorer IS DEAD. Explosion of Powder Mills Near Williamsburg Causes Eight Deaths. ial to The Dally Democrat. S:3O p. in. Frankfort, Ky., April 30.—The jnrv in the case of Janies Howard, on trial as a principal in the Goeble murder, returned a v<«rdict this morning finding him guilty as charged and fixing his punishment at imprisonment for life. This is his second conviction. Spe 'ial to the Dally Democrat. 3:80 p. m. St. Petersburg, April 30.—Paul Du Cliailu, author and explorer died here today. Du Chailen was l>orn in New Orleans, La., in I*3* and

became famous when he made two exploring trips to West Africa, distovering unknown territories and . added sixty species of birds and 1 twenty mammals to zoology. Hi' wrote "The Land of the Midnight bun" and a number of other books. (special to bully Democrat. 4:30 F. M I Altoona, Pa.. April 30.—An explosion of dynamite occurred this morning at the works of the Cresson Powder compiny near Williamsburg. Eight people were killed and many badly wounded. The dead are Ross Kennedy, Charles Roms, George Fay, Tony Fabrieo, Fisher Lauster and Frank Staeasar. Superintendent Harry Taggart was fatally injured. The plant was totally destroyed. DITCH SALE. Two Contracts Made at the Auditor's

Office This Morning Two ditches were sold at theaudi tor's office this morning. Theodore Beerbower lowest bidder in the T. A and Cinda Bcerbower ditch for ♦1,134 complete. Peter Yixler secured the contract fertile Noah Winteregg ditch at the priiv ot ♦379.H5. Contracts were entered into j and bonds accepted The J. A Watson ditch failed to sell, the price of 11,550 bid by Jere North being in excess of the estimate This ditch was on the wing for two years or more, it having a round in court which decri’ed the same a legitimate enterprise. The increase in price of material used in its construction, as well as lalxir, which caused the same to drag on the ditch market. MR. RILEY IN TOWN. Mr. Riley of Van Wert, was in the City yesterday looking up the opportunities for a successful fish stand. He was not convinced, however, and will hunt a location at sonic other place. Mr. Kiley formerly lived hen* but stated that he had not visited or Ixsm in Decatur since IHSO. The apjx'itriince of the town to him was greatly altered but some land marks he recognized, which proved to him that the present Decutur is the growth of the Depttfur of half a century ago.

The Daily Democrat.

LOSS ADJUSTED. Scheiman Paid for His Recent Loss bv Fire. Fred Rcppert, president of the French Township Mutual Fire Insurance company and V. D. Bell, secretary, were in Root township yesterday afternoon and settled the loss of Charles Scheiman for the fire 1 which destroyed his house and part of the contents about a week ago. The loss on the house was total, ♦250 and on the contents was 1225, making |475 in all, which was , i promptly allowed. IS GUILTY. Oliver Reynolds Convicted by Jury. ' VERDICT RETURNED AT THREE O’CLOCK THIS MORNING. i'Famous Kidnaping Case Results ii a Finding for the 1 , State. 1

We the jury, find the defendant guilty and his true age to be twenty-eight years." Such was the form of the verdict returned bv the jury, twelve a- good citizens as live in Adams county, in the case of the state against Oliver D. Reynolds, on a charge of kidnapping. The defendant heard the verdict in a calm manner, though a close glance at his features revealed the fact that his mind was undergoing the tortures known only to one who realizes that he must go to the penitentiary. After a few moments he Ixiwed his head and seemed to lx* trying to realize the full force of the verdict, then he was led to the jail by Sheriff Butler. The case is well known to all our readers. Oliver D. Reynolds, a married man, then twenty-seven years old, and Julia Loser, aged fifteen, left their respective homes in Monroe township July 25 last. They traveled in a buggy to Yorktown. 111., where they lived as man and wife until December 6. when they came home and asked forgivenness. Relatives of Ixith accepted their plea of repentence Shortly afterward the I grand jury returned an indictment

I against Reynolds on a charge of kidnapping. He was tried during the February term but the jury failed to agree’and a new trial this term was necessary result. The case was tried before Judge Smith. '.John M. Smith of Portland who ! gave his charge a few minutes i la-fore six o'clix-k and they were 1 sent to their room. The first Imllot I resulted eight for conviction and j four for acquittal the next ballot one went over to conviction and the next still another, then for fifteen liallots they stood ten to two. At three o'clock this morning they agreed and returned a seah 1 verdict which was read as above at nine o'clock in open court. Attorneys for the defendant notified Judge Smith that they would ask for a new trial. The verdict caused quite a stir about the court room for H tew minutes this morning. The . penalty will lx’ fixed by the judge unless a new trial is grunted and , w ill 1"' «n imprisonment of from two to fourteen years in the Jefteri sonville reformatory and a tine of from ♦!"<> to 15,000. Prosecutor Moran conducted the case in a . vigorous miinner, lx>ing ably as- . sisted by Messrs. Erwin & Erwin. | The motion to set aside the verdiet and grant new trial will he argued next Monday afternmn. and sen- . tence will not be passed until after that time.

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY EVENING, APRIL 30, 1903.

OKLAHOMA NEWS. Another Letter From Our Friend Falk.

He Learns a Few Facts of Interest Concerning Messrs. Krick and Andrews. Hobart, Okla.. April 27, 1903. Perhaps it is well that I report from the "wild and wooly west” again as we are in the favorite lands of the noble Red Man and some anxiety may be felt as to our absence. We spent Sunday at Arapho and had a pleasant time. Base ball, Arapho vs. Indianaola, was called off at two p. m. and as a result a spirited contest the score stood 12 to 11 in favor of the Araphoe’s. During the progress of the game an interruption took place

in the nature of a race between a jack rabbit and a pair of greyhounds. It was safe to say that ow’ing to the spied maintained the same came to a close out of sight, resulting in a victory for Mr. Greyhound. Last Saturday we were in close proximity to Cheyenne dance, did not know of the same until too late. This is known as the C. & A. country and is a very beautiful place. All the crops are exceptionally fine. Wheat will soon be in

head. The soil from Enid to Thomas is a red soil and some portions of the country are quite rolling. We took in Hobart and the surroundings. To the people who will read this it is safe to say that very few such as Henry Krick or P. L. Andrews can comprehend or have any idea what ever as to this particular l>art of Uncle Sam’s domain. It is simply immense. Hobart is a town of more than 7,000 inhabitants and will lx> two years old August 6, 1903. Eight banks are located here and I have interviewed some of them with regards the condition of the people and future prospects. Everyone unites in saying that it is far superior to the east for investments. About seven months ago the Farmers

and Merchants’ Bank was organized by Kentucky people with a result that the same is a wonder with resources and liabilities of $140,-1 678.99. Everybody attends to their business, yet are sociable, accommodating and willing to impart any information that may lx- asked. To the reader I wish it understtxxl that this is not a town or place of I shacks and tents. There are some buildings crudely constructed but there are many fine brick and stone structures on which money and architecturral skill have lx>en invested. Railroad construction is beyond an idea to the easterner and if this were an unsafe country why do the monied magnates make such costly attempts and outlay of capital. The second largest cottonseed mill in the United States is located here with an outlay of half a million dollars in the enterprise. There are many investors arriving. All seem to make investments in farms, city prop'rty etc This forenoon it rained, yet the mud 1 was of no consequence. The price of produce is very similar to that at home. The country as the same is related to fruit growing will say that the reader will not conceive the idea as to tin' number of orchards in existence and tin 1 condition of the same. The orchards arc in full foliage of a dark green verdure portraying all the elements of a healthy vigorous tree. In the recent pist 1 have heard some joking remarks as to Messrs. Krick, Andrews, et al, but since coming through this lix'ality 1 find that several jxirties have met them and have been in qniring of me us to their creditability but 1 have endeavored not to say more than alisolutcly necessary, trusting that if these parties should ever return again they may be successful in concealing their identity. It now apix'urs that Messrs. Krick

and Andrews were not the best of friends from the fact that Henry persisted in airing P. L’s. bachelorhood condition and the latter resented the intrusion of his principal personality. I have even heard more but space will forbid on this occasion. For Henry’s special benefit say that the Salvation Army is progressing very fine. This organization was out in regalia today and from their present indications promises to be a healthy camp this season. As to the clearness and purity of the atmosphere here say that the Wichata mountains can be seen from the hotel at Arapho, a distance of sixty-five miles. Anyone who is a good guesser of distance in Adams county would fall far short here as distance here is very deceiving. Will say that if the average young man of the east who may be ambitious to acquire wealth and a home with beautiful surroundings he certainly has the chance here. A fine productive land of great fertility a region more pituresque than painter’s brush can imitate. No clearing of timber, no artificial drainage to be made, but simply a moderate push to begin with, a determination, a tilling of the soil and the nulceus for a small fortune is acquired. To the young man this should be a grave question that should be considered carefully. W. E. Fulk.

IS DEAD. Charles Shackley Died This Morning. Life of a Well Known Youns Man of This City is Ended.

At half past three o'clock this morning the life of Charles Shackley came to an end and he now lies in death at the home of his parents on the corner of Adams and Eleventh streets. His death was due to tuberculosis which has slowly pervaded his entire system until at last it overcame his tenacious grip on life. About five months ago when Mr. Shackley was employed in a large candy factory at Chicago, he began to have trouble with his knee and an examination by a surgeon showed that tuberculosis of the knee cap was the cause of the suffering. This was caused by the concussion received in kicking op< n a heavy swinging door which he was obliged I to do when passing in and out of the cooling room. He came to this I city sixm after the beginning of this ‘ trouble and suffered greatly from i that time to the day of his death i The deceased was twenty-seven years, ten months, and twenty-three days old and during his life has made many friends who hold him l in high esteem and regret to hear! of his death. The funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at two o'clock from the United Brethren church and the funeral sermon will be deliven'd by Rev. Pontius. THE STORK. Grover Cleveland Believes in a Large Family. According to the following announcement sent out from Philadelphia, ox-president Grover Cleveland agrees with President Roosevelt in his belief that large families 1 make happy homes and a better country: "The stork is exp-eted to visit the home of former I*rcsiI dent Grover Cleveland in Princeton, N. J., about the last of July. The , announcement was made by E. Benedict when pissing through this ■city. Mr. Benedict is one of the i jmrty aeeonqxinying ex president I to St. Louis.

JOHNSON’S TRIAL Forgery Case on in Circuit Court. Plea of Insanity is Being Made By the Defendant. The trial of Curt Johnson who is charged with forgery began in court this morning. John C. Moran, prosecuting attorney, represented the state and L. C. De Voss appearing for the defendant. The evidence i for the state was all in by noon and I the defense began at 1 :30. It is believed that the case will go to the jury this evening. Tho case is one j wherein Johnson is charged with having forged a check of 17.85 on A. C. Gregory and cashing same at the Winnes Shoe Store. He was ar rested the same day and has been in jail ever since, about a month. He admits his guilt or did so at the time of his arrest and is making a defense on a plea of insanity. He I has been in the ballloon business for a year past and last fall is said to have received a fall which injured his head. His poor old mother was on the stand this afternoon and broke down completely as she told of her son’s waywardness. She thought his mind was not as strong as it used to be and that he was too easily led into trouble. When Johnson was first arrested he said he had been coaxed to forge the cheek by Ed Touhey and the latter was afterwards arrested as an accomplice. Afterwards Johnson denied the story of Touhey’s guilt. Touhey will lx 1 tried tomorrow.

REPORT IS READY. John Everett, President of Board, Finished School Enumeration. John Everett, president of the school board, has ‘finished the school enumeration of this city and finds that at the beginning of the net term of school there will be 1,212 people who are within the age limit requirt'd for the enumeration. This is an increase over the statistics for last year and may be taken as an indication of this city’s growth. The enrollment for the present year of school runs a little over 800 and it is thought that from among I the list of eligibles which the last enumeration shows, a little larger I enrollment for next year will result . ! The public schools of this city are I among the best systemized in the ! state and the facilities offered in the way of improved buildings centrally hx-ated and a gtxxl corps of instructors are accountable for the ' progression made. MONROE THIS TIME.

A New Mail Route May Be Established There Soon. Robert Galbreth of the vicinity of Monro*', is in receipt of a letter from Congressman Cromer stating that a rural route will probably be started out of that place in the near future. Adams county is scheduled to a general inspt'etion sometime in August, at which time it is expected that we will get several new routes, but the communication reccivi'd is the result of a p-tition asking the immi'diate institution of a new route. The congressman assured the p'titioners that if he could secure the service of an insp'etor and if he reported favorably the route would lx> estalbished nt once. But in view of the fact that the in-sp-etors are engaged fur in advance he was unable to say with certainty when the inspector could come.

NUMBER 95

WESLEY DAY. Methodists Will Observe Anniversary of Birth. Methodists all over this country are arranging to celebrate John Wesley day in commemoration of the bi-centeniel of the founder of the sect, probably during the last week of June. The exact date as to when this bi-centeniel shall occur depends on whether the “old” or the "new" style calender is used. According to the old style John Wesley,the founderjof Methodistism. was born June 17, 1703, at Epworth Englund. He was a son of a clergyman of the Established church, and became a clergyman himself, attaining his thirty-fifth year Without doing anything remarkable beyond a missionary excursion to the American Indians. Being in London on May 24, 1738— a date which may be called the Ix'giiining of Methodistism—he went to a meeting in Aldersgate

street, where one was reading Luther's preface to the Epistle to the Romans. Listening to their leader, "at about a quarter before nine o’clock” light flashed upon his mind and he was converg'd. Until that evening, as Wesley himself said, although a teacher of others, he had never known what Chrstianitv really was. He began preaching in the open air and his 1 life from that time until its close, March 2, 1791, in his eighty-eighth, year was consecrated to religEus labors among the people. His early efforts were directed to supplement the services of the church of Engi land, but gradually he superceded them. He built chapels, organized . a ministry and worship, allowed • laymen to preach, and at last found ■ himself at the head of a great and independent religious community, • which in the year before his death . numbered 76,000 in Great Britain and 57,000 in America.

BIG PARADE. Haymaker Lodge to Be Installed Tuesday. Visitors From Fort Wayne and Bluffton will Participate in Program. The Haymakers lodge will lx 1 organized in this city next Tuesday afternoon and ' evening and the j event promise to be an all-impor-tant one to those who participate. This is a lodge surbordinate to the i Red Men’s order and forty-eight ! members will lx' initiated in the I class next Tuesday, Ix'sides which | number, are several who have already joined. The work will be done by a team from Fort Wayne who will arrive her*' at 1:19 and proceed immediately to work. At f :30 Tuesday evening all local and visiting Haymakersand Red Men will take part in a grand parade. They will lx- costumed in overalls, junqx'rs and a big straw hat and will march to the (’lover Leaf depot to meet a large delegation from Bluffton who are coming to ptrticipate in the "doins”. From this they march back to the hall and then the real fun begins. An elaborate Ixinquet will be |xtrf of the program. The city hind will be a eonspicious feature of the big jxtrade. The reception committee who have charge of the guests are Harry Friedman. Harry Cordna and Jacob Eady. A good time is oomin' sure. All Red Men and prosjxx'tive Haymakers arc urgently requested to lx 1 at the hull at 6:30 Tuesday evening prompt to take pirt in the big pirade. Don't fail to be there. H Committee.