Daily Democrat, Volume 3, Number 29, Decatur, Adams County, 14 February 1905 — Page 1

VOLUME 111

NUMBER TWO Another Discussion of Municipal Ownership Clves Souk Fltares Io Show The Slud* IM of This Branch of Oar City Goverment. In discussing this municipal ownorship question as related to our light aud water plant, wo must un - derstand that we are facing one of the darkest propositions that has ever confronted Deoatur, since it was incorporated as a city. In gathering the thoughts that 1 want to present to the public through your columns, 1 have turned from street gossip and have begun to search of the city records. 1 propose to give you figures and facts covering a period of six years, commencing Sept. 1898, and ending August 31, 1904. During this time the city clerk has issued warrants against the water works account tor |80,379. The city treasurer has received to the credit of this ao-

count (65,316. This makes an overdraft of 115,063. The electrio light plant has had (14,014 issued against its account, and has received <10,629 to its credit This makes an overdraft of (3.3H5, and a total overdraft of (18,448. In eluded in the above receipts the city treasurer has received from'general taxation (40,751 on the water works aooount and (13,496 on the electric light aooount. Included in the above drafts the city has paid (16,000 on her water works indebtedness and the electrio light has redeemed (5,875 electric light bonds. The light plant has used (6,621 and the waterworks has used (24,751 that has been derived from taxation, this makes a total of (31,372’0n both accounts derived from that source The city has 93 water hydrants and 74 arc lights. The hydrants are worth (40 each per year, and the arc lights (80 per yoar. If this amount of money had been turned into the city treasury the city would l ava received (57,600 during the six years instead oi (31,372, this would have given the city (26,228 to redeem the outstanding orders against these two funds. This amount of money would have gone further; it would have cancelled all outstanding orders and left money ‘to go on.” If this plant is sold, these street arc lights will have to be paid fur. The city will have to pay for her fire protection It will cost the city over and above her other expenses (9,600 jtcr year. Tae city is now trying to rm the plant and save the (9,600 per year. We nave a hen that is laying a golden egg each year, and by following the present policy we are trying to kill the hen to get the egg. Now as the oity has not collected one oent of taxes to run the waterworks and electric light plant this year, how can Rev. Allen con-

elude that by selling the plant it will reduoc our taxes? There is but • one proposition to make, that is, le’ the people give the city as much nioney by taxation, ae they would give a private oompany. then all would be different. Our eoal bills would be paid, and the citv plovees would not be compelled to P»ddle ihe<r city orders around from store to store to get them eashed; our city council would not be compelled to beg loans from banks, which they will not grant; ear credit would be saved—not only saved, but would be better tha" any oily in the state. The present policy is n_>t the fault of municipal ownership, bu t is the result of some person, or peoples' deep intrigueing, who wish to purchase the plant. They themselve s then •onld pay their increased taxation, from the profit* of the busi near wrenehed from a deluded people. W, J. ABCaeOLD, olty Treasurer

The Daily Democrat.

S. 5. CONVENTION E. 0. Goller Gives His Report for St. Morn and Bine Creek. In Ht. Mary's township a very pleasant surprise a waited me when I arrived at Bobo, where the convention was held. Although there was no session announced for morn ing a very Hue audience had assembled at the church at 10 a. tn. Thus a brief but lively session was held in th, forenoon. The afternoon was rainy, but there was a very nice au lienee of 110 workers. The public having dismissed for the occasion, there was a tine meeting with the children. A strong township organiaztiou was formed with the following as officers; President. O. J. Suman, Pleasant Mills; vice president, J. C- Chronister, Bobo; secretary, H. M. Daniels, Bobo; treasurer, Henry Colter, Bolio. The interest was excellent throughout tie convention and the workers

seemed to lie greatly helped. Offering for state work was f 3 58, and the subscriptions to the Awakener were taken. St. Mary’s will come out on top yet. A sjiecial meeting, outside of the regular program was arranged for Thursday night. A lecture on The Boy and the Sun day School" was given to a very appreciative audience at Salem M. E. church. On Friday, February j 11th, the regular program was given. Although there was zero Weather all day about 80 workers came out and greatly enjoyed the address and round table conference. The children's meeting was quite large for the conditions surround ing the church, there being no school house near. But, “one school, one mile away, dismissed at noon and all scholars came over in a sled. About 90 per cent of these boys and girls never go to Sunday school anywhere. The evening session was well attended considering the extreme winter weather. There being moie than 100 percent. Although most of the pupils who attended the convention acknowledged that it was the finest feast of good things they had ever enjoyed, they rejecting the plan of organization. There are 500,000 persona of day school uge outside of Sunday school age in Indiana and part of them are in Blue Creek township, yet interest in soul saving seemed to be too low to accept the only loflcienl organization now at work lin the state to go after them ■These townships did grandly. Watch fix report next week. Adjanis County convention will be held at Decatur M- E church Wednesday, March 1. Prepare to enjoy the feast. E. D. Goller, State Field Worker.

THE EUTERPEANS Program For Their Meeting with Mrs. Eli Meyers. The Euterpean Fraternity mee ts with Mrs. Eli Myers on North Fifth street, Thursday evening. Mascagni WheelerW iloox and Teniers are the masters to be studied. Mrs. Myers, Miss Carrie Craig and Miss Bessie Shreck are their represent* tires. The following program will be rendered: Piano Duett—' Cavalleria Busticans," Blanche Carroll and Bsasa Shroek. Five minute essay on Mrs. Wheeler Wilcox. Miss Carrie Craig. Headings—(a) Answered Prayer, Miss Bess Congleton; (b) Solitude, Miss Agnes Shrook. Voice— "Ave Marta. Miss Lilah Huffman. Paper on Mascagni. Piano— “Intermewo,” Miss Oarrie Thomas Studies and Reviews. Paper on Feniers.tMre. Eli Myers. Description of Paintings. Mrs. Fristoe. Pl , n(> __ Polish &»■<* MIM Marie Patterson.

DECATU'i, INDIANA, TUESDAY EVENING, FEBItUARY 14. 1905.

THAT DATE Death of Hiram Shackley Recalls Explosion Discussion as to Exact Time Settled by an Old Photograph of the Wrecked Bonding. The death of Hiram Shackley, whose funeral was held this afternoon recalls the terrible explosion at the Shackley Wheel factory, when that concern was completely demolisohd, twe men, T. Brut and a man called Hunohy, were killed, and a half dozen prominent business men bankiupt. We have heard numerous discussions during the past few days as to the correct date of the accident, and have therefore looked the matter np. The accident occurred February 21st, 1871. In a collection of curios owned bv John W. Voglewede ■ and kept at Henry Koenemann's saloon, can be found a photograph of the wrecked plant and the date of the accident. The Shackley Wheel factory was a big concern* ana a prosperous one, and had the explosion not occurred might hava grown into a atupenduous indnstry. Even st that time they employed a large force of men and at good wages. The plant was looated on First tsreet on the Kirsch & Sellemeyer Lumber company's site.

REAP BENEFITS Nearly Sixty Thousand Farmer'! Attend Tke Institute. It Jis interesting to note that nearly 60,000 farmers of Indiana have reaped the have-rt of banffit afforded by the farmers’ institute which has been conducted under the auspices of Purdue university. The annual report of farmers’ institutes discloses the enormous amount of institute work, showing that at Puidue and in other parts <>f the state there were 175 institutes held during the year. The institutes are conducted in accordance with an act of the legislature of 1889. Os the 175 institutes held. 165 were t wo.day meetings, making a tqjial of 210 days and 832 sessions. An institute was conducted in every county in the state and in some two or more were held during the year. The average attendance at the institute was 38 and the total attendance was 59,189. Forty-eight speakers were assigned by the management to the various institutes, none of them being from Purdue university and the United States experiment station staff. Tbig one Nort|a<e Filed by C. H. i D. at Via Wert Fills Record Book. The mortgage from the C. H. & D. railway company to the New York Central Trust company of New York, as trustee, wan filed for record with County Recorder Smith, Saturday. Tbs mortgage is given to secure a bond issue of fifty million dollars. The bonds are to be for 01.000 each and are payable Jan. 1, 1955, with 4>, Jper cent In terest, payable quarterly. The several lines now consolidated under theC., H. *• D. system are mortgaged for twenty five million dollars. These mortgages are to be onnoelled. The new mortgage covers all the franchises and rights, real estate and personal property of the railroad company. The mortgage will almost. fill rocord book, and Mr. Smith's for recording will be aomethng like I'ls. —Van Wert Thnee.

A JOLLY CROWD Mr. and Mrs Bit brick EiHtJlalntd Crowd Os Friends. Last Sunday night Mr. and Mrs. William Biebrick entertained a jolly crowd of young people at their home near Preble. Tte evening was spent in progressive pedro and other numerous games. Those present were Misses Anna Boese, Lulu Bulltemeyer. Hannah Hookemeyer. Martha Worthman, Bertha Beherioh, Alma Schroeder, Lvuie Bultemeyer. Ada Fuhrman, Oscar Lankonau, August Bultemeyer. Charlie Zwiok, Theodore Droege and Leo Meyer. After several hours were spent in playing irames, the guests were invited to step into the dining room where a large table was spread, and refreshments were served. After that the jolly crowd started for home, saying that Mr. and Mrs. Biebetioh were tine entertainers. GAVE RECITAL Miss Gertrude Moses Sacceisfal in Western College. The Daily Press and Dakotan GaI zete published at Yankton, South Dakota, said in its issue of February 9th: ‘ A large and appreciate audience asembled at Ward hall last evening to listen to a recital consisting of the following numbers given by Miss Gertrude Moses, as sisted by Professor Lee N. Dailey. Sonata—A Min ir, Schubert, (a) Preamble, Bach, (b) Bowree—G Minor. Miss Moses. Inquesta Tomba, Beethoven. Deh vieni Alla Finestra, Mozart. |Mr. Dailey. (») Improvisatian, MaoDowell (b) Intermezzo, Hnmoresken. Greig. Miss Moses (a) Lotus Flower. Schumann. (b) Love Song, Brahms. Mr. Dailey. Concert Etude, Ruben stein, Miss Moses. Since Prof. Dailey came to Yankton in September, the conservatory of music has so rapidly increased that it became necessary to have an assistant. Miss Moses, a graduate of the American Conservatory of Chicago and , for three years a graduate student ( of Madame Mnrdau of that city, be gan her work as assistant in the conservatory at the beginning of ( the present term The way in which Miss Moses acquitted herself last evening shows her to he an artist of rare ability and Yankton is to congratulated in having two such musicians in her midst us Professor L. N. Dailey and Mi ss Gertrude Moses. MAY CLOSE TODAY State Admits Godfrey's Good Character and Shortens Case. Fort Wayne, Ind., Feb. 14.—The good reputation borne by John Godfrey prior to the night of the fatal quarrel with his father, was admitted by the prosecution yesterday afternoon. The admission came from Judge Henoh at a moment when the defense was beginning to examine a long array of character witnesses in behalf of the young prisoner, and it was an important step for the defense, which is depending in large measures upon John Godfrey's acknowledged chai actor to free him from the charge of [murder. Judge Erwin announced that, in view of the fact that the state would interpose no evidence and make no contest against any testimony to the good name of the prisoner, he did not deem it necessary that many character witnesses be called. He said he would limit the number of witnesses of this class to be called for the defense, and accordingly the trial is not now likely tooconpy many more day*. The leading testimony is now nearly all in and it is probable that it will tee finished today.

THE LEGISLATURE Voting Machine Measure Was Killed The Committees Report on the Con location Bill for Cities and Towns Has Been Made. The hill of the Rev . I. P. Watts, to regulate the issuance of marriage licenses,“was killed in tho house. Without a dissenting vote the Newhouse railroad commission bill, amended by the special committee to conform to the views of both the senate and railroads and shipjiers, was passed. After seeing the provisions of his voting machine measure changed from compulsory t j optional, Representative Branch moved to strike | out its enacting clause, which was' carried. Senator Carl Wood's measure in creasing the pay of petit jurors which failed to pass in the senate Wednesday for lack of a constitutional majority, was passed today by a vote of thirty three to nine. The senate pissed Senator E. E. Moore's bill to amend the law relating to payments by counties of expenses of county teachers’ institutes, making the amount paid |SO where attendance is twenty five; 1100 where attendance is forty five or more. It was shown in the house today that the Guirl insurance bill had sixty one friends and eleven enemies. The bill would permit foreign insurance companies to do business in Indiana on the same terms as local mutual companies. The reading of Senator Stephensm’s mortgage exemption bill was the cue for some discussion. The j bill provided for <1,200 on personal . and real property. On motion of ■ Senator Talcot the bill was amend cd to exclude personal property. The bill passed by a vote of thirty five to three. The committee on swamp land and drainage, Senator Powell, chniiniuu. has decided to make a report on the codification bill on drainage. Among other things this measure provides that ditches shall be surveyed by the county surveyors and two viewers. The viewers are to be appointed by the county commissioners. The bill as it will be reported Tuesday has a number of amendments. One provides that two thirds of the land owners inter ested may remonstrate and defeat the construction of a ditch. Tho committee report on the codification bill on cities and towns was made. The house "ordered the printing ofjthe committee's amend mente to the bill, as suggested by Chairman|Edwards, of the house committee. The joint report of the committee on the bill made no recommendation on the question of extending present officers* terms. That the extension be recommended by a majority of the committee wee onafldently expected. It was decided that the legislature should determine whether or not two years should be given present officers without any'euggestlon of the oom mittee. Owing to the fact that all trains running into tbis'elty are anywhere from one hour to six hours late today, our readers will have to bear with us to a certain extant in the noticeable absence of personal news, as it is impossible to obtain the same. It is hoped by the reporters that this weather will seen break ww*yi. i

NUMBER 2V

THE COLD WAVE Mercary Went To Seventeen Below Zero This Mornlnt At three o'cloox this morning the mercury reached the low point for this winter, seventeen below zero, then a sudden change came and the thermometer registered even zero at eight o’clock. Yes terday was tho coldest of the sea son, »eing from four to six degrees below zero at noon. To add to the terrible severity of tho cold, which caused suffering to the poor in their homes and even to the rich who ventured out, a brisk wind blew all day from the northwest, increasing in velocity at night. Many persons walking along the streets had ears, nose and fingers frosted before they knew it. and in several instances the results were extremely painful,"if not serious If you were able to keep comfort able in your homes during the ]>aat twenty-four honrs you were lucky FUNERAL SERVICES Mrs. Sarah York to be Barfed at Maplewood Tomorrow. The funeral services for Mrs. Sarah York, who died suddenly yesterday afternoon, at the home of Dr. P. B. Thomas, will be held at ten o'clock tomorrow morning, from Mrs. Crahb's residence on Mouth Third street, and interment will be made at Maplewood ceme tery. Mrs. York was sixty-six years old and was born in Michigan Her husband died many years ago, and she leaves no family. She had lived with Mrs Crabbs for many years, being her housekeeper, while she lived in Toledo and since coming here. Dr. Tuomas returned the death certificate and gave the cause as pulmonary ap poplexy. VALENTINE DAY This Occasion Has Bun Celt t rate 1 for Miny CectariesThis is Valentine day. the occasion for reminding your sweetheart that you love her or of telling your enemy how mean he is. The school children have kep* the post office employes busy and the mail carriers had trouble carrying their big load of letters. Valentine day is an old time institution. St. Valentine was martyred 306 A. D., and since then on the eve of his birthday. February 14, young folks have been in the habit of sending missives to one another. The old custom was that the yourg people should meet on this occasion and draw from a list of the names of those of the opposite sex one name. Each was then the valentine of the other and the bjy was bound for a year to the service of hia valentine. HAD GOOD TIME SkVMM FirtJ EatefUM S ite Bearers liar. A merry lleiging party took ad vantage of the beautlfnl mow and drove to the home of Mr. and Mrs Mood Beavers, near Peterson, flat urdny evening, and a pleasant time they bad. The crowd included Misses Leona Stoutsnberry. Minnie Brown, Pearl Heller, Jenny Bright, Maggie Brown. Lucy Sohsrry and Lillie Bouck. Messrs. Amos Stone burner, Orval Heller, Guss Yake, O. P. Anursws and Ge >rge Myers They all departed for their homes at a late hour and are all deter mined to say that Mr. and Mrs. Beavers are royal enter Utsnra.