Daily Democrat, Volume 3, Number 59, Decatur, Adams County, 21 March 1905 — Page 1

VOLUME in

PAY DAY , t Railroad Litigation of Long Standing W. H. Blodgett Writes His Newspaper an Inltrettlng Story From Frankfort. • W. H. Blodgett has an interest, ing story in the Indianapilis News from Frankfort, which gives the history of a legal battle over the collection of a subsidy for the now Clover Loaf railroad. In 1878 Center township io which Fr.nkfort was situated voted a tax of >20,000 to this road. It was at that time placed on the tax duplicate, but by numerous ooniiti<*n« wts hedged by court proceedings. In is»6 the tax was ordered canceled, which was concurred, in by the court. It was retried, taken on change t» another county, the subsidy upheld, appealed to the supreme court, and there a decision favoring the subsidy was banded down. Th’n a petition was tiled against paying the subsidy, and this went through all the Courts includ&g the supreme court. Then the officials of Clinton county were enjoined from collecting the tax and this went through all the lower courts and was sust-ined Then in 18Sf7 an attorney of Frankfort, brought suit ns a taxpayer, to collect the tax , and this went to the supreme court, and on a technicality the bomplaint as held to be bad. Ho brought another s'.jt, which was venued to Montgomery county, and was decided against the plaintiff. He appealed and the lower court was sustained. Now it is ?aid the case is to be reopened, and the charge made that collusion entered the former suits The subsidy was arsgnod by the railroad to the Western Con sti notion company, and the stock in this company was later * cured by W.l iam J. Craig, n<Av of this city. Should the case finally end in his favor, he will be the owner of the <20,000 subsidy and six per cent interest tram 1884, about <50,000 all told At the time the subsidy was voted, Mr. Craig was general manager of the road, and one of the widely known and prominent men in bmineis an I politics. UNDER ARREST fiownan, Berne Canning Man Captured at Muncie. Muncie. Ind , March 21.—Obediah F. Bowman, alleged embezzler from citizens of Carthage, Rush county, indicted by the Rush county grand jury several weeks ago, and since that time the object of a search by the police of Indiana cities, was yesterday at noon placed under arrest in Muncie by Detective C laries Cline. Luer in the afternoon he was taken to Rushville, where he will be held to an w< r a number of charges of embezzlement made bv the grind jury. It is alleged that thee years ago Bowman w<n‘ to Carthage and, representing 1 i nself to be an experienced fruit and vegetable canner, interested the business men of that town in starting a factory, which 1 iter failed. He is alleged to have received bonus mcney and stock subscriptions amounting to <11,500. ' D. W. Kirkwood, of Cirthage, who has subscribed <3,500 worth of stock in the concern, started a 1 grand jury investigation, which i resulted in three indiotihents being , returned against hun. Biwmin immediately loft an 1 his wiierea- I bouts were unknown until his arrest in Munoie tiday. Bowmtn confesses to his op erations, but says that his intentions were good and ( that he can prove that the charges ( as placed against him are not true.

The Daily Democrat.

HOW IT HAPPENED A. Emtnhlztr Bought Stolen Horse Instead , of Copl. Phipps. Amsi Embnhizer purchased tie horso stolen from Braun Bros, instead of Capt. Phipps, as stated The horse was stolen I Tuesday afternoon, driven here and put up in the Robinson feed yard The next morning early Enenhizir whi w irks for Mr. Robinson, purchased the outfit for seventy dollars Alter a day or t*o Mr. Robinsun saw the horse advertised and recognized it at once. He drove to Berne Sunday, gave his information and claimed the reward of twenty-five dollars, which be turned over to Mr. Emenhizer. Mr. Braun came here Sunday afternoon'and got the outfit. WAR NEWS Ruisians Retreit is Ineventful so Far Youthful Anarchist Shoots Down Governor Miasorodotf of Vib.irg—ls Arrested. St. Petersburg, March 21—2:17 a. m.— TheTatoet dispatches from * Manchuria indicate that the retreat of the Russian army is being conduoted uneventfully. The last few davg were unmarked by any fighting of a serious nature. Both the Russians and the Japanese at this stage are probably considering that marchirg is more important than t fighting. The Russians, however, are neglecting no preoaution-i to i itnpode pursuit anl hampsr the concentration of permanent Japan ese lines of supply. A dispatch received yesterday announcing that a cannonade had been heard ! south of Tie Pass, is apparently an error, either as to diraction or location. Vil.org, European Russia, March 20.—Governor Miaorodoff was shot and seriously wounded today by a boy whose identity has not been ascertained. The issass’n, who is about fifteen years old. obtained an entrance to the governor's office and fired three times at him, one bullet inflicting a serious wound and the others slightly wounding the governor’s leg j . The governor's clerks and secretary were unable to ■ iip the would-be aisasain, who reached the street, where, however, he was arrested without a struggle I The governor’s condition :'a critical. The youth who shot the geverntr has been identified as Mat Hjalmar Renkke, who admits that he is a revolutionist. He hails from Kurikke parish, in the nort western part of Finland, but recently ha-i b<en living at Stockholm, to avoid arrest on account of his k town revolutionary ideas.

lIECATU'I, INDIANA. TUESDAY EVENING, MARI II 21. lIMIS.

JUMPS LEAGUE Dee DeVinney Leaves Dallas for the North Took Some of the Club's BelortL-LS With Him and May Get Into Trouble. C- O. France received a telegram from Joe Gardner, manager of the Dallas. Texas, base ball team, announcing the Dee DeVinney, who had been signed by this team to play right H-dd during the coming season, had ju-npod his contract and taken with him a coat, stockings and cap. belonging to the team, and had undoubtedly started for this city. The telegram desires France to apprehend DeVinney, get the above named goods and return the same to the jflub at once. A search was made for Dee today, but as yet he has failed to put in an appearance. A letter received from Dallas a few days ago disclosed the fact that the Decatur boys were getting akng in nice shape and were making good. Although it is stated DeVinney had been sick to a certain extent and i had asked for his release, which the i management refused to give him, ' stating he was too valuable a player to lose. Dee undoubtedly became homesick and without the consent of any one took French leave, appropriating some of the club's goods I before leaving. This action on the ' part of DeVinney may result in his being blacklisted from professional company, and he will be unable to play with any team under National League protection until he pays the sum of <6OO, which will reinstate him. This move will no doubt be regretted oy his mmy friends who have been looking forward to a I brilliant future for him in base ball . circles. The return of Dee, how- ■ ever, may change the aspect of the entire proceedings and his story will be fully published in this paper. MONROE ELECTION Becomes a Town by Good Majority Vote was Fifty-Seven to Sxteen Will Elect Officers as Soon as Possible Under Law. Monroe held an eloetion yester day to decide whether or not it would assume the title of town and the vote stood "yes” 57 and "no” 16. It therefore remains only for the formality of the approval of the county commissioners as to the legality of the election to complete tl:e incorporation. At the meeting of the commissioners next month the matter will be taken up, approved no doubt and a day set for the election of officers including three trustees or oounoilmen, a olei k and treasurer. The trustee | will appoint a marshal who shall be the police officer and may be required to act as street commissioner and fire chief or both. The town will consist of three wards. The offiier.s elected at this time will serve under the naw law, only until next January, when ww officers will be chosen to hold office for four years. iMonroe is a splendid business point and its citizens are enterprising. They will rebuild the district recently destroyed by tire and Monroe will soon be one of the best towns in Adams county.

THE SHOW ‘‘King of Tramps” Was Fairly Good But Support Was Weak. * A fair-sized audience greeted the "King of Tramps" company last evening at the opeih house, and wore treated to a fair show. The play seemed to lie a new one with the entire company, as many notice able delays and blunders were made by each member. James F Green, who played the part of Philander Picks, "King of Tiarnpa,” hid been seco here before, he having played with the Hooligan's Troubles company, and his part was played in a pleasing manner, but his support was weak. The plot of the play was like all others, the villain finally landing in jail and ! the hero being untied with his sweetheart. A number of specialties were introduced, which were the redeeming feature of the entire performance. The next attraction is "Hump.y Dumpty" next ThursQUICK WORK Will Wagner Charged With Horse Stealing ♦ Young Man Who Stolt Berne Rig Organized Show- Dallas Butler Gots to Rac ne, Wisconsin, After Him Deputy Butler left this morning for Racine, Wisconsin, where he expeots to arrest Will Wagner tonight for the stealing of the horse and buggy from Braun Bros., of Berne, last Tuesday. Wagner is a well known young man of Root township. where ho was reared For some time he had been working at Hammond, but returned recently. When Sheriff Butler was in Hammond two weexsago he learned that Wagner was there and was trying to organize a theatrical company, when it was discovered that it was Wagner who sold the I outfit to Mr. Emonhizsr. Sheriff Butler at once called up the chief of police at Hammond and notified him to be on the lookout for the fugitive. He was informed that Wagner had already been there, organized his show and left for Wisconsin. The company will c pen at Racine tonight and while Wagner is posing as the millionaire in the first act he will likely awake to I the fact that horse stealing in AdI urns county is a crime. Deputy l Butler left at two o'clock this morn- | ing, stopped a short time at Ham moud to get more particulars and then went on to Racine, where he expeots to arrive in time for the "big’’ show. Wagner has certainly been doing some rapid work since he birod the rig, a week ago. AGAINST THE CITY Writ of Execution Issued In the George E. McKean Case. Sheriff Butler has received an execution against the city of Decatur. The writ is issued from the Superior court of Fort Wayne and is on the judgment in the case of George E. McKean vs the City of Docatur, for services as city engineer. The case was tried several months ago and Mr. McKean was given judgment t >r <450. Besides this are liens for <175 for attorney's fees an! costs which make a total of <675. The sheriff will ievy on some of tie ] ersonal property unless same is paid at once. It was supposed that the case was to be appealed to the supreme court, hut it seems the bond was not tiled and hence the writ was issued. The matter will probably be adjusted.

MAY INVESTIGATE Young Woman’s Death is Mysterious Miss Emma Schwartz, of this County. Said to Have Been a Victim of Polson. Mias Emma Swartz, a young lady living in the south part of this county di-al last Friday, after a short illness. She was to have been married in a few weeks and her sad death caused no little comment. Reoently it his been rumored that her untimely death was I due to poison and the authorities of this and Wells county will probably be called upon to investiagte tne affair. Speaking of the affair the Bluffton Banner says: "The death certificate, signed by Dr. McLiin of Vera Cruz is in the hands of Undertaker Mcßride at this time declares that death was due to gas tronteritis. The other repirt’ is that a postmortem examination was had some time Saturday by three physicians from Decatur, who j discovered poison in the stomach, I and that later a search of the home | revealed a pickage of poison, some of which was missing. A number lof paople living in that vicinity i have been intarviewd during the I day but all declare that they have only heard the report. The young Ilidywas well known in this city and Lad many fr en is 1 e e. If 'h re lis to be a coroner's mquest it will have to be conducted by.coroncr of Wells county, as ihe body is buried inthis county. Mr. Mcßride bus received no information that would lead him to hold an inquest as yet ami the story seems to be pretty thoroughly tangled." The story was investigated here and t-be cor I oner and physicians say the case j has been never reported to them. SEARCHING FOR SON George Letts of Wren Came Here Without a Word of Explanation His Son Arose From the Table, Left the House and Failed lo Return. George Lett, who resides neat' Wren, Ohio, was in the city in search of his son, Ben, who ran away from his home last Friday morning, and has rot been seen since. His father stated that Ben Friday morning got up as usual di 1 his morning's work and was eating his breakfast, apparently in the best of heaph, and during his repast got up and walked from the house and has not been heard of since. He was dressed in his old working clothes and took nothing wth him from the house Mr. Lett after several hours started in search of his son, which did not result in his discovery. On Tuesday evening he got information that he had been seen three miles west of Pleasant Mills, walking in the direction of this city. Mr. Lett at once came to this city and made search, which proved fruitless, and his absence is still a mystery. Mr. can offer no explanation as to his son’s abrupt leaving, unless he was demented, whi'h is now his great est fear. although his son never showed any signa of snoh His father is geatly affected over the son's disappearance and would be glad of any information leading to his whereabouts.

NUMBER 50

INCREASE PAY Recent Legislature Advanced er Diem of County Superintendent. The recent general assembly recently increased t'ie por diem of th, su|>erintendcnt of the county I schools. The qualification* necessury in a superintendent wore also made higher. No one may 1 e elected to the office who does not at the time of his election hold a thirtysix months' license, a sixty months license or a life or professional license. A strenuous effort was made to increase the salaries of teachers, but it failed. In the March bulletin to the teachers issued next week Sn|*erintendent of s Public Instruction Cotton will say that the cause of the failure whs the lack of interest shown by the teachers themselves The acts that were passed include the three-fifth oent levy for rural schools, the transfer of funds from the local special funds from the local special fund to the tuition fund, the increase in the per diam of county superintendents from <l to <4 50, the ten-year book contract, and the appropriation bill, allowing an assistant in the office of the state superintendent. COURT NEWS Hahn Case Goes to the Jury Cases Assigned to Attorneys is Sp dal judges—Suit for Intermeddling Filed. The case against Jitn Hahn, who iis charged with assaulting Adam Wise, with intent to kill, went to ■ the jury about two o’clock this afternoon. The evidence was conI eluded about ten o’clock and two hours allowed for arguments, Prosecutor Moran closing for the state just afier dinner. John Weimer s trial on a similar charge is next for I trial. « —o— The case against Howard Davis and Otis Weils for larceny has been assigned for trial to D. D Heller. llt is is said that Wells will plead , guilty, but Davi» will stand trial. —o—i Three each charging Perry | Clymer with petit larceny, have I been filed in court on appeal from the town clerk of Berne. Clymer |ls the man who stole clover pwi and wheat from William far- | low. —o—- — divorce case of James L. | Wagner vs Pearl Wagner has been assigned for trial to R. 8. Peterson, who asumed jurisdiction today. —o— D. 2. Smith, as attorney for plaintiff, has filed a new case entitled Eaward X. Ehinger, executor of the estate of Christian Kiting vs John W. and Barbara Coffee, complaint for intermeddling, demand <I,OOO. The complaint accuses the defendants of unlawfully taking possession of a certain mortgage and note signed by said defendants and refusing to deliver same to the executor. —o — Shaffer Peterson, attorney for Albert and Floyd Brittson, has tiled u replevin suit against John M. Sprunger. —o— Attorney Shaffer Peterson filed two new cases in c iiirt this afternoon entitled Tne Willshire Milling oompmy vs John Hancock Co., meohanos' lien foreclosure, demand <375, and Willshire Machinery company vs John Hancock Oil company mechanics' lien, <375.