Daily Democrat, Volume 3, Number 160, Decatur, Adams County, 18 July 1905 — Page 1

VOLUME Lil

MUST PAY TAX Traction Lines Have Passed Experiment Stage Mate Board Will Refuse to Stand for the Plea of Former Yun. By United Press News Association. Indianapclis. July Is — The traction companies in Indiana are never to have a period in which they are absolutely “right —such is the conclusion of members of the State Board of Tax Commissioner*, after bearing the arguments ad. vanoed by the attorneys for most of the roads in the state “To one wrtio has heard the plaints of the traction companies in the years past, the plea of the companies thia year ts interesting to say the least, “ said one of the board yes•terday. "Every year for the past ■five years, the representatives of <the oompatnsi have appeared before the board, asking for special leniency because of the alleged fact that the traction business was in its infancy, that the business was still in an expsrimenta' stags, etc., M was told into the ears of a oare- | fol board. These conditions have been taken into consideration in the past, and the assessment has been placed at a very low figure. This year the argument for continued low aseeeemont is different. The complaint is now that the company is at such an age that the Tolling stock and equipment have •depreciated; new overhead work has to be constructed; new and heavier rails have to be put in—all {of which entails a large amount of expense upon the several paniee, and because of this, etc , they ask, that the assessment lie allowed to remain the same Wow the question that arises is, when is a traction company right? If these companies are in the experimental stage last year it does not seem strange that one more additional year would age them to the point of decreptitude It seems to ma that the time is about here When the companies will have to i take up their larger share in .carrying the taxes of the state. ” While the members of the tax "board have bad no executive sessions as yet, the feeling is that ■the traction companies will be raised in their assessments this .year. It is not thought that the Taise will be extreme, but that it will be conservative in each case, but applied to almost al! the toads with Charming impartiality This action will not be taken for some time yet, and in the meantime, the hearings will continue. EXPRESS WRECKED Many Aboard Bat Only Ten People Were Injured. ■By Unl*-«d Press N«*« Association. Rochester, N. <., July 18-The •western express was wrecked just east of here early this morning. Engineer Clark is dying, Fireman Closey George of Chicago, was badly hurt. None of the other 175 passengers were injured. The express ran into a train of empty coal cars. The private car of Superintendent Huthchinson. in which he was riding was uninjured. Ice Cream Social. The Ladies’ Aid society of the Christian church will serve ice cream and sherbet this (Tuesday) evening on Court street, lit is for the benefit jof the church. I z

The Daily Democrat.

HAND OF TIME Mas Erased Many Once Prosperous Towns From the Map. Fate seems to have a persistent grudge against some towns and there are several barren sites in Indiana where once prosperous towns were located, the boo doo having followed them until they were killed off. Years ago Lion mouth was the leading center of thio county bnt when the rwral routes were established a year ago it had dwindled to a tillage, and, last, its posteffi-e The same fate came to Steele and Honduras. Belden. just across tne line in Wabash county, was at one time a point of considerable commercial importance Forty or fifty years ago, America, about three miles from Lafontame, Wabash county. was the metropolis of the section in which it was located. In other sections of the state there are also many deserted villages LaGrange county has one, [Ontario, once a village noted as an educational center, and having a tine water power, the company owning which was duly incorporated and given a fifty-years franchise by the state, now has only a half dozen houses and a well-kept cemetery. West Forks, in Crawford county, now 1 consists of only two buildings, tire having almos. wiped out tie plaoe in the last few years. The destruction of WestJFork by tire re calls the wiping out of Hiadoetan. the former county seat of Martin county, by disease. It was Heated at the falls of White river, and was heralded as the coming city of Inaiana For a time it was prosperous, but in 1821 ana 1822 it was devastated by an epidemic of typhoid fever, followed next year by dysentery in the worst form, and the site of Hmdostan is now a farm, the last families having been nearly wiped out by cholera in 1832. Memphis, in Clarke; county, is another town that was soouraged by fire a few years ago and it has not recovered

ANOTHER FIRE Erie Engine Caused Small Blaze At Decatur Egg Case Cuapaay Stave Shed—Damage Was Slight —r At twelve o'clock today A Small tire occurred in the stave shed belonging to the Decatur Egg Case company, and which stands on their property just north of the Chicago & Erie railroad. The fire did not do much damage and was extinguished soon after the arrival of the fire company. The blaze started from a spark emitted by a passing engine on the Erie and she shingles which had been thoroughly dried out by the hot sun furnished combustible material for the spark, which fanned by a slight breeze, soon resulted in a blaze and had eaten its way through the roof in several places before discovered. The buildings were fully covered by insurance. The loss as estimated by Mr. Vail, is 1200. Honor Gen. Biackburn. Special Telegram To The Democrat Boston, Mass., July 18—The board of aidermen adjourned today i as a mark of respect foi General Blackmar, whose funeral will ' probably be held next Bunday. |i —- • ~

MCATUH, INDIANA, TUESDAY EVENING, JULY IK. IMS.

REAL CIRCUS Forepsugh & Sells’ Show Coming Here Dated for August Twelveth—Will Show on Jeleff Grounds Nur Clover Leaf Tracks. • George Heiser, advance man, representing the Great Adam Forepaugh and Sella Brothers' enormous shows, united, was in Decatur today and arranged for that circus to appear in this city on Saturday, August 12. He contracted with Attorneys Merryman & But ton for the Jeleff land near the Clover Leaf railway and just east of the old cemetery, where the show will exhibit. This circus is known as one of the biggest and best in the world, and ranking along with Ringling and Barnum. The first bill oar will be here Friday and the country hereabouts will soon be covered with glaring posters announcing the big event. ■lt has been three years since a big show has visited Decatur, and it is safe to predict that the tents will be crowded at both performances In the meant! me the small boy and others will dream of red lemonade and elephants, saw dust and snake charmers. WEDDING TOMORROW Mr. Caleb Andrews and Miss Anna Callow to Marry. Tomorrow evening at 7:30 o'clock at the Metnodist church at Monroe will occur the marriage of Mr Caleb Andrews to Miss Anna Callow, of Union township.

The groom is one of the best known men of the central part of the oounty, and though we had him on our list of always to be bachelors we gladly make the <?orreotion The bride is an accomplished and popular lady. The Democrat advances congratulations. Rev. J. A. Sprague will officiate at the oeremony. CASEOFLOVE MIIIMMirc Weds Girl Cigar MakerReared in Slums. By United Prose News Aseociatloii.Norotin Point. Conn., July 18— J. G. Phelps Stokes, a uiutli millionaire, was married today to Rose Harriet Pastor, a Jewish lady who was formerly a cigarmaker in a sweatshop, ana was reared in tbe slums. Rev. Anson Phepls Stokes, the groom’s brother, performed the ceremony, which was very simple and attended by guests from social settlements and tbe working district of New York. The honeymoon includes an extended exploration of the London slums, the youthful home of the bride. WILL PROSECUTE Mayor Weaver Will File Affidavits In Few Days. By United Press News Association. Philadelphia, July 18—Acting on advice of special counsel Elihu Root, Mayor Weaver will bring criminal proceedings against persons prominent in municipal affairs within a few days. Attorney Kell, breaking his leg, will delay the trials of Caven and Hill until he recovers.

SAD ACCIDENT Baby Killed on Railroad Track Near Trail. Saturday night at 0 o'olook, following serious injuries sustained by being bit by a Chicago A Erie train about 12:30 Saturday at noon, Gardetb, fifteen months old child of Mr. and Mrs McKinney Sowards, died at its home in Tocsin The funeral was held this afternoon at one o'clock at Murray Saturday, while Mrs. Sowarde was tn the woods picking berries and tbe father was at the village of Too sin. the child was playing along tbe Erie tracks near that town. A freight train palled by engine in charge of Engineer Gusman was switching near [the point. The l>aby. unnotioedjby its brother* and sisters who were near, crawled upon tbe main track while the train was on the side track. When tbe train was run back on the main line the baby had reached tbe tracks ard was not seen by the train crew until too late to atop. The engine struck the baby and { tossed it to one side and whe n • picked up by the trainmen was unconscious. Its body was injured in numerous places The mother was called and given her child, which lived until 9 o’clock Saturday night. —Huntington News Democrat. WON’T HANG Governor Hanly Commutes a Sentence Edward Donahoe Sentenced to Death Will Ro to Prison for Life. By United Press News Aeeoclatlon. Indianapolis, July 18—Governor Hanly today commuted to life imprisonment tbe sentence of Ed ward Donahue, who was to have lieen hanged Friday. Governor Hanly gives as his reason for the reprieve the fact that Donahue's defense was purely perfunctory as he was defended by the pauper attorney, lieing too poor to employ oounsel; another reason is the doubt as to Donahue's sanity, evidence to the contrary being all Circumstantial. Donahue has always Contended that be would not hang, expressing the conviction that the governor would act before the time of execution. The or i til 8 for which he was convicted was the mUfddf of Minter Northrup, near Hobart, October 5, 1904. AT HUNTERS' LODGE: Business Men’s Club Holding Annual Session. About forty old scouts, witA Charles Ernst as chaperone, and John Baker, chief cook, left Deca tur early this morning for Hunters’ lodge, where they will enjoy their annual 4 banquet. Included in the menu are forty spring chickens, noodle soup, with vinegar and cigars. For several years these celebrations have been held and great are reports which came from them. It’s a day of genuine pleasure and the boys are sure to enjoy their outing. Forty Drown. ■y United Press News Association, i Lapere, India. July 18—A Ferry boat carrying passengers collapesd today at Srinlgar, Kashmir, drowning forty people.

AN ACCIDENT Geneva Boy Injured While at Play Nearly Lott Eye-Geneva to Have a Real Circus-Some Base Ball News. (Bpsoial Correspondence.) Geneva. Ind., July 18—While playing ball with several boy friends. Monday, Raymond Filer, the 12-year old eon of William Filer, met with an accident that came very near causing him to lose tbe use of his right eye The boys were plyaing catch and one of themjpioksd up a pita toe and threw it to Filer He caught it all right, but not in his hands—he got it in the eye. In less than it takes to tell it tbe eye was so badly inflammed and swollen that it was feared the eyeball was bursted. Medical aid was summoned at once and all possible treatment used. For awhile the physician feared he could not save the eye, bat today the inflammation is disappearing, and it is thought all danger is over. ’ Large stands of [bill boards have been put up here for the advertising of .a real for sure circus Lemon's shows will be here on Friday, July 28th, and the small boy is dreaming of the el'funt, the lions and red lemonade, while tbe par ents are planning on making great sacrifices just to take the children to tne show. This will be the largest show that has visited Geneva for many years Agent Merry at the Grand Rapids has been ordered to make room for 23 extra size show oars That goes to show that the circus is no small one at least The Hartford City-Geneva game which was |t> have been played Weanesday, has been called off, but may be played at some future date The Fort Wayne Blues will play here next Saturday and Sunday. IT WAS WARM Mrs. Roop and Mrs. Whitrifht Clash in Word Battle. It seemi that trouble! willj never oease, and from allXappearanoes 'Squire James fl. Smith |wil[ his hands full tuls evening, settling the of Mrs. Mattie Roop and Mrs Ida W'h'.tfirfttt, each of whom have filed an affidavit against the Other for provoke, foe trouble seems to have originated in the following manner, according to M:e. Roop’s story, as she claims; Mrs. Whitright accuses her of running a house of ill fame, wherein she is only running a boarding and Edging house. When this netrs reached Mrs. Roop she paid Mrs. Whitright a visit, and the tongue lashmg one gave the other was Something fierce, an d the used are hardly tit for publication. Mrs. W’Mttight became so Angry and enraged that she immediately filed an affidavit against Mrs Roop for provoke, and as soon as Mrs. Roop learned oif the transaction she retu-ned the Compliment The case promises to be sensational and will be heard at four o'clock this afternoon Were Crooked. By United Preaa New* Association, Washington, July 18—Secretary Wilson this morning began an investigation of the charges of silling civil service examination question by female clerks in the’ de partment of agriculture.

NUMBER 160

BROKE DOWN Murderer Welker Couldn't Stand a Sun* day Sermon. In spite of the cloak of mdiffer enoe with which John Welker, tbe slayer of Mis* Minnie Malching, has invested himself since his incarceration at the county jail and in spite of an assumed air of good spirits, the fact that his crime weighs heavily upon him was shown Sunday moruing by an incident which came to light only yesterday. On Sunday morning, as usual, a band of workers from tbe Columbia street mission held religious services at the jail. The Rev. Cooper delivered the sermon, and in the course of it, be useu as an illustration the story of the murder of a man by bis brother. As tbe minister portrayed tbe scene, young Welker broke down and sobbed bitterly and so audibly that everyone in the room heard him. To people who visit the jail Welker appears one of the most jovial and light hearted of the prisoners, and he is very genial and companionable with his oell mates, who look to him to suggest means of passing a wav idle moments In view of the incident Sunday, however, it is inferred that bis character changes when be is alone in his cell at night and that remorse tills his heart.— Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette. MANY FIRES Six Lives Lost at Wabasha, Minnesota Union Station at Louisville Destroyed—Two Forts Have Losses. Special Telegram To The Democrat Wabasha, Minn., July 18—The depot and hotel here were totally destroyed by fire today thia morning Six peisons were burned to death and p >ssibly more are in tbe ruins. An explosion of on illuminating gas tank was the cause The dead are Mrs Hoffman and baby. Robert Johnson. Gartruda Steutacheri Rebecca Herman and James Hunt. ~ By United Prate News Aeeoclatlon. New York, July 18—Fire at Fort Hamilton destroyed the gun house, twO heavy seigd guns and the st*' bles today. The prisoners in tbe gpard house had narrow escapes. The loss is 125,000 At the same hour fire broke out at Fort Wads worth, entirely destroying the magazine and a large amount of dynamite. _ — By United Preaa Newe Aeeoclatlon. Louisville, Ky., July 18—Fire last night destroyed the Union pas senger station here. The loss in 1350,000. _ New York, N. Y. July 18—The hotel Martha Washington was fired this morning from a cigarette dibpped by one of the guests. Tbe hotel was o tie exclusiva for women. The damage Was not m-ich FOR SPITE Pennsylvania Alan Cut Off His Hand With a Hatchet. Spacial Telegram To The Democrat New Castle, Pa.. July 18—To spite his wife with whom he had quar reled, George Maxwell chopped off his own hand with a hatchet and nearly died from loss of blood.