Daily Democrat, Volume 5, Number 36, Decatur, Adams County, 11 February 1907 — Page 1

S/’olume V

EVIDENCE IS SPICY President Stoping Thaw I Evidence in Papers ■ big case is resumed today ■a Bad Morning For the Defense and ■ I an Early Adjournment Was Taken. Washington, Feb. 11.—The president has asked Postmaster General Cortelyou to take steps to bar from the mails all newspapers giving full details of the Thaw trial, if he may do so under the law. The following official statement was issued on the subject at the White House today: “The president has communicated with Postmaster General Cortelyou to learn whether it is feasible to bar from the mails papers that give the full disgusting particulars in the Thaw case.” He does not know whether this is feasible or not, but if it is he wishes it done,

New York, Feb. 11. —The first announcement in the Thaw trial was an edict from the court that with the exception of six women, actively engaged in newspaper work, no female curiosity seekers will be admitted to the court room. J .D. Lyons of the Union National Bank, Pittsburg, was the first witness. He was brought here to identify Thaw's will. Jerome objected for the reason that no ground work had been laid to prove Thaw’s insanity. Delmas explained that the defense expects to first prove matters of fact regarding Thaw’s acts, then clinch the insanity plea with expert testimony. After a long wrangle over the admission of Lyons’ testimony, Jerome finally agreed to admit it. Lyons said he had had possession of the will until the Thaw case came to trial. Jerome, however, had his objection sustained to Delmas’ effort to get the will introduced. Evelyn Thaw was again on the stand to testify as to a note written by her to her husband in the Case Martin on the night of the murder. District Attorney Jerome produced the note and Evelyn read it. The note said, “B was here, but went out again." “To whom did B refer?” asked Delmas. “To Stanford White,” said Evelyn. "Did you ever see a pistol in Thaw's possession? “Yes.” “When?" “I don’t exactly remember, but it was in New York some time after Christmas, 1903." “Did he carry a pistol at any time except when in New York? No. Delmas then asked a number of questons touching on the attitude Thaw would assume whenever he would be any place that White was. Every question along this line was ruled out and Thaw’s lawyers then asked for an adjournment until afternoon to arrange for expert testimony, so that the questions ruled out this mornin.. could be asked later. At the close of the morning session, D'dmas seemed to have had a bad morning of it. He was defeated at every turn. Jerome stood on the ground that no evidence touching self-defense could be given, while the role of insanity was being pleaded by the defendant. Justice Fitzpatrick upheld the district attoiney. ■ QMUSIC AT RINK TUESDAY NIGHT

Last Event Before Lent and a Big Crowd is Expected. The skating rink will no doubt be well crowded with lovers of the spo Tuesday evening, it being ’be a. night before the Lenten season at practically the close of this an ’ Uhl meat in Decatur for the year. music will be furnished and alrea many young people have signi p their intention of being present Tuesday night. The crowd Saturda. evening was an old timer and e\e.. one thoroughly’ enjoyed itPendleton, Ore.. Feb. 11.-aohn P McMaus, editor of Pilot Rock R pc ’* shot and killed Robert Estes, gamb er, in a saloon yesterday afternoon • motive is known to exist for the s oo >ng as the men were not acqnai.re It is supposed to have been a ca mistaken identity.

The Daily Democrat.

MINSTREL SHOW WAS GOOD Monroe Enjoys an Excellent Entertainment. (Special Correspondence.) Monroe, Ind., Feb. 9.—The rniustrel sh v g'ven by th<‘ G'-e Club ot Monroe I’ri. r.y evening, was a complete success. lor two months the young men had worked, practiced and drilled and the comedy, “Slim Jim, the Store Keeper," was almost perfect After the play a grand cake-walk and contest were given in which L. L. and Walter Lobenstein distinguished themselves. In acting the clown, “Jingles," E. W. Lobenstein excelled. A beautiful solo, “Starlight,” was sung by O. V. Graham, and the audience was held breathless by the winning pathos of his rich tenor voice. An orchestra composed of Miss Rosa Smith of Decatur, Miss Riecheldeffer of Geneva, Miss Anna Smith and Prof. Homer Oliver of Monroe, rendered some beautiful selections. Many Decatur people were among the audience and the large number from other surrounding towns swelled the crowd to fully two hundred. This show was the first of its kind given here and the club feels encouraged by the patronage they received. They are planning another show for the near future. People here agree that it was good and some go so far as to say it would not disgrace a Decatur opera house.

A PIONEER LADY < ————— Funeral for Mrs* Barber Weber Tomorrow WAS EIGHTY YEARS OF AGE And Had Lived in This County for . I More Than Half a Aantury. Mrs. Barbara Weber, one of the olde«t regifients'itf•' this county, died Saturday morning at her home on Adams street, at eleven thirty o’clock, after an illness of several weeks’ duration, death resulting from old age and other complications. She was bom in Germany eighty years ago, and when but a girl came to this county and during the past fifty years had made this county and city her home. For several years past she had been feeling badly, but her illness did not take any serious turn until several weeks ago, from which time her decline was rapid, death relieving her Saturday. The funeral services will be held Tuesday sorning at eight thirty o’clock at the St. Marys Catholic church, Rev. Theo. Wilken officiating and interment will be made in the St. Joseph cemetery. She leaves two sons and one daughter to mourn their loss. — o - SUCH A BILL IS ALL RIGHT To Make Husbands Support Wife Whether Divorced or Not. Senator Kittinger’s bill enabling the < ourt to make order for the support >f a wife even when no divorce has been granted was passed in the Senate by a vote of 35 to 0. Senator Kittinger explained that it was his belief that the enactment of such a law would prevent many divorces. He said there is no way now which a wife may compel her husband to support her and her children without first obtaining a divorce. The bill provides that the court may issue order tor support in the same manner that orders are issued now when divorces are granted. - RELATIONS ARE STRANIED Scripps-Mcßae SpeciaL Port Au Prince. Hayti, Feb. 11. — Eolations between government of Hayti an l Germany are strained owing to refusal of German bankers, (p. -rman & Co., by direction of court at port Au Prince, to return to Haytif’.i government large sums of money, alleged to have been obtained fraud-. alently. '

Decatur, Indiana, Monday Evening February 11, 1907.

HE DIED SUDDENLY Postmaster Ray of Monroe was Stricken DIED WITHIN AN HOUR Well Known Citizen the Victim of Appoplexy—Was Thirty-Nine Years Old. « I • Shelby Ray, one of the leading citizens of Monroe, and one of the best Known citizens of Adams county, lied very suddenly Sunday night at eleven o cl<<»., death i-jf.ilnt; fr appoplexy. The end came unexpectedly and without hardly a moment's warn ing, and his death came as :t shock to the entire community. Mr. Ray got? up as usual Sunday morning feeling fine and attended to his usual duties about his store and about the postoffice. The - afternoon was spent quietly with his family and at seven thirty o’clock in the evening he retired informing his wife that he had some important business to look after the next day and desired to get up early. He slept peacefully until nine o'clock, when he awoke his wife and asked her to turn him over, and these words proved to be the last he ever spoke. Mr. Ray got up, lighted the lamp and noting the condition of her husband, hastily summoned the physician, but Mr. Ray was beyond all human aid and at eleven o’clock, he bnjathed his last. Mr. Ray was thirty-nine years of age and had spent nearly all of his life in Monroe township. A few years ago he opened up a drug store in Monroe, and a short time thereafter was appointed postmaster by the president, for the town of Monroe. He was an energetic young man and had built up a nice business for himself and had just reached the point in, life when things began to look the brightest, when the end came. The funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at one o’clock at the Monroe M. E. church and interment will b,e made in the Backestoe cemetery. He leaves a wife and four children to mourn their loss.

FRED REPPERT BREAKS RECORD Conducted Greatest Duroc Sale in World’s History. Col. Fred Reppert has just returned from Pawnee, 111., where on February 6, he conducted a Duroc hog sale for E. A. Baxter, a hog raiser of some reputation and which sale was one of the largest and best sales ever held in that state. Fifty-six head of hogs were offered for sale and the same averaged $186.73 per head, which is the highest average ever attained in the world. At this same sale, Mr. Reppert had the distinction of selling the hog that brought the highest price ever paid for a Duroc in the world, the animal bringing the round sum of $5025, the purchase) s being McNeal Bros. The sale was one of the best ever conducted in the United States and certainly reflects great credit upon Mr. Reppert’s ability as an auctioneer, and he is now busily engaged in receiving the congratulations of his many friends. The colonel’s reputation as an auctioneer is growng daily and he will soon rank among the foremost in the United States. o AN AGED LADY 18 DEAD Malissa Mumma Answer* the Final Call. Malissa A. Mumma, aged sixty-six one of the best known women in Union township, died Sunday morning at the home of her brother, John H. Mumma, at ten o’clock, after an illness of several months, death resulting from bowel trouble. She w r as born in Ohio, but had during the greater part of her life, made this county her home. The funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at nine thirty o’clock at the U. B. church in Union township, Rev. Beaber officiating, and interment will be made in the Pleasant Valley cemetery in Root township.

LENT SEASON BEGINS MONDAY * Easter This Year Falls on the Last Day of March. The Lenten season, which is observed by the Roman Catholic and Episcopal churches all over the world, will begin this week. Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, falls this year on February 13, an unusually early date. Ash Wednesday comes just forty days, not counting the Sundays, before Easter, which is a moveable feast. Easter falls each year on the first Sunday on or after the first full moon after the twenty-first of March and the beginning of Lent is reckoned forward from that. This year Easter falls on the thirty-first of March. It may be any date from March 22 to April 25. It is not often that Easter falls as early as it does this year. In 1902 it came on the thirtieth of March and that is the earliest that it has been recently. In the time from 1700 to 2000 it will fall on the twentythird but four times, in 1788, in 1845, in 1856, and will be on that date in 1913. In the three hundred years it has come upon the earliest possible date, March 22, but once, and that was in 1818. It is most unfortunate to have the great spring festival come so early. The spring hats and the spring frocks, which are such an important accompaniment to it are quite out ot the question in March and it is only the most foolhardy women who risk their new finery to the uncertain elements.

A GREAT RECORD Made by County Treasurer Lachot ONLY THREE PROPERTIES SOLD At the Delinquent Tax Sale This Morning—Smallest Amount on Record. The fact that but three properties were sold for delinquent taxes at the annual sale today speaks well for the county. It likewise, proves the ability of John F. Lachot as county treasurer, as it meant a great effort on his part. Last year forty properties were sold and the last often times in the past has been greater than that. This year there were eighty-three delinquencies in the county. Mr. Lachot not only advertised as required by law, but wrote personal letters, used the telephone and where possible, went to see the parties. In doing so he did a great favor to those whose taxes were unpaid, saving them the ten per cent penalty and other costs. He is proud of his record as he has a right to be. o DOINGS AT THE LEGISLATURE High License and Blind Tiger Bill is Discussed. (Scripps-Mcßae Special.) Indianapolis, Feb. 11. —The house this afernoon took up the high license and “blind tiger” discussion. The senate discussed the sixty-cent gas bill on the third reading. The latter will probably pass the senate- today. Various committee reports were also heard in both houses. This promises to be a very busy week. 0 WILL PLAY WITH ELECTRICITY Edison Will Cease Working for Commercial Purposes. Scripps-Mcßae Special New York, Feb. 11. —Thomas A. Edison, the famous inventor, said today that on his sixtieth birthday ho intends to stop working for commercial inventories and devote his time thereafter to playing with electricity to find out some actual facts about it. ]

BIRTHDAY PARTY Given for Mr. Otis Dibble by his Parents EVENTS AT K. OF C. HALL TODAY A Peanut Frolic This Afternoon and a Dance This Evening—Other Social Doings. BY PERLE BURDG. A large crowd of young people drove to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dibble, east of the city, to celebrate the eighteenth birthday anniversary of their son, Otis. The evening was spent in dancing and games after which a delicious two course luncheon was served. Those present were Misses Winifred Johnson, Fanny Frisinger, Edna Hoffman, Bessie Baumgartner, Lucile Hale, Pansy Bell, Marie Beery and Anna Amspaugh, and Messrs. Harry Dibble, Jesse Helm, Dick Erwin, Dale Peoples, Ross Mills, Bennie Beavers, Fish Mangold and Otis Dibble. The three leading social events of the coming week that have been announced so far, are, the dance given this evening by the members of the K. of C., the peanut frolic given by the ladies of the St. Vincent de Paul society this afternoon, an afternoon par.ty given by Mrs. J. T. Archbold and Mrs. Roy Archbold on Thursday afternoon.

Miss Mary Erwin entertained the A. S. Club at her home on North Second street, Saturday afternoon. Miss Margaret Bell won the first prize in a guessing contest. Ireta and Mary Erwin assisted by Lula Atz, served refreshments. Those present were Vivian Dutcher, Dorothy Dugan, Margaret Bell, Winifred Ellingham, Leah and Veda Hensley, Gladys Graham, Anna White, Leona Boesse, Hazel and Mildred LaDelle. Messrs, and Mesdames J. N. Fristoe, J. C. Patterson, Wilson Lee and C. F. True gathered at the home, ot Mr. and Mrs. Fred Tague on Madison street, last Friday evening ta-jwend the evening. Various games were played and music rendered by members of the party. A delightful twelve o'clock dinner of yesterday was the one given by Mr. and Mrs. A. N. Steele at their home on the corner of Madison and Fifth streets, in compliment to Mr. and Mrs. Everett and two daughters of Denver, Colo. The dinner was beautifully served in six courses. The out of town guests were Mrs. Quinn and Mr. Black of Fort Wayne. The members of the Historical Club will hold their meeting at the Library club rooms on Tuesday evening. On Thursday afternoon at three o'clock, Mrs. DeVilbiss will be the honored guest at an afternoon party given by Mrs. J. T. Archbold and Mrs. Roy Archbold. Among the society events in Saturday's paper, a mistake was made in the naming of the winner of first prize at the meeting of the Euchre Club at the home of Mrs. C. O. France. Mrs. J. S. Peterson captured first prize, instead of Miss Carrie' Craig. Music loving people of the city are keeping track of the date of the Petschnikoff recital, Tuesday, the nineteenth, for much is anticipated of the great Russian violinist Eastern papers have been generous in their approbation and praise of the "poet of the violin." His technique his tone, his bowing, and his interpretations have been all lauded greatly. The New York Times said that after seven years Alexander Petschnikoff had reappeared with an art that had gained in power as well as in refinement. Mr. Petschnikoff is to appear under auspices of the Morning Musical Society.—Ft. Wayne Sentinel. Last evening at the country home, of Mr.s Peter Hess, her daughter, Mis l - Frances entertained a crowd of icL— i«'J ; ed.-o was played, Misses Keb-cca and Anna Meyer and Messrs. Louis Bentz and .Lemmo Meyer were prize winners. Refreshments were served.

A ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR BILL It Cost Col. Davenport One Dollar in Real Money. There is no prettier money that that the erratic republics of the south, says Col. Davenport. But it is about as staple in value as Confederate shin plaster during the war. The colonel brought home as a souvenir a one hundred dollar bill, to buy a farm down there a man would have to run a freight train to carry the money. Silver dollars are worth what they will bring in bullion, sometimes forty-eight cents a day, sometimes fifty-three. The people look at market quotations on money the same as they do here at the market quotations on shoats. The small silver piece corresponding to our dime is gobbled up by ladies to make belts and bracelets and to keep them from going entirely out of circulation the merchants plug holes in them so they will not look well in jewelry.— Bluffton News.

COURT HOUSE NEWS Two Wills probated This Morning DELINQUENT TAX SALE MELD Geneva Remonstrance Case Set for Trial for March 7th—Other Court Business. A marriage license has been issued to Archie R. Snyder and Emma L. Krieg of Kirkland township. County Treasurer John F. Lachot conducted the delinquent tax sale this morning. Out of eighty-four, all were paid but three. Big Four Loan association, lots in Geneva, purchased by B. W. Sholty; Lewis Fisher, lot on • Tenth street, purchased by H. R. Moltz, and Lemuel Wormcastle, part oT three lots, purchased by P. G. Hdoperj ’ The will of John Snyder, written January 24 of this year, was probated providing for the payment of debts and funeral expenses and bequeathing forty acres in Hartford township, 1600 and one horse to his wife, Catharine Snyder. Peter Hoffman and T. J. McKean were the witnesses, and Amos Snyder, son of the deceased, is named as executor. The last will and testament of Lewis C. Miller was probated this morning. It provides for the payment of his debts and funeral expenses as soon as possible and bequeaths tp his beloved wife, Nancy A. Miller, all his property, real and personal, to have and to hold forever. Mrs. Miller is also named as executrix.' The will was written February 22, 1892, and witnessed by F. M. Schirmeyer and G. Christen. In probate court, Daniel N. Erwin, guardian for Benjamin C. Hoagland et al., filed a report of the sale of real estate. Sale approved and deed ordered. , Charles A. Dugan vs. Perry J. Ogg et al., partition, demurrer filed to . plea in abatement by the plaintiff. Andrew Miller vs. G. R. & I. Railway company, damages, demurrer overruled, answer filed, set for trial on March 7th. Pearl Barnell vs. Aaron Ireland, damages, 12000, motion to dismiss for want of prosecution. William F. Pyle et al. vs. town of Geneva, to set aside ordinance for annexation of territory, motion to strike out remonstrance, set for trial March 7th. Julius Haugk vs. James W. Place Co., contract. $250, g?neral denial filed, set for trial March 8. 1907. o — (Scripps-Mcßae Special.) Wabash, Feb. 11. —Dr. J. M. Modricker, 71, one of the most prominent physicians in the state, died today of by a vehicle. He was educated in Gerwas diMinguistied in his profession.

Number 36