Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 46, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 February 1914 — Page 1

Mo. 48.

SOLUTION LIES IN CITY OWNERSHIP

Rousing Meeting Court House Proposes That City Take Over Telephone Plant

Municipal ownership of the city telephone plant, with a system of mutual telephone lines for the surrounding country was proposed in a resolution introduced and unanimously passed by the big public meeting at the court house Satur- - day night The plan met such general approval by all present and. wherever discussed about the streets that there seems every probability that this Will be the solution to the telephone business in this city and adjacent territory. Saturday night’s meeting was called to order by J. D. Allman, who was made the chairman. Dr. W. L. Myer was made secretary. Geo. H. Healey stated the purpose of the call and Judge Hanley and Attorneys Dunlap and discussed the proposition confronting the users of telephones. Mr. Halleck stated that he favored the maintenance of a rate that would make it possible to keep telephones in all the homes possible, even at the expense of service ji that was necessary, rather than the improvement of the service and the raising of the rates to a price that would force many to discontinue their use.

Judge Hanley introduced a resolution as follows: Whereas, the Jasper County Telephone 00. has asked for a 50 per cent increase in rates and we are not in a position at this time as subscribers of this telephone company to judge of the situation in Rensselaer but are familiar wth the service rendered in Rensselaer, be it resolved, First, that committees be appointed to secure information as to the physical valuation of the plant of the Jasper County Telephone 00. in Rensselaer; Second, to inquire whether or not it is properly managed; Third, to inquire into the cost of maintenance and operation; Fourth, to ascertain the amount of money necessary to put the plant into first-class condition. Fifth, to ascertain means and take steps for the City of Rensselaer to take over the plant as a municipal plant; 'Sixth, that George H. Healey be. made a committee to secure the funds necess&ry to secure compliance with tills resolution; Seventh, to secure an estimate on the cost of operating similar plants; Ninth, that a committee be appointed from the country to investigate the plan of organizing a mutual company to cooperate with the proposed mutual plant; Tenth, that these committees be ready to make report Thursday night of this week. At the request of The Republican a visit had been made to Brook by Warren W. Sage, who Is a stockholder in the Brook mutual company, and he brought to the meeting at the courthouse a concise statement of the experience with the Brook company, in the spring of 1906, eight years ago, 98 farmers and businessmen of Brook and .vicinity organized a mutual company and bought the old company out Each of the 98 stockholders put up $36 and received their telephone rental free for 21 months. At the expiration of that time they again put up $36, which paid advance rentals for 36 months. On this they were allowed 6 per cent interest for the second year and 12 per cent for the third year. This was all the money ever invested, and the actual capital of the company therefore was only $1,470. The stockholders had borrowed money and improved and extended their plant and now have 460 telephones in operation and is free from debt It also owns a good business lot in Brook and has capital exceeding $2,000 on hand. This is not all. The company has also bought up some of the shares from persons who were moving away and stands ready to pay' SIOO for any share that is for sale. Thus the number of present stockholders is not as many as the original 98, and the company is earning more each year above all maintenance and operating expenses than it invested less than eight years ago and ai share of stock that actually cost only sls can be sold at any time for SIOO. Mr. Sage made this explanation while the resolution was being discussed and he was roundly cheered when he took hie seat. ~*jpyy — Chairman Allman appointed two committees in carrying out the provisions of the resolution. The city committee is Geo. H. Healey, A. Halleck and J. A. Dunlap. The country committee is W..W. Sage, B. D. Comer, W. D. Brfngle and J. L. Adams. There was a ringing of half dollars in response to the request lor contributions of that amount to

The Eveing Republican.

MONTICELLO ALSO HAVING TROUBLE

Thad Hanaway and His Telephone Company in Bad With the Business People and Farmers. Two or three years ago the Montieello -telephone, company, -which is managed by Thad Hanaway, secured an increase of rates. Residence and fhrms paid $1.50 and business houses paid $2.50 p» month. A number of farmers withdrew and later secured connection with the Monon and other exchanges. This attracted their business to other towns. Monti&ello businessmen felt the loss of trade and recently started an agitation about the telephone rates. A public meeting was held Saturday night and it is reported that several were very outspoken and' threatened a general boycott of the Hanaway system unless he made concessions and again adopted the dollar telephone rate. It is said that Hanaway has become very obstinate in his management and has charged country subscribers a 10-cent toll for all calls after 9 o’clock at night, and also indulged in other practices that have incensed the people and made them a unit in the demand that the old rates be restored. It is not improbable that Monticello will adopt the same plan that Rensselaer is to take up, namely, municipal ownership in town, and mutual ownership in the country.

Attica Has Prosperous Building and Loan Ass’n.

Last week’s Attica Ledger-Press told of the prosperity of the Building & Loan Association of that city. The assets of the company amount to $585,178.68 and its outstanding loans to $642,206.12. During the year of 1913 the association received and disbursed $378,944.87. The association earned for its stockamount $31,220.29 was paid to stockholders as dividends and'the 'balance paid out to individuals or carried over as undivided profits. The total expense was $2,812.90, which included the salary of the secretary and his two assistants, all postage, rent, printing, etc. The’ Republican has no doubt that a building and loan association founded at this time will grow into similar proportions within a few years. Rensselaer needs such an association and one can be founded if the proper persons get behind the movement. Delay means that fewer can build this year and next and a movement should be started at once. Who will take the lead? 1

Lafayette Lady Locked in Church by Mistake—Was Uneasy.

Lafayette Oou ri er. Mrs. Harry Rank was locked in the West Sile Methodist church several hours Thursday afternoon, and had it not been for the unexpected return of a janitor it is probable that she would have had to spend the night in the building. Mrs. Rank went to the church to practice several new pieces on the pipe organ. The janitor was in the building at the time, but bo fore Mrs. Rank finished her practice he left and locked the doors Some time later Mrs. Rank pro pared to leave and found that there was ho available means of exit. There was no fire in the furnace of the church and the building was very cold. Mrs. Rank went to the balcony of the church, where she found a small pane out of one of the stained glass windows. She called for assistance each time a person passed on the sidewalk bo low. Several stopped and looked around the building, but could not see the lady and they would pass on. After some time the janitor returned to secure an article that he had left at the churoh and discovered Mrs. Rank. The lady is suffering no ill effects from her experience.

Ten head of good horses and 16 caittle, including some good cows and calves, will be sold at David S. Aster's sale, Wednesday, Feb. 25th.

help the work of gathering the information and presenting it to the council next Friday., The money is deposited at a Rensselaer, hank under the name of the Citizen’s Committee and the amount expended will be reported and the balance prorated. Every subscriber who Is opposed to the increase should put up a half dollar, so that the, expense may be equitably borne. The law providing for the regulation of utilities by commission also provided for* the condemnation of plants and their purchase by municipalities and this plan looks practical for Rensselaer, while with the mutual company earing for the surrounding country a fair adjustment of the telephone question should be made by the public service commission Once and for all.

Entered January l, 1897, .as second class mall matter, at the postoffice at Rensselaer, Indiana, under the act of March 3, 1879.

Circuit Court Probate—Esther L. Cox estate. Final report of H. J. Dexter, Administrator, shows charges of $1,385.37 with credits of $489.49, leaving balance of $895.88. Ella E. Hornaday, Mary C. Dexter, George G. Oox, Edgar L. Cox and Z. A. Cox are the heira Administrator discharged after paying surplus into court for distribution.

H. R. Kurrie, as guardian of Simon Thompson, makes final report showing total charges of $7,983.35 and credits of $7,07440, balance $908.95. .Guardian reports two notes due State Bank of each, which Simon Thompson is to pay. Also two notes of SIOO each due the ward, which he is to collect. Guardian makes no charge for services or for board and lodging of the ward. Guardian discharged. Simon Thompson has about 1,000 acres of land near Parr, free and clear of all encumbrances. Most young men would consider very much less jthan this a fair start in life. George Beusoh estate. Letters of administration granted to E. P. Lane.

Lucia Keener estate. Letters of administration granted to S. C. Irwin. «- <

'Gifford estate. Executor files po tition for reappraisement of railroad stocks and bonds. Prayer of petition granted and Delos Thompson and J. N. Leatherman appointed appraisers. Appraisement filed. Executor files petition to sell at private sale Prayer of petition granted. Contract presented and approved. LaFayette Loan & Trust Co. vs. Giffor<j estate. Six claims consolidated and matter of attorney’s fees presented to the court. Court al lowed $75 attorney fees, previously allowed by the executor. Judgment againts Loan Co. foT costs. Criminal—State vs. Honan. Defendant files affidavit for change of venue from the county. Case sent to White county. State vs. Klinger. Defendant files plea in abatement. State files demurrer to plea in abatement. New Suits—Fred E. Callahan vs. Daniel Lakin. Suit on note. Amount of demand SIOO. Returnable March X 1914. ,8. C. Irwin, attorney for plaintiff. _____

Frhak Rice vs. Cyrus Rice. . Suit on note. Demand $1,350.00. H. L. Sammons attorney for plaintiff. H. H. Wood Co. vs. Thomas S. Grosbie et al. Suit in foreclosure of mortgage. Demand $650. Returnable April term, 1914. R. D. Thompson, attorney for plaintiff. Jesse A. Fenner, attorney at law, Cleveland, Ohio, was here Monday in behalf of some of the heirs of B, J. Gifford, who are made defendants iri the action to set aside the will.

The ladies of the Presbyterian church will serve a roast chicken supper in the basement of the churoh Friday evening, Feb. 27th, beginning.at 5 o’clock. The public is cordially invited and strangers in the city especially invited. MENU. Roast Chicken Dressing Gravy Noodles Mashed Potatoes Cabbage Slaw Pickles Jelly Bread Lemon Pie Coffee Price of meal, 35 cents.

Each Week Appear the Statements of Rensselaer Residents.

Last week it was a Rensselaer citizen who spoke. The week before, it was a Rensselaer citizen who spoke. The week before, and for many weeks before it was a Rensselaer citizen who spoke. And again this week it is a Rensselaer man. You are not asked to act upon the word of a stranger. The best guidance that is humanly possible to give you—the encouraging word of neighbors, is always given. Nelson Randle, N. Main St., Rensselaer, Ind., says: “I have used Doan’s Kidney Pills at different times when suffering from a lame and aching back and other symptoms of disordered kidneys. I was led to procure this remedy at. Fendig’s Drug Store, by reading about its good work in similar cases. Relief soon followed its use and the backache mid other kidney ailments were removed. I do not know of a case where Doan’s Kidney Pills have failed to prove of benefit.” For sale by all dealers. Price 50 cents. FostCNMilburn Co., Buffalo, New York, sole agents for the United States. Remember the name—Doan’s—and take no other.

RENSSELAER, INDIANA MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1914

CIRCUIT COURT NOTES; STATE, CIVIL, PROBATE

Simon Thompson Attains His Majority—Honan Cases to Be Tried In White Circuit Court.

Roast Chicken Supper.

WEEK By WEEK

FROM THE SOUTH END COME SUGGESTIONS

Republican’s Opposition to Increased Rates Approved From All Parts of the County.

Editor Republican: I am glad to see you taking the stand for “the low cost of living” by protesting against the proposed raise of telephone service. It is proper that the people should be represented at the hearing by an attorney. It would he a one-sided affair for the company to have a long list of able attorneys and the other side none. ——— - -

If they get the asked-for advance then the only way to come to terms is to drop out and quit, like I have done since the rate on long distance has been raised. When we had a 10-cent rate from Remington to Rensselaer I ’phoned over every once in a while, but when it was raised to 20 cents I quit ’phoning, except when really necessary and any further raise will drive me hack to the telegraph. At a 10-cent rate they would get three times the money from me they get now* and

I believe a scent rate would eet dollars to where they get dime* now. I once heard of a man who killed a certain goose and we all remember the results. It looks like the same act is liable to be re peated in Rensselaer. Respectfully yours, L.

Sowing Oats in Oklahoma; Democrats in a Family Row.

Lawton, Okla., Feb. 17, 1914. The Republican, Rensselaer, Ind. Gentlemen: Enclosed herewith' check for $3.00 on subscription account. We are enjoying good health, have had a very pleasant winter, no zero weather, farmers working in the fields and oats nearly ’all sowed. Holiday declared for the 18th, when everybody is supposed to put in one day on the roads, the men with pick and shovel, scrapers and teams, the women with coffee and lunch. Democrats enjoying as usual their family row, bull moosers and republicans regaining their senses and planning a vigorous campaign in. double harness that is causing the democrats some uneasiness. i Very truly,

Some Carpenter Township Notes—Favors 1 Per Cent Tax.

Since the smoke of the railroad election has cleared away there is little to disturb the even tenor of our way. Sales are largely attended and things sell well, especially hogs and cattle. Horses are not bringing the prices the owners expect or desire. There are many cases of grip, but none serious so far as I know.

\ card from lowa states that Dr. Lewis E. Chamberlin, of lowa, was run down and killed Wednesday, Feb. 4th. He was a cousin of Lewis S. Alter, of' Carpenter township, and of Charles S. Chamberlin, of

Rensselaer, and was 68 years of age. The schools are almost depopulated by colds and grip, j The number of moves in West /Carpenter will be less than usual this spring. Rural Route Carrier No. 1, out of Goodland, got out four miles last Monday and spent several hours getting out of a snowdrift and returned to Goodland, but made 'his trip ail right Tuesday. Don’t I wish I was a mail carrier this kind of weather? But we can’t have it “peaches and cream” all the time. If the interurban would ask a 1 per cent subsity I believe it would carry in Carpenter township now, but the 2 per cent proposition will not carry.

LEWIS S. ALTER.

Annual Bliszard Came On G. Washington’s Birthday.

If our memory has not deceived us this is the third successive year that a snowstorm blizzard has occurred on George Washington’s birthday. Possibly this is to remind us of that dreadful winter during the campaign of Valley Forge. There was not so much snow as there was blow and cold/ The mercury kept well below freezing all day Sunday and a cold wind made the day very disagreeable. Probably four inches of snow fell and this blew into drifts and impeded travel. During Sunday night the mercury sank to five above zero and the wind intensified and this Monday morning was undoubsmiy the most disagreeable of the winter, although not so' cold as several days. Mr. G. Hog is fulfilling his shadow prophecy with' remarkable vigor. -- t ~ ’ "...

This storm is quite general all over the northwest, where it was more vigorous than in this latitude The,temperature is expected to moderate Tuesday or Wednesday.

Republican advertising pays.

E. G. WARREN.

CHICAGO FIRM TO BUILD SCHOOLHOUSE

Contract for Modern Building at DeMotte Let Saturday—To Be Completed September Ist.

County Superintendent Lamson and Attorney Hal leek were at DeMotte Saturday to, attend the letting of the school house contract. The successful bidder was the firm of Wiley Bros., of Chicago, who took the contract for $11,619. There were others bidders but no local ones. The heating contract was not let buterwili be at a later date. ,; The building is to be completed in time for the beginning of school next September. It is to be a 4 room modern building, with basement beneath and will have a modern heatng plant.

County Agent Barrett’s Dates For Ensung Week.

Beginning Wednesday evening County Agent Barrett will fill the following appointments: Wednesday evening, at DeMotte. Thursday evening, at Blue Grass in Newton township. Friday evening, at Barkley Center. Tuesday evening, March . 3rd, at Union Center. This is a postponed All are urged to comq out to any or all of these meetings. The Oats and Potatoes campaign starts with the meeting set for Tuesday night,at the county agent’s office in the court house and a full attendance is urged. No farmer ean afford to miss the 'benefit of this instruction.

St. Joe Defeats Co. C In Fast Game Sunday.

The St. Joseph’s college quintette triumphed over Co. C on the college floor last night after a gruelling battle from the time the whistle blew until the finish. Each team was surprised in the strength of their opponents and it was anybody’s game until the flnsb. Co. C last year won the independent championship of the state and expected little trouble In disposing of the college lads. Gustavell, Lods and Slinker starred for Monticello, while Shelliriger and Deery did the best work for St. Joe. * Summary; Field. goals, -Derry 6, Shellinger 2, McGinty 1, Monahan 3, R. Murphy 2, Gustavell 5, Fauber 1, Lods 1, Slinker 3. Free throws, Shellinger 8, Lods 6. Referee Fitzgerald. Umpire Anhier. Final score, St. Joe 36, Co. C, 26.

Former Jasper County Boy Teaching School in Los Angers.

County Superintendent Lamson has received a letter from George Mitchell, a former Jasper county boy who taught school in this city for some time after his graduation, fee 'has now been teaching for the past seven years in California and now has charge of one of the eight manual art schools of Los Angeles. The enrollment in the high schools of that city is 2,021. California has a teachers’ pension law, which entitled a teacher who has served twenty years to retire with pay. Mr. Mitchell taught about nine years in Indiana and is nearing his twentieth consecutive year and is getting 'hs proofs ready to make application for the pension.

Vaudeville Saturday Was Clever—One Team Especially.

Steely & Manuel’s All Star vaudeville troupe made its weekly appearance at the Ellis theatre Saturday afternoon and night and gave quite general satisfaction to goodsized audiences. Especially was the McLaughlin & Stewart team of comedian singers, dancers and joke makers well received. Their act was probably the best that 'has been seen here‘so far. Mr. Manuel, who aecompaniel the troupe here, states that he is now bookiafi through another agency and expects superior talent in the future.

George F. Meyers Sells the Callaway Ranch Near Kniman.

■George F. Meyers, accompanied by J. N. Leatherman, made a tripi to Frankfort Saturday and closed a deal for the sale of the Callaway ranch north of Kniman to Hiram F. Bolt, of Clinton county. The farm consists of 400 acres and Mr. Meyers put a number of improvements on it during the year he owned it Mr. Bolt’s son and son-in-law will occupy the ranch said will improve it still more, making a stock ranch of it. Mr. Meyers took in trade an 80-acre farm in Clinton county, wthioh he disposed of before leaving Frankfort.

Use our Classified Column.

MONON WILL GET THE GIFFORD ROAD

Deal Virtually Settled Except for a Few Detail*—Means Much to Country Traversed.

The Monon railroad will get the Gifford road. , - Except for some small details the deal has been completed. The details are the examination of the title by the purchasing company and the approval of the sale bythe state railway commission. The amount paid for the road is understood to be $95,000. The Monon will acquire all of the road except 485 shares which belong to other parties. That the purchase means much to the country traversed by the road goes without comment The Monon will make a road of it and will be in shape to run any of Hi trains, whether passenger or freight over the road acquired via McOoysburg. It means a big incerase in the value of all land adjacent to the road.

Delphi Telephone Owners Are Making Good Money.

At Delphi there is a well equipped telephone plant, with all metallic service and automatic ringing tele* phones. Earl Walker and sister own the plant. There are about 125 business telephones, 350 residence phones 'and 225 farm phones. Mr. Walker and sister are reported by Delphi people who ought to know as having a splendid business, which returns them adequate profit for their investment and labor. There is one thing at Delphi that needs correction. Mr. Walker owns all the toll lines and the rates to the adjoining small towns are too high. There are many exchanges in the surrounding small towns and a mutual arrangement makes it possible to talk from one small town to another without charge, but it costs to talk to Delphi. The effect is against the business interests of that city and dissatisfaction exists. The Republican mentions the fact that Mr. Walker and this partner in business are enjoying a good return on their investment because of the assertion made frequently in this community that it is impossible to have an up-to-date plant rendering good service at $1 for residence and farm phones and $2 for business houses. •

John O’Connor to Speak at McCoysburg Thursday Night.

Ex-Sheriff John O’Oonaor will address all who gather at the school bouse Thursday night of this week, Feb. 26th, on his trip around the world and his experiences in the United States navy. Mr. O’Connor’s well known loyalty to the stars and stripes and bis wide experience will doubtless bring many out to bear him and all are welcome

Van Rensselaer Club Will Give Smoker Friday Evening.

The Van Rensselaer Club wiH_ give a smoker at the armory Friday evening of this week. Each member of the club is entitled to invite one guest, Whose name is to be given to Rex Warner by Wednesday of this week.

The Chapter. Club Will Meet Tuesday Afternoon.

The Chapter Club will meet Tuesday afternoon at the /home of Mra Charles G. Spitler on South Cullen street A full attendance is desired.

At the request of the postoffice department the house committee on pos to likes and post roads is preparing a bill which will be introduced soon providing for increased compensation to railroads, where the parcel post business is heaviest The bill will also contain a provision compelling the railroads to carry the mail.

Attacking the democratic caucus for its action in voting against woman suffrage at a recent meeting, Representative Knowland, republican, of California, criticised the house leaders in a speech Friday because they would not permit a free vote on the suffrage question. A state-wide prohibition bill was introduced in the Maryland legislature Friday. It provides for the submission to the» voters of a constitutional amendment prohibiting the sale or manufacture of intoxicating liquors for beverage pup poses. The Ohio river continued to rise rapidly at Evansville Friday. Flood waters were reported in the Wabash and tributaries. Thousands of acres of land are under water •from the overflow of White river in Pike county. Ice Jams increase the dangers.

WANTED —Setting hens. Will pay good price. Harvc J. Robinson, at Republican office

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