Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 180, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 August 1917 — Page 1

No. 180.

DISCUSS COAL SITUATION

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO BE URGED TO ACT UNDER NEW LAW.

At the invitation of President H. R. Kurrie, the editor of the Republican had the pleasure of attending a meeting of the State Council of Defense at Hazelden, the beautiful country home of George Ade, Wednesday. As indicated by the press the states of Indiana and Illinois, through their governors and councils of defense, have made a very careful investigation of the coal situation and have tried to get the operators to make a reasonable price and also to do all that can be done to meet a situation this winter which is sure to be very serious.

At the meeting Wednesday at Hazelden a committee was appointed to meet similar committees of the councils of defense of other states in Chicago Thursday. That committee was instructed to urge the president of the United States tb take immediate steps under the _ Food, Flour and Feed bill that has just become a law to do what in his best judgment he thinks is • best to help the coal situation.

Under the law referred to above the president is given the authority to do any or all of the following: To fix prices, to control distribution and to take possession of the coal mines. In the attempt to correct the coal situation in Indiana and Illinois, both governors have met with determined opposition by the coal operators and it seems that in order to take care of this serious condition the federal government will have to take a hand. That the people of this country were absolutely robbed last year by the coal operators there can be no doubt. The price of the coal to dealers was raised from three to four dollars a ton, and yet the miners in their statement to the public service commission admit that their maximum cost of production is ?1.48 per ton. With all possible favorable legislation and with every possible effort that can be made it seems certain that there will be a great shortage of coal. President Kurrie’s advice to buy coal NOW should be heeded by all. The Rensselaer dealers put this matter up to their customers and. urge them to gCt their coal now. This advise is not given with the coal miners’ and coal dealers’ good in .mind, but it is given as a warning to our people. Thousands of cars will be used by the government in furnishing transportation of materials for the cantonments to be erected for soldiers; also for the great supplies of food and other equipment needed by the army. The abnormal demand for materials and labor make it almost impossible for the railroad to prepare and place in service additional equipment. It is hoped that the committee which meets at Chicago will succeed in having President Wilson take hold of the coal situation, that a reasonable maximum price will be fixed and that the public will be given the largest supply of coal possible. But it must be remembered that when this is all done that there will still be a serious coal shortage and that winter is sure to bring great distress in this country for the lack of fuel. The advice from one who thinks he has seen the situation as it really is and who is anxious that his people may at least be warned, is “BUY YOUR COAL NOW.”

Abundance of Money.

I can loan you all the money you want on that farm. My rate la 5 per cent and my limit is SIOO per iere.—P. D. Wells, Morocco, Ind.

GAYETY TONIGHT r ... ■ SHIRLEY MASON in LIGHT IN DARKNESS U • . . - - -• ' ■ - 5 Part Edison Feature ♦ FRIDAY - - R Fredrick Warde supported by Jean Eagles • in FIRES OF YOUTH M ' ‘ SATURDAY THE MYSTERY OF THE DOUBLE CROSS \■

The Evening Republican.

GRAIN MEN UP IN AIR

GREAT CONFUSION IN GRAIN MARKET CAUSED BY NEW FOOD LAW.

About twenty-five of the grain dealers of this part of the state held a meeting at the Makeever house Wednesday evening. Charles B. Riley, president of the Indiana Grain Dealers Association, was here and addressed the men. He went over the feed, fuel and flour law just enacted by the congerss of the United States and explained its provisions as far as it was possible. He explained that the minimum price of $2.00 placed on wheat does not apply to the 1917 crop but to the crop of 1918.

He warned the dealers present that they must' be exceedingly cautious in their buying and that they no longer have any protection frqjn radical and. severe fluctuations in prices of all grains. That part of the law prohibiting the dealing in grain futures on the board of trade after the 15th of this month make it absolutely impossible for the grain man to protect himself. Cash grain is much higher than Septmeber grain, but if the dealer buys on the cash basis on account of the car situation he may not be able to get his grain on the market bemore September. Many dealers are now paying within a very smpll margin of the September-price and will have to sustain a loss if they cannot get the grain bought on the market at once. He urged the dealers to go slow and buy carefully or they are in danger of being ruined by the uncertainty and the possible decline in the prices of grain. After President Riley had gone over the whole situation and had carefully reviewed the law the several dealers were called upon and were asked to give their ideas of the future development and also a statement of the present situation. W. C. Babcock, of the firm of Babcock & Hopkins, of this city, and possibly one of the best posted grain men in the state was the first gentlemen called upon. Mr. Babcock said that it was the worst condition he had ever been up against. This firm has a considerable amount of old corn, for which they paid a high price, but on account of the car shortage were unable to move and now stand a chance to lose from 40 to 60 cents a bushel. They had had a car of smutty wheat and the other wheat they had taken in would run as high as 17 per cent cheat. This is a loss as this is simply deducted from the wheat when sent to the terminal. For a while there was too much moisture Jn much of the wheat but that has now been overcome by the dry weather. Under conditions he felt that it would be impossible to make a price on wheat until more was known as to what the government would do in reference to price and handling. He reported that oats were of splendid quality and that a good price could be paid for them if the cars wtire obtainable. He thought, however, that it was the shortage of cars that was keeping up the price and that if normal facilities maintained for the immediate marketing of oats that the market would be overdone and the price driven down. < ■ ..

He said the car situation was the very worst he had ever seen it and that at many points at which they were buying grain they had had no cars at all. He was very much worried about the situation and could see no change for the better in the immediate future. He was sure that all dealers who had contracted grain, whether wheat or oats, are sure to sustain a considerable loss. All of the other men present were of the same opinion as Mr. Babcock and all seem to think that the lucky grain dealer this year was the fellow who had not bought much contract grain. Mike Duffy whd owns the Morocco elevator and besides, seven or eight hundred acres of land, . thinks that the government is taking lessons from the Kaiser in the placing of so much power in the hands of one man. He was a great admirer of President Wilson but he thought that the law in reference to grain gave him entirely too much power. -- There seemed to be a desire on the part of the dealers present to give the farmer the very greatest price possible for his grain, but present conditions seem to make it very uncertain as to what that price should Jt is possible that after the law has been put into operation the situation may clear up and that matters may adjust themselves to the advantage of all concerned. In the meantime it sure is going to be mighty tough sledding for the grain buyer.

Large Yield of Wheat On Everett Halstead Ranch.

Wm. Walters put in a few acres of wheat on the Everett Halstead ranch, well protected by timber, and threshed out 46 bushels to the acre, selling it for $2.25 a bushel at Mt. Ayr, making $103.50 worth of wheat on teach acre. Mr. Harris, the elevator man, very generously turned this over to the neighbors fqr seed at the same price. Randolph Wright had 35 acres of oats on the same farm which turned out 76 bushels to the acre.

RENSSELAER, INDIANA, THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 1917.

Visited Aviation Field At Rantoul, Illinois.

- Mr. and Mrs. John I. Gwin visited the United States aviation field at Rantoul, 111., Wednesday, making the trip by automobile. They were accompanied by Gravelous Hansson and Carlos D. Gile, a member of the Foreign Legion of the regular army of France, and who recently enlisted in the aviation corps in that country. Mr. Gile, by means of a passport, was the j only member of the party who was able to enter the field and examine the planes. The war department has given definite orders as to allowing visitors permission to the grounds on any day except Sunday, and then only under the guidance of a guard and with an official pass. A mechanic from the field, which the party met in Paxton, accompanied them to Rantoul and explained much of the work the government is doing. • The field comprises a section of land, on which have been erected a number of rough buildings, painted white and intended for the needs of the various departments of the air service. There are no fences around the field so the visitors can see almost as much from the outside as from the inside.

Two hundred and fifty boys are now in training under the tutelage of thirty-five instructors. Among the latter are two from France and two from France. Some foreign machines will soo> be in use. Those at present which are in use are the Cur-tic-Wright planes, twenty-three -in number. The flyers fly both morning and afternoons for a period of an lour and a half. From a place just outside the field all the starts and eadings can plainly be observed. The preparation of the field is almost completed. Thousands of workmen have been busy for weeks, but only about two hundred are at work now. A company of the U. S. army is encamped at Rantoul, and is the guard for this most important part of the department of the government’s war preparations. Altogether it is an interesting and instructive sight and well worth making the trip to see, according to Rensselaer people who have been there.

A Good Suggestion.

Editor Republican: I was reading of the move that was made to purchase improved stock for the boys of Jasper county. It certainly is a wise plan and much good to the boys and community will result. There is another class that I think could be interested in a similar way. I have reference to the girls of Jasper county. Say you spent the same amount of money for high class ewes as is given for the calves. Let the girls lave them on the same terms the boys have the calves. It would be of interest to note how much more profit the girls would have than the boys, besides adding t£ the resources of the county.—Ex-Farmer.

"W. • Mr> G® o, SW® B ' Gen. M’ff’r. of J /S' /) /jib ■■ j 14.1/1 v I 7 - T mb T sfl T ,sr Y * Will be at our store on nj-Jj Frid’y and Satur. He will have 900 pieces (not samples) of all wool • cloth. * ■ r 1 4 This will be Mr. Staples’ first stop. His line will - be complete. Come in and select your suit from LARGE sized woolens; have your measure taken by Practical Tailors. « Time of delivery: Any time between now and Christmas. Correct fitting absolutely guaranteed. Order your Fal Suit Friday or Saturday. Get it ” made the way YOU want it-cut to fit YOU and you ' only. aFj vtL di)Hilliard & Hamill Q

New County Superintendent Today.

Morgan L. Sterrett, of Wheatfield, elected county superintendent at the June meeting of the township trus-. tees, took up his duties this Thursday morning. Mr. Sterrett as yet has not moved to this city but will do so in the very near future, as soon as the house* he has purchased is vacated. With the entrance of Mr. Sterrett upon his duties, Ernest Lamson retires after slightly over ten years of service in the capacity of county superintendent of schools. Just what business Mr. Lamson has decided upon for the future is not known. The entrance of Mr. Sterrett will be welcomed by all Jasper county citizens and the hearty co-operation of all is assured him. The thanks of the county is extended to Mr. Lamson for' his services of the past and also the well wishes of the future ge with him.

Acknowledges Receipt of Red Cross Supplies.

Fort Wayne, Ind., Aug. 16. Miss Ida Milliken, Secy. Jasper Co. Chapter, A. R. C., Rensselaer, Ind. My dear Miss Milliken: We gratefully acknowledge the rereceipt of your contribution of surgical supplies, garments, and knitting' to the Red Cross supply, service. The work was beautifully done, and your chapter certainly deserves credit for your efforts. We shall be pleased to accept all your contributions whenever ready for us. With best wishes for your continued success, believe me, in all Sincerity, * , MARIETTA FAUVE, Inspector Hospital Supplies, A. R. C. Northern Indiana Warehouse.

WAGNER WIRE.

Board of directors of coffee exchange at reqijpst of Mr. Hoover of Washington, has suspended trading in coffee and sugar until further notice. Grain market lower today. Hog receipts 11,000,. strong, top SIB.OO. Cattle receipts 60,000, strong. Sheep receipts 11,000, 5c higher.

Has Twenty-Four Stacks of Grain.

August R. Schultz, of Union township, one of Jasper county’s most prosperous farmers, was a caller at the Republican office Wednesday. He repprts crop conditions to be most excellent. He has followed the suggestion of National Food Controller Hoover and has'carefully stacked his grain and has it in twenty-four large ricks.

WEATHER Fair tonight and Friday; cooler in extreme north portion.

DESERTION IS CHARGED

THREE MEMBERS OF CO. M FACE SERIOUS CHARGE—U. S. OFFICERS SEEKING THEM. There are three members of Company M who are facing a very severe penalty and must answer to charges of desertion which have been filed against them by Captain J. B. Garland of Company M. Their names are Peter Winters, John S. Monrich and Leo B. Lyons. Company M was called into service on August 5 and . the ten days’ grace granted to all .men in which to report te their company commander was ended at midnight on the fourteenth. The three men were on the border last summer with the company and have had sufficient training to know that they are required to report here. Monrich and Winters are said to be in Milwaukee, at least that is where they were last heard from. Federal authorities in that city wired here to secure a description of the men from Captain Garland and an attempt will Be made to capture them. Captain Garland on Wednesday morning filed desertion charges against them. If found they will be court martialed. Desertion in war times is recognized as a very severe crime and just what the penalty will be in their cases cannot be determined, but it no doubt will be pretty severe. LATER—A letter was received from Monrich today, stating that he did not know it was reporting time, but little credence is placed in his statement and the excuse is looked upon as a pretty flimsy one.

Don’t refuse to buy a watermelon just because the-< stem looks as if it had been dabbed with a bluish starch paste, is the advice of the U. S. department of agriculture is giving to housewives. Even if the melon is somewhat smeared with the same substance its contents are not affected. Painting the stems of watermelons with a paste made out of bluestone and starch is Uncle Sam’s latest agricultural style. This treatment prevents stem-end rot of watermelons which in the past has caused vast losses in this fruit in transit to market. The little dab of starch paste or possibly of Bordeaux paste, therefore, is to Be taken rather as evidence'that the shipper wished to make sure that the melons reached market free from this rot. Some growers, in a -hurry, smear some of the paste on the outside rind of the melon but this does no damage beyond lessening its attractive appearance.

EXAMINATIONS ARE GOING ON

51 MEN APPEAR TODAY BEFORE LOCAL EXEMPTION BOARD FOR EXAMINATION. Fifty-one young men were called today, August 16, to appear before the local exemption board to take a physical examination following the second call, which was issued five days ago, in order to fill the county’s quota of fifty-six. Twenty-six appeared this morning and of this number there were quite a few rejected. The result of the examinations up to 1:30 o’clock follows: 113 Otto Schwanke, passed. .114 Preston Henry, rejected. 115 Wm. Bahler, passed. 116 John W. Raycroft, passed. 117 Michael J. Wagner, rejected. 11*8 R. F. Derr, passed. 119 Ross Porter, transferred to N ¥ 120 Guy M. Crowder, Co. M. 121 Burley I. Butler, passed. 122 John H. Ramp, rejected. 123 Garrett DeFries, passed. 124 Virgil Janes, passed. 125 Horace L. Charais, passed. 126 Wm. Teske, passed. 127 Frank Thomas, not appear. 128 Manley Stowers, rejected. 129 Bruno Kolbe, not appear, 130 Wm. F. Ramey, rejected. 131 Omar Waymire, rejected, z 132 Charles F. Baker, rejected. 133 George C. Eck, rejected. 134 Benjamin H. Price, rejected. 135 Floyd C. Amsler, rejected. , y 136 Wm. R. Schafer, passed. 137 Clarence F. Stack, passed. 138 Frank DeHaan, rejected. 139 Arvie E. Culp, not appear. 140 Anthony Moes, not appear. 141 Charles E. Miller, passed. 142 Bradford Pooye, not ‘appear. . 143 Herbert J. Bozelle, passed. 144 Lesley Miller, passed. 145 Leslie L. Lowman, rejected. 154 Charles Hancock, passed. Examined this morning by request. Six of the above who passed the examination filed exemptions.

Co. M. Team to Meet Co. C Team Saturday.

The Company C baseball team of Monticello will be here Saturday for hostilities with the Company M team. The White county soldier boys are said to have a strong- aggregation of tossers and a regular ball game is expected. The locals were defeated by the Brook team last Sunday but are not down-hearted, as they feel they will be in better shape and better acquainted with one another’s playing. At that time they had sore arms, due to having been vaccinated on the day previous. The game will be called at 2:30 and a charge of 25c will be made. The old battery of the Athletics, Clark and Wilcox, will M’s batting order will be as follows: work against the invaders. 'Company Eldridge 3b, Blue ss, Wilcox 1, Elder If, Hammond 2b, Healy cf, Wilcox lb, Gant rs, Clark p.

MUZZLE YOUR DOG.

Orders have been given the city police department to shoot any and all dogs running loose that are not ofllee. By order City Board of Health muzzled.

Fancy Produce Market.

August 17. We will pay you ( 3lc for your eggs today. We pay the top price. Phone or call on us before you sell your eggs.—C. E. Prior, Phone 39. The “Wanted” is received, the “Lost” is found, and all miscellan eous desires quickly granted by using our Classified Column

TODAY At The Star Dorthy Barnard in THE RAIN 30W An Art Drama of Exceptional merit FRIDAY ----- Paramount Day A Five Act Drama & Each to His Kind Carly la Blackwell and June Eividge in The Crimson Dove ~ Matinee Daily at THE STAR THEATRE I ■ <• ** ■ —’‘.l, ! s■<

VOL. XXL.