Jasper County Democrat, Volume 7, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 February 1905 — Page 1

Jasper County Democrat.

SI.OO Per Year.

A MATTER OF HEALTH iȤH POWDER Absolutely Pure HAS HO SUBSTITUTE

LOCAL AND PERSONAL.

Brief Items of Interest to City and Country Readers. Corn 39; oats 28.

E. A. Parker unloaded a carload of buggies the first of the week.

Monticello Journal: Miss Manda Hoyes, of the Big Store, left thiß (morning for a four weeks visit at Gardner, Kan.

T Guy|jßrockway, of Keener tp., is an inmate of the oounty jail now, awaiting action of the grand jury. He is charged with petty larcency. J*Ed Duvall is out again after his experience at the fire Sunday. The Duvall’s are occupying temporary quarters at the Fisher hitch barn with their rigs.

The fire whistle is blowed now at 7a. m., noon and 6 p. m., to keep “the thing” in working order in case of fire. This zero weather it doesn’t work well unless sounded often.

Mrs. Mattie Sharp, while on her way to her photograph gallery, Wednesday morning, when near John Medians’ residence, slipped and fell,freaking her arm near the wrist.

Another effort is to be made to establish a saloon at Dunnville, and Aaron Timmons will make application for a license at the March term of commissioners court. There has been no saloon in Kankakee township for some two years.

. “The Wings of the Morning,” a new copyright serial by Louis Tracy, will soon begin in this paper. This is probably the best story that ever appeared in The Democrat, which is saying a great deal. Watch for the opening chapters which will appear soon.

Mason* Kenton and Charles Zard, notice of whose puplic sales appear in another column, will leave with their families for their new home near Mitchell, So. Dakota, about March Ist. We are sorry to lose such good citizens as Mr. Kenton and Mr. Zard. Trustee Cook of Hanging Grove township is reducing the big surplus road fund in his township by hiring teams and hauling gravel out onto the roads, giving employment to a number of people and putting several hundred dollars in circulation in his town["Wednesday and Thursday’s snow added to what was already on the ground, makes from 12 to 16 inches of ‘'the beautiful” now enveloping mother earth in this locality. . Sleighing is everybody's happy—at least those with fullooal bins and well stocked larders. S. R. Nichols was in Indianapolis the first of the week, lobbying for the passage of the relief measure for his bondsmen which is now meeting with some opposition in the senate owing to the heavy remonstrance made by the taxpayers of the Jasper county against its passage. psfhe marriage of Mr. George L. Maines and Miss Harriet M. Lewis took place at high noon Wednesday at the home of the Ride’s K rents, Mr. and Mrs. Wnitsel iwis, in this city, Rev. H. L. Kindig officiating. About forty invited guests were present, many from out of town, and partook of the fine wedding dinner. . The. best wishes of a host of friends are extended to Mr. and Mrs. Maines.,

The thermometer registered four below zero yesterday morning.

Asa Leeoh and sister, Mrs. Carl Hamaober of near Virgie, spent Wednesday night with their father Alex Leech of this city who is very sick.

The serial now running in The Democrat will end with our next issue, when we will begin the publication of a most interesting new story entitled “The Wings of the Morning.”

XT. A. Crockett received a letter from his son Robert a few days ago and the latter is now in Portland, Oregon, and he expects jto remain there for some time. Mort Crockett, another son, is in Spokane, Wash.

C. H. Porter sold bis interest in the grooery store of Porter & Ives to J. T. Ives & Sons on Monday. Mr. Porter has built a splendid trade since locating here a few years ago, and the numerous friends of Mr. and Mrs. Porter will regret to learn that they will return to Rensselaer. —Delphi Times.

Notwithstanding the fact that ex-township trustee Blue of Marion township informed his bondsmen after the failure of the McCoy bank they (the bondsmen) would nave to pay the shortage in his accounts by reason of loss of some $3,000 in said bank, two of his bondsmen signed the remonstrance against legislative relief from liability,

XsNewton McCurtain, a former resident of Barkley township, who left this county some twenty-five sears5 ears ago, died at his home in ulia, Kan., Feb. 3, from pneumonia, aged 69 years, His wife died a little more than a year ago, but he leaves fourteen children, eleven boys and three girls. Mr. McCurtain was a brother-in-law of F. M. Parker of this city.

Democrat received a small box of strawberries from Mr. and Mrs. Simon Kenton of Bqrnett, Cali., by mail yesterday morning. The contrast iu climate is indeed great, for while Mr. and Mrs. Kenton are enjoying strawberries and cream in California, their friends in Jasper county are plodding about through sixteen inches of snow and enjoying the bracing atmosphere-of zero weather.

The case of the State of Indiana vs. August Rosenbaum, charged with having sold intoxicating liquor to a minor, mention of which was made in The Democrat last week, was heard by Squire Irwin last Friday and resulted in a verdiot of guilty and a fine of S2O and costs, about S4O in all A similar case against Wm. Frye, “Rosey’s” bartender, was heard by Squire Thornton and a jury Monday afternoon, and the jury acquitted Frye.

Winamac Journal: Rev. Father V. H. Krull, C. P. P. S., who has served as pastor pro tern, of St. Peters chnrch since the death of Rev. V. Schirack, left on Monday to temporarily supply the place of Rev. Father Lebrate Schuppe at Logansport. Father Krull is one of the most talented priests of the diocese and the reverend gentleman’s ability and

learning well fit him for the discharge of his responsible duties as editor of several Catholic publications.

The impression which the ringsters are seek to create, that none but democrats signed the Nichols remonstrances, is without foundation, for politics has cut n o figure in the matter at all, except that most of the political pluggers are lined 0)? in favor of the act. Many of the most prominent republican taxpayers signed the remonstrance, and there were probably as many or more republicans on the remonstrance as

there were democrats, for nearly every man signed who had an opportunity, regardless of politios. i N(L. M. Wilcox, the junior membeV of the hustling firm of G. M. Wilcox & Son of Parr, will leave in a few week for Springfield, Ohio, where he will engage in business with his father-in-law who runs a large marble and granite business in that city. We are sorry to lose such bright and talented young business men as Mr. Wilcox, but the change will no dofrbt be greatly to his financial benefit, and we join his numerous friends in wishing him the gratest successjinjhisjjew line of business,

Rbnsselabr, Jasper County, Indiana, Saturday, February ii, 1905.

SECESSION IN UNION TOWNSHIP.

Move Made the Township Into Two Separate Governments. Considerable excitement was occasioned the first of the week when it became known that a move was on foot to divide Union township into two separate and distinct townships. The move was no doubt hatched up in Rensselaer, the object being, if it succeeded, to also divide up Barkley and Walker, it is rumored, and thereby secure enough republican trustees to make the election of a republican couuty superintendent a certainty. There are a number of people in the north end of the township who conplain that under the reign of Barney I. they failed to get as much done in their part of the township as they had a right to expect, and this feeling was taken advantage of in getting names to a petition which was filed with the county commissioners, asking them to make the division on the following lines: Beginning at the northeast corner of Sec. 6, Range 6, west, and running thence west 3 miles to the northeast corner of Sec. 2, Range 7; thence south 2 miles to the southeast corner of Bec. 10; thence west 4 miles to the Newton county line; thence north 5 miles to the northwest corner of Sec. 19; thence east 7 mles to the northwest corner of Sec. 19; thence south 3 miles to the place of beginning. The petition contained the names of 83 people, but those opposing the move got out a remonstrance against the division that was signed by 218. Those on the petition favoring secession included all of Fair Oaks, of course, while the opposition was principally from the south end. It is said that quite a number who claim they were induced to sign the petition for a division through misrepresentation, signed the remonstrance when they clearly understood the matter. The commissioners continued the case to the March term.

The Democrat knows very little of the truth of the troubles the petition recites, but it would seem that it is very foolish to divide the township up at this time, considering its being so sparcely settled, and the necessity for the added expense of two separate township governments is not apparent. The general sentiment is against it.

CLEARLY UNCONSTITUTIONAL

Would Be Act to Re-Imburse County Treasurer for Loss of Funds In McCoy Bank.

Should the act to relieve the bondsmen of County Treasurer Nichols become a law, all that is neccessary to do to defeat the measure becoming effective is to take the matter into court and enjoin the levying or collecting of the tax neccessary to make up the amount. The supreme court of our state and of other states have repeatedly held that the legislature had no power to reimburse a public officer/for funds lost in any manner pi his official capacity.

PUBLIC SALES. The Democrat has printed bills for the following coming public sales. For complete list and description of property, -see another column:

Monday, Feb. 13, Henry Hochbaura, at Virgie; general sale, horses, cattle, hogs, chickens, farm implements and household goods. Thursday, Feb. 16, W. M. Hammonds, 10 miles north and £ mile east of Rensselaer, on the Ike Thomas farm; 50 head of pure b&d Poland China hogs, horses, cattle, etc. Friday, Feb. 17, W. C. Sutton, 6 miles north of Rensselaer; general sale, horses, cattle, hogs, corn, oats, hay, farm implements, etc.

Saturday February 18, Gifford & Callahan at Newland; general sale of horses, cattle, hogs and a lot of new farm machinery of all kinds.

Monday, Feb. 20, W. A. Shook and C. R. Davis, 6 miles north and 2 miles east of Rensselaer, on the Chris. Arnold farm; general sale of horses, oattle[ hogs and farm tools. Wednesday, Feb. 22, Mason Kenton, 1 mile southeast of Sur-

BIG REMONSTRANCE FILED.

Nearly a Thousand Taxpayers Protest Against Nichols Relief Bill. The remonstrances against the passage by the legislature of the bill to relieve the bondsmen of the county treasurer from liability for loss of county funds in the McCoy bank failure were sent to Indianapolis Tuesday morning and contained the names of almost one thousand taxpayers, among whom were the heaviest taxpayers of Rensselaer and other sections of the county. The remonstrances were circulated but a very few days and only a small number of the citizens of the county could be seen, yet about nine out of every ten men, to whom they were presented, signed and also verbally expressed themselves as unequivocally against the passage of the measure. The experience met with by those having the remonstrances in hand would indicate that fully 90 per cent of the taxpayers of the county are against the scheme. A remonstrance was also circulated here somewhat against the passage of the act to relieve the bondsmen of ex-trustee Blue of Marion township, and it, too, was quite generally signed, two of those signing being on the bond and knowing that they would have their share to pay should the measure not go through. They said, however, that they did not think the relief measure was right and they were willing to pay their share of the lobs. Developments have shown that the taxpayers have nothing more to hope for from Senator McCain in this proposed legislation than from Representative Wilson. McCain was telegraphed Monday to use bis influence to hold off action on the Nichols measure until the next day, when a big remonstrance against its passage would be filed. This dispatch was signed “Five Hundred Taxpayers of Jasper County,” by the gentleman whose name headed the list. Senator McCain was asked in this

dispatch to wire receipt of the telegram, and, although it would not have cost him a penny and only about two seconds of his “valuable time,” he ignored it altogether. He also made no reply to the petition sent him last week to hold up action on the bill a few days, which was signed by twenty of the heaviest taxpayers in Rensselaer.

In a case decided by our highest state court as late as 1895 it held, in reversing the decieion of a lower court in a similar case, “that the legislative act of relief was in conflict with section 24 of the Bill of Rights, which provides that no * * * law imparing the obligation of contracts, shall be passed! and, further, that the legislature HAS NO POWER TO RE-IMBURSE A PUBLIC OFFICER FOR MONEY BY HIM LOST IN HIS OFFICIAL CAPACITY. This is plain language certainly.

rey, 5 miles northwest of Rensselaer; general sale of horses, cattle, farming tools, etc.

Thursday, Feb. 23, C. C. Kent, at the old Kent ranch, near Fair Oaks; big sale of horses, mules, cattle, farming tools and household furniture.

The great clearance sale will continue a few days more at the Chicago Bargain Store.

RAILROAD WRECK NEA R BROOK. The afternoon passenger train on the Coal Road was wrecked be-

tween Goodland and Brook Wednesday and many of the passengers hurt, some very seriously. Harry Hartley, a former Remington grain dealer, now located at Wadena, got three ribs broken, bis bead badly cut and one band mashed. Others were also badly hurt. The injured were taken to nearby farmhouses and doctors from Goodland and Brook summoned to attend them. The wreck was caused by a spread rail, and the entire train except the engine is said to have turned completely over. All the injured will recover, it is thought. Fancy apples 15, 20, and 25 cts. per peck at, the Chicago Bargain Store.

SUNDAY MORNING FIRE.

Duvall's Livery Barn, Worden’s Harness Shop and Bicknell’s Pool Room Destroyed.

Fire starting in the rear part of the pool room south of Kellner’s saloon about ten o’clock Sunday morning caused the-most serious fire loss Rensselaer has had for several years. Owing to the severe cold and the fact that the fire was in between the ceiling aud tin roof of the buildings and consequently hard to get at, placed the fireman at a disadvantage, and it was nearly two hours before the flames were under control.

When finally subdued the pool room, Warden’s harness shop next door south and the Duvall livery barn on the corner were completely ruined, although not burned to the ground. The stable part of the livery barn was saved without much damage, and all the horses and equipage was gotten out. Everything was also saved from Warden’s shop, but of course in a damaged condition. The pool tables were not gotten out from the pool room aud were considerably damaged by the water. They belonged to Bicknell Bros., and have since been removed to that place.

The Duvall loss is the greatest, probably in the neighborhood of $2,000, and owing to the high rate they carried no insurance. Matt Worden carried but S4OO

COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING.

At the special meeting of the county council Monday that body did not make any appropriations to cover poor farm bills contracted last year after the appropriations for such purpose had been exhausted, and The Democrat understands that the council is not at all pleased with the way things are being conducted at the poor farm. It need not be surprising if something drops out there before long, for the people all over the county are becoming aroused over the great expense of carrying on this institution. The council also de- ! dined to appropriate the $159 for j election supplies to the Burt-Ter- | ry-Wilson Co., as there was no previous appropriation for this and all contracts are void unless there bean existing appropriation. Following are the appropriations that were made at this meeting:

County olerk, supplies t 2100 Auditor, supplies 22 85 Recorder, postage ... 2 20 Recorder, per cent, of fees 39 69 Sheriff, per diem com. court 14 00 Surveyor, help on ditch..; 4 50 County superintendent, supplies.... 20 50 Janitor, teachers' examinations 9 00 Reporter, oourt 15 00 Janitor, supplies 6 50 Janitor, assistants 7 65 Lights 47 77 Jail, engineering on sewer 25 00 Jail, repairs 19 75 New bridges, Curtis Creek, Newton township 1000 00 Bridge, Carpenter twp.. sec. 22 300 00 Sec. Board of Health, emergency.... 10 00 Record of births. 8 60 Repairs gravel roads 16 87 Election supplies.. 50 00 Reform school. 57 18 Children's Receiving Home 54 70 Coroner 1280 Ditch funds advanced 97 75 Highway viewers 3 75 Truant officer. 32 00 Salary oounty councilman 10 00 Destroying fish nets 5 00 Wolf scalps 10 00

NEWTON’S NEW COURT HOUSE.

Plans Adopted for $25,000 Structure and Contract To be Let at April Term.

J. T. Hutton, the architect heretofore appointed by the Board of Commissioners to prepare plans for the new Court House, was present Monday with the completed plans and specifications. Mr. Hutton has worked out a plain, unpretentious building, apparently utilizing every inch of space to some good purpose. His plans call for a building complete for the sum of $25,000, the amount appropriated. All frills and ornamentation are of course denied a building which calls for an expenditure of but $25,000, yet everything will be substantial and pleasing to the eye. The first floor will house

LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE WANTED By one of the leading Life Insurance Companies. Only men of character and ability need reply. State experience, where now occupied and give references. Address, “Life Insurance,” care this paper.

Vol. VII. No. 45

on his stock, which he estimates was worth $2,000. He figures his loss at about S4OO.

All the buildings were of frame, and the two north ones belonged to A. Leopold, who had S4OO insurance on them. The south wall of the Kellner saloon was of brick, and this prevented the fire from spreading north, and the saloon or contents was not damaged. The wrecked buildings are partly standing, but so completely ruined that they will have to be torn down. It is likely the “burned district” will be built up this spring with brick business rooms. Both Ed and John Duvall worked very hard to save their property, the former during most of the time with his clothing soaked with water, and it will be strange indeed if he does not have a serious spell of sickness as a result of his exposure. Ed also got a fall from a ladder that bruised him up considerably, and he is confined to the house at this writing. Christie Vick, one of the firemen, was also slightly injured by a fall.

Town Talk flour, only $1.45 a fourth barrel, and guaranteed good as any flour made or money back at the Chicago Bargain Store.

Jordan township, Gallagher ditch... 155 SO Burial old soldier SO OS Building Soldiers' Home cottage 4301 81

THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.

The February term of commissioners’ court was quite a busy one. The principal business, outside of allowing claims, was the Gil lam gravel road matter, the stationery contract matter and the Union township secession matter. The Gillam gravel road matter was continued to the March term, also the Union township separation matter, while the stationery contract is to be re-advertised again and date for letting set for Feb. 22. Only one bid was filed on the 13 miles of gravel roadcontractjin Gillam, that of Pat Sheehan & Co., of Lebanon, and was for $19,445. As this with the cost of locating exceeds the estimate the matter was continued. The county council having made an increased appropriation, from $3,000 to $4,301,61 for a cottage at the soldiers home at Lafayette, the contract for same was let to Rush & Warren of this city for the above sum, they being the lowest bidders. Other bidders were: W. H. Roney, Chicago $ 8794 8# Geo. Cummoui, Remington 5250 OS G. P. Herzog, Lafayette 6550 00 J.F. Schmidt, Chicago 6760 00 L. H. Shank A Son, Lafayette 4684 90 The old Hanging Grove tp., gravel road matter was taken up again and will be re-advertised for letting on March 15. Trustee Fell of Carpenter was granted permission to extend additional poor relief to Susan, Nora and Carrie Detrick, not exceeding sls per quarter.

See Baughman & Williams for farm and city loans.

the Auditor, Clerk, Treasurer and Recorder. The Auditor’s office will have a floor space 23x31 feet, Treasurer’s office 20x24 feet, Recorder’s office 20x24 feet, and Clerk’B office 23x31 feet, eaoh office amply provided with vaults. On the second floor the court room will be an imposing chamber 58x35 feet, Sheriff’s office 21x24 feet, with private office, witness room 15x11, jury room 15x20 Judge’s room 15x20, Library 10x12 and an unassigned room the same size as the Sheriff’s office. The contract will be let April 3rd, the first day of the regular April term of Commissioner’s Court,— Newton County Enterprise.