Jasper County Democrat, Volume 10, Number 10, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 June 1907 — Page 1

Jasper County Democrat.

SI.OO Per Year.

ELECTRIC ROAD STATUS.

President Infield of the proposed Lafayette-Chicago electric line was here several days this week and reports progress being made towards financing the road. The present status of the matter, in brief is as follows: The .contract with the Chicago bankers was signed up Saturday. Under this contract they are to put up 75 per cent of the cost of building and equipping the road, estimated in round numbers at $3,000,000. They are to take firstj mortgage bonds for their security. The other one-fourth is to be raised by issuing common stock in shares of 9100 each, which the Chicago people are to dispose of by subscription, the money received to be used exclusively for construction work. When the one-fourth is in sight so it can be guaranteed by the local management, these parties will pay in their three-fourths. It is proposed to first offer stock for sale along the proposed line, and, when subscriptions sufficient to raise 9100,000 in cash have been received, to begin construc-

tion work at once and put in some section of the road and operate it —probably between Rensselaer and Remington—and proceed in like manner until all is built. While the stock is issued by the local company who will have the entire management bf the road if built, the Chicago people are to sell the stock and will probably be ready in about ten days to receive subscriptions. It is proposed to start it at 50 cents on the dollar, and those subscribing may designate any bank along the line that their subscriptions are to be paid, and where under the contract it will remain until the full SIOO,OOO has been raised. Probably only 5 or 10 per cent will be asked for at the time of subscribing, as a sort of guarantee, the balance to be paid at later designated time or times as may be agreed upon. The history of electric roads is that they are strong paying investments, and it is thought this stock will yield from 10 to 20 per cent dividends on its face value after paying operating expenses and 5 per cent interest on the mortgage indebtedness. If the 12 miles between RensseUer and Remington is put in first it is expected that it will be a ’ good paying section from the start and will show that business is meant.

A GOOD COURT HOUSE AT SMALL COST.

The Democrat man saw Newton county’s new court house last Monday for the first time, and we want to say that we were most agreeably surprised at its being such a fine looking and commodious building. Instead of a common red sand brick, factory-look-ing building, as we had expected to see, we found it was of a smooth light-colored brick with raised pink mortar joipts, bedford stone trimmings, red tile roof, large modern windows, and well lighted and conveniently arranged within. The floors are of hardwood and the furniture is of metal for the' vaults and antique oak for the offices and court room, with antique copper finish electric light fixtures. It has a basement under the whole building, in one corner of which the boilers for beating are located, and two floors above for the various offices and court room. The basement has not yet been finished off nor has the court house yard been filled in and _ graded, and there are also some other mifior things to be done to the interior, but when all is completed it will be one of the handsomest and best court houses in the country for its cost —at present time, including all furniture and fixtures —less than $35,000 — and one that every citizen of that county may well be proud of. Of course it is not so gorgeously finished as Jasper county’s $175,000 court house, yet /it is a handsome and substantial building and plenty good enough for any county of the wealth and future possibilities of either Newton or Jasper county, and one cannot help but remark on a thorough examination of the building that the people apparently got their money’s worth in every item, even down to the furnishings. / Extra fancy Michigan potatoes all sound, no sprouts, 80 cents. Store, Get a pair of 6 cent sox at the G. E. Murray Co. next Saturday, June 8.

IT’S LAMPSON!

Elected to Succeed County Supt. Hamilton. < ELEVEN BALLOTS NECESSARY. New Official Not a Democrat But the Son of a Democrat, and Holds a Five Year License. The election of a county superintendent last Monday resulted in Ernest Lampson of Jordan tp:, receiving the necessary seven votes on the eleventh ballot. He is an old teacher in the county and is a graduate of the State University at Bloomington. He has been running his father’s farm in Jordan tp., this season, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lampson, residing in town*. His age is 29 years, and he is unmarried. He will take charge of the office within ten days from the date of his election. , The vote by ballots was as follows:

Ballots 128456789 10 11 5ayer5......... 6655443431 0 Hamilton...... 6 64666 6'666 6 Lampson 1222223344 7 Fisher... 1110000 0

The vote shows that six of the republican trustees stuck by him to the last. The recalitrant one is alleged to be Robert Mannan, trustee of Wheatfield tp., andwhen it appeared that neither of the democratic be elected—some of the trustees having switched from Sayers to Fisher—the democratic vote was thrown to Lampson and he was elected. The contest for county superintendent here has been quite a lively issue for some time, and the democrats having elected 8 of the 13 trustees three years ago it was generally thought they would be able to name the next superintendent. However, when it came time to elect they had but six votes, by reason of the moving away of two of their trustees and the appointment of republicans in their place. Two candidates had appeared in the democratic ranks for the place, and Supt. Hamilton came up from the republican side for re-election, opposed by Mr. Lampson. The democratic candidates were Lee Fisher of Kankakee tp., and Leslie Sayers of Demotte. It seemed that the chances of success for either of the latter would be enhanced were there but one candidate from the democratic side, and by agreement last Saturday Mr. Fisher withdrew. He had been re-en-gaged as superintendent of the Stillwell, Laporte county, schools for next year at an increased salary, having given the best of satisfaction there the past year and receiving high recommendations from the oounty superintendent of that oounty, therefore from a financial standpoint'it did not make much difference to him. Both Fisher and Sayers are experienced teachers and were each regarded as able men.

There was considerable opposition to Mr. Hamilton in certain quarters in his own party—the machine was against him —and in order that this opposition might be shown, it is said that Mr. Lampson was brought out. Mr. Hamilton is alleged to have been the "man behind tho gun” in the oust* ing of trustee Huston of Milroy tp., and therefore the democrats seemed to feel that they owed him nothing. Others, both democrats and republicans, felt that his action in revoking the teachers’ license of Benbart Fendig last fall was not inspired so much from a desire to better the morals of the schools as it was to remove an opponent from his path for re-elec-tion, and with all these matters to overcome it became evident last week that he would not have easy sailing. The result is pleasing to Hamilton’s enemies and, of course, displeasing to his friends. He has held the office ten years instead of twelve, as stated a few issues ago, we understamd, and has made a very able superintendent, probably one of the most able in the state. His successor has the necessary qualifications to also make

Rbnssslabr, Jasper County. Indiana, Saturday, June 8, 1907.

a good superintendent, and we believe he will. We are not advised what Mr. Hamilton intends to do, but with his ability he will not have trouble in getting into something that will no doubt pay him better financially than the office of county superintendent, and in whatever he undertakes he has the best wishes of a large number of friends. County Superintendent Reid was re-elected for another term in White county. In Benton county Charles Dodson, democrat, was elected to succeed L, A. McKnight, republican. /In Carroll county there is another deadlock, and after taking 206 bollots an odjournment was taken until to-day. J. H. Reddick, for the past 24 years superintendent in Pulaski, was re-elected again, while Elmer E. Rogers was re-elected in Starke and E. G. Bunnell in Laporte. Over in Newton county there is a dead-lock. There are five democrat and five republican trustees, and a democraticauditor who casts the deciding vote in case of a tie. The former are standing valiantly by our former townsman, Prof. W. O. Schanlaub of Morocco, a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Schanlaub of this city. The republicans voted for three candidates, present Supt. Kellenberger, Prof. Vance of Brook and J. C. Dickerson of Kentland. Up to Thursday morning 334 ballots had been cast, Prof. Schanlaub all the time receiving 5 votes and Kellenberger, Vance and Dickerson generally 2, 2 and 1, in the order named.

TRUSTEE BOUK RESIGNS.

Albert Bouk, democrat, trustee of Walker tp., resigned bis office Tuesday and will go to Surrey, North Dak., near which place he has bought a farm. Mr. Bouk of the most able trustees in the county and we afe sorry to see him leave, but he has* had this in mind for several mouths, having sold his farm in Walker to,F. M. Hershman, and his many friends hope that his expectations will be fully realized in his new borne.. Fred Karch, republican, has been appointed to fill out Mr. Bonk’s unexpired term.

WELL WOULDN’T THIS ?

French Lick and West Baden, the two noted Indiana resorts down in Orange county, have gone "dry” via the remonstrance route, and a dozen or more wet goods establishments will be put out of business. And the Indiana Democratic Editorial Association meets at the former place this summer, too!

Monon, over in White oounty, which was dry a few years and then went back to saloons, and it was predicted would never again go dry, has also climbed on the water wagon and gone dry by a majority of over 60. Fowler, Brook, Medaryvillle and other neighboring towns that have tried it dry for the past few years, have voted by remonstrance filed to continue dry.

ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE.

The Columbia Literary Society announces its Commencement play for Monday, June 17, when its members will present the stirring drama, "Alexander III.” The scene of this play is laid in Italy in the middle of the twelfth century, a period of intense, historic interest and epoch-making deeds. The very name of Frederick Barbarossa, the principal character in the drama, points to things extraordinary. He is the soul of the titanic struggle for supremacy then waged by the Secular against the Ecclesiastical Power. This central idea is portrayed admirably well throughout the drama, which, although moving along a high plain of thought, is not of such a classic fiber that it could not be thoroughly understood and appreciated also by those who are not students of history. In presenting Alexander 111 the Columbia Literary Society is confident in promising its friends some two hours of exceptional entertainment. Play opens at 8 o’clock p. m. Admission 25 cents. Wanted To Purchase: Agood Jersey cow not over 6 or 8 years old, and a few pigs not over 3 months old. Enquire at this office.

THE COURT HOUSE

Items Picked Up About the County Capitol. | Auditor Leatherman was . a Kentland visitor Thursday. —o — Insufficient applications having been made for bonds in the Howe, ditch, no bonds will be issued and assessments must be paid at once in installments as provided by law. —oMarriage licenses issued: June 5, William Francis Antrim of Gifford, aged 27, occupation farmer, to Laura Beaver Steel, also of Gifford, aged 17, occupation housekeep r. First marriage for each. Frank Babcock, the much prosecuted, or persecuted, editor of the Rensselaer Democrat, wks in Kentland Monday ready to defend the libel suit instituted against him by the one time editor of the Monon News, and brought to this court from Jasper county on change of venue, but the prosecuting witness was conspicuous by his absence. Attorney Will Isham of Fowler was appointed special judge to try the case. Mr. Babcock insisted on a trial of the case, or its dismissal, but the state asked for a continuance and Judge Isham granted the same. There are no merits in this suit whatever against Editor Babcock, and the Court would have been within its rights in dismissing same.—Kentland Enterprise.

—o—f New suits filed: No 7169. State of Indiana, ex rel. Sarah Brownfield, vs. George W. Steele |t al; suit for damages, transcrip from Nekton circuit court. I No. 7170, Same, vs. William T. Bright; same kind of case, transcript from Newton circuit court f No. 7171. Lucinda Roe vs, John Noland; action to quiet title- to W 1 estate. No. 7172. August Eckert vs. James Bobson and James Whited; action for damages for alleged fraud in selling or recommending a horse which plaintiff purchased of said defendants. No. 7173. John Finn vs. Winifred Finn, May Izetta Kays, Anna Frances Kays, Louella Kays, Vera Matilda Kays; action to recover possession of certain real estate conveyed to Winifred Finn, by John C. Kaupke and wife, wherin plaintiff paid part of said purchase price and the first named defendant furnished him the balance ($1,000) with the agreement that when he repaid her such loan she should transfer said lands to plaintiff, so the complaint alleges.

— o _ Special Judge Reynolds has rendered his decision in the Newton county court house furniture case, wherein Auditor Purkey refused to issue his wasrant in payment for said furniture, alleging irregularities in the letting thereof that would make him liable on his bond should he do so. Judge Reynolds refused the writ of mandate and holds witn the auditor in every point and holds the whole thing was illegal, basing his opinion on the county reform law which sets out how contracts shall be let and which has been upheld in every case the supreme court has had a whirl at. No one contends that the fufniture is not worth the contract price or that any crookedness was done or intended, but it was simply not let according to the letter or spirit of the law and therefore illegal. Attorneys say that it is questionable whether the contractor, M. C. Ulrey of Brook, can be paid at all now, which is certainly a great injustice to him, although the law seems to persume that a contractor must know that the proceeding have been regular before he does the work. Following is a report of the proceedings of the oounty oommissionen’ June term: Pan-American Bridge Co., were awarded contracts for two new bridges in Barkley tp., at $749 each. / Contractors on Marion stone road system allowed $3,176.37. The auditor was directed to correspond with the* various stone companies and get their interpolation of what is meant by "one inch

atone” under the specifications in the Carpenter-Remington stone road matters. Bids for grade for Hebron bridge being more than appropriation, they were rejected and cause continued. John Lawler et al, petition for highway in Marion tp.; Elizabeth Gangloff files motion to set aside assessment of damages, and Andrew Gangloff remonstrates against proposed highway, both overruled and John Martindale, James Parkison and Omar Morlan appointed reviewers to meet June 19. Jerry Hess et al, petition for highway in Gillam tp.; viewers report vacation will be of public utility and same is declared vacated. John J. Lawler et al, petition for highway on county line between Jasperand Newton counties; ordered established.

Thos. Dayis, et al, petition for ditch; drainage com. requests more time, and matter continued ;o July term, • - Poor farm contracts awarded for next three months as follows: John Eger, groceries, 9104.50; Porter & Kresler, shoes and clothing, $24.08: Roth Bros, meat, $18.25. E. L. Williams petition for ditch;request for more time to report given and matter continued to next term; petitioners move to strike out appeal bond of Delahanty; overruled and bond approved. John W. Humes petition for ditch; ordered established and Leslie Alter appointed superintendent.

James L. Babcock, petition for ditch; cause docketed. Omar Day and Rufus Knox appointed to scholarships at Purdue University. Chas. E. Sage et al, petition for highway in Jordan tp.; L. Strong, Warren Robinson and R. B. Harris appointed viewers, to meet June 25. A. M. Ludeman et al petition to drain into Garrison ditch; granted on payment of SSO by petitioner John Trachsel and $25 by A. M, Ludeman to county treasurer to be applied on Garrison ditch bonds. Contractors on Iroqnois ditch were allowed $1,022.97 and Moffitt ditch contractors $950.41. A. L. Book resigns as trustee of Walker tp., and Fred Karch appointed to fill out unexpired term.

Contracts for3oo tons coal awarded to Shirley Hill Coal Co., at $2 per ton for mine run; $2.20 for 1| inch lump; $2.45 for domestic lump, all f. o. b. Rensselaer. Fees collected for past three months as follows: Auditor, $56,85; sheriff, $83.29; recorder $795.80; Clerk $244.50. Report of poor farm superintendent shows expenses of quarter $602.87, and receipts of $1,426.14, leaving a net surplus of $823.27. The receipts were from the following sources: L.... >

Babcock A Hopkina2s3l bu. oats .$1,012.52 A. J. Harmon, one bay mare 142.50 J. H. Yeoman, 9 hogs 96.00 John Knapp, hay 48 50 Wm. Murray, same.... 61.00 Roth Bros., cow hide ~ 5.00 Wm.AuKspurrer.oate .. 1.80 Cream sold during quarter........... 54.90 Chiekens sold *. 3.72 There were 14 inmates of poor asylum at end of quarter.

MARION AND NEWTON TP. COMMENCEMENTS.

Marion and Newton townships will hold a joint commencement at the Library auditorium next Thursday, commencing at 10:30 a. m., and having both forenoon and afternoon program. Newton has 7 graduates and Marion 15, while there are 4 gold star pupils in the former township and 5 in the latter. The names of the graduates and gold star pupils follow: GBADUATKS—MABION TOWNSHIP. * Jay Howels Olive Pollard Georgre Gowland Clarence Garriott Pearle Anderton Hazel Hurd Lulu Irene Grey Chloe Wasson Hasel Jacks Mary Eisele Jahn Reed Lesta Wasson Edith Lane Leatha Wood Lettie Lanhan. GOLD STAB PUPILS. Pearl Eisele Mary Eisele Ernest Garriott Harlo Morton Lowell Morton GBADUATHfr—ftSWTON TOWNSHIP Alice Middleton Ada M. Yeoman Rosa Keeney Katye B, Lane Guy Price Roe Hammond Alice Worland . gold stab pupils. Irma Holmes Allee Middleton Joe Yeoman Effie Price

The greatest line of >15.00 suits ever shown. The G. E. Mubhay Co.

Vol. X. No. io

THE FARCE IS CONTINUED.

Prosecuting (?) Witness In Libel Cases Not Present, So State Asks for Continuance. There was no trial of the Jones (?) libel oases against the editor of The Democrat last Monday. The latter had all his witnesses summoned and expected to go to trial, until Sunday night, when the deputy prosecutor, Mose Leopold, stated thatr'tbe prosecution could not get the prosecuting witness in court and would have to ask for a continuance. As he had previously stated (on Saturday) that be would consent to a continuance and thought Mr. Halleck would agree to it —but as the state of Indiana is supposed to be prosecuting these cases the querry would naturally be, “what the d——l has Halleck to do with it—and was told that the defense would not conseut to any continuance, the defendant decided to go over to Kentland anyhow and see just what move would be made. He accordingly did so and, when it became apparent that it was the intention to have the record in the cases read “continued by agreement,” objected through his attorney to any such action, and stated that he was ready and anxious for trial. Then Prosecuter Graves melted a few telephone wires between Kentland and Rensselaer in getting inf communication with Halleck and Leopold, whom he stated were in charge of the cases, and he personally did not know much about them. • Judge Hanley called attorney Will Ishim of Fowler to the bench as special judge to sit in the cases, and Graves got into telephonic communication with bis Rensseneither of whom had gSne te Kentjand—and finally filed a written statement with the court to the effect that these were Halleck’s and Leopolds cases and they (Halleck and Leopold) had informed him that an agreement had been made by them with defendant’s attorney (which is denied) that the cases be continued; that owing to the absence of important witnesses the state was not ready for trial, etc.

There is a rule of the Newton circuit court that any agreement made by attorneys outside the court room, unless in writing, shall not be considered at all, and Judge Ishim’s attention was called to this. But he held that inasmuch us no one apparently would be injured by continuing the cases, that he would grant the motion, and they go over to the October term.

Now, for a few words about this prosecution: The man who is sup.posed to have been so greatly ‘ibeled and whose name appears on the affidavits, has left Indiana and did not,appear at all. It is the general opinion that he will not come back to Indiana under any circumstances, and we believe at least one of the attorneys who are conducting this prosecution has knowledge of the fact. Prosecutor Graves says these are Halleck’s and Leopold’s cases, Leopold is the deputy prosecutor but what has Halleck to do with it? If he is appearing as Jones’ attorney,, why is he not able to produce his client in court or making a reasonable excuse why he cannot do so? If Jones, the supposedly injured party in\he matter, does not care enough about prosecuting the cases to appear in court to testify, why are Halleck and Leopold—one the republican county chairman and the other the county secretary—so interested that they must put the taxpayers to the expense of continuing this farce, for that is all it is?

We stated recently that when these oases came to trial it would develop who was really behind the prosecution, and it does not take a person of any superior occult vision to discover even now that it is apparently some one other than the party represented to be so greatly injured. How much longer will the peopie submit to their money being used for such purposes as this?.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS. June 1, to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cain, a son.

There will be a dance at Warner’s Hall, Thursday eve, June 13. Good music and the very best of order. Tickets 50 cents.