Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 June 1908 — Page 1

Jasper County Democrat.

$1.50 Per Year.

CAN’T GET OVER IT

Republican Is Still Angry About Hartseli Taxes. DON’T LIKE TAX-DOD6IN6 EXPOSURE And Perhaps There Is a Reason for It, a Sort of Fellow-Feeling, As It Were.

The Republican is still howling about The Democrat’s exposure of the late Dr. Hartseli estate being placed on the tax duplicate for 1906-7 for some $17,000 that the doctor, while living had “forgotten” to list, and by the result of which the county treasury was enriched some S6OO, or enough to pay the county assessor’s salary for a full year. -It rants about raking up a dead man’s bones, etc. Well, the good book teaches us that there is punishment for wrong-doing after death, though perhaps the syndicate editors of the Republican never got far enough along in reading tlie scriptures to know this, but the fact that the action above noted was taken and duly reported by The Democrat as a matter of news, which its readers and the public generally had a right to know about, proves that the good book is again correct. Sometimes many of the good or bad deeds of a man’s are not known until he has passed away. Had Dr. Hartseli lived he could have no doubt as successfully covered up his wealth and escaped his just share of the burdens of government now as he evidently had done in the past. The fact of the exposure having been made in his case may deter others from following a like example, when they come to realize that there is punishment after this life is ended for the tax-dodger as well as other wrong doers. Dr. Hartseli was no worse. probably than many others, yet in his case there were no children or near relatives or friends to leave his money to, and the stealings from the people of this city, county and state—for that is what tax-dodging is—would benefit no one whom he cared an iota for. The evasion of taxes in his case was too evident, too plain, to justify any defense or attempt at defense, and those who try to defend the evasion only make themselves ridiculous. And now a word about the personal allusions of the Republican to the editor of The Democrat: It says we gave in oar personal property for assessment at $660 in 1906, $570 in 1907 and $565 in 1908. Correct. But it is not true that in either of those years we did not also give in several hundred dollars in accounts due, while the Republican nor Journal reported one penny as due thein from any source whatever, and we personally know that they each had several hundred dollars due them. Neither did they give in any cash on hand or on deposit, yet that they did have some money in banks we have a very good reason to believe. The Democrat’s linotype was not put in until about March 10, 1908, and therefore was not subject to taxation thin year. But let’s see what Clarkey’s assessment was for 1906 (we will say something later about this 1906 assessment) and 1907 when his $1,500 Junior linotype was included in the assessment: For 1906, $675 £;i -only sls more than The Democrat’s assessment with no $1,500 linotype! For 1907, $575 —only $5 more than The Demoorat, and still we had no $1,600 linotype. Not a dollar was due him from any source whatever • during either of these years, and neither did he have a dollar on hand or on deposit. Now about the 1906 assessment. The Republican says: to contradict, and we have the county assessor’s records to maintain our statement, the falsehood published about the valuation Editor Leslie Clark placed on his Junior Linotype machine. The Democrat said he placed it for assessment at SIOO, when he placed it at S3OO in 1906 and at S2OO in 1907. Any person who cares to ascertain about the “truth and veracity” of the editor of the Democrat can do so at the county, auditor’s office. His falsehoods are of record." * ' ? Yes, that’s partially true, S3OO. But it was “given, in” for SBOO after the assessor fonnd out that the owner had deceived him as to its value and be went back to him and *' '1 v % / '* rf 3” u, *.

It was raised to S3OO from $100! And inadvertently this raise of S2OO came about through us, too. Here’s the true story, which the assessor will fully substantiate: The assessor called to assess The Democrat in 1906 and, in the list of printed questions, asked it we had any typesetting machines. ( We replied, “No.” Said they were too costly and we couldn’t afford one yet. “Why,’ said h 6, “what do they costT*’ “Well,” we replied, “the Junior machine the Journal has cost SISOO, and a standard machine costs about $3,500.” “Are you positive of this?” he asked. “Certainly. Why, the Journal’s machine is now mortgaged for $1,250 and Clark paid $250 down, which you can substantiate by the mortgage records.” “Well, then, he deliberately lied to me about its value, aDd I am going right down to see him.” “What,” we asked, “have you assessed the Journal?” “Yes.” “What did Clark give the machine in at?” “One hundred dollars.” “Well,” we replied, “if you go back there Clark will say we told you what it was worth, and we had no thought of his linotype when you asked us if we had any typesetting machines, and we don’t want to be blamed for something we did not intentionally do.” “Well, I am going back I did not know they were worth so much as that, and the assessment must be raised.” _____ And the assessor did go back and the assessment was raised to S3OO, still but one-fifth the machine’s cost. And we got the blame for it, too, and Clarkey was as mad as a wet hen at us, for he had to pay some $7 more taxes for 1906 than he intended to when he made oath to the actual value of his property that year. Here, again. The Democrat? though inadvertently, wsb directly responsible for the payment into the county treasury of a few dollars that was sought to be evaded. But the taxpayers of Jasper county didn’t lose a penny by our inadvertently exposing the Ethiopian in the Journal’s woodpile, did they? Just score another for “The Taxpayers’ Friend,” please. The original assessment sheet in the auditor's office plainly shows where the assessor erased the figure “1” ami substituted a figure “3.” Yes, look it up, and then sav who is the liar.

The Republican article bears the ear-marks of the $75-a»month partner of the syndicate ownership of the Republican, he of the “savory" reputation jvho was “persuaded" some years ago to leave Rensselaer by members of his own political party, and who, it was currently reported, faithfully promised never to locate in Rensselaer again if they would not prosecute him. He has had to “go away back and sit down” since the “consolidation” and the position has not been a pleasing one to him by any means. Therefore, evidently taking advantage of the military editor's absence, whose own bump of egotism is most abnormally developed, and who was away shooting up government powder and gaining fame and glory on a bloodless field of carnage, he siezed his long idle pen and proceeded to give vent to the pent up gall of months that had been hankering like a festering sore in his vengeful breast. As to where we got all that money to buy—or “lease” rather, as practically all, and we do not know but all, linotypes are put out on what 1b called the rental plan of so much for the first year with privilege of returning machine at end of year, continuing the lease or buying with first year’s rental applied on purchase price—and other expenses incurred, which seema to be another thorn in the Republican’s side, we will say very kindly that we don’t know whether it is any of the Republican’s business or the public’s. We did not have it March 1 or it would have been listed. We came by it honestly and did not acquire it by gambling on racing pools nor in playing poker. The Democrat’s -private affairs are not accountable to the Republican nor the public. Perhaps we may have borrowed it also, as our credit is very, good and we have never experienced any trouble whatever in raising a little “dust” when it was necessary, and we do not say this boastingly, either. , The fact is, The Democrat has alwava been carefully and econom-

ways own curwiuiij wiu cv,vuviuContlnued on Pa Q* Five.

THE TWICE - A - WEEK

RENSSELAER, JASPER COUNTY, INDIANA, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 1908.

THE COURT HOUSE

ItemiT Picked Up About the County Capitol. New suits filed: No. 7324. Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Co., vs. Curtis J. Hand et al; suit to foreclose mortgage and have receiver appointed. Well, Jasper county can beat Newton four to one on the matrimonial business for the month of May, anyhow. While only four licenses were, issued here last month, Newton issued but one. — o — Jpj Marriage licenses issued: June 6, Gilbert David Albin of Rensselaer, aged 22, occupation laborer, to Lucy May Wiltshire, also of Rensselaer, aged 19, occupation housekeeper. First marriage for each. Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Warner left yesterday to attend DePauw commencement, at which there is to be a reunion of the Sigma Chi’s. A banquet will be given at the fraternity house Tuesday night. Wednesday night Mr. Warner will attend a banquet given at the Lafayette Club in Lafayette for H. W. Wiley, the government pure food expert, who was a former instructor at Purdue. The banquet is given* by his former pupils of Purdue. The Democrat wishes to apologise its readers for devoting so much space to the Republican in this issue, but the fact is that paper has twice in the past month made personal attacks on the editor of The Democrat, and in such attacks has made libelous statements—for it is libel to charge a man with a crime unless the charge is true, and it is a crime to dodge taxes or to fail to give in all one’s property for taxation. We wanted to show up these false statements and to prove that they were false by the official records of the county, and we think we have done so very conclusively. It is an old saying that “figures won't lie. but liars will figure,” and the liars in this case are so plainly shown up that there can be no question whatever as to who has done the lying.

WILLIAM SMITH DEAD.

William Smith, who recently moved here from Mt. Ayr and who has been at the point of death with consumption for several weeks, passed away Saturday at 9 a. m. The funeral was held Monday at 10 a. in., from the Christian church at Brook and burial made in the cemetery there. A wife but no children are left. Deceased was an excellent young man and was a member of the Modern Woodmen lodge at Mt. Ayr. He carried $2,000 insurance in that order which had been kept up by his brother members after he contracted the disease from which he died. This lodge bad also contributed considerably toward the family’s support during, the past few months, and while the husband is now gone the loved wife he leaves behind is left In comfortable circumstances, thanks to his foresight in joining shch an excellent fraternal order as the Woodmen when in good health, and his brother Neighbors in keeping up his insurance. He contracted a severe cold a year ago last winter while working at putting up Ice, and this finally developed into consumption. His age was 27 years.

COMMENCEMENT AT ST. JOSEPH

The Commencement exercises which will be held In the College Auditorium, Wednesday morning, June 17, will be fittingly introduced the previous evening by the rendition of Shakespeare’s play Henry IV. The play has been adapted for College presentation, and we are .modest in stating that an exceptional treat awaits our patrons and friends. The cast has been chosen with utmost care and severe discrimination from a large number of available material. The character of FalStaff especially, Shakespeare’s master creation of the comic, the | embodiment of wit, wisdom and folly, is in the hands of the competent actor, Mr. Otto Muehlenbrink, who leaped into prominence on his very first appearance before the footlights. Henry IV Is a play that appeals to all classes of people, intellectually to the cultured and, perhaps in a higher degree, in its jcomic scenes to everybody. The opportunity to witness a Shakespearian play ’.<k "• 3"i sV TV itlh

UNTIL JUNE 13 FOR $ 1.00 _ q The Democrat’s Special Subscription Offer Extended Two Weeks. Owing to the weather conditions for the past month and tlie inability of many to get to town who desired to take advantage of our $i per year offer on The Twice-a-Week Democrat, we have decided to extend the time for renewing subscriptions at the $i rate until June 13. Accordingly all new subscriptions received prior to and on Saturday, June 13, will be taken for The Twice-a-Week Democrat at $1 a year. This offer also includes renewals where subscriptions expire not later than July, 1908. This offer will positively close June 13, after which the price to all will be $1.50 per year.

does not present Itself often and Shakespeare, when rendered well, even by amateurs, never falls to be interesting and instructive. A cordial invitation, therefore, is extended to all . The play opens at 8:00 p. m., Tuesday, June 16. Admission 25 cents.

A FEW ROQUETS.

This week the Rensselaer Democrat begins the issue of a 'Semiweekly edition. It Is the best paper in Jasper county.—Brook Reporter. The Jasper County Democrat comes out this week as a semi-week-ly. Typesetting machines come high but they make it possible to grind out many columns. Remington Press. The first Issue of the Twice-a-Week Jasper County Democrat made its appearance Tuesday. Editor Babcock prints a good live paper and the first issue of semi-week-ly gives promise that the usual high standard will be maintained.—Fowler Republican. The first copy of the twice-a-week Jasper County Democrat reached our exchange table yesterday morning, and the great improvement Is indeed worthy of much praise. The semi-weekly issue consists of eight pages of home print and is full of good reading matter from the first page to the last. —Mt. Ayr Pilot.

On Wednesday we received the first issue of the Jasper County Democrat as a semi-weekly, and it looks good to us. Brother Babcock now has one of the best equipped country newspaper offices in Indiana. The Democrat not only has a neat appearance from the printer’s point of view, but It is well written and newsy. Mechanically and editorially, the paper is one of which Rensselaer may well be proud.-—Monon News.

The first copy of the Semi-Weekly published by the Jasper County Democrat came to our table Wednesday, its date of publication. The Democrat’s papers have always been noted for their neatness and this is no exception to the rule. The paper is eight pages in size and filled to the brim with good live news. Mr. Babcock is an old hand at getting np good papers and in this effort he has done himself credit and reflected honor upon the town. Newspaper business in Jasper county enters upon a new era beginning with the first issue of this publication, and if present indications are right be will soon have the field practically to himself. — Morocco Courier.

PARR WILL CELEBRATE.

Arrangements Being Made to Have a Big Time There July 4. Parr has also jumped in the ring and will celebrate the 4th this year. The celebration will consist of various amusements, such as borse racing, foot racing, base ball, street parade, bowery dance,, and fireworks at night. There will also be good speaking and music. See large bills for program. For ground privileges see Chas. Rowen, A. J. Potts or Sol Norman.

HOT WEATHER STOVE DEMONSTRATION.

A representative of the Perfection Oil Cooker, a new stove that generates gas from coal oil, will be at our store Wednesday, June 10,' to demonstrate the advantages of this stove. All interested in oil or gasoline cooking stoves are invited to call and see this demonstration. EGER BROS.

DANCE.

There will be a dance in Warner’s Hall Thursday evening after concert from $ to 11. Tickets 25 cents.

CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.

Not Much Done at Regular Meeting of City Dads But Allow Claims. The city council met in regular session Monday night, with only Councilman Jay W. Williams being absent. >. The city attorney was instructed to notify the C. I. & L. Ry. that the city would furnish light and water for the period of two years, at a rental of $40.00 per month. The following resolutions were adopted: Establishing the alley in Block 15, original plat of Rensselaer, (just east of the Makeever hotel from Washington to Cornelia streets); establishing a sewer from Grace to Rutsen on Van Rensselaer street, and narrowing Rachel street, in Leopold’s addition, from 80 feet, its present width, to 60 feet. An assessment is levied on the abutting lots of twenty-five cents each, for the purpose of paying the expenses of such narrowing. A petition to improve east Washington street from Division to Cullen, with crushed stone, 40 feet wide, was presented by B. Forsythe and I. M. Washburn. The petition sets out the manner in which these petitioners desire the street to be improved. This is said to be distasteful to S. P. Thompson, and the petitioners are given leave to withdraw and amend it.

'Dr. E. C. English was re elected School Trustee for a period of three years. Treasurer’s report shows balances in funds as follows: Corporation .$ 84.47 Water Fund.........;............ 1.104.94 Light Fund., .'. 2,800.25 Road Fund not reported. The following claims were allowed :

CORPORATION FUND. J J Montgomery, services fireman.. $6.25 Orlan Grant, same 6.25 C W Rhoades, same 6.25 Van Grant, same 6.25 Frank Kresier, same 6.75 Carl Wood, same 6.25 Tom Hoyes, 5ame.................. 6.25 Ches Zea, 5ame..................... 6.25 Vern Robinson, same 6.25 James George, same...> 7.75 John Eigelsbach, same 6.25 Fred Hemphill, same 6.25 Rensselaer Fire Dept., dues dis. fund 3.00 Chas Morlan, recording deed........ 1.40 J H S Ellis, salary mayor 62.50 H L Brown, same, councilman 20.00 James F Irwin, same 20.00 Eli Gerber, 5ame.............. .20.00 Chas G Spitler, same ....20.00 Jay W Williams, same.... .20.00 Geo A Williams, city attorney 50.00 W S Parks, marshal., 30.00 E M Thomas, nightwatch 25.00 Matchless Metal Polish co., mdse.. 3.75 Geo W Drever Mfg. Co., garb. b0xe534.30 Moses Leopold, salary treasurer.. .75.00 H L Gamble, city engineer.. 6.00 Sherman Parks, asst, engineer 4.00 WATER FUND. Ed Hopkins, salary $30.00 John Hordeman, work on main.... 6.00 Globe Oil Co., packing 11.90 ELECTRIC LIGHT FUND. C S Chamberlain, salary $50.00 Dave Haste, 5ame................. 30.00 Mell Abbott, same. 30.00 H F King, blackstnithing 2.75 Scott Chestnut, work on 1ine....... 4.80 Gen. Electric Co., supplies 25.48 Mose Leopold, interest. 2.45 ROAD FUND. Ches Zea, labor with team.. ..... . .$30.00 AUen Huxford, work on street.... .60 Eugene Smith, 5ame......... 50 John Price, mowing streets 6.00 Wayne Clouse, work on street.... 21:00 A Leopold, tile for Van Rensselaer street ._ ... 1.00 Wm Daniels, 65 tile on st 1.63 X SUSAN ST. FUND. Mose Leopold, int. paid 4.25

CLEARANCE SALE. From thiß date a good reduction on all trimmed goods, bargains While they last. Orders for summer millinery carefully and promptly filled at reasonable prices. MRS. H. PURCUPILE. You will save money by buying your furniture and rugs at Williams’, the leader in low prices.

CROWDED CHURCH IS SET ON FIRE

COOLNEBS OF PRIEBTB ALONE SAVES MANY FROM DEATH. PEOPLE QUIETLY SENT OUT Shocking Case of Incendiarism Nsar Berlin Where Throng Gathered to Hear a Famous Dominican Monk. '* 0 Berlin, June 9. —An attempt was made Monday to burn down the old SL Paulas Catholic church at Moabit, belonging to the Dominicans, which was crowded with people assembled to hear a sermon by the famous Dominican monk, Bonaventurl. About 1,800 persons were present, including more . than a thousand women ad children, to hear the mass. While the congregation was kneeling in silent prayer some one informed Father Bonaventurl that the church was afire. Without alarming the congregation, he coolly stepped over to the priest who was celebrating mass and requested him to close the service. Geod Work by the Priests. The priest left the altar and spoke to his six assistants, who walked down the aisles and whispered to the pewholders that an insignificant blaze had broken out and that they had better leave the building as soon as possible. At this time the entire roof of the church was a mass of flames and the fire brigade was hurrying to the burning building. Those in the church, not knowing the extent of the blaze, fortunately did not realize their peril, and on the clergy's request made their exit rapidly and in an orderly manner. Firebrands on ffie Roof. When they reached the streets they found the firemen drawn up, with ladders against the walls. The fire fighters discovered that nearly a dozen firebrands, soaked with petroleum, had been distributed about various parts of the roof. The flames were extinguished with difficulty after great damage had been done. The ’ police suspect a gang of incendiaries, who, it is stated, set fire to the old Garrison church, which was destroyed on April 14 last The firemen declare that only the coolness of the clergy prevented a great disaster.

NEW BATTLESHIPS NAMED.

“Utah" and Florida” the Titles Selected by Metcalf. Washington, June 9. —Secretary Metcalf Monday announced that the two new battle-ships authorized at the last session of congress would be named Florida and Utah, respectively. He said that the next battle-ship authorized would bear the name of Wyoming. The name of the monitor Florida will be changed to that of some city in that state. This announcement was made after a conference between the president and the secretary.

Millionaire Dies of Wounds.

Lincoln, 111,, June 9.—Millionaire bank president and coal mine owner Frank Frorer died Monday from the effects of an assault by highway robbers in midday March 27. The robbers Secured $5,000. Two of the robbers are now in Chester penitentiary on pleas of guilty, and a third is In jail here awaiting trial.

Slays His Wife and Himself.

Cleveland, 0., June 9.—Charles P. Corlett, prominent architect and head of the Corlett Engineering company, killed his wife, Elizabeth, and then ended his own life In a hotel in Willoughby, a Cleveland suburb, Monday night. The double tragedy Is said to have been the result of jealousy.

Buchtel Forbids Race Betting.

Denver, Col., June 9.—Gov. Henry A. Buchtel announced Monday that no betting will be permitted in connection with the Overland Park race meeting which begins next Saturday.

Decides Favoring Saloon.

Kendallville, June 6. —Judge J. W. Adair rendered a decision in the Second ward liquor license case in favor of the applicant, Caßper Vetter. Appeal will be taken to the supreme court by the temperance element. The Third ward remonstrance also failed to carry, two dealers securing licenses. One saloon in the First ward was closed, no contest being made by the saloon men.

Leaguers End Two-Day Meet.

Columbus, June 6. —After a two dayß’ session the annual convention _ of the Seymour district of the Epworth league closed at the Methodist church at Hope. Addresses were delivered by President Monroe Vayhinger of Hartsville, Dr. Don Nichols of Greencastle and. Miss Godwin of Greencastle, state superintendent of the Junior leagues. Home grown strawberries at Ed S. Rhoades' grocery every morning next week. Leave your order early to insure it being filled. s-4- i. ' , t »" », /TV ,

Vol. XI. No. 13.