Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 80, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 March 1909 — Page 1

THE TWICE-A-WEEK

Jasper County Democrat.

•1.50 Per Year.

“NOTHING DOING."

Council Takes No Action In Telephone Matter.

FRANCHISE NOT LIKELY TO BE A GO

A Large Per Cent of the People Are Against Proposed Increase In Rates, and Majority of Council Seem Inclined to Heed This Sentiment.

At the adjourned meeting of the city council, held Thursday evening, no, action was taken In the proposed new 20-year franchise asked for by the Jasper County Telephone Co., whereby It might boost the rates to Rensselaer patrons 50 cents per month for phones. There was quite a large attendance of citizens present at the meeting and the matter was quite thoroughly discussed, but the members of the council were not all favorable to the passage of the measure, and no action whatever was taken and no record made concerning it. Some members who would have allowed the thing to go through when it was first presented under suspension of the rules, had not Councilman Gerber objected to such suspension, have since been hearing from their constituents, evidently, and find that the sentiment against the granting of the franchise —outside of those owning stock in the company or who are related to those who do—is practically unanimous. The intention of the company was evidently to get the ordinance rushed through before the citizens became aware of the move, and it would have succeeded had not The Democrat made the matter public and taken a stand against it. This started the people to work against the measure, and now that they fully understand what it was proposed to do, the council will hardly feel like going against this aroused public sentiment, even though they otherwise would have done so. It will be a long time yet before the franchise expires, and The Democrat believes it, would be the proper thing for the city to leave matters as they are until say six months before the franchise expires. Then give public notice that the city will receive proposals for a modern telephone system here and let us get the .best we can for the least money. The ordinance should now be called up at the next regular meeting and kicked out.

The Democrat does not believe that there are many telephone patrons here who want service tor less than cost or less than will give a reasonable profit in return, but it does believe that with the number of phone users the company now has, that the plant if properly managed, will pay a handsome dividend on the amount of actual cash put into the $48,000 of stock which the company now claim to have out. • The general opinion seems to be that the most of this stock was paid for out of the earnings, and that there’ was never more than SB,OOO or SIO,OOO in actual money —outside of the earnings—put into it. When the company first started it was granted a franchise here for ten years. This franchise expired in August, 1903, but February 27, 1899, the company represented to the city council that it wanted to extend its lines, make improvements to the local service and reduce toll rates, and asked that the old franchise be extended 20 years, or until August, 1923. No increase in rates was'xasked for and no complaint made that it was not making plenty of money. The extension was granted by resolution, but on March 13, 1899, at the next meeting of the council, a vote was taken to reconsider, which carried, and the resolution was amended to read ten years instead of twenty years. Councilmen Spitler and McColly voted against this amendment. The amendment was accepted by .the telephone company April 10, 1899. The present franchise therefore does not expire until August, 1913, or nearly 4% years yet.

OH, THE WICKED SINNERS.

They must be an awful wicked people over at Monticello, judging from the way an evangelist, who Is holding forth there is going for ’em. Listen to this from one of his sermons, as reported by a Monticello paper: “You card playing and dancing church members, you try to hold to Christ with one finger of the left hand and the devfl with your

right hand. No wonder you don’t receive any Joy of the blessed salvation, and you never will in that way. You’re a stumbling block to many souls and you’ll have to give an account of it some day. You had better not be in the church at all. How can you expect the worldly man to become a Christian by your example, when you indulge in the very same things that they dp? “Some of you ladies will go to- a dance and not wear enough to flag a hand car and then call yourself a Christian, and you come to church just like cakes of ice and sjt like bumps on a log. Of can’t „ pray and testify , for your Lord and help some one *to take the 4 right step. You, who are outside of the fold, come in. God loves you. Be an example for these socalled Christians and show them how to live if they can’t show you. When you get the true love of Jesus in your heart, then your pleasure in these things will pass away. Read 1 Cor. 2:14 and 1 John 2:15-17. “There will be lots of preachers in hell, too. Those who sanction all these things in a church and together with the so-called Christians, hell will be so full of them that their feet will be'sticking out of the windows.”

FRED GILMAN NOW AT GOODLAND.

The Kentland Enterprise says that Mrs. Gilman, who went to Michigan City last week to meet her husband, the former Goodland banker who has been parolled by the parole board, has returned to Goodland with Fred, and that- the latter is looking well after his two years of confinement.

ODD FELLOWS HAVE BANQUET.

The degree staff of the Monon I. O. O. F., lodge exemplified the Intiatory and first degress to eight candidates at the local lodge rooms Thursday night, two candidates taking the initiatory and six the first degree. Over thirty members of the Monon lodge were present and representatives from the Mt. Ayr, Parr and Shelby lodges were also in attendance. After the ceremonies an elegant banquet was served in the lodge rooms.

VAUGHN CHURCH SOLD.

The Vdughn church in Newton tp., was sold Saturday, Feb. *27, to Charles Pullin for $102; the organ to M. O. Gant for $10; the carpet and stove to C. L. Parks for $2.25; the seats to Charles Pullin for sll. The foundation and land as yet remain unsold. The church was organized in the early nineties by Elder Vaughn and thrived for a number of years under his leadership. Death and removal separated the families supporting the church and it has since gradually declined. This sale was held to pay debts that have accumulated.

NEW FEATURE IN LECTURES.

The attraction at the Ellis Theater next Tuesday afternoon and night, March 16, will be a historical lecture by Mr. M. W. Phillips, of the Lafayette Morning Journal, on “Indian Life, or the Conquest of the Old Northwest Territory.” Mr. Phillips comes under the auspices of the department clubs of the High school. The lecture given by Mr. Phillips in different parts of the state has given the best of satisfaction. during the lecture are of great historical value, embracing scones in Indian life, pioneer life, the campaign of George Rogers Clark against Vincennes, Harrison’s defeat of the Indians at Tippecanoe and the campaign of Harrison against Proctor-and the defeat of the British at the battle of the Thames and death of the famous Shawnee Indian, Tecumseh. All' th§ old frontier forts and trading posts are shown, making all in all a valuable historical review to schools. One of the attractive features of Mr. Phillips’ talks are the utter absence* of oratory and overburdensome English; it is more like a fireside story, full of intense interest. The matinee in the afternoon Is devoted to the schools and the evening lecture to the "' general public. Two Farms For Rent—l6o acres each, well Improved, good buildings. Phone 12. J. HALLIGAN.

THE NEW LAWS.

On the fifth page of to-day's Democrat will be found a synopsis of the laws passed by the late legislature. The laws will not be published and put ip effect—except those carrying an emergency clause—until the latter part of April or early May. . Preserve this copy erf The Democrat and you will have a synopsis of the new laws at hand at all limes.

RENSSELAER, JASPER COUNTY. INDIANA. SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 1909.

THE COURT HOUSE

Items Picked Up About the County Capitol.

The matrimonial business is very dull these days, only one marriage license having been Issued so far this month.

of Demotte will ipply at' the April meeting of the county commissioners for a saloon license at that place. Unless a remonstrance is filed it is likely a county option election will be called soon.

New suits filed: No. 7421. Jas. R. Craig vs. Seth B. Moffitt, suit on note. Demand $1,200. No. 7422. Ann Eliza Stephenson vs. Ezra J. Porter; action to quiet title. No. 74 2s. C. S. Jones vs. Seth B. Moffitt; suit- on note. Demand S6O.

The appeal in the Tom McCoy habeas corpus' case, brought to release him from the recently on the grounds that under the indeterminate sentence law he is entitled to a diminution of sentence, or, rather, that the indeterminate sentence law did not repeal this part of the old law, was filed in the supreme court Thursday. If the case is advanced, which it probably will be, ( an early decision may be looked for.

Don’t forget to file your mortgage exemptions with the county auditor. One half of the amount you may owe on a real estate mortgage up to S7OO is exempted from the real estate levy if you file your application for exemption as provided by law. That is, if you mortgage for $1,400 or more, you are exempt S7OO. This matter is known to most Indiana people, the law having been in force for some years, but newcomers from other states are not familiar with it. And, too, quite a number of our own people either forget or neglect to file these exemptions, which can only be filed during March and April of each year.

The Jasper County Telephone Co. is assessed on 100 miles of lines in Rensselaer at the present time at SSO per mile, which assessment is made by the State Tax Board. The tax board has nothing to do with the “central” office fixtures, stock and repair equipment on hand, etc., and this property, which must be worth several thousand dollars, was assessed at but SSO last year, and the telephone auto at SSO. It will be seen that the company has been dealt with very liberally by Rensselaer, and it would seem unjust for it to charge up all losses it alleges it sustains in the operations of its country lines or other parts of its system to the Rensselaer patrons. If the company cannot profitably operate its country lines at $1 per month rental it should cut them out and let some farmers mutual company take the matter up. The latter generally operate them for $0 cents per month or less, and give as good service as the more pretentious corporations.

CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

The subject of the Sunday morning sermon at the Christian church is, “A Flower from the Master’s Garden.” In the evening, “What is Your Name?” All are welcome.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The subject of the morning sermon at the Presbyterian church will be, “To every min, his work.” In the evening, the pastor will use the stereopticon to illustrate the first, in a series ,of three lectures on “In his steps.” Everyone cordially invited' to be present.

THE HACKETT DAMAGE VERDICT STANDS.

In the damage case, Haines Hackett, of Monon, against the C. I, & L. Ry., Judge Cavanaugh in the Chicago Circuit Court sustained the Jury's verdict of $30,000 damages in the second hearing of the case. The defendant has taken an appeal.

PUBLIC SALES. The Democrat has printed bills for the following public sales: Thursday, March 18, Hugh Brosnan, 3 miles west and 3 miles north of Rensselaer. General sale of horses, cattle, .hogs, chickens, farm tools, household goods, etc. Thursday, March 18, Isaac’ Parcels, 3% miles east of McCoysburg, % mile east and 1% miles north of Lee, 10 miles east and 1% miles south of Rensselaer. General sale of horses, cattle and household goods.

FARMERS’ MUTUAL INSURANCE.

Editor Democrat: There is considerable being said in regard to farm insurance these days, so it might be in place to give the public the history of Farmers’ Mutual Insurance Company of our own territory: The first year, 1907, no assessment, premiums paid all loss. Becond year, 1898, 15c per SIOO Third year, 1899, 20c per SIOO Fourth year, 1900, 20c per SIOO Fifth year, 1901, 20c per SIOO Sixth year, 1902, 25c per SIOO Seventh year, 1903, 25c per SIOO Eighth year, 1904, 15c per SIOO Ninth year, 1905, 25c per SIOO Tenth year, 1906, 25c per SIOO Eleventh yr., 1907, 33 l-3c per SIOO Twelfth year, 1908, 25c per SIOO

The Farmers’ Mutual Association of Benton, Jasper and White counties was organized February 6, 1897, with 68 members and $69,735 insurance written, and went into effect March 13, 1897. It has grown steadily from year to year until December 31, 1908, we have 1,350 members and $2,260,000 insurance in force.

Here before us we have the cold facts of mutual insurance for a period of 12 years, which started in an humble way and has grown in those 12 years into a business of nearly thretf millions of dollars, backed by the best farmers of Benton, Jasper and White counties, j Any rational man can see what It has done for its members in the way of a saving in money, and that Is not all there is. Mutual companies are scattered all over Indiana that are doing the same thing. A few years ago we heard that the rates of farm insurance were being put up in the old line companies, and the insurance lines tightened. But the mutual comes Into the field and the old line feels herself losing her grip. They are now lowering rates and doing everything to retain a part of the business. In fact, their agents are sweating blood to save the poor farmer going into the mutual insurance. N

The Mutual of this territory has paid every claim that has- been just, and at the end of each year when the assessment is paid, it has no debts, and starts into each year with a clean slate. MORE ANON. (From a member since organization.)

SMALLPOX AT MONTICELLO.

Several cases of smallpox are reported in the Isley, Moorecraft and Jones families. Dr. Didlake in his official capacity has had them quarantined and all exposed to infection will be vaccinated. All, due precaution will be taken to prevent its spread and no danger of an epidemic is feared.—Monticello Journal.

HEALTH BOARD NOTICE.

There has been some response to the request for cleaning out vaults, and a good deal of work has already been done, but there is a disposition on the. part of some to put it off and to think a collection of from one to a few years amounts to nothing. The less there is the less the expense of cleaning, and this is a general order and is to hold good all over the town, no difference being made between you and your neighbor. If It is good for one it’s good for all, and as the City Board of Health and County Health Officer have made this a general order there should be a hearty response instead of requesting the scavengers to come around some time later. The men are here now and the work should be done as soon as you can secure them. Please don’t resort to excuses, but clean .them all out. You will be prouder of your town then, and it will be a much healthier place in which to live. CITY BOARD OF HEALTH.

MAPLE SYRUP AND MAPLE SUGAR.

Parties wanting pure maple syrup or sugar from the Empire State, leave orders at Knapp’s livery.

MR. FARMER.

If you are a renter, writer to me and I will tell you how easy you can own your own farm, in a healthy country, where you can grow any grain, fruit or berry. Country settling fast with Ohio, Inlanda and Illinois people. ROY GAFFIED, Millerton, Mich.

A GOOD THING FOR HEALTH.

All parties wishing to have any scavenger work done, in cleaning water closets, please drop me a postal card and work will be attended to at once, at 50c per barrel and disinfected. GEO. B. HELFRICH, Rensselaer, Ind. Incubator Oil, Incubator Thermometers, Incubator Lamps, and Sanitary Hen Coops and Nests— We have them. EGER BROS. The Democrat for good work.

FLYER WRECKED DY HIGHWAYMEN

Locomotive of Chicago and Burlington Smashed.

FIVE MILES FROM PEORIA

Theory That Criminals Merely Wished to Halt the Train and Fled on Seeing the Damage Wrought—Men In Cab Jump For Their Lives as Engine Dashes Off on Siding and Splinters String of Loaded Freight Cars.

Peoria, 111., March 12. —Chicago and Burlington passenger train No. 1 was wrecked by robbers at the Vicary coal mine switch, five miles from this city. An investigation showed that the lock on the switch had been broken, the switch thrown and the train, going at the rate of forty miles an hour, thrown on the siding into a string of loaded freight cars. The train was in charge of Conductor Peck and Engineer Maxwell. Maxwell reversed his engine when he saw the danger and, with his fireman, jumped. They escaped' with slight bruises.

Over two hundred passengers were aboard and the impact, which demolished the locomotive and several of the coal cars, resulted In several minor Injuries.

The passengers returned to this city Oh a special, arriving early today. The sheriff’s office was notified and a posse is now exploring the country for the criminals.

The theory is highwaymen hoped merely to halt the train and fled on seeing the result of their work.

TAFT “OPTIMIZED”

President Put on Executive Committee of “Cheerllp” Organization. Washington, March 12. —President Taft has declared that his will be an optimistic administration to an optimistic country, full of hope, cheerfulness and confidence. The president expressed this sentiment when he became a full-fledged member of the Optimist Club of America upon the invitation of its founder, William J. Robinson of New York. Robinson, as optimist-at-large, made the president a member of the club’s executive committee.

FRENCH RUNNERS GAINING

They Hold Big Lead In Six Days’ Go* as-You-Please. New York, March 12. —Averaging a fraction over five miles an hour, Cibot and Orphee, the French runners, are gaining in the six day go-as-you-please race.

Today they have almost a nineteenpille lead. There is little likelihood that the record of 770 miles 1 lap, made in 1902, will be beaten. The score is: Cibot-Orphee, 524.8; Davis-Metkus, 506.4; Dineen-Prouty, 487.5; Loeslein-Klubertanz, 477.4; Cor-ey-Hegelman. 466.3.

INJUNCTION AGAINST LABOR IS MODIFIED

Prohibits Mention of Bucks Company In Unfair List Only.

Washington, March 12.—The American Federation of Labor may freely refer to the boycott against the Bucks Stove and Range company of SL Louis except by inclusion in the “We don’t patronize” list.

This, in substance, is the decision by the court of appeals of the District of Columbia in the injunction case of the Bucks company. In a decision by Supreme Justice Gould, the Federation was enjoined from conspiring to boycott the stove company, and from printing or publishing, or distributjng any copy of the “Federationist” or other publication referring to the .complainant. The latest decision, by Justice Robb, modifiies and affirms the decree of Justice Gould. Robb holds that the decree should be modified to the extent that it shall only restrain the defendants from conspiring or combining to boycott, and from printing the name of the complainant, its business or product in the “We don’t patronize or “unfair” lists. Baptie Loses Quarter to Wood. . Cleveland, 0., March 12.—Norval Baptie, the North Dakota world’s ice skating champion, surrendered the quarter mile honors to Morris -Wood of New York, in the opening series of professional skating races-'liere. He retained the one mile mark, defeating Wood and Nilsson. The record-holders entered for the tourney are Wood, Nilsson, Shlnnerud and Rankin.

FOR COLLECTING 2 PER CENT

Ulysses Glick Arrested on Civil Service Complaint. Wilmington, Dei., March 12.—Charged with soliciting political contributions from federal employes, Ulysses E. Glick, statistical secretary of the National Drainage association, and former manager of the Republican state headquarters here, was arrested and held in $4,000 bail. The warrant was obtained by John J. Doyle, secretary of the Civil Service commission. It is understood that Doyle learned from federal employes that Glick had solicited 2 per cent of their salaries for political purposes.

RATES MAY BE RAISED

Traffic Executives to Hold Meeting In Chicago Monday. St Louis, March 12. —Traffic executives of the eighteen railroads in BWfp souri, after conferring as to the advls-*' ability of restoring the old 3 cents a mile rate made legal by the decision against the Missouri 2 cent rate law rendered by Judge McPherson, adjourned to meet in Chicago next Monday.

In Chicago the question of a general raise in the passenger rates in Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma, will be discussed.

JUNKEN AT FORT MADISON

Landed In Prison Without Interfax ence—Rode In Baggage Car. Fort Madison, la., March 12. —Sheriff Jackson and deputies landed John Junken In prison here without any interference. They brought the negro from Burliugton in a baggage car. The police say he has admitted he killed Clara Rosen at Ottumwa. Mob violence was feared.

BRINGS TON OF SHAMROCKS

Bhip Also Has 3,338 Sacks of SL Patrick’s Day Mall. New York, March 12.—A ton of shamrocks has arrived at this port on the White Star liner Oceanic from Southamption. The ship also carried 3,338 sacks of mall, principally St. Patrick’s day mis- ; elves from the old country.

Madrid Has Typhoid Epidemic.

Madrid, March 12. —More than 300 cases of typhoid fever already have been received at one hospital and there have been many deaths.

Colorado Has 27 Inches of Snow.

Colorado Springs, Colo., March 12. Twenty-seven Inches of snow has fallen here, making the heaviest precipitation in thirteen years.

PREPARE FOR CONFERENCE

Methodists at Greenfield Will Be Ready for Visitors Greenfield, Ind., March 12.—1 t is no little undertaking for a church in a city the size of Greenfield to care for a meeting as large as the North Indiana Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, which will convene in this city March 30. The local pastor, the Rev. W. W, Martin, and his committee have completed arrangements for the entertainment and accommodation of all the members of the conference, and are assured that not only the preachers, but their wives and all visitors will be well cared for.

The conference will consist of about 460 ministers and delegates, and eaeb will be assigned now in a few days to homes, so there will be no confusion when the session opens.

ICE MEN ELECT OFFICERS

Fred Eward of Marion Made Secretary • of Producers’ Exchange. Toledo, 0., March 12.—The annual business meeting of the Middle States Ice Producers’ exchange adjourned after the election of these officers: President C. Malcolm Kinnaird, Columbus, O.; vice president Otto P. Just. Milwaukee; secretary. Fred Eward. Marion. Ind.; treasurer, Joseph Adams. Covington. Ky. Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit and Indianapolis are in the race for the next convention

KILLS BOY AND HERSELF

Chicago Woman’s Desperate Crime While Visting in Indiana. Rushville. Ind., March 12.— Mrs. Lew Crist, of Chicago, who was visiting the family of B. W. Riley here, shot and killed her fourteen-year-old boy and then killed herself. No motive for the murder and suicide has been found. That Mrs. Crist premeditated the crime is not believed here. The boy had been killed byfone shot and evidently had been slain while asleep. Ballinger Names Indiana Men. Washington, March 12. —Secretary of the Interior Ballinger , has made John W. Holcombe and James I. Parker. both of Indiana, his assistant and assistant attorney respectively. The Democrat office for horse hills.

VoL XI. "No. SO.