Jasper County Democrat, Volume 18, Number 104, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 March 1916 — Page 1

Jasper County Democrat.

$1.50 Per Year.

ROUNDING UP CAR THIEVES

Orson Lewis and Ernest Speaks in Jail and Considerable Loot Recovered. As a result of the sleuthing of Monon Detectives Hayes and Schofield, Orson Lewis and Ernest Speaks are now reposing in the Jasper county bastile and a half-dozen other denizens of Rensselaer are said to be under survelience. Stealing merchandise from freight cars on the sidings has been going on here more or less for the past three years, and of late the complaints became so numerous that a systematic sleuthing was inaugurated by the Monon officials in their effort to break up the unholy practice. After some six weeks’ work by the Monon’s detectives during which about all the people residing near and along the north and south sides of the Monon tracks were under survelience, search warrants were gotten out Mondav and a search made • ■ of Ernest Speaks’ home in the northeast part of town and near the railroad, and also that of his brother-in-law, Orson Lewis, who lived a short distance away but on the north side of the tracks. At Lewis' nearly a dray load of goods were found that are alleged to have been stolen from freight cars, while a smaller amount was found at Speaks’. The latter had contemplated moving to Idaho and had been disposing of sortie of his effects, and it is believed that he, I had disposed of quite a bit of the; loot he had secured. J

Following the search the young men were placed under arrest by Sheriff McColly ’ and Deputy John Robinson and placed in jail. They were arraigned before Squire Spitler Monday afternoon, where they en<tered pleas of guilty and were bound over to the circuit court in default of SSOO bonds in each ease and were remanded back to jail.

Lewis has a w ife and several children, while Speaks is married but hag no children. While some petty stealing has been going on here it is believed for two or three years, it is only daring the past few months that they had became flagrant, and the goods taken during all this time were of a class that do not run into money very fast, and the total Stealings will probably aggregate but a few hundred dollars in value. The goods that have been stolen here were practically, all front mail order houses in Chicago and were consigned to farmers about Rensselaer and therefore were not taken from the cars at once by the consignees. In the alleged loot onnd at Lewis’ waS about two-thirds nf a half-barrel sack of flour, some having been used out of the sack, new pillows, comforts, a mattress, boots, notions, several suits of underwyar. bolts of muslin and calico, boxes of groceries, extracts, toilet goods, children’s and ladies’ underwear, skirts, embroidery, etc., one rural mail box. three gallons of carriage varnish, a buggy heater, rolls of building paper and numerous other articles. At Speaks’ were found a box of soap, several bottles of "in-l oil, two dozen towels, five work shirts, a 25-lb. sack of sugar, a large sack of salt, etc. Up to yesterday noon no niore arrests had been made, but it *s believed that there are more of th° gang Speaks and Lewis, however, decline to incriminate others in their pleas of guilty, but it was very probable that more arrests would follow. The Democrat was in form ed

Floyd Rotten Died Monday After a Fong Illness.

Floyd Rotten, son of Frank Rotten, the grocer, died at a few minutes after 6 o'clock Monday morning after j an illness " of- several years, which originated from an injury to one of his knees while playing football and was aggravated later by other injuries and finally developed into tuberculosis of the bone. It had been known for quite a long time that there was no hope for the young man but he had borne up and only gave up a week or ten days ago. Floyd was born Dec. 21; 1894. and was therefore a little more than 21 years of age at the time of his death. He was a good, clean boy and his early death is a matter of general regret. He leaves a father, stepmother, a sister, one brother and one half-sister to mourn his death. The funeral will be held this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the Christian church. Rev. MeDaniel conducting the services and burial made In Weston cemetery.

Boys—A Watch Free ’ •with every suit costing $5 or more;

COURT HOUSE NEWS IN BRIEF

Interesting Paragraphs From the Various Departments OF JASPER COUNTY CAPITOL

The Legal News Epitomized—Together With Other Notes Gathered From the Several County Offices. C. M. Sands was in Kentland Monday and yesterday, attending court. New suits filed: No. 8591. George 11. Hellman vs. William H. Marker et al; action to quiet title. Marriage license' issued: March 27, Alonzo Edward Noland of Goodland. aged 24 January 16 last, -*>n cf John W. Noland of Center, ind., occupation poultry business, to Minnie Mary Plummer, aged 21 October 1 last, daughter of Peter Plummer of near Goodland, occupation housekeeper. First marriage tor each. RepAdicah Gubernatorial Candida:Goodrich spent §3,093.13 to secure the nomination, his campaign manager says in the expense statement filed. Warren T. McCray, who set the pace for the Republican candidates. spent a great many times that aniounf. no doubt, but was ehrewd . enough to include Hereford bulls in most of his campaign advertising. and has probably charged up the greater share of his advertising to that account, so as not to make hi§ expense showing, so enormously’ large. We have not as yet noticed the statement of h’s campaign manager as to his expenditures.

HOSPITAL PROJECT "RESTING”

State Board of Accounts Hold- That Additional Appropriations Was Irregular. County Commissioner Welch of Carpenter tp., who was very much opposed to the doubling of the amount of the expenditure tor the proposed county hospital that had .teen asked for in the petition for same, wrote to the state board of accounts regarding the matter and a copy of the reply to Mr. Welch has been sent to Mr. Allman of the hospital board; ' The latter board had taken the; plans and specifications of the proposed hospital to the state board of health and state board of aycconnts for their approval some two weeks ago and both boards complimented the same very highly. The attorney for the board of accounts was asked regarding the legality* of the additional appropriation of SS.rttOi recently made by the county council, and Mr. Allman states that he gave it as his off hand belief that the provision in the law specifying., the maximum amount to be expended in the petition was -imply to get the matter before the people and if the council saw lit to appropriate more funds it was perfectly proper. However, he promised to look the up thoroughly, and send the hospital board an opinion. This was not done, although the matter had since been twice called to his attention. but in reply to the last letter written by Mr. All man a copy of a long letter written to Commissioner Welch, in which the purport was that the maximum amount set out in the.petition was all that could Idghlly be expended for the purpose, was sent him. The hospital board held a meeting Monday, and while nothfng definite was derided upon, it is understood that unless a new petition is circulated. incorporating therein an amount sufficient to cover the erec,t:on,of a building along the lines of the plans adopted, by those interested in the establishment of a hospital here l -;-- which means the beginning ■ at the starting point agaitr—the matter will- either be drbpped entirely or a less pretentious building, com- ‘ ing within the appropriations, will ■ be erected. I The Democrat does not desire to i criticise the hospital board, believing ' that its members acted in what, they I considered, the best interests to all : concerned in th© matter, but it does | rot think it was the proper thing Ito attempt to expend double the

I'HS TWICE-A-WEEK

RENSSELAER, JASPER COUNTY, INDIANA, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29. 1916

ar.io :nt tne petitioners had asked for and had a right to expect would be expended for this purpose. To say that SIO,OOO will not put up a building with slate or tile roof, electric elevator and the necessary plumbing exclusive of heat of but four or five rooms is the veriest nonsense. If this cannot be done, however, it would perhaps to be better .tp drop the entire proposition. The Democrat does not anticipate that a new petition will be very generally signed by the taxpayers of the county outside of Rensselaer, and the law requires that 150 of the 200 resident freeholders required shall not be residents of the city or town where such hospital is supposed to be located.

Mutual Insurance Co. Suffered Windstorm Lasses.

M. A. McClung of Rochester and George Finney of Kewanna, adjusters for the Indiana State Mutual Insurance company, represented by Marion I. Adams, was here Saturday and adjusted six windstorm losses suffered by the company last week. On account of telephone lines being down some of those who suffered minor losses had not reported ten Mr. Adams. He thinks the total number of his company's risks will reach about an even dozen. The heaviest loss was out at A. C. Stauffenburg’s farm southeast of town, where a big* crib was entirely demolished, the roof torn off the barn and other damage done. The adjusters settled this loss On a cash basis for §330. Tn most of the other losses the insured have been directed to have the repairs made and present the bills. Others suffering losses in Mr. Adams’ agency and who have reported at this writing are; Angelia Liters, W. D. Bringle, W. H. Wortley, W. H. Ritchey, Jakey Wright, Joseph Sommers, Charles Beaver, Lyman Raymond, Caleb Friend and Sage Bros.

Return From Enjoyable Southern Trip.

Samuel Fendig and C. E. Garver arrived home Monday evening from a five weeks’ pleasure trip to the Southland. Tn company with Benhart Fendig they left Rensselaer and visited the Mardi Gras at New Orleans, but upon their arrival at Jacksonville the party split uP, Samuel Fendig and Mr. Garver going down the west coast to Key West and thence to Havana, Cuba, while Benhart Fendig visited at Tampa before leaving for the Cuban metropolis. Here they left Benhart last Friday, his boat not leaving for Tampa until the following day. Mr. Fendig and Mr. Garver report the weather in the southern states during their visit as having been quite cool and they found their overcoats to be a decided necessity. Upon their arrival at Havana, however, the weather conditions were more to their liking, the warmest flays registering a maximum of SO degrees and a minimum of 64 degrees. They were in Havana practically a week and while there enjoyed a trip of several miles out into the surrounding country.

Luther Patton Now a National Bank Examiner.

The current edition of an Oklahoma bank magazine publfkhes a fine picture of Luther H. Patton, an old Remington boy who has made good in the southwest, Mr. Patton, vho has been a resident of Oklahoma City, has been a state bank examiner since 1 9 11, which office he resigned in order to take that of nation’ll bank examiner. He was called to Washington in December to be assigned territory, which consists practically of the whole western half of the state. On his examination for Tbm office he was complimented very highly on his standing. Remington people will be pleased to know that he has landed a responsible and lucrative job with the govern merit, Remington Press.

John Hayes Trades for Frank Parker’s Place in Rensselaer.

John Hayes of Barkley tp. has traded his 80-acre farm in section 5. the above township, to F. M. Parker for the latter’s 5-acre farm just at the north side of Rensselaer, formerly occupied by Mr. Parker before moving to Ms new home on the corner of McCoy and College avenues. «■ It is reported that Mr. Hayes’ place was put in at SB,OOO and the Parker place at SIO,OOO in the deal. Mr. Bayes will have . a public sale shortly and move upon the place traded for here.

Birth Announcement. March 24, to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dunn of Gifford, a daughter.

Remains of Jacob M. Lesh Brought Here for Burial.

Jacob M. Lesh, for many years a resident of Barkley tp., mention of whose critical illness was made in last Wednesday’s Democrat, died at the home of his son, D. E. Lesh, near Menomonie, Wis., shortly before 12 o’clock last Friday night, hig death occurring on the 74th anniversary of his birth. The remains were brought to Rensselaer Monday, accompanied by his son and daughter, Van Lesh of Michigan and Mrs. Elias Arnold of Barkley tp., who were called there last week by his illness, ana were taken to the Arnold home from whence the funeral took place at 10 o’clock yesterday, conducted by ’a Dunkard preacher, and burial made in the Dunkard cemetery beside his wife, who died some 14 years ago. John Lesh of near Pleasant Ridge, who accompanied Mrs. Arnold to Menomonie, returned home Sunday. Mr. Lesh was unconscious when they reached his bedside and passed away without regaining consciousness.

Mr. Lesh was a native of Indiana having been born in Miami county. His early life was spent in Ohio and he later located in Missouri where he remained fora number of years. He came to Jasper county, Indiana, in 1888 and with his family located in Barkley tp. A few years ago he purchased a farm near Menomonie, Wis., his son also purchasing a farm and he has since made his home with this son, but frequently visited relatives here and in Ohio. He ; was a fine old gentleman and had many friends in Rensselaer and Jasper county who will regret to learn of his death. He leaves four children, D. E. Lesh of Menomonie. Wis.; Ven Lesh of Blanchard, Mich.; Mrs. Elias Arnold of Barkley tp., and John Lesh of Marion tp. Also an adopted daughter, Mrs. Cluifs Al organegg, of Oswego, Hl.

High School Notes.

The Chaos staff gave a show at the Rex theatre yesterday afternoon and evening entitled “The Man of the Hour,” featuring Robert Warwick. The receipts go to the benefit of tlie Chaos. The debaters have been chosen for debate with Monticello and Delphi. Orpha Cant and Dwight Curnick on the negative side, which will give their debates here, Robert Reeve t-and Charles Halleck the •affirmative team and they will debate at Monticello. These debates will be held the same evenings, April 14, at 8:15. The question of debate is: “Resolved: That in the Public Schools of Our Country There Should Be Compulsory .Military Training iii the 7th to tilth Grade Inclusive.'’ The try-outs for the oratory and reading contest is Monday evening. The literary meeting, which was to have been held this Thursday, has been postponed two weeks. It will be given April 13. This program promises to be a splendid one and all who are interested in these meetings should not fail to come to this meeting. Wednesday. Thursday and Kriday lof next week consists the spring vartatipn. There - are seven more weeks of school afterwards. The Mortise and Tenon machine, 'which the manual training bought i Jroni the proceeds of the show, has been ordered and the department expects to have. it. installed in a few days. j The track work is progressing slowly. The photographs of the seniors and juniors including the snapshots have been sent on to the engravers. Mr. Stemler has beep aiding the Chaos in this work Elvyri Allman, editor in chief of the Chaos staff, announces that ('hie Jackson, the Indianapolis cartoonist, i has agreed to give an entertainment, ft will be given some time in the early part of May. The proceeds will go to the aid of the Chaos. The athletic editor of the Chaos is rather slow in handing in his athletic work. This is probably due to the fact that he has been so intensely interested in athletics. The Benton Review of Fowler has the printing contract for the Chaos. The Jasper County Democrat made I no bid on the contract and the Rens|selaer Republican sent the contract to another firm whose price was too high. Later the Republican refused to bid-on the contract.’

Let The Democrat supply you with typewriter ribbons and carbon papers. We have ribbons for all makes of standard typewriters, and handle the very best grade of carbon papers.

.■ "Go to Church Sunday," April 16.

GENERAL AND STATE NEWS

Telegraphic Reports From Many Parts of the Country. SHORT BITS OF THE UNUSUAL Happenings in the Nearby Cities and Towns—Matters of Minor Mention From Many Places.

BANDIT LEADER IN FULL FLIGHT Outlaw Hard Pressed by American <'ah ary; May "Stand and Fight. Casas Grandes, Chihuahua. Mex., March 27.—-By wireless to Columbus, N. M.—-Villa is flying southwest toward the foothills of the Sierras, according to army reports received <oday, the rapidity of his flight is hastening the American pursuit. All arms of the service is being used in an attempt to force the bandit into a cornet’ The Mexicim residents of this section which lias been ravaged time and time again by Villa bandits, are freely giving information of Villa's flight, and supplies, armament and strength to American,- military authorities. While much of this information has been too indefinite to be of value, it is presumed that the knowledge that the Americans are kept informed as to liis movements has influenced the bandit chieftain to the greatest haste in his retreat. Although the United States troops are following closely in his wake so far, it is said no fighting has taken •place.

SAYS VILLA RAID WAS PLOT

Senator Asserts Mexican Crisis Was Planned by ‘‘Capitalistic Jackals.” New York, March 25. —Senator Hollis of New Hampshire speaking here tonight at the Westchester county Democratic banquet, indorsed President Wilsons Mexican policy and charged that the Villa raid on Columbus was part of a plot to force intervention. "There can be no doubt that the fireseiit Mexican crisis was deliberately planned by capitalistic, jackals,’’ he declared.

“The Villa raid was well calculated t<> throw peaceful people into a frenzy. It is, doubtless.T4w hope oi those who desire our country to take charge of Mexico, that it would be followed by rash and iht. mp< rat“ •eprisals; that the pursuit, of yilla '■ e ld be undertaken without regard li the feeling of General Carranza and bis <] ■ ■ facto government. “But our great Peisident refused to io liijown off his .Mexico did not raid Columbus, imr did Carranza; nor any considerable part of Mexico's population. The crime was committed by bandit*. “It is in times like these that the qualities of a great leader a sort themselves. To find a parallel we must look back to Wa birjgton and Lincoln. 't is easy to imagine them injhis crisis displaying the .-«ame patience, wisdom and fairness as our own President displayed. What man is there in America today* may we compare with hint?”

FRANK NAVE IS ARRESTED

l-'ormei* Newton Count y Ranch Owner Imlicted in Carroll County. Frank A.'Nave, for many years a farmer and Jock breeder of Fotin-' tain county and former owner of the Nave ranch in Newton county, was indicted on four counts in Car- 1 roll county last Friday, charged with grand larceny and false pretenses. Tie was arrested Monday and arraigned before Judge Wasson and released on bond of $3,000 furnished by W. S. Baiigh, a Lafayette banker, and Gtis Hall of Delphi. Nave made an assignment in September, 191 J, for the benefit of his creditors, involving some $500,000. Shortly before the assignment he, purchased 82 head of steers of E. A. Bowen, a Delphi banker and stockman, and gave a note for some $6,000 with his brother as surety. He is said to have represented at the time that his 1,760 acres of land in Fountain county was mortgaged for only $40,000, when as a matter of fact’ it is charged that therecords show if was mortgaged for $135000. At the same time the cattle

Vol. XVIII, No. 104

were bought Nave’s brother purchased >5,000 worth of horses of. Bowen, but turned them back after I the assignment and disclaimed any connection with the Cattle deal.

Fortner Resident of Kankakee Township Dead.

Mrs. Eliza A. Hixon, an old and respected resident of Fowler, passed away at the home of her daughter* Mrs. Frank Cones, Monday night. Her death is attributed to heart failure and up to within a few minutes of her death, she was in her usual health except for a slight cold, which she contracted about two weeks ago. Monday she ate a hearty supper and during the meal, remarked that she felt better than she had for .“ome time and retirmi for the night in the best of spirit £ Shortly after 11 o'clock she was taken violently ill and a physician was summoned but death called her to her reward at midnight

Mrs. Eliza A. Hixon, daughter of Jacob and Emetine Sherry, was born March 14, ISlo, in Warren county. Ind., where she grew to womanhood and was married to Joseph A. Hixon November fi, 1859. They farmed in M'arren county until lkfi.3 when they moved to Turkey Foot Grove in Benton county. ’• y lived in Benton county until ’ ->OS when they moved to near Wheatfield. Jasper Co., Ind . where Mr. Hixon was stricken with paralysis May 30. T 914, from which he died November 23 the same year. Since his death Mrs. Hixon has made her home with her daughters, Mrs. F. G. Barnard and Mrs. F. E. Cones. She united with the' M. E. church in early life and remained a devoted member. She leaves two daughters. Mrs. Frank Cones of this place and Mrs: Guy Barnard of Loehiel. The funeral services were held at. the Cones residence on Fifth street at 1:30 o’clock this afternoon, burial was made in the Fowler cemetery.— Benton Review.

Chalmers Man Dies Suddenly.

Chalmers, March 27. William Hass, a prominent farmer, fell dead at his home three miles south of ‘his place at 6 o’clock this evening, lie had been in poor health for more than a year but his death was unexpected and came as a great shock to his family’ and friends. He is survived by a widow and two children, Frank and Myrtle.

City Council Proceedings.

At Monday night's session of the < it.v •lads ' all members were pres<nt except Councilman King. The petition of A. F. Long to movo barn across South street was granted. Petition of C G. Spitler ct ai. known as resolution No. 130. for a sewer on Dayton street, was put upon its passage, and adopted. The council fixed April 24 as the date lor hearing remonstrances thereto, ami the clerk was instructed to publish hot ice. An estimate of the cost of sewer was filed by the engineeer. The bid of Conrad Kellner was accepted in the matter of the Ruffin street sewer. Mr. Kellner's bid was 67 c per lineal 'opt for 12-iheh sewer, 56 l-3c per lineal foot for 10fnch sewer, catch basins, $7, outlet, > i 2. W. V. I’orier. I a l«»s Thompson and John Eger, the appr.dsers appointed ly Judge Haute- ;<, determine the value of the property whereon is located the pre.ent ciry hall, known as part of lots 2, 3. block 3, with a 30-foot front on Van Rensselaer street, reported to- the council as having appraised the property at $3 - 500. The council fixed April 27 as the date of sale, continuing from day to day until the property is sold, and instructed the clerk to give notice of such stile. The folowing claims were allowed: CORPORATION FUND. Vern Robinson. sal marshal $30.00 Frank Critser. sal nightwatch 30 00 Jasper Co., pd.St Rd accts ex 80.00 J. L. Griggs, firing boiler. . . 5.00 ROAD FUND Chester Zea, sal city teamster 30.00 Fred Ferguson, work street 24.00 Wm. Huffman, flushing sewer .75 Fred Hemphill, blacksmithing 13.05 I Harrv Swartzell, work street 12.00 t ELECTRIC LIGHT FUND. C. S. Chamberlain, salary.... 62.50 T. E. Malone, same 35.00 Dave Haste, 5ame.......... 35.00 ■ Dick Hartman, same. ....... 35.00 :T. J- Hoyes, same. ......... 35.00 *jesse Gates, hauling c0a1... 46.50 Same, to corect error Dec. 15 5.00 Vandalia v.oal Co., coal. ... 178.65 General Electric Co., supplies ,21.70 Cen Rubber Supply Co., same 3.13 John Burris, assigned, reflight 1.75 €. M. Sands, freight paid... 168.69 I WEBSTER ST. SEWER FUND. C. M. Sands, paid contractor 10.00

Fat Men Receive special treatment when they’re Hamlllixed. sls suits $12.75. S2O suits $16.75. '