Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 53, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 September 1916 — Page 1

Jasper County Democrat.

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MORLAN PERJURY TRIAL NOW ON

Much Interest Manifested In Alleged Crookedness. INVOLVING COUNTY POOR FARM Case Not Likely to Reach Jury Until This Afternoon—Many Witnesses Being Examined. Not for a long time has so much interest been taken in any case tried in the Jasper circuit court as that being manifested over the cases of alleged perjury against Jay W. Stockton and Ernest L. Morlan, two prominent farmers of Newton township, which was set for trial Thursday. The court room was packed with spectators and many people were out in the corridor, unable to secure a seat during the trial. • These cases are the result of grand jury indictments returned last April, and charge both Mr. Stockton and Mr. Morlan with perjury in testimony given last February before Field Examiners Burton Stout and Ulysses Jordan of the state board of accounts, who were conducting an examination of the various county and township offices of Jasper county and also the Jasper Lecounty poor farm, and -the defendants are charged with having testified under oath to have seen the team or teams pf County Commissioner D. S. Makeever hauling corn from the said poor farm during the year 1915, when, in fact, it is charged, they did not see anything kind during said year. The quarterly reports of the poor farm superintendent, Jesse L. Nichols, shows that corn was sold to said Makeever in 1914 and was paid for, but the 1915 reports do not show that he was sold any corn during the latter year, and it is denied that he hauled or caused to be hauled any corn from the poor farm during said year. Being a county officer many people question the propriety of Mr. Makeever’s buying corn from the county at all, but it is probable that he had a legal right to do so, and it was stated by Mr. Williams in his opening statement to the jury that his two brother commissioners had acquiesced in the sale, in fact, had ordered the sale made to Mr. Makeever at a figure above the market price.

' Be this as it may, however, the defense is standing pat and has stated that it could prove by many witnesses that Mr. Makeever’s teams not only hauled corn from the poor farm in 1914 but also hauled corn from there in 1915, and the people of Jasper county are interested in knowing the facts. While both cases were set for Thursday, Mr. Morlan’s case bore an earlier number than Mr. Stockton’s, and his' case was called first. The state was represented by Prosecutor Hess of Kentland, Deputy Prosecutor Sands and Attorneys Parkison, Williams and Leopold, the three latter employed, it is understood, by . Messrs. Makeever and Nichols, and the latter three attorneys are conducting the prosecution entirely. The defense is represented by At* torneys Lowery of Indianapolis and Haljeck and of Rensselaer. The case against Mr. Morlan was taken up Thursday forenoon, and at this writing, Friday noon, the indication! are that it will not reach the jury until some time today. After the preliminary skirmishes over the sufficiency of the indictments the examination of the jury was begun by Mr. Williams for the state. Charles Cain of Rensselaer,

WEATHER FOR SATURDAY. II i#s

C. W. Beaver of Milroy and Charles Shroyer of Barkley were among the first jurors challenged, and Warren Robinson, C. P. Fate and Rex Warner were called to eupply their places. Among the questions asked of each juror was, if the penalty of two to twenty-one years imprisonment would influence their verdict in the event the defendant was shown to be guilty by the evidence introduced. After the state had temporarily passed the jury, Mr. Halleck for the defense questioned them as to their qualifications, and challenged Warren Robinson, C. P. Fate, Rex Warner, Malcom Clark and Harvey W. Wood, Jr. Harry Kresler, who had been called in jflace of Warner, was excused for cause, as was James McClannahan, called in place of Clark. Conrad Kellner was placed in the by McClannahan. The state challenged A. F. Long and Frank Donnelly, and Wilbur Criswell of Carpenter township took Long’s place and William Gratner of Barkley Mr. Donnelly’s place.

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COURTHOUSE 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. The county commissioners will meet in regular monthly session Monday.* New suits filed: No. 8672. August Kotlowski vs. Crescent Oil, Asphalt and Gas Co. Action to quiet title. Sheriff McColly returned Wednesday evening from taking William Weisse of Wheatfield to the state penal farm to serve a sixty-day sentence. County Auditor J. P. Hammond went to Lafayette Wednesday to attend the county commissioners’ convention in session there Wednesday and Thursday. Bruce White of this city was arrested at Wheatfield Saturday night on a charge of speeding, and was arraigned before Squire VanDoozer. Bruce entered a plea of not guilty and also asked for a continuance, which was granted and the base set for trial in the same court today. Following the collision between' an auto driven by F. M. Young of Marion and Dan Waymire’s car near the cpllege Monday afternoon, Mr. Waymire filed an affidavit against Young charging him with speeding and endangering the lives of others. Mr. Young was arrested and taken before Squire Dean and, giving the name of John Doe, pleaded guiltV to the charge, paying a fine of $f and costs, amounting to $8.50. Mr. Waymire’s car was slightly damaged and Mr. Young agreed to reimburse him for the cost of repairs.

WILTJAM FRANCIS PASSES AWAY

Found Unconscious and Did Not Regain His Faculties, Wiliam Francis, father of Mrs. F. A. Turfler, died at about 12:30 yesterday afternoon from a stroke of apoplexy. Mr. Francis maintained a rootn at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Oglesby, and retired Thursday night in apparently as good health as usual. Yesterday morning Mrs. Oglesby called him when he did not arise at the usual hour, and getting no response she went to his room, He was still in bed and unconscious. Hig daughter and husband, Dr. and Mrs. F. A. Turfler, were sent for and upon their arrival every effort was made to revive him, but without avail. Mr. Francis was evidently stricken some time during the night, but how long before he was found is not known. Funeral arrangements had not been made at the time of going to press.

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THE TWICE-A-WEEK

RENSSELAER, JASPER COUNTY, INDIANA, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30. 1916.

FAREWELL GIVEN MRS. NORMAN

Will Leave Soon for New Home in Montana. A farewell party was given in honor of Mrs. Harry Norman of Parr Saturday evening. Mrs. Norman expects to leave for Montana soon to join her husband and make that state their future home. The occasion was a surprise and was successfully carried out. The main features were music, cards, games and dancing, and all enjoyed a fine time. The guests were: Miss May Hurley of Aix, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Thomas, Miss Nora and Pauline Messman and H. Messman of Rensselaer, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Murphy, Misses Aileen and Cecelia Lakin, Marie King, Lucy Brusnahan, Hazel and Ruby Gunyon, Lottie and Violet Davisson, Lottie Nicholson, Nellie and Neva Garriott, Vesta and Grace Brown, Marie Pharis, Maggie Roudebush, Ross and Ralph Lakin, Lou Davisson, Charles Porter, Ed Gilmore, Edwin Brusnahan, W. Roudebush, Floyd Sanders, Vibert Gunyon, William Randolph, V. Claus, D. Harrington, Cecil Fay, John Healy and Otto Schreeg of Parr. Another occasion was held in hpnor of Mrs. Norman Friday evening at the home of her sister, Mrs. Harry Tholhas, south of Rensselaer. xx

W. R. BROWN BUYS TWO FARMS

W. R. Brown returned Wednesday evening from Huntington county where he had been closing up the deal for a couple of eighty-acre farms lying five miles north of the city of Huntington which he recently bargained for, paying about $l5O per acre therefor. There is a good set of improvements on each eighty and Mr. Brown’s eons, Clint and Everett, will move thereon next spring. Mr. Brown had the pleasure of hearing John A. M. Adair and Senator Taggart at a big Democratic meeting held at Huntington Tuesday night. He said there was an immense crowd out to hear them and the big coliseum could not begin to hold the many who wished to her these gentlemen speak.

FINAL CONCERT NEXT WEEK

Not a very large crowd was in to the band concert Wednesday evening, the steady rain throughout the day and threatening condition at night keeping many away. Because of the teachers’ institute here next week there will be a concert on Wednesday evening, which will probably be the last of *the season unless the weather should continue mild and favorable a few weeks longer.

SURREY STORE CHANGES HANDS

Joseph Thomas of Newton township has purchased the general store at Surrey of William B. Yeoman, and the same will be invoiced next Monday. Estel Myers will be associated with Mr. Thomas in the enterprise and they will take possession as'soon as the invoicing is completed. Mr. Thomas will remain on the farm until the first of the year when he will have a public sale of his farm stock and tools and then* move to Surrey. The Democrat bespeaks success for the new firm. Mr. Yeoman will return to his farm.

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From New York World

EDWARD P. HONAN HONORED

Recipient of the Third Degree of the Legion of Honor. “Honor to whom honor is due.” Today and tomorrow will be memorable days for our Catholic friends of Rensselaer. All of the state officers of the Catholic Order of Foresters and the officers of the high court will come to Rensselaer today to confer upon our esteemed fellow townsman, Edward P. Honan, the third degree of the Legion of Honor. It may not be fully understood by all just what this degree means, but it is an honorary degree given for service rendered to the order. The first degree is rendered on rare occasions for services worthy of the same, and the second degree for services of greater value, but this is the first time that the third degree has ever been conferred in the state of Indiana. The ceremonies ■will open at 2 o’clock this afternoon when the officers of the state court, eleven in number, meet at the parochial hall in executive session to complete the details of the occasion. Following this session’there will be a smoker and luncheon served in the same hall, to which all Foresters are invited. Sunday morning the members of the order in a body will attend solemn high mass at St. Augustine’s church, which will be read by Father Beckman of Mishawaka, who will also preach the sermon. At noon the ladies of the parish will serve dinner in the parochial hall, the proceeds of the same to be for the benefit of the church. ,

The members of the order and the state officers will then go to St. Joseph college auditorium where the work of conferring the degree will take place. Following this the college band will rendei* concert and there will also be a ball game, to which the general public is invited. Rensselaer should be glad to do homage to these visitors upon this occasion, and should also feel proud that the person to be thus signally honored is one of our esteemed citizens.

OWNER OF AN ANCIENT VIOLIN

“Uncle” Charley Pullin Has Valuable French Instrument. "Uncle” Charley Pullin of Rensselaer ig the possessor of what is perhaps the oldest violin in Indiana, at least the oldest in this section of the state. Mr. Pullin has had the violin in his possession for more than fifty-five years, and its age is not less years. This ancient instrument no doubt has a most Interesting history connected with it, if the same could only be traced completely, and is very valuably. Mr. Pullin bought the violin in the early sixties, of a soldier who came, here from Boone county to play for a dance. This dance was at the home of Sol McCurtain in Barkley township, and was given for Captain E. P. Hammond and his company of Rensselaer soldiers, 'about fifty of whom were present, prior to their departure for the front. Mr. Pullin realized at the time that he had a very old instrument in his possession and noticing an inscription In French on the inside he took It t© a professor at St.

Joseph’s college and had it interpreted. This inscription read: “Vincent Panorneo, Maple St., Paris. Made in 1700.” Mr. Pullin has resided in Jasper county since 1856, and was 77 years old September 22. He was born in Champaign county, Ohio, and left there when sixteen years old. He has been back there but once since, seven years ago. Mr. Pullin states that he n ever took a drink, never smoked, and took but one chew of tobacco, which made him so sick he had to be carried into the house.

FINED UNDER TRUANCY. LAW

Thomas Turner was arrested this week on an affidavit filed by the county attendance officer, C. B. Stewart, charging him with keeping his 14-year-old son out of school to help him do some painting. Upon being taken before Squire Dean Mr. Turner pleaded guilty to the charge and paid a fine and costs amounting to SB.BO.

BULGARIA WILL GET ULTIMATUM

Greece Ready to Declare War Against Ferdinand. GREEKS TO AID VENIZELOS Wholesale Desertions in Army to Former Premier May Leave 'King Constantine Short of Troops. London, Sept. 29.—An ultimatum to Bulgaria a declaration of war to follow it were prepared by the Greek cabinet following the decision of King Constantine to enter the war. After the session of the council of ministers at the palace in Athens In , the morning Premier Kalageropoulous hastily called a cabinet meeting. The premier declared the government was giving the fullest consideration to the situation and said there might be addressed to Bulgaria a note of such character that mobilization would logically follow. Later In the day It developed that the king had decided on a declaration of war against Bulgaria. The decision has not yet been announced publicly. The ultimatum will demand Instant evacuation of all Greek Macedonia, as well as plans, for mobilization un-

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SEC’Y DANIELS AT LAFAYETTE

Member of Cabinet to Visit Tenth District October O. Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels will deliver a speech at Lafayette on the evening of October 6, and it is probable that a large number of Jasper county Democrats will avail themselves of this Opportunity to hear him. Mr. Daniels is a most entertaining talker and Is perhaps better acquainted with the United States navy than any other man. This phase of our national defense being so prominent in eve’ry one’s mind, all who can should go to Lafayette October 6 and hear Mr. Daniels.

FIRE AT JOHN DUVALL HOME

A fire alarm was sent in yesterday from the home of John Duvall and the fire company responded and extinguisehd the blaze without the use of water. Mrs. Duvall was doing some baking and had a hot fire in the kitchen range. The lining of the range below the oven had burned out and the floor caught fire. Quite a hole was burned in the floor, but the total damage will probably not exceed $lO.

RE-OPENING OF THE LIBRARY

The Jasper public library, which has been closed for a couple of weeks while the Interior was being redecorated, was opened to the public again yesterday, and the librarian would like to have all books returned that are now out.

RECENT BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

September 26, to Mr. and Mrs. George Lamphair of near Kniman, a son. September 28, to Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Brown of southeast of town, a daughter. September 27, to Mr. and Mrs. Ed Cook of east of town, a daughter.

Vol. xrx, No. 53

GENERAL AND STALE 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. STOLEN MACHINE RECOVERED The automobile that was stolen at Francesville one night last week when-Ti gang of yeggmen. worked that place, was found Sunday morning by John Heltzel. The machine wag parked back of the Monon house at Monon Saturday night and was left standing there until Sunday morning. However, it was not identified as the stolen machine until several days later. It is presumed that Mr. Heltzel will receive the reward of $25 which was offered by the owner of the car for its return. KILLED HOUR AFTER MARRIAGE] Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Castleman and the latter’s son by a previous marriage, Russel Stephenson, were killed at Knox Saturday within an hour after the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Castleman. Mr. and Mrs. Castleman and Mr. Stephenson had just left the minister’s house in Knox and were driving to the Castleman farm in the country when they were struck by a Nickle Plate train. All three were instantly killed. HOOSIER KILLED AT SOMME South Bend, September 29.—Edward Rogers, who in company with several other residents of Mishawaka and South Bend left his home here about two years ago to enlist with the allies for service at the front, was killed in action near the Somme. Information to this effect’ was received yesterday by the dead soldier’s wldbw in a letter written by Erank Rogers, brother of the slain man. who also is in the service. The Rogers brothers enlisted with the Belgian army and for more than a year were in active service. DIES WORKING IN CORN FIELD James W. Stevens of Near Motion Found Dead. The lifeless body of James W. Stevens was found last Friday night in a corn field on the farm of Samuel*Graves, abdut a mile northwest of Monon. He had been cutting corn for Mr. Graves‘and when he failed to come to supper a search was made by Mr. Graves, his daughter and Myrtle Stevens, a daughter of the deceased, a lantern being used for a light. The body was found sitting in a reclinirfg position at the side of a corn shock, the corn knife which Mr. Stevens had been using lying where it had fallen from his hand. Evidently he grew faint and had seated himself against the fodder. There was no evidence of a struggle of any kind, indicating that his death was sudden and painless.

MRS. L. W. RAGON WHITES BOOK

It will come as a surprise to many of our 'people to know that Lowell has an authoress, but such is the fact. Kirs. L. \V. Ragon has written a book, entitled “Red Cloud,” an Indian story, and the manuscript is now in the hands of the publishers. Before submitting it to the publishers the manuscript was in the hands of critics in Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Washington and Baltimore. Their reports warranted her submitting the manuscript fOr publication to a publishing house in Baltimore. Their offer was very flattering in the way of royalties and after due consideration she accepted it. The publishers expect to have the book ready for the market in the early winter. It will retdil for sl. Mrs. Ragon feels justly proud of her achievement and feels that she has been greatly honored for one just entering the literary field and Mrs. Ragon is enjoying the congratulations of her friends.—Lowell Tribune.

Boys’ mackinaws in nobby patterns, $4 to $6. Sturdy, long-wear-ing school suits with 2 pair trousers, $4 to SIO.—HILLIARD & HAMILL.