Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 87, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 January 1917 — Page 1

Jasper County Democrat.

$2.00 Per “Year

A STAMPEDE ALMOST RESULTED

At Opera House Tuesday JN’ight— Thought Gallery Was Falling. During the progress of-the show at the opera house Tuesday night almost a panic resulted when a sharp crack was heard,, caused either by the frost in the walls of the building or the slight settling of the gallery, the front of which is- supported by rods extending down from the ceiling. Somte foolhardy person yelled “fire’’ and instantly the large audience was in an uproar and striving to leave the hall. The timely appearance of one of the actors on the stage begging the people to be quiet and assuring them that there was no fire nor no danger, averted what might easily have proven a terrible panic. As it was several left the hall and some did not go back. Manager Ellis States that there is no perceptible sinking of the gallefy, but it is probable he will tear the same out ere long anyway. The Democrat is not prepared to say whether this gallery is safe or not, but after the experience of Tuesday night a thorough inspection should be made before any more shows or other gatherings are permitted there. People who were in the opera house and especially those in the gallery at the time are emphatic in saying that the gallery dropped or settled, it seemed several Inches, and cannot afford to take any chances on the loss of even one life or the injury of any person through another such scare. The city authorities should by all means order a thorough inspection of the building at once.

DEATH TAKES FLOYD SMITH

White Plague Claims Young Man in the Prime of Life. Smith, who had been suffering with consumption for a long time, passed at about 9 o’clock Tuesday night at the home of his mother, Mrs. Lawrence Sayler, in the east part of town. Everything possible to effect a cure was done for the young man, but the dread disease had placed its* mark upon him and no earthly power could do anything to stay the ravages of the disease. Several months ago he was taken to the tuberculosis sanitarium at Rockville but there was no help for him and he returned home a few weeks ago. His father and a sister preceded him in death, both of whom were affected with the same ■) disease. Funeral services were held at the Methodist church Thursday afternoon. The sermon was preached by Rev. C. L. Harper of Kentland, a former pastor here, Interment was made in Weston cemetery.

DIRECTORS VISIT OTHER CITIES

The directors of the new farmers’ elevator, H. W. Jackson, Michael Kanne, Fired Waymire, J. W. C. F. and Sherman Thornton-r—F. L. Hoover having business in Chicago and i could not therefore join them —-and I Secretary C. W. Postill, drove over to Francesville and Winamac Wed~nesday to see the farmers’ elevators at those places and get a few pointers. The owners of one of the elevators now in operation here has stated to the directors that they would be willing to sell their elevator if a price could be agreed upon, but nothing definite has been done in this respect at this' writing.

MILT ROTH IMPROVING SLOWLY

As The Democrat went to press yesterday the condition of Milt Roth was quite a little better and hopes are now entertained for his recovery. In fact, he seems to be gradually improving, but the improvement is slow as he was lying at the brink of the grave for several days from pneumonia. The street in front of his residence has been closed to traffic to keep him from being disturbed by noise as much as possible.Former County Surveyor Myrt B. Price, who is a patient at the new hospital, was thought to be slightly better yesterday.

NOTICE The Red Men will celebrate their fifth anniversary on Monday night, January 29, inviting Red Men and their families and the Degree of Pocahontas. Program and eats. By order of Sachem.

COURT HOUSE NEWS IN BRIEF

Interesting Paragraphs Fromlhe Various Departments OF JASPErJjOUNTY CAPITOL The Legal News Epitomized—Together with Other Notes Gathered from the Several County Offices. Sylvester Gray, county superintendent of roads, went to Monon Thursday on business. No. 8725. Bert E. Wolverton vs. Levanche K. Morrison; suit on account. Demand SSOO. Change of venue from Nekton county. —A:—:— The court house flag, which was placed at half-mast Saturday in honor of Admiral Dewey, became entangled in the ropes holding the same and- cannot be lowered. ' The Gifford Drainage and Improvement company, Rensselaer, capital $40,000; drainage and ditching; directors, John Eger, Thomas M. Callahan, John Marlatt, has filed incorpora'tion papers with the secretary of state.

Judge Wason of the CarrollWhite circuit, who will sit as special judge in the Crump murder trial at Fowler, has called a special venire of fifty jurors from which to select Ta jury to hear said cause, which is set for February 5 c Since the former trial, in which the jury disagreed, Crump has been at liberty under $5,000 bond. He is charged with the murder of Donald McGregor, a neighboring farmer of Bolivar township, who died following a fight over a dog. Marriage licenses issued: January 25, John Joseph Chllahan of Pulaski county, aged 42 September 16 last, occupation farmer, to Ruth Anderson of Jasper county, aged 24 January j last, occupation housekeeper. First marriage for each. January 25, John Dewey Lutes of Monon, aged 21 May 10 last, occupation clerk, to Helen May Felz, also of Monon, aged 18 November 22 last, occupation housekeeper. Fisrst marriage for each. Married in the clerk’s office by Squire W. I. Spitler.

Attorney W. E. Harry was over from Brook Tuesday on business connected with the estate of Sylvester Coan, deceased, late of Forest, Illinois. There is land in Jasper county belonging to this estate of the probable value of about $22,000, on which an inheritance tax will have to be paid. Inasmuch as this tax was not paid within the eighteen months prescribed -in the law, the heirs will have to pay the penalty of 10 per cent. After deducting indebtedness and exemptions the estate in this county has a final value of $3,574, on which the inheritance tax will be $35.74.

Newton circuit court items of interest to readers of The Democrat: Herman PloUtz vs. Frances Ploutz, action for divorce; evidence heard Monday and decree granted. A brief hearing was held Monday in the suit of Tony Jessup and wife of Goodland against the Interstate Public Service Co. for injuries received by their son, Edward Jessup, when he came in contact with electric wires belonging to defendant company. Complaint made more specific, defendant filed answer and cause set for hearing yesterday. S. ']£. LaF ue vs. Ethel Hopkins, change of venue granted add cause sent to this county for trial. William H. Boyle vs. Floyd Cox, action for damages;, complaint filed and cause set for hearing ‘next Wednesday. Rensselaer Lumber Co. vs. Minnie Flatt, suit on account; returnable February 1. Edna T. Kurrle vs. Everett Halstead et al, suit in foreclosure; returnable February 2.

I will have for sale at the Clyde Davisson sale January. 31, one mare 8 years old, one cow, corn planter, wagon, set of harness, all in good condition.—JOS. MQOSMILLER.

THE TWICE-A-WEEK

RENSSELAER, JASPER' COUNTY, INDIANA, SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, 1917.

OLD RESIDENT PASSED AWAY

Alton Grant Died Wednesday at the ‘'Age of 77 Years. Alton Grant, one of the pioneer residents Of Jasper county, died Wednesday morning at his home wes| of Rensselaer. Death was caused by stomach trouble and old age. Funeral slices were held at the Church 'oF 1 God yesterday afternoon, conducted by’ Rev. S. J. Lindsey, and burial made in Weston cemetery. Mr. Grant was born in Wabash county July 3, 1839, being’over 77 years old at the time of his death. When he was 11 years old he came with his parents to Jasper county and has resided here continuously for. over sixty-five years... In 1875 he was united in marriage to Maggie Dillon, who preceded him in death. Three children were born to them, all of whom survive, being Charles, Garland and Josephine Gertrude, of this county. He is also survived by one brother and one sister, Shelby Grant, and Mrs. Norman Warner. Mr. Grant had not been in good health for a long time. About four years ago he underwent an operation for stomach trouble, and since then his decline has been gradual until death relieved his suffering.

LEAVES MUCH FOR CHARITY

Delphi Woman Remembers’ Many Friends and Institutions. Delphi, January 25.—Several generous bequests to charity are made in the will of the late Mrs. M. M. Murphy, which was probated here today. She leaves $2,500 to the Delphi Methodist church, $2,500 for a public drinking fountain for Delphi, $2,400 -to the heirs of E. E. Green of Ohio and to a brother, Harry Green, of Cleveland, Ohio; $1,500 to two sisters, Mrs. Jessie Robinson and Mrs. Adelia West, $750 each; diamond pin to Winnie Scott of Delphi; S4OO to Miss Bessie Rothenberger, S4OO to Mrs. Earl Thompson, S2OO to Miss Florence Cox, all of Delphi; $250 to Mrs. Arthur Derne of New Mexico, and SSOO each to the Woman’s Foreign Missionary society and ministerial relief fund of the Methodist church. Charles Shaffer is named administrator.

FARMERS’ MUTUAL IS STRONG

Local Insurance Company Appears Financially Sound. On another page of today’s paper appears the annual report of the Farmers’, Mutual Insurance company of Benton, Jasper and White counties. This company has been in operation now for almost, twen-ty-one years and has done a very satisfactory and growing business "with the farmers of the counties named for all of this time. It has carried their insurance at actual cost—much less than the Charged by old-line companies—has adjusted add met its losses promptly and to tile satisfaction of the insured. It is a home concern and it makes and publishes annual reports to its stockholders whereby each one may know where every dollar comes from and where it is expended.

GENUINE WINTER ONCE MORE

Thermometer Drops to 12 Below Zero Yesterday Morning. After enjoying several days of mild winter weather with moderate temperature, the weather man took another fit Thursday evening and sent a snow storm which covered everything once more. The snow ceased about 9 p. m. and the mercury began falling all over itself in an effort to reach the low level of the winder. Following is the official temperature as shown by the government thermometer, at St. Joseph college for the twenty-four hours previous to 4 p. m. of the dates given, except yesterday, which gives the high and low temperature for Thursday night only.: ‘ , -High. Low. Tuesday :30 8 Wednesday .' . . .31 21 Thur5day.............. 28 8 Friday ... . . . .—6 —l2

Will sell at the Duggins sale, Hemphill barn, Saturday, February 3, and on the terms of that sale, one of the best brood and work mare’s In the county—7-8 Belgian, sired by Wilson, foaled June, 1910; weight in working condition 1850. Presumably now in foal and service paid. Sold sound.—RUSSELL VANHOOK.

AUCTION SALE

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. ROB FORMER REMINGTONIANS The home of H. E. Hoover, 1003 Robert street, was burglarized some time Wednesday night, the visit of the burglar being discovered by members of the family yesterday morning at 6 o’clock. Entrance had been gained through a. window on the ground floor. A lady’s gold watch and $2.0 in money v ere taken.—Lafayette Journal.

POPULAR MONON MAN IS DEAD

Melvin Rogers, 29 years of age, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Rogers, died at Monon Wednesday, the result of an illness'’beginning with diphtheria and developing into . pneumonic?. Deceased had been a life-long resident of Monon and was well liked by everybody. His parents, wife and two children survive. The funeral was held Friday with, interment in the Monon cemetery.

ILLINOIS BOND ISSUE FAILS

Iroquois County Turns Down Good Roads Project. When our Illinois friends want io enjoy their flivvers they will continue to cross over the line and use our good roads. At an election held in Iroquois county last week on the proposition of issuing bonds to the amount of $1,400,000 for the Construction of a system of improved highways, the matter was voted down by an overwhelming majority. The total vote for the bond issue was 2,794 and against the issue 6,215.

WILL ADE IS AT HOME AGAIN

Will H. Ade returned from Chicago Saturday. His condition has become an enigma to local doctors and Chicago specialists. A number of ailments have been ascribed to him, only to find later that he was not thus affected. It was believed last week that an operation would be but later it was deHe is now home taking local treatments and is feeling much better. Mr. Ade periodically runs down in health and the last diagnosis is that a weak heart muscle is the seat of the trouble. —Kentland Enterprise.

MONON IS LUCKY RAILROAD

The Monon railroad Wednesday, completed its twenty-fifth year of operation since there has been a passenger killed in a train z accident on their lines. The last persons killed were killed when a train struck a broken rail north of Crawfordsville, and sent the coaches down a sixty-foot embankment, causing the death of four people. H. R. Kurrie, president of the road, stated that there has been deaths resulting from people cross ing the tracks and falling from cars, but the wreck at Crawfordsville was the last accident fop which the railroad could be held to blame.

MASS MEETING OF VOTERS.

A mass meeting of the Democratic voters’ of Rensselaer is hereby called for TUESDAY EVENING, JAN. 30, in the court room at the court house, to discuss plans, for the city primaries to be held in March. A full attendance of the Democratic voters of the city is urged. Meeting will be held at 7:30 sharp. r E. P. LANE, Chairman. GEO. E. COLLINS, Sec.

BOX SOCIAL There will be a box social at the Virgie school house on Saturday evening, January 27. Everybody is invited to come and help make the affair a success. Proceeds for church purposes. Ladles please bring boxes. j 27 An armload of old newspapers fo’ a nickel at The Democrat office.

NEWS NOTES OF LEGISLATURE

Representative W. L. Wood s bill to prohibit the sale*'of intoxicating liquors on railroad trains passed the house b$ 87 to & ■b A bill has passed the lower house by a vote of 93% ayes, to 0 noes, requiring drivers of school hacks to stop vehicles before crossing railroad tracks, and imposing heavy penalties for violations. Senator William T. Green, Republican, representing LaGrange, Noble and Steuben counties, died in the Methodist hospital in Indianapolis. t Tuesday night after a few day’s illness from pneumonia. His age was 59 years. The death of Dr. Green gives the Democrats twenty-five senators to the Republicans twenty-four in the upper house* of the legislature and this majority will continue until a successor to Senator Green is elected. Governor Goodrich has ordered ttfat an election be held on February 6 to fill the vacancy.

MORE LIGHT ON GIFFORD DITCH

“The Ryan or Gifford Ditch,” by Lewis S. Alter, the veteran surveyor and engineer, has let loose public opinion and opened the way for accurate and unbiased understanding of the facts surrounding the permanent reclamation of the famous Gifford Marsh and the improvement of the adjacent territory. Mr. Alter is to be congratulated on this masterly effort to enlighten the people on the early history of and proper solution of this great problem. The county surveyor and engineer, Devere Yeoman, appointed superintendent of the Ryan ditch, when it was established by Special Jtldge Cunningham, found upon investigation of the report of the Ryan ditch that in his judgment it would ibe impracticable to construct the ditch in accordance with the report submitted, and that the ditch, if constructed in subsantial compliance with the report, would have been insufficient to drain the lands. Recognizing the importance of the peoples’ interest, and the probable loss to the people if any error was made in the survey or plan, he sought advice from property owners and other civil engineers. C. S. Head, a competent and experienced civil engineer and interested land owner of Indiaifepolis. Ind., and Prof. R. C. Yeoman, dean of engineering of Valparaiso University of Valparaiso, Ind., an experienced and competent engineer, were asked to join in the investigation of the report. This commission of engineers met with some of the interested land owners and their attorney, A. Halleck, and received the following instructions: “Find out the facts and report,” .

The engineers organized their party as follows: Devere Yeoman was in charge of transit party and staked out the lins and directed the rodmen. He checked their readings first, which were again checked by R. C. Yeoman and C. S. Head, level-men. These two level-men rin two independent lines over the same course, comparing results at each set-up of the instruments, to insure absolute accuracy. The engineers ran the levels (in the manner described above) from station Q of the main line of the Ryan ditch to station 517, where the Ryan and Gifford ditches diverge. From that point the work was continued with the same precision to a point where the Ryah ditch enters the Iroquois, at station 1362. Then they returned to station 517 and followed the Gifford ditch to the Iroquois and thence down the Iroquois to the point where the Ryan ditch entered at station 1362, closing a thirty-mile circuit of levels with an error of less .than half an ipch. The United States government engineers- on similar surveys would have been allowed an error of better than six inches. In a similar mariner No. 77 was surveyed, then maps and profiles were made on which were placed the results of the. engineers’ findings and a copy of the profiles of the Ryan ditqh and No. 77. Feeling that the petitioners for the Ryan ditch should he advised of the' facts, the engineers met William H. Hershman, Dal Prevo, Charles H.

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FEDERAL FARM LOAN MEETING As the treasury department of the federal farm loan - board has asked that a mass meeting be held January 27 at each county seat to explain and discuss the principle features of this new law, it is urged ’ that a goodly number of farmers be present, and that local associations be organized and be ready for operation. This Is something ‘ that should interest every farmer, so let Mm be ft booster. The meeting will convene at the court house at 10 m., but it is possible that the time for local organization • will not be until 1:30 p. m. -Let all Interested farmers of the county be present so that you can arrange for an organization of your community.-—Advt. " _

Vol. XIX, No. 87

PROHIBITION BILL PASSED BY HOUSE

Representatives Vote on Wright Measure 70 to 28 NOW GOES TO THE SENATE Provides That It Shall Be Unlawful to Manufacture, Sell or Give Away Intoxicating liquor. Indiana polls, Ja n. 2(1.—-The Wright state-wide prohibition hill was passed by the house by a vote of 70 to 28. Two members did not vote. Fifty-two Republicans and 18 Democrats voted for the bill and 12' Republicans and 16 ■/ Democrats voted against It. The bill as it was passed by the house ami sent to the senate provides that after January 1, 1918, “it shall be unlawful for aAy person to manufacture, sell, barter, exchange, give away, furnish or otherwise dispose of any intoxicating liquor, or to keep any intoxicating liquor, with Intent to sell, barter, exchange, give away, furnish or otherwise dispose of the same, except as in this act provided.” For violation of that section of the proposed law, the following penalties are provided: A flne of “not less than SIOO and not more than SSOO, and Imprisonment in the county Jail for not less than 30 days nor more than six months, for the first offense, and shall be fined not less than S2OO nor more than SSOO and imprisonment in the county jail not less than sixty days nor more than six months for the second or any subsequent offense.’' The measure, as printed, would not prohibit the manufacture of wine or cider for the private consumption of any individual, by that individual. It further would not prohibit the same of pure grain alcohol for medicinal, scientific or mechanical purpose, or wine for sacramental purpose, or the manufacture and sale of denatured alcohol. The right is given Wholesale druggists to sell liquors in quantities of not less than one gallon at a time to any registered pharmacist, holding such permit, as is provided under the law, or to hospital officers and medical col- „ leges.

The bill continues: “Nor shall this act be construed to prohibit a person from giving intoxicating liquor to ft guest in his own home, which is not a place of public resort, or to prohibit a registered pharmacist, if licensed and bonded as provided in tills act, from selling certain intoxicating liquor for medicinal purposes, upon the prescription of a licensed physician, or for sacramental purposes, upon the order of a clergyman, or from selling alcohol for medicinal or chemical purposes only, as herein provided.” Pharmacists desiring to sell liquor are required to take out a permit from the clerk of the circuit court annually. The state board of pharmacy or the court lias Jurisdiction, on petition of five voters from a township to cancel such pharamacWs permit, after a hearing, if it is shown he is soiling the liquor for use*>s a beverage. Removal of all stocks of liquors, except those provided for under the special permits, must he accomplished within ten days after the law goes into effect. From the best obtainable information through the means of personal interviews and such othor-Information as is

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FUTURE PUBLIC SALE DATES The Democrat has printed bills for the following public sales: Tuesday, January 30, C. J. Dexter, 8 miles north and 4 miles east of Rensselaer. General sale, including’ horses, cattle, farm tools, etc. .. ‘Wednesday, January 31, Clyde Davisson, 8 miles north and 1% miles east of Rensselaer. General sale, consisting of horses, cattle, hogs, farm tools, etc. Tuesday, February 6, W. A. Shook and H. E. Gifford, on the David Blitsteln farm, 8 miles north and 3 miles east of Rensselaer. Joint stock sale, including 10 head of horses, 29 head of cattle, 23 head,of hogs, etc. : Wednesday, February 7, Levi* M. Miller, 1 mile south and % mile west of Parr. General sale, ificluding 10 head of horses, cattle, hogs, farm Implements, household goods, etc. Thursday, February 8, Earl Haniford, at Gifford. General sale, including eight head of horses, cattle, chickens, farm tools, etc»Tuesday, February 13, James E. Lamson, 7 miles southwest of Rensselaer. General sale. Including 7 head of horses, 20 head of cattle, farm tools, etc.