Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 May 1917 — Page 1

Jasper County Democrat.

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ROAD CONTRACTOR IS MISSING

Oris Salrin of Walker Township Has Apparently Left County. Oris Salrin of Walker township, who has had several stone road contracts in this county in the past couple of years and recently secured the sub-tontract for the Yeoman road in Marion township from Walter V. Porter, has left the county and his whereabouts are at present unknown to his folks. Some two weeks ago young Salrin, who is unmarried, accompanied by another young man, ■went to Detroit, Michigan, with the avowed intention of trying to secure employment in the Ford automobile factory, it is said. They did not secure employment there and returned to Hammond, since which time no trace of young Salrin has been learned. The Democrat is informed. His father, Joseph Salrin, trustee of Walker township, who was on his bond in his road contracts and also on his note for 11*000 at a Medaryville bank, was in Rensselaer Monday

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TH CURB COLLEGE AVENUE

Street Being Improved by County May Be Widened. At the meeting of the city council Monday night all members were present, except Councilman Warner. The city engineer was directed to prepare plans and specifications and the city attorney to prepare resolution for the improvement of College avenue from Lincoln avenue —the street leading to the cemetery—north to Vine street —the street running east and west past the Gwin lumber yard—by extending the improvement now being made by the county, four feet on each side and putting in a cement curb, the abutting property owners to pay this additional expense. This is the street running north and south past the residence of| the county highway superintendent, who has about 150 feet fronting on College avenue. Superintendent of the water and light plant was directed to purchase piping for extending the water mains to the Benjamin Harris Home for Widows. The usual batch of claims were allowed.

INITIATE 85 NEW MEMBERS

Hundreds of Visitors Hefe for Big K. of C. Ceremonies Sunday. Rensselaer and St. Joseph college entertained 1,000 visitors Sunday, the occasion being the initiation of eighty-five new members into "Bishop Dwenger council of the Knights of Columbus, organized here May 13. Large numbers of people from the surrounding towns came in automobiles, and all of the morning trains on the Monon brought delegations from Chicago, Indianapolis, Lafayette and intermediate points. At 8:30 o’clock the Knights and candidates' assembled at the armory and led by the parish band marched to St. Augustine’s church where Solemn High Mass was read at 9 o’clock by Rev. I. Rapp of Collegeville, followed by a splendid sermon to the Knights and candidates by Rev. Dr. I. A. Wagner, president of St. Joseph college. From 10 o’clock until noon the school phildren and ladies of the parish, served a cafeteria dinner the parochial school hall, at which they took in $152. This sum will be added to that already accumulated for building a new church. Shortly before 1 o’clock the visitors and local participants assembled on the parochial school grounds for the march to the college. This parade, which was led by mounted Marshals Conrad Kellner and Joseph Hallagan, who were followed by 8 the college band, then the candidates, Knights and a large number of autos, was nearly a half mile in length and made a very impressive scene, each marcher carrying a small TK S. flag. During the afternoon the second and third degrees were conferred on the following men* John J- Eigiesbach, Jacob J. Eigelsbach. Henry Hordeman, William H- Hogan, John V. T. Jacks, Michael J. Kuboske, Joseph A. Koihoff, Bernard Luers, Edward P. Lane, Clarence H. Messman, John A. Nagel, John H. Nagel, Joseph Nagel, Sr., Ralph D. O’Riley, George

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COURTHOUSE NEWS IN BRIEF

Interesting Paragraphs From the Various Departments 1 ■ ■ OF JASPER COUNTY CAPITOL The Legal News Epitomized—Together with Other Notes Gathered from the Several County Offices. Thirty-five applicants for teachers’ license took the examination held here by County Superintendent Lamson Saturday.

F. W. Fisher of Kankakee township and Trustee A. S. Keene of Wheatfield were business visitors in the city Saturday. Work on the redecorating of* the interior of the court house is going on quite rapidly now, several men being engaged at the work. It is understood that Governor Goodrich will issue his proclamation June 1, declaring the acts of the recent legislature in effect. The official notice for the conscription registration for next Tuesday, June 5, appears in another column of today’s Democrat. Read this notice and you will see what is required of you.

County Commissioner Charles Welch was over from Carpenter township Monday, bringing over a couple of young men to register who are working in a different precinct from that in which their homes are. New suits filed: No. 8773. Thomas J. Mallatt vs. Francis E. Goff; suit on account for $36.83, I for which judgment was rendered May 10, 1917, in Squire Delos Dean’s court, and from which defendant appeals to the circuit court. F. E. Babcock, who was recently recommended by County Chairman Welsh for the Democratic member of the registration board —who are also the board of election commissioners—declined the place because of other duties, and George E. Collins was appointed in his stead. Joe Clark, the cowboy, was arrested Sunday on complaint of Mrs. Mary McCarthy and placed in jail. Clark's wife left him some time ago and Mrs. McCarthy has been caring for his little daughter. He owed her $27, which debt caused the action. Clark paid the debt Monday and was released. from custody. ’ The new county flag for the court house was flung to the breeze yesterday. It is 15x30 feet in size and cost $45. This is said to be a very advantageous price, one firm wanting SBO for a flag 12x24. While not made of wool the material is fully guaranteed, the colors fast and it will wear as long as a genuine wool flag, it is said.

An automobile accident case from Remington was brought to this city Saturday and tried before Squire Spitler and a jury. Vernie Julian, a 17-year-old boy, was charged with driving an auto at night without lights and running into another machine occupied by Frank Roberts and family. The young man was found guilty and fined $1 and costs. It was stated that the case would be appealed to the circuit court. O. N. Faber, the merchant at Newland, was brought to the county hospital Friday night vzith a badly injured foot. That evening he had Started out of his home with a shot gun,, the barrel of which was pointed down. The gun was discharged in some manner as he opened the door, the charge entering his right foot. A’ local physician was called and 'gave the injury treatment, and then had the patient brought here. The foot may probably have to be amputated, although this has not been fully determined. v ' Governor Goodrich received a message Sunday from the war department at Washington, D. €., stating that additional instructions concerning the drafting of men eligible for military service under the new army law will be forwarded by

THE TWICE-A-WEEK

RENSSELAER, JASPER COUNTY, INDIANA, WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1917

mail at once. It is indicated in the" message that no changes in the conscription boards which have been appointed throughout the state to superintend the registration June 5 will bo made. Governor Goodrich said, however, that he interpreted the message >as meaning that the duties of the present boards will end as soon as the registration is completed and that new b.oards probably will be appointed to take charge of the drafting 'of the men registered. The governor expects the full instructions to be in today’s mail. —Yesterday’s Indianapolis Star.

ARGUING MOTION TO QUASH

Attorney Charles Snyder of Fowler Hearing State vs. Stockton Case. ’ln the case of the sta?k vs. Jay W. Stockton, charging perjury, in the Newton circuit court, the defendant took a change of venue from Judge Hanley Friday afternoon and it was practically agreed that Judge Berry of the BentonWarren circuit should hear the case, but the latter was called to a distant state on some matter which made it impossible for him to sit in the cause, and Monday the court suggested names of five, as now provided by law in a criminal case, from which to select a judge, and after the striking off it was agreed, that Mr. Snyder of Fowler should hear the case. The defendant’s motion to quash the affidavit was being argued yesterday and it was expected at 2 p. m. that the argument would last the entire day, when court would adjourn until Thursday morning.

MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE

Graves of Departed, Veterans to Be Decorated With Flowers. <• Twenty-two veterans of the civil war, the remaining local few of the mighty host that more than fifty years ago faced death and privations that the Union might be saved, were in the line of march Sunday for the memorial services at Trinity M. E. church. Accompanying the old soldiers were eighteen of the venerable ladies who have suffered privations during one war when their companions were at the front and now face the probability of seeing their sons and grandsons march away to face the onrushing foreign foe.

In honor of these esteemed citizens Trinity church was appropriately decorated with festoons of flowers and flags for the occasion, and it was indeed a most impressive scene as the old soldiers and their companions marched in and took the seats of honor provided for them. The memorial sermon was delivered by the Rev. E. W. Strecker, and he paid a >most beautiful conn pliment and mark of respect to the veterans and their wives in touching and eloquent words, according to them the honor that is justly theirs. The Decoration day program for today will perhaps receive a little more interest than in years past because of the country once again being engaged in a war for the elevation of humanity. All bands, military organizations, fraternal orders, the firp company, civic organizations and Sunday schools are respectfully invited to participate in the march to the J cemetery, as are also all Union and ( Confederate veterans, whether or not they are members of the local or any other post. The march to the cemetery will ( take place promptly at 2 o’clock] this afternoon. At 1:30 the court] house bell will ring, at which time all those intending to participate in the march should gather at their regular meeting places and be assembled to join the march. The order of the program as arranged by the G. A. R. is as follows: Call to order by commander. Vocal music by choir. Address —Post commander. * Invocation---Rev. J. B. Fleming. Reading memorial orders by post adjutant. Music —Male quartet. .- . Lincoln’s Gettysburg address — Charles Halleck. Music by band. Oration by Rev. W. G. Winn. Vocal music by four little girls. Vocal music led by choir—Everybody sing. Benediction by Rev. F. H. Beard. W, I. Hoover, marshal of the day.

The PAIGE par i&soyi by the Auto Sales Co. at Remington. Why not buy one now? ts

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 Mentioe from Many Places. ITALIANS PRESSING AUSTRIANS Germans Suffer Heavy Losses in Fierce Counter Attacks.

No changes of any importance have occurred on the fighting front in France, although military activity has increased all along the line. The Germans have been making numerous attempts to wrest from the French the commanding ground in the Champagne captured during the recent offensive. Their attacks, however, have only netted them heavy casualties at the hands of the French artillery. Considerable artillery fighting has been reported south of the Scarpe and in the Ypres sector. Airplane combats resulted in the destruction of twelve German machines. The Italians have crossed the Timavo river and occupied the village of San Giovanni, northwest of Duina, near the Gulf of Triest, the Rome war office announces. They have captured nine six-inch guns. The Italians have fought their way forward to within two miles of Duino, the most formidable natural barrier between them and Triest. The great battle now enters its eighteenth day without any sign of abatement in the fury of the struggle. Vienna stubbornly refuses to concede the Italian victory, but the map tells the story of General Cadorna’s steady advance.

VICTIM OF THUGS IS DEAD

Two Newton County Men May Face Manslaughter Charge. Jacob Howald, an aged resident of Colfax township, Newton county, is dead, and two Lincoln township men, Schuyler Cot and Clifford David, stand a good chance of being tried for manslaughter. It is said that about a month ago Mr. Howald took a load of corn to Roselawn and as he was returning home he met Cox and David. They asked him to get down from the wagon and have a drink of whiskey 'with them, which he did. They then demanded that he pay them' $lO for the drink, and when he refused they set- upon him and are said to have given him an unmerciful beating, all the time demanding money. By a superhuman effort the aged man finally broke away from them and being near the home of Tom Wiseman he ran toward it, crying for help. Cox and David p.vertook him just before he reached the house and again began beating him. His cries brought Mr. Wiseman out and through his efforts the

two men were driven off. Mr. Howald was taken to his home and a physician called, but his injuries were so serious that he was taken to a Chicago hospital. Nothing could be done for him there and he was again brought home where death came Saturday night and relieved his sufferings. The affair was investigated by the authorities of Newton county and Cox and David were each placed under a peace bond, but now that their victim is dead it is quite probable that a -more serious charge will be preferred against them. Mr. and Mrs. Howald are natives of Switzerland and came to Newton county from Chicago about fifteen years ago. They were industrious and economical and owned about 280 acres of land at the time of his death. It was rumored about that the old gentleman was a miser and kept large sums of money at his home, which probably inspired the attack upon him. It is also reported that following the affair the two participants told Mrs. Howald that if she took any action toward prosecuting them they would kill her. . Cox and David are both well known about Roselawn where they

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JOHN HEMPHILL IS MARRIED

United to Oak Park (Illinois) Young Lady Last Saturday. Mr. John Hemphill, a son of I. N. Hemphill of this city, was married Saturday last to Miss Mary Violette Ash, dajghter of Mr. and Mrs. Judson Ash of Oak Park, a suburb of Chicago. They will be “at home’’ after July 1 at 544 South Oak Park avenue, the cards announcing the marriage state. The, groom was born and raised in Rensselaer and is a fine young man. He clerked in the grocery department of the G. E. Murray store for a few years and went to Chicago a few years ago, where he has since been employed as operating superintendent of the house sales department of Montgomery Ward & Co. His brother George, also employed in Chicago, was married only two months ago. The Democrat unites with' his many friends in extending hearty congratulations.

RAID ALLEGED “BLIND PIGS"

Find Many “Dead Soldiers” and a Few “Live Ones” Friday. Sheriff McColly, City Marshal Robinson and Mayor Spitler, armed with search warrants, paid a visit about 3 o’clock Friday afternoon to the homes of John Rouns (“Pacing Billy”), Chase Day and Dan Day, all residing on the north side of the railroad, and-as a result fouhd some “wet goods” at each place. Rouns and the two Day boys were arrested and their bond fixed at S2OO in each case. Their trial is set for June 9 before Mayor Spitler. Hiram Day, father of Chase and Dan, went on his sons’ bond and they were released, but Rouns was unable to give bail and was placed in the county bastile.

Rouns, who is an old man who came here from Monticello a few years ago, occupies a “hole in the wall” on the west side of McKinley avenue, just across the street from the Rensselaer Lumber company office. His quarters, it is said have no other means of light than through a window at the front, OVer which a thick shade is drawn, and are said to be the most filthy imaginable. The old man himself has possibly not taken a bath in twenty-five years and perhaps not in fifty years or more. At his joint were found eight cases of empty beer bottles; eight empty gallon jugs, twenty-two empty quart whiskey bottles and two quarts of whiskey. At Dan Day’s—Dan lives with his mother on the north side —several empty beer bottles were found and a quart of whiskey. At Chase Day’s fourteen quarts of beer were found together wita several empties. It is said that the officers have evidence of sales of both beer and whiskey by each of the parties arrested, but it is understood that the Day boys, especially, will claim that the goods found at their places were for their individual use, and that they sold none to anybody. Later—Rouns was released Monday evening on bond signed by W. V. Porter and J. A. Larsh.

IS STRICKEN WITH PARALYSIS

Mrs. Ezra L. Clark suffered a stroke of paralysis Monday forenoon and her condition yesterday noon was reported to be not so well. Mrs. Clark is quite well alng'in years and it is feared she will not recover. Mrs. Clark is the mother of Leslie Clark of the Rensselaer Republican.

JOHN ENGLISH DIED YESTERDAY

Word was received here just before The Democrat went to press that John English, a foriner old and well known resident of Jasper county and Rensselaer, had passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Florence, at Brookston, and the body would be brought here for burial. No arrangements for the funeral had been made at the time, however. Zern Wright went to Brookston yesterday afternoon to take Charge of the body and bring it here for burial.

Don’t forget The Democrat’s fancy stationery and office supply department when In need of correspondence cards, stationery, typewriter ribbons and papers, the better grade of lead pencils, ink erasers, etc., etc. <

STORM EXACTS OVER 240 LIVES

Eight People Killed io Northern Indiana FOUR MILLION PROPERTY LOSS I’oiir Killed at Kouts, Three at Hebron and Another at Shelby— Hiul Does Much Damage. One ot the most severe storms in years that started in Kansas late Friday evening and swept across Illinois and Indiana late Saturday exacted a toll of more than 240 lives and Inflicted property damage roughly estimated at $4,000,000. Scores of cities and towns were hit and hundreds of homes laid waste with the occupants either killed or injured. This Immediate vicinity was miraculously spared, the storm coming no closer than Shelby and Kouts. At the former place John Wright was struck and killed by flying debris and four other persons were seriously injured. In the country between Shelby and Lowell and surrounding the latter place many farm buildings were overturned and demolished or swept away.

Three Killed at Hebron. Three people were killed at Hebron when the storm swept the outskirts of the town, overturning houses, uprooting trees and slaughtering livestock. E. B. Pratt, 50 years old; Mrs. Alice Kennedy, 35, and Leslie Kennedy, 13, were killed outright. Pratt was .crushed beneath the debris of the Gridley elevator, which was totally wrecked. Mrs. Kennedy was crushed when her home was blown down and her son was instantly killed when he was struck by a piece of winddriven timber. A number of other people were seriously injured and some of these may die. Roy Smith, a former resident of Rensselaer and a son of Mrs. E. L. Harp, now of Lebanon, was caught by the storm and both of his legs were broken. The west part of Hebron, on the hill, where most of the better homes are located, suffered most, scarcely a house there that was not damaged. Between Hebron and Kouts the property damage was very extens-

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SPOKE TO GRADUATING CLASS

Inspiring Sermon Delivered by Rev. F. H. Beard Sunday Evening. Rev. F. 11. Beard, pastor of the Baptist church, delivered a very able and inspiring sermon to the graduating class of the Rensselaer high school and an audience that taxed the capacity of the Presbyterian church Sunday evening. Rev. Beard chose for his subject the single word, “Stick,” and from this he drew lesson after lesson that if followed through life will ever prove of inestimable value. Stick to something; whatever you do, stick to it and success will attend you. Stick to your calling; stick to your friends and be a helper to them, but above all stick to Jesus of Nazareth as the greatest friend of all, for He will and does stick to you w’ith a devotion that passe th all human understanding. The speaker emphasized this stand with the following words: “The bible and Jesus Christ are the only things in all the universe to which we may stick eternally. “The bible or word of God is eternal. (1) We can afford to stick to it. Its history is verified. (2) Its science is faultless. (3) Its ethics of life is pure and exalting; no other so expansive. (4) Its teaching as ,to doctrine and duty is clear and certain. (5) Its precepts and examples are neither impossible nor irksome in application to or exemplification in life; stick to His word. “It is my earnest prayer that you one and all will so continue your education in the schools of higher learning and in the sterner but not the least important school of experience, that when your life’s work draws near the closing hour you can say with the Psalmist and of the Great Teacher, *1 have stuck to Thy testimonies,’ and with the wise one of old, ‘There is a friend that stieketh closer than a brother.* ”

Vol. XX, No. 18