Jasper County Democrat, Volume 23, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 August 1920 — Page 1

Jasper County Democrat.

$2.00 Per Year.

COURT HOUSE NEWS IN BRIEF

luterostag Paragraphs From Ihe Various Departments OF JASPER COUNTY CAPITOL Legal New* Epitomized — Together With Other Note* Gathered by U* From th* Various County Office*. Minx Belle Southard, assistant in the county treasurer’s office, is spending a week’s vacation at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Southard, In Milroy township. The Democratic county committee meeting set for this afternoon at the Democrat headquarters on east side of court house square, has been postponed to Thursday afternoon on account of a district meeting at Cedar Lake today. Marriage licensee' issued: Aug. 3, Charles Joslyn of Geneva, HL aged 49 June 15 last, superintendent, and Sarah Catherine Beck, also of Geneva, HL, aged 46 Feb. 1 last, housekeeper. Second marriage for each, previous marriages dissolved by death. Married by Squire Irwin.

YES, STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKES

Am Still on the in Rensselaer Household*. Rensselaer people have been enjoyang fresh strawberries night along for the past several weeks, notwithstanding the fact that the season was Brnmnaed to end in Jerne. Thomas of southeast of town, who " Ever-Bearing variety, has been bringing in some excellent berries right along, several hundred quarts since the season was supposed to be over, and they have been retailing at 25 cents per quart, - about as low a price as any we got the strawberry season was on. They are of fine flavor ana most of them have been of good size, too.

NOTES FROM COUNTY HOSPITAL

Misses Neva Garrlott, Faustino West, Florence Jacks and Dorothy Dunlap had their tonsil* removed Monday. UMM Mary Goetz at Bansaelaer underwent a major operation Monday. Bert Mitchell of near Medaryville was '.brought to the hospital Sunday, entering from injuries received In an automoile accident. No partieulais of the .accident have been learned. are not serious. Velma, 15-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Brooke of Remington had her tonsils removed Monday. Mm. Md Griffith entered the hospital yesterday for medical attention. The condition of T. A. Crockett, Mm B**WRe r Mrs. Joseph Wilson and Clarence Eldridge remains about the sane. Mrs. VTtnfned Lafoon, Mrs. Charles Pollock and Louis Miller are improving. George Antcliff of near Brook was brought to the hospital yesterday forenoon suffering from a broken lip which he sustained Monday in a fall from a scaffold while painting his barn. The accident happened Monday and he. fell a distance of about nine feet,, striking his right hip on a piece of timber. John Moore fell at his home on north Cullen street yesterday ing and broke his left arm just above the elbow. He was taken to the hospital where an x-ray picture was taken and the fracture set, and then taken to his home. Mr. Moore has not been very well since suffering a stroke of paralysis last winter, although he has been about all the time, and thia injury wijl be pretty hard on him. The" baseball game at Goodland Sunday between the Goodland team and the Danville Giants, a colored team, resulted in a victory for the latter team with a score of 9 to 3. This was the fourth meeting of the two team a this season and the score is now even. The fifth and deciding will probably be played in the *J<»r future. £ a -

\ PLATFORM DANCE AUG. 14 , There will be a platform dance J at Duggins’s grove, 2 miles north of Virgie, Saturday night, Aug. 14. Three-piece orchestra and a good time assured. Cpme. —Advt. al4 •» ,

SMALL FIRE SUNDAY MORNING

Shed at W. O. Rowles'* Residence Was Destroyed. The fire company was called to the home of W. O. Rowles on McCoy avenue at about 10:45 o’clock .Sunday morning by fire which caught in the interior of an old shed and threatened to communicate to the barn and other buildings near by. The shed was destroyed, but Mr. Rowles, with a garden hose, kept a small stream of water playing on the barn and saved it from very much damage. Max Robinson had been sitting on top of the shed watching some stfeep and lambs in the pasture just south thereof, and had struck a match or two while sitting there. It is supposed that one of the matches dropped through a hole lu the roof and communicated with ehavings qn the floor below. Max used the shed as a shop, and all his tools were destroyed in the fire,. There was no insurance on either the shed or Its contents.

IRONING OUT THE TAX MUDDLE

Members of Old Board of Review Reappointed by Judge.

The Jasper County Board of Review yesterday morning by a unanimous. • vote, signed up the certification to the state board of tax commissioners of the 1919 assessments as certified to the latter last year, before tie hori zontal increases were made by the state board.

Judge Hanley, la compliance with the new “curative tax law,” appointed Ellis Jones of Remington and C. R. Peregrine of Tefft, Democrat and Republican, respectively, as the appointive members of the county board of review, which met Monday with the county assessor, auditor and treasurer, the other members of the board, to reconsider the assessments of the various taxing units of Jasper county for the year 1919, as ordered by the state tax board. In several counties in the state the county boards of review have raised the various units to conform with the horizontal increases made by the state board of tax commissioners in 1919 and which were held illegal recently by the supreme court. In several other counties the boards re-certified the assessments to the state board as they were certified to the latter in 1919. < This Utter certification is not what the state board wants. It wants to be vindicated on the horizontal raises it made In the different unite in the c6untles, even though such action puts the boards of reviewin a hole. The boards of review were on the ground In 1919 and went carefully over the assessments In the different units in their respective conntiea. They certified their findings unde* oath to the state tax board. The latter, in effect, said that the esiunty boards of review were composed of a set of perjurers, and cast their findings aside and changed the assessments to suit themselves, although, perhaps, not a member of the state board had ever set Toot In one-half of the counties in which these horizontal increases were made.

The supreme court held that the state board had no right whatever to make such increases; that this was a perrogatlve vested solely in the county boards. * In Jasper county the state board raised all real estate in the county (exclusive of Wheatfield corporation, which was not changed) 10 per cent/, except Remington, which was raised 20 per cent; personal assessment* in Milroy, Gillam, Remington and Rensselaer, raised 40 per cent; personal assessments in all other townships raised 80 per cent. The state board has authority to" raise the valuations of counties as a whole, to equalize the assessments as between counties, and with the certifications of the original findings it is practically assured that such counties will be raised by the state board. However, such raise affects all the taxpayers of the, county the same and does not cause the inequality practiced by the raises made in the various units of a county by the state board In 1919. At best, though, it is expected that many lawsuits wIU result before the matter is finally threshed out.

Democrat want ads get results. ••” l it < 7 .

THE TWICE-A-WEEK

RENSSELAER, JASPER COUNTY, INDIANA, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 1920.

PRESS COMMENT ON SPEECH OF ACCEPTANCE BY GOVERNOR COX

Governor Cox, in hie speech of acceptance, discloses himself to his fellow-countrymen as a first-class fighting man. He does not wait to be assaulted. He himself attacks in force. He carries the war into the enemy’s country. With a lamentable disregard of “senatorial courtesy,” Governor Cox sharply smites Mr. Harding’s shield with a vigorous spear. The Democratic candidate puts his rival and the opposing party lTnmed.lat.ftly on the defensive by his prompt aggressive. He leaves no one to mistake his purpose. Governor Cox is a good writer in the sense that he first makes up bis mind what he wants to say and then says it in plain and forcible English. After Senator Harding’s cloudy eloquence and elusive phrasing, it is refreshing to get a speech of acceptance that is straightforward, explicit, bold and clear. The speech at once topples over the whole series of fantastic * imagining* ' with which Republicans have been comforting their hearts. Governor Cox was going to have difficulty in reconciling his position with that of the president. He was going to minimize the issue of the league of nations; would be found pussyfooting on the Democratic platform; and would have to dodge and straddle in order to hold together the diverse elements of bis support. But the plain tale of the speech of acceptance immediately puts all this down. Governor Cog commits himself In the fullest way to the league. In language which no one can mistake he declares: “The first duty of the new administration .clearly will be the ratification of the treaty.” Referring to the league of nations, he says: “Senator Harding, as the Republican candidate, proposes in plain words that we remain out of IL As the Democratic candidate, I favor ‘going in.’ ” That is flatfooted enough. If the Republicans wanted the issue squarely joined, they have got it And they have also got, it is evident,’ a man who will keep them busy defending themselves and explaining and apologizing until November. Governor Cox has, by his courageous and direct speech, taken the initiative in the campaign and plainly intends to keep it. ; If Americans were merely standing by as spectators at the contest /they could not fall to admire the dash and vigor with which Governor UoX goes after Senator Harding.

BAND CONCERT PROGRAM AUGUST 11, 8 P. M. Olevine March Muttering Fritz .... - March Light Cavalry t — Ov ?J* u A e Your Eyes Have Told Me So Peggy - Fox Trot 80-la-bo - Egyptian Fox Trot Let the Rest of the World Go By —— Hold Me Fox Trot When My Baby Smiles at Me Fox Trot The Condlator — March

CAMPAIGN HARMONY

The latter had vaguely outlined his plans for peace with Germany and Concord with other nations, but Cox demands specifications. Peace by joint resolution of congress? Do the Republicans really mean to make a separate peace with Germany? “This would be the most dishearten. Ing event in civilization since the Russians made their separate peace with Germany, and infinitely more unworthy on enrr part.” Ejgtmlly pointed and precise is the language— used by the governor In showing the folly or insincerity of the Harding suggestion that, after throwing over the league, he could arrange some kind ot moonshine “understanding” With other nations. No Republican dignitaries are safe from this plain-spoken man. He tilts without hesitation at the senatorial cabal which first secretly plotted to defeat the treaty and discredit Wilson —purely out of motives of personal spite and partisan advantage —and then went on from move to move In the hazardous gamble until at last the Republican majority In the senate saw Itself out witted and dominated by the minority group. Thus It is the Irreconenables, John and Borah, who have now taken command of the Republican party, and forced It to submit to their will. The exposure of thi* state of affairs is powerfully made by Governor Cox. And In what he has to say positively and constructively of the Democratic policy toward the league he is perfectly lucid and simple. Many matters of domestic importance are discussed by Governor Cox, always with good sense and force. We can specify today only his treatment of the questions of taxation and of retrenchment and administrative reform. On them all he is much Bmore concrete and definite' than Senator Harding has thus far ventured to be. The Republican candidate is unwilling to suggest a substitute for the excess profits tax. Governor Cox Is not afraid to; he favors a small tax on, gross sales. Regarding the budget system and the necessity of cutting down government expenses he is clear cut. He names the figure of 12,000,000,000 as the amount that ought to be lopped off the federal appropriations, provided the government were economically and' efficiently administered.

(Continued on Pago Four)

FOUR SHOCKED BY LIGHTNING

Jame* Anderson and Three Other* Near Victlma at Wheatfield. While threshing at the Ott farm north of Wheatfield Monday afternoon, James Anderson and another man and two boys, whose narruee we did not learn, were severely shocked by a stroke of lightning and a horse was killed. Mr. Anderson was knocked unconscious and it was| thought that he, too, was killed, butl after several hours he regained consciousness and at last reports it was thought he would recover. Up to the time of going to press The Democrat was unable to learn very much of the particulars, but It seems the men were in a shed or between a couple of buildings when the storm came up and lightning struck and killed one of the horses. This is said to have been the fourth year that lightning has struck at this place during the threshing season.

PROCEEDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL

plan* Ordered for New City H*ll •nd Fire House. The common council met in regular session Monday night with all members present. ' A petition filed by J. A. McFarland et al for a sewer on east Washington and Weston streets, commencing at the south corner of block 14 and running east to Weston and thence south on Weston to Harrison street, was granted and the city engineer Instructed to prepare plans and specifications and city attorney directed to prepare resolutions and report sarnie to council. A petition by L. M. Muster for a sidewalk on Kannal avenue was introduced and on suspension of rules same was granted. The light committee recommended that a street light be Installed on south side of Grace street, east of Scott street,-and light superintendent was Instructed to install same. In the matter of the building of a new city hall and Are house, the mayor was authorized to contract with John A. Brooks of Kentland, architect, to furnish plans and specifications for same. The usual grl*t of claims were allowed.

RESULT OF THE BAD EXAMPLE

Sat by W. T. McCray In Listing Hla Proparty for Taxation. Yielding to the annual and continued walls of the discredited state board of tax commissioners to boost the valuations, raise the assessments again, and which has been pawed on to the township assessors by nearly all the county assessors, the personal valuations in Indiana as shown by the from all the counties show an increase over 1919 of 1236,603,572. Of this increase 11,086,315 was made tn the Jasper county personal assessment, which is 36,583,315, against 35,496,830 in 1919. Benton county is 39,615,550, an increase es 32,121,410; Lake, 3108,699,742, an increase of 334,059,527; Newton, 36,645,100, increase of but 3631,890; Pulaski, 34,497,305, Increase 3767,210; Starke, 32,898,945, Increase 3833,275; White, 38,885,970, Increase 31,980,820. It will be seen from the above list that the least increase made in any of these counties was in Newton, the home of the Republican candidate for governor, who wants to be elected so he can "correct the tax laws," and whose fancy Hereford cattle he has been In the habit of giving in for assessment at scrub beef prices. Jasper’s personal assessment was increased 31,086,315 while Newton’s was Increased but 3631,890! Looks very much as if county was getting off pretty well, as compared with its neighbors, as it is. No doubt the taxpayers over there have patterned, after the e* ample set them by their gubernatorial candidate in listing their property for taxation. And they are getting by with it, too, at the expense of other counties- in the state.

TWO NEWSPAPERS SUSPEND

Two old newspapers In Indiana have suspended publication during the last few days, the Seymour Democrat, a daily Democratic paper published at Seymour, Ind., and the Vincennes Capital, a Republican paper published at Vincennes. The suspensions were due. to the almost prohibitive cost of print paper and the scarcity and high price of labor.

Vol. XXIII. No. 39

GENERAL AND STATE NEWS

Telegraphic Reports From Many Parts ot the Country. SHORT BITS OF THE UNUSUAL Happening* In the Nearby Cities and Towns — Matter* of Minor Mention From Many Localities. MUTUAL CYCLONE INSURANCE Makes Interesting Report of It* 13 Years’ Buelnea*. A circular letter Juat issued by the Indiana Mutual Cyclone Insurance Co. makes a fine showing for that company, which has been in opera, tion 13 years. It now has 23,453 policies in force for 141,303,475, a gain of >12,959,667 in the past' eight months. During the present fiscal year the company law paid 2,488 losses amounting to $70,329.30. Very heavy losses occurred Nov. 29 and March 28, and it was found necessary to make the assessment beginning with July, 1920, 20c on each |WO of ordinary buildings and other property in proportion, which is 4o higher than any other assessments levied. Even then, the letter says, this is considerably less than the regular stock company rates. • Taking the 13 years of its existence, a $5,000 risk has cost the policyholder but SBS against $175.50 in the regular stock company, or a little leas than 13c per year on each SIOO insurance. ~

AND STARKE COUNTY LOSES 289

In Population During Past 10 Y*ara -Lothar Counties Loa*. Our neighboring county of Starke has a population of 10,278, according to the 1920 census. This is a lose of 289 or 2.7 per cent during the last decade. Starke is not alone by any mean* among Indiana agricultural counties in loafing in population in the last 10 years. The population of Whitley county is announced as 15,660, a loos of 1,232 or 7.3 per cent; Montgomery county, 28,490, loss of 806 or 2.8 per cent; Morgan county, 30,010, a lose of 1,173 or 5.5 per cent. Thirty In Indiana have populattone of 10,000 or more. Of this number 10 have populations of more tnan 30,000 each. Indfcnapoliß, of course, leads the Mst, with a population of 314,194. Ft. Wayne has gone into undisputed possession of second place with 86,549, while Evansville is third with 85,264. Gary bas jumped into sixth place with 55,844. The comparative rank ot the 30 leading Indiana cities is, according to tbe return* of the census hureau, as follows: Indianapolis, 314,194; Ft. Wayne, 86,549; Evansville, 85,264; South Bend, 70,983; Terre Haute, 65,914; Gary, 55,344; Muncie, 36,524; Hammond, 36,004; East Chicago, 35,967; Kokomo, 30,067; Anderson, 29,767; Richmond, 26,728; Elkhart, 24,277; Marion, 23,747; New Albany, 22,992; Lafayette, 22,486; Logansport, 21,626; Michigan City, 19,457; Vincennes, 17,210; Mishawaka, 15,195; Laporte, 15,158; Newcastle, 14,458; Huntington, 14,000; Peru, 12,561; Bloomington, 11,595; Frankfort, 11,858; Clinton, 10,962; Whiting, 10,140; Crawfordsville, 10,189; Jeffersonville, 10,098. .

WHAT THE DEMOCRATIC WOMEN ARE DOING

The Democratic Women’s School of Citizenship held a very enthusiastic meeting Friday afternoon at their new headquarters, on the east side of the court house square. Representative W. L. Wood, in a very pleasing manner, led the discussion an the measures asked for by the governor and passed upon by the special session of the legislature. Mrs. O’Donald, a sister of Mrs. Thomas M. Callahan, was also In attendance and gave a talk on the splendid work the Democratic ladles are doing In Illinois. The next meeting will be held Aug. 20 and will be one of unusual Interest, dealing with the tax bill and memorial bill. Let every lady, regardless of what her politics may be, be present—SCßlßE.

A new invoice of-correspondence box stationery In all the latest shades and tints just received In The Dem* ocrat’s fancy stationery department