Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 40, Number 181, 13 July 1915 — Page 1

fflCHMOH PA MEDIUM VOL. XL.. NO. 181Palladium and Sun-TelKram ' Consolidated, 1907 . RICHMOND, IND, TUESDAY EVENING, JULY 13, 1915. SINGLE COPY, 2 CENTS

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COUNCIL WAGES WAR ON WEEDS TIIR0UGO0LICE Resolution Calls for a Strict Enforcement of Ordinance, With Arrests and Trials in City Court.

MEMBERS COMPLAIN Condition of Rumely Yards and Lots in Fairview Form Topics for Much Discussion Last Night. Former president, Theodore Roosevelt, was the organizer of the National Society of Undesirable Citizens, nominating to It a large class of charter members. At council meeting last evening Mayor Robbing organized the local branch of this society. Under the bylaws of this organization any householder Is qualified for membership who permits weeds to flourish on his real estate and who otherwise neglects to keep his property in a manner reflecting upon the neighborhood in which it is located. Mayor Robbins said that one of his neighbors was his ideal of a good citizen. He said this man kept his lawn, a vacant lot adjoining, owned by him, and the alley in the rear of both properties, clear of weeds and that they always presented a neat and cheerful appearance. "If a man fails to maintain his properties so that they will reflect credit upon the neighborhood and the community at large he is an undesirable citizen," the mayor concluded. To Enforce Ordinance. The weed question was a topic which occupied much of council's time last evening. It was finally disposed of by the adoption of a resolution that the anti-weed ordinance be enforced tto the limit by the police department. Mayor Robbins at first expressed reurtance to prosecute property owners Hvlng in this city for failure to clear weeds off their real estate because out of town owners of local real estate could not likewise be haled into court for punishment. "If the city has to cut the weeds on vacant lots owned by people who are not residents of Richmond it would have to. v in many - instances, bring suit to recover the costs of such action," Mayor Robbins said. "That would mean the expenditure of several dollars for each suit filed to collect 75 cents or a dollar." "The city could not lose Buch a suit, consequently any property owner would have to assume the entire cost of the litigation," Councilman Howells remarked. "Therefore, I advise that such legal action be undertaken whenever necessary." If the statements made by various councilmen are authentic, a great part of the area of the city of Richmond Is now overgrown with weeds, ranging in heighth from six inches to six feet, and councilmen are on the verge of nervous prostration because of the protests their constituents have been registering against said weeds. But from now on woe betide the owners pt a vacant lot who permit the weeds to flourish. Weeds between the curb find sidewalk must also be exterminated by property owners. All Wards Suffer. According to Councilman Carter what w once the city's most thriving Industry, the Rumely manufacturing plant, is now merely a weed patch. Even the aristocratic sixth ward is suffering from a plague of weeds, some streets being almost impassable at points, while Fairview, according to Councilmen Burdsall and Wilkins, is almost hidden beneath the wind tossed tips of the undesirable vegetation. "I am sick of being harassed by people kicking about weeds," moaned Councilman O'Neal of the sixth ward. "Not only are they getting me in bad but the administration as well." "Perhaps if we should fine one or two prominent residents of your ward the administration might get in good again," replied the mayor. Four men are now employed by the city cutting weeds. Council thinks a gang of twenty-five should be assigned to this work. Controller McMahan last night called council's attention to a condition which has been permitted to exist, but which may result any time in a disastrous accident with a resulting suit for damages against the city. This is a section of the cemented section of the Hawkins road. The paving adjoining a deep gravel pit has been cracked by the settling of its foundation, and no steps to make repairs have been taken, nor has a fence been erected along the side of the road to prevent vehicles from going over into the gravel pit. City Attorney Bond advised that this question be given prompt consideration and it was referred to the board of public works. Wants Hcle Patched. Councilman White called attention to a hole at the corner of Sixth and Main streets which has not been paved since a sewer trench was filled in a few weeks ago. He urged that the city put a paving patch on at once and send in the bill to the responsible contractor. Councilman Waidele said that near his home was an uncovered basement with a concrete floorwhich had been standing in that condition six years, and that the sewer catch basin was constantly clogging, causing water to stand in the basement. "You can catch mosquitos there now as large as buzzards," he said. He asked if he had to put up with such a nuisance and was informed that he did not have to do so. The matter was referred to the building Inspector.

CLUB WILL EXAMINE HEW BRIDGE PLAN The examination of plans for the new Twelfth street bridge to ascertain if the proposed structure will in every way conform with the ideas of residence owners. Commercial club, and , every one directly or indirectly affected through its construction, will be made by the public improvements committee of the Commercial club in folowing out the instructions of the board of directors. The old Twelfth street bridge has been condemned, and the county council appropriated money for the construction of a new one. Plans and specifications for the new bridge have ben completed. TRACTION LINE FILES PROTEST AGAINST BUSES T. H., I. & E. Company Seeks to Restrain Jitneys in Terre Haute Until Owners Take Out Permits.

COMPANY HARD HIT Sentiment in Richmond Favors Auto Service, and Councilmen are Expected to Line Up for Jitneys. INDIANAPOLIS, July 13. A petition was filed with the public service commission today by the T. H. I & E. company seeking to restrain the jitney bus service in Terre Haute until the owners of the automobiles secure a franchise from the public commission and operate under the public service rules. The action which may serve as a test case for similar movements in other parts of the state is brought on the ruinous competition plea. The traction company points out that the jitney buses do not maintain regular schedules, operate only at the profitable hours and are at no expense in maintaining or protecting crossings; '-TrH. I.- & Ercotflrols the city railway system of Terre Haute. JITNEYS FAVORED HERE. Friendly attitude of council toward jitney busses has alone caused the Terre Haute, Indianapolis & Eastern Traction company, which controls the Richmond street railway system, to hesitate in attempting to have that b 'y pass any ordinance aimed to regulate the jitney bus business. The traction company, however, has found friendly interest in the corporation's really serious plight among members of the railroad committee of the Commercial club, which has just recently urged regulation of jitneys, Continued On Page Eight. BOSTON ASSESSMENTS B00STE0 BY BOARD In some instances the assessments o'n improvements were doubled and more than doubled and the lot valuations were increased practically twice their appraisement by the assessors, when the board of review at its Monday session re-assessed the town of Eoston. The total appraisement by the assessor on lot returns was $7,520 and the assessments on the same lots by the board of review totals $14,470. Improvements were raised in the same proportion although in a number of cases, the amount was more than doubled. Citizens of Boston appeared before the board and furnished information on the Improvements and lots and estimtaed cash values of properties. PRISONER QUITS JAIL A somewhat extensive list of jail deliveries, which have occurred in recent months was increased today, when George Williams, colored, serving a sentence of $10 and costs and ten days, for assault and battery, took French leave from Turnkey Morgan. Williams and other prisoners had been taken from the jail to do some work on the court house grounds. Suddenly Williams took to his heels and so rapidly did he sprint that he was soon lost to sight. YIELD TO STRIKERS NEW YORK. July 13. One firm has already yielded to the striking garment workers, and othe rfirms are preparing to give in. according to Sidney Hillman, who is leading the strike of ten thousand pants makers. By tomorrow night he expects that all of the union's 100,000 members will have decided to join the strike unless the capitulation of the employers is general. WEDDED THREE TIMES CHATTANOOGA, July 13. Frank Nelson, 55, is in jail on a warrant sworn out by his spouses, charging him with having three wives. Nelson admits having two wives in Chattanooga, but says he thought the third one was dead.

GEN. BOTHA CONTROLS ALL SOUTH AFRICA

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GEN; LOU id BOTHA General Louis Botha, commander of the British forces in South Africa, is in control of the entire southwestern section, having accepted the surrender of all the German forces. Hostilities have ceased, it was announced. UTILITY CASES COST RICHMOND NEARLY $3,000 With Expenditures Amounting to $2,400 Council Votes $400 for Additional Expenses Expected. RESULTS UNCERTAIN Items Include Transportation, Living Accounts of Officials, ; Stenographer Hire and Incidentals. It cost the city of Richmond during the past six months just $2,400 to prosecute two cases initiated by the city before the Indiana Public Utilities commission, the first to secure a. reduction of the local electric rates, the second, a condemnation procedure to have a purchase price established for the electric plant of the Richmond Light, Heat & Power company. This large outlay of public funds has not yet, however, secured any readjustment of rates nor the establishment of a purchase price for the privately owned competing plant because the hearing of neither case has been completed. All the evidence in each case has been entered but the arguments in both cases will not be heard by the commission until some time in September. City Is Obligated. Additional expenses will be incurred by the city when the cases are reopened by the commission in the early fall, in the event an adverse ruling is entered on the city's rate reduction petition the city will have to, automatically, assure the entire cost of the hearing for the state will assume no part of such expense. It is generally understood that the city is already obligated to meet the expense of the hearing of its petition for the condemnation proceedings. Last night council passed an ordinance appropriating $400 of the funds of the municipal electrical plant for "expenses incurred arising from hearings before the state public utilities commission," to have rates reduced and a purchase price established for the competing electric plant. Most of this money is to cover the transportation and living expenses of the officials who attended the hearings last month, stenographer hire and incidentals. Previously council had appropriated $2,000, most of which was paid out in fees to a special electric engineer, E. E. Watts of Indianapolis who was retained by the city to assist in preparing its cases and to appear as an expert witness at the hearings. SET EXAMINATION Examination for a rural route carrier for the Centerville office will be held at the Richmond postonice, August 14, according to an announcement made by the department at Washington. Weather Forecastj United State Report Generally fail tonight and Wednesday. Not mucl change in temperature. TEMPERATURE. Noon 85 Yesterday. Maximum 84 Minimum 64

MRS. ANNA EUBANK DIES AT AGE OF 61

Mrs. Anna E. Eubank, aged 61 years, died at 5:30 o'clock Monday evening at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Grace Keiser, West Fifth street, near School street, of a complication of diseases. Mrs. Eubank had been a resident of Richmond for many years and had a wide circle of riends and acquaintances. She is survived by her husband, William Eubank, five sons, John, Harless and Chester Eubank of this city; William Eubank, Jr., of Iowa, and Raymond Eubank of Bakersfield, Calif., and four daughters, Mrs. Lulu Brawley, of Darke county, O.; Mrs. Edna Overpeck of Sioux City, Iowa, Mrs. Alma Rosier of Kitchel, Ind., and Mrs. Kaiser of this city. Short services will be held at the residence at 8:30 o'clock Thursday morning. The remains afterward will be taken to Fort Jefferson, Darke county, Ohio., for further services and interment. Friends may call at any time. VILLA DASHES AROUND FOES TO SAFE ZONE Rebel Leader Eludes Trap and With Zapata May Succeed in Regaining Way to Capital. WASHINGTON, July 13. State department officials today were less ready to discuss teh early recognition of a government In Mexico today following the reports of General Villa's dash southward from Aguas Calintes than they were yesterday. By his bold raid past the army of General Obregon and into a friendly region, from which he might reach Mexico City, Villa is considered to have set the balance of Mexico politics wavering. It is possible that annother fortnight may find Villa and Zapata forces closing in upon General Gonzales' army in Mexico City, just as Gonzales hemmed in the Convention forces there a month ago. From Piedras Negras Vice Consul Blocker reported to the department that information brought to him indicated the defeat of the Carranzistas by the Villa forces under General Hernadez at Barroterran. The Carranzistas troops were reported to be retreating. . ..Rail .xommunlcation wJMgxico City has, been restored and the first trains from Pueblo to the capital were to be dispatched today, according to a report from Consul General Sllliman at Vera Cruz. This offers opportunity for the transportation of famine relief supplies. Telegraphic communication between Vera Cruz and the capital has been re-opened. ORDERS STRIKE OF MINERS IN SOUTH WALES LONDON, July 13. The government today took drastic steps to avert the strike of 42,000 miners ordered to begin in South Wales on Thursday. It decided to invoke the provisions of the munitions act which makes arbitration compulsory and makes every striker liable to a fine. Announcement of the government's decision was made In the House of Commons this afternoon, by President Walter Runeiman of the board of trade. He asserted that the munitions act made it illegal for any one to participate in strike unless the board of trade had investigated and made a report. A strike in the South Wales coal fields at the present time would seriously cripple the manufacture of munitions and it was for this reason that the government took its sharp action.

Angry Over Arrest Parker Burns Suit

Without Clothing Prisoner Sits in Jail Saves Shoes Other Prisoners Watch Bonfire on Floor of Cell.

Stark naked, except for his shoes and socks, Frank Parker of Cincinnati, sits on a bench in the city jail today. He burned all his clothing on the cement floor of the bastile last evening to show how indignant he felt because he had been arrested. "We won't get you any clothing," Prosecutor Reller remarked this morning when he visited the jail to see Parker. "You'll just stay where you are until you grow hair all over your body. Then we will bring you into court." "You arrested me, so you will have to take care of me all my life," growled Parker, sneering at the officers. "I told you if you put me in jail I would burn up my clothing and I kept my word." Watches Clothes Burn. Smoke was noticed pouring out of the jail windows in the rear of the city hall early this morning and patrolmen at first thought the building was on fire. When they entered they saw Parker standing naked in front of a bonfire watching his clothing being reduced to ashes. Two other

SOUCIIEZ FIGHT NETS GERMANS FURTHER GAINS Advance Made on Arras

Road When 600 Yards of Trenches in Souchez Country are Taken. FRENCH FALL BACK Kaiser's Armies in Poland Seek Weakness in Czar's Line for Opportunity to Strike Warsaw. BERLIN, July 13. Further success has been won by the German troops at Souchez and they are advancing on the Arras road. Today's report from the general staff states that the Germans have advanced 600 yards across the Souchez cemetery and have captured the Cabaret Rouge Inn on the highway between Souchez and Arras. The Souchez battle has been in progress for two days, the Germans making an important gain. That the French are striving to regain their lost ground is apparent from the fact that they made an attack with grenades on the sugar refinery. This attack was repulsed the Germans report. In their continued operations at Souchez the Germans have captured three officers and 215 men. French attacks during the night in La Pretre forests are reported to have broken down. The situation In the eastern and southeastern theatre is unchanged. GERMANS SEEK OPENING. Generals Seek Weak Point in Ruas Line to Make Drive on Warsaw. PETROGRAD, July 13. Along the 140 mile front from the Vistula, northwest of Piatt, the Germans are making daily attacks that point to a terrific drive toward Warsaw at the first spot that they find weak enough to promise success. That the next great conflict will be somewhere on this line in northern Poland is further indicated by the latest reports from the front stating that many regiments which took part in the Galacian campaign have now appeared in the north. NEW LOAN FLOATED. $2,850,000,000 Subscribed by British . People to Wage War. LONDON, July 13. The Becond British war loan is a complete success, Chancellor McKenna of the exchequer announced today. The total amount subscribed was $570,000,000 pounds sterling or $2,850,000,000. LONDON WATCHES MOVE. LONDON, July 13. While the attention of the military critics today centered on the Arras front where the Germans have made an important gain and partly upset the offensive campaign of the allies the diplomatic experts keep close watch on the situation in the Balkans. Dispatches from the continent indicate that Bulgaria's entrance into the war will not be long delayed and action by Austria to force the hand of Roumania is likely to bring about an immediate decision of that country. British diplomats now see in the drive through Galicia a campaign which gave the Austrians a move to influence the Roumanians. "PEARCE" LETTERS THREATEN POLICE NEW ORLEANS, July 13. More letters signed "Pearce," threatening to complete the work started by Frank Holt have been received by local newspapers, one being directed to Superintendent of Police Reynolds. The chief is ordered to release Hans Halle or "the city of New Orleans will pay for it in blood." prisoners were interested spectators. The blaze did no damage to the building, which is constructed entirely of steel and concrete. Parker says that just as soon as he gets out of jail he is going to avenge himself upon the city of Richmond by breaking the largest plateglass window he can find. Officers say he Is not insane; just "bull-headed." He created a scene in a restaurant at Fourth and Main streets last night and was ordered to leave. Then he got noisy at a restaurant at Fifth and Main streets and Patrolman Stephenson arrested him. He became so boisterous that the officer threatened to give him a slapping, whereupon Parker put on a pair of spectacles and dared Stephenson to hit him. "If you hit me while I have my glasses on I will have you sent to the penitentiary," Parker roared. Stephenson promptly took them off and gave Parker a punch in the face. It is probable that Parker will be allowed to remain in the nude until tomorrow, when clothing will be secured for him and he will be arraigned before Mayor Robbins.

WILSON WILL STUDY NOTE UNTIL TUESDAY

CORNISH, N. H.. July 13. President Wilson will not take up the German reply with his cabinet before next week. It, was learned today that his private car has not yet been ordered to come here, and it is practically certain that he will not leave for Washington until Friday. As Tuesday Is 'the first cabinet meeting date next week, the President will have seven days to. consider the note before discussing it with his official family. The President rose today long before the aristocratic residents of (Cornish had ended their slumber and was on the golf links before 7 o'clock. He planned to spend the entire forenoon on the links, putting aside all thoughts of state affairs. PLAIN TERMS TO DENOUNCE GERMAN NOTE Official Circles Expect Vigorous Note From Wilson Censoring Evasive Statements in Two Answers. IS TO REJECT OFFER News Dispatches Declare Firm Demands by President Will Bring Further Concessions. WASHINGTON, July 13. Both President Wilson at Cornish and Secretary Lansing here devoted themselves today to the German reply to the American note on submarine warfare, the indications being that the third American note will be in tentative torm by the time the president returns to Washington. Secretary Lansing began the preparation of the memorandum to be laid before the president which will represent the attitude the new secretary of state thinks should be taken in the new crisis. The president is said to be formulating his own views at Cornish. When the president returns to Washington the note will be forwarded as soon as possible. It was practically decided last night that it would not be necessary for Secretary Lansing to go to Cornish. Instead the plan was adopted tt have him consider the unsatisfactory reply here while the president gives it consideration at Cornish. There is no concealment in official quarters that the situation is regarded as critical but by no means hopeless. The second evasive reply of the German government to direct questions asked by the U. S. has left a bad taste in the mouths of official Washington and Mr. Wilson's rejoinder is expected to be a document that will demand in the strongest language permissable in diplomatic correspondence a specific answer regarding the safety of the Americans at sea. That this government is bound to turn down the counter proposals made by Germany is not doubted here. Officials received today apparently reliable press reports that Germany is prepared to make additional concession in case the U. S. rejects the overatures. Under no circumstances it is believed will the U. S. agree to mark ships carrying Americans for such an arrangement would signify that unless an American is on a marked ship he is without protection guaranteed by international law. It is supposed the answer by Secretary Lansing and President Wilson will criticise the failure of Germany to treat the Lusitania tragedy seriously. In her last reply Germany seeks to dismiss the Lusitania destruction with the destruction that Great Britian is really to blame because of the British blockade and nothing is said about the reparation twice demanded by this government. ASSASSINS PLOT TO END LIFE OF BULGARIAN KING BERLIN, July 13. A dispatch from Sofia states that a tremendous sensation has been caused here by an attempt to assassinate King Ferdinand of Bulgaria. The men who attempted the assassination were convicted and sentenced to death. As a result of evidence given at the trial, the authorities have arrested Ex-minister Chenadiu, leader of the pro-Russian party, and the wife of one of the assassins. They are charged with complicity In the plot. BULLERDICK STOPS RUNAWAY HORSES Frightened at the steam exhaust of the asphalt roller of the Andrews Asphalt Paving company at Ninth and North A streets this morning, a team of horses driven to the wagon of the Wernle Home, bolted and ran away on Ninth street headed toward Main street, but were stopped by Omer Bullerdick in the middle of the square. Eyewitnesses of the runaway say that Bullerdick was dragged between ten and twenty feet by the horses before he succeeded in bringing them to a stop. He had grasped the bridles when he saw them start to run.

SAFETY ZONES ORDERED MADE DY COUNCILMEN New Traffic Regulations Will Compel Street Cars to Stop on "Near" Corners in the Future.

SCHEDULES ALTERED Police Will Arrest Drivers Who Fail to Stop When Street Cars Halt on Street Corners. A safe and sane solution of the Main street traffic problem was undertaken today by President Bavis of the board of public works. Chief of Police Goodwin and Assistant City Engineer Davis. They decided to start the ball rolling by providing "safety rones- for pedestrians on the principal street Intersections of the Main street business district. Lines marking these zones will be painted on the paving In durable white paint and the police officers will receive Instructions that they will be held personally responsible for the safety of all pedestrians crossing the streets in these zones. Under the new police traffic regulations Richmond will no longer be known as the only city in America where street cars stop on the "off corner of a street instead of the "near" corner. For example; when an east bound Main street car apiroaches Eighth and Main street It must stop opposite the southwest corner to discharge and take on passengers, -who enter and leave the car inside a safety zone running parallel wit hthe tracks the. length of a street car. When the motorman is ready to proceed with his car he must sound his gang and depart when signaled to do so by the traffic officer and he must not bring it to a stop again until the next corner is reached. It is also planned to have traction cars operate with conflict to the schedules of the city cars to alleviate frequent traction and street car congestion at Eighth and Main streets. Pel ice Make Arrests. Drivers of vehicles which fail to bring them to a stop when a street car stops ahead of them will be promptly arrested and the reckless Continued On Page Five. STORES TO PAY BULK OF COST ON BUS DEPOT Commercial Club Calls Conference of Truck Line Operators and Benefited Merchants. Endorsement of the proposed central station in Richmond as a meeting place for the various bus lines operating in and out of this city, was given by the board of directors of the Commercial club at their regular meeting last night. Secretary Haas is now arranging a conference to be attended by the owners of the various jnotor trucks in operation in this county and benefited merchants whose country trade is directly affected by the hacks. The time for this meeting remains unsettled. The establishment of a depot with the appointment of a so-called agent whose duties would include the care of the merchandise, will greatly convenience the patrons of the auto trucks and enhance the value of these lines, the directors decided. The hacks are now arriving and departing from individual headquarters. The location of these stations is often unknown to would-be passengers and patrons, and the value of a central station cannot be estimated. Means Better Business. The directors in considering this matter last night, appreciated the prospects of the increasing business of the country trade of the Richmond merchants which would result through the establishment of the depot. The expense to be borne in creating and maintaining the station will be the most Important item to be discussed at the coming conference since it is granted that the establishment of the station will meet the favor of all the proprietors of the busses. It is declared that in view of the fixed and operating expenses of the trucks and the fact that the bus business is virtually a "gamble," the persons who are the beneficiaries of the lines should defray the expense involved in making and keeping the station. The argument is made, that the farmer and residents of rural communities in the county and this section of the state should be induced through every possible means to buy from Richmond merchants and all material support should be given to this plan in view. of its Inestimable possibilities. It is not believed that the merchants will offer any forceful argument against the proposal that they shoulder the expense of the station if its establishment is approved by persons who attend the conference.