Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 40, Number 326, 30 December 1915 — Page 1

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Greater Area Than Germany Captured by Teutons in 1915

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TEUTON The shaded area shows the

their Allies have trained since January 1, 1915. The principal accretions are in Russia, Austria

Hungary and Serbia. There are pf Rheims and on two sections of

WIRE COMES LOSE $28,600 FROM SNOW AND SLEET If STORM

i It was estimated today that the severe sleet storm which swept over Richmond and its vicinity, in Eastern Indiana and Western "Ohio, caused a loss of approximately $28,600 to five Richmond public service companies. These companies estimated losses in Richmond and the district served outBide of the city as follows: Richmond Home Telephone Co. $10,000 Western Union Telegraph Co.. 10,000 Postal Telegraph Co S.oOO Richmond Municipal Plant . . . 500 Light, Heat and Power Co 100 No estimate as to the damage done to the Liberty Light and Power company, which serves Liberty, BrookVllle and New Paris, O., out of this city, was obtainable today. The Liberty and Brookville line was down for & time yesterday but was repaired and operated .until about 2 o'clock this morning, when It went out of service again. It probably will be ready for INDIANA FINANCES DECLARES State Recovers Quickly From Blow Struck by War and Faces Future With Serenity. Farmers Make Money, Business Picks Up, Industrial and Corporation Bonds Selling at Premium. J. F. Wild, president of the Indianipolis Stock Exchange and oldest bond lealer in Indiana, views with optimism the present trend In monetary and ecurity matters and believes business a all lines will nose out a marked acTease in the year 1916. In his Judgment the hardest blow the Indiana inestment market ever sustained was he reflection in America of the world lor- hut that this has been entirely!

GAINS AND LOSSES JK 1915

territory greater than that of slight gains just north of Ypres the Austrian boundary. service again late this afternoon. The New Paris line was out of service for about two hours yesterday, but is working today. Conditions Are Worse. So far as telegraph and telephone service out of Richmond Is concerned conditions today are worse than yesterday. Today, up to noon, not a commercial telegraph line of either the Western Union or the Postal Telegraph, nor a long distanc- phone line was in operation. The Postal Telegraph had the same condition to contend with yesterday, but the Western Union had a direct Chicago wire In service yesterday up to 1:45 o'clock in the afternoon, when it went out and is still down at noon today. Manager Ryan of the Western Union, said today that he hoped to have an Indianapolis wire ready for service early this afternoon. He also stated that a crew of forty linemen had been sent here ARE SOUND, OLD BOND DEALER discounted he declares ft shown by the upward movement in trading during the closing months of 1915. Millions are Invested in Indiana municipal, industrial and corporation stocks and bonds every year, and while the first eight months of the war greatly reduced buying in the Indiana market, in common with movements in the several states, buyers found themselves, Mr. Wild declares, and the present scant offerings of all Indiana investment dealers reflects the course buyers are pursuing. "Any bond issuing corporation is like an individual in that it can not in cure only a certain indebtedness," Mr. Wild says, "and for that reason so many of the bond producing municipalities have reached the limit prescribed by law they must shut down until they have retired some outstanding bonds. In Indiana at this time any number ot the municipalities are up to the limit and as a result of this -not aa many new bond issues are appearing in the market. This fact alone Continued on Page Four

Germany, which the Teutons and in the West and slight losses east from Pittsburg. Part of them are working in Richmond, others near New Paris and between Centerville and Jackson's Hill. At the Home Telephone office it was announced this morning that no long distance lines were in operation and that the prospects were that no line would be ready for service until tomorrow. Railroad service in and out of Richmond was again almost normal today. All C. & O. trains were running practically on schedule while Pennsylvania and G. R. & I. trains were coming in all forenoon almost on time. The T. H. I. & E. and the Ohio Electric traction companies also announced today that their cars were being operated on schedule time. Richmond's streets last night were only illuminated with moonlight. There was no plant nor wire trouble Continued on Page Two. HOW PENNSY CLEARS TRACK IN QUICK TIME The Pennsylvania railroad tracks have been cleared and trains this morning were running from ten to twenty minutes late, although one or two of them were on time. As soon as telegraphic communication can be reestablished, which is expected by tomorrow night, everything will be on schedule. At present all the wires that are in use are one to Chicago, one to Indianapolis and one to Columbus. These wires are Inadequate to handle the trains and the company's business, and that is the only reason why all trains are not on time. "'How do they do it?" one man asked this morning, wondering how the railroad company with its thousands of miles of trackage and wires could recover so rapidly from a storm that almost completely tied up Its service. ' ' Several railroad men were ques(Contlnued on Page Two.)

STARR TO CONSTRUCT FACTORY ADDITIONS

Extensive building operations may be begun by the Starr Piano company early in the spring to handle the increased - business, according to Fred Gennett. secretary. Plans -are only tentative, depending upon the general conditions of the country. If prosperity continues Mr. Gennett said new buildings would have to . be provided for the construction of the phono graphs, which branch of the business has grown by leaps and bounds since announcement a few months ago that the Starr would manufacture a talking device. No estimate of the amount to be expended could be obtained. GEORGE DAVIS RETIRES FROM PENNSY ROAO An interesting railroad career will be brought to a close Jan. 1, 1916, in the retirement of George W. Davis, who since Jan. 20, 1907, has been located in St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Davis was for eleven years division freight agent of the P. C. C. & St. L. railroad at Richmond and he retires In obedience to the rules of the Pennsylvania system. During bis career as a railroad man, he has experienced the privilege enjoyed by few watching the transportation lines of the country develop from the "wood burning locomotive Btage" to their present high state of efficiency. Mr. Davis father was in the rallContinued On Page Two. CONSCRIPTION JRAISES GHOST OF REVOLUTION LONDON. Dec. 30. Revolution in Great Britain is predicted by the Daily News If the government adopts conscription! While the newspaper does not use the word "revolution," it says that drastic compulsory service would probably make a deadly breach in the unity of the nation, break the splendid traditions of the country and unsettle the spirit of the people. The reported decision of the Asquith ministry to adopt modified conscription was both defended and attacked by the press. A cabinet council will be held tomorrow when the opposition of the Irish national and labor parties will be discussed. A tentative agreement to exclude Ireland from the workings of a conscription, bill has been reached, but it would be impossible to eliminate the working class as practically all the conscripts would be drawn from this element of the people. ALLIES SINK 2 AUSTRIAN DESTROYERS PARIS, Dec. 30. Two Austrian destroyers have been sunk in the Adriatic sea off Durazzo, one by allied warships and the other by a mine. They were the Lika and the Triglav. An Austrian fleet which had steamed from Cattaro met a fleet of allied warEhips off Durazzo. The Lika struck a mine and sank and the Triglav was destroyed by the guns of the allied warships. The other Austrian ships escaped. Official announcement of the destruction of the destroyers was made by the French admiralty today. "An Austrian naval division which had made a sortie from Cattaro for the purpose of bombarding Durazzo came upon a squadron of allied ships off the port and fled. "The Austrian destroyer Lika struck a mine and was sunk. The destroyer Triglav, of the same type, was sent to the bottom by the allied warships. The balance of the Austrian ships fled to their base pursued by the allied warships." ROBINSON COMPANY TO BUILD FOUNDRY . Contract for the erection of a new foundry at the Swayne-Robinson plant, will be let Jan. 5, according to a statement of S. E. Swayne. The building will be completed by March 1. Increasing business is . the reason for the additional foundry, which will be used almost exclusively for making castings for implements manufactured In the local plant. The building will be 140-120 feet, located back of the present foundry on North Second street. The building will cost approximately fl0,000.

PROSPERITY RETURNS TO RICH WD DURING YEAR DRAWING TO CLOSE: 1916 DAWNS WITH FINE BUSINESS

Prosperity Signs

FRED GENNETT, secretary StanPiano Company Business for last year has been good, especially so at the finish. If the war continues and the United States doe not become involved, I look for a very fine year In 1916. If the war stops there will be a reaction. High prices demanded in many Industries which are Inflated, will drop back. This will cause a depression, because war prices have become pretty generally felt in all lines of business. But this depression will have good results as it will cause a re-adjustment which will bring prices and business back to a more normal state. Our business is so good that we are considering doing some building in the spring. FRED BETHARO Business In 1915 as compared with previous years was the best that I ever experienced in all lines with which I am connected. They include farming, wholesale wall paper and automobiles. The year 1916 looks like a dream to me for the prospects are so large. America will have the greatest year that it ever experienced. All the factories in the east are working night and day. . Before the year is out the Richmond adding machine will be on the market, and that will add to the prosperity of the city. We have contracted for twice as many Ford cars for 1916 as we sold In 1915. and we look for at least a 50 per. cent increase in our automobile business. EDGAR HI ATT, . president Dickinson Trust Company We have ; Just closed the best year we have ever had. During 1915 . we experienced a revival of business after a period of depressed I believe that this condition Is general throughout the city Factors entering into this condition are the war in Europe, which has stimulated American industries, and excellent agricultural and industrial conditions in this community. We look forward to next year believing that it will be the best business year in the history of the city. We intend to get Into our new building by the middle of May. In our mortgage . loan department we showed an increase of 20 per cent over 1913, and an increase of $100,000 over 1914. This increase is in mortgage loans made and sold, which is always an indication of improvevd business conditions. In 1915 this department will show more than $1,100,000 in this class of loans. H. G. ROOT, general Manager Westcott Motor Car Company Judging by the increased business in tbe latter part of 1915 of the West cot t company as well as in other lines of business which I have been in a position to ob serve, 1916 should set a commercial record. The Westcott company's 1915 business was the largest in the company's history, and advance orders for 1916 indicate that the 1915 production record will be outstripped in the com ing year by many cars. GEORGE BREHM The finish of 1915 was better than the start, and we just about evened up with last year. Weather conditions were very much against us for it about killed our seed business, and everybody knows what it did to baseball. I am in doubt about 1916, but it looks good. The questions is, what affect the war will have. However, we are taking up some new lines for next year, and personally, I am inclined to be optim istic. LEE B. NUSBAUM, president the Lee B. Nusbaum Company Business for 1915 has been about as 1913, which was a banner year. The last half of 1915 was especially heavy. The pros pects for 1916 are very flattering and unless unforeseen conditions present themselves, 1916 will be a better year than 1915. JOHN H. JOHNSON, B. Johnson & Son, Contractors in Lumber and Railroad Ties Business throughout the country has picked up considerably during the last three months. The railroads are always a good barometer of business conditions, and their business has picked up during the last few months. The war has had little effect on our business, but we are beginning to feel the effects of the Increased railroad business. Prospects for 1916 are exceptionally bright In all parts of the country. REV. E. G. HOWARD, Pastor of the First English Lutheran Church On the whole the Lutheran churches . In Richmond were never in a more satisfactory condition than at the close of this year. The membership In the First Lutheran church is larger than it has been before, and members show a willing disposition to work. ATI our organizations are in a live condition. Including tbe young people's, women's organizations and the brotherhood. Prospects for a successful 1916 seem assured. The results of the year to come, of course, rest upon the acceptance of a faith In God and a conscientious following of His will, so that

at present the results of 1916 will not rest upon the organizations in the church, but ' upon the Divine Grace. This ' holds true of all Lutheran churches In Richmond. W. C. SEEKER, cashier Second National Bank Bank business has been fine lately, with indications that . It will continue so next year. There la plenty of money in circulation and a good demand for it. People and firms who make use of large loans in connection with their business are not hesitating to ask for them which Is an indication of good conditions.

CHARLES OR U ITT, Druitt . Brothers. Furniture Our Christmas busi ness was the largest in our history. This holds true also of our 1915 trade. We are anticipating a bigger business In 1916, for all indications show a return of prosperity. A. D. GAYLE, president First National Bank Business conditions during 1915 were much Improved over those in 1914. the Improvement being especially noticeable after the establishment of the federal reserve banks. There is every Indication that bank business will show a big increase next year as business is picking up all over the country. H. C. HASEMEIER. President of the Boston Store Company Business was much better in 1915 than in 1914. and I believe that timet are getting much beter. -There are fewer unemployed men this year, and I hear of lew complaints, of hard times... We expect vexoellent business in 1916:s -result of the better times that seem to be here; WALTER McCONAHA, McConaha Automobile and Implement Company We bad a splendid trade In farming machinery last year with prospects of a good season for 1916, although It Is a little early in the year to make fore casts as much will depend on the crops. Our automobile business was exceptionally good with every indication that it w ill continue to be. S. E. SWAYNE. President of the Swayne-Robinson Company Although the prospects in the Implement business are better than last year, we are not expecting a large Increase. The war has nlaced high nrices on all met ' old vwt o bin tr ft almAiit ImnnfielKlA t f secure steel unless we go in open market, being forced to pay high prices. Our company has experienced a profitable year, however, and we are antic ipating additional building next year. There seems to be little prospects of the South American trade opening op to any great degree. Business as a whole throughout the country is In much better condition the last fewmonths. CHARLES W. JORDAN, president German-American Trust and Savings Bank Business was undoubtedly better during 1915 than during the previous year and prospects for 1916 are encouraging. With the exception of the Gaar-Scott plant all local factories are running full force with floods of orders coming in. Some of them are even turning down business already. GEORGE W. DAVIS. Davis Motor Car Company We found 1915 to be the best year we ever had. and prospects for 1916 look very bright. The output of our factory is being increased over 30 per cent. GEORGE CATES. Union National Bank Better business conditions for next year can be expected, but on the whole business during 1915 was about the average. I believe the war has had practically no effect on local business as far as increasing or decreasing the amount of business is concerned. JOHN LONT2, President F. & N. Lawn Mower Company I believe that the increase in business during the last two months and the prospects for business in 1916 is genuine prosperity and not the result of the war In Europe. Our business baa increased with leaps and bounds the past year, and we can not begin to fill orders now. It Is better than it has ever been, and we expect the biggest year in our history in 1916. Last year people talked themselves into hard times, until they Anally scared themselves there. J. T. GILE8, Superintendent City Schools The past year has been one of the most satisfactory school years, and plans which have been formulated and will materialise during 1916 indicate that the new year, will see even more successful results attained. Tt will largely be due to the vocational survey which will he held about the first of the year, the construction of the new addition to Oarfleld school and the change in the arrangement of the high school term from the fouryear plan to the Junior high school plan. Continued On Page " J"

Retail and Manufacturing; Establishments Begin Rapid Expansion Due to Better General Trade Conditions.

WORKERS OBTAIN JOBS Administration Inaugurates Extensive Policy of Public Improvements for Street and Fire Departments. BANK DEPOSITS GROW Improved Transportation Facilities Add to Out-of-Town Trade Brought to CityLight Plant Bought. The year of Our Lord, nineteen Hundred and Fifteen now drawing to a close was a very satisfactory one to Richmond. Its twelve months witnessed a return of normal prosperity to the city. Its birth followed a period of financial depression for Richmond. It will pass into history tomorrow as herald to a nevy,yer,which. Richmond businej mterests are-lookiTnT forward to with keenest satisfaction. In summarizing the features of the year now closing, a city historian might enter into his records tbeo pleasing facts: The rejuvenation, and expansion of Richmond's varied and large manufacturing industries. The decided reduction in the number of unemployed men. A noteworthy Increase in business on tbe part of tbe retail and Jobbing concerns. More public improvements than In any other one year in the municipality's history. Almost a 25 per cent increase in outof town trade. Bank deposits close to S6.000.UVJ. or an Increase over last year of about 1600.000. 10 per cent. A decided Increase in bank loans, notably to farmers, aborning that tbe county's agriculturists are keenly alive to existing conditions and planning improvements to take full advantage of the opportunities now offered them. A steady increase in the city's population, as shown by post office records. The best Christmas holiday chopping business in a decade; for some merchants the best business, during this period, of their careers. The initiation of proceedings for creating a municipal monopoly of the electric service business, with the end in view of reducing taxes and providing the lowest possible electric rates, two Inducements certain to attract large industries to select Richmond as a place of location. Inauguration of profitable and satisfactory auto hack transportation service between Richmond and neighboring Ohio and Indiana towns. A prosperous season for the building trade of the city. Indicating even better business in this line next- year. Manufacturing plants operating during the closing months of the year at full capacity and with deluge of 1916 orders coming in. Truly, Richmond fared well of nineteen hundred and fifteen. There will be many of our citizens who. In their joyful greeting of the new year, will forget a hearty Godspeed to the departing year as it answers the summons of Father Time. MANY POLES COUNTED. The driver of a Ford car which made the trip from Dayton to Richmond this morning said that he had counted 92 telegraph poles down between tbe two cities. Weather Forecast United State Report Cloudy In north, snow in the south. Friday unsettled. - Forecasts-Rain, sleet or snow this afternoon, . tonight and Friday. Severe void wave slowly approaches. General Conditions Northwestern cold wave originated in Alaska now covers over a million square miles. ' It has already reached Northern Nebraska. It is bringing the coldest weather of tbe season and is somewhat delayed by two great, storms in the - west. There is no possibility of its being sidetracked. . . , W. E. Moore. Weather Forecaster.