Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 February 1909 — Page 1

VOL. XLL

Fight Now Warm On County Option

The democratic machine has been working hard to drive into line those representatives who had said they would not support any measure looking to the repeal of the county option law, and it may be that! they will succeed in corralling enough, with the support of a few whiskey republicans to pass the repeal measure in the house, and the Mil may be passed today, Thursday. Wednesday, the measure was hotly argued in the house and after the minority committee report to indefinitely postpone the bill had failed to pass, and the vote was being taken to send "both the Tomlinson and Kieckner bills to engrossment, several representatives took occasion to tell why they voted as they did. The following expressions by two temperance republicans and one temperance democrat are full of good sense and worthy the considers teion of the people of this community, county and city, i" Representative Tallbott declared the bill had not been sired by the Democratic party, that it had no sire which would acknowledge it, but was a "woods” colt "This bill,” said he, “proposes to disfranchise every farmer in the state of Indiana. They, will be unable to vote on the question whether they shall or shall not, have the saloon. Is that the platform you Democrats got into the Legislature on? Did you tell the farmer you were going to disfranchise him? I think not “I want a chance to go to the polls and vote on this question retained. A city ward is not a unit at all and the township is not a unit. The ward boundaries are made by the City Council and the ward is a creature of the county commissioners. When a murderer goes behind the cell of the County Jail—and many go there charged with that crime for no other reason than intoxication —does the ward from which he came pay the bill for his meals and board for bis prosecution? No! The farmer in the remotest part of the county bears the burden equally with the citizens of the ward. Is it right that the man in the out townships shall be denied a right to vote foe or against the "thing for which he trtaxea?*^ Representative King of Wabash declared bis belief that the title of the bill should be changed from “a bill for an act to further regulate, restrict and control the sale of intoxicating liquors,” to read “an act to further restrict the right of the people to regulate the sale of liquor.” He declared that the gentlemen of the opposite Bide of the house should say whether they were carrying out the Democratic platform, which says that the people shall be “given the right of local Belf-government.” The bill, he declared, was demanded by the brewery interests. “I defy you to show any earnest cry from the people for a repeal of this legislation.” Representative Hostetter (Dem.) de-, dared the bill contained a conglomeration of inconsistencies, that it made part of the Bt&te wet to appease >one element and another part dry to appease the temperance element. “I believe this General Assembly. has other business than the passage of a local option repeal bill. The people are not demanding it, and I insist that we get busy and take up matters in which the people are more concerned.’’ If the county option law is repealed the action can be credited to the breweries, saloons, Tom Taggart and men of his kind. The real temperance democrats of this county should be represented by a petition begging the senate not to pass the bill, even Bhould the house do it There are several weak-kneed republicans in the senate and the measure might get through there if it passes the house Make it a nonpartisan measure an keep It on the statute books of Indiana. Kill it without much discussion and let the members get down to business.

Wheat has been advancing for the past ten days and it has touched the highest mark of the last year. The mills are asking 40 to 60 cents a barrel more for flour than 80 days ago. But we have protected ourself by buying a large quantity in advance and we are giving our customers the benefit of It We will still sell you Ariato’s flour and guarantee It to be the best flour made or money refunded at $1.40 a sack. JOHN EGER. The Home Grocery will buy your potatoes.

THE RENSSELAER REPUBLICAN.

Anniversary of Consolidation.

Last Wednesday was the anniversary of the consolidation of the Rensselaer Daily and . Semi-Weekly Republican and the Rensselaer Weekly Journal. The. jointure of the two papers was by no means a mistake and the hearty congratulations and well wishes expressed by the many friends of both papers and their publishers a year ago seem to have been realized. The large subscription business of the combined papers has been more than maintained, while added equipment has better prepared us than ever before to do all Classes of fine printing in the most approved' manner. The business men of Rensselaer have recognized this fact and our job department has been flooded with work from the day of the combination, and we enter upon the new year with lots of business on hand and we are on the ldWcout for more; We wish to thank our many patrons for their business and to ask a continuance of the same, promising our best efforts, superior work and fair prices. It is the desire of the publishers to build up a large printing business here in Rensselaer and the encouragement of every citizen is asked to this end. Four families are supported directly from this office and there are other employes who are self-supporting because of their employment here. The larger the business grows the. more people will be employed here and it all helps toward a greater Rensselaer. Convinced that the consolidation of the papers was a happy occurrence we enter upon another year with the hope of an increased business and of an opportunity to do business with an Increased number of people. Mrs. Geo. K. Hollingsworth came down from Chicago today for a visit of several days with friends.

Frank E. Lewis Sustains Injuries.

Frank E. Lewis, superintendent of the Gifford railroad, who was so seriously injured about three months ago by being assaulted by thieves at the railroad offices at Kersey, was injured again Monday, this time In a wreck that occurred on the north extension of the road. Mr. Lewi3 was on a freight train, which was being backed from Kersey to the north end, where Mr. Lewis waagoing to inspect the work. He was accompanied by Chas. Stephenson, of Kersey. The train jumped the track and both Lewis and Stephenson jump d for safety, alighting on oppesi e Bides ot the track. Mr, Lewis happened to take the side that three of the cars took as they left the track, but fortunately for him they did not turn over until they were past the place where he alighted. He has nerer recovered entirely from the shock and was in poor physical condition for the athletic stunt of jumping from a moving traim His back and side were Injured and he was at once taken to his home and the family physician called. Examination proved that he was not seriously hurt and although he is confined to his bed today, Tuesday, it la thought that he will be out in a day or two. Mr. Stephenson was not in the least hurt

Hammond Couple Harried Here.

Moses A. Hinkle and Miss Eva B. Crowell, of Hammond, were married today at the county clerk’s office. Rev. J. C. Parrett performed the ceremony. The young people left Hammond at noon without any of their relatives or friends knowing it and will return early enough this evening so that none of their acquaintances will know they are enjoying sweet benediction. Both the young people enjoyed very much the surprise they were creating for their friends. They were a pleasant, happy couple—loving too—and the witnesses feel sure they will make ideal life partners. Both the young people were about twenty-two years of age. The Jasper county clerk’s office seems to be quite a popular place for young people contemplating marriage, as a number of couples from outside of the county have come here to get married.

The dried peaches and apricots at the Home Grocery are Just as extra fine as their prunes, that have taken ao well. Boys, a boquet of cut flowers make a nice valentine for that other person. . KING FLORAL CO. Buy your post card valentines at The Little Gem Bakery and get coupons for the voting contest .

ISSUED TWICE A WEEK—TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS

RENSSELAER, JASPER COUNTY, INDIANA, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1909. S-' m \

WIDOW PENWRIGHT BURNED TO DEATH.

Elderly Woman Was Fighting Prairie Fire Lone Handed When Clothing Ignited With Fatal Result.

Mrs. Lois Penwright, an aged widow living on a farm she owned in the extreme southeast end of Marion township, died at about 10 o’clock Monday night as a result of injuries sustained by her clothing catching fire shortly after noon of that day. Mrs. Penwright lived alone on her farm, and about 1 o’clock Monday she set fire to stubble in a field. The fire soon got beyond control and fearing that it would get to her stacks of hay, she undertook to put the.fire out As she was alone it is uncertain just how long shejbad been working when aid reached her. Roland Gates, a farmer living near by and a boy who Ivies with him, saw the fire and hastened in a buggy to the Penwright home, and saw Mrs. Penwright still fighting the flames, although they had enveloped her and

Augustus Phillips Buys a Factory Lot

Augustus Phillips, the actor who Is now starring in “The Wolf”, proved his love for his old home and a desire for its future welfare by sending to the Rensselaer Commercial Club through his brother Fred a signed contract for a lot in the factory subdivision, and accompanying the contract with a draft for $25, which will pay the first Installment and three subsequent monthly installments. This should Inspire other former Rensselaer citizens have made a success in other fields to show their admiration of their old home city by helping it along. This act of our old friend makes him dearer than ev«r

The Republican for your sale bills.

McCOY WAS ALMOST MADE A FREE MAN

Ruling of Gov. Marshall That Would Have Released Him Conflicted With Supreme Court Decision.

Tom McCoy is still in the garb of a prisoner, but he was almost released by an order from Governor Marshall to Warden J. D. Reid, of the Michigan City penitentiary last Saturday. The order was an Interpretation of the indeterminate sentence law, made by the attorneygeneral on the plea of McCoy’s attorneys. It read as follows: "I have presented the question as to whether the law of 1883 denominated the law for thb diminution of time had been repealed by the indeterminate act either expressly or by implication of law. I have now on file in this office the opinion of the attorney-general to the effect that the law of 1883 was not repealed elher dlrtectly or by Implication of law In the passage of the Indeterminate sentence law. "It Is therefore the ruling in this department that any prisoner who has made good time and who has served the maximum of his sentence less such good time Is entitled to be discharged In accordance with the law of 1883. Therefore, if you have any prisoners who have no infractions of the rules or regulations of your prison or the lgws of the state reoorded against them, and who have performed In a faithful manner the duties assigned them so as to be entitled to dlmnlutlon of sentence in accordance with such law and such diminution of sentence has now reduced the maximum period of sentence so as to enable such prisoner to discharge, you are hereby au-

the burning clothing sent the flames up over her head. Mr. Gates grabbed a blanket from the buggy and ran to her, wrapping the blanket about her form and putting out the flames. Her clothing was almost all burned from the body and she sank unconscious to the ground. She was at once removed to the home of Mrs. Chilcote, near the Penwright farm, and Dr. Besser, of Remington, was summoned. There was no help for her, hpwever, and she never regained consciousness, dying at about ten o’clock that night. The fire continued to spread and burned up three stacks of hay that belonged to Mrs. Penwright, about 15 tons, and also 14 tonß belonging to Arnold and Joseph Luers. Mrs. Penwright has children living in Oklahoma and also a son at Mt. Ayr. Her age was past 70 years.

Death of Ross Hawkins’ Baby.

William H. Mackey received word today that the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ross Hawkins, had died Monday night at Tipton, and that the body would reach here on the 6:32 train this evening, in company of the parents and of Mrs. W. H. Mackey, who went there yesterday when notified of its sickness. Ce ebral spinal meningitis was tbe du e of death, and the child was sick only 19 hours. The body will be taken to the home of Mrs. Sarah Mackey and the fhneral will be held from her home, probably Wednesday. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins have one other and older child.

-Yon should—see—the—new -White Goods, Muslin Underwear and Dre:s Ginghams at Murray’s Store.

thorized to discharge such prisoner. “This ruling of the attorney general, as I am informed, applied to the case of Thomas J. McCoy.” It was discovered, however, that on Dec. 30, 1898, the supreme court had rendered a decision that the indeterminate sentence law simply substituted a new and different method of crediting good behavior time to the convict. The good time law applies to those sentences under Indeterminate sentence law or reformatory act prior to April 1, 1887, If they had earned good time. Those sentenced since then are not so entitled and as Tom was sentenceed on June 19, 1906, he does not come under that ruling. When Warden Reid found this out he refused to release McCoy, but In some manner the report was circulated that he was released and it was so published In several papers. The most noticeable thing about the matter is the willingness that Governor Marshall seemed to possess to aid in McCoy’s and Rensselaer people will recall that a paper published here in Rensselaer made a great fuss last fall about a report that Watson, If elected, would pardon McCoy. , McCoy is still in the penitentiary and unless his attorneys are able to find some other loophole, he is apt to remain there until his full term expires. His lawyers seem to be still trying to earn the $15,000 given to them for the defense of McCoy when he was tried.

Greisers are Having Hat Time.

Peter Greiser and wife and two children returned to-Rensselaer a few weeks ago from Hammond, and Mrs,, Greiser and the -children took up their residence at the borne of E. Mab, the old veteran, who alleges that he took them in because they had been deserted by Greiser. Chas. Witham, who is living apart from his wife, was also an occupant of the Mab home, which consists of only two rooms, and Witham’s daughter, 17 years of age, also lived there. That made a family of six in two rooms, and according to Greiser’s allegations the sleeping apartments were not very carefully separated, and Greiser thought the conditions such that his children were not properly environed with the best moral influences. He therefore brought action in the Juvenile court for the custody of the children, and the case was tried before Judge Hanley this Tuesday morning. The court was unable to decide whether conditions would be any better on the paternal side of the house and placed the children in the custody -of Sheriff Shlrer, who is to care for them at the jail until the matter is further considered. Mrs. Greiser put in a plea to have the Witham girl seht along with them and when the court refused she was highly Indignant The Mab apartments will be somewhat less crowded for a time and possibly the sleeping arrangements can be so arranged as to avoid any suspicion from the husband.

George Fate’s Turkey Dinner.

When Restaurant Keeper George Fate advertised a turkey dinner for 25 cents for last Sunday he mlsjudg d the number of hungry people that were laying for him and the turkey gave out a long time before the people quit coming. He wishes to apologize to the public for his poor estimate, but he is now convinced that he * knows about what the people want and he has tripled his ord r for next Sunday and will have turkey enough to go around. Don’t plan to cook your own dinner next. Sunday, but go to Fate’s Restaurant. If possible telephone the day before to let him know that you will be there. The same price will prevail, 25 cents, for next Sunday’s turkey dinn?r.

Death of Lewis Sayler.

Lewis Sayler, tbe last of- the children of Henry Sayler, died between 10 and 11 o’clock this Wednesday morning at the home of himself and wife in Kniman. He was 79 years of age. He was a brother of Michael and Isaac Sayler, well known former residents of this county. Deceased is survived by his wife and several sons, among them, Isaac, of Mt. Ayr; Byron, of Braddock, N. Dak.; and Virgil, Lawrence and Claud. Benjamin Sayler, of Rensselaer, is a nephew. The funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Injured in Runaway Accident.

George Kennedy, % substantial farmer residing In Jordan township, suffered some painful injuries in a runaway accident at bis home this Thursday morning. He had hitched a team to a wagon and before leaving the barn lot the horses become frightened. He was either thrown from the wagon or fell when trying to get out of the wagon, and struck the hard ground on the side of his face which was considerably lacerated. A small bone iu his left wrist was also broken and he will be laid up for some time.

Clerk Irwin Had a Marriage.

George B. Scott and Nellie Mae Hickman, of Roeelawn, a nice looking young couple, procured a marriage license here Monday and tbe services of Squire Irwin were called in to pronounce the marriage ceremony, which he did in the most approved style. The young couple returned to Roeelawn on the afternoon train.

Going West to Grow Up.

A party of Hooslers from northern Indiana are going to southern Colorado on the 16th to take advantage of a fine proposition in irrigated land. All one price, first purchasers, first choice. Would like to make It a large colony. For further Information address W. G. Paxton, Hammond, Ind.

Call phone No. 373 when in need of Wood. Coal qr Feed. Tour order will be delivered promptly.

Lawyers Working For McCoy’s Release

Hayward ft Burnett the Lafayette attorneys for T. J. McCoy, are stlE working earnestly to secure his release, and 1 it seems that they have A willing ear in Governor Marshall, whose order for McCoy's release was directly contrary to the wish of tbs board of pardons. It would seem that Governor Marshall could not do better iu his consideration of the VoCoy case than to follow in the path of Ex-Governor Hanley and ascertain the feeling of the people theft suffered losses in the McCoy bank before releasing him. While a great many people here do not care particularly about his release, since It is to come within four or five months any way, still they do think that his crime was sufficient to justify his serving the full term of three years and that that would be very light punishment. The last legislature change# the law for the punishment of embezzling bankers so that the ligditeA sentence that can be imposed would be from 2 to 14 years, and the one ta three year prize packages are no longer available for those unscrupulous hankers who rob their depositors. Robert Parker was sentenced under the latter law, and had Tom McCoy been so sentenced he would have been required to have remained iu the penitentiary for probably ten years. - Pardons should never be granted without mighty good cause and It there is a single reason for the release of McCoy we have never seen it advanced. With some nineteen ln- | dlctments for embezzlement hanging 1 over him, on any one of which lie could have been proven guilty and which if tried separately would hava kept him in the penitentiary the balance of his life, and with the people whom he robbed still suffering because of his criminal management of the bank there is not a reason why Tom McCoy should be released a single day short of the full three years. The stealing of a quarter million dollars should not be treated sa lightly as to have a governor pardon the thief under cover of his Interpretation of the law. Democratte depositors last fall held up their hands in holy horror the election of Watson, claiming that should he be elected he woull pardon Tom McCoy. It must look peculiar to them to see their Idol, Governor Marshall, do or attempt the very thing that they declared without cause Watson would do. The smooth attorneys are doing all they can to secure McCoy’s release and if they should prevail on tha governor to release him it will ha a travesty on justice. Tom McCoy wlft get off easy if he leaves the penitentiary on June 18th. Of the efforts bis attorneys am making the Lafayette correspondent of the’ Indianapolis News says: “Word has been received by Hayward & Burnett, from James ReJ#, warden of the Michigan City Prison, that he has declined to relearn Thomas McCoy, the Rensselaer bank wrecker, from prison. Hayward ft Burnett, after investigating the question, went to Governor Thomas R. Marshall and suggested to him that the old act of 1883, providing for the diminution of senteaca for good behavior had not been repealed by the indeterminate sentence law. As a result, Governor Marshall notified Warden Reid to release McCoy at once, as under the act of 1883, McCoy was entitled to a diminution of blx months for *OO4I behavior. This would have ended hi* sentence a month ago. Warden Reid has written a letter to Hayward ft Burnett, in which ba says that the decision of the Bopreme Court ten years ago is contrary to the opinion of Attorney-Gen-eral Bingham, on which Governor Marshall’s request for McCoy’s release was based. Mr. Burnett raid today that though the language of tha Supreme Court decision seemed tn apply to the McCoy case, the decision. Itself had no connection with the present case, and that the cases went not even similar. He says the Suprema Court went further than necessary la its extended decision, and that ha will make an effort to have the decision so construed that it will bare no application to the McCoy care

The full line of Wool Dneaa Goods now on sale at The Q. E. Murray Co. Every piece new, sl-26 values tor $L 76c values for 60a Ask to see thin line, we are proud to show them. Just Uke spring time—A can of UwM fine apinoch at the Hone Grocery.

NO. 44.