Semi-weekly Independent, Volume 2, Number 37, Plymouth, Marshall County, 19 March 1896 — Page 1

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Am eeray pen Vol. If. PLYMOUTH, MARSHALL COUNTY, INDIANA, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1896 No. 37.

"ETHICAL FORCES.'

DR. J. S. MARTIN ASKS SENATOR REEVE SOME QUESTIONS. Tli ifiilluiMii Oo- Into Ouite an Ki tended hikI Interesting Answer lo tlit Otiery An Anwer of Interesting (niniuenU. To Tlio Editor: In your issue of the 14, "Docior Martin referring to my lecture of tne evening before on "Kthical Force"- asks this question. Is there an eternal and absolute principal of right, independent and above man's authority, proceeding from an absoutely perfect intelligence and goutiness, not subject to changes of society or mutations of public opinion; and has that principal been so fully revealed to mankind that the "wayfaring man, though a fool, may not err therein?" That question was fully answered in my lecture. If the doctor had used the word God, for and instead of "an absolutely perfect intelligence and goodness" I would answer, No! The existence of such a principle so established and revealed would be the determinate, fixed irresistible decree of an immaculate power, and it could not be obstructed, violated, or changed, without destroying equilibrium. The Bible contains abundance of moral precepts but that was given toonly one people specially adopted by (Jod, few in numbers, and they were forbidden to mingle with other peoples. When Christ came with his revelations he limited them to the same people, and when he sent out his Evangels he forbade them going to any other people, and sent them only to the Jews his own people. It was not until Paul got angry at the Corinthians and said he would thenceforth go to the Gentiles that any other than Hebrews were preached to. And there is no record of any one but Paul preaching to any others than Hebrews. Kven today, two thirds of the worlds' inhabitants know nothing of the Bible and its revelations. The doctor quotes Webster's definition of Right, as "the will of Cod." What effect would that have on men who do not believe in a God or on savages who never heaid of a God, and there are millions of them? The doctor's question is prompted by my statement that, there Is no fixed and permanent standard of right and wrong among men; and that each rests in the individual perception, opinion, and judgment, and in a temporary con census of judgment as to communities. He can see the truth of this in the difference between his own views and the views of others on all sides, on any subject. He has only to look at human ity as it is ana always nas been to see that such "an eternal and absolute principle" does not exist; that right and wrong in a moral sense is only an idea growing ont of the idea of "the brotherhood of man" which is the source and foundation of all mora1, ideas. To see that there never has been and never cae be any fixed, unchangable, standard of right and wrong in a moral sense, made by men. To see that a conception of right and wrong justice and injustice is the conclusion of each person's judgement, depending on his perceptions, knowledge and enviioument first, andsrcond, on an agreement among many, governing the opinions of acumniunity. If such a principle and revelation existed as his question infers humanity would not be at war with itself as it is and always has been. There would not be different races of human animals graded from brutal canabilistic savages up to the enlightened. There would not be hundreds of religions and of variant religious devotees and contend ing organizations. There would be no agnostics and infidels. There would be no disagreeing courts, or juries, or wrangling among church conferences and synods; or in political parties, legis latures, and among nations. It would be impossible. There would be no be lievers in foreordination. Christ would not have said that he came to bring a sword and that a man's enemies should be those of his own household. He would not have come at all to reform or fulfill the Mosaic law because there would have been no need. Jf such a principle and revelation ever existed then God's incarnation in Christ and hii immolation on the cross was wholly uncalled for and useless. That fact in history alone proves that it did not exist. And the Christian theology and worship of today is useless if it exists now. The doctor's question infers that the will (which is the purpose) of an infinite , immaculate God for the conduct of creatures of hit own creation, is subject

to and dependent on the will ( purpose) of those creatures they being finite and no two alike in perception or knowledge! Such a relation of (iodto men would be impossible. There is a Principle of right and wrong inherent in matter and the outgrowths of matter, of which human relations and conditions are a part, and it is revealed to every one who is w ise

enough to discover it in any given case, by instinct, intuition, or acquired knowledge. That principle is the operative force of Knergy in maintaining equilib rium in the changes of matter, which is its function and constani labor. Everything, men and their relations included, is in process of constant evolu tion; changing into new conditions and environments. Those of today are ditterent from those of the days of the Doctor's father and grandfather, in everything including spiritual ideas and beliefs. Ethics is a force that evolves from the right use of knowledge by man in adapting himself to his changing en vironment; a use that is in harmony with the operations of natural law; such a use of knowledge as tends to harmony in human relations and toward moral and intellectual elevation. The wiser the use the more perfect, extended, and effectual the ethical force. The use cf knowledge will be according to each man's judgment (which is his conscience) for no two see exactly alike. Right and wrong arise from these differences in judgment. If the Divine principle existed and was so plainly revealed that even a fool may not err as the Doctor's question implies such differences could not exist. A Principle is a rule of action arising out of any existing conditions whenever they occur; is always the same from the same conditions; and cannot be evaded or changed only by changing the conditions. As to right and wrong Christ and Peter and Christ and Julas differed. So did Paul and his brother evangelist; so did Job and his friends; so did Moses and Aaron; Saul and Samuel; Pilate aud the high priest; Herod nd John the Baptist; and the nations of the world are all differing now. Mankind as a mass neither recognize or know of any such principle and rev elation as the Doctor's question infers. If it extsted, mankind would be compelled to recognize it. C. 11. Peeve. March 10, WJö. Y. M, C. A. Note. The second of the series of lectures was given Friday night at the hall. A fair-sized audience was in attendance. Hon. Chas. Reeve gave a splendid lecture on "Ethical Force" after which a short discussion followed, some taking exceptions to a few points in the lecture. Miss Edna Yockey gave one of her highly appreciated recitations, which was vary pathetically rendered. W. B. Hess gave a very interesting alk on the City of Jerusalem at the Young Men's meeting Sunday afternoon. The speaker was listened to with the closest attention as he described the various places within the walls of the Holy City. A Ureat Time. At Walkerton Monday evening was a great time at Bender's opera house. Incidentally an oyster supper will be served, by the ladies of the Catholic church. The star attraction of the evening was the voting of a gold ring to tbe handsomest ein. ana a chromotothe ugliest man. In Ply mouth there are plenty of men who can secure a chromo. without having their beauty put to test, and chromos are se cured in other shady transactions. "Complimentary." Under the above caption "Editor Brooke published yesterday four press notices of his new "News." One of his prefatory remarks was: "We here give a few of the complimentary notices ac corded the News by the craft in the surrounding country." The notices quoted were from Valparaiso, Elkhart, Columbia City and Michigan City papersnone yery near home considering the five papers published in Marshall county outside the city of Plymouth. The Independent does not think "Editor" Brooke was quite fair with the people of this city when ho did not quote some compliments from papers nearer home, whose editors would be better acquainted with his methods and motives and perhaps better qualified to speak from knowledge of the man and his works. Such testimonials would, moreover, carry more weight than those from such a distance that the local public knows little or nothing of them. We cheerfully give Editor" Brooke our assistance In calling attention to

expressions nearer home and contribute space for the following expression from this week's Marmont Herald: "We have upon our table The Plymouth Evening News, a new daily which is seeking public favor m that bustling little city. It is published at the Plymouth Republican oHice, and we understand is edited by one of the polit ical editors of Indianapolis. Ed Brooke of the Republican, however, is its alledged editor, who will run the concern in the interest of a certain rirg, who is to put up the lilthyulucre." It is a six column folio, with a "boiler plate" front page, which in our opinion is mighty poor taste. The proprietors start out with a vim, having "scooped" in Tin: Independent's paper carriers, and leaving said paper in the "lurch ' without the least compunction. But, of course, as this is considered rather "raw" newspaper courtesy, The Independent will have to put up with the deal. In conclusion we hope the new "sheet"

will till a long felt want. The Oeath Keeord. Mrs. Mary Zimmerman, wife of John Zimmerman, died of lung fever, at her home six miles east of town, Sunday afternoon. Mrs." Zimmerman was 49 years of age at the time of her death. She was buried at Maple Grove, northeast of town, yesterday. Reports reached Plymouth Sunday evening, oi tnoueatn ot liarnett AUam son, an old settler residing near Maxenkuckee who died with consumption last Saturday. We have been unable to learn the particulars of his sickness and death. Markie Harris, the crippled son of J. Harris died Monday. He was apparently in good health until about 11 o'clock when he was taken ill with a congestive chill, living only a short time. He was nearly 21 years of age, and throughout his life has been a cripple. He had a very amiable nature and a submissive disposition which won for hira the sympaty of all. The death of Joshua Swihart was not unexpected, although it had been the hope of his many friends that he would rally from the diseases that had fastened their hold upon him. The in direct cause of his death was a bad cold contracted last fall. Mr. Swihart was respected by all who knew him, and had just arrived at that time in life when he was preparing to enjoy the fruits of his labors, when death snapped the slender cord and he was numbered with the dead. Joshua Sheldon Swihart was born in Starke county, Ohio, Feb 1, 1845. At the age of G yeara he moved wit h his parents to St. Joseph county, Indiana. In 1802 he enlisted with the 20th regiment, Indiana Vol. Infantry and served three years. Since the close of the war he has ben a resident of Marshall county, Iiid. He was married Feb. 28, 1878, to Miss Catharine Bivar, his widow. To this union was born one child, Mary Gladdys, who still survives and mourns the loss of a tender, loving father. After an illness of about six months duration he passed to his reward, having received the assurance of the Holy Spirit he died happy, March 14th, ISM, aged 51 years, 1 month and 13 days. He leaves many relatives and numerous friends who will mourn the loss of an honest, upright and loyal ma n, of a kind husband and father and an obliging friend and neighbor. The funeral services were held at the U. B. church, conducted by Rev. John R. A ppleman, assisted by Rev. 1. S. Jones, of Inwood, after which the remains were laid to rest in Oak Hill cemetery, there to await the judgment at the second coming of our Savior. C. E. R. Vivletta Whiteleather, after a lingering illness, died at 7 o'clock Tuesday at the home of her parents, four miles north of this city. Miss Whiteleather was 20 years old the 18th of last August. The funeral services occur at the Stump church, three miles northwest of Lapaz at 11:30 o'clock Thursday morning and the remains will be interred in Fairniount cemetery. The funeral prosession will leave her lato home at 10 o'clock Thursday morning. Tuesday Z. M. Tanner received the sorrowful information that his sister at Wichita, Kansas, had died. Mr. Tanner left that morning for Greenburg, Ind., where the funeral services will be held, In immediate response to a telegram announcing the death of the child of Mrs. R. E. Beebe, his daughter, of Wilmette, 111., Dr. Borton departed Monday afternoon for Chicago.

IN MYSTERY'S REALM.

An Evening; with Prof. ChM. Starr tu VVife Unexplalnable Myterle. Tuesday evening a large audience greeted Prof. Chas. Starr and his wife at tho opera house. This was the first evening of a week's entertainment at this place. The professor impressed upon the mil ds of his hearers at the start that while they would witness evidences of unseen power, it was not the work of spirits, as stated by numerous mediums. The committee of ten appointed to assist in watching for anything that might savor of outside assistance was selected from the audience and the evening's work was begun. The so-called turning water into wine was the first feat and although as stated by the professor the mediums cla'm the work to be that of predominating spirits, yet Mayor Swindell was able to produce the same results. The next mysterious subject, and one which set that large audience to thinking, was "slate writing." Here was something to test the confidence of those who looked upon the matter with suspicion. The two slates in the hands of the committee were thoroughly and closely scrutinized aad cleaned. Mr Swindell took charge of them, placing the small bit of pencil between them, and tying them together. The result was truly startling. We will give in full the writing on the slate when separated: "I would call the special attention of every man to the fact that all the ways cf man are clean in his own eyes. But the Ijoru weighs the spirits. V hen a man's ways please the Lord he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. Better a little with righteousness than a great business without right. "Thomas Shakes." Those present who had during Mr. Shakes' life had dealings with him, commented upon the fac similio of the writing. Mrs. Shakes, who was also present, declared it an exact reproduction of her husband's writing. We are not here to tell how it was done. The best way is to attend yourself and solve the problem. The cabinet work by the professor, to a large degree, is equal to that of the noted Davenport brothers. Being firmly tied to a chair by the committee, and eventually stepping out of the cabinet unfastened. The entertainment given by the little wooden images was life-like and worth the money spent to see. The mind reading by Mrs. Starr, we can truly testify, is the best we have ever witnessed and was equal to any test placed upon her ability. She wa3 swift in her responses to inquiries re garding to articles touched, and star tied a large number of the audience by the portrayal of numerous departed and their appearance when last seen. This interesting entertainment will continue the remainder of the week, and, safe to say, it is well worth the money spent to attend it. Cupid Caper. Is Cupid a good Archer? Though oft his arrow hisses; And all his alms seem fairly true. He's always making Mrs. Jennie Beagles was divorced from James S. Beagles at 11 o'clock a. m. Tuesday and at 11:02 marriage li cense was issued to John Huffer and Jennie Beagle. Married on Sunday March 15 at 7:30 at their home 4305 Berkly avenue, Cb cago, by the Rev. Walter Delefield.EpisJ copal clergyman, William S. Reeve, son of Mr. J. S. Reeve of this city, to Miss Mablo Clair Voris, youngest sister of Miss Emma, who was one of Plymouth's old school teachers. William is one of Plymouth's native boys and now the head of the W. S. Reeve Publishing Co., 415 Dearborn street, Chicago, 111. May happiness attend their combined voy age. Reliable information comes to us in reference to the marriage of C. E Croup and Miss May Tribby, at Fitz gerald, Ga., both formerly of this city. The young couple have many friends in this city who extend congratula tions. -- The following have licensed to wed: lalah BUley and Mary Kyser. Arthur Gordou aud Cora Rhodes. Wm. llrowu aud Mealey Little. Chas. M. Price aud Myrta A. Bell. Sellle W. .Joiies. aud Hope Foxworthy, Urlcht M. Fox worthy, aud Florence M. Ger ard. J no. Huffer and Jennie Beagles. Wm. It. Kllse and Mary Knapp. Work at tbe l'miiplng Station. M. C. Walla ha3 been at work for the past few days drilling out the cylinders at the water works. He is getting along rapidly, when taking into consid eration the particular work to be done and will . we understand complete the job this week.

SIMPLY IMPOSSIBLE.

I AND I '

"He could not tell a lie." St. LouU G lobe-Democrat. AN EXCELLENT MEETING. The Twenty-Sixth Anniversary of the Woman's Missionary Society of Plymouth Celebrated at tbe M. K. Church Lut Night. Sunday evening at 7:30 the large audi torium room of the M. E. church was filled to its utmost capacity, to participate in the 26th anniversary of the Woman's Foreign Missionary society. At the opening of the interesting ser vices Mrs. D. Frank Redd rendered an excellent organ voluntary, followed by Coronation by the congregation. This was followed by prayer by the pastor, L. S. Smith. The choir then rendered a number, appropriate to the occasion. After the regular weekly announce ments by the pastor an interesting scripture services was led by Miss Rose Carnahan,with responses from members of the congregation. A solo, "Rock of Ages," was pathet ically rendered by Miss Nona BrookeSmith, which was highly appreciated. This was followed by an exercise con ducted by Miss Annabelle King and her class, consisting of Hazel Ketcham, Alice Hallock, Mary Kendall, Grace Fish, Stella Brink, Celia Reeves and Effie Conger. The title of the exercise was "Offering to the Genus of Christi anity." It represented the different nations of the earth laying their gifts of fruit, Jewels, and other offerings at the feet of the Christian religion for the hone of future salvation taught them through our missionaries. This was followed by the past year's report by Mrs. Dr. AY . Jackson. In fact she said that twenty-six years ago the W. F. M. S. of the M. E. church was organized with six charter members. This society was organized by Mrs. Aaron W ood, a great missionary work er, who is now living in South Rend, at the age of 91 years. The members of this band have each promised to give $1 every year for the missionary work and have kept this pledge faithfully ever since this organization started, 20 years ago. Of the six charter members of the society but two remain: Mrs. M. E. Pershing and Mrs. David Reynolds. Twelve meetings have been held dur ing the past year with an average at tendance of fifteen members, and 09.83 have been forwarded to the branch treasury for the support of missions. Miss Maud Oldfather sang a beauti ful solo which was favorably received. A recitation "The Sower" by Miss Lou Clare Jones, proved an excellent lesson and was received. This was followed by an exercise "Bringing in the Sheaves," participated in by OrphaSmith,Edith Kendall, Edith Covert, Bessie Leonard, Iva Disher, Nelleeta Sillik. Grace Sponsler and Daisy Tribby. This exercise represent ed workers asking "What wilt thou have me to do." To the meioay or an appropriate march they filed to the rear of the church, and then gracefully marched back to the platform carrying sheaves of grain, while singing "Bring ing in the Sheaves." It was very beauti ful,and capping of the sheaves by Orpha Smith was very realistic. The choir then rendered an a nthem followed by Mrs. L. S. Smith with a pa per on thanks offering. The thank offering collection was men taken u p amounting to $28. The congregation joined in singing the doxology, and al returned to their homes refreshed by the pleasant evening spent. Only an Error. The funeral of Joshua S. Swihart was held at the U. B. church today at 10:30, and not at the M. E. chujeh "as some 'ignoramuses would have you believe. The above quotation is taken from the sheet that furnishes reliable news. the editor of which is jumping on al his journalistic opponents who some times make mistakes.

THE CITY C0XEYFIED

THE AGITATOR FOR GOOD ROADS IN TOWN. J. S. Coxey Speak at the Oper Hou-te te a Large Crowd-Non-1 nteresting Hearing lioml hU Principal Theory. The Independent announced Fri day evening that J. S. Coxey, of Commonweal f aue was to deliver an address at the opera house on the issues of the day. It was not given much credit until the bills announcing the fact were scattered on the streets. It was worth a treat to see how the citi zens watched him as he came up from he depot, and realized that he looked like he majority of us common mortals. The wild west proclivilies looked for were not there, nor did he wear a cow boy suit or long hair, and have a haunt ed look in his eyes. Mr. Coxey was not very favorably impressed with the reception he received at the depot, as the committee of the populist party suc ceeded in meeting him about half way up town. But when the show was to commence, the opera house was crowded from the bottom to the top. There were a great many disappointments Saturday night. A larger number of the people went to the opera house through mere curiosity. large number were disappointed in his appearance, believing a man who had created such a sensation as he had, who had been ordered off the steps of the U. S. capitol and also been put in prison for twenty days for the sake of opinion and also the nerve to express it, must be marked by some peculiar feature to denote the presence of the "Ferris wheel" he was supposed to have in his head. Then again those who went there for the purpose of hearing an illiterate man, were disappointed, as he is a man of considerable intelligence. Coxey used greenbacks and what is known as comercial paper to emphasize his argu ments, and it cannot be denied that his theory is plausible. He proved beyond a doubt to those who were there for the purpose of gaining information, that his plan of non-interest bearing bonds would give sufficient money to do business with. The trial would of course be necessary to prove it the best. The greatest trouble with his speech was his mode of reiterating. One thing that suprised the greater number of those present, was the fact. that not once in that 1J hours speech did he refer to the free and unlimited coinage of silver, lie also gave the story of his trip to Washington with the army; his reason for so doing, and his reception, incarceration and trial. There were a number of truths uttered by Mr. Coxey Saturday night and they proved distasteful to both republicans and democrats. Before the commencement of his lecture it was amusing to watch the different representatives of the two old parties, and the Jifferent spirit manifested. There were Mayor Swindell and Brad Southworth, who, when they entered the hall, took a sneak toward the rear of the room. When Judge Hess came in he walked defiantly up to the front row. The Hon. II. G. Thayer got in a little late and was compelled to take a reserve seat against the side of the wall. Attorney N. Stevens walked clear around the hall and set down on the west side of the opera house among a large gathering of free silverites. Pete Ktuyer got in a little late, and played a square bluff on a "pat hand," walking to the front and leaning against the stage. The representative of the Republican took the front row, and before the speaker got down to his work, got up and "Hew his kite." No better place could have been found to study human nature along political lines. Shortly after Coxey commenced his speech, he lit into Grover Cleveland and the democratic party in a way that would raise hair on an egg. We looked over at Kruyer and he had straightened up and looked daggers at poor Coxey. Over on the east side the Hon. II. G. Thayer was applauding to the echo, while Swindell and Southworth were holding their sides and laughing for all it was worth. But when Coxey turned like a Hash and commenced berating the republican party, the sudden change was ludicrous. Fete Kruyer smiled a broad smile and those on the other side of the fence looked at the speaker with contempt plainly depicted on their faces. For Sale. A comfortable dwelling near the Bicyclo factory. Enqurre of C. Bergman.