Herald and Review from Decatur, Illinois • Page 2

3 FOR THE WORK FELLOW COMMITTEE MEETS And Maps Out A Plan For Work In Connection With The Proposed Old Folks Home--Discuss In A General Way The Requirements Which Will Be Exacted Of Competing Towns -Decide To Adopt The Cottage Plan And Hope To Begin In 1897. The committee appointed at the last session of the grand lodge of Odd Fellows to look after a site for the "Old Folks' Home' met in Decatur yesterday afternoon and were in session until evening. It was their first meeting and was called for the purpose of devising some plan to work on and to arrange the preliminaries for the big undertaking. The grand lodge met in November and named the committee and the meeting yesterday was the first held. The members of 1 the committee are men of prominence both in the order and in public life.

They were C. F. Mansfield, the past grand master of the order, Judge Phillips of Virginia, W. R. Jewell, editor of the Danville News, Judge R.

W. S. Wheatley, of Duquoin and Julias Raible of Alton. There was an auxilliary committee appointed from the Rebekah lodge, consisting of Mrs. Nellie Harris and Mrs.

T. M. Haydon of Chicago, Mrs. Jennie Tinchor of Rocktord, Mrs. A.

Reeve of Decatur and Mrs. Catherine Hoefer of Peoria. All the members of the committee were present. The sessions of the committee were beld at the St. Nicholas and an organization was effected by electing C.

F. Mansfield as the chariman and W. R. Jewell as secretary. They will formulate a report and issue it to the different lodges of the state within a few days, telling them of the initial steps taken and what tbey expect to do.

This address will state that all propositions for sites must te submitted by February 15. The home requires not less than 100 acres or more of ground although the members of the committee say that they will take all over 300 that is offered. They do not require any offer however to specify more than 300 acres. The committee will meet again during the latter part of February but have not yet determined where this will te he'd. Mr.

Jewell the secretary of the committee sald that the locations offerel must be accessible to big markets, that the town making a bid must be a good railroad center with ample facilities. Towns competing for the home may make any offer they chose in land and money and they will be considered, but the essential points above mentioned will cut a big figure in determining the site. The committee decided that this proposed home should be built on the cottage plan. How many cottages they will erect at the start has nos been fully determined on but in a general way the committee agreed on a plan which will probably be carried out eventually. The purpose of this undertaking is to provide a home for worthy but indigent members of the order of Odd Fellows and Daughters of Rebekah.

It is owing to the fact that women are legible to its benefits that it was decided to adopt the cottage plan. Mr. Jewell thinks that this is one of the mistakes made in the Soldiers' Home of this state. Men go there and are separated from their wives They are simply charges on the bounty of the state. The Odd Fellows by providing cottages expect to make it possible for man wife to go to the home together.

They will occupy a cotsage together and if they are able will have a little patch ground to work raising vegetables and fruits for the market. While the entira plan is under the supervision of the grand lodge, there will be nothing to prevent a local lodge from building a cottage for members who are forced to go there. Any lodge will be entitled to make ths provision and maintain a cottage at its own expense. There will be a main bullding for the superintendent and his assistants and the cottages will be scattered about the grounds conposing a little town by themselves. The Idea is to apportion a certain amount of ground to each cottage so that the couple ocoapying it can pass their time cultivating the same and the product will be sold for the benefit of the institution.

The beneficiaries of the home of course are not expected to provide their own living but they will be expected to do what they can to maintain the institution. The plan 1 is one of ideal practical charity. At this home an old couple can go and pass their declining days. They will bave their own little patch of ground to work and their cottage will be not only a home in name but in fact as well. The members of the committee did not know last night how many cottages would be required start on.

It is understood now that there are some twenty members of the order who will be entitled to privilege. Tbat would require probably ten cotatges and as a beginning it is expected to spend some $60,000 or the buildings. The per capita assessment of twenty cents places $10,000 at the disposal of the committee and the subsequent assessments are such that ample financial means will be provided for carrying out the work without making it a burden to any one who belongs to the order. There are already eleven towns that have expressed a willingness to enter the contest for the location of the home. They are Alton, Quincy, Galesburg, Vandalia, Effingham, Fairfield, Mt.

Vernon, Carbondale, Greenup, Murpbysboro and Morris. These towns were all suggested to the committee yesterday but no specific offer had been made for the reason that none of the towns knew what the committee would demand. They will all be notified of the requirements bowerer, and bare the -opportunity of submitting a bid before the 15th of February. The desire on the part of so ne of the towns to secure home is so great that members of the committee have no doubt that they will bare pleaty of ties to select a site without the expendi- tare of any money. In all probability some of town will give not only the site but a big cash donation.

It is the expectations of the committee that the site will be selected and the work on the buildings commenced during the coming year. Last night visiting members were entertained by the Odd Fellows of this city at the lodge room of No. 65 in the Lyon building on North Main street. The hours were from 8 to 11 o'clock The evening was spent in a pleasant manner by a large number of the members of the order. Short addresses were made by Judge Phillips of Virginia, W.

R. Jewell of Danville, Mrs. Nellie Harris of Chicago, Judge Wheatley of Duquoin, J. H. Raible of Alton and C.

F. Mansfield of Mansfield. The lodges that took part in the reception were Decatur Lodge No. 65, Celestial Lodge No. 186 and Columbia Lodge No.

199. The reception and general committee consisted of W. E. Pease, A. W.

Hendricks, I. N. Martin, H. A. Votaw, C.

M. Lytle, D. C. Corley, W. H.

Davis, Peters, J. B. Fritz and L. W. Fribourg.

It was announced last night that the committee was practically through their labors and all that remained was the receiving of bids for the location of the new home. They will be received up to February 15. SAID TO BE ON A STRIKE. The Horn Toters Said To Have Laid Down On Their Jobs-Alderman Dewit In Ohio. It was talked about on the streets start- yesterday that the tin horn toters who fed from Doeatur to carry the big horn to Canton and present it to Major McKinley for a New Years present had gone on a strike.

Alderman Dewitt went to Obio several days ago to straighten them out and ascertain the cause of the trouble. Just what the trouble is can only be surmised here but the talk is to the effect that the boys are in financial straits. According to the story they have not been doing a flourishing business in the matter of the sale of; pictures and they are said to be behind on the bill as the photograph gallery supplying them. Alderman Oscar Hill who was ahead of the party as advance agent came home nearly two weeks ago and a few days ago James Dewitt came back He was the origi-! nator of the idea and when the party left Decatur be was the enthusiastic man in the party, and was dead certain that the project would not only be carried to a successful issue but that it would prove a money making scheme. The men carrying the horn bad nos been heard from direct for several days The last despatch that appeared in the papers was to the effect that they had crossed the Ohio state line and still bad plenty of time in which to reach their destination.

There has been so much said about the old tin horn that Decatur people have taken a little local pride in the venture and were hoping to hear of its being deposited on McKinley's lawn 00 January 1. If the reports are true that there is a strike on hand there will be considerable disappointment. Ever since the party Decatur people have speculated on what Major McKinley would do or say when the born was presented to him. They wanted to have it presented to the major in order to satisfy their curiosity in that regard. Alderman Dewitt was expected home last night but he did not arrive.

He will probably be here today. QUIETLY MARRIED. Andrews- Morgan. Fred W. Andrewe, the restaurant keeper on Eas: Main street and Mice Ida Morgan were quietly married yesterday afternoon by Justice J.

Q. A. Odor at his office. The ceremony was witnessed only by the required number of witnesses. Slanker-Jepson.

George D. Slanker of this city and Miss fie Jepson of Clinton were married 9:30 o'clock Wednesday evening at the home of Rev. D. F. Howe on West Main street.

They will begin housekeeping 1090 West Wood street. The groom is COnpected with the Howes grocery store on West Wood street. AN ADVERTISING DEVICE. J. W.

Cleland of this city has almost ready for the market an advertising device in the way of a nickel-in-the-slot machine that promises to be popular. is of his own invention and is as simple in construction as it is catchy. The machine is flat and circular, with a dia.meter of about two feet. A nickel is placed in the slot, a crank is turned and a small card is thrown out. You may or you may not find on this card a number that will Award you cigars.

If it does not the card will bear a neat advertisment of the firm. Twenty-five of these cards with advertisements are in each machine. They are placed in stores without charge. The face of the machine also bears cards of different merchants. WILL TALK ON MATRIMONY.

At Saint John's Episcopal church on Sunday evening Rev, F. N. Atkin will deliver a sermon lecture 00 the eubject of "Matrimony 11 There will be an organ recital after the services by Fred Church, the organist. He has given a number of fine programe in the past but the one se. lected for Sund ay night promises to excel all previoue efforte.

IN HONOR OF MISS PLOWMAN. Misses Stella and Laura Jenkins entertained about forty young ladies yesterday afternoon at their home on West William street, the affair being in honor of Miss Plowman of Taylorville. The casion was a thimble party and the hours were from 3 to 5 o'clock. Light luncheon was served during the afternooz. PREPARATIONS BEING MADE.

The young men's literary society of the High School known as the Alpha Reta having charge of the decorations of the rooms in the High Schooi building in which will occur the unveiling of the bust of Supt. Gastman and the exercises incident thereto. The rooms will b3 handsomely decorated with flowers and the school colors. A FAREWELL. At the Baptist church this evening the farewell reception will be given in honor of Mr.

and Mrs Carroll McIntire who are going to Evansville to reside. LOCAL INTEREST IN CUBA. DECATUR PATRIOTS ARE READY Dr. R. L.

Waiston Says He Is Willing To Enlist As Surgeon Of An Illinois RegIment If One Is Organized To Aid The Cuban Patriots--An Ex-member Of The Regular Army Hears From The New York Junta- -Death Of Mrs. Nowlin. Every one who notices the course of current events knows that in this country there has for nearly a year been a strong undercurrent -a desire for a fight. For some unexplained reason there will never apparently cease to exist in the breast of man a desire to in feats of physical prowes and when he tires of doing that for the fun of the thing be wants to fight. When the United States first offered friendly offices in an endeavor to settle the boundary dispute between Great Britain and Venezuela there was a newspaper prospect that the offer was not to be received in the kindly spirit afterwards accorded.

The average man was going about with a chip on his shoulder, just aching for some Britisher to come along and knock it off. That is the spirit which must crop out every so often in every nation. The people generally are now stirred for another muss but this time they feel that they have cause to rebel against what appears from all accounts to be most outrageous conduct on the part of the Spanish army in Cuba The fact that the Cubans are struggling to be reliaved of a yoke more galling than that which causes the colonist to rise in retellion more than one hundred years ago and begin the struggle which ended in the independence of the col.pies, is ample cause for their sympathies being wish the Cubans. The insurgents or patriots, whatever you please to call them. would have the sympahty of every born American if a faic fight was corded them.

But when there comes through the press despatches such stories as that telling the butchery of General Antonio Maceo while under a flag of truce, their sympathy is surpassed by their just indignation at the practices of the Spanish army. While considering these things more than one man declares his willingness to enlist if possible to aid the Cubans in their struggle. Tuesday afternoon a party of Decatarites were discussing the Cuban situation as they see it through the press despatches and among the number as Dr R. L. Walston.

The evening papers last night in referring to the episode quoted the doctor as saying that he would enlist as the regimental surgeon if a company of Illicols men was raised to aid the Cuban patriots. Last night a reporter for the Herald- Despatch asked the doctor if he bad been correctly quoted. He said that the idea conveyed was in accordance with what he said. He said that at the time there were a number of men present and that he was not talking for publication, but that he would now say that he meant every word that he had said. He believes that according to the accounts of the way the war is carried on, Spain has forfeited all rights to demand that the United States be bound by the neutrality laws of nations.

The account of the killing of Maceo and his staff he regards as equal to the acounts cf the butchery of the Armenians by the Turks. Last night Dr. Walston said that if regiment of Illinois men could be raised to aid the Cubans he would offer bis services as regimental surgeon. He said that he knew well enough that under the present condition of affairs the government would not allow any enlisting to be done here but that the men could cross the Rio Grande river as RIPaso and enlist 00 Mexican soil. He emphatically declared that he was not talking for mere talk sake but mean; what he said and would go at once under the conditions be had suggested.

The doctor by the way knows something about soldiering. for he served in the late unpleasantness, first as assistant surgeon fo: the Twenty-Afth Illinois and after wards as eurgeon of the One Handred and Forty-third regiment. Dr. Walston is inspired as he says by a feeling of indignation that practices outlawel by civilized nations are every day occurrences on the island of Cuba. There is more than one young man in the city quite willing to go but as a rule they are inspired by a lore of excitement and adventure Dr.

Walston said to a reporter last night that he believed a meeting should be called and attended by representative men to express an opinion as to the possible action of the United States in the struggle now taking place. For his part he wants a resolution sent to the congressional representatives from this state telling them that the people of this section will endorse the most radical steps of congress looking to intervention by the United States to the end that the slaughter may be stopped. Heard From The Junta. There is in Decatur a man who has served in the regular army of the United States and has bad considerable ence in military tactics. Some time ago he addressed a letter to the Caban junta in New York.

He offered his services and expressed desire to go to the island and fight for the liberty of the people. His one stipulation was that be was to be a commissioned officer. Yesterday he receired an answer to his letter and it was in teressing for several reasons. In the first place it was a copy of a circular with blanks to fill in, showing that the junta is in reclept of so many letters of a like character that a stereotyped form of answer '1s necessary. It was interesting too, 85 showing that Caban patriots are not ipciting or advising men to go from this country to fight for their cause.

Possibly the members of the janta are too smart to take chances on the discriminate offers that are made to them for fear that In the excitement they may be caught in some violation of the neutrality laws. Their answer to the young man who, wrote from Decatur was largely to that effect showing that they were trying to keep within the bounds of international They informed the Decatur patriot that they appreciated his offer but that the laws of the United States were rigid and that they had no authority to enlist men in a cause against a nation which was on friendly terms with this country. They suggested that possibly a time might come when his offer would be considered and thanked him for bis sympatby with their cause and his desire to help them. DEATH OF MRS. NOWLIN.

Passed Away Yesterday Morning at the Home of Her Son in Austin Township -Other Mortuary Mat ere. Mra. J. B. Nowlin yesterday morning at 1 o'clock at the home of her son.

Oort Nowlin in Austin township. The decease: wes the wife of J. B. Nowlin, formerly a supervisor from Austin township, but had recently mored to Decatur to make her home. A week ago she was called to Aus.

tin township to see her daughter, Mrs. Clarence Emery whose death occurred on Wednesday and who was buried on Saturday last. In making the trip. Mrs. Nowliu contracted a severe cold which rapidly developed into a care of pneumonia.

From the very start it was evident that the chances were egairst her recovery. Her death had been expected for the past few daye. Mrs. Nowlin was about fifty years of age and is survived by her husband and five children, three sons ard two daughters. The funeral will be held on Saturday from the Ridge church in Maroa township.

The funeral cortege will leave the residence 12:30 o'clock. W. S. Ford. W.

S. Ford died in Chicago on Tuesday of heart trouble. He had been suffering with organic heart disease but his death nevertheless sudden. Mr. Ford WAS ebout sixty sears of age and he had a cumber of friends in this city.

He WES for many sears a resident of Clinton but came to Decatur a few sears ago Caod purchased the home of Dr. W. J. Obenoweth on West Main street where he resided for a time. He was a traveling salesman and as a mattel of convenience to himself in traveling he moved to Chicago.

His funeral WAS held in that city yesterday afternoon. Albert Stewart Died of quick consumption, at his home in Bement. Albert Stewart aged 29 years, four months and sixteen days He was a member of the Presyterian church and leaves a mother and sisters. His mother and one sister reside in Monticello and Mrs. J.

W. Layman and Mrs. F. B. Mallernee of Decatur, Ills.

Mr. Stewart was to be married sportly to Mis; Laura Jess of Bement. The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. John E.

Plotper of 460 South Boyd street, died at the family home Wednesday afternoon. The funeral will be beld this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. the services being at the family residence. FUNERALS. The funeral of Marjorie Rixse occurred yesterday afternoon, the services being held at the family at 431 East Center street at Rev J.

C. residence, Rapp of the German church conducted tha services. The interment was at Greenwood. STILL MISSING. The Fribourg, Munson, Atkin and Reinstorf boys who ran a ray from home several days ago are still missing and their parents are anxiously awaiting the time when some officer of the law will gather them in and bold them until further orders.

The party was last heard from at Vandalia. The police there saw them and one of the officers questioned them. The juvenile tourists said that they were going from Vandalia to Indianapolis and from that city would take a train to Louisville. They expressed a small grip sack from Vandalia to the latter town and the parents have strong hopes that they will be able to catch them there and have them sent back home. As soon as it was learned that the party was traveling south on the Illinois Central the officers all along the line of the road were notified to be on the look out for, them and the parents are sarprised that the officers at Vandalia did not take them in when the opportunity offered.

There is no reason for any of the boys to ran away excapt the juvenile longing for adventure, and while the parents a are ureasy all the time they believe that the experience will satisfy the majority of the party and that in the future they will be willing to rewain home. MASONIC RECEPTION. Macon Lodge No. 8, A. F.

A. M. will hold a reception tomorrow night at their new lodge room from 8 to 12 The room is one of the handsomest in the state and the members of the lodge feel especially proud of it. They want all of their Masonic bretbren and their families in the city to call on them and Inspect the quarters and are especially desirous of numbering the members of the Eastern Star among the guests of the evening. A great many invitations have been issued but where there are so many Masons and so many members of the Eastern Star it is possible that some may have been The managers the affair however hope that all the Masonic fraternity in the city will understand that they are invited to come and bring their families.

HE WAS FINE. In the circuit court yesterday there was only one case disposed of aside from the I. D. W. matter which practically consumed the entire day.

It was the case of the People vs Charles Smart. The charge was assault to rape and the docket entry read-'defendant arraigned aod pleads guilty to the charge of dis orderly conduct and grave charge nollied: fined $25 and costs." BOUND OVER. BOUND OVER. At Macon on Tuesday Elrcer Giblia WaS bound over In the sum of $600 for his eppearance in the county court to atsxer a charge of illegitimate parertiga preferred by Miss Emma Michner. DEFENDANTS SUSTAINED.

JUDGE VAIL GIVES HIS DECISION In The Railroad Litigation Now Occupying His Attention, Holding That The Pleas of The Defendant Company Are Sufficient--Attorney Crawford Loses The First Round Of The Big Legal Battle Now Being Waged In The Circult Court- -Mother Sues Her Son. When court adjourned Tuesday evening the attorneys in the case of the People vs. the Decatur and Eastern Railway had not yet finished their arguments on the demurrer offered by the plaintiff to the answer of the defendant company. At that time, Treslay evening when Judge Vail announced that the hour of adjournment bad arrived, Attorney John S. Miller of Chicago was arguing in support of the sufficiency of the answer he had made to the intormation filed, and when adjournment was announced said, well, your bonor, I'll finish briefly in the morning." From that some person might have imagined that the subject had been pretty well nigh exhausted but that was not the case for the arguments were not concluded until Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock.

Then Judge Vail overraled the demurrer and held that all of the pleas to the origioal bill were good. The argeement bad been that in case the pleas were held good that there shoald as once be a hearing on the merits of the case. When the decision of the court had been made, Attorney Crawford for the plaintiffs was on motion given leave to amendthe declaration. That amendment will be offered this morning. What the action will be then no one knows.

It is possible for the defendant to make objections and long argument- be beard on that score. In delivering his opinion Judge Vail consumed nearly half an hour and it was evident that the statements of the attorbeys bad been full and clear and that the court had full understanding of all the points at issue. was nothing in the proceedings interest the average man except the fact that the counsel engaged are men of more than ordinary ability and have a way of arguing that is entertainiog in spite of the nature of the Their wonderful familiarity with all the details of an intricate matter is what lends most interest. Once when Attorney Crowford made a statement he was interrupted from the other side with- that state. ment is absolutely false" He turned and said, "that statement is absolutely "1 true.

There was no further interruption 1 and he proceeded with his argument, MOTHER SUES HER SON. An Interesting And Unusual Case In The Justice Courts--John Lee's Hearing. There was a peculiar and rather unusual law suit before Justice Peddecord yesterday afternoon, a mother baving sued her son for 868 representing a note and interest. The plaintiff was Sarah E. Joses and the defendant Samuel Jonas, a farmer living near the city.

Attorney J. H. MoCoy appeared for the plaintiff and Attoroey J. M. Gray for the defendant.

The defendant did not deny the note but he had an offset amounting to $81, which he introduced. From the testimony offered it seemed that some years ago the mother loaned her son about 850 and afterwards went to his house to live. He claims that 11 was agreed that he was to care for her and that the note would not be held agalust bim. She lived with him for 8 short time and then left, remaining away for a year or more after which she, returned and wade her home with him for several months. Then sbe left and did not return again but a few daya ago commenced the suit which was heard yester day.

The offset of the defendant was for the care and board of his mother while she was living with him. After the testimony bad been presented the attorney for the defendant said that they did not object to a nominal verdict being en; tered against his client who was willing to pay the costs of the suit. The justice therefore gave a verdict for one dollar and the costs of tae suit which amounted to about 85. John Lee the young man who was arrested a few days ago charged with the burglary of the Wilson Rawley saloon was brought out yesterday for a preliminary bearing. Assistant States Attorney Mills appeared for the people and W.

F. Redmon for the defendant. The ober was not ready for a hearing and a continuance was granted for one week. The prisoner was held in the sum of 8400 for his appearance next Wednesday. He went bask to the couety jail being unable to give the bond.

When arrested he had a key on his person which unlocked the front door of the saloon robbed, and he confessed to the crime with which be was charged. At the time the crime was committed he was employed as a porter in the saloon. COMPLAINT. Henry Curran believes that he has just cause for complaint that be not ly treated. He sags that when a man is locked in a prison with no charge preferred against him and when he under lock and key is robbed of what little he has, it is time to kick and he is kicking.

Henry says that on Tuesday night be was arrested and locked in the city prison, presumably for being drunk. That he bad been drinking some be does not deny but he dees deny that he was drunk. He says that he and a friend were together on East Eldorado street and thas he WAS in no worse condition that his friend with whom he was walking arm in arm and that be was taken to the station and that nothing was said to his friend. First he was locked up at Short street and was afterwards taken to the city prison. He slept there until morning.

When he got up Wednesday morning, his shoes and ble hat were gone. He was told that perbaps they bad been stolen by one of the many tramps who bad been given a nigbt's lodging. Henry says that poor consolation for he bought the shoes on, Tuesday and the bat was comparatively new. Then he was discharged and no complaint WAS entered against bim. Henry says that he don't feel any wings sprouting but he emphatically declares, that be got a raw dead on Tuesday night.

NOT A PRIZE. There are some games where the winner is out if he gets the fret prize. That what happened to Will Amsmp. bat by a trade' hid and unseen" like you did when you were a boy, he played even and Charles Caldwell is now trying to get rid of the prize the same way he got it. There was a horse and buggy to be raffled off.

It was a charity affair and a lot of fellows bought tickets to help 8 good cause. Amman did that. Then the holders of the tickets to create more interest, got up a game of chance and Amman won about -five tickets. He did not attend the drawing but his luck was there and he got the prize. Before he knew of his good fortune a man came to buy the outfit.

Amman agreed to sell out for 835 without going to see the rig. The buyer wouldn't take any changes and made an engagement to go with Amman and see the outfit and when he did see it be declined to take is at any price. Sorrowfully Amman concluded that he would have to hire Greenbury Martin to kill the poor beast and bury it when fate threw in his path Charles Caldwell. He bad'nt seen the outfit but for a bluff he offered 86. Amman intended to accept but fearing to spoil the trade by his eagerness, held out for seven plunks and behold Caldwell produced them.

Then the new owner went out to size up the prize aud since then he bas been trying to sell out at an advance of fifty cents. INVESTIGATING. A member of the creditors' committee appointed to look after their interests in Farmers' Bank, said yesterday that the committee bad not yet finisbed the preliminary survey of the situation and did not know what would be done. He said that the members of that committee had met with Assignee Dawson and had heard from him a statement of Etbe bank side of the case. He said that he did not discredit the statement and that it made a good show from the assignee's standpoint, but what the creditors wanted was some idea of how they were likely to come, out and that was one of the things they did not learn.

He said that up to the present time the committee bad not en- gaged an attorney and that they had not outlined any plan of action, except to determine that they would gather all the evidence possible concerning the condition of affairs and then perhaps they would be ready to take definite action. At the January term of the county court the assignee will fle a report, and then when that is heard the committee will know or can form an estimate perhaps of how the assets will pan out. DENY THE STORY. Charles Laus of the St. Nicholas and George Kraft both enter an emphatic denial of the story printed in a morning paper yesterday to the effect that they had been bilked by a stranger named Spies who came to this city to buy a saloon.

According to the story published James Laux endorsed a check for the stranger for $200 and George Kraft was caught up for 850 in a like manner. Mr. Laus pleads guilty to having been beaten out of a 82 board bill by one Blum but noth ing more. The strangers' name was not Spies bus Blum. He registered at the hotel two weeks ago and indicated that he wanted to buy a saloon.

He was there for less than a day and forgot to colue back and pay his bill. Mr. Laux bas got used to that class of beats however, and accepted the loss as one incident to the business of the day. According to his way of thinking he is beaten often enough without being made to appear a soft mark for all the swiniders who come this war. George Kraft met the 1080 Blum while he was here but so far as standing good for 850 is concerned, he earnestly proteste that there is nothing in it.

TAKEN TO TUSCOLA. John Archey, wife and son. were taken to Tescola yesterday by Sheriff Baglay, of Douglas county. The woman and her son were wanted. as witnesses before the grand jury against the husband and father.

It seems that he has beaten the woman in a mcst cruel manner and after she and her Sun had been subpeonaed to appear before the grand jury be induced them to leave the town and come to Decatur. He was not satisfed with having this but be boasted of what be had done and toe officers made up their mind to capture him. They will prob ably learn, what is costs to disregard a court summons. THEIR ANNIVERSARY. A Rumber of Decatar persons went to Mt.

Zion yesterday to attend a dinner party given by Wash Smith and wife in honor of their fifteenth wedding anniversary. The Decatur party was composed of B. K. Hamsher and wife, 0. B.

Gorin and wife, Mrs. F. P. Roach and daughter Bertha, John Quinlan and wife. I.

A. Buckingham and wife and Miss Pet Buckingham and Miss Luella Jenkins of Chicago, and Weeden Smith. The company enjoyed a splendid dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Smith and returned to the city on the evening train.

YOUNG VAUGHN HOME. Moat Vaughn has returned from the reform school at Pontiac to which institudion he was sent from Decatur aboat a year ago. He was one of a crowd of boys about thirteen gears old who were eternaily getting into trouble and finally after all sorts of threats bad failed to avail they were taken before Judge Hamme: and sentenced to the reformatory. Mr. and Mra.

George Bradley of Pana, are the guests of Mrs. Cyrus Robinson on West Decatur street. HIS FOOT INJURED. Tom' Shearer one of the drivers for the Standard Oil Company is confined to his home w.th an injured foot which came as the result of 80 accident yesterday. He bad started to Harristo vo with a big tank wagon filled with oil and coming to a place where the road had been newly repaired with a lot of loose gravel, dismounted from the wagon to make the work easier for te team.

In crossing the stretch of gravel be walked close to the wagon and stepped on a big rock which relied beneath his weight and threw him so that his right foot was caugbt under the wagon wheels. M. Maxon, manager of the company at this point, heard of the accident which occurred near Troutman, before Tom got back and a carriage was sent out to bring him to the city. In the meantime however one of Jacob Troutman's men came to the assistance of the injured man and brought him to Decatur, Dr. Will Barnes found that one of the bones in the right foot bad been broken, and Shearer will not be able to work for some time.

QUESTION OF JUDGMENT. Last night E. W. Wood banquetted the persons who office with the Wabash company in Central block. It was pot the result of a bet but was merely a question of judgment as between Mr.

Wood and C. P. Ogle of the city ticket office. A bunch' of folders were receired by the railroad company acd it was supposed to contain 200 bat Mr. Wood contended thet printere were not reliable and that he was positive that there were not 190 folders in the bunch.

He agreed to buy an oyetez eupper for the party if there were over ninety and the count showed that there was juet 193. Iccidentally it might be remarked that for en argument there is no place in town like that office. The occupants are not a betting crowd but they back their judgment with oreter suppers every time. DID NOT NEED HIM. Edward Russell, the menager of society minstrels, will not be engaged to mAnage the affair which is to be given here.

He offered his serrie'a but the ladiee who have undertaken the venture decided that they would get along without him in order 13 reduce the expense of the undertaking. The minstrel show ie to be for the benefit of the Anna B. Millikin home and promone of the most successful home entertainments ever given here. In all other towns where the society women bare appeared as burnt cork artiste they hare made a big hit. It was thie kind of entertainment at Springfield which arcueed Rer, Carlos of the Second Methodist church end caueed him to preach a number of vigcroue sermons against the undertaking.

DECATUR BASKET BALL PLAYERS Friday aftenoon and evening the Decatur basket ball girls will this city to be the guests of the Wesleyan players. An entertainment has been prepared for them. In the afternoon there will be a game in the armory and in the evening the entire party of young ladies including the members of both teams will witness the "Prisoner of Zenda." The Decator party will consist of about ten young ladies. -Bloomington Pantagraph. The team of young ladies from this city who will go to Bloomington to play the Wesleyan University team will be composed of the Misses Roby, Grace Hamsher.

Edith Darfee, Leon Moore. Lena Citrich. Madge Hays, Gertrude Tyler, Clara Gre-n. Ida Vonrbies and Miss Wheeler. They will be the guests of the Bloomington team.

OFFICERS ELECTED. At the meeting of Bar Leaf camp No. 29. R. N.

of A. December 15, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Oracle-- Mrs. Lizzie Weigand. Vice Kate Sullivan. Chancellor Sirs.

Fannie Perry. Recorder Mrs. Clara Florey. Receiver Mrs. Tillie Price.

Marshal- Mrs. Ella Miller. Inner Sentinel Candes Boyles. Outer Sentinel- Mrs. Bettie Lindamood.

Manager -J. M. Miller. Camp Physician- -Dr. N.

Pierce Collins. Representative to Head Camp-Mrs. Ella Miller. Altercate-Mrs. Clara Florey.

DEEDS RECORDED. Zerelda F. Burns to R. D. Ward lots and 4 block 23 in the village of Blue Moued; $900.

F. Burns to Z. F. Burns lots 3 and 4 in block 23 in the village of Blue Mound; $1500. A.

Summers to J. Thompson 90 feet off of the west end of lot 16 in block in Park Place; 8150. Fred L. Muzzy to Martha Scanlan 1.38 acres in the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of 4, 16, 2 east; Alice Roper to F. L.

Suffern lot 4 Shelley's addition to Decatur $500. AT LIBERTY AGAIN. Elijah Hudson, a young trap who WEE EIrested here a few months ago. bas been in Decatur for the past few dare. He captured here about fve monthe Ago end locked op and it did not take the officers long to discover that he wEs mentally urbalanced.

He was a veritable walking areenal beving all kinde of revolvere COLcealed about his pereon. Hie home wae in Christian county and he was taken there and tried in the county court for insanity and for a time was confined to en asylum. It ie eeid that be bre fully recovered his mental equilibrium. POOREST IN YEARS. The Exprese companies find that bueineer ie poorer for this seasoo of the year than it has been for seare paet.

They have a little more then the crdicery run Dow whereas they expect a big increase, owing to the tranemission of presente. There is E0 far very little to do in thie line but it ie expected to come with a rush about next week. Persons who have presents to send ought to get them in early. It gives the companies a better opportunity to handle the businese and is more satisfactory ell around..