The Franklin County observer. (Washington, Mo.), 1922-03-31

              X OBSEKtE X V VoL 77 No. 1 WASHINGTON, MO., FRIDAY, MARCH 31. 1922 $1.50 Per Year mam . j MM k HEW FORM OF BALLOT FOR COMING ELECTION VOTES ARE INDICATED BY CROSS MARKS. Voters Should Become Familiar With New System Before Casting Ballots. There It a lively contest on among tom of the candidates for the various city offices, and the result of the city election, next Tuesday may bring forth some surprises. The greatest Interest is centered about the mayoralty race between H. D. Hlbbeler, Democrat, and John J. Ernst. Republican, (Mayor Ernst is a candidate for reelection for a third term. Mr. Hlbbeler is making an active campaign for Che mayor's office. Another interesting contest is that of Jos. Remstedt, Democrat, who Is a candidate for re-election as collector. His Republican opponent, Edwin T. Kappelmann, is an ex-service man who was severely wounded while fighting with the American forces overseas during the late war. Richard 6helton, Democrat, appears to be gaining strength in his campaign for election as city marshal. His Republican opponent is seeking re-election after holding the office for 18 consecutive years. Jos. Raaf, Democrat, is picked by his many friend to win the contest for assessor. Mr. Raaf's many years of experience in the building and contracting business give him a keen knowledge of real estate values, this being one of the principal qualifications to nerve in the office he Beeks. Very little rivalry has been manifested between the candidates for councllmen from the four ward. H. A. Bleckmann was named by the City Democratic Committee as candidate for councilman from the Third Ward to fill the unexpired term of the late Edw. A. Frlck. iHerman H. Loh-meyer, who was first named as the Democratic candidate to oppose Jot. Phlllipp. Republican, declined to make the race. Jiew Election Law In Effect The blanket ballot law will apply to the city election here next Tuesday, according to a ruling from the Attorney General's office in Jefferson City this week. This law requires the names Of all municipal ' candidates to be placed upon a single ballot. The voters will Indicate by a cross. In a apace reserved In front of the name of each candidate, the candidates desired to be voted for and those having no cross in front of their names will he considered as rejected. Although It appears that this new election ruling in Missouri waa adopted to simplify matters -for the voters, many no doubt will be confused when they want to cast their ballots next Tuesday. Those who do not understand the new method of voting, should consult a Judge of election before casting their ballots. Following herewith are a few facts concerning the new ballot: Both tickets will appear on one ballot At tbe bottom of the ballot will be a printed explanation how to vote .properly. At top, on the face of the ballot are printed the words, "Official Ballot", followed by the date of election. Then follows the title names of the two political parties, each above the list of names of the paVty's candidates. Immediately below the party name circle is printed. In front of the name of each candidate appears a blank square. Anyone desiring to vote a "straight" ticket will put a cross (X) in the circle under his party name. Those deBlrlng to vote a "split" ticket will put a cross (X) In the circle under their party name and cross (X) in the square opposite the name of any candidate they want to vote for on the other ticket If the voter puts a cross (X) In both circles under the names of both parties he has lost his vote. If a voter puts a cross (X) opposite the squares of two opposing candidates for the same office he has lost his vote. If the cross (X) is not placed In the circle-immediatley below the party name, at the head of the column but does appear in the squares opposite the various candidates' - names, then only shall these names be counted for and none other. Missouri Farm Prices Advance. .Missouri prices on farm products In March continued the upward movement shown in February and of 46 farm products, 27 advanced, 12 were the same In both months and only six declined, as shown by figures compiled by IS. A, Logan and Jewell Mayes of the Federal 8tate Crop reporting service. In livestock no declines are noted and all classes advanced except veal calves and horses. All grains advanced, while hays declined slightly. Dairy a.nd poultry products show soms Improvement except country butter, which remained at the same price in both months, while eggs dropped 11 cents a "dozen during the month. Prices were upward for grass seeds, but lower for cow peas and soy beans with cotton seed strongly upward. Fruit and vegetable prices are higher except for cabbage. Potatoes on Missouri farms are scares for either food or seed. Among miscellaneous products wool displayed an upward tendency, walls other . articles remained quits close to the asms level both months. COXSECTIXG STATE HIGHWAYS Capital Highway Linked With Bead System of Slate ef lews. Tbe following bulletin was issued this week from the office of tbe Capital Highway Association In Jefferson City: , . . "There Is but one 'combination' we can work to help secure the designation of tbe Capital Highway 'south of tbe river' between St Louis and Kansas City, and that Is to tie in with the most logical north and south road, and this we have done. "Here are the arguments: (Follow the route on your state road map.) "By connecting Columbia, Moberly, Macon, LaPIatta. KirksvlUe and Lancaster with the state capital, we make a connection with the Iowa state road system, and provide a means of transportation to Jefferson City, where railroad facilities are lucking. "Tbe bridge is in operation across the Missouri River at Jefferson City, the only highway bridge across the stream between St. Charles and North Kansas City. "North Missouri is given a direct connection with Springfield and Southwest Missouri by traversing the Capital Highway through Eldon and Linn Creek to Springfield, thence Southwest through Aurora, Monett and Neosho to the Oklahoma state line, where a connection is made with a state road leading to Tulsa and Oklahoma City. From Monett south through Cassvllle and Sellgman a connection is made with the Arkansas state road system. "The natural trend of travel Is to the Southwest, and in coming from Chicago, either by way of St. Louis or Hannibal to Jefferson City, tbe road from tbe state capital to Springfield will carry an Immense volume of traffic. "Tbe distance from Springfield to St. Louis via Jefferson City is not much greater than the diagonal route paralleling tbe railroad, and, besides, the Capital Highway will give all Southwest Missouri a direct connection with Jefferson City. This is very much desired, and the designation of the North and South higher type road will have a direct bearing of the East and West road. "The Jefferson City organization grants that the ocean-to-ocean highway between Hannibal and St. Joseph will be designated as a higher type road, and this factor Is being used to urge the designation of the next East and West road south of the river." NEW POSTMASTER TO TAKE OFFICE APRIL 1 BAUER HELD OFFICE OVER EIGHT YEARS. Present Deputy and Clerks Will Be Maintained All Under , Civil Service Rules. O. F. Scbulte returned home last Thursday evening from St Louis, where he took a three-day course of Instruction for newly appointed post-roasters, according to a recent ruling by the Postmaster General. Mr. Sclrulte will assume charge of the Washington post office on Saturday, April 1. It wss a former custom, when the post office herewas still In the third class, that a newly appointed postmaster could name his assistants. The Washington post office is now In the second cIsbs and the clerks are employed under the rules of the Civil Service Commission and cannot be removed unless on preferred charges, such as misconduct, neglect or Inefficiency. This means that Miss Ruth Bauer will be retained as deputy to the postmaster; A. J. Wellenkamp as clerk and local secretary for the Civil Service Commission, and Wm. Poe as clerk. All are Democrats. Postmaster Schults says there will be no "house cleaning" when he assumes his new duties, and that the present personnel of tbe Washington post office will be retained. Jos. P. Bauer, the retiring postmaster, has well served the patrons of the Washington post office during tbe past 8 years and 8 months that bs was in charge. Mr. Bauer was ap pointed postmaster during both terms of former President Wilson. He Is undecided as to his business plans for ths futurs. The Washington post office made a remarkable showing under Postmaster Bauer, being advanced to an office of the second class during his administration. It was large ly through bis efforts that mail de livery service to business bouses ana homes was Inaugurated In Washington several years ago. He retires as postmaster with congratulations from his many friends for his efficiency In conducting ths affairs of ths post office, i . Regular city mail delivery service wUL be inaugurated here on Saturday, April 1. Tbe only change in the city delivery service over the village delivery service Is that It Is compulsory for ths mall carriers to wear the regulation uniforms. Two deliveries of mall will bs made each day as heretofore. . Tbe new post office building at corner of Second and Lafayette Streets is nearlng completion and will probably be ready for occupancy in the early summer. Concrete sidewalks and guttering now are being bulM around ths sits. Workmen are putting ths finishing touches to the Inter ior of ths building. BOND ISSUE WILL NOT IHCREASESCHOOL TAX RATE WILL BE 6c LOWER THAN LAST YEAR; $25,000 Required For Enlarging High School Building 108 Is Present Enrollment. The annual election for the School District of Washington will be held next Tuesday, April 4, at tbe ssme polling places named for ths regular city election. Two members of the Board of Education, each for a term of three years, are to be elected. Edw. A. Zoff. the efficient secretary of the Board of Education, and H. A. Krog are candidates for re-election. Voters of Washington are again asked to authorise the special tax levy of 15 cents on the one hundred dollars assessed valuation of taxable property in excess of the ordinary levy of 40 cents for school purposes as in former years. For a number of years this issue was always defeated at the regular school elections and special elections were held to carry, the proposition.'' In late years, however, the voters became more thoroughly acquainted with tbe financial needs of our public school system and supported the proposition with liberal majorities at the regular school elections. A mnjority of one vote will carry the extra 15 cents school tax levy Issue. Ah important issue to be submitted to the voters of Washington at next Tuesday's election Is the $25,000 bond issue for building an addition to the present High School building. The urgent necessity of a larger and better equipped High School building for Washington has been much discussed lu tbe past year, and was well explained in a statement by State Superintendent of Schools Sum A. Baker published In the newspapers of the city several weeks ago. . The proposed addition to the High School buildlng, If tbe bond issue carries, will enable the Board oj Education to Install two new courses at the school, vocational agriculture and domestic science. If a course In vocational agriculture Is maintained at our High School, there will be sufficient Federal aid money available to employ tbe services of an instructor for the coarse. This teacher would be employed without a cent of cost to taxpayers of Washington. Owing to ths congested ' condition at the Grammar School, it Is planned to have tbe Seventh and Eighth Grades occupy rooms in the enlarged High School building. Those citizens who have visited tbe Grammar School in the past year are fully aware to the needs of more room at this school. Tbe proposed addition to the High School building will contain two large rooms on the upper floor. Plans are to have a folding partition between these two rooms so they can be readily converted Into a commodious auditorium when the need arUes, especially for the many meetings and entertainments held at the High School. Tbe $25,000 school bond issue Is to be retired in 20 years. Fifty bonds, i each of a denomination of $500 and bearing Interest at a rate not to exceed 6 per cent, are to be Issued. This bond issue will require an additional tax ilevy of only 6 cents on the one hundred dollars assessed valuation. As an example: If you are paying taxes on an assessed valuutlon of $1,000.00, your taxes for school purposes on that amount will be Increased only 60 cents. The total tax levy voted for school purposes In Washington last year was 65 cents on the one hundred dollars assessed valuation This year a tax levy of 55 cents for ordinary school purposes Is asked. If the $2i.000 'bond Issue carries, the total tax levy for school purposes will be only 61 cents, or 4 cents lower than last year. Taxpayers should bear this fact well In mind wben going to the polls next Tuesday and should vote for the bond Issue. Your support on this Issue will mean a bigger and better High School for Washington. A majority of two-thirds of the votes cast is required to carry tbe bond issue. If the proposition is defeated at tbe regular election next Tuesday, it will again be submitted to the voters at a special election. Although the public schools of this city rank among tbe best in tbe state, it is surprising what results are accomplished here In view of the small tax levy for maintenance of oar schools. Washington, the largest town In the county, has the smallest school tax levy of any town In the county maintaining a High School. Last year's tax levy of 65 cents here compares with ths levies in other towns of ths county, as follows: New Haven, $1.09; Sullivan, $1.00; Pacific and Gerald, 90 cents; Union and St Clair, 70 cents. Several years ago the voters of ths City of Union authorised a bond issue of $20,000 to build a new High School building, and Yhls year another bond Issue of $20,000 Is being submitted to enlarge ths school. St Clair recently carried a bond Issue to build a new High School' building. Voters of Washington should profit by tbe progressive spirit of other towns in ths county and should show a like interest in ths upbuilding of our public schools. Enrollment ' at ths Washington High School this year Is ths largest in ths History of ths school, and indications arc that next rear's enroll ment will sst another record. There are now 108 pupils enrolled at the HORT NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST TO ALL ABOUT PEOPLE AND PLACES YOU KNOW. Incidents That Occurred During Past Week in Washington and Surroundings. Mr. and Mrs. Louis Hausmann, Sr., of Labaddie boarded tbe train at Washington Thursday morning for Kansas City, where they will visit relatives. George Muench, 68 years old. died last Saturday, March 25. He leaves a wife, five sons and six daughters. Funeral services were conducted on Tuesday afternoon from hfs late home In Augusta, Mo. Mr. Muench was former owner of ths Mount Pleasant Wine Co., of Augusta, and was well known In Washington. Washington Post of the American Legion gave a benefit motion picture sbow last Thursday night at the Calvin Theatre. There was a good attendance, and the entertainment netted the Legionnaires $73.00. The feature picture, "The Battle' of Jutland", and several reels of authentic war pictures taken by the Signal Corps In France were shown. The Franklin County Bank wtll build a one-story addition, 12x20 feet, in tbe rear of Its bank building on Oak Street. Tbis addition will be equipped with safe deposit boxes for patrons of the bank, and will contain a large fire-proof vault for the bank's safe and records. The door for the vault weighs five tons. Work on the new addition will start at an early date. One of the finest cithers ever manu- I factured at the factory of the Franz Schwarzer Zither Co., In this city, was Hhipped Inst Saturday to F. E. Oenttke, Sun Francisco, Cal. This zither was made of the best selected wood and the finest Mother of Pear! and inlaid with gold. The Instrument was made on a special order. Tbe entire workmanship is a piece of art, and the instrument possesses a wonderful and rare tone. It required four months to complete this zither. Two other fine cithers have been made to special order and shipped to customers in the West during the last year. A $4,000 Scholarship Free. Five dollars and seventy cents a word for a seven hundred (700) word essay on the subject, "How Good Roads Are Developing My Community."That is what some boy or girl In some high school In tbe United States is going to get within the next sixty days. It will go to the high school boy or girl submitting the best essay. In fact, the amount will be greater than $5.70 a word for a minimum of $4,000 as a scholarship is the real award to be made through the High way Transport Educational Commit tee of Washington, D. C. The winner can select bis own col lege or university and can take a four year course with all expenses paid. Last year a little West Virginia girl won the prize and the year before a girl in Idaho was the winner. This year Missouri Is going Into the race strong and every blgh school student In the state Is being urged to make entries In this competition. Every high school principal has been supplied with complete informa tion as to the rules of tbe contest and the method of procedure. The Extension Division of the University of Missouri has charge of the Mis souri contest and Ib making every effort to arouse Interest in tbe contest in the hope that some Missouri boy or girl wilt win this scholarship prize a complete four years'-course in any school. "Parent's Pays" at 1'nlvmlty. A movement started by the student council of tbe University of Missouri has resulted in April 7, 8 and 9 being designated as "Parent's Days" at Co lumbia and special effort is being made to' bring the parents of all uni versity students to Columbia for the three days. Special railroad rates have been granted and the students are planning many features of interest to "ma and pa". The farmers will have their annual fair April 7. April 8 will be open house In all the schools and departments of ths university. and at 10 o'clock that morning Presi dent J. C. Jones will deliver an address to visiting parents. On April 9 special services will bs held in all the Columbia churches with sermons appropriate for tbe occasion. Mrs. Aug. C Palke Dies. Mrs. August C. Patke died Monday afternoon of pneumonia at her home on the farm, near Glldehaus, about 8 miles southeast of Washington. She was 22 years, 7 months and 8 days of age. Mrs. Patks (nes Feltmann) is survived by her husband and Infant child; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Feltmann; five sisters and one brother. Funeral services were held Thursday morning at the St, John's Catholic Church at Glldehaus, and Interment made in the church cemetery. Washington High School, as compared with 74 last year. This Increase In attendance demands a larger school building, and tbis is the important matter to bs decided by ths voters at ths coming election. Remember, ths tax rats for school purposes. Including the bond Issue, will be lower than last year, . PBEYF. STABLE DEATHS IN 1931 Analysis Made By President ef Ameri can ruhiic Heaim association. Automobiles and drowning were the chief causes of accidental deaths in 1921, according to a survey of figures furnished by leading insurance companies to Dr. Masyck P. Kavenel, professor of preventive medicine at the University of Missouri and head of the American Public Health Association. An analysis of the report of one of the largest companies in America shows that out of $46,000,000 paid out in death claims, $32,000,000 were con-trlbutable to twelve causes of death which are preventable or postponable. The two encouraging features of ths report were that death from tuberculosis, typhoid fever and railroad accidents bad been greatly lowered. Tuberculosis cost this one company $6,500,00 less In 1921 than In 1920. Heart disease cost $5,513,000 more and this, according to Dr. Kavenel, comes under the preventable or postponable class. Periodical examinations are lessening the death - rate from heart disease and If business men and others living too fast a pace would resort to more examinations of tbe heart there would be a very marked decrease In death from this source. "Cancer, which is also Increasing throughout the country, cost $604,000 more In 1921 than in 1920," Dr. Kavenel said. "With our present knowledge we are unable to prevent this Increase, but early examination and eradication would lessen the loss. Influenza, with Its accompanying pneumonia, caused a pavment of $3,642,000 in 1921 as against $8,255,000 in 1920. While this Is cauHe for congratulation, we cannot say that It is due to preventive measures. Influenza occurs in epidemics, and we were fortunate In not having an epidemic in 1921. "KeportB from all Insurance companies show an Increasing number of deaths from accidents. The two most frequent causes are due to automobile accidents and to drowning. Homicide also Increased in 1921. While the figures of Insurance payments show the monetary loss due to preventable causes, It Is far more Important to note the Ions to the communities in which these deaths occur. The amount of money paid on claims is far below the economic value of life to a community."We value life too little In America and we do not put to use the knowledge which Is already in our possession In the prevention of disease and accident By extending the life span t 'workers, famMlea are kept together, ehildrea are cared for in a natural and wholesame environment, and the load on - public and private charities is lessened. In every way, the well being of the community and state Is festered by prevention of preventable diseases." TAX ASSESSMENT OF MISSOURMS REDUCED INCREASE IN RETURNS OF COUNTY ASSESSORS. . Property Valuation In State Is Fixed At $4,009,132,317 By Tax Commission. The report of the 8tate Tax Commission which was certified to the State Board of Equalization last week places a value of $4,009,132,317 on all property In the state, with the exception of railroad, telegraph and telephone properties. This Increases the valuation returned by county assessors of the state $1.6,089,974. but is a decrease of $259,833,339 from the value made by the State Board of Equalization last year. The assessment of real and personal property in Franklin County by the county assessor waa $31,529,456 for 1922. Tbis amount was lowered to $31,392,698 by tbe Tax Commission. In 1921 the assessment figure for Franklin County was fixed at $32,007,- 969 by the State Board Of Equalization.The reduction in the value of prop erty of the state compared to last year Is believed to be the result of the complaints made from all sections of the stale because of tbe unjust tax burden which people have been forced to bear. While the reduction Is but slight and will make but little differ ence, burdened taxpayers will be pleased to be given any possible re lief. , What attitude members of ths State Tax Commission will take regarding the recommendations is not known, but U is not improbable that the re port may 4e adopted. The Co mm Is slon is expected to make Its report this week. Money, notes and bonds were drop ped from the $225,406,692 of last year to $224,827,020, a cut of sllgltJy mors than 930,000,000. Miscellaneous per sonal property, whloh among other things Includes household goods ana automobile, dropped from $308,726,- 917 to $235,402,958, a decrease of $73,000,000. All classes of live stock, but one, dropped also, ths decrease ranging from about $3,000,000 on sheep to approximately $20,000,000 on cattle. Miscellaneous live stock, which Includes goats and other animals of minor Importance, Increassd slightly. Edw. Barrv and son. Russell, were visitors In Washington Tuesday, nr. Berry is a rormer resuisni oi waan-inrtsin. Ha and family recently mov ed from Warrensburg. Mo- to 8t Louis. BRYAN TO LECTURE AT CHAUTAUQUA IN JULY J. 0. HALL HERE TO HELP IN SELECTING PROGRAM. Officers For 1922 Elected Last Thursday Pledges For 343 Season Tickets. Interest in the Chautauqua movement was revived laBt Thursday evening at a meeting of about sixteen citizens at 'the City Hall. J. Oscar Hall, representing the James L. Loar Independent Chautauquas of Bloom-lngton, 111., was present snd outlined' a program for this year's chautauqua, which will be held for five days, commencing July 11 and ending July 16. For a time it seemed that the chautauqua Idea would be abandoned here, since there was little or no response to a number of meetings that had been called previous to last Thursday evening. Mr. Loar, as he explained on a recent visit to Washington, is sincere In his determination to build np a large and successful chautauqua for tbis city, and made our people a very attractive offer in securing the fine program for this year. Mr. Loar personally stood the financial loss of about $400 accumulated through ths conduct of a five-day chautauqua here last year. The Washington Chautauqua for 1922 organized by electing J. H. Dlck-braer as president; Mrs. A. A. Tlbbe. vice president; L. G. Kruel, secretary; O. W. Arcularlus, treasurer. The following committee chairmen were appointed: Ticket Committee 'Re v. W. N De war;. Program Committee J. H. Schaper; Advertising Committee Geo. Krumsick. The price of season tickets will be the same as last year, $2.00 for adults snd $1.00 for children. A season ticket is good for admittance to each of tbe ten numbers on the program. Single admissions will be 60 cents for adults and 25 cents for children. At the close of the 1921 chautauqua, 343 season tickets were pledged for this year's chautauqua. At least $1300 will be required to meet the expenses of the 1922 chautauqua program. This amount does not Include rental privileges, advertising and the many other incidentals. The committee in charge plans to conduct this year's chautauqua in ths large dance pavilWn in the City Park. William Jennings Bryan, noted lec-' turer and thrice the Democratic candidate for President of the United States, will be the beadllner at Wash ington's 1922 chautauqua. He will deliver a lecture here on the evening of Friday, July 14. His visit to our city Is expected to attract thousands of people from all sections of Franklin and adjoining counties. Goforth'a Orchestra, ths musical or ganization that so well entertained our people last year, is again on tbe program for the coming chautauqua. Other numbers on tbe program will be concert companies, humorous and educational lectures, a male quartet, etc The program will be published as soon as same 14 completed. Commission Cannot Change Roads, Establishment of additional stats highways and re-location of existing highways is not within the power of the State Highway Commission, says special statement Issued at the Commission office., in Jefferson City. The announcement is made. It stat ed, "because representatives from several different counties have come to the capital recently under the Im pression that the Highway Commission local situations, in which more miles of state roads or re-routing of present state highways was sought. The representatives In each case have returned home disappointed when they learned tbe situation. Provisions of the new highway law which authorizes the state system gives the Commission power to re locate only on new systems between towns designated by reason of some engineering recommendation. Tbe Commission cannot, says tbe state ment, add additional miles to tbe state highway system. EFFECTS OF "STRAIGHT" VOTING Barrett Asserts Practice Tends To Create Political -Birds of Prey". Voting a party ticket "straight", At torney-General Barrett told members of the law fraternity this week In an address at Columbia, Mo., tends to raise a crop of parasites who will sa crifice everything except selfish interest the voter having already pleged them his unconditional life-time support regardless of what they nay say - or do. "I wish the good folks out In tbe counties could see and know certain political birds of prey which they have not only tolerated, but which by blindness of their partisanship they have created", said Barrett "Partisanship begins In honest intentions, sincere enthusiasm and loyalty. Too often It ends in prejudice, aitvuo-ed with blindness and deafness among Its followers, and giving opportunity tor the rlso of a group of professional politicians, not at all blind and deaf, who ars experts In exploitation. 6 1 range to say, among these professionals there is no party loyalty at all, but only a mock loyalty. "No one bas ths right to vote a 'straight' ticket nnless every man on that ticket Is straight A Republican or a Democrat can do his party no better service than by defeating at the polls that nominee who would bare misrepresented bis party."