Emmitsburg To Celebrate The Fourth

Everything is all set for the glorious fourth on Saturday in Emmitsburg. The day will be observed as a general holiday. Stores and businesses will be closed and special hours will be observed at the post office. The holiday falling on Saturday permits two rest days for businessman and workers and many have planned to spend the weekend out of town.

Arrangements have been made by the Vigilant Hose Company for a big celebration. For years, the firemen have celebrated the Fourth with the parade and demonstrations on Fireman’s Field. This year, however, the parade will be on a larger scale than here-to-for and a larger crowd than usual is expected.

The parade will take place at 3 o’clock. In addition to the volunteer firemen, the Taneytown Fire Company, with its new chemical engine, will be in line. Fraternal and civic organizations and many school children will also be in the line. Floats, representing business houses, will be displayed, and cash prizes will be awarded for the best decorated automobile, best float, and the most comically attired youngster. The kiddies are taking much interest in the latter contest and some grotesque costumes may be expected.

The parade will wind up at Firemen’s Field, were a game of baseball played between Emmitsburg and Walkersville will take place. The visiting team will arrive in time to participate in the parade. Ladies of the town have joined in the celebration to make it a success and refreshments will be dispensed from stands along the parade route and booths on the field.

Dies Of Fright Upon Arrest

Killed by fright, when he was served with a warrant charging criminal assault on a five-year-old child, Frank Zimmerman, 59 years old, of Thurmont, died Monday night.

Working in a barn on a farm owned by Lloyd Gooding, Zimmerman was approached by officers bearing a warrant sworn out by Gooding after his five-year-old daughter, Iva had told her parents that she had been criminally attacked by Zimmerman Sunday night.

When informed of the character of the warrant Zimmerman protested, vigorously denied the charges, seemed to go into a frazzled rage, and then fell dead at the feet of the men who had come to arrest him for an offensive punishable by death. Physicians attributed death to heart failure brought on by unusual excitement.

Emmitsburg Chronicle Moves

The Emmitsburg Chronicle has moved into new quarters, a portion of what was formerly the High School building, on Frederick St.. The new quarters will give more room in which to conduct the newspaper and printing business, and the location itself is more desirable.

July 10

Merle Eckard Badly Hurt

Merle Eckard, son of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Eckard, met with a serious auto accident, last Saturday evening. He was returning alone from Emmitsburg in his Ford coupe, and when about midway between Emmitsburg and Bridgeport, was struck by a large car going in the opposite direction, knocked off the road and down an embankment, his coupe turning over and completely around. Fortunately, he was not rendered unconscious, but was able to free himself from the wrecked car, and was taken care of by an Emmitsburg garage man and brought to his home. He was badly cut about the forehead, was otherwise hurt, and lost a great deal of blood.

His account of the accident occurred on the hill west of Cattail Branch Bridge. He was practically off the concrete, when the north-bound car going at a rapid speed collided with him without cause, breaking the left front wheel of his car and throwing it over the embankment, after which the car turned, facing the opposite direction, breaking the other front wheel and throwing him against the windshield, breaking it and cutting a deep gash in his head. The knob, which regulates the windshield, made a hole in the side of his head.

For several days Mr. Eckard was threatened with a serious case of concussion of the brain and was critically ill, but the last report is that he is improving. The other car, containing five persons, bore a West Virginia license, and did not stop to render any assistance. The number of the license was taken at Emmitsburg where the car stopped for minor repairs.

Suffers Stroke While On A Ride

Mrs. Henry Cover of Thurmont, suffered a stroke of paralysis on Tuesday evening and is now in a very serious condition. She was enjoying an automobile ride at the time. In the machine with her were her two sisters, Mrs. Catherine Damuth and Mrs. Lily, and her nephew, Reverend Damuth.

It was not known that anything unusual had occurred to her until their arrival and Thurmont when it was recalled that she had become very quiet, and had rested slightly against her sister as they were passing through Lewistown. It is thought probable that it was then that she was stricken.

Seized Liquor Destroyed

The large quantity of Scotch and rye whisky, which was confiscated by State police in Gettysburg, last November in the yards of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, the haul comprising approximately 195 cases and being the largest seizure of liquor ever made there has been destroyed by Sheriff John C. Sheeler, acting on a court order.

With the exception of twenty-five cases, which were given to the Annie Warner Hospital, the bonded liquor was taken to the Spangler farm at the eastern edge of town, where the contents of each bottle was poured into the ground, the bottles broken and the packing burned. The work of destruction was done by Sheriff Sheeler.

Representatives of all surrounding Boozers Associations sent representative in the outside chance that the Booze would be ‘pardoned’ and allowed to find a rightful home in the belly’s of hard working men in the community. When that did not come to pass, the representatives removed their caps an mourned the passing of the unjustly condemned spirits.

Fishing in Harney

Harney streams have been lined with campers for the last few weeks, and all seemed to enjoy their vacations. Some very nice fish were caught, some lawfully and some unlawfully but we suppose that makes no difference because 40 years ago you could land plenty of fish in a very short time, and this thing that we call a "game law," intended to protect game, appears to be nothing more than a foolish means to get rid of people's money; and those fellows that we call "Game Wardens," are, as we believe, "Game Sharks."

Did any person ever hear of one of them, after finding a net in the stream and taking it, put the fish back into the water? No, they go into the game sack and are taken home. And when furs were confiscated, what was done with them? Were they sold and the money turned into the county treasury? We believe not; but we do believe that in the majority of cases the Game Sharks dispose of them and turn the ready cash into the home treasury for their own support.

We are told by a gentleman from another state that every other man in Taneytown district must be a game warden, and that is foolishness and should be done away with.

Airplanes Smell out Still

A successful raid was made last week at the property occupied by a man giving his name as Oliver Grimm – on the John Frock property, near Kump’s Dam. About 1,250 bottles of "home-brew" were found as well as 75 gallons, of "mash." Perhaps the airplane scout "smelled out" the place, as we intimated last week. It is also reported that a trail from that source of supply - or some other source - led in the direction of Taneytown. "Smell" is getting to be dangerous evidence, and a risky thing to carry around.

July 17

Arrested On Theft Charges

Ludwick Simms, Russell Matthews and Jesse Recard, all over 20 years of age, all of Fairfield, were arrested Wednesday evening by the Adams County Sheriff.

Recard and Matthews were charged with larceny in connection with the theft of chickens from the farm of U.H. Cromer of Cumberland Township, along the Fairfield Road. An additional charge a conspiracy to steal chickens will be laid against Simms and Matthews.

Recard and Simms have signed written confessions of their guilt and Matthews has made a verbal confession.

Two hundred chickens have been stolen from the Cromer farm since April 1, according to the sheriff, and some of the chickens and two coops, identified by Cromer, were recovered recently at a local produce stand.

Simms and Matthews are said by the police to have plotted to rob chickens at Cromer’s on Monday night, but a truck, which they were to use to hallway the foul, did not show up, and they postpone the expedition until Tuesday night, when they planed to use Simms’ car.

On Tuesday night, however, they noticed fresh tracks on the Cromer farm, and decided to abandon their attempt on that night. That the trio would have been arrested in the act of stealing chickens that night was almost a certainty for the state, county and borough police officers had thrown a cordon around the chicken house, ready to apprehend the intruders.

Evolution Case Now Being Tried

The evolution case made progress, this week, in the selection of a jury, after which counsels on both sides indulged in verbal fireworks over a motion made by the defense to quash the indictment, on the grounds of unconstitutionality and defective construction. Following the various arguments of counsel, Judge Ralston withheld his decision and adjourned the court for the day.

Attorney Darrow, for the defense, objected to the opening of the Court with a prayer, as has been the custom, stating that they were conducting a lawsuit and not a prayer meeting, but the Judge overruled the objection. A resolution was then offered to hear prayers from ministers who were not opposed to the evolution theory, the ruling of the Judge being that he would refer the matter of opening prayers to the ministerial association of the town, which precipitated a long debate on the subject of prayers in a court room.

The reply of the Judge to all objections was "I do not want to be unreasonable about anything, but I believe I have a right. I am responsible for the conduct of the Court. It has been my custom since I have been a Judge to have prayers in the courtroom when it is convenient, and I know of no reason why I should not follow this custom, so I overrule the objections." The question of opening the court with prayer occupied portions of the first and second days proceedings.

The state quickly completed its side of the case on Wednesday in less than two hours, most of the witnesses being Dayton high-school boys. The defense then called Dr. Metcalf, of Johns Hopkins, as the first scientific witness, which was immediately objected to by the State, and the jury was sent out until Judge Ralston prepared his decision.

Counsel on both sides on Thursday, made speeches for and against the admission of expert evidence. The speech of William Jennings Bryan, which lasted for an hour and a half, was generally regarded as not being up to the Bryan standard, and was a disappointment.

Taneytown High School Building

It is currently reported that Edward Stuller has been given the contract for the building of the Taneytown High School, and as part of the contract has purchased the old school building for $3,000, the material from which will be used in the new building as far as it may be suitable.

The contract cost of the high school building is reported to be$ 46,000. The building is expected to be finished, ready for occupancy, about January 1.

July 24

Scopes Guilty In Evolution Case

In a brief written opinion, Judge Ralston refused to permit the jury to hear the evidence of expert scientists on evolution. The substance of his opinion was that as the state of Tennessee had by law made it unlawful to teach evolution in public schools, the opinions of experts could not change that fact. After a half-hour of crossfire between the counsel, and tart allusions to Judge Ralston, the court was adjourned until Monday.

Attorney Darrow, whose expressions on Friday conveyed an attitude of contempt for the Court, greatly enraged the Tennessee Bar Association and the press of the state, and Judge Ralston was criticized for not disciplining him. On Monday, Darrow expressed his regret at having made such remarks, placing his remarks in the form of complete apology, which the Judge accepted, after Darrow had been formally cited for Contempt of Court.

The sensation of the week was the placing of William Jennings Bryan on the witness stand, and his cross-examination by Darrow (who does not seem to resent being called an atheist, nor deny that he disbelieves most, if not all of the Old Testament). Bryan's examination was stormy from beginning to end, and finally became so violent that the Court was suddenly adjourned. Most of the evidence in the case was mere publicity argument, and did not go before the Jury.

The case closed on Tuesday morning, and a verdict of guilty was promptly rendered. Judge Ralston imposed a fine of $100 and fixed bail at $500, pending the filing of an appeal. In commenting on the verdict, Scopes said he had been "convicted of violating an unjust statute." As Scopes had admitted the charge of teaching evolution contrary to law, there was no other verdict possible, the only question being was the constitutionality of the law of the state.

As one of the outcomes of the case, a bill will be presented before Congress providing that Federal aid be withdrawn from all schools teaching the theories of evolution.

The Philadelphia Ledger commented, caustically, on the disgraceful features of the case, and particularly on the part played by Bryan and Darrow. It said in part: "If these are leaders of the two forces which met at Dayton, then the whole issue is an empty quarrel. If they are, in fact, the representative champions of Science and of Religion, it is a shameful confession of America's intellectual bankruptcy.

"Neither is a true representative of the cause in which he fights. William Jennings Bryan is an aging politician who does not represent the greater Christian or religious forces of America. Clarence Darrow is a tired, disillusioned and vitriolic advocate, who made his reputation in the field of criminal law. He may represent unbelief, but he does not represent true Science which has no quarrel with spiritual life and Religion.

"The happenings at Dayton on Monday were a disgrace to a civilized Society, to Religion and to Science. They were a humiliation to the law, to Tennessee and to the Nation. It is time for the issues to be transferred to a higher tribunal and for this small town farce to end. It was high time for the curtain to be rung down on this hippodrome of self advertisers in a publicity-crazed community and on this clownish travesty that was making Science, the Church, the Law and the State of Tennessee ridicules."

Suicide Near Taneytown

Charles Stonesifer committed suicide, some time Wednesday, by hanging himself in the barn at his home, near Taneytown. The body was found at about 5 o'clock, in the afternoon, by his son, on going to the barn to do some work, evidently sometime after the act had taken place.

Justice Davidson and Dr. Wells were called, and after viewing the body it was decided that no inquest was necessary, death having been due to suicide.

Mr. Stonesifer, who has been operating a bread route for the Everhart Bakery, left on his route, Monday, for Thurmont, apparently in the best of spirits. Just what happened during all of the time, is something of a mystery; but, he left his truck in Thurmont, and was next found on Tuesday morning in the barn on his farm at Keysville, occupied by Harry Welty. In the evening Mr. Welty brought him part of the way home. Mr. Stonesifer saying he would walk the rest of the way.

He was not seen at his home, however, until found hanging in the barn. Recently, he had some financial trouble over the attempted sale of his bread route, and other matters, and this may have temporarily unsettled his mind.

He is survived by his wife, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hilterbrick, one son, Wilbur, and his father, Oliver Stonesifer, of Keymar; also by one brother, William Stonesifer, of Keysville, and one sister, Miss Carrie, of Baltimore.

Saint Joseph’s Preparing For Annual Picnic

Extensive plans are being made for the annual picnic of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, in Emmitsburg, to be held at the Firemen’s Field, Saturday, August 1. Reverend Hulett Piper, C.M., and Reverend Francis Rozers, C.M., assistant to Reverend J. O. Haydn, C.M., pastor of the church are in charge of the arrangements. Efforts are being made to make the picnic this year, one of the largest ever held on Firemen’s Field.

For the past 40 years Saint Joseph’s church has held an annual picnic and the event is well known all over the northern section of the County. This year extra features will be added. A regularly scheduled county league baseball game will be played between Emmitsburg and Woodsboro and athletic events will be arranged for boys and girls.

The picnic will be much in the way of a reunion and a large number of former residents of Emmitsburg and vicinity and many persons from Thurmont, Woodsboro, and other places are expected.

The ladies of the church will arrange a fine supper, which will be served on the field. Last year the supper was one of the features of the occasion. This year extra plans are being made for the supper.

July 30

Annual Community Picnic At Rocky Ridge

The annual community picnic in Mount Tabor Park at Rocky Ridge will be held on August 8, with the festival in the evening. The Knights of Pythin Municipal Band, a 50-piece band from Chambersburg will furnish the music both during the day and in the evening at the festival.

The park has been enlarged during the year to 16 acres. The park is improved with a large tabernacle where religious services are held every Sunday evening during the summer; a large refreshment booth; an artesian well; play features for the children such as sliding boards, one of which is in the process of completion, and which, is the largest in Western Maryland; and, seesaws, sandboxes, and the like.

Many prominent men will be present. William Gordy, the State Comptroller, will be the guest of honor and chief speaker. His subject will be the "Condition of the State’s Finances"; David McIntosh, President of the Maryland Senate and many other prominent men will be present and speak. Several prominent men from Washington will also be present.

Heavy Damage In Windstorm

Considerable damage was done in southern Adams County as a result of the severe wind, electrical and rain storm, the second within a week, which broke here Thursday afternoon.

The roof of the Sterner farmhouse was ripped off by the heavy wind that blew in gale like fashion for some time. A number of telephone poles were broken off a few feet from the ground. Phone and power lines, especially in the rural sections of the county were down for some time, while workmen were kept busy erecting new lines and reopening communications between Cashtown, Fairfield, Orrtanna and other sections of the county.

Fields were soaked and considerable damage was reported to corn and fruit crops. A number of trees were also uprooted.