The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1879-10-22
ENLIGHTENMENT REQUIRED.

The present is sometimes referred to as
the ''high noon of Christian civilization"
particularly in the United States OF America,
and the number of churches, schools COL
leges, libraries, books, preachers. philan-
thropists and reformers is sufficient to war
rant the high estimate placed upon the
blessings which fall like mamma upon the
Heaven favored land. Notwithstanding all
this there are certain localities where the
sun OF our civilization does not she'd its
effulgent beams to light up the understand
ing of the people, some of whom, at least
are still cropping their way in darkness. Our
attention hiss been called to an incident in
the social affairs of Ohio which
serves to confirm our conclusons
1t is well calculated to attract attention, and
arouse missionary spirit. Reformers should
take the matter in hand. A remedy should
be found and applied. Stanley discovered
nothing more benighted in his rugged jour
ney through the dark continent" 1t is
almost beyond belief. Ohio is great and
proud State, and yet. like the sun in the
heavens, she has her dark spots. Somewhere
within its limits Ohio boasts of little village
known as Vandslia. and near Vandalia q
newspaper is published which tells the fol-
lowing revolving story:
A young and notwithstanding couple,
brother and sister, named Fred and Louise
Rauckmann, son and daughter of quite re-
spectacle farmer, residing in Lone Grove
township, about 20 miles from this city, board
ed the train a few days ago, went to St. Louis,
and yyere IN, ide husband and wife. They
remained in the city a day or two, then re-
turned homeward, getting off the train at
Bro wnstown, station eight miles from this
place, and, for fear of being detected, wan
dered out in the woods near the town, and
remained there until found and arrested to-
day by Constable Joseph Copeland. The mar
is about 81 years of age, and of good appear
ance, and his sister 49, and rather good look
ing. When asked why he was
induced to commit such act he said
My sister loved me SO well we
thought the best thing we could do would be
TO get married" He was further asked IL he
did not know 1t was wrong and against the
law 10 do so, and also why they hid themselves
in the woods and kept away from their
parents. This he answered by saying: ave
did not know 1t was wrong, AMI only hid in
the woods for fear of being discovered by our
folks, as they were very much opposed TO our
marrying" Their parents are very respectable
people, and are sadly grieved over the un.
PARALLEL act of their children. They were tried
this afternoon, found guilty and bound over,
the mans bond being fl xed at $500 and the wo-
mans at $50, in default OF which they were
committed to the county jail. The affair has
created great excitement in this city.
Search the records for thousand years
and il would be difficult to match the
vandalia story Of ignorance and lust. The
Social Science ASSOCIATION might inquire:
What can be done for Ohio?' Bible, tract
and missionary societies might profitaby
re examine statistics for the purpose of find
| ing outfit OHIO has been neglected X ,formsrs
might profitably make Oaio their camping
ground. for certainly it would be difficult TO
fnd anywhere within tae boundaries Of
Christendom an incident better calculated
to excite sympathy. or stir up the philsn-
thropc spirit of the people, and 1t is to be
hoped that India, Africa and the isles of the
ocean will receive no more attention until
Ohio is redeemed from the thraldom oil
| darkness