davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1917-04-12
AT WAR WITH GERMANY
final Declaration of War Issued by
President Wilson Last Friday.
Other Countries follow Us.

War with Germany is now real
i,y, the lower house of congress hav-
ing passed the war resolution last
Friday, although three Iowa con-
gressmen, Haugen, Hull and Woods,
voted against the resolution, and
President Wilson Immediately issued
proclamation Of war, which is pub
lished on page four OF this issue,
declaring that war with Germany
exists. All of the interned German
vessels at the various ports in Amerl-
ca were at once seized. AS was ex-
pected Austria has severed diplomat
lc relations with America, and re-
called their ambassador, and hand
ed passports to the American ambas-
sador, and it is expected Austria will
formally declare war on America
within a few days. Cuba and Pana-
ma have also decIared war against
Germany, while Brazil, Guatemala
and Peru are expected to follow the
example set by the United States and
declare war against Germany within
a few days The announcement that
the United States had declared war
against Germany was hailed with
great enthusiasm by all the Allied
countries. In France an official Or
der was issued to fly the American
flag from every public building in
France. War preparations are being
rushed all over the United States.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1917-04-12
Public Sale.

Having sold my farm | will sell at
public sale Saturday, April l4th at
! O'Clock p. III. at my residence 1a
mile east of Decatur, Iowa, 2 head OF
horses. one black horse coming 7
years old, weight 14O0, one black
Norman mare colt, one year old, one
black bull calf, or dozen chickens,
all last year hatch, two wagons, l
corn shelter, l sweep rake. ] sulky
rake. l cultivatOr, one l3-foot har-
row, one 40-gallon iron kettle, house
hold and kitchen furniture, l good
hoosier range, one heating stove. l
dining table. u dozen chairs, and
other articles too numerous to men
ton. Some other stock will be on
sale by otner parties.
Terms will be regular, 8 months
with 8 per cent from date or 2 per
cent discount for cash and $1,000
and under cash.
JOHN ROSS.
Tullis Bros, Auctioneers.
+. w. Townsend, Clerk.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1917-04-12
New Court Cases.

Lucille CoZad VS.. J. c. Cozad ct al
Plaintiff in her petition claims half
interest in a farm the title of which
is in the name OF J. c. Cozad, all eg-
ing that it was held in trust for her
and her children. V. K. McGinnis,
attorney for plaintiff.
II. W. Teale VS.. Lloyd Z. Lasley.
Suit is brought on three promissory
notes on which there is a balance
due of S17.35. Y. f. McGinnis, at
torney for. plaintiff.
j, C. Brothers vs.. John Hod ges.
Suit is to foreclose a mortgage given
to secure note for $4,000. Varga
4 Son, attorney for plaintiff.
Ella F. Machlan ct al. VS.. Grace L..
Jennings ct al. The parties are the
heirs of w. A. MAGELLAN, deceased, !,
and plaintiffs ask that the shares of
the heirs be set off, and divided. Mar
ion f. Stookey, attorney for plain
tiff.
Farmers and Traders State Bank
VS.. Roy Young and w. A. Ramsey
Suit is on promissory note for
S234.40. Varga Il Son, attorney for
plaintiff
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1917-04-12
Farmers Till Railroads. Right of
War

A very practical conservation
movement has been undertaken by
the chicago, Burlington 4 Quincy
railroad by inducing farmers along
its right Of way to cultivate the rail
roads land adjoining their farms.
Over 800 country dwellers took ad-
vantage of this plan last year, pay
ing the nominal fee of $500, which
entities them to utilize the land ad-
joining theirs for an indefinite per-
iod. This soil, which is usually verv
rich because so long untitled. is
planted to alfalfa and the yield has
been as high as eight tons to the
acre. The average amount of land
which each man cultivates is three
acres. The arrangement lessons the
weed menace for the near by fields
and since alfalfa remains green a
long time, it lessons the danger of
prairie fires. At the same time the
road is saved the cost Of moving the
right of way.-Popular Mechanics.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1917-04-12
Notice.

To All Persons Interested in the
Leon Cemetery:
At the regular April meeting of
the Cemetery Association, among
other plans for the years work, was
that of making extensive improve
ments by means of the planting of
hardy shrubbery, and in order to be-
gin the work and carry it on to COM
pletion, everyone interesting in the
cemetery are earnestly requested to
help-those who are members to pay
their yearly dues of $1.OV at once,
only 25 cents of which goes to the
general fund for the improvement of
the general appearance of the ceme-.
terry, and IS cents to the care of the
lot for which it was paid. Then
those who are not members of the
associa ton, yet have personal in
terest in some lot or lots we would
ask that you join us at once, and
thus help to make the Improvements
which you desire to see, and which
we have been doing, little by little,
since our organization, as our funds
would nermit, and to others who are
and desire to help in any
way we will appreciate their cooper
alton. All money should be sent to
the secretary from whom you will
receive receipt therefor.
Eva Rhea, Sec.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1917-04-12
TOO OLD AND TOO YOUNG.
Lyman Forgraye and Robert McDon-
aid Not to Fight, But Will As
sist in Other Ways.

Lyman Forgrave, justice of the
peace, Seventy-three years old, veter-
an of the civil war, and Robert j.
Mcdonald. 1925 Sylvanie St., four
teen years old, a school boy, applied
at the army recruiting station, Fifth
and Edmond streets, this forenoon,
and asked to be permitted to enlist
in the army. After they had been
rejected on account. of age, tney ask
ed that they be enrolled to assist the
recruiting officers in any way pos
Sible. Their names were taken and
later when the campaign for recruits
is Nusned more vigorously they will
be asked to MAKE good their pledges.
Justice Forgrave and young Nc
Donald represent the Fourth OF July
company which holds d demonstra-
ton at Twelfth and Sylvanie streets
each Independence day. They declar-
ed that the men and DOvs Of the
company which they represent-as
well as a number of the women-are
eager to assist in the recruiting work
and .le organization will be called
uDOn to cooperate. A resolution
from the Fourth of July company
was presented the officers "f the re-
The Fourth of july company, at
Twelfth and Sylvanie streets. tenders
its services to the government. We
are for America first Our ages are
from five to sevent"-three years, and
our hearts are thrilled with the same
patriotic feeling which has occurred
to us every Fourth Of July for the
last fourteen years. We have "a.
bOys-nerhaps some OF them are a
little too young, some of us are plen-
ty old enough. st. Joe News Press.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1917-04-12
Two More Big Trucks.

Two moresbig two ton Indiana
trucks were received in Leon Mon
day, one being for George Arney,
who will use Y in delivering ice to
his customers in Leon, and the other
will be added to the splendid equip
ment of the Leon Bus and Transfer
Co., and it will help them out in fine
shape in handling their big business.
With this truck, which is equipped
with an extra big body they will be
in shape to handle all kinds of NOV
ing of household goods in very
careful manner, and can also make
trips to neighboring towns with the
big truck.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1917-04-12
GARDNER Will STANDS
Supreme Court Decides DR.. Gardner
Will Case, and Gives all of the I
Property to His Widow. s

The Supreme Court of Iowa last
Saturday handed down an opinion in
the case OF G.. S. Guilford, guardian
OF Carrie Guilsord Gardner, ct. al,
VS.. Mrs. Almena Elizabeth Gardner,
ct. al, known as the Dr.. Cardn.,r
will case, the plaintiff having brought
an action in the district cotrt asking
tai the VIII OF The late Dr. K. d.
Gardner be construed as giving an
ah"o,ute title to o!e-half cl AS Gs-
tGte to his son, the late Chas. E
Gardner. The principal issue in
cont Cversy was over the clause in
the will, ''if my son Cha, lesN shall
die without living issue, then the
entire estate shall go to nv wife"
t's.rdler died that under the will his
son Charles became the absolute
owrer of one-half OF his estate, real
and personal, and that the living is
sue" clause had reference to the
death OF Charles Gardner before his
fathel. When the case was tried be-
for Judge Maxwell in the district
cont he found for the defendant
anc in his opinion gave the entire es-
Supreme Court affirms his decision,
tie opinion being by Justice Weaver,
being concurred in by Justices Pres
ton, Gaynor~and Sallinger. The case
has attracted considerable local at
tcntion, as at the time OF his death
Dr.. r. d. Gardner owned over 1900
acres Of Decatur county farm lands,
and moneys and credits amounting to
over 1000, making the total value
Hoffman and Ed H. Sharp were the
at,crneys for the plaintiff, and V. r.
McGinnis, and Miles & Steele, of
CCrydOn. for the defendant
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1917-04-12
Patriotic Meeting Tuesday Night.

A patriotic meeting called by May
or Gardner in response to letter
from Governor harding to all the
mayors OF Iowa, was held at the
court house Tuesday evening. A
martial band was organized Tor the
played. The court room was decora-
ed was rrofuslon of American flags
and their was big attendance, many
being unable to get inside the court
room, but everybody was wearing a
flag, ana there was much enthusiasm.
The meeting was presided over by
Mayor Gardner. who stated the OBJ
1ect of the meeting, and short patri-
otic talks were made by number;
Capt. J. d. Brown spoke on behalf OF
the Civil War veterans, Michael Gro
gan on behalf of the school boys,
Rev Marsolf as a minister and a citi-
zen ready to do his duty Miss Mabel
resenting the mothers, V. r. McGin-
mis-, c. W. Coleman, and Lieut.. Roy
B. Gault, representing the recruiting
department of the Iowa National
Guards, who stated it was necessary
to secure Immediately 1000 more
men for the Guards. At the close
of his talk a call was made for vol
sponded and enlisted. c. W. Cole
man and Arthur Marshall. They will
join Co. C., the Creston Company OF
the 3rd Iowa Infantry. Two recruit
ing officers came from Creston Tues
day, Lieut. Roy s. Gault, staff Of
ficer of the 3rd Iowa Infantry, and
Serg. F. NJ Fuller, of Co. G, 3rd
Iowa Infantry. This company expects
to be called out within a few. days
and the Leon boys who will enlist
will report at Creston whenever the
company is called out. There are
quite number from this vicinity
who are talking of enlisting, and
but recently ten young men from
Leon Joined the navy.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1917-04-12
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO
Items Taken from the Files of The
Reporter Published Quarter
of q Century Ago.

Mr.. and Mrs. G.. B Amos, of Gar
den Grove. will celebrate their gol-
den wedding this evening.
The following marriage licenses
were issued the past week:
Miller Chandler % to Huldah E.
B. 3. Baker 81 to Lulu E. Pier
point 20.
Mark p. Howard "a to Mary Cox
j. V. Hill 81 to Dora Mclaughlin
j. A. Caster has sold his residence
to ". J. Darr, who will move it one
block west to the lots which he re-
Gently purchased from Mr.. Caster.
Next week Mr.. Caster will commence
the erection of a fine two story resi-
dence on the site of the old house.
Our court house had another mar
row escape, from being destroyed by
sheriff Sanger had been sweeping the
room and stood couple of brooms
up in a corner against the gallery
partition. He took a bucket and went
after some. water, and when he re-
turned he found healthy fire start
ed. The brooms were all ablaZe and
SO was the carpet, while the floor
ing to burn. He extinguished the
blaze without giving an alarm, but
had he remained away few minutes
longer a furious fire would have
been raging. The only way the fire
can be accounted for is that a parlor
match had been dropped on the floor
and lodged in one of the brooms
while sweeping, and became ignited
when he placed the brooms in the
corner. Web was nrettv baQly scar
ed man for few minutes.
Garden Grove was visited by a
mud shower on Monday morning
which lasted for several minutes.
Windows were spattered with mud
and persons who were out in the
shower had their coats covered with
1t. From appearances it was a kind
of clay, littles lighter than brick
dust. 1t is supposed it, was due to
a cyclone or whirlwind and had been
carried long distance.
Old Timothy Moore was sentenced
to a term Of five years in the peni-
tentiary by Judge Towner last Fri
day, for assaulting his wife with an
axe several weeks ago. He was TAX
en- to Ft Madison by Sheriff LaFOl-
lette the same day.
Allen Scott, one of the first white
settlers in Decatur county, and who
for many years was one of the noted
characters of southern Iowa. was in
the city the first of the week looking
alCer some business matters. Mr.:
Scott now resides in Ozark county,
Mo-
Harry Lutz returned from Rock
ford, Illinois, last Saturday, where
ne has been .clerking in a store for
the past six months. As4.t
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1917-04-12
Exchange National Bank Installs
Electric bookkeeping Machine.

The Exchange National bank has
gust installed an electric machine
which will actually keep books. 1t
is the very latest model made by the
Burroughs Machine Co., which have
produced wonderful adding machines
which are in universal use: This
new machine, does everything con-
nected with keeping the books me-
chanically except that the operator
inserts the leaves of the ledger in
the machine and touches the key
board, making the figures 1t posts
the checks, deposits, adds and sub
tracts, and automatically prints the
date of each check and each deposit,
then figures the balance to that ev-
cry customers account is balanced
after each entry. With the use of this
new machine the books of the Ex-
change National Bank will be kept
more neatly and absolutely accurate,
more SO than could possibly be done
under the old system which is still
in use in most banKs The machine
saves much time and eliminates mis-
ledger the machine also makes out
monthly statements for depositors.
Eacn statement shows ell the checks
and deposits of the customer, to-.
gether with the balance no has in the
bank at the end OF the month. Under
this system each customer account
is kept balanced all the time and
statement is ready for him at the
wan Wants s. 'e on ' five G minutes M a' mot notiee re-
IN oreover, he does not have to both
er with bringing in his ->~~s book -
be balanced. Being made on the
machine and checked back with the
ledger sheets-of which they are an
exact duplicate-the statements will,
OF course. be absolutely accurate.
This system is similar to that now in
in the Exchange National Banks eff
fort to give the most complete and
satisfactory service to depositOrs
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1917-04-12
AT THE NEW THEATRE,
Program for the Coming Week q
Good One, at Popular Prices.

-, The weekly program at The New
lheatre for the coming week, is an
exceptionally good one, and embrac-
es comedy, thrilling adventures and
the drama. There will be matinees
on Friday, Saturday and Monday and
regular shows commencing at 1880
each evening.
This (Thursday) evening they
present that famous vampire actress,
Theda Bara in THE Serpent" one
OF her strongest plays, in which she
is given exceptional opportunity to
display her peculiar talent.
rOr Friday, at ) O'Clock matinee
Miles Minter in 'Dulcie's Adventure
a photoplay which has had big run
IN all the larger cities.
The usual pig program is prOvid-
ed for Saturday. with matinee at ,
O'Clock and continuous evening
shows. Shorty in the Tigers Den. !"
in two parts, harmony and Dis
esting Mutual Weekly, and a one
part drama, Mated by Choice and
for tniS big program prices are only
) and 10 cents.
On Monday April 10th, at 3
o'clock matinee and evening shows,
the stellar attraction will be kitty
Gordon in The Crucial Test" a five
part picture of revolutionist life,
where the sister Of an anarchist plot
ter plays an important role in saving
him from death after an unsuccess-
ful attempt on the life of the Grand
Duke OF Russia, later bringing about
the destruction of the disliked ruler
by trapping him, thereby making
him an easy prey for her brother, 1t
is Brady Made picture, and that is
an assurance it is tirst-class.
Tuesday night the big five reel
Mutual farce comedy, "kolb and
Dill, who are prime favorites with
Leon theatre gOers.
Arrangements are beng made for
a big special feature for Wednesday,
April 18th, which will be announced
later. " atch for it,
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1917-04-12
We Robbed a Bank.

The Reporter robbed bank last
week, but failed to get any money.
We robbed the Citizens State Savings
Bank, of Decatur City, of $4,000 in
the amount of deposits as published
in the statement of the condition of
the bank, and it was done pretty
easily too, just by transposing two
figures on the linotype macnlne, MAX
ing. the item of deposits read S2O6,-
$685., when it should have been
$3.50. .53G.56. But then a little item
OF $4,000 won't make much differ
ence to a bank like the Citizens State
Savings Bank, which has more than
a quarter of a million Of deposits as
shown by their official statement.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1917-04-12
April Is Uncle SANS Regular Fight
ing Month.

Now that war has been declared
with Germany, it adds another war
to the list in which the United States
has been engaged, and which was
commenced in the month Of April,
commencing with the Revolutionary
war.
The struggle for independence
from British domination really began
with the battle or Lexington and
Concord on April 10, 1775.
The Black Hawk Indian war, in
which Abraham Lincoln had his bap-
tism Of fire, began April 81, 1881.
The Mexican war started April "a,
1916.
1t is generally conceded that the
civil war began in the early morning
of April y, 1861, when the shot
that was heard around the world
was fired on Ft Sumpter.
The Spanish-American war, like
the Black Hawk war, started on
April p, 1898.
War declared against Germany on
April 6, 1917.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1917-04-12
VOLUME LXI1I, NO. 35.
IDLE HOUR FEATURES.
biggest Program Ever Booked for
the Coming Week, Including
1.-THE LiOeitine" Tuesday.

The Idle Hour theatre has booked
| what is without. doubt the biggest
program OF feature plays for the
..>comlng week they have ever shown
in this CITY.
Today Thursday at matinee and
thrilling, Helen Holmes serial, Lass
or the cumberland, together with
other reels -
Friday, the Paramount feature
10 Have and To Hold,' featuring
NAE Murray and Wallace Reed. It
IS story, OF the early seventeenth
century when a few sturdy English
IN Virginia, with a love story inter-
woven. . and 10 cents, matinee at
. O'Clock, ni"ht prices 10 and Is
Saturday the usual big program
3aaturh and the " laughable 1!s Ghar!ie Chaplin
alone is worth the price of admis-
sion, Usual 3 o'clock matinee and
evening shows.
Monday, another Paramount fea-
ture, Florence Rockwell in "Ee Fell
in Love With His Wife" This may
sound like a queer title for a photo
play, but if you like story well
players, yru will not 1ail to see why
and how He Fell In Love With His
Wife. Matinee at , o'clock, 5 and
~ cents, nl"ht prices 10 and Is
Tuesday April 18th, an extra big
spe,clal, The Llbertine," the most
talked-of motion picture of the day,
will be shown. The is in six reels
OF unexcelIed photoplay, with the
stars John Mason. who is now ap-
nearlng on the stage in Common
Gay, and Alma Hanlon, who has
won success in several big produc-
elons. Ihe story, as the name sug-
SestS; deals with vital subject, but
handleS the idea in a clever and deli
cate manner. 1t sets forth a strong
moral lesson in most inOffensiye
manner, A wealthy and unscrupu-
lous man has no higher aim in life
lnan that OF winning young girls. He
even Keeps a memorandum book of
MS victims as proof of his success
Elsie, pretty cloak model, attracts
tne attention OF this human vulture.
VINO tried to win her from the young
man sne is engaged to me married to
Dut glimpse of the future opens her
eyes and she rushes to the arms Of
tne man she loves and finds >true
happiness. The llbertine is shown
eraslnS her name from his list of
propects. Don't fail to see this great
picture.
Wednesday, at 3 o'clock matinee
ana evening shows, Clara Kimball
hounS Will be seen in my Official
VIE, drama of Russia, with an
exceptionally strong cast. and 10
cent matinee, evening prices are 10
and . cents.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1917-04-12
Fire Insurance Law Repealed.

Governor Harding on Monday
signed the bill which had passed the
house and senate, repeating the in
iquitous rating bureau insurance
law, which was passed by the last
legislature, and which has resulted
in greatly increasing fire insurance
rates, and destroying all competition
in the insurance business. There was
of this law. The repeal goes into
effect July 4th, and after that date
purchasers of fire insurance can
nlace their business in the open
market just as was done up to two
years ago
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1917-04-12
Federal Aid Bill Passes the House.

The state of Iowa accepted the
governments offer of S2,2O0,0OO
federal aid in road building when
the Balkema bill with seven Oppos-
ing-all of whom are Pitt-Johnson
men--Rogers, Epps, Anderson of Da--
Wis, Giltner, Lenocker, Johnston of
Lucas, and Tucker.
Under the bill the state will get
100000 in a period of five years
from the government to which 1t
must add a similar amount and the
combined funds will then be spent
upon post roads or main travelled
highways.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1917-04-12
knights Templar Observed Easter.

In accordance with their time hon
ored custom the Knights Templar
attended church in body last Sun
dav morning. in full uniforms The
service was held at the Brethren
church, the sermon being by Rev. G.
S. Marsolf, pastor nf the Presbyter-
ian church, who delivered very ap-
thoughts, and one which was thor
oughly enjoyed not only by. the
Knights, but by the good sized con-
gregation whicn was in attendance.
Special music for the occasion was
furnished by the Presbyterian choir.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1917-04-12
Have You Seen the New Comet?

A new comet, the first to be dis
covered in 1917, can now be seen in
the western Sky Just afte" sun down
The fiery visitor was .'picked up
astronomer of Leetonia, Ohio, March
18th. The comet is visible by using
opera glasses, and could be seen with
the naked eye were it not that the
moon browns it out after sunset. The
comet is slightly north of the sun
and about 80 degrees east. 1t goes
below the horizon right after eight
O'clock. Folks who understand
astronomical lore will find the comet
near Beta Gamma and Aretis.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1917-04-12
Heaviest, Snow Ever Seen in April.

All parts of Iowa was visited by a
very heavy snow storm last Saturday,
foot of very wet snow fell, and out
in the country the drifts were over
the tops of the fences Sunday
morning the sun came out bright,
and in couple of days the snow. was
all gone except where the heavy
drifts We're. 1t was a mighty fine
thing for grass and the oats crop,
for every bit of the moisture went
into the ground. but very little wat
e, running in any of the creeks Old
residents say it was the heaviest
snow they ever saw in April, and it
was several times over more snow
than this mart of Iowa had all
winter
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1917-04-12
Uncle Josh" Coming.

The Leon X. of P. band has con-
tracted with Cal Stewart, the origin
al Uncle Josh" and his company to
give an entertainment at the opera
house in this city on Tuesday even
ing, April gath. The band commit
tee bought the entertain ainment out
right, and the opera house should be
packed as benefit to the band, who
hope to clear at least 500 from the
entertainment. Included in the COM
pany in addition to Uncle Josh" are
Gypsy Rossini, violinist, and Miss
Margie Stewart, comedienne, pianist
and artist on the ukulele