davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times., 1914-08-27
DELICATE DUTY UP
TO UNITED STATES

As the lone great world power strict
ly neutral in the present war. the Omitted
States today faced a peculiar situation
and delicate duty as the recipient OF
protests from the various warning ma
tions regarding alleged cruelties. bar
barities. atrocities. and violations of
ttonal law.
President Wilson and Secretary Of State
Bryan. according to authoritative in
form. alton, feel this responsibility keen
ly. They are loath to act. however,
until formal protests are in such shape
that a general appeal to all countries
involved to adhere strictly to recog-
nized war practic& can be made. Re-
luctance to seemingly take Sides by
apparently chiding any particular power
for alleged infractions Of martial eti-
quette is another factor.
Charges and counter-charges of Ger
mans, Belgians. French, and British
form a conflicting maze to be carefully
considered by this Government. While
the warning powers are accusing each
other OF violations of military and inter-
national law. such as slaughter Of nom
bomb throwers. and planting OF floating
mines endangering neutral shipping.
only a few formal protests have off,
cially reached this Government. These
protests are to be made to all tho world
powers not at war. but officials here be-
lieve action devolves largely upon the
United States.
A joint appeal. in general terms with
out citing specific acts, to all the war
ring nations will be issued by this Gov
eminent. It is believed.
The Washington times., 1914-08-27
FOUR MEN FACING
CHARGES OF INSANITY
One Had Scheme to End War,
Another Fears Gunmen, and
Another Confessed Robbery.

Temporarily deranged as a result OF
the European war, It is believed. George
Bardy. arrested at Seventh street and
Pennsylvania avenue northwest by De-
tective Evans. Of the Sixth precinct,
was today sent to Washington Asylum
Hospital for observation. Bardy, who
says he has lived recently in New York.
but has no fixed place or residence,
told Evans he came to Washington to
unfold to President Wilson a scheme
whereby he could put a stop to the war.
A man describing himself as Burton
r. Babcock, a farmer. of Syracuse, n.
Y, was arrested by Policeman Jamfson
at the White House today. and sent to
Washington Asylum on a charge of In
sanity. He told the officer, he wanted
to complain to the President aboIt a
wireless telegraph system which was
troubling his head with its rumblings.
Paul L. Lehan, who said he was a
New York advertising man. was ar
rested by the Terminal police at Union
Station this morning. and charged with
insanity. Lehan complained that New
York gunmen were on his trail, and
were either going to kill him or charge
him with some crime Of which he was
innocent.
John ]. Parker. porter in q jewelry
No. 1 police station early today and an
nounced he had robbed the store Of all
its contents. A policeman was sent to
the store. and found everything intact.
Parker still insisted he had cleaned
the place out" so he was held for in
vestigation. He has been employed by
the firm for the last twenty years.
The Washington times., 1914-08-27
CLIP THIS COUPON

tend. He stated that the expeditfonary
force was a large one. but did not give
any figures.
Grave Fears Felt.
The gravest apprehension Is felt, al
though it is held out that every day the
French and English troops are able to
hold the Germans in check is to the ad-
vantage Of the allies in determining the
final result. Every hour the Russian
hordes are pressing further into cast
Prussia and menacing the Kaiser with
the advance up the defense of the WIS.,
tula river.
The official statements seem to indicate
that the British forces. supported by the
French. originally about Givet, have
withdrawn further before the Germans
until they are now twenty-five miles
within the French frontier
Unofficial dispatches from Paris indi-
cate that the engagements at Cambraf
and Lecateau may have only been the
result of a raid of a comparatively
repulsed. One report declares three COL
umns of German cavalry attempted to
raid the British lines of communication.
One of the columns was ambushed by
French artillery and practically wiped
out.
Another strong force Of Germans were
reported at Douai. twelve miles north
west Of Cambria. 1t was obviously a
movement having for its object the
turning of the allies left flank. French
and British forces had been sent to pro-
tect the extreme left. however, and. the
German movement failed.
The Washington times., 1914-08-27
German Relief Canvass
To Begin Next Tuesday

Encouraged by the many voluntary
subscriptions, the German American
1914 Relief Committee will start Its
canvass Of the city next Tuesday, fol-
lowing a meeting of the executive COM
mittee in the office Of Treasurer Cuno
r. Rudolph, where the membership of
the soliciting committee will be an
nounced.
All the German American residents
of Washington will first be visited. To
every person who subscribes from a
penny upward an official receipt signed
by Mr.. Rudolph will be given. Periodic
ally the amount of the sum accummu-
lated will be announced, and the public
will be kept informed on the disposition
of every cent. IL Is the plan of the
executive finance committee, Of which
George w. Spier is chairman. TO pay as
individuals, all expenses of the commit
tee in order that all contributions will
be available for the relief of the widows
and orphans of German soldiers.
The Washington times., 1914-08-27
Doubt That Nations
Will Heed Protests

Officials Of the War and Navy De-
partments do not expect that the ma
tons now engaged in war will pay
much attention to protests made by
other beIfigerents as to methods Of war
fare. The nrotest against the dropping
of bombs from Zeppelins IL the latest
one raised. Previously there had been
protests lodged with the powers against
the use of dup-dum and explosive bull
let's. the placing of floating mines In
extra-territorial waters, and the use OF
shells containing deadly or poisonous
gases.
1t is pointed out here that such pro-
tests in the past have not been Of much
avail, because In many cases the things
complained against have eventually
been accepted by general tacit consent
as legitimate weapons of warfare
Whether bomb dropping from the
skies and promiscous mine laying will
meet such tacit acceptance. however,
officials were not so certain, as the
danger to non-combatants in both cases
was so great.
The Washington times., 1914-08-27

mes in France are without official con-
firmation.
The government, however, does not
deny them. taking the position that un-
Ill the Grench government makes an an
nouncement on the subject Britain must
Iemain mute.
No Denial Given Out.
There is no denial of the reported oc-
cupancy of Longwy and Montmedy on
the eastern frontier. The battle has
ragged in that vicinity for several days.
Nowhere were the Notifications strictly
modern or absolutely essential to the
French plans of defense. 1t is certain
therefore that the French commander
in-cief would not waste too many men
TO hold this line.
News that the Russian advance is
being pushed with surprising rapldlty
continues to be issued both at the kus-
sian embassy and at the foreign otfice.
sl on the march, and that they are
brushing the German opposition out OF
the way at every point.
The reserve ships of the North sea
fleet have been stripped of marines TO
atd In the fighting in Belgium. Alarmed
over the imminent danger to which
England would be exposed from a1rship
raids. should the Germans established
permanent base in Ostend. Belgium,
The British sailor soldiers have been
sent to reinforce the Belgians now
there.
In the house of comons this after
noon first lord of the admiralty an
nourced that marines were now at Os-
The Washington times., 1914-08-27
ABBOTT, U,S.A,
SUES FOR DIVORCE

annapolis. Md. Aug. 27-Mrs
Caroline Smith t'bbott. who before her
marriage was Miss Caroline Smith.
daughter of Thomas W. Smith. promi-
nent lumber dealer of Washington. is
made defendant in suit for absolute
divorce which was filed by her hus-
band. capt. J. Edward Abbott. L. S. A.,
In the Anne Arundel circuit court. here,
today.
Ia. case is cne in which a brother
officer, of the husband is naInsd as
correspondent and. il is understood here.
the War Department has been asked
10 inTt sugatc tie cOrimCt OF this CO.
I'SI."Td@nt who IS a lieutenant now,
stationed in Teas
tartain Abbott, is a native "f An
nalulIs and his family nov live IN
tins city. lie was marrrd To Miss
simlth. on August 10. 1908 Thcv nave
no children.
The papers fled here today mention
specific dates and occasions Of mis-
conduct once on the So3thcrn Pacific
train running into San Antonio. Tex.
and another at ri rasO. Tex. between
June y and July II, Of the present
year.
The Washington times., 1914-08-27
Bv WILLIAM PHILLIPS SIMMS.

PARIS. Aug. 27.-The fighting along
the entire Belgian-French frontier con-
tinued today. There was this change
from Yesterday, however, that today s
fighting was admittedly much farther
inside of the frontier than On yester-
day. Also some point the line was
said to be twenty-five miles inside the
frontier.
The government, however, maintained
its policy of silence. 1t had permitted
no word of the operations to bccome
Iu5lic since its statement issued at mid
night that part of the defense lines had
been pushed back. The usual morning
and noon announcements were withheld
and there was no confirmation of reports
that important centers on the frontier
had been evacuated before the strong
German forward movement.
The chief danger is still admittedly
from the north. There the Germans are
COM bining a crushing forward move
ment with an extensive fanking at
tempt in force The war office experts
sag that provision TO meet this move
ment have been made, and that the
forces are now in action. On the re-
suit of this movement will depend the
next move of both sides.
Teh new cabinet took up the press
ing matters of state today, meeting
with President Poincaye at the Elysee
Palace While no announcement was
made, II was stated that everything
was progressing satisfactorily.
While the general staff has closed the
avenues Of news from the front because
OF the seriousness of the situation,
enough has been permitted to leak to
Indicate that the allied lines on the
north are again under heavy pressure.
The admission that a fianking force of
Germans, said by some TO number
nearly two army corps. has been oper-
ating against the extreme left indicates
that the Germans are trying TO 1orce
the withdrawal of part of the allied
The Washington times., 1914-08-27
.F0RESEES PROSPERITY
|. ERA FOR Washington

Speaking before the board Of COVER
nors of the Retail Merchants Associa-
ton this afternoon, R. P. Andrews,
president, predicted the greatest retail
business season ever known in Wash
ington during the ext six moths, and
the beginning Of a era that would place
this city on a par with such capitals
as London. Paris. Berlin, and St Peters
burg.
Nearly all of the twenty-nine msm-
bers of the board were present when
the meeting was called to order at 2
O'Clock, and the one topic discussed was
The growth of business during the next
several months, fostered largely by the
cessation of foreign competition during
the European war.
During the last two weeks I have
motored through six of the greatest
States of rhe Union. and everywhere
have found spontaneity Of optimism. :"
said Mr.. Andrews in the course Of his
talk. The time has come to harvest
this sentiment. The popularity Of Tor
eign-made goods Is bound to Be dimmed,
for the buyer Is sure to find out that
the American-rnade article is just as
serviceable and interesting from every
standpoint.
with the greater part Of the civilized
world at war, the National Capital and
the country -at-large Is to be the Mecca
for Americans and others who have
lived abroad. Authentic and reliable
advices have reached me that there Is
a decided impetus in the demand for
homes in Washington, with an unusual
number of queries from over the seas
of houses in the northwest section
whose windo rs were boarded up for the
last two years are being prepared for
the coming of their owners and lessecs-
The Washington times., 1914-08-27
PEASANTS BURNED
HOMES TO AID ARMY

LONDON By Mail to New York;.
Aug. GA graphic story of the burn
ing of the village of Boncelles by Bel
kgian soldiers because it would interfere
with the fire from the Liege forts, is
told in a letter received in Wales by
the brother Of a Belgian soldier
II shall never forget the sight Of it,
the Belgian soldier wrote "One hun
dred and thirty houses and the church
OF Boncelles forming one big blaze In
the middle of the night, and the poor
Inhabitants helping the soldiers to de-
stroy their own little homes and all
their contents
1T was about 10 o'clock when the
peaceful Inhabitants of Boncelles were
abruptly reminded of the horrible sig
nificance of the word war An en-
gineer officer. surrounded by an army
of sappers. knocked at every door and
delivered the message that the houses
lad to be burned to allow the fort to
operate it's guns without obstruction.
While the officer was speaking sappers
were already bringing in wood, cotton
and petrol.
Tho Inhabitants about the forts are
Informed that in time of war the
necessity might arise for the authori-
ties to destroy their houses, but in
this case they had not been warned
during the afternoon. and most Of
them had gone to rest when the
knock on their door came to tell them
of the fate.
II could not describe all Of the
scenes l witnessed that night. ALI 1
remember is women in tears and chill
dren praying. Some of them impIored
the soldiers to let them at least take
their furniture away and threw
themselves at the officers feet. But
they were gently raised by the arms
and led outside the darkness
The soldiers rushed in and threw
bundles of wood under the stair
cases, poured petrol over them and lit
them. In an instant the house would
be ablaze. A woman tried to push in,
a cradle, anything. but was ordered
back by the soldiers. Perhaps her
own son was amongst them.
"A man who had just been led out
of house. and who had been watching
with a stupid look the progress of the
children as If mad He grasped a mass
of saturated cotton and helped the SOL
diers with their work. The example
had been given and in a moment the
other peasants followed.
THE fire had to be set to the church
where only two hours ago peasants
whispered their prayers In solitude.
Wood and cotton was heaped up SIS far
as the altar, and in the tower as high
as possible. A little later all that re-
mained was the square tower, a high
burning torch. which soon listed oyer
and came down in cloud Of smoke
and flames. One hundred and thirty
houses were destroyed in this way and
then all trees in the neighborhood were
cut"
The Washington times., 1914-08-27
WILL S|FT
WR|GHT'S STATEMENT
Mccoy Committee Also to Allow
Witness To Be Reheard Re-
garding His Reply.

An opportunity to testify again will
be given all attorneys whose previous
testimony before the Wright investi-
eating committee was contradicted in
the statement read by Justice Wright
yesterday. The statement OF the justice
also will he the basis of cross-examina-
ton by Chairman Mccoy. and perhaps
Committeeman Nelson when the hear
ings resume.
There will be no session of the COM
mittec tomorrow, but the members PLAN
ned to meet and go over the ninety
three-rage statement CT Justice Wright,
and make such notes of points where
cross-examination or additional infor-
nation may be required Justice Wright
declared yesterday he would gladly fur
nish the committee with more specific
response IL desired. and he said he was
prepared to answer all cross-examina-
ton. 1t is not likely that further pub
lie hearings will be held until the lat
ter part of next week.
The Washington times., 1914-08-27
Germans rs Miles Over
The Frontier, Paris Hears

lines from the center and thus weaken
1t.
1t is not believed that this will be per-
mitted. as the reserve forces in the
northwest should be strong enough to
take care of any new assault in this
section. Cavalry raids in this section
have already been repulsed by the
French artillery with great havoc to the
enemy.
The very frankness of the newspapers
in admitting today that the French de-
fense has received a serious check has
had the effect of clearing up the situa-
ton. The damage is not believed ire
parable, and, even though the allied
lines are forced back we'll within French
territory, the consensus is that long be-
fore Paris can be seriously threatened,
the Germans must withdraw to meet the
Russian peril.
offensive and defensive tactics was a
statement today by the war office that
the German losses to date are eSti-
mated at three times those Of the al
lies. And the latter are admitted to
be Staggering"
F Officials who admit the danger Of the
French lines being badly broken in the
north are insistent that the tide of bat
tie in Lorraine is setting. toward France.
Has Been Continuous.
The fighting there has been continu
Gus since last Friday, when the general
German advance began. and, although
the French were compelled to retire to
the protection of their secondary de-
fense line. 1t is now asserted they arc
making great progress and have ex-
tended their lines at a number of points
across the German frontier.
On the north it Is believed certain the
German advance is we'll within French
territory. Estimates vary, and there
are absolutely no facts on which to
base an accurate statement because the
government refuses definitely to locate
the fighting front.
That the casualties continue very
heavy is shown by the constant dis
patch to the front OF additional sur
geons and medical supplies. Another
batch went forward today.
The Washington times., 1914-08-27
JURY HEARS CLERKS
ON FOOD BOOSTING
Employees Of Wholesalers Tes-
tify as to Prices Paid by the
Retail Merchants.

Evidence as to actual prices paid by
retailers to wholesalers for various
foodstufrs was adduced by the grand
jury today in the examination of clerks
and bookkeepers employed by wholesale
:. dealers.
The names of witnesses and concerns
under investigation are withheld by the
United States Attorneys office. but 1t Is
understood that the testimony given to-
day has an important bearing upon the
question of whether indictments will be
returned early next week. That there
Is a strong possibility Of several true
bills being presented Is admitted by the
Government prosecutors.
The Attorney General is keeping in
close touch with the inquiry being made
by United States Attorney Clarence r.
Wilson and the latter's assistant, S. Nc
Comas Hawken. He has conferred with
Mr.. Wilson several times, and is under
stood to believe that the Government
will be able to fix the responsibility for
the inflated prices of foodsturs in the
District
The Washington times., 1914-08-27
FUNERAL MASS FOR
PONT|FF TOMORROW
By HENRY WOOD.

ROME, Aug. T.-Beginning tomorrow.
the three final funeral masses for His
Holiness. Pope Plus y. will be cele-
brated in the Sistine Chapel The final
mass In st. Peters was celebrated to-
day.
ceremonies, the so.smn mass will be
celebrated by a cardinal, with four 9TH
er cardinals assisting, and all other
members of the Sacred College IN Rome
participating.
During these masses the cardinals
who are merely assisting will sit in
their respective places in the Sistine
Chapel, with their train bearers at
their feet, bearing lighted torches.
Other prelates will be grouped about
in the order of precedence in which they
come in the Catholic hierarchy.
The Washington times., 1914-08-27
France PaVeS Way for
Youths to Lead Army

PARTS, Aug G.-AleXandre Millerand,
minister of war In the new cabinet
formed by Premier V1viani in an hour
last night. after the old cabinet re-
signed. today prepared decree permit
ting the provisional promotion on the
battlefield of comparatively young Of
hcers to the highest ranks, regardless
of seniority. The promotions are to be
made In recognition OF proven energy
and merit.
The changes in the cabinet have given
the people much confidence. The oHgi-
nal announcement that Millerand. Del
Casse, and BRAND desired to serve In
the council of the defense was not rel
!shed by Dhe French leaders. who
realized that the national crisis was far
graver than even the President cared to
admit The inevitable result was that
when the conference at the Elysee took
place President Poincare insisted that
new cabinet representing all of the rae
The Washington times., 1914-08-27
England Builds Corral
For German Suspects

ALDERSHOT. England (By Mail to
New York;. Aug. ga huge concentra-
ton camp for the thousands Of German
suspects who have been rounded up by
Scotland Yard in all parts Of England
is being constructed at Blackdown, near
here The corral, which covers forty
acres, is fenced by barbed wire strung
on ten-foot posts. Outside Is another
circle of barbed wire entanglements,
and between the two fences sentries will
pace with loaded rifles. The prisoners
will be housed in quarters built OF gal
vanlzed iron, and will be fed on ordin-
ary army rations.
The Washington times., 1914-08-27

tons Of the republic should be formed
It is accepted that as minister of for
eign affairs Theopile Del Casse will have
great influence with Italy. He has Just
returned from Rome. where he, in COM
panv with Count Witte. the Russian
statesman. was successful in stiffening
Italy's attitude in refusing territorial
pledges for her support of Austria and
Germany in the present war.
Alexandra Millerand. the former So
calist leader, brings to the war office
an active knowledge of its operations
having served in his present post until
his reinstatement of Col. Du Patty de
Clam in January. 1919. forced, him to
retire. AS a trained executive he will
be able to take much work off General
Joffres shoulders. and leave the COM
mander-in-chief free to perfect his plans
of campaign.
Former War Minister Messimy de-
parted for the front immediately on
turning his portfolio over to his sue
cessor today.
The Washington times., 1914-08-27
Conan Doyle to Reply
To German Statements

LONDON. Aug. 27.-Characterizing
the German official statements which
are being circulated broadcast. and
ar. declared to be sent from Germany
'by wireless as "mendacious and alb
solutely at variance with the true
facts" the war office today announced
that il will reply to them. At the
same time it was announced that A.
Conan Doyle. noted author. has ac-
ceded 70 the bureaus request to reply
q tkS German uttsrancsA
The Washington times., 1914-08-27
Indiana Man May Be
Envoy to Argentina

Samuel Foster wealthy Fort Wayne
nnd.) banker. is slated for the post of
ambassador to Argentina. according to
reports in Administration circles todav
While the White House would not posi-
lively confirm this stor.'. there was n
strong intimation that Foster will get
the place
The Washington times., 1914-08-27
Sues D. c. for $25,OOO.

John r. Stephenson filed a suit in the
District Supreme Court today against
the District for $25, 900 for injuries al
legged to have been received February
u when he stumbled over a sewer open
ing top near the Navy Yard.
He alleges that he was permanently
injured as A result Of the negligence Of
the District authorities
The Washington times., 1914-08-27
CONGRESSMEN HIKE
BACK TO CAPITAL
Threats of Being Docked Their
Pay Adds Fifty More to the
Roll Call.

Evidences Of q rush Of absent Com
gressmen back to Washington, follow
ing adodption Of rule to dock their
salaries for absenteeism, was noted to-
day when 80 members showed up, an
increase Of over fifty In forty-eisht
hours.
Congressman Prouty, of Iowa, intro
duced q bill prohibiting absence Of men,
bers on pay longer than thirty days.
unless they are sick.