davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-21
GENERAL OF THE RUSSIAN STAFF )
MAKES OPTIMISTIC Statement

ward toward Radon and Lublin ano
occupy southern Poland. II the enc
my were successful in thus freeing
it's own territory and terrifying thor
oughly the lines mentioned. no effort
would be made to go further. The
enemy would content himself with
remaining on the defensive along this
front, so that 80 army corps might
be transferred to the Eastern theatre
of war.
These aspirations cannot be realized
because the, Russians are being reinforc-
ed continually and are now occupying
positions which may be defended much
more effectually than their previous
ones.
1.-THE Soehaczew country. which is low
and marshy, offers the most excellent
facilities for defence. The rainy wealth
err also favors the Russians in their
trench digging, while at the same time
it ruins the roads used by the German
forces OF invasion.
During the temporary lull In this re-
gion the next large battle is expected
around Cracow and Przemysl, with the
probability also of German demonstra-'
lions in force around Mlawa, Suwalh
and Wilballen.
The situation on the Caucasian front
has not changed materially.
The Russians there are remaining on
the defensive on account of the rigorous
winter weather. The Turks, with great
ly increased forcesA are attempting an
invasion along a route which leads from
Erumuiah, in northwestern Persia, to
the shore of the Caspian sea at Bacu.
thence TO Elizabeth, Poland. Their ef-
forts in this direction thus far have
been unsuccessful Between Kars and
Erzerum, where hostilities were begun,
operations are now at standstill The
previous intention of the Turks to make
a descent on the Crimea and elsewhere
along the Black sea have been either
abandoned or delayed.
| | regard the net results OF the first pc
Rod of the war as source OF general
satisfaction.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-21

Petrograd, Dec. 20.--(via London,
$40 P. MA general attached to
the Russian general staff who recent
iy returned to Petrograd from the
front, reviewed the present military
situation today In an optimistic man
ner.
I'VE are now at the close of the
first period Of the war;" he said. 1T
has ended, to be sure, with the bat
tie front shifted to the eastward, but
without marked advantage for the
Germans.
. THE German offensive was begun
with the center extending from Posen
to Kalisz. The armies of General
Makenzen and Gen. Francois adj
vanced to the Bzura river, occupying
positions In almost a straight line
from Flock through Domitz and LODI
to Piotrkow, where they fortified
themselves. The northern division
which proceeded to Cienchanow and
Makow, was forced back to the from
tier. The Austro German troops from
Siisia advanced toward Oikusz, VOL
brom and Noyo Radmomsk while fur.
Their to the south the Austrians pro-
ceeded to the river Dunajec, aiming
to free Cracow. To the southwest of
Przemysl an Austro- Hungarian army
attempted to cross the Carpathians,
striving to relieve Przemsyl and free
Galicia. The centers of intense opera
lions developed In the order above
mentioned.
THE strategic position Of the rail-
road lines enabled the Austro-Ger-
mans to maneuver their forces north
and south, and east and west and
vice versa The total number OF
Austro-G Germans opposing Russia IS
estimated at more than 40 army corps
(about 100000 men).
1.-THE present aim of the enemy cyl
IDENTIFY is to take the Lithuanian fort
resses of Kovno, Dvinsk and Grodno
and occupy Western Poland as far as
Warsaw while the Austrians are at
tempting to free Galicia, push north
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-21

New York, Dec. 2o.-Rear Admiral
Robert e. Peary. U. 8. N, retired, has
submitted to the Aero Club of Amer
lea, Il was announced Saturday.
plan to establish landing stations for
aeroplanes throughout the United
States, and he and Edwin Gould have
offered lands owned by them in Maine
and Georgia, respectively, for use as
landing stations Admiral Peary is
chairman of the Aeronauticai Map
committee of the club.
The European war stopped plans
which the committee had under way
to bring about an understanding be-
tween sporting. military and seientihc
authorities of different countries Tor
thu use of uniform scales and con-
yentional signs in making aeronauu-
cal maps.
Admiral Peary said that the com
mittee would develop plans for a
chain of landing stations, for potn
land and water aeroplanes. He pointed
ont that France, Germany and Italy
have established special iaheihs
places for aviators near all cities ana
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-21

washington, Dec. 20.-After two days
of hot words, which eliminated Satur-
dav in exchange OF invitations 10 per-
sonal combat between Representatives
Helm of Alabama and Moon of Tonnes
see. the House adopted a special rule to
consider legislation for reforms demand
ed by the postofIice department in con-
nection with the annual postal appropri-
alton bill
A detection of Democrats from the
leaders Friday defeated similar rule,
which provided for consideration OF
amendments decreasing postmasters
salaries, the elimination of assistant
postmasters, experimental substitution
of contract service for the rural dehv-
cry service, increased salaries for rural
carriers, changes in the compensation
paid railroads for carrying the mails and
other reorganization plans for the de-
partment.
The rule was passed late Saturday,
with the provisions for cutting post
masters salaries, abolishing assistant
postmasters and the rural service sup
stitution scheme eliminated.
A speech by Representative moon,
following the defeat of the original
rule. in which he intimated that
"some railroad influence" had Operated
to shift Democratic votes, caused a
bitter debate Saturday. Representa-
tive Heflin Of Alabama, after hall an
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-21

ter Of trenches, the edge Of a wood, a
building. village. or knoll. may have
been reached, possession Of which will
facilitate further operations.
Siege approaches. such as saps. help
the attacker to advance under cover and
so to minimize the losses, but they do
not and cannot obviate the liability to
surprise reception of the nature indicat-
ed when once the snemy's works are
gained The only certain method of pre-
venting this is by q prolonged lombard.
ment with high explosive shells until
trenches, mines and machine guns are
reduced to scrap heaps. or to mine UNI
der them and blow them into the air."
Therefore lighting Ia q repetition Of
what has happened in the French Off
cial statement telling OF the capture of
German trenches Of sapping and mining
operations and heavy artillery duels.
Concerning the latter. the observer says
that the British artillery on Dec. II OBJ
tanned several hits on what appeared to
be the German headquarters. The mar
rative continues:
From a prisoner captured on Dec. Il
it has been ascertaihed that both the
2Sd Regiment and the Jaegers suffered
enormous losses on Nov. 1. The same
man described the fifth Of November as
a terrible day, saying that be had never
before seen such mud as that in which
the Germans were operating, and that
the troops were suffering very much
from the presence OF water in the
trenches. The Smelling that he went
through on the 18th Of this month, he
stated. exceeded anything which he had
experienced previously.
I'VE have reason to believe, from the
evidence obtained from prisoners, that
many OF the Landwehr are heartily sick
of the war and resent the harsh treat
ment. of their officers. They have. been
persuaded that the British ill-treat their
prisoners and but for this some would
be willing to surrender.
.eThe Germans appear to be discarding
helmets with which they have for 50
years been associated in the eyes of the
world Many variations In their uni5
forms are now to be seen. Some of the
troops are wearing their police clothing.
which is of brighter color than the gray
service dress. There is evidence that
certain OF the units facing US are much
under strength"
Concerning the offensive movements of
the Allies, the observer says:
I'm conjunction with the French. who
also are pressing forward. a movement
has been started which has resulted in
a small gain Of ground
The narrative then records gains made
by British and indian troops near Ypres
and south of the Lys. which already
have been reported.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-21
INQUIRY into
COAST DEFENSE
MAKES REPORT

Washington, Dec. 2o-The special
board on coast defences has completed
its inquiry and made a report which
will go to Sec Garrison. He has not yet
decided whether he will make it the
basis of new estimates to Congress for
the improvement of coast defences.
Sec. Garrison said Saturday he had ap-
pointed the board because of representa-
tons to the effect that the greatly in
creased power and range OF naval ord
nance had placed the existing coast de-
Fence armament at a disadvantages He
wished to ascertain the facts and, if the
representations were well founded, to
consider what measures should be taken
to strengthen the shore batteries to cor
respond.
The army appropriation bill, ag
gregating SOL, 200, agreed upon
Saturday by the House military COM
flittee, carries special fund of $i5.-
900 for United States military OBJ
servers in Europe. The bill follows
she war departments estimates very
closely. We gave them practically
all they asked for" said Chairman
Hay, referring to appropriations for
ammunition, and other materials Tor
defence.
5 Representative Gardner arranged
today for a hearing before the COM
mittee next week on the question of
preparedness.
Appropriations of 100000 for avia-
ton and $4,000 for armored automo-
biles in view of the use of the latter
in the European war, are included in
the bill.
An increase of 25 regiments IN the
regular army was proposed by Dill
by Representative Anthony. Five ad-
sditional regiments of artillery, five or
cavalry and Is of infantry would be
provided and the present law limit
ing the army to 100000 men would be
repealed.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-21

ROOM" It also was alleged that the
state courts by reason Of Franks az
sence when the verdict was returned
lost Jurisdiction over his case.
Judge Newman granted Franks at
torneys permission to appear 10 tne
United States supreme court. me
Judge stated in reply to objections
of Solicitor General Dorsey that the
granting Of an appeal was not as
cretionary with the court.
Franks attorneys, It was stated IN
the granting of the appeal. gained one
Of the objects for which the hapeas
corpus was undertaken-to get the
case before the United states supreme
court for review on the constitutions
question Of whether Franks rights
had been violated in that he was NOT
allowed to be present in the court
when the verdict against him was re-
turned.
An appeal in the Frank case woulu
not come UP for consideration In the
sunreme court for nearly two years
unless applications to advance 1t were
granted.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-21
ENGLISH Mine
SWEEPER BLOWN
UP IS REPORT

London, Dec. 20.-Lloyd's agent at
Scarborough sends word that a mine
sweeper watch, with several others,
was engaged in sweeping for mines
I'VE miles southeast of Scarborough,
cued. but the rest of the crew are
missing.
II is reported that two other vessels
have Deen blown up in the region WIS.,
tied by the German squadron which
raided the eastern coast.
Owing 20 the fear Of striking the
mines sown by the German squadron
engaged in the recent raid on English
east coast towns, the sailings OF
steamers between Hull and Copenfa-
gen have been suspended.
That the British admiralty is making
progress in coping with the danger from
mines is indicated by its announcement
today that the route between Newcastle
and Marlborough Head had been re-
opened during daylight, but that vessels
were requested to keep within two miles
of the coast.
Many victims of the German lombard
ment Dec. Is of the east coast towns of
England were buried today, and it was
a day of mourning in Hartlepool. West
Hartlepool and Scarborough.
In the latter towns, where IL funerals
took place, a memorial service was con-
iducted in the parish church by the
archbishop of York
In the Hartlepools some victims were
buried with military honors.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-21
pEARy OFFERS LAND IN maine !
FOR AN AERO LANDING STATION

central towns. France had 800 such
places before the war.
The establishment Of these land
ing places said the rear admiral,
will undoubtedly have the same
stimulating erect on aerial navigation
as the making of good roads has had
on automebiling. At the present time
those who wish to make long flights
have practically to face the perplexi-
ties of explorers
In the establishment of chain OF
landing stations, ADMIRAL Peary said
that the. committees had secured the
corporation OF members of the club
who own private yacht landings and
fat lands. Mr.. Goulds land lie oppo-
site Jekyl island, Ca, and in part Is
occupied as a duck shooting preserve.
1t is on the inside passage, which all
small yachts use in running from
Charleston to Palm Beach. Mr.. Gould
has offered to pay any necessary eN-
pense incurred in establishing the
station.
The land offered by Admiral iPeary
is an island of 80 acres, 10 miles east
of Portland, Me. These offers nave
been accepted.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-21
hot DEBATE IN HOUSE ON
POST Office REFORMS IN US.

hour of argument with Mr.. Moon.
denounced his statement as false anu
untrue"
Representative Moon challenged him
to make the same comment OF tina
floor Of the House, and Representa-
tive Helm expressed his willingness
to do 80. Both members were advanc :
ing toward each other In a threaten
ing manner when half dozen MEM
bers stepped In between them.
Republican Lender Mann. who had LED
the fight on the original rule, renewed
the controversy In concluding debate on
the revised measure.
.'The charge has been made on this
floor. he said, "that the influence Of
railroad interests has been felt In this
House I believe It IL the duty Of the
House, IL the charge 10 not true, to re-
pudiate the charge and condemn the
man who made it. II 1t Ii true, then the
House owes It to itself to investigate
the charge and punish those men whose
votes have been changed by railroad In
huence."
A little later Representative Moon, in
a brief speech, diselaimed any intention
to reflect on the honor or integrity OF
any member Of the House" He said
that his speech was made in the heat
Of debate" and may have been little
too rough He offered to withdraw any
offensive language he might have
used.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-21
U, S, DEVELOPS
ONE or BEST
OF TORPEDOES

Newport, r. l., Dec. 2o.-t became
known Saturday that the United
States navy has developed one of the
best and longest range torpedoes Ia
the world 1t has been tested anu
proved on the torpedo course in Mar
ragansett bay by the officers attached
to the torpedo station. the expert
ments concluding Saturday. The tor
pedo is said to have an actual effec-
tive range of 10000 yards with speed
of 29 to 80 knots.
There is no torpedo in the navies OF
Europe that has anything like this
range or speed for the distance.
These torpedoes will be built at the
torpedo station here on orders from
the navy department.
The strictest secrecy is maintainea
regarding the details of this torpedo,
which is fitted with net-cutting de-
vice that easily penetrates the steel
defence nets used by larger ships.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-21
REFUSE WRIT
FOR RELEASE
Of FRANK

Atlanta, Ca, Dec. 20.--A petition
for a writ Of habeas corpus for the
release Of Leo M. Frank. under death
sentence for the murder Of Mary
Phagan, was refused Saturday by
Federal Judge w. T. Newman.
Grounds upon which the writ was
sought included allegations THAT
Prank was convicted and sentenced
without due process Of law, In that hs
was invoiuntarily absent from tho
court room when the verdict wAs r.
turned.
It was contendsd, Frank was denied
fair and impartial trial that Il was
dominated "by mob hostile 70
Frank, which unduiy influenced ana
iptimidated the jury by demonstfe-
ton within and without the eourt-
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-21
POLICE so RELY Driven =
TO QUELL RIOTINC ON SUNDAY


of the .'Triestan martyr" and his ideals.
and declared it was necessary soon 10
realize them. The demonstration reach
ed it's climax when Ricorotti Garibaldi,
son of the Italian patriot Garloaidl'
leaning on his crutches said: "A voice
is still ringing from Caprera isiano'
where my father is buried. 1t asks for
facts. not words, from the committee
promoting the enlistment OF volunteers
AS Garibaldi ceased there was tre-
mendous outburst of applause and cries
Of Long live italy," Long live Trent"
and Long live Triestt. Several CROWDS
of demonstrators attempted to invade
the center of the city but were prevent
ed from doing so by the police ana
troops.
This afternoon the Republicans held
procession and later unveiled marole
tablet in the Republican Club OF ODER.
dank.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-21

Rome, Dec. M-u2.55 P. M).-Tne po-
lice at various places in Italy had some
difticulty today in keeping down riotous
demonstrations at celebration OF the an
uiversary of the death of the lrreoehtise
leader oberdank, who organized the uh-
successful plot to assistant Emperor
r,,,,,an Francis Joseph in Trieste In
1880 ana was put to death for it.>
During the night of Saturday. al
though they mad been forbidden by the
authorities to do so, parties to the
movement placarded the streets with
posters referring to obderdan, ana also
distributed leaflets, some OF them with
mourning borders. bearing the inscrip-
ton Remember the sacrifice OF Oper-
dank."
The Republican deputy Cola Ami de-
livered a speech to sympathetic au-
diercs, which frequently broke into ap-
plause as the speaker recited the history
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-21
BISHOP ROBERT GOLDMAN
SPEAKS AT ST. MARKS

Bishop Robert Goldman of the diocese
of Portland made his annual visitation
to st. Marks Sunday morning, con-
flrmed four members of the church and
preached very strong sermon on the
value of the frequent reception of COM
munion He laid special stress upon it
as the moral thermometer OF a man S
life, for one can judge by the frequency
he receives It his moral condition The
bishop strongly advocated the weekly
reception of the sacrament. He is a
very forceful type of speaker. plain and
ungarnished in his language. but clear,
direct and impelling. While here he
was guest at the rectory. He left in
the afternoon for Augusta.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-21
FINAL EXERCISES OF
SACRED HEART MISSION

over 1000 people turned out Sunday
evening to the final exercises OF the mis-
sion that has been conducted during the
past week at the church of the Sacred
Heart by Fathers Walsh and Joyce
members OF the Order OF st. Vincent
The services have been very largely at
tended every morning and evening dur
ing the week and there is every reason
to believe that the mission has been one
of the most successful ever held in the
city. Both priests are strong, force
full and convincing speakers. and re-
markabie students of human nature. A
mass for the dead members of the fami-
lies OF those who have made the mis-
sion will be said in the church at 5
o. clock Monday morning.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-21
FEDERAL RESERVE
BOARD DECLARED
INDEPENDENT BODY

washington, Dec. 20.-The Federal
Reserve board is an independent Gov
eminent body, not under any depart
ment according to an opinion by At
torney General Gregory received Sat
urday by Secretary McAdoo.
The question Of the boards status
was raised because Of the fact that
while its members are appointed BY
the President ana confirmed by the
Senate, their compensation is paid by
the Federal reserve banks. Mr.. Greg
DRY decided that, the assessments made
up on the banks for the board become
Federal money when paid. and shall
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-21
LOCAL WOMAN'S
POEM WINS PRIZE

Out of over 5000 contestants in qua
train contest recently conducted by a
Boston daily. Mrs. F. Ernest Holman of
this city won first prize of $50. The
judges included Prof. Nathan Haskell
Dole. the great Rubaiyat authority, and
Guy Bates Post star of Omar, the
Tentmakeri now playing at Boston
theatre, and others. For u hours daily
for over a week the judges labored sift-
ing out the best from the great mass of
poetry. Mrs. Holman is a writer of
note. and this Is by no means her first
literary triumph. She is a member of
the Boston Authors's Club and is the
author of THE Norseman' and other
widely read novels.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-21
NATIONAL home

oficer of the day, Capt. George l.
Brown.
John Luby of Providence, late Co. B.
list r. I. Inf, and 43d Co. I. s. c. A.
was Saturday admitted to the Home.
Cutler Post, No. as, G. A. R., will Mon
day evening hold It's regular meeting
and all members should be present.
Burroughs were granted Saturday to
Charles F. Wentworth to Lynn, John
c. Budd to Bath and Thomas Kieran
to Providence.
Letters for the following are adver-
tised at the Home post Office for the
week ending Dec. 10: Patrick Burke,
John Cain, John Cleary and Franklin
Potter
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-21
vv|NSLOvv

Miss Beulah withee, a teacher in the
Madison schools, is spending her vaea-
ton with friends at this place.
Junior C. E. meeting will be held at
the church pArlors Saturday at $50
P. NJ
The record for a three-string total OF
346 which has held for a year at the
Taconnet alleys, has at last been broken
by Geo. Webb with l16. 1872, ITO. = total.
of 1858 for three consecutive strinGn-
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-21
IS INJURED
WHEN TROLLEY
IS DERAILED

West Newbury, Dec. 20.-Thirteen per-
sons were injured. four seriously 1T is
feared, when a big vestibule car of the
Bay State Street Railway, bound from
Newburyport for Haverhill, was derailed
about o'clock Saturday afternoon On
Whittier hill and plowed across the state
highway.
Forty passengers were tossed out OF
their seats as the car left the rails and
were piled up in heap on the floor
when the car stopped abruptly on the
opposite side of the road.