davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-12-28
FERRYMAN'S HOUSE
 SEES BIG BATTLE

London, Dec. 28.-The fight for 'tFerryman;s House. at Merckem. on the Yser canal, provided one of the most stirring incidents of the recent fighting around Dixmude.
 t'Merckem is on the southern reach of the Yser,'' a correspondent writes, -four miles or so east of the road to Ypres. On the eastern side of the water is 9 house which on a good French map may be found tagged 'Nftison du Passeur'-the FerryInan's House. It is a relic no doubt of the days before the building of the mar row bridge that now spans the waters at this point.
 t"This bridge for some time had been a sort of no mans land. It was commanded by heavy artillery on the French side, and also by machine gun battery on the German side. The Germans occupied Ferryman's House, which they had turned into g. small fort, with their machine guns mount ed at windows both upstairs and down.
 Neither side cared to destroy the bridge, because each had hopes to use it to an advance The French finally decided that things would be easier if the Germans were driven out of the neighborhood and they made plans to surprise them. The venture was a rather risky one because of the vigilance of the German sentries and because the position FVasso thorough
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-12-28
BELGIAN REFUGEE
 CENSUS IS ORDERED

London, Dec. l28.-A general census of Belgian refugees in England has been ordered that King AIbert's cabi- net may know where the BeIgians subject to military service are quar- tered.
 It has been estimated that 20,OO Belgians of military age came to Eng land. but such estimates are neces- sarily inaccurate. In the rush from Antwerp and Ostend it was impossible to keep any accurate records. Many of the refugees who had money came independent of any organized agency and consequently the governments of Belgium and England have mo knowl- edge Of their movements.
 The employment of BeIgians in England has raised many stubborn questions. Relief committees have not encouraged Be1gians to accept eIn- ployment where they would compete with English labor and there has been studied effort on the part of Eng fish committees throughout the is1- and to prevent Belgians from accept ing a lower wage than that ordinarily paid to Eng1ishmen or Englishwomen.
 In France the refugees have almost invariably found employment, espe- ciaIly the men of all ages. The Frenchmen have nearly all gone into the service, with the result that Bel gians who have any knowledge of rai1roading, bridge conditions. electri- cal construction or engineering work of any. sort are instantly put to work.
 Some Belgians have been leaving England for the United States, but they are chiefly older men and wo- men who formerly lived in America and have relatives and friends there. There has been no large movement of Be1gians toward America, as yet, and no objection has been raised to their departure from England where they had papers showing who they were and what their reasons were for leaving.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-12-28

ly dominated by the machine guns
 'eThe colonel in charge asked for volunteers and selected from those who offered an even four hundred men. One hundred of them were African troops, who are always eager for any work of exceptional daring.
 'tNot long after midnight the de- tachment started out on their mis- sion. They were discovered when they reached the bridge and the Ger man machine guns opened fire at the end of the bridge. The French troops sprinted through the hail of shot, de-. spite heavy losses, and fair propor-5 ton of them reached the house in two or three minutes. Then it was a hand-to-hand fight. The Germans fought first from their covering walls outside, but were shot down, bayonet- ted, or knifed. The garrison retreated indoors and to the outbui1dings all of which had been loopho1ed for use in case of attack. The door fell be- fore an Africans axe. The French troops dashed in, using bayonets only Across the ground floor and up the stairs the conflict continued, until the only enemies remaining were little groups in the attic, who surrendered when they saw that resistance was useless.
 "The winning of Ferrynan's House removed the most advanced German position in this region and gave the allies command of a most useful bridge The lieutenant who carried out the raid has been recommended for a decoration.''
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-12-28
.SELTZER WATER SLAVES
 SET VILLAGE GIGGLING

Tarrytown. N. r., Dec. 28-The laughter which sounded in many homes here yesterday morning was not due to Joyousness. It was the tickling of the bubbles in the aerated water which such of the male popu- 1ation as shaved had to use. For Tar rytown went dry some time in the night, and there wasn't a drop of wa ter to be had except the bottled kind, which disgruntled householders hur- ried out and bought at the corner drug stores.
 Even the most hilarious Of the sI1avers was hot under the collar when he finally got one on, for the best of wives or cooks can't make cof- fee without water and, the charged variety produced drink that tasted like a drug store.
 It was nearly noon before some one discovered that the automatic check valve at the 1ow-service reservoir had frozen and, corrected the trouble. Meantime the only happy folk in the town were the plumbers who reaped small fortunes diagnosing the dffficuI-' ty as frozen pipes. and charging ac- cordingly.
 It was the most trying experience Tarrytown has had since the visit of the I. W. w. last Summer.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-12-28
BOY SCOUTS SERVING
 IN RANKS OF ALLIES

London. Dec. 2s.-There are now over 10000 old Boy Scouts serving the army at the front and making spIen- did soldiers, says General Baden Powell, chief of the organization.
 The general has just returned from York, where he made a satisfactory arrangement with the education au- thorities in regard to the scouts serv- ing as messengers and office boys in the military headquarters there. By this arrangement, the boys give one week to the army and an alternate week to their schools.
 A significant announcement is the opening of the Scouts Defense Force to boys of IS, which would give them a. year of training, it is said, in case the age of enlistment in the army is lowered to fifteen years.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-12-28
SERVIAN NURSE
 DESCRIBES WAR

London. Dec. 2s.-A servian Red Cross nurse, writing to the servian Relief Committee in London, de- scribes conditions in ServteL as fol- lows:
 "'I have seen five wars-what is Servia's history but 8 series of wars? but never have seen such sudden and terrible destitution. Wounded are lying everywhere. in the houses, on the streets, in the squares, and we are disturbed in our efforts to care for them by the crowd of fugitives con- stantly pouring in
 we give what we have, but it is so httIes and we are always short. The doors of the Red Cross depot are thronged with supplicants for food and lodging. You know how proud our people are. Nobody wanted to be for the first time we realize that we are poor. There is not a family un- hurt by the war.
 'eWe have soup kitchens, refuges, hospitals, at every turn-all in des- perate need. Bakers and butchers are ruined, for we have no money to pay them. One baker said to me weeks ago: T have have no son to send to the war, but I will give what I have He supplied our hospital gratis with bread until his flour gave out. Now he is bankrupt.
 "At Svi1iants three thousand waifs and wanderers arrived last week. People took them in. I am convinced not 8 household in that town now has a full meal
 Yet we do not lose heart Many of the soldiers give us money, if they can Yesterday we got contributions of 70 dinars ($14.)) and in three cities total of 2,250 dinars ($400.) was collected in two days. This is an enormous sum in Servia, where a grosch (four cents) is no commoner than a pound sterling ($5) in Eng Iand.''
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-12-28
MAY BUILD MEMORIAL
 MONUMENT TO A AT

Newport, Wales, Dec. 2s-A sub scription is circulated here to erect on the grounds of the towns feudaI castle a monument to the French cat which saved the life of Lieutenant Lloyd of the Grenadier Guards
 The cat did nothing purpose1y heroic. But by curling around the neck of the officer during the three days he lay wounded and unattended near the French frontier, the cat act ed as a fur boa and saved him from death by cold.
 Lieut.. Lloyd is heir to Sir Martiene Lloyd, the Chief Commoner of Wales and the last of the Norman lords of the marshes His residence is New port castle, where it is proposed to build the cats memorial.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-12-28
CUT OUT REID TAPE
 AT PANAMA CANAL

Panama. Dec. 2S-So much red s4ape has been eliminated by the canal officials that ships captain may now take his vessel through with out sIl lavtng to sign a single paper, and without any waste of time. Hereto fore the fornnaIttes were so numerous 5tFlat 1t sometimes required A hours for a ship to complete her passage.
 shipping companies have been mo- tified that hereafter it will not be necessary for them to appoint a ship .sDfnw agent on the fsthmus, for the reason that the Panama Canal is pre- pared to undertake all work in con- nect1on with the payment of tolls. purchase of coal, water and other supplies They have been informed that all fg needed is 10 cable to Pan ma. the probable arrival of a ship, the deposit at the office of the nearest assistant treasurer of the United States of the estimated amount of sfolls the probable supplies the vessel will need and other data and the of ficiaIs of the canal will see that the ship, safely passes through with the 1east possible delay and without the s<payment Of agents fees by the owner.
 few days ago a ship arrived at 4CristobaI, her owners having apprais- ed the canal officials of her coming TFe deposit had been made and she was ready to pass through the canal .hvR1en the master appeared at the port
 
 twas given his clearance papers, re- cefpt for tolls, permit to pass through aH the locks, health certifIcate, and sofher necessary papers and was told H0 proceed into the canal. He was e.sxon4R4ed at not having to obtain from various officials all these docu- 1nenfs and further at the fact that not a single signature was required of him. His stay in the port of Cristo-. bal was exactly one hour while at Bal boa there was no stop required be- yond slowing up to drop the pilot in the outer harbor.
 If is pointed out by canal officials that many papers at first in use prov ed to comp1ica4e matters and occasion delay. The bulky copies of the ships rnanifest have been abolished, and the boarding officer Of the terminal port now obtains only short contract.
 For q lime 1t was necessary for a sship's master to have the signature Of not less than five canal officials before his vessel was permitted to anter f11e canal This number has now been reduced to two, the captain Of the port Of entry and inc health
 Thens. hoMeYers the captain
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-12-28
NORWAY, NEUTRAL,
 WATCHES TELEPHONES

to maintain strict neutrality, Norway is even keeping tabs on telephone con versations. If matters of a military nature are discussed over the tele- phone, Central will disconnect the takers instantly.
 These regulations have been en- forced largely as a result of the pres sure exerted by Germany. They have aroused bitter resentment from both press and public; but the country as a. whole feels that, being a small na- tion, Norway cannot afford to anta- gonize the beIligerents.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-12-28
DANISH GOVERNMENT
 WILL AID CITIZENS

Copenhagen, Dec. 28.-The Danish government is preparing several bills for financial relief of the citizens One of these bills provides for the temporary tpostponement of the re- covery of loans against mortgage se- curity while another aims to estab- fish a new credit institution to meet the eventual urgent needs of property holders when the withdrawal of in vested capital again becomes legal. It is regarded as certain that large quantities of foreign capital now in vested in Denmark will be withdrawn for use at home after the end of the war
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-12-28
SISTER SUSIE MTGHT SEW
 SOCKS FOR SOLDIERS

London. Dec. 2S-socks, socks. socks! is what. the soldier most needs This is emphasized in almost every letter from the front.
 May I be forgiven writes an of- ncers flor directing your charitable efforts and suggest that we cannot have too many consignm of socks. very large sizes preferred, made of thick wool As you know the men in wet. trenches are often for days to- gether unab1e@to take their boots off. the result is sore feet, and, at times frost-bite. which affected them se- verely during the cold snap ten days ago. The government and private persons at home have been very gen eEous in the matter of warm clothes. but foot-gear is always wearing out.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-12-28
FRENCH WORDS OUT
 OF TURK DICTIONARY

Amsterdam, Dec 2s-In view of the Porte's alliance with Germany, French words to be found in Turkish vocabulary are to be replaced with German, according to German des- patches published here. Henceforth Turks will say Herr, Frau, Fraulein. Freiherr, Graf, Ritter, F'uerst, Cross fuerst and Erzherzog.
 The teaching of German is to be made more general in the schools; French is to be abandoned.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-12-28
SWEDISH RAILWAYS
 GET NEW BUSINESS

Christiania. Norway, Dec. 2s.ZIn view of the closing of navigation through the Baltic on account Of mines, the Swedish railways are nak- ing arran gements with the Norwegian Ministry of Railways for a reduction in rates, particularly on lumber, thus facilitating the export of Swedish lumber through Norwegian ports.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-12-28
PAINS IN BACK AND HIPS

Are an indication of kidney trouble. "a warning to build up the weaken ed kidneys, make them vigorous, rid yourself of acids and poisons. Go to your druggist for Foley Kidney Pills. In soc and $1.00 sizes. Sold in your town by Hindles Drug Storen.-sAdx.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-12-28
WHY THEY RECOMMEND
 TOILETS HONEY AND TAI

F. A. Efrd, Conejo, Calif.-because "it produces the best results, always cures severe colds, sore throat and lungs and does not contain opiates or harmful drugs Dr. John w. Taylor. Luthersvii1e, Ga.-because ''I believe it to be an honest medicine and it satisfies my patrons" w L. Cook. Neilart, Mont.-because 'tit gives the best results for coughs and coIds@of anything I se1l.'% Every user is a friend. Hindle's Drug Stores-Adv.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-12-28

The sales of stamps at the post of fees during the holiday week were in excess of $2O,0o0, nearly twice the amount sold any one week during the year. The postal savings department suffered somewhat by the withdrawal of money on the last day before Christmas some depositors finding it necessary to take out part of their savings to meet the Christmas de- nands.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-12-28

does not himself have to obtain but are affixed in the course of the regu- lar routine of the port captains of-
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-12-28
Our Regular January Clearance Sale
Starts Tuesday, December 29fh, 1914

This answers the question of numerous friends who have been asking us ssWhen does your January Sale Btart9o
 We mindful of the Christmas money jinging in thousands of purses, waiting for this sale
 it early, with the promise of the big gen. erous values typical of Meigs s Co., sales
 spread before you wide range of good things to wear, Father Mother and the whole family.
 Reduced prices beckon you, they always do in Januaryour policy requires stock clearance and that means lowered prices oh every incomplete line of
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-12-28
SUITS AND OVERCOATS FOR MEN. YOUNG MEN AND BOYS

Come the sale promptly, possible. In some lines thereare many good things in others but few left It's best be here while the picking is besto buy with the early birds that always flock to this sale.
 One more important announcement-do not overlook
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-12-28

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The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-02-16
BRAVE MEN R|SK|NG
LIVES FOR OTHERS
REVENUE CUTTERS on TRAIL OF
DISABLED VESSELS IN NORTH
WEST STORM.

NORFOLK, VA, Feb. 15.-Three rev
enue cutters, the onondaga. Seminole
and Pamlico, are tonight helping
schooners in districts on the Atlantic
ocean and in Pamlico Sound
~N> Onondaga tonight picked up the
four masted schooner Mary r. Palmer.
fifty miles south of Cape Henry. and
is now endeavoring to tow her to this
port. The Palmer encountered the Sc
we're northwest gale which swept the
Virginia and Carolina coast last night
and today The Palmer lost most of
her rigging and is reported to have
taken In some water. She carried a
crew of ten.
There is a freezing northwest storm
sweeping the coast tonight, but the
wind is moderating. The revenue cut
ter Seminole, which went to the as
sistance OF the schooner Bayard Hop
kins last night. sighted the vessel
twenty five miles southwest of Dia-
mond Shoals lightship and at last re-
to her because of high seas
The Hopkins had all of her sails
carried away and lost an anchor. She
Is reported to be leaking slightly. but
Is in no immediate danger.
The little schooner Lucretia, ashore
off Middleton in Pamlico Sound. was
picked up by the revenue cutter Pam
leo. Captain Sewail and two men
composing her crew were rescued. They
spent some hours in the rigging. The
schooner had lost her rudder and was
almost water logged.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-02-16
TELEPHONE RATES
ARE TO Be REDUCED

ALEXANDRIA, VA. Feb. 1.-THE
Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone
company announces that on February
2lst the toll rates for calls between
Washington and the Rossiyn, Va, ex-
change of the Falls Church Telephone
company will be reduced from ten to
five cents This change affects the
telephones in Rosslyn, Clarendon,
Cherrydale, Dominion Heights and
Alexandria Courthouse (about 325 in
number), and will continue on what
Is known as the two-number" basis,
as at present.
mis- reduction is the result Of the
untiring efforts of NJ. T.. Church.
president of the Falls Church Tele-
phone company. assisted by the Of
fcials Of the Alexandria County Pub
lie Service association, and was only
accomplished after the officers OF the
Chesapeake Il. and Potomac company
and the Falls Church company had
given the matter considerable investi-
cation.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-02-16
NEWS FROM VIRGINIA
HEALTH ASSOCIATION
AT CHARLOTTESVILLE

LYNCHBURG, VA, Feb. l5.--For
the first time in its history the Eir-
ginia public health association meets
separately from the Virginia State
Medical society. DIR. Mosby @. Per-
row, health officer Of Lynehburg and
president of the Virginia Public
Health association. announced today
that the next meeting of the associa-
ton will be held April 23rd-24th, at
the University Of Virginia, Charlottes-
vile, and that DIR. Harvey w. Wiley,
the famous pure food expert, has
consented to make an address.
Among the other speakers will be
DR.. Carl l.. AIsberg, chief of the
bureau of chemistry; DR.. l.. c. How
ard, chief of the bureau Of entomol-
ogy; DR.. William G. Woodward. presi-
dent of the American Health associa-
ton; DR. j. w II. Pollard. of Wash
ington and Lee university. DIR. Ste
phen H. Watts, OF the University OF
Virginia. and a number OF others.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-02-16
HAS
BRIGHT PROSPECTS
FIVE OLD PLAYERS TO GET TRIAL
CUAssY NEW INFIELDER
SECURED.

PORTSMOUTH. Feb. 15.--Even II lin
sering winter did put q crimp in the
gossip of the Hot stove league. when
it dropped lot of snow down on the
town last week, the baseball machinery,
as propelled by the Portsmouth Exhibit
ton company, inc, wasn't hampered a
bit and the fans. as consequence, still
have something to talk about.
The latest acquisition Of the Ports
mouth club IL William r. Thatcher. a
shortneft candidHtr, who halls from
Chicago. His contract arrived yester-
day. Last season he was with the st.
Louis Federal league club. clouting the
pellet to the tune Of .315. and fielding
his position 1855. He's strapping big
fellow.
with the arrival Of Thatcher's con-
tract, the Portsmouth club has two
shortield candidates on the roster. he
and Emil Kerling. the New York Slater,
who was obliged to quit the Troy club
last June owing to malaria fever.
Are Likely 70 Return.
For the first time 1t was learned au-
thoritativelys last night that Of the
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-02-16

PLAYERS held in reserve by the Ports
mouth club from last season. five of
them are sure to be returned for trial
in the spring.
The men who will be brought back
here are Hudgins. catcher; Holloman
catcher. Howell. pitcher; Howdell, third
baseman; Cook, centre fielder, and
Urith, pitcher.
The return of Dye. Brown and Boyd
is doubtful, though the local club has
not relnquished it's strings on them, as
yet.
II has been definitely dete ~nined to
have all of the men. report here on
Monday, March 18th. Practice will be-
gin Immediately after tn men get In
on that date. Manager Wall wants to
whip them into shape as early as pos
sible.
with the contract of Thatcher in
hand. the list of new men is no wcon-
stituted as follows: Rearden. second
baseman; Kerling, shortstop: Reichert,
pitcher. Copeland. catcher; Beers. pitch
or; Hauser. fielder, and Grimes, pitcher.
JenninGs to Help.
Jess Tannehill's letter TO DIR. Brooks.
president OF the local company. asking
for a berth, WINS hast might transmitted
to Manager Wall. in Brooklyn. The
whole matter Of engaging Tannehill Is
to be left in Walls hands.
The local club has received from
Wall letter. sent to him by Man.
ager Hughie Jennings. of the Detroit
Tigers, felicitating him at landing the
management Of the local club. and tell
ing him. at the same time, that he has
In mind two young players who he
will try to switch Walls way. Another
letter has come from Barney Dreyfus
addressed to Wall. evincing an interest
In his new berth. and telling him that
he would be glad TO book the Pitts
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-02-16
CLOTHING THIEF
IS UNDER ARREST

Charles Harris colored. was last
night arrested by Detective Sergeants
Krengel and Atkinson and Officers
Krug and Allen on the charge oil
breaking in the house at 1411 Grove
avenue and carrying away clothing and
other articles valued at 1915.
Misses Ellen Williams and Orphelia
Boyd, who owned the stolen property
reported their loss to the police. The
detectives succeeded in tracing the
crime to Harris and he was arrested
yesterday. He will be tried this morn
ing. Among the stolen clothing was
a cloak valued at 126 and = suit valued
at $22.50,