davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19
j, s. UNABLE TO DISCOVER
ANSWER TO THE QUESTIONS
ON EMBARGO ON COMMERCE

3-Neutral countries of Europe may de-
clare embargoes on expectation of con-
traoand or non contraband thus pre-
venting the supplies from reaching Ger
many. With this sovereign right the
it will insist on its right to ship to neu-
trail countries, placing the burden of
stopping further progress on the latter
nations themselves.
In considering the above propositions,
officials realize that Great Britain and
her allies have set up the claim that
their actions constitute retaliatory
measures against Germany, but this, in
view of the American government does
not affect the status of International law
as between the United States and the
belligerents.
The American attitude has not been
changed materially as result of the
explanations in the exchange of notes
with Great Britain and France. In
hatever communication or protests
are made by the Washington govern
ment to safeguard it's rights. there will
be a reiteration. it is understood of
the questions asked by the United
States in its identic inquiry TO Great
Britain and France. In this the AL
lies were asked whether the rules of
blockade or the rules governing con-
traband and non contraband We're to
be followed, application of both 0
gather being viewed as having no
precedent in international law"
High officials said today that nc
communication to the allies had beer
finally drafted but that memoranda
on the subject were being prepared
1t is declared at the state department,
used by Great Britainssin describing
the object of her new measures. tie
American government considers tina,
a blockade is a question OF fact and
requires certain advance notifications
to that effect which have not been
given. The order in council, it was
pointed out, did not mention block
ade' nor was any exact radius OF
activity given limiting the area OF
operations, the announcement merely
combining it to European waters includ-
ing the Mediterranean
The belief of high officials is that
Great Britain, to continue her outlined
course will be obliged finally to ad-
nit that there is no legal basis for
her action and that it is solely a re-
tallatOry measure resulting from the
eXingencies of war Should such an
administration be fully recorded. it
might have a vital effect, it was said,
on the American Interpretation Of in
ternational law in the future Some
officials thought. for instance that it
no longer could be charged as an I'M
neutral act to levy an embargo on sup
plies to the belligerents should Con-
gress bestow that power on the eX-
ecutive.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19
new VERSION
OF DESTRUCTION
OF KARLSRUHE

Copenhagen, via London. March 49,
lies P. M.-Another version of. the
alleged destruction Of the German
cruiser Karlsruhe is published today
10y the National Tidende. This account
purports TO emanate from German
merchant captain, who had served as
a petty officer in the Landsturm in
Wilhelmshafen. The captain is report
ed to have declared that the crew ar
rived in Germany on the German Lin
er Rio Negro early in December. but
that this fact and the fact that the
disaster had occurred were kept Sc
cret so that the British cruisers would
continue their search for the German
sea raider.
Early in December it was reported
that the Karlsruhe had evaded the
British fleet and arrived in a German
port.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19
HEARING ON ACT
TO SAFEGUARD
maine WORKERS

There are within the State of Maine
some of the worst fire traps in the coun-
try. according to the statement of Com
missioner Of Labor Roscoe G. Eddy. The
act under consideration was the act for
the safeguarding of employees in factories,
mills and workshops against danger from
fire. The act makes several changes In
fire protection laws as they now exist
and gives to the commissioner of labor
more authority and better means of exer-
cising the authority he already possesses
through legislation in force.
Former Commissioner Thomas j. Lyons
said local fire officials were often lax in
their duties because of their obligations
to politicians interested in the buildings
inspected and for this reason it is thought
wise to give certain additional authority
to the commissioner of labor
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19
ACTION At SMYRNA
HAS Been SUSPENDED

Paris. March IS. A. M.-The cor
respondent at Athens of the Havas
Agency in a despatch dated March
II. says the naval operations of the
Allies at Smyrna, Asiatic Turkey.
have been temporarily suspended ami
the Turks are profiting by this re.
spite, to repair the damage to their
!! batteries and forts. They are pur-
suing the same course also at the
Dardanelles and on either shore Of the
Sea Of Marmora.
There are about 10000 Turkish
troops west of Constantinople, ac-
cording to the latest information
reaching Athens, the correspondent
continues. Forty thousand men are
on the Gallipoli peninsula; thirty
thousand are in European Turkey and
the rest are on the Asiatic side of the
Dardanelles.
1t is, reported here that the Turks
are placing guns on the principal
heights surrounding Constantinople on
both the European and the Asiatic
sides Of the Bosphorus.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19
FACING THE U. s. IN
BRITISH DECLARATION OF BLOCKADE

washington, March lS.-Whether to ac-
quiesce in or protest against the action
OF Great Britain and her allies in declar-
ing blockade against Germany was the
question which confronted the American
government today, following the publica-
ton OF the complete series of notes be-
tween the United States and the Euro
pean belligerents regarding the safety Of
neutral shipping. officials were today
collecting data for WHAT'S expected to be
a vigorous protest against the form Of
the proposed blockade against Germany
President Wilson already has indicated
that protest would be made. There were
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19
JAPANESE DEMANDS WOULD IMPAIR
CHINA'S INDEPENDENCE SERIOUSLY

London, March IS. 1915 A. M.-Tbe
Manchester Guardian today reviews
the recent political developments be-
tween Japan and China and publishes
what is, described as "a complete list
Of Japan's demands, concerning which
1t says, editorially, the general effect
thereof would be seriously to impa,r
the independence of China and place
entire provinces under the tutelage q,
Japan.
Comparison
A comparison is then made between
the japanese demands as sent out nv
newspaper correspondents at Picking
and as published by Japan.
1T will be Immediately apparent
from this comparison the paper con-
tjnues. that not only have MANY Of
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19

dered the engines reversed and y,
men through the ship waking b
crews. The boats We're swung from
davits and in them the entire an
desperately rowed AVA from b
stricken ship. Before the boats n
gone many yards there was anot,
explosion. \ second mine had expaj
ed on the port side, blowing up 1
forward part Of the vessel, and aim!
cutting her III two.
The crew lowered around the sid
ing vessel. At first il was thought ii
the steamer would go down immsl
ately after tho first explosion. but d
CT sinking until the upper deck u
submerged the Evelyn hung in N
position for seven hours. hnally ed
down bow first.
Morgan and his companions REM,
ed IL the Iifcboats for g hours 4
were then picked up by TWO Gertd
patrol boats The cold was Intense
Morgan and his companions Vl
effunsive in speaking Of the treatnsI
accorded them by the Germans
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19

Washington. March 1s.-The United
States government considers that
Great Britain and France in the Brit
ish order-in-counc and in the ac-
companying notes, have not answered
the questions propounded to them as
to what warrant there is under in
ternational law for the establishment
OF an embargo on all commercial in
tercourse, directly and indirectly. be-
tween Germany and neutral coun-
tries.
1t was stated officially at the state
department today that this govern
nlent still does not know whether the
action of the Allies is intended as d
legal blockade, or whether the ordln-
airy rules of conUaband and non con-
traband are to be the legal basis for
future detentions. On a determination
of this question probably Will depend
not only the nature of any steps which
NAV be taken by the United States at
this time. but also the basis for the
many claims for damages arising out
OF Interruptions to American COM
mercc under the new policy of the
Allies.
IN the " bc SCiil
to Great Britain and France. the po-
sition of the United States is sub
stantially as follows:
If the action of the Allies is block
ade, all commerce directly with Germany
can be halted by making the blockade eff
fective, a certain radius OF activity" be-
ing allowed for the blockading warships
off the German coast because OF the
newly developed activities of submarines.
But there can be no legal blockade OF
the coast OF neutral countries of Eu-
rope, contiguous to those at war, under
any circumstances, and commerce be-
tween the United States and neutrals, es-
pecially in non-contraband, should be free
from interruption, Irrespective OF ulti-
mate destinations.
2-If the action is not a blockade then
there exists no legal right to detain cot
ton or other non-Contraband cargoes even
when consigned directly to German ports
Nor can foodstuffs or conditional contra
band be justly Interrupted unless proven
though consigned to Germany to be des-
tined for the use of its belliegerent forces
and not its civilian population. Under
the same circumstances, too, there is nc
legal basis for OBTAINING cargoes con-
signed for the United States to the neu-
trail countries of Europe if containing
cotton or non-contraband goods, irrespec-
tive OF ultimate destination. Similarly
the Allies cannot under the previously
accepted principles of international Law
interrupt shipments of foodstuffs and 9TH
er conditional contraband en- route be.
tween the United States and neutral
countries, unless clearly proven to be 60
ing eventually to the belligerent forces
of Germany and not its civilian popula
ton.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19
MEMBERS OF CREW
OF EVELYN At n, Y,

New York, March 1S.-Five members
OF the crew of the American steamer
Evelyn, sunk Feb. 10. by a mine in
the North sea, while on her way
from this port to Bremen with cotton.
reached New York today aboard the
steamship Matanzas from Bremerhav-
en-.
According to these survivors all the
Evelyns crew were rescued. The men
who reached here today said the YES
sci struck mine at o'clock in the
morning and remained afioat for seven
hours thereafter. The crew took to the
boats. One boat was rescued by a
German patrol boat and survivors
aboard the others were picked up and
landed in Holland.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19
EYEWITNESS DESCRIPTION OF
BRITISH CAPTURE NEUVE CHAPELLE

London, March 1s.-p 4. M).-The vii
lage of Neuye Chapelle. converted into a
shambles by the bombardment of the
British now is heap of ruins thickly
strewn with bodies, according to the de-
scription of the British operations in that
region written by an eyewitness and Civ
en- out today by the press bureau. AL
though the Germans were inferior to their
tillery, the eyewitness declares. they Of
fered heroic resistance, using machine
guns effectively.
German Cost
At the end of March 10 the bodies OF
300 German soldiers had been found in
the section south of the village. In front
Of one British battalion east of the viii
lage, the statement asserts, 800 more
were counted which did not include the
large number buried in the ruins Of the
village. y
During the night a curious device of the
enemy was discovered by British pa
troll. The men came upon dummy fig
ure stuck in the ground III front of the
German trenches. Upon being moved the
figure exploded and one Of the British
soldiers was injured.
British Howitzers
Describing 'the.pshelhng Of Aubers by
the British howitzers. the eyewitness
says certain tower which was a promi-
nent feature OF the landscape was sud-
denly projected into the air. 1t dis
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19

Hon. ]. P. Bass Of Bangor vigorously
attacked the policy of the State highway
department in expanding an average OF
5000 a mile on State highways. contend
ing that a road good enough for all prac-
teal purposes could be built for half that
sum, at hearing before the committee
on ways and bridges Thursday afternoon
on a bill amending the state highway
law so that the present requirement that
the State highways be built in stretches
of seven miles, be done away with.
In opening the hearing Chairman Nell
son of the commission said that the
seven-mile clause handicapped the COM
missioners. If it were not for this pro-
vision of the law, he said, 1t would be
possible to build mile here and there
in a town, where the worst places exist
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19
BOMB WRECKS HOME
IN GUTENBERG, N J.

New York, March lS.-The home OF
Mayor Daniel Hermann of Gutten-
burg, n. j., suburb. was wrecked
early today by the explosion of a
bomb. A hole was torn in the wall of
the house. plastering was dislodged in
several rooms, and windows were
broken. but no one was injured.
Mayor Hermann discharged the
Gutenberg police force of eight men,
Is months ago on a ground that they
had no work to do and that the town
was SO orderly that no police were
needed.
The police tok the mater TO the
courts where it is now pending. When
the bomb exploded this morning, the
police We're holding their annual ball.
Asleep in the mayors home at the
time OF the explosion were the mayor,
his three brothers and his mother The
Guttenburg police, although officially
discharged, are investigating. The
bomb thrower escaped.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19
FLOODED CANALS and BURNED
FORESTS TO REPULSE RUSSIANS

London, March 1S.-25S T. M.-How the
Germans employed both fire and water
in the Mazurian Lake district of East
Prussia, is related in a communication
Received by the Westminster Gazette
from Gothenburg
German strategy counted not only on
water and mire, but even fire the cor
respondent at Gothenburg declares
Their engineers have for many years
been equipped with peculiar kind of
augur for eXcavating the trunks of soft
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19
GERMANS BuSILY
ENGAGED IN WEST
FoR1|FYING VALLEY

Geneva. Via Paris, March Is. SIS A.
Alderman troops have been ener-
getically engaged for the past few
days fortifying all the valley of the
Largue between Moos. Saint Louis and
Loerrach, says the Lausanne Gazette.
A duplicated system of barbed wire
entanglements has been placed. The
environs of Volkensburg and Ferrette
are defended by entertainments and
blockhouses.
Work is being fastened on the en-
trenchments on the line from Saint
Louis to Muelhausen and on the de-
fences at Altkirch. In the Anspach
and Burnkaupt region, where an i'm
portant action is expected, the paper
says. the Germans have dug addi-
tional trenches and placed heavy ar
tillery on carefully chosen positions.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19

the most important demands
omitted from the list, as suppi'eI.
TIE Powers interested. but othe''
been so modified as to disguise
real character.
Japan's Desires
Thus Japan did not indicate
while she insisted China shouiu y
not to ALLEVIATE any portion VI "a
coast. line or any islands off nel n
to third power. she retainer
right to demand herself the ie
cession of such territory. Nei'n. \
Japan let it be known thai sn Il
manded exclusive mining rights 90
Yangtse basin and that she oe -
ed to construct railroads whien
seriously affect British intes
that region.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19

Der first they destroyed the Alexantd
Cairo Railroad near pamanhur.
Forty Thousand Trinesmen
Thousands of tribesmen Responded
the appeal of the Dervishes, and on h
Is i0,QQ9 Of them marched III the dirsz'
OF Fashoda, on the White Nile. yts
General Hawley opposed them with !
troops. OF the men under !iawley ALI
native soldiers deserted TO the Derva'
leaving him with onl: rs men. Nos
this contingent was killed and Gsls
Hawley and all his officers Yell. Nal:
Ell ASH. commanding the Dercishes
all the prisoners decapitated
AS 4 result of this victory all the nss
chiefs Joined the Dervishes. who on y
took possession Of the mportant min
ry post at Nasser, in the district Of :
naar.
This merchant declares, firthern1
that the Dervishes destroyed AL the y
graph lines in lower Egypt. No wOH
the conquest OF the Sudan has been
lowed to leak out.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19

trees such as the Mazurian frs When
the Russian army first advanced into
East Prussia, German engineers hastily
excavated numbers Of trees. When Rus
sian troops reached the Mazurian dis
tricts. German engineers at once opened
the canal locks, drowning the invading
troops like flies. Some Russians reached
the forests, but of course they had no
idea that many trees had been charged
with gasolene 1t was an easy task for
the German artillery to set match TO
this bonfire and burn UP the Russian
regiments they had entrapped."
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19

all told six notes. Their publication by
the state department not only cleaned the
slate OF diplomatic correspondence, but
recorded the failure of efforts on the part
of the administration officials to bring the
belligerents TO realize the dangers which
their actions place on the neutral COM
merce of the world.
Publication of the correspondence Re-
vealed that the allied blockade operations
would not be conducted outside of Eu-
ropean waters including the Medterra-
nean.' For the first time the British use
the word blockade" in describing theiI
new policy.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19
COUNCIL OF WAR
AT THE GERMAN
HEADQUARTERS

London. March Is, S.35 P. M.-The
Evening News prints a despatch from
Copenhagen to the effect that En-
peror William and General Won Falk-
enhayn. chief of the German general
staff arrived today at the German
army headquarters near Lille. Their
visit, the News states, is for the pur-
pose Of participating in a council Of
war.
The despatch adds that Emperor
William and General Won Falkenhayn
already have had conference with
Frederick William, the German crown
prince, and Rupprecht, Crown Prince
of Bavaria. The kings Of Saxony and
Wurtemburg are on the way to join
the council Of war
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19
OUTER FORTS OF PRzEMYSL
FALL BEFORE THE RUSSIANS

London. March IS. 12.i5 P. M.-The
outer forts of Przemysl. toward which
a part OF the Austrian army has been
struggling in an effort to bring about
the relief Of the besieged garrison,
have at last fallen before the Rus
SLAMS, according to unofficial reports
reaching London.
Although confirmation is quite lack
ing, British newspapers this morning
apparently are eager to regard the re .
port as not improbable. They refer
to the fact that news dispatches re-
ceived from Petrograd yesterday said
the surrender Of this stronghold was
but a matter of a few days.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19
Up, BASS ATTACKS HIGHWAY Dept
At HEARING ON AN AMENDMENT

ed, and secure a greater mileage for /.
money. He referred to bridges whi., y
town of New Limerick in Aroo,,',
county had agreed TO build when :.
State road was constructed there !
which they had failed to do the work ]
AS a result the bridges there were n,,'
and the state was liable for danags, !.
sulting from accidents on them. A..
Gen. Wilson. when in office, had n
Con1m'r Nelson that he didn't see /.
the state could avoid liability as Ion,
the seven-mile clause was embodiaS
the highway law.
At this point Mr.. Bass brought Oh, :
fact that from $4,000 to $GJ.Qog hss !,
ready been expended on the State ba
way in New Limerick and that prs..
plans called for the expenditure of f.,
sl5,000 to $4,000 more.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19
U. S. ARMY. TRANSPORTS TO BE
USED IN PHILIPPINE COIdNERG

Washington, March 1S.-Because of the
lack of shipping facilities between the
Philippine Islands and the United States.
army transports will be utilized for car
rying goods from the islands which could
not be transported in any other way.
Secretary Garrison today called Prasi-
cent Wilson'S attention to reports from
Governor General Harrison on the un-
fortunate condition in the Philippines be-
cause of the lack of ships for transports
to the United Staes.
At first it was suggested that naval
Golfers returning from the islands be
used. but Secretary Dan,eis was advised
that was not authorized by law. Score.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19
THREAT TO MASSACRE the FOREIGN
RESIDENTS BY SMYRNA GOVERNOR

London. March 19.-22 y A. M.-The text
of an alleged proclamation issued at
Smyrna by Rahmy Bey, the Turkish
governor. threatening to massacre the
foreign residents of the city is given by
the Daily Telesraph's Athens CORES
pondent, as follows:
by the grace Of the Almighty. the
enemy's attacks will cost dearly. a de-
fence equal to that made by the forts,
and more terrible. will be organized
against the enemy within the town.
The town will be painted from end to
end with the blood Of the enemy, who
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19
Calls for Speculation

True on untrue. this is about the
only overnight news from the east
ern front, although there has been
much speculation concerning the en-
gagement reported on the northern
frontier of East Prussia and referred
TO in wireless messages from Berlin
as weak Russian attacks on Tau
roggen and Langszargen." Langszar-
gen is just within the borders Of East
Prussia, not far from the important
German fortress of Tilsit and the
presence of Russian troops at this
point may mean a new invasion of
German territory
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19

will see his attempt brought TO naught
The transformation of the town into .
battlefield will be worthy the grandeurt
OF Ottoman history.
The proclamation was not taken seri.
ous!y by the foreign residents. the cor
respondent adds. Although the English
residents were put under semi-surveil
lance at the clubhouse, their relations
with the Turks were friendly, and the
government actually took tea at the
clubhouse and provided a musical en-
tertanment for the English consul while
the firing was in progress.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19

Washington, March 1s.-It was stat
ed officially. at the White House To-
day that representations by the Unit
ed States 10 Japan concerning the lat
ter's demands on China had been en-
tirely independent of any action by
Great Britain and Russia or other
powers.
Further than this statement, officials
in all quarters preserved the strictest
silence regarding the situation as one
Of delicacy. State department officials
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-19

tary Garrison found, however, that "
could be no objection 20 using y
transports provided their freight IS 7
made over to the island government
The quarterrnaster general OF the u
has found that about :rr0 tons space
be available on each ship.
Secretary Garrison VIII instruct W
ernor General Harrison TO invite prof]
ais from shipping companies to cary
exports offered to the government vi
ports, so that nothing will be carried
the government which could be han>l
by private shipping.
President Wilson has approved 80
tary Garrison's plan and it will sh31
be put in effect.