davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1915-12-25

as advocated by the Presidents message.
Judge Ben B. Lindsey and S. S. Mcclure
heading a faction endorsing the Presi-
dents position, while another party,
headed by Rev. Charles Aked, maintains
that it is ridiculous for Americans to urge
peace abroad, while preparing for war at
home. A resolution declaring, however,
that the delegates are unanimous for Eu-
ropean peace, has been adopted.
The peace ship was held up at Kirk
wall, Orkney Islands, for three days, by
British authorities, and then allowed to
proceed on it's way. On December 49, the
party landed at Christiania, Norway,
where receptions were rendered by preach
ers and university professors. An unof-
fetal call was made by the American min
lister to Norway. The American legations
at Christiania, Stockholm and Copenhagen,
however, have issued statements formally
declaring the American government has
no connection with the Ford peace expedi-
ton.
Commenting upon the undertaking of
Henry Ford, the Verdens Gang, Chris
tiania newspaper, says: "The great in
dustrial organizer has undertaken a gigan-
tic task seemingly without definite plan
His peace plan seems without shape, and
not worked out. The delegates appear to
know nothing about it. The purpose is
greatly admired, but it unfortunately is
vague. Nevertheless it will figure in his
tory
The peace ship will next land at Stock
holm, Sweden.
The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1915-12-25
YUAN SHI-KAI DECLARES CHINESE
GOVERNMENT WILL BE
CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY

Emperor Yuan Shi-Kai, newly pro-
claimed monarch of China, in cablegram
to the United States, has made state
ment Of the dominating reasons for the
abolition of the republic; also announcing
his future policy toward America. The
information is given out that the new gov
ernment is to be constitutional monarchy.
The statement reads in part as follows
''The sovereignty of the Chinese Repub-
lie resides in the whole body OF the people.
The convention of the peoples represen-
tatives, considering a republic unsuitable
on account of historical reasons and public
opinion, and wishing to establish perman-
ent peace, have unanimously adopted a
constitutional monarchy.
'The relations between China and
America have always been most friendly
and the monarchy's policy will be to ce-
ment still closer this friendship and to
exert the utmost to promote the industrial
and commercial developments of the two
nations
The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1915-12-25
STRONG PROTEST MADE TO FRANCE
BY UNITED STATES

The situation with France has, this
week, been further intensified by fresh
violation of international law. On Dec
ember Is, the American steamer, Bron-
quine, was stopped off the harbor of San
Jaun, Porto. Rico, by the French cruiser
Descartes, and Purser Wilhelm Garbe re-
moved. Garbe, it is said, is a German,
but has taken out his first citizenship
papers.
Regardless of the question of his citizen
ship, however, the United States main
tains that any passenger or sailor aboard
an American vessel, is entitled to protec-
ton.
A note has been sent, by the State De-
partment, to the French government, Wig
orously protesting against the actions of
the cruiser, Descartes, in removing Ger
mans from aboard American steamships.
Immediate release of the men has been
asked, on the ground that the seizure of
citizens of any nation, from an American
vessel, on the high seas, is without legal
justification, and constitutes fragrant
violation Of American rights.
The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1915-12-25
SECOND NOTE TO AUSTRIA
DISPATCHED
Public More Hopeful Of Friendly
Settlement

The situation in connection with the
Ancona affair was regarded, during the
early part of the past week, as grave in
the extreme. The general feeling was that
the United States was in more serious dan
ger Of becoming involved in acute foreign
difficulties than at any time since the war
began. A break with Austria was re-
garded as almost certain. This, in itself,
might not cause especially grave results,
but the road to Austria leads elsewhere. -
Greater optimism is now evidenced re-
garding the situation This is based
largely upon the report that Austria de-
sires to avoid break, if this can be done
with dignity and honor. Perhaps at no
time in the nations history have notes
been exchanged between this and foreign
country with such celerity as in the CORES
pondence over this matter. No sooner was
Secretary Lansings first note received by
the Austrian government, than an answer
was Immediately dispatched.
This reply has been regarded by state
officials, as evasive and unsatisfactory. The
Austrian premier refused to blame the
commander of the submarine which sank
the Ancona, but evidenced desire to draw
the United States into discussion OF the
technical points involved in the case.
This was replied to by Secretary Lans-
ing, on December 10, in note remarkable
for it's brevity. The missive was friendly
in tone, and lacked the sharpness which
characterized the former communication
The United States, however, refused to
argue with Austria any points involved IN
the dispute. The demands of the former
note were reiterated, and attention was
drawn to the fact that the Austro-Hungar-
ian admiralty had admitted that the YES
sci was torpedoed after her engines had
been stopped, and when passengers were
still on board, and this admission alone
was sufficient to fix upon the commander !
The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1915-12-25
POLITICAL SITUATION ALREADY
TENSE

Chicago hotel managers state that rooms
are already rapidly being reserved for the
national Republican convention, to be held
next June. This unusual demand for
rooms is said to be caused by the fact that
the coming convention will be no cut and
dried affair, and that no one can tell, at
this time, who will be the nominee.
There is already large number of
favorite sons, who have declared their
willingness to sacrifice themselves upon
the altar of their country, by becoming
president of the United States The list
includes Borah, Of Idaho; Cummins, of
Iowa; Burton, of Ohio; Fairbanks, of In
diana; Weeks, Of Massachusetts; Sherman,
Of Illinois and others.
None of these, however, seem to possess
the strength to reunite the Republican
and Progressive parties. Justice Charles
E. Hughes, Of New York, is considered to
be the man who possesses this requisite,
but he has refused to enter the race, be-
lieving that judicial and political matters
should not mix An editorial writer has,
this week, said that signs are multiplying
that the voluntary system of getting a
strong candidate, will have to give way to
conscription.
Ex-president Roosevelt is supposed to
be dis-interested spectator, but no one
can tell what events may bring forth. A
London review, with long-range vision
of the situation, has, this week, said that,
"Chicago spells Roosevelt and tariff-the
former warm champion of our military
and political policies; the latter likely to
prove formidable enemy to our CONNER
cial and economic systems in the era of
recuperation for Europe after Armaged-
DON"
The article goes on to say that in spite
of Mr.. Wilson scornful rejection of the
idea, the tariff will be the dominant ISSUE
The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1915-12-25
Single Copy, 3 Cents

but l began an honest effort to purge the
department of such treason.
"Dont misunderstood me- Chief Heal
ey is going to stay where he is; but this
police department will be cleaned up and
the crooks will be rooted out if it costs me
my life. And [ want it clearly under
stood that I am unafraid.''
In compliance with the mayors declar-
alton, Chief Healey has announced that he
will carry into effect the doctrine of
strict accountability in it's severest
form. In any district showing an increase
of crime, "charges will be preferred
against the captain of such district" Any
captain unable to cope with crime and the
immoral conditions in his district will be
dismissed.
The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1915-12-25
CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT
"STINKS'', SAYS THOMPSON

Mayor Thompson, of Chicago, has de
livered scathing arraignment of the
police department Of that city. In pub
| lie statement he said in part:
81 know the police department of Chic
ago stinks.
II know the police department is honey
combed with grafters, who are collecting
money all over the city.
"I know criminals, hold-up men, MUIR
derers, pickpockets, thieves of all descrip-
tions, and other dangerous characters,
known to the police of Chicago, are walk
ing the streets of this city every day and
are not arrested
'I repeat-the Chicago police depart
ment stinks!
'SThis is a terrible thing to say, but I
would not be surprised to learn that in
the department are men who have planned
murder y n n
"The thing that has worried me from
the very first day became mayor was the
police department. I believed policemen
were shielding crooks, that they were col
lecting money in every section of Chicago,
The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1915-12-25
PRESIDENTS WEDDING MARKED
BY SIMPLICITY

| The wedding of President Woodrow
Wilson, and Mrs. Edith Boiling Gait, oc-
Cured on the evening of December 18,
the ceremony being performed by Rev.
Herbert Scott Smith, pastor of St. Mar
garet's Episcopal Church, Washington.
The wedding was simple affair, taking
place in the quiet surroundings of modest
home, with only close relatives, and few
Of the nearest friends, present. True
democratic simplicity marked every de-
tail.
Mrs Gait, now Mrs. Wilson, is described
as woman of simple tastes with love
for home, and the seclusion of private life
She is said to be of "quite the Wilson
type, plus the Virginia manner, and the
Southern love of life.'' She has never
taken any particular interest in politics.
and is personally unacquainted with most
of the prominent men of the national
capitol
Since the announcement of her ENGAGE
ment, she has visited the house of congress.
the supreme court, and affairs of all kinds
where the President has officially ap-
peared Her demeanor has been beyond
criticism. While it is known that she has
WINGED under the public gaze, it is said
of her that she has shown more "poise.
self-possession, and dignity" than many
women who have been brought up in a
public atmosphere.
The new "frst lady of the lands, pos
sesses excellent health, is fond of outdoor
life, and "ike all true virginians, is a
good horsewoman and splendid driver"
Continued on last page)
The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1915-12-25

A London dispatch, dated December %,
8 :35 a. M, states that the new japanese
liner Yasuka Maru, which sailed from
London recently for Japan, passing Glib
raltar December IL, has been sunk in the
Mediterranean by either an Austrian or
a German submarine.
The ship sank in forty-fve minutes af-
ter being torpedoed. Perfect discipline
prevailed among the passengers and crew,
all lives being saved.
The belief is expressed that this is the
biggest war loss that has occurred since
the war began The cargo is estimated
at somewhere near $5,OO0,OOO
The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1915-12-25

and clothing, or worse fate at the hands
of rowing bands Of stragglers.
The Serbian soldiers were forced to
evacuate their country, but the women re-
mained behind "In other countries, :"
says William G. Shepherd, United Press
staff correspondent, "the women said
goodbye to their men, and saw them go
to war; but these Serbian heroines said
goodbye to their men, and then waited
for the war to come to them, with all it's
horrcrs and outrages.
The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1915-12-25
Great Britain Will Add Another
Million Men

After night of fierce debate, the Eng
lish house Of commons agreed, at $50
A. NJ, on December %, to pass the govern
ment bill calling 100000 more British
ers to the colors Adoption of the meas
ure, it is claimed, will put in the field the
greatest British army in history, number
ing about 100000 men.
Whether it will be necessary, or not, to
resort to conscription in order to raise this
force, is not made clear by reports.
The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1915-12-25

Of the submarine, which fired the torpedo,
the responsibility for having wilfully vio-
lated the recognized law Of nations -
The note adds that the culpability of
the commander is in any case established,
and the undisputable fact is that citizens
Of the United States were killed, wounded
or put in jeopardy by his lawless act; fur
thermore, that the United States finds no
other course open'', but to hold the Aus
trian government responsible for the act
of it's naval commander.
Hope of peaceable settlement of the
Ancona difficulty is based largely on a
United Press interview, secured this week
with Count Stephen Tisza, the "iron mai"
Of Austria. The substance Of the inter-
view was that there will be no quarrel be-
tween the Austro- Hungarian government
and the United States, if "Washington
keeps cool"
The count, who is next to the emperor
in the government Of Austria, said:
"There is no reason for any trouble over
the Ancona question. 1t must be settled
satisfactorily, not only from the stand
point of the United States, but from our
standpoint And the only way to reach a
settlement is through correspondence,
which will suggest the means.''
The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1915-12-25
NEWS OF THE WORLD

Britishers regard this much advertised
Egyptian campaign as mostly bluff. But
so they regarded the threatened Austro-
German drive through Serbia, even though
continually warned of such movement,
by Englishmen on the ground, and in a
position to know what was under way.
According to reports, the invasion will
not be accomplished by German or Aus
trian troops, but by Turkish forces under
German command. German officers are
everywhere at work, as propagandists,
organizers and military instructors
Field Marshal Won der Goltz veteran
of the Russian campaign, and who, it will
be remembered, thoroughly trained the
first Turkish army, is in charge Of the
enterprise, and has established his head
quarters at Aleppo, Syria, where the
Turkish troops are being equipped.
The construction of double track rail
way line, capable of transporting 100000
troops within month, is being pushed
with exceeding speed, from Damascus to
the Egyptian frontier.
The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1915-12-25
British Rigidly Enforce
Anti Treating Law

According to Wilbur S. Forest, United
Press staff correspondent, London's anti
treating law is no joke. Mr.. Forest says
that when Americans close their saloons,
"they don't lock the back DOORS" but
England does-also the windows and eel
lars.
During the first month, in which the
anti-treating law was enforced, drinking
diminished Is to 40 per cent in England.
The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1915-12-25
PEACE SHIP LANDS AT NORWEGIAN
PORT

According to newspaper reports, all has
not been quietness and tranquility aboard
the peace ship, Oscar II. A division has
arisen over the question of preparedness,
The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1915-12-25
Raid on Egypt Predicted

A rumor which has become more and
more persistent of late, is that OF threat
ened Turko- German drive on Egypt
The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1915-12-25
Russians Leaving Bessarabia

It is now reported from London, that
the Russians are removing the greater part
of their troops from the Bessarabia from
tier, and this has aroused much specu-
lation in military circles.
The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1915-12-25
Pitiable Condition of Soldiers Blinded
in Battle

One Of the saddest features Of the war,
is the case of hundreds Of soldiers who
have been rendered blind for life. The
fellows who have lost an arm or a leg,
usually remain cheerful, but those who
are deprived of their sight, often wish to
commit suicide, or express regret that they
were not killed in battle.
According to Miss Winnifred Holt, who
has established a school in Paris, for the
purpose of ''putting eyes on the finger
tips" of those rendered blind in bat lie,
the darkest moment in a soldiers life, is
when, for the first time, he realizes that
he will never be able to see again. He is
apt to become despondent, lose his intelli-
gence, and drift into an apathy, from
which it is difficult to arouse him.
The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1915-12-25
American Red Cross Food Supplies Seize

! The American Red Cross relief commit
tee has met with difficulties at Monastir.
When the Serbian troops evacuated the
city. DR.. Forbes, member Of the committee,
collected all food supplies left behind, in
cluding 25 car loads Of -four and corn
meal and 3 car loads Of rice, sugar and
biscuits He sought to preserve them for
the suffering civilian population, by stor-
ing the goods within his own grounds.
When the Bulgarian troops arrived, their
commander twice proposed to buy the sup
plies, offering to pay double prices, but
DR.. Forbes refused to sell. The following
day an officer appeared, with squad OF
soldiers, entered the grounds, and seized
portion of the supplies.
If reports are to be believed, the Amer
lean flag was torn from the building, and
Red Cross workers, including Mrs Walter
Farwell, Chicago society woman, were
roughly handled. DR.. Forbes and Mrs.
Farwell are reported as safe at Monastir.
Intense Suffering of Serbian Women
A million Serbian girls and women are
facing intense suffering, from the pangs
of cold and hunger, through lack of food
The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1915-12-25

WIN exceeding Speou 1fOu OdmdSCuo w
the Egyptian frontier
British Troops Withdrawn from the
Dardanelles
All British troops in the Suvla Bay and
Anzac region, of the Dardanelles, together
with guns and equipment, have been trans
ferred to "another sphere of operations. ="
The Allies now occupy only the southern
tip of the peninsula, and it is probable that
the troops located there, will soon be with
drawn.
Thus has ended in failure, the "most
dramatic undertaking of the war" One
editorial writer says:
'tWhat might have been one Of the most
glorious incidents in British history will
be known as the Dardanelles fasco. In
all Great Britain's blunderings none has
been more costly. The soil of Gallipoli
and the waters that lave it's shores are the
graveyards Of thousands of as brave men
as ever fought for England and France.
More than that, they are the graveyard OF
statesman's reputation, of at least one
generals fame, and of the prestige of the
allies in the near East.
The elimination of this fasco, renders
all the more scathing the criticisms OF
S. J. Duncan-Clark, the astute and well
known military critic Of the Chicago Even
ing Post. Commenting, a few days ago,
upon the situation, he said:
"They are paying the penalty OF IN
comprehensive ineficiency. lnsut-
ficient forces, insufficient supplies. The
Germans 'organize victory The allies
apparently shoot at the moon, and hope
to heaven they may hit something.
/ In the storm of criticism that has broke
out, within the past few days, none is more
stinging than that Of some English states
men in Parliament. Leading English
papers. such as The Times and The Daily
Mail, are also unsparing in their denun-
citation. The Daily Mail says:
'SToo late is written in letters OF fire on
the government records Too late in aid
ing Belgium. Too late to save Serbia.
Too late in the Dardanelles. Too late with
munitions these words have dogged the
allies every step.''
American Red Gross Food Supplies Seized
The American Red Cross relief commit
tee has met with difficulties at Monastir.
When the Serbian troops evacuated the
city, DIR. Forbes, member of the committee,
collected all food supplies left behind, IN
cluding 25 car loads Of -four and corn
The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1915-12-25
Desperate Fighting in Montenegro and
Albania

Heavy fighting is still in progress in
Montenegro and Albania, between Austrl-
ans and Bulgarians, on one side, and Ser
bians and Montenegrins, on the other. A
determined effort is being made to capture
or annihilate the Montenegrin army. The
invaders were reported, recently, as ad-
vancing along 70-mile front.
The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1915-12-25
Serbian Retreat Kills Prospect of Aid to
Allies from Roumania

A report coming by way of Zurich,
Switzerland, now states that the retreat
of the Allies from Serbia, has destroyed
all prospects of Roumania entering the
war against the Austro- Germans. On the
contrary, leader of the Roumanian con-
servation faction, in an audience with the
king, has suggested that the time is ripe
for that country to join the central powers
The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1915-12-25
Italian Troops Land in Albania

It is now officially announced, for the
first time, that Italian troops have landed
in Albania, and this has caused a some
what more hopeful feeling in London, IN
regard to the Balkan operations.
The Washington times., 1915-12-22
TO LONDON
FOR MAIL SEIZURES
United States Asks Explanation
of Interference With Parcel
Post to Sweden.

Specific instances OF the seizure by
British cruisers OF more than 300 sacks
OF parcel post mail in transit between
the United States and Sweden. called to
the attention of the State Department
by the Swedish minister. have brought
n sharp protest from the United States
to the British Government. The London
authorities also have been requested to
make a prompt GXpla nation.
Minister Ekengrnn of Sweden notified
the State Department that 800 sacks OF
parcel post mail, which left New York
November 27 tor Sweden, on the steam
er Hellig -Olay. we're seized at Kirk
wall by British authorities. At the same
time ffty-eighk sacks Of parcel post
matter from sweden to the United
states were taken off the steamer Stock
holm at <irkwall by British cruiser.
The Stockholm has been permitted to
sail, but the mail seized is still held.
The swedish government. as a r"tal-
airy measure. the Swedish minister
'air. ne tifed Great Britain that il would
no'! uD al parcel post shipments sies-
tined 10 Great Britain which passed
through swedish territory
S2cEetarv of State Lansing Is await
ing a reply from his representations to
tho British government before taking
action.
Tho representations to Great Hritain.
in this matter are indcpe ndent OF tho
efforts now being made by the Post
offCe DeDartmert to obtain an agree
31ent for the routing of narccl post
shipments to GERMANY and Austria
through Sweden. Tho Swedish covcrr-
inert has not as vet agreed to receive
such SHIPMENTS