davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-08-13
HEART OF WILSON
Touched by Letter From Mother
of Haiti Hero.
Hopes Appeal for Aid Will Not
Go UnSatiSfied.

Washington. Aug. 13.-President
Wilson has written to Mrs. Sophia
Gompers of Brooklyn. n. Y, mother
Of William Gompers, a sailor, killed
by Haitien sniper during the Amer
lean occupation of Port au Prince,
Haiti. The presidents letter was in
reply to one from Mrs. GomperS, in
which she said she was proud that
her son had died in the service of his
country but that as he had been her
sole support she hoped the govern
ment could help her in some way.
The presidents letter given out to-
day at the White House follows:
My Dear Madame: l have read
your letter of August 8 with the deep
est sympathy. 1 feel like congratulat-
ing YOU on having had a son whose
dignity it was to die in the service of
his country, but my heart goes out to
you none the less in profound SYM
pathy.
4 am sure that it would be the
desire of every one connected with the
public service to see that you did not
suffer need because of your sons
death. I am sending your letter to the
secretary of the navy to inquire
whether there is any possibility under
the law. as il stands, of assisting you.
l fear that there is not. but 1 am sure
the secretary of the navy will wish to
consider the matter very fully.
Cordially and sincerely yours.
WOODROW WILSON.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-08-13
FOR EARLY ACTION
Judge Flannelly i'm Consultation
With Justice Porter.
Urges Prompt Action by Su-
preme Court in Gas Case.

Judge Thomas j. Flannelly of Inde-
pendence, was in conference. today
with Associate Justice SilaS Porter OF
the supreme court and II. o. Castor,
attorney for the public utilities COM
mission, regarding the adVanceme ent
of the gas cases for immediate deci-
sion, in event an appeal is taken, by
the utilities commission, from the de-
cision of the Montgomery county
court. 1t was virtually agreed at the
conference, that the cases would be
given the right of way and rushed to
early decision.
against the application of the utilities
commission to set aside the recent or
der restraining the enforcement of the
commission three cent increase in the
gas rates. Late this afternoon attor-
neys for the commission announced
they had not determined their next
step in the case, but would confer
late today or Saturday. 1t is regarded
as probable that the cases will be TAX
en- to the supreme court for final de-
ciSion.
1t was to secure an early decision
in the case that Judge Flannelly came
to Topeka today and was in confer
ence with Justice Porter and attorneys
for the utilities commission. Unless
the cases are disposed of Immediately,
the judge urged, there is not opportu-
nifty for an increased gas supply for
next winter In addition to this Situa-
ton, creditors of the gas company
have served notice that they will not
permit the expenditure of more funds
for extensions under the commissions S
order
John KinkIe, member of the com
mission, stated today that it is not the
purpose of the Kansas commission to
apply to the Missouri commission for
an increase in gas rates. Such action
is up to the gas company Unless it
acts, the gas rates will remain, under
the commissions order, as at present.
1T is not the province of the COM
mission to urge upon the Missouri
commission the necessity of higher
gas rates. said Kinkle IF such re-
lief is desired by the gas company,
they must take action, not the Kansas
com mission"
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-08-13
L. $. Plans Many Planes and
Ocean Plungers.
Big Expenditures Planned for
Latest War Engines.

Washington, Aug. 13.-President
Wilson has postponed discussion II
the national defense question with
Secretary Garrison and Daniels until
next week.
Mr.. Garrison is away for the week
end.
The president will confer with Rear
Admiral Benson, chief of operations.
when he secs Secretary Daniels next
week. He will not pass upon war and
navy estimates. however, until he has
conferred with the chairmen of the
congressional committees.
Want Air and Undersea Craft.
Secretary Daniels declared today
there was an overwhelming sentiment
in the country generally for large in
creases in submarines and air craft.
1.-The people in inland states, par
ticularly, seem to have come to the
conclusion that there should be large
increases in submarines and aero
planes for our naval defenSes, said
Secretary Daniels.
MANY of our Citizens who do not
mean to attach that Importance to
dreadnoughts which naval experts do
or who doubt the navy Judgment OF
the dreadnOughtS, are satisfied that
the next naval program should pro-
vide for liberal expenditures for un-
dersea ships and aircraft
Build Dreadnoughts, Too.
Much attention would be given to
IndJ popular SenIlIleHl, lHe SeCIctdIy
said in framing the naval program.
but more and stronger dreadnoughts
also are to be asked for. What the
navy seeks, he said, is to make the
dreadnoughts as invulnerable as pos
Sible.
''If we cannot make them invulner-
able" said Mr.. Daniels, I'VE want to
find out how to prevent torpedoes
from sinking them"
The first meeting of the naval ad-
visory board, to be headed by Thomas
A. Edison, will be held some time next
month. Before then Secretary Daniels
will announce the entire personnel of
the board, which will consist of twenty
of the foremost scientists and in
VentOrs of the country.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-08-13
Reinforced SIayS in Desperate
COunter-Charges.
FORTRESS OF KOvNO HOLDING
TeutOnic Drives Toward Riga
Have Been RepuIsed.
Dvinsk, Key to Russ Capital,
Still i'm Cars Hands.

Berlin. Aug. f3-(via London).
The Polish city of Siedlce, So
miles southeast of Warsaw, has
been captured by the Germans.
Announcement to this effect was
made today at ARM headquar-
terS.
The city of Siedlce lay directly
in the path of the Teutonic
forces which pressed eastward
from Warsaw after the capture of
the place. 1t is i'm this section
that the Austro-German forces
are advancing most rapidly.
SiedIce is the capital of the prov
ince of that name and has some
25,OOO inhabitants.
London. Aug. 13.-The Russians
for the time being are holding in
check the Baltic flank of the German
armies which are struggling to cut the
Warsaw-PetrOgrad railroad and are
battling toward the Dvina. beyond
which lie the roads TO the Russian
capital. This has been accomplished
by virtue of one counter-attack after
another.
kovno Holding Out.
The fortress of Kovno still holds
out, German attacks toward Riga have
been repulsed and the railway. juno
tion at Dvinsk remains in Russian
hands.
From OstroIenka, north of Warsaw,
to Chelm, in the south, the TeutOnS
claim to have made further progress,
but between the Vieprz and the Bug
they apparently have been thrown
back with heavy loss.
Is Won Hindenburg Waiting?
1t may be that Field Marshal Won
Hindenburg has not eXerted his full
power in the north, but is awaiting
events in the south before hammering
his hardest toward the Dvina, near
the banks of which his cavalry have
been for some time.
The fact that the Germans are able
to advance with comparative rapidity
due east from Warsaw, while being
CONTINUED on Page 81
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-08-13
RAIL SHARES FALL UNDER SEA; IN AIR
Extreme Weakness Follows De-
cision Against Coal Roads.
Erie and Reading Hit; All Lines
Adversely Affected.

New York. Aug. 13.-The severe cut
made by the interstate commerce
com mmiSsion in the. revenues of the an
thracpe railroads was reflected in the
weakness of those issues at the open
ing of today's stock market a block
of $500 shares of Erie was offered
down from % rs to u, against yes
terday's closing price of 90.
Reading made an initial decline of
four points and Lehigh Valley fell as
much later, losing almost a total of
six points. The entire railway list was
adversely affected. with losses of l to
2 points in the Pacifics and some of
the eastern roads.
Activity in pool specialties was re-
sumed with a gain of five points in
Bethlehem Steel preferred and Az
in Virginia Iron Coal and Coke
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-08-13
Some SeabOard Exporters Close
. Out Open Contracts.
Wheat Prices Plunge on UneOn-
firmed Report.
WHAT'S HAPPENED IN EUROPE?
Prospective Opening of Darda-
nelleS Is Suggested.
Source of New Supply or Inabil-
ity to Pay, Says Patten.
WHEAT TAKES A TUMBLE
ON CANCELLATION RUMORS

Chicago. Aug. 13.-Unconfirmed
reports. which j. Picrpont Morgan
was quoted rs denying. that the
allies were canccIing orders for
wheat. were reflected on the board
of trade at the opening today in
prices n to 33s under yesterdays
close. September wheat. the option
most affected. closed yesterday at
S1.fI1S. IL sold i'm different parts
of the pit at the opening today at
S11O 20 S1.Ozis. Immediately
thereafter there was a sale at Sf.0S-
December contracts showed a max
imum opening decline of 3 "a cents
at S1.06. Traders generally were
skcptiCaI as 10 the Importance of
tne cancellations. but the tone of
the market was nervous.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-08-13
FINALS AT ST. JOE
Savages Wind Up Schedule in
Missouri Town Today.
Dashner Pitches First Game
Against "Dazzy" Vance.

St Joseph, Mo, Aug. 13.-The To-
peka Savages made their last appear
ance of the season here this after
noon, and the occasion was celebrated
with a doubIcheader bill.
For the first game Manager Jack
son announced that he would work
Dashner and Rapps. Dashner pitched
against the Drummers Thursday and
shut them out with five hits. Vince
and Connolly were chosen as the bat
terry for the Drummers.
The Savages started the scoring in
the first inning with one run, after
which they held the Josies in their
turn at bat.
The score at the end of the fifth
inning was 5 to in favor of Topeka.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-08-13
GENERAL SCOTT HELD ON
BORDER FOR EMERGENCY

Washington, Aug. 13.-Major
General Scott. chief of staff of the
army, has been ordered to remain
a. E.l PasO to be ready for any mis-
sion the state department. may
have OH the border. General Scott
is reporting directly to Secretary
Lansing.
While General Scott is acting as
an agent OF the state department.
in connection with negotiations be-
tween the Mexican factions. he is
also watching the border situation
and is in communication with Ma
jor General Funston.
War department officials say
they have no knowledge of the
work the state department is ask
ing of the chief of staff.
No more troops were ordered to-
day to the border.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-08-13

Washington, Aug. 13-The inter
American appeal to all factions in
Mexico agreed upon by the Pan
American conference is expected to go
forward today. The text will not be
made public until it has been COM
municated to all the heads of the fac
tions and governors of the Mexican
states. There has been some difficulty
in assembling the list of Mexican Of
ficials to whom the appeal is ad-
dressed, but this now is practically
complete. Secretary Lansing said to-
day there would be no further con-
lOmatS until replies had been received.
Battlers Racing South.
No change in the Vera Cruz situa-
ton was recorded in navy department
dispatches. Secretary Daniels said
the battleships Louisiana and New
Hampshire still were proceeding
southwark"
Today the ships are off the Florida
coast. That they will go directly to
NJ eXicsn waters in the vicinity of Vera
- y gel.eIalIy expected.
General Villas proposal of three
months truce for a peace convention
has been .unacted upon by this gov
ernment- Villas offer, it was Sug-
gested, would be valuable in aiding
further plans of the Pan-American
conference with regard to Mexico, aft
er replies have been received to the
appeal for peace.
Announcement was made here to-
day on behalf of General Villa by his
Washington agents that all the civil
and military elements of his party
would eliminate themselves, if neces-
sary for the success of a Mexican
peace conference.
Villas proposal was contained in a
telegram from Diaz LOmbardo. his
secretary of state, to his agency here.
IF the peace conferences between
the factions in Mexico reach a sue
cessful end" Lombardo's MESA ge
said, mot only General Villa but all the
civil and military elements affiliated
with the convention party would he
disposed to eliminate themselves, if
necessary, with the single condition
that the men who are placed in charge
of the new situation shall sOlennly
agree to restore constitutional order
and that they shall not be drawn from
the decadent and odiOus cientificO, or
reactionary, party
LombardC also said he firmly be-
lieved in the good will of President
Wilson toward Mexico, and the ArEeri-
can government would not attempt
armed intervention.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-08-13
UNLUCKY COMBINATION
Thirteenth Falls on Friday for First
Time This Year

If you are superstitious. the worst
is not yet to come. It's here.
Today is Friday, the Thirteenth,
which is considered a most unIucky
combination. Indeed there are per-
sons who believe the big war started
in 914 simply because there were three
such combinations during the year.
This is an excessive number of un-
lucky Fridays.
But 1915 has only one such un-
lucky day and that is today and 1916
will be just as good. In 1914 the
thirteenth of the month fell on Fri
day in February, March and Novem-
Der. There will not be another Fri
day, the Thirteenth until October,
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-08-13
BRITAIN WANTS A MILLION
HEAD OF AMERICAN CATTLE

Helena, Mont, Aug. &c. o..
Robinson, representative of a large
packing company of Chicago, made
public here today a copy of a cable
gram from Liverpool sent to the
Chicago office. asking that an cs-
innate be furnished of the cost of
one million head of American beef
cattle. delivered at Liverpool.
The order, if filled, said Robin
son, would require payment OF
about 500, 200, 900 and would make
vast inroads ON the available cattle
IN the United States.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-08-13
ITALIAN MOUNTS SPOUT
Smoke and Steam Pour From Vesu-
vius and Mt. Etna; People Flee.

Mt Etna Italian volcanoes, which
suddenly became active this week,
continue TO spout forth great columns
of steam and smoke, according to dis
patches received here today. Villa ges
serted.
The flames from the reawakened
crater of Vesuvius were visible for
many miles along the west coast of
Italy last night. Naples dispatches
however were reassuring, declaring
that little damage had been done thus
far.
Lava is still pouring from Mt. Etna.
Refugees from the Etna region have
nocked to Catonia by hundreds.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-08-13
PENNSYLVANIA OIL Up
South Penn Company Emuiates Mid
Continent Producers.

Pittsburg. Pa, Aug. 13.-Ten cents
barrel advance in the price of the
principal grades of crude oil was an
nOunced today by the South Penn Oil
company
This is the first change in price
since April 3, when there was a reduc-
ton of five cents.
Pennsylvania crude is S1.45, Mercer
black. Newcastle and Cabell, S1-07;
Corning, SO cents; Somerset, 80. and
Ragland 63 cents.
Increased demand and the raising of
prices by mid-continent producers is
assigned as the cause of today's
change.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-08-13
REAL AID IN SHIP HORROR
Most of Half Million Fund To be Paid
in IumD SunlS.

Chicago Aug. 1S.-The relief fund
which now totals S475,00 will be dis
tributed to survivors of the steamer
Eastland disaster in lump payments,
according to a plan ann nnounced today
by J. J. O'Connor. in charge of the
Chicago division of the American Red
Cross.
For a few special cases, however, a
pension plan has been devised.
Indications are, MIR. O'Connor said,
that every dollar contributed would go
to the beneficiaries. as the relief
workers have incurred no expense in
making the collections or meeting
other Details
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-08-13
CarranZa's Chief Foe Aids Pam
American Program.
Asks Only That CientificOes Be
Barred Out.
WARSHIPS STILL GO SOUTH
BattIers OFF Florida Coast; {;
Bound for Vera Cruz.
No Change in Troubled Port Re-
ported to Washington.

LOredO, Aug. 13.-Under the
GlaFing headlines IF You Are a
Mexican Read This q cOnstitu-
tionalist paper here today printed
a story declaring it might be nee
essary at any time for MeXicanS to
take up arms in the support of
CarranZiSta principles.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-08-13
MORE TROUBLE IN HAITI
Caperton Establishes Military Rule
Following New Uprisings.

Washington, Aug. 13-New upris-
ings by the Bobo and Zamor factions
have broken out at Cape Haitien and
have forced Rear Admiral Caperton
to establish military rule in the city.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-08-13
Sailors firing voIley over bluejaekets' cOffins


Washington, who killed
rebels resisted the landing the sailors After
sailors voey
Boston harses escorted through the city by
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-08-13
Rain and Wind at Wichita

Wichita, Kan, Aug. 13.-An inch
and a half of rain fell here this nsCrn-
ing, accompanied by high wind and
mucS lightning
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-08-13

Weather Forecast For Kansas.
Unsettled with showers in east and
central portions tonight and probably
in east portion Saturday; not much
change in temperature
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-08-13
Another Bandit Slain i'm Sharp
Brush Near Mercedes.
IRON HAND ON TERRORISTS
Texas Officials, at ROckpOrt,
Plan EffectuaI Measures.
Reports Show MarauderS Work
Under "San Diego Plan."

Washington. Aug. 13.-Prcsi-
dent Wilson personally took up
The situation on the MeNlcah
border today with Acting Secrc-
tary Breckenridge of the war de-
partment. and gave directions that
sufficient troops be held ready for
any emergencies. Governor Eergu-
sons telegram asking for more
troops is being held at the war de-
partmcnt awaiting further word
from Major General Funston.
brownsville. Tex, Aug. 13.-Al-
though few depredations on the part
of the bands of Mexican raiders We're
reported here in the last twenty-four
hours. authorities in the lower Rio
Grande valley continued today to take
measures to suppress the lawleSSneSS
that almost had brought about a reign
of terror in this section.
Developments in this matter were
expected to follow the conference
which was to be held at Rockport,
Tex, today, where Governor Ferguson
is spending his vacation. Besides the
governor, Adjutant General Henry
Hutchins, John n. Garner, congress-
man from Texas, and other promi-
nent citizens of the state were to dis
cuss the border situation. Further
proof that the outbreaks are due to a
conspiracy of Mexicans from both
sides of the Rio Grande was to be laId
befsseo SioyaS4IoT Ferguson.
That the raiders are acting under
the plan of San Diego" was indicated
in the reports of United States officials
reaching the headquarters of the
southern department at San Antonio.
The reports quoted from literature
said to have been distributed in large
quantities in the border counties of
Texas.
The killing of a Mexican supposed
to have been a member of one of the
bands of marauders at Mercedes, Tex,
last night was the latest death to be
Continued on Page %
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1915-08-06
A HANDICAP.

The Life Extension institute is an
organization which is fighting disease
through publicity. It's membership
includes some of the greatest living
scientists and educators. These au-
thorities have put forth many rad.
ical statements concerning alcohol.
They declare that the present antag-
onistic attitude of several European
monarchs towards this "deadening
drug is fully warranted by scientific
evidence. Alcohol" they say, rs a
handicap for a nation at war. 1t Is a
handicap for an individual in the strug-
gle for existence. This is not the
judgment of scientists alone, nor OF
weaklings and faddists, but Of the
big Drained, strengthened men upon
whom has fallen the tremendous bur
den of guiding great nations through
the greatest crisis in history
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1915-08-06
WOMEN WANT A CLUBHOUSE
Efforts In Tacoma Are Worth lmita.
ton In Every Town and City In
the Country.

, The clubwomen Of Tacoma, WASH,
are making q quiet but consistent eff
fort to have a clubhouse. Their as
sociation has already more than 1000
in its treasury, and Is constantly add
ing to the fund by means Of entertain
ments, sales, subscriptions, etc.
Tacoma has a larger number OF
women affiliated in clubs than any 9th
er city In the state in proportion to
its population, yet 1t has no clubhouse.
In Seattle the clubwomen have a fine
structure that fills many wants as q
place for lectures, concerts. regular
club meetings and a central gather
ing point, uniting the interests and ef-
forts of women. Bellingham has two
woman's clubhouses, and Olympia has
a woman's clubhouse that serves many
needs in the capital city,
The Tacoma women feel certain
that their activities and their useful
ness in civic life would be increased
had they a meeting place Of their own.
The experience Of other cities has
taught them that, outside the initial
expense Of purchase or erection OF a
building, the from rentals
make such a clubhouse self-supporting
after 1t Is once completely paid for
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1915-08-06

TOWN.
M HELPS
DECRY THE WOODEN FENCE
Many Cities Are Working for the Abo-
Iltion Of What Is Generally Called
a Nuisance.

War is being declared upon the
wooden, tight-boarded fences which
d~isfgure the back yards and alleys OF
so many cities, Such fences are de-
clared to be "time-honored breeders
Of fires. crime and disease" and off,
cials of the health, police and fire de-
partments everywhere are urging that
they be prohibited by law,
The wooden fence probably came
into use when lumber was cheap and
privacy seemed attainable by this sort
OF screen. But with the building of
rows Of two and three.story and even
higher dwellings, privacy is invaded
by the eye OF the neighbor in the upper
story and is no longer a valid excuse
for the evils promoted by the wooden
fence.
Statistics show an unusually high
percentage Of serious fires In localities
where the wooden fences abound. A
fire starting In one block may easily
be carried through a whole block by
the fences.
These fences also are a great hin.
drance to the police. They prevent
the proper inspection Of a neighbour
hood, serve as screens behind which
crimes can be committed in safety
and supply hiding places for burglars
and sneak thieves while waiting their
opportunity to break into houses.
Other charges in the indictment OF
the wooden fence are that 1t is un'
slightly, that 1t encourages the accu
mutation Of disease-breeding rubbish
and that It shuts off the light and all
rom what would otherwise be attrac
tive Fairgrounds for children.
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1915-08-06
EEEECT OE ALCOHOL.

IT. T. Alexander McNicholl, sur
sJGi. in Red Cross hospital, investi-
gated $1,000 school children for the
New York Academy of Medicine. He
found So per cent below the standard
of intelligence, II per cent billiards,
% per cent deficient, and 16 per cent
nearly deficient. Fifty-three per cent
of the detectives were the children Of
drinking parents. Only 10 per cent of
the children of abstaining parents
were billiards. The family history Of
3,711 children were traced for three
generations. OF the children Of alb.
staining parents and grandparents 4
per cent were billiards, while Of the
children of abstaining parents and
drinking grandparents IS per cent
were billiards.