davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee., 1916-12-24
Gen. Murguia Takes
Command in Juarez-
Military District

Juarez, Dec. 23.-Gcneral Fran
cisco Gonzales at military headquar-
tiers today said that General Jose
Murguia, brother of General Fran
cisco Murguia, military commander
of the northwestern zone, would sue
ceed him as commander of the de
facto troops in the Juarez district
General Gonzales said that he would
take the field in person against Fran
cisco Villa south of Chihuahua City
Chihuahua City, Dec. 22.-(Via El
Paso Junction, Dec 23.-General
Francisco Murguia, military COM
mander of the northeastern military
zone, held a conference today with
the foreign consular representatives.
General Marguia announced that
Francisco Villa and his forces were
advancing on Torreon, but added that
General Talamante, the de facto COM
mander in Torreon, had sufficient
forces and elements to defend the
city.
General Murguia declared he had
recaptured all of the military trains
which Villa took from chihuahua
City and had garrisoned the town Of
Guerrero.
Omaha daily bee., 1916-12-24
"Gussie" Gardner
To Repudiate Mann
For His O. K. Of Peace


Cincinnati, o., Dec. 23.-Represen-
tative Augustus p. Gardner OF Massa-
chusetts, in a statement here tonight,
repudiated the leadership in congress
of Representative James R. Mann be-
cause of his endorsement of President
Wilson's peace note to the European
belligerents and said he would sup
port Representative Lenroot of Wis
consin for speaker when congress
convenes. The statement was
~ have read the endorsement
which the leader of my party in con-
gress gave yesterday to President
Wilson's offer of interference in Eu-
ropean affairs. This is the fourth
or, fifth time that Leader Mann has
given encouragement 10 Germany's
wicked cause. So far as | am con-
cerned ! shall tolerate such leader
ship no longer.
Il believe that the happiness of
the world requires the destruction of
the dynasties of the Hapsburgs and
the Hohenzollerns. For that reason
with very sincere regret, / repudiate
Congressman Mann's leadership.
! shall support Lenroot Of Wiscon-
sin for speaker when congress con-
yenae
Omaha daily bee., 1916-12-24
WILSON'S ACTION NOT
POPULAR AT PARIS
Petit Journal Characterizes
Note as Outrage to French
Honor and Dignity.
IT oM1Ts MORAL ISSUES

Paris, Dec. 23.--President Wilson's $
rote and the statement of Secretary
I ansine continue to be the sensations
of the day and take precedence over
everything else in morning papers.
The presidents action by no means
meets with favor with the commenta-
tors, who only vary in the manner
Of expressing their opinion.
The principal reproach is in the
words of Stephen Pinchon, who, writ
ing in the Petit Journal, says:
The note makes no distinction be-
tween the states who provoked the
war and those upon whom it was
forced. The belligerents, whovere
they are, see themselves treated in
the same manner by President Will
son. He does not remember either
the violation of Belgian neutrality,
the crimes of the submarine warfare
or any of the monstrous acts which
revolted the conscience Of his COM
patriots and that Of the, civilized
world. Germany, its victims, Bel
gians, Serbians or French, it is all the
same.
Outrage to Dignity.
"America can appreciate this sim
gular conception as it pleases. We
should be lacking in the first of our
duties in not holding it up as an out
rage to Our honor ard our dignity"
Georges C1emenceau, former pre-
mier, in his newspaper, L'Homme
The moral Sr' side Jf the war has
escaped President Wilson. He puts
on the same footing all OF the bellig-
erents without asking for what rea-
son each of them is fighting. Fail
ing to take into consideration these
imponderables, he, believes himself
just when he speaks to all in the
same terms. He has nor felt that the
end Of the war could not be under
stood in the same way by both sides
and consequently it would seem al
most blasphemous to hear it said that
the objects seem the same on both
Sides" ~i
Lincoln's answer to the French and
British offers to mediate between
Omaha daily bee., 1916-12-24
Torreon Surrenders
To Villa Forces is
Ell Paso Report

FL Paso, Tex, Dec. 23.--Uncon-
firmed reports that Torreon had been
captured by Francisco Villas forces
were forwarded to Washington by
government agents early today. These
reports stated that the fighting started
early yesterday morning and contin-
ued until o'clock In the afternoon,
when the city capitulated.
j A foreign property owner in Santa
Rosalia received the first news today
of the capture of Santa Rosalia by
the Villa forces on December II. He
was notified that 800 Carranza soldiers
who had entrained to go to Chihuahua
City were captured and practically all
OF them executed, the message stated.
Those killed included the Carranza
colonel in command, ii was added. No
property was destroyed.
1t also was reported that Jose
Ynez Salazar was attacking Chihua-
hua City and that Villa was approach
ing Jimenez on his way north to par
ticipate in this attack. As the tele-
graph lines are cut south of Chihua-
hua City, Carranza officials here in-
sist they have no news Of the fight
ing at Torreon and deny any fight
ing at Chihuahua City.
Omaha daily bee., 1916-12-24
Spectacular Engineering Feat
Takes Place With Scarcely
a Hitch.
BIG CROWD WATCHES sS''~

The Union Pacific bridge, erected
here across the Missouri river in 1877
has gone and in its place has been
reared double track, all steel struc-
ture, at cost of 100000. The
change from the old to the new was
made yesterday, The old bridge was
moved onto false work to the
north and the new, from off false
work to the south, where it was con-
structed and onto the piers that had
formerly supported the old bridge.
While some delays, were expert
enced in moving the two bridges, the
actual moving time was less than an
hour. Last night the new bridge
was in place, leveled up and traffic
passing over it uninterrupted.
At little after 1890 o'clock yes
terday morning, the Omaha Sioux
City local passed over the old bridge,
that having been the last train to
use the structure. Then a lot OF
Union Pacific. train equipment was
brought to this side OF the river from
Council Bluffs and at 1910 clock
the bridge was turned over to the
workmen. The four spans of the old
bridge, $50 feet each, were unbolted
from the approach spans at both
the Nebraska and Iowa sides OF the
river, the spikes drawn from the con
Meeting rails and all the connections
cut.
Prior to yesterday, rollers had been
placed under the old bridge at each
OF the four piers and the cables at
Omaha daily bee., 1916-12-24
Charlie Sherman Swells Up With
Red Top Boots With Copper Toes

When Charles r. Sherman was a
boy, back in old Vermont, the kiddics
did not have the interesting and ex-
pensive toys which are distributed by
Santa Claus today. Toys were sim
pie in those days. A rocking horse
was considered rare gift.
"Yes, | can remember my first
Christmas present. On Christmas eve
the folks told me Santa Claus would
bring me something nice il | was a
good boy and went to sleep, but it
was hard to sleep that night. | re-
call that | was long time going to
sleep. And was UP bright and early
to see what was in store for me"
said Mr.. Sherman, as he viewed an
array of wonderful toys in one of
the stores during the week.
Continuing the reminiscence of his
boyhood days, he related that the
present he found at the foot of his
bed on that eventful morn was a pair
of red-top boots with copper toes. .@
II felt prouder in those boots that
Christmas morning than | would feel
today in, the seat of a new twelve
cylinder automobile. In fact, it
would be harder to recall any event
of later years which would compare
with that occasion, if elation counts
for anything. | walked through the
village streets and imagined every
body was looking at my boots. The
minister stopped to cast an admiring
glance. | was the last word of pride.
That was the first Christmas present
within my memory and it was the
most appreciated" he added.
Omaha daily bee., 1916-12-24
Allies ANSWER
TOPROPOSALSOF
GERMANS READY
Petit Parisien Says it is a Long
Document and that it Sets
Forth the Issues of
T.. the War.
PUTS BURDEN ON TEUToNs
Statement Says Crushing Re-
sponsibilities Rest Upon the
Central Empires.
GRIEVANCES OF ALLIES

Paris, Dec. 23.--The allies answer
to Germany's peace proposals is al
most finished, according to the Petit
parisien. The paper says il is a.
rather long document and sets forth
clearly both the grievances OF the
allies and the crushing responsible
ties OF the central empires
Comment of Vienna Press.
London, Dec. 23.-The Ncue Freie
Presse of Vienna, according to
Reuters Amsterdam dispatch, says
that President Wilson's note will
have the effect. at any rate, that the
question OF peace will remain for
some time in the foreground It
adds that the entente will be obliged
to discuss reasonable basis on which
to end the war and that the desire for
peace in the entente countries will be
further strengthened.
The Vienna Allgemeinc Zeitung
remarks with satisfaction that Aus
tria- Hungary and its allies consid-
cred the same moment opportunc to
prepare the way for peace negotia-
tions.
The Neues Wiener Journal eagerly
awaits the attitude OF the entente to-
ward President Wilson's move, in
view of the recent declaration of the
leading statesmen OF the entente that
interference by neutrals with the OBJ
ject OF bringing about peace would
be scarcely friendly act.
Omaha daily bee., 1916-12-24

Charles E. Foster, police Judge, is
another Omaha man whose first
Christmas present was pair of
boots with red tops and copper toes.
He has never been able to find pair
of boots since which have given as
much satisfaction. Those particular
boots had charm all their very own.
w. w. Slabaugh lived in northern
Ohio during the days of his early
childhood. A tin horse on wheels
was his first Christmas present. All
OF the boys OF the town called to see
his wonderful equine. He would say
Whoa" and "Giddap!' and make it
go by using whip. And he would
hold a bunch OF hay to its mouth to
see ii il would eat.
Charles f. Tanning, postmaster,
received tin gun for his first re-
membrance from Santa Claus. He
was more pleased over that gift than
he was when he received the appoint
ment as postmaster. He imagined he
was great Trojan with his gun over
his shoulder. He made a paper SOL
dier cap and would march in the road
in front of his house, with monde
script army of boys and girls follow
ing him. .------ -
A sled was Judge r. w. Patricks
first Christmas present, He lived at
the time at Seventeenth and Daven-
port streets. On Christmas morning
he attached the sled TO his uncle's
Omaha daily bee., 1916-12-24
TO ASK OHIO GUARD
CHIEFS TO RESIGN
Made Mountain Out of Mole
Hill" Says Report of Off
GERS Conducting Inquiry.
SIGNED BY 400 SOLDIERS

FL Paso, Tex, Dec. 25.--The for
NAL investigation of the .round robin"
signed by about 400 members of ,the
Eighth Ohio infantry has been com,
pleted by Major Ely Of General
George Bells staff, and the report for
warded to General Bell.
Colonel Edward Vollraith, COM
mander Of the Eighth Ohio infantry,
said today that the investigation had
developed no new facts regarding the
situation i'll camp, and added the
round robin" had made mountain
out OF mole hill" He also said that
Private Dixon, who was charged with
have drafted the "round robin" was
being confined to his quarters at the
infantry camp.
The "round robin" was prepared as
protest against camp conditions in
the Ohio camp and was intercepted
before it reached an Ohio newspaper
it was said at the Ohio camp. '''
1t was understood here today that
tuC Recommendation Ot TIE regular
army inspector, following his inves-
tigation, was that the twenty or more
noncommissioned officers who signed
the round robin" be asked to resign
and return to the ranks as privates.
1t was also recommended in the re-
port, according to reliable informa-
ton, that the men who signed the
paper be given a lecture on the du-
ties of soldiers and warned that their
action was unmilitary. Because of
their brief service they were not to
be further disciplined, it was said. The
case of Private Richard Dixon, who
was said to have prepared the round
robin will be taken up further, and
it was said today that general court
martial might be recommended for
him. .E
. 1t was declared that his information
about the death of Private Rodney
Lapp was false and without founda-
ton. The attitude of the regimental
surgeons toward the men was criti-
cised, it was said. but no recommenda-
tion made regarding them, it was
added IT.
Omaha daily bee., 1916-12-24
SWITCHMEN ARE
GIVEN MORE PAY
Arbitrators in Eastern Case
Decree Raise of 8 Gents an
Hour and Eight Hour Day.
AFFECTS THIRTEEN ROADS

New York, Dec. 25--Thc eight
hour day with straight pro rata time
for overtime is granted to the
Switchmen's union by the federal arr
bitration board in decision today
in the switchmens controversy with
the railroads. The award gives an
increase of 5 cents per hour for fore
men and helpers. The switchmen had
asked an advance Of 10 to u, cents.
They had demanded also time and a
half pay for overtime work instead
Of the pro rata basis fixed by the
board,
While all six arbitrators signed the
award, James B. Connors and w. A..
Titus, representing the sWitchmen,
dissented as to the Scent increase, to
the denial of time and half for over
time and to the award giving over
time at the pro rata rate.
L. +. Potter and T. w, Evans, the
railroad representatives, dissented to
the award of the eight-hoW day,
Charles B. Howry was Chairman
of the board and Jeremiah w. jerks
was the sixth member.
The award affects thirteen eastern
railroads.
Much emphasis has been laid upon
the fact that the hours of work OF
the switchmen are often long" says
a statement by Arbitrators Howry
and jerks attached to the award. al
though the standard workday has
been ten hours, frequently the men
have worked from eleven to twelve
and sometimes even longer"
1t was said here today on behalf of
the railroads that the award was in
terpreted by them as mot giving an
o. X. to the Adamson law"
This decision in the switchmen's
controversy with the railroads has an
important bearing on the Adamson
law" it was stated here today by an
official spokesman for the conference
committee OF managers OF managers
Of railroads.
at does not 0. K. the Adamson
act in our opinion. The Adamson
legislation gave the men ten hours
pay for eight hours OF work, or an
increase of about rs per cent in
wages. The award today gives the
switchmen only nine hours pay for
eight hours of work, or between Is
and 10 per cent in increased wages.
We get great deal OF satisfaction out
of this award"
Omaha daily bee., 1916-12-24
BRITONS ARE STILL
HAVING SPASMS
American Peace Move Con-
tinues to Excite Editors of
English Newspapers.
WAR NEWS ovERsHADowED

London, Dec. 23.-President Will
sons note to the belligerents still is
the dominating feature OF the news in
Great Britain today. 1t even over
shadows dispatches from the battle
fronts and discussion of the govern
ment's program for organizing the
entire country for war purposes.
Practically all the newspapers con-
tinue to devote leading articles to the
note, while British, French, German
and other comment is prominently
displayed under such headings as
"Lansing's Verge of War Blunder,"
"The Snare of Peace" and Wilson's
Mistake"
So far as Great Britain is con-
cerned, the press says that President
Wilson already has been answered by
Premier Lloyd George when he de-
livered in the House of Commons on
Tuesday his speech in reply to the
German proposals, by the address
made on Thursday night by Andrew
Bonar Law, the chancellor of the ex-
chequer, and, finally, by the emphatic
declaration of the cabinet through the
kings speech on proroguing Parlia-
ment.
However, it is recognized in official
circles that formal polite reply is
due President Wilson and this, it is
said, will be drafted after consulta-
ton with Great Britain's allies. Like
his uncle, the late Lord Salisbury,
Foreign Secretary Balfour is mas
terly dispatch writer. This was dis
played in the communications written
by him when he was first lord of the
admiralty, in refutation of various
department would welcome IT,"
Omaha daily bee., 1916-12-24
Temporary Order in
Fremont Liuht Case

Fremont, Neb., Dec. 23.-(Special.) }
A temporary Injunction restraining
the city council and the board of pub
lie works from purchasing additional
machinery for the city plant was
granted in district court by Judges
Button and Thomas. The court inti-
mated that the action of Marc G..
Perkins was prematurely brought and
gave the plaintiffs attorney FIVE days
in which to prepare brief on that
point and the city attorney FIVE days
to answer The additional machinery
will cost $4,000. The court ruled
that the new machinery is needed.
Omaha daily bee., 1916-12-24
All Omaha Invited
To Christmas Tree
At the Auditorium

The municipal Christmas tree en-
tertainment at the Auditorium this
evening will be free to everybody.
Each boy and girl present will be re-
membered by Santa Claus, who will
distribute candy, nuts and fruit.
An interesting program of instru-
mental and vocal music has been ar
ranged and the committee in charge
insures that the occasion will be APP
propriate and worth while.
A large Christmas tree will stand
like tower of light to please the eyes
of all beholders. The Ancient Order
of United Worknen band will play
several numbers. Mayor Dahlman will
say a few words.
Omaha daily bee., 1916-12-24
Soldier Killed 4.
In Fight Over /
Game Of Cards

Brownsville, Tex, Dec. 23.--Meagcr
details were received here of the kill
ing of a National Guardsman in camp
at Llano Grandc Wednesday night as
result, it is said, OF quarrel be-
tween two soldiers, in game OF
chance. The man firing the fatal shot,
it was said, Immediately disappeared
and has not been apprehended. Names
were not available at Fort Brown late
last night, but the report said the
body OF the dead man was being held
pending Instructions from Minnesota,
his home state.
Omaha daily bee., 1916-12-24
BUSINESS MAN Is
HARSH in HIS WAYS
Story of His Dealings With One
of His Poor Employees Who
Was Taken Sick.
NOTHING FOR A RAINY DAY
BY A. r. GRoH.

Here is the story Of a harsh Omaha
husipass-iiia,i which has just come to
light. and OF his dealings with one
of bis poor employees. He tried to
Keep the affair quiet, but it is pleasant
to know that he failed in his purpose.
This man employs several team
sters. One Of them faithful servant
who has nearly worn himself out with
toll, awoke one cold morning recently
with aching head and limbs. He tried
to dress. lle felt he must dress and
get to work, for upon his. toll de-
pended shelter. food and fuel for him
self and his aged wife. But the tired
body refused to be driven any farther,
He fell over on the bed.
His faithful wife was nearly over
whelmed by this new misfortune. She
got him into bed and gave him some
home treatment. Then she put on her
wraps and hurried to the office of the
employer, She knew him for gruff
man and she was not entirely unpre-
pared for the discharge of her iius-
band ~
Huh! Sick, is e? What does he
mean by getting sick right at the bust
est time of the Year," demanded the
plutocrat.
Tears Flow. .~
H
The poor woman began to cry.
Now, none O that No crying.
won't have it," he clustered.
"Oh, if you only won't discharge
my husband. He has worked SO long
and so hard and its all we have to
live OH" a--..
Who said anything about discharg-
ing your husband?" demanded the
heartless man. DO l look like a man
that would discharge your husband9 p
The woman cried softly.
What doctor have you got fol
him?" he asked then.
Il haven't got doctor yet.
didn't like to go to the expense and
John thought perhaps he wouldn't
need one" she said,
What No doctorT cried the en-
ployer. This is a fine state of affairs
Sick husband and no doctor!'
He grabbed the telephone and called
up his own physician. He gave the
address, "and get right down there
too" he finished.
Opens His Purse.
Now, then, madam, | suppose
you've spent all your money in riotous
living, e.i? Nothing laid up for a
rainy day, eh?'
Il have couple Of dollars yet
"A couple of dollars" he cried. "A
couple of dollarsl What good is a
couple of dollars2 Here, | think
owe John little money. Here's $40
four 'fves.' Buy whatever he wants
and what the doctor orders"
"Oh, thank---' began the woman
now fearful for joy.
stop it! Stop it! No thanksr ex.
claimed the pitiless man. 81 won't
have it. don't want it. Haven't
got time for any of that Now get
on home to your husband. His wages
will go right on. You come an get
'em. Now, remember! Be here Sat
urdays, 3 o'clock
What do you think OF such man J.?
How easily he might have said kind
words to the woman and sent her
home without mentioning such sordid
things as money!
Why, he didn't even wish her a
Merry Christmas and Happy New
Year so far as we have. BEEN able to
Omaha daily bee., 1916-12-24
Little Donkey Engines Pull Old
Bridge Away and New Into Place

tacbed To the s4-ucture and carried
over to - <oA ,llinp engines. pos
So N%E sNSH capacity of $780,
.,,,.oNs" aid located on tne new
" Inc ropes ana cables al
,ached to the old bridge passed un-
derneath and over large drums Sc
cured to snuobing posts located on
the false work to the north OF the
bridge ,..
When everything was IN readiness
tor the start H. L. Strickland ehief
erector tor the American Bridge com
pany, passed the word to l. ,. Mel
ton, general foreman IN charge. I'M
mediately the latter signaiied the Gu
glneers on the stationary engines me
Omaha daily bee., 1916-12-24
Colder Weather and Two
Snow Storms Head Here

Washington, D. C., Dec. 23.-In
the week beginning December "a in
the plains states and in the upper and
middle Mississippi valley, the tenn
perature will be below its seasonal
normal. Colder weather will over
spread the districts Tuesday and
Wednesday and it will continue cold
thereafter until near the close of the
week. Snow is probable at the be-
ginning Of the week and again Thurs
day or Friday.