davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17
NO EVIDENCE OF
INcENDlARISM FOUND
In Fire on Brooklyn Waterfront Which
Destroyed Three British Ships.

New York, Feb. 16.-No evidence of
incendiarism has been found by Chief
Fire Marshal Brophy, it was an
nounced tonight, in connection with
the fire on the Brooklyn waterfront
early today which caEked the destruc-
ton of three British steamships, 81
lighters and barges, a new 900 foot
pier belonging to the New York Dock
company and $1,000, 900 worth of mer-
chandise consigned to the entente al
lies.
The total loss is estimated at be-
tween $4,000, 600 and S4,000,000.
Although nearly 300 persons were
imperilled by the flames, which ragged
hercely for several hours, only one was
unaccounted for tonight. The missing
man was a member of the crew of one
of the steamers. Several persons were
injured, however, and there were many
sensational rescues.
There were reports throughout the
day that the fire was started by an
incendiary, but they probably were
based upon the fact that the immense
quantity of merchandise on board the
vessels and on the pier was destined
for European governments now en-
gagged in war. A rigid investigation
conducted by officials of the fire de-
partment has convinced them that de-
fective electric wiring was responsible
for the flames.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17

Erzerum, Turkeys chief city in Ar
meria, is in the hands of the Russians.
Heavy assaults by the Russians
against the long line of detached forts
protecting the city. lasting over a per-
iod of five days and described by
Grand Duke Nicholas, the Russian
commander in chief, as "unprecedent-
CD have resulted in the capture of
the fortress.
Unofficial reports early in the pres
ent month said the German field Mar
shall Won Der Goltz with $4,000 men
was besieged in the city with pro-
visions for only fortnight.
OF Great Strategic Importance.
The capture of Erzerum is consid-
cred of great strategic Importance.
From 1t radiate roads leading in all
directions. Over those to the south
east and south it will be possible for
the Russians now to fight their way
toward theri compatriots operating
against the Persians and Turks in
northwest and west Persia, or proceed
south toward Bagdad, to the relief of
the British bottled up in Kut-el-Ama
ra, on the Tigris, southeast of Bag
lad
Immediate Effect coniecturaL.
The immediate effect of the Russian
victory on the situation in Persia and
Mesopotamia is problematical, how
ever, for despite the roads the coun-
try is mountainous and there is still
much ground to be covered-some-
hing over 200 miles before the Lake
Urumiah district of Persia is reached
Ind over GOO miles before a junction
with the British at Kut-el-Amara
could be formed,
With the advent of stormy weather
on the western battle line, the heavy
lighting of the past few days SEEM
ingly has simmered down again to
artillery bombardments and mining
operations. Berlin reports, however,
that the British and French have en-
deavored to re-capture trench posi-
tions taken from them by the Ger
mans. respectively southeast of Ypres
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17
Collapse Of an
Opera House
CAUSED DEATH OF TEN PERSONS
AT MExIA, TEXAS
MANY WERE INJURED
Gas Explosion Which Followed the
Collapse, Caused Fire Which
Threatened the Business Section of
the Town.

Mexia, Texas, Feb. 16.-Ten persons
were killed here early tonight in the
collapse of the opera house building,
which was followed by gas explosion
and fire that for a time threatened
the business section of the town. Nu-
merous persons were injured.
Searching for Buried Bodies.
Search continued late into the night
for. the other bodies which it was
feared might buried in the ruins, al
though 1t was believed that all the
persons in the building had been ac-
counted for. The dead included Prof.
A. B. Wiesner, superintendent of city
schools, Mrs. Weisner and one of their
children. and Prof o. B. Bruton of
Winnsboro, Tex.
Spectators Had Begun 'to Assemble.
Only the fact that the accident oc-
CURED at an early hour is believed to
have prevented a larger loss of life.
The opera house, which was old and
seldom used, had been opened for an
art exhibition for the public schools
which gave promise of being largely
attended. The spectators had begun
to assemble when the structure gave
way, burying them in debris and heavy
timbers.
Gas Explosion Caused Fire.
A gas explosion followed almost i'm
mediately. This caused fire in the
wreckage. The flames spread to other
buildings, including the Farmers States
bank, and so rapid was the progress of
the fire that il seemed certain to con-
sumo the town. After four hours, the
hre was got under control
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17
DANIELS MoDIFIEs
WIRELESS CENSORSHIP
Announcement Made Soon After Ger
man Ambassador Had Asked for Ex-
PLANTATION.

Washington, Feb. 16.-Secretary
Daniels announced today that he
would authorize a modification of the
regulations under which wireless des-
patches are censored by naval officers
so as to permit, when no violation of
neutrality was involved, the passage
of messages referring to naval vessels
and operation of belligerent ships.
This announcement was made soon
after Count Won Bernstorff. the Ger
man ambassador, had asked the state
department for an explanation of why
the American naval censors at Say
vile, n. Y, had rejected wireless des-
patches from Berlin, containing off,
cial announcements from the admiral
ty which the British censors had
passed for publication in England.
Mr.. Daniels explained that censors
had acted under the existing regula-
tions, drafted by board of naval
officers after an exhaustive study of
the question Of censorship and pro-
hibiting the transmission into this
country Of any message referring to
movements or location of war or
other vessels OF belligerents."
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17
CHILDREN OBJECT TO
WILL OF MOTHER.
Claim That Mrs. Susan M. BeardsIey
of Shelton Was incompetent.

Shelton, Conn, Feb. 16.-Ju6ge
Stephen T. Palmer of the probate
court today declined to admit for pro-
bate the will of Mrs. Susan NJ. Boards
ley, on objection by the three children
of Mrs. Beardsley, who alleges that
their mother was incompentent to
make a will and unduly influenced.
Under the will bequests of $1,000
each were made to the New York East
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
church, to the Methodist Episcopal
church in Shelton, the board of mis-
sions and church extension of the
Methodist Episcopal church and the
Derby and Shelton Young Mems
Christian associations. The will al
so directed that notes held by Mrs.
Be2rdslep, including one by Rev. r.
F. Kidder. of Ansonia for 5000, be can
celled.
Mrs. Bertha Hotchkiss, daughter,
was given 1000 and named as admin
istratrix but She joined with two
brothers, who were left out of the will
IN protesting its admission. The es-
tate is valued at about $4,000.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17

New York, Feb. 16.-The republican
national campaign will be fought on
demands for adequate military pre-
paredness and tariff reform, opposi-
ton to granting early independence to
the Philippines and insistence on a
vigorous stand for American rights
both in Mexico and in relation to the
European war, according to the key
note" platform adopted today by the
republican state convention.
Fight Against Whitman.
The outlines of the platform, which
was approved unanimously, were pre-
sented last night in speech of former
opinion was apparent among the S32
delegates to the convention in regard
to the platform, but a bitter fight was
prectpltated by the attempt of the sup
porters of Governor Whitman to Sc
cure an unqualified endorsement for
his administration and to force his
nomination as chairman of the delega-
ton to the national convention in Chi
cago.
Uninstrueted Delegation.
The net result was that New York
state will send an uninstructed de1ega-
tion to the national convention if the
action of the convention lis Upheld by
the voters at the primary election in
April.
A determined fight. led by Henry
L. Stimson. to obtain a resolution rec
ommending Mr.. Root as New Yorl's
favorite son for the presidency was
defeated in the committee on resolu-
tions, and a counter resolution that no
presidential candidate be endorsed was
passed unanimously.
Opposition to Endorsement of Root.
The principal ground upon which the
opponents of the Root discussion
fought was that an endorsement of
Mr.. Root would preclude the possi-
bility of New York putting forward
Supreme Court Justice Charles E.
Hughes as the state candidate for the
presidency. Nicohlas Murray, chair
man of the committee, issued a formal
statement in which he said that Mr.
Root was himself opposed to the use
of his name.
Battle Between Whitman and Barnes
Factions.
The big battle in the convention was
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17

fought out between the "old line" or
ganlzatlon republicans under leader
shi pof William Barnes and the sup
porters Of Governor Whitman. The
Barnes men entered the convention
with the avowed purpose of refusing
an endorsement of the Whitman ad-
ministration and preventing the gov
ernor from heading theNew York dele
cation to the national convention.
Compromise Resolutions.
The question of endorsement ended
in compromise by which two reso-
lutions were presented to the conyen-
ton, one dealing exclusively with ma
tlonal affairs and the other Commend
ing" Governor Whitman for his con-
duct Of the state administration.
National Delegates.
This partial victory of the governor
was Offset by a complete defeat on
the question of the national delegates
The Whitman forces had united all
David Jayne Hill of Rochester as one
of Big Four" the Barnes faction de-
clared themselves absolutely opposed
to DR.. Hill and presented instead the
name of William Berri of Brooklyn.
After a. hght which lasted for four
hours. the committee on delegates
finally agreed on State Senator James
Wadsworth, Jr. Charles Whitman
Frederick c. Tanner and Elon r.
Brown, republican leader in the state
senate. As Wadsworth, Tanner and
Brown are all reputed Whitman
men, the committees decision was ac-
cepted as decisive defeat for Cover
nor Whitman
No Recommendation for Chairman.
The committee further announced
that no recommendation would be
made as to chairman of the big Four"
in spite of Governor Whitman's pub
lished declaration that he expected to
be named as head of the national dele
cation. To add point to the announce
ment, Senator Wadsworth's nams
headed the list given out by the COM
mittee and was the first put in nomi-
nation at the convention. According
to custom, the first delegate named
acts as chairman, although the matter
of leader is left for final decision to
the delegates themselves.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17
Evidence Favors
the C. v. Railway
OPERATION OF
SOUND STEAMSHIPS
NEW LONDON TO N. Y.
F. v. chappeII of New London Told
l. c. C. That Deprivation of Control
of the Steamships Would be "Bus-
mess Crime"

New York, Feb. 16.-Evidence in
support of the application of the Cen
trail Vermont railway for permission
to continue the operation of a line of
steamships between New York and
New London, Conn, under the Panama
canal act, was presented here today to
Interstate Commerce Commissioner
Judson c. Clements by business men
and shippers living in New York and
New England.
Would Cause Broken Shipments.
F. V. Chappell, chairman of the riv-
ers, harbors and bridges commission
of Connecticut, declared if the railway
company was deprived of control of
the steamships of the Vermont Trans
portation company it would be a
business crime" He Joined with
other witnesses in contending that the
divorcing of the two corporations
would be unfortunate because the un-
broken shipments could be made from
the Central Vermont's territory.
Service of c. v. Uniformly Good.
Testimony was given to show that
the service given by the Vermont Cen
trail had been uniformly good and that
so far as the witnesses knew no eff
fort had been made by the railroad to
stifle competition. 1t was maintained
that if steamships were operated in
dependently freight rates would be
higher
The hearing will be continued to-
morrow
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17
DISMISSED MIDSHIPMAN
KNOCKS DOWN INSTRUCTOR.
They Came to Blows on the Street At
ter an Angry Conversation,

Annapolis, Nd, Feb. 16.-T. w.
Harrison. Jr, of Virginia. one of the
81 midshipmen who recently were
forced to resign fro mthe naval acad-
emy because of deficiencies in studies,
this afternoon knocked down Instruc-
tor Julian M. Lacalle of the academy
when the two men came to blows after
an angry conversation on the streets.
Friends quickly separated them and
neither was badly hurt.
Harrison was one of the youths in
volved in the "gouging'' scandal at the
academy last summer, being one Of the
seven original defendants before the
courtmartiai, all but one of whom were
acquitted. He was a football player
and all around athlete of note. In
structor Lacalle teaches in the depart
ment of modern languages, from which
depart examination papers were al
legged to have been stolen and circu-
lated among the midshipmen just prior
to the final examinations last year.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17
DEBATE ON AIR DEFENSE
OF GREAT BRITAIN
Called Forth Many Frank Admissions
in Parliament.

London, Feb. 16, 9.55 p. m.-Today's
debate in parliament on the air defense
of Great Britain was chiefly remarka-
BILE for the frank admission made by
the cabinets spokesmen that the pres
ent conditions are far from satisfac.
tory. Andrew Bonar Law, secretary
for the colonies; A. J. Balfour, first
lord of the admiralty: and H j. Ten
nant, under-secretary for war, all
spoke in this vein. They declared.
however, that the government was do
ing all that was humanity possible.
Mr.. Balfour scored the sensation Of
the day when he declared that one Of
England's great mistakes in the days
prior to the war was her failure to
develop a dirigible airship fleet along
lines similar to that of Germany.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17
PRINCIPLES OF NEW
SUBMARINE CAMPAIGN
Is Delaying Settlement of the Lusi-
tania Controversy,

Washington, Feb 16.-The subma-
rine controversy with Germany can
not be closed until the United States
has fully considered the possible effect
of the declared intention of the Ger
manic powers to sink all armed mer-
chant ships of their enemies without
warning after Feb. 30.
This announcement was made by
Secretary Lansing today instead of
the long expected announcement of a
final settlement of the Lusitania nego-
tiations.
Perfected by months of patient and
at times perilous negotiations, the
Lusitania agreement was presented
today by Count Won Bernstorff, the
German ambassador, in a form which
would have been acceptable to the
United States had not the Germanic
powers announced their determina-
ton to regard armed merchant ships
of their enemies as warships.
The Lusitania agreement now will
not be accepted as finally satisfactory
to the United States until President
Wilson and Secretary Lansing have
decided whether any of its terms
would be nullified by the principles of
the new submarine campaign.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17

and in Champagne near Tahure, but
that the attacks failed. Paris as
serts, on the contrary, that near Ia
hure the French have re-taken por-
tions of their former trenches.
British and Germans in Deadly Grips.
The British and Germans are still
at deadly grips for possession of the
trenches captured from the British
southeast of Ypres, artillery and hand
grenades being employed in the fight
ing. London reports that in the at
tack in which the British lost 600
yards of Il front line trench the Ger
mans attacked over a front of 1000
yards but were everywhere repulsed
with considerable losses except at the
point the trench was captured.
Snow on Russian Front.
On the Russian front a driving
snowstorm along the entire line has
almost stopped operations. The usual
bombardments, interspersed with in
fantry attacks, continue on the Aus
o-Italian front.
Action in Albania.
In Albania. the Austrians and Bull
garians are said to have formed
junction and are battling for the cap
ture of the important seaport Of Du-
razzo, which is being defended by
Essad Pasha's forces, consisting of AL
banians, Serbians and Montenegrins.
Raid by French Aeroplanes.
Strumitsa, Bulgaria, has been raid
ed by 13 French aeroplanes which
dropped 15S bombs and returned to
their base unscathed. Seberal fires
were started by the bombs.
The ministers of the entente powers
have informed the Belgian government
that hostilities against the Teutons
and their allies will not be permitted
to end without Belgium having re-
established it's political and economic
independence. They added that the
called upon to take part in the peace
negotiations.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17
LABOR TROUBLE IN
ANSoNIA BRASS MILLS
Laborers Demanding Wage Increase %
Is Per Cent.

Ansonia, Conn, Feb. 16.-Demand-
ing an increase of 25 per cent in
wages, 500 laborers in the brass mills
II the Ansonia branch of the Ameri-
can Brass company went on a strike
late today. There was no disorder It
is reported that the company is will
ing to allow the men an increase of
10 per cent. and it is expected that a
conference will be held tomorrow.
When the employees in the copper de-
partment received their wages tonight.
they were notified of a 10 per cent.
commencing next week
The strikers are not members of a
union. The mills are busy on war
orders. Last October, the company
gave the men a voluntary increase Of
10 per cent. in wages.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17
RUSSIANS CAPTURE
KEY TO ASIA MINOR
Erzerum, Turkeys Chief Town in Armenia Now in the
Hands of the Muscovtes
AFTER BATTLE LASTING OVER PERIOD OF 5 DAYS

VIII Now be Possible for the Russians Fight Their Way
Toward Their Compatriots Operating in Northwest and
West Persia-The British and Germans Are Still in
Deadly Battle for Possession of the Trenches Captured
From the British Southwest of Ypres-In Albania the
Ausrans and Bulgarans Are Battling for the Capture
of the Important Seaport of Durazzo- -Strumsa Bull
gara, Raded by Thirteen French Aeroplanes-Several
Fires Started by Bombs.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17
HEAVY MORTALITY FROM
GRIP AND PNEUMONIA
sol Victims of Former Disease and
206 of Latter Malady in State Dur
ing January-Total Mortality 217O.

New Haven, Conn, Feb. 16.-The
heavy mortality from grip and pneu-
monia is mentioned specifically in the
monthly report of the State oBard
Of Health for January issued today
This is the first Bulletin which bears
the signature of DR.. John T. Black,
the new secretary. The victims of
pneumonia were sol as compared with
214 for January Of last year while
grippe claimed 206 as compared with
13. The total mortality of the state
for January was 2170, 645 more than
in January, 1915. A short treatise on
the two prevalent infections by Prof.
II. w. Conn Of the state laboratory
deals particularly with their charac-
ter which is defined as of germ ORR
gin.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17
ARGUMENTS ON TEXAS
PACIFIC REcEIVERSHIP
On Petition of Bankers Trust Com.
pany of New York.

Dallas, Tex, Feb. 16.-Arguments
were begun here today before Federal
Judge E. r. Meek on the petition OF
the Bankers Trust company of New
York seeking the appointment of q
receiver for the Texas and Pacific,
railroad on the allegation that the
railroad had defaulted on interest on.
a second mortgage bond issue of $685.
100000, issued in 1886. since 1907. At
torneys for the road argued for the dis
missal of the petition, alleging the
federal court was without Jurisdiction.
1t was believed that two days would be
occupied before the case would be
heard on its merits If the court should
find it had Jurisdiction, and not the
state courts, as declared by the de-
fense.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17
FOR ENTRY
TO NAVAL ACADEMY
Largest Number Ever Will Take Ex-
aminations Next April.

Washington, Feb. 16.-The largest
number of applicants that has ever
sought at one time to enter the naval
academy at Annapolis probably will
take entrance examinations April is
next. Rear Admiral Blue, chief of the
bureau of navigation, today notified
529 representatives and senators that
the recent act increasing the number
Of midshipmen entitled each of them
to appoint another applicant imme-
diately. The admiral designated April
Is as the date for examinations.
Under the law representatives are
permitted to hold the appointments
over until next year if they desire.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17
Editor Guilty of Murder

Purvis. Miss, Feb. 1e.-Dr. Samuel
u. Rees, editor of a weekly newspapers
mere. today was found guilty of the
murder of Wiley A Blackburn, editor
of a competing paper. last October and
was sentenced to life Imprisonment.
Blackburn was killed in the COURT
house after a dispute with Rees owes
bids for printing.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17
n. Y. DELEGATION is UNRESTRICTED
Resolution for Recommendation of EIihu Root as Re-
publican Presidential Nominee Defeated
WHITMAN AND BARNES FACTIONS BREAK EVEN

Barnes Men Fought Against the Endorsement of the Wha,
Administration and Opposed Him Leader of DeIesa.
ton to National Conventon-Deegates Chosen Axs
James Wadsworth, Jr., Charles Whitman Frederick C.
Tanner and Elon R. Brown-As Wadsworth Tanner
and Brown Are All Reputed to be Anti Whitman Men the,
Committees Decision Was Taken as Defeat for Gov
ernor Whitman-Platfom Contains Demands for AIDE.
quate Military Preparedness and Tariff Reform Oppose.
Granting Early independence the Philippines and In.
sists Vigorous Stand for American Rights Both in
Mexico and in Relation to the European War
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17
OBITUARY..
Major Thomas Kelly Boggs.

Flushing, n. Y, Feb 16.-Major
Thomas Kelly Boggs, who won COM
mendatioQ for bravery in several en-
gagements in the Civil war, died after
a long illness at his home here today
at the age of II years. He was acting
assistant adjutant general of the Unit
ed States forces in 1864 and also was
acting assistant inspector general on
the staffs Of Generals Getty and Aber-
crombie.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17
WOMAN SHOT AND
KILLED BY ANOTHER
On Crowded Interurban Car at Hunt
ington, w. Va.

Huntington, w. Va, Feb. 16.-Mrs
Rose Wood, a young married woman,
was shot and instantly killed on a
crowded Huntington-Ashlan interur-
ban car today by Mrs. Leonard Defoe
who claimed that Mrs. Wood had
alienated her husbands affections.
Mrs. Wood died almost instantly
Mrs Defoe surrendered to the police
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17
FRIEND OF JEAN cRoNEs
TAKEN INTO CUSTODY
Chemists Have Discovered Nature of
Another Poison in Kitchen Utensils.

Chicago, Feb. 16-Antonio Coda To-
nione, "a years old, was taken into Gus
tody this afternoon by detectives fol-
lowing receipt of information from the
New York police that he was friend
of Jean Crones, the University club
assistant chef, believed by the police
to have put poison in the soup of the
guests at the Archbishop Mundelein
banquet last Thursday night. He gave
as his address the number at which
Crones formerly lived
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17
Movements of steamsbio..

Kidkwall, Feb. 15.-Arrived, Steam
er Hel1ig Olav, New York for Copen-
hagen.
Gibraltar, Feb. 14.-Sailed: Steamer
Napoii (from Naples) New York.
Liverpool, Feb. 15-SaiIed: Steamer
Scandinavian, st. John. IN. B.
New York, Feb. 16-Arrived: Steam
er Espagne. Bordeaux.
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17
VAST INCREASE IN
COST OF DYESTUFFs
Violet Dye Advanced from $500 a Bar
rel TO $4,000.

Boston, Feb. 16.-The shortage in
dyestuffs and the demand by textile
manufacturers for this product was
pointed out today by dealers who re-
ported that a barrel of violet Gye.
bought II months ago for $500. had
been sold here for $12, 900, an increase
of 5000 per cent
Norwich bulletin., 1916-02-17
STUPENDOUS FINANCIAL
COST OF EUROPEAN WAR,
Britain Faces National Debt of s2,2oo,-
100000 = Germany's Expenditures
E1,5oo 900, 900.

chancellor of the ,exchequer, Reginald
McKenna, announced today that the
British national debt at the end of
the financial year, March 81, will be
s2,200, ,000, 900.
~ Germany,s gross war expenditure to
the end of 1915 was morn than 6 ,500,-
100000. Credits voted by France be-
tween the outbreak of the war and the
end of December 1915, were about
6 ,240, 100000, and for the first quar-
ter of 1916, $500, ,920,0 600.