davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-12-18
LEWIS MACHINE
GUN EXHIBITION
AT PORTLAND CLUB

Portland, Me-. Dec. 17.-One of the
big features of interest next Saturday
afternoon at the chicken shoot Of the
Falmouth Foreside. will be the public
demonstration by Col. John J. Dooley.
recently returned from the Mexican Dor
der. where he was engaged as machine
gun instructor for the National Guards
men. Of the Lewis machine gun.
An invitation has been extended by
Col Dooley to the regular army officers
stationed in the coast defenses of Port
land. the officials Of the National Guard.
Governor Oakley c. Curtis and Council,
Mayor MILFORD G. Chapman and City
Government. the Chamber of Commerce,
the Rotary Club. the Fraternal Rife
League. and all others interested in the
manipulation of the gun.
The Lewis gun was invented by Col.
Isaac Newton Lewis, retired. of the
United States Army. While unsuccess-
full in getting it accepted and used in
the Army Of the United States. it was
quickly taken UP and adopted by the
English and Canadian armies and has
largely been used as an effective aero
plane and first line trench gun.
1t weighs about rs pounds and will
fire between 600 and 500 shots per min
ute. 1t can be fired from the shoulder
and will carry a bullet with great effect
for distance of about three miles. The
gun is usually fired from some mount.
There is a strong probability that
there will be from 1900 to 1000 shots
fired next Saturday afternoon from the
gun.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-12-18
Baker Assumes All
Responsibility for
Refusing Lewis Gun

Washington, Dec. 17.-Oficial con-
demnation Of the Lewis machine gun.
extensively purchased for the British
and Canadian armies, Is expressed in
formal statement issued tonight by
Secretary Baker. assuming full respon-
sibility for the action Of the war de-
partment with respect to the much
discussed weapon and directing that
controversy among army officers over
1t cease.
'Whatever responsibility attaches to
the condemnation Of this gun as a SER
vice gun belongs to the war depart
ment." the statement asserts, land not
to the chief Of ordnance or the ord
nance departments. The proceedings of
the boards which tested the rifle have
been. in each case. duly approved by
the secretary of war;
The statement shows that the inspec-
tor general was directed to investigate
the whole matter Of the treatment of
the Lewis gun, named after it's invest
or. a former army officer when 1.-The
controversy reached the stage where
open letters from high ranking army
officers were published"
The inspector generals conclusions
are reported in today's statement. In
addition to the passages already quot
ed he finds no official record that Col.
Lewis ever offered his gun in any way
to the United States government; that
the American Arms Co. In 1913, made
the only offer of 100 guns at $1,000 each
with license for government manufac-
ture on royalty basis; that tests of
the gun were conducted by regularly
constituted boards: that the Savage
Arms Co.. in April of this year, wrote
Gen. Crozier. chief Of ordnance, ex-
pressing entire satisfaction with the
work Of the last board; that the guns
failure to pass its endurance test
caused caused its exclusion from field
tests.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-12-18
VILLA ANXIOUS
TO MEET SCOTT
IN CONFERENCE

Ell Paso, Texas, Dec T.-If confer.
ence could be arranged between Fran
cisco Villa and General Hugh l.. Scot!
Of the United States army. an agreement
could be reached which would settle all
differences between the United States and
Mexico, according to statement made
to the military authorities here Saturday
by a Mexican who claimed to have direct
authority from Villa to make such q
proposal.
General Scott is a good man." Villa
is quoted rs telling his representative.
land we almost settled the Mexican
question at one time"
The envoy said he had been authorized
to make clear that Villa holds no enmi-
ty toward the people Of the United
states, but only toward those officers
who. he believes, accomplished the recog-
milton Of Carranza.
The Mexican claimed to have como to
the border from Villas camp with a ten
tative proposal that Villa would protect
all foreign property and cease to kill any
foreigners in return for a promise that
his campaign against Carranza would
not be interfered with, high military
authority said here Saturday.
Howard Gray. or Howard Weeks, died
fighting at Parral when Villa followers
led him out to his execution, according
to a reliable refugee who reached here
from Parral.
The refugee said Villa used the Ameri-
can consulate as military headquarters
while he was in that town.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-12-18
Gen. Nivelle
Is Confident
After Success

Paris. (via London), Dec. 17.-General
Niyelle, recently appointed command
erin chief Of the armies in the north
and northeast, was present with Gen.
Petain. commander Of the French
forces in the Scissors Verdun sector in
the successful operations. north of
Verdun, both having elaborated In the
action. Upon leaving Verdun for his
new headquarters Gen. Nivelle taking
leave Of his staff. spoke as follows
THE test is conclusive; our method
has proved sound. Once more the Sec
ond army has just asserted in the
highest degree it's moral and material
asceEdency over the enemy. Victory is
certain. l give you assurance. Ger
many will learn it to her cost"
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-12-18
Attention Wanders

Consideration of railroad legislation
and corrupt practice election measure
already having been deferred until next
month. there is little to enliven the
legislative branch and members al
ready are planning their Christmas va
cations despite the effort made by
Speaker Clark and others early in the
session to do away with the usual 10
day recess.
Prohibition for the District of Column
bia will come before the Senate again
tomorrow with amendments providing
for a referendum and Senator Shoots
substitute which would not only bar
manufacture and sale Of liquors for
beverage purposes, but also prohibit
importation Of liquor for personal USE
A vote on the bill and amendments
may be reached before adjournment to-
morrow. but If not, administration
leaders expect the issue to be dispos-
ed of before Friday at the latest.
Resuming consideration of the legis-
lative appropriation bill tomorrow, the
House probably will pass it not later
than Tuesday. Discussion Of the Nolan
SO day minimum wage bill for all fed
eral employees which will be offered as
an amendment will require several
hours 1t Is expected. Proposed amend
ments seeking general raises for gov
eminent clerks will be offered in large
numbers.
Having disposed of this measure, the
District of Columbia appropriation
measure to be reported tomorrow. will
be taken up. Calendar Wednesday will
be dispensed with this week In order to
give the district bill a clear path. Con-
sideration of the diplomatic and consul
lar appropriation bill may begin if the
District measure is passed before Fri
day.
The judiciary committees favorable
report on the Webb nationwide prohibi-
ton measure probably will be submitted
at the end of this week by Rep. Carlin
of Virginia, member of the committee
VINO recently became converted to the
dry cause. A rule for consideration Of
the measure will not be asked until aft
er the recess. The federal suffrage
resolution reported without
has been received by
the House and rule probably will be
asked on 1t early in January also.
The House ways and means commit
tee is working hard in an endeavor to
find funds to finance the government
next year and 1t has it's hands full
Chairman Kitchin says he is at his wits
end to discover new sources Of revenue
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-12-18
Shows Its Force

The storm began late Friday after
moon but did not begin to manifest
any unusual features until about 8
O'Clock when a stiff wind from the
northeast began to drive the clouds of
snowfakes before it, and by midnight
the blizzard had burst forth in all it's
fury. But while it lacked the freezing
cold Of the blizzard of the West it was
in other respects fully up to the stand
ard. One hardly gets an idea from an
ordinary snowstorm of what that same
storm could do with a gale behind it,
and those who were tucked snugly in
their beds Friday night had no idea
of what was going on outside. but
when they arose Saturday morning the
doings of the blizzard were to be seen
on every side as far as could be seen.
That was not far, however, for the
storm at that time was as wild as it
had been at any time since it began.
Some Big Drifts
Not place ABOUT t.ie cIty mad escaped
and the urifts were piled everywhere,
some of them three feet in height anu
some of them twice as high. Sidewalks
had vanished under huge piles Of snow
and in many places where the walks were
on the south side of a terrace the snow
had filled in level between the top of the
terrace and the street. On street cor
ners. however, where the wind got
good rake the walks were swept as bare
as II the first snow of the winter had yet
to arrive. On Water street were some
Of the worst drifts of the storm, and
along the west side of that thoroughfare
between Bridge street and Market square
there was a continuous drift which va
r1ed from four to almost six feet in
height. in some places covering the side
walk as well.
Another place where the drifts piled
up was along the south wall Of the court
house lot. where the wind had a clean
rake across the lot and drove the snow in
clouds over the wall to pack it on the
other side. where it lay fully six feet
deep in places and so solid that the side
walk plow later in the day made no i'm.
preston on it but slid off into the gutter.
Perhaps those best qualified to tell
about the drifts were those whose bust
ness called them to Water street in the
early hours Of the morning. for many of
them got an impromptu ducking ere they
left their own dooryards. and more than
one pedestrian was seen flounderine abou,
in three or more feet Of snow in a futile
effort to locate the sidewalk. Two men
were seen in the snow up to their hips in
front of the Y. NJ. G. A. building. and
their only salvation proved to be a sinai,
tree at the edge of the sidewalk, for bv
crawling through the snow they man
aged to get hold Of the tree and draw
themselves to safety. It all came about
through their failing to locate a cross
walk in front Of the building, but that
was impossible for the snow was on the
same level from the terrace Of the build
ing out into Winthrop street. and at
o'clock in the morning it was impossible
on account of the driving snow to see
Continued on Page 10, Column 81
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-12-18

Amsterdam. (Via London. Dec. ~
The Frankfurteh Zeitung, in an arti-
Gle on the peace proposals, says:
Germany must try to prevent the
Entente from giving an evasive an
swer. We expect wide cleavage of
views at the outset of the negotiations,
but great apparent Emergencies Of
opinion will have less significance
when the oral explanations are offered.
The standpoints Of both parties are
already partly identical as regards the
general fundamental aims of the war
and the German note must be under
stood as meaning that part of the Ger
man proposals that refer to the re-
establishment of international conven-
tions for the avoidance Of internation-
al conflicts and to guarantee interna-
tional peace"
Referring to the possibility Of allie
waiting the burden of ornaments. the
Zeitung expresses the belief that an
agreement to this effect is possible ow-
ing to the suffering caused by war and
adds: But Germany must not be
asked to precede the others in reduc-
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-12-18
City and Surrounding
Cities and Towns Buff
feted and Blown by
Snow and Wind of
Friday Night a n d
Saturday Morning
Car Lines Blocked, Trains Late,
Milkmen Snowbound, r. F.
DIS Unable to Operate and
Few of Wires Down

Not for q number of years has Au-
gusta with the rest Of the State Of
Maine been swept by the blast of a
blizzard such as that which held sway
Friday night and a portion of the fol-
lowing day, nor has traffic Of all kinds
been so interrupted and in many cases
put completely out of business. And 1t
might be added that not for a number
of years has business been brought so
nearly to standstill in Augusta as it
was Saturday morning on account of
the storm. Just when a storm Of the
wildness of that Of Friday night Wis
tied Augusta is q matter of some con-
lecture but there have been several
within a period Of about 20 years, in
scluding~ one Of the date of Governor
sPpwers' reception early during the
Legislature of 1897. also that of March
2, 1896, the blizzard of Nov. 26, 1898,
and the storm Of Dec. 1s, 1901. Then
there was one which tied up traffic on
the Maine Central for three days,
which possibly might have been one of
those above mentioned. But whatever
the ease the storm of Friday night
wAs severe enough to satisfy anyone.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-12-18
Would Cooperate

Mr.. Adamson who is the House rep
resentative of President Wilson in
railway legislation matters. is willing
to cooperate in any plan employees
and employers may evolve for the in
depreciation of his law as applied to
working conditions, but will vigorous
ly oppose repeal of 1t.
But Not Repeal
Congress will not agree to any re-
peal of the Adamson law" he said to-
night. 1.-The measure was passed in
good faith and it Is a constitutional
enactment regulating hours of labor
and not wages. Let the roads and their
men settle their wage disputes.
II hope that the negotiations be.
tween the railroads and their employees
will result in an agreement which will
not make further legislation necessary,
but Congress will see that the public
gets fair deal. If 1t becomes neces-
sary to spank both sides. We'll spank
them, though hope that won't be
necessary"
Representative Adamson looks op-
timistically upon the efforts of the
railroads and brotherhood heads to get
together. He says the result Of the
Presidential election made the en-
ployers more eager for peace than they
we're last fall and that the growing be-
lief that the President stands for a
compulsory arbitration law has put
the brotherhood leaders in a concilia-
tory frame of mind.
Neither labor nor congressional leaders
here have official reports as to just what
hoe IF bo cit
ferees have taken up. Belief is current,
however, in congressional circles that the
foremost feature of the final argument
will be an Interpretation Of the Adamson
law SO satisfactory to both sides that the
suit to test the acts constitutionality,
now before the supreme court, may be
withdrawn. Repeal of the law, it is
thought, hardly will be suggested 1t Is
pointed out that many members Of both
houses having defended the law on the
stump last fall would not be anxious to
defend the repeal Of it is in the next cam
paign.
A plan for the investigation of threat
ened strikes is also to result from the
deliberations. Labor is determined that
no compulsory arbitration law shall go
on the statute books, but. realizing that
the President evidently is very serious in
his determination to prevent strike crises
without investigation, they will exert ev-
cry effort to draft compromise plan
that will have his endorsement
Mr.. Adamson will try in the House
tomorrow to get unanimous consent
for action on his resolution designed
to provide for continuance of the j..
life Of the Newlands commission in
vestigating all phases Of the trans
portation problem until Jan. 1, 1918.
Assurance of the Presidents desire
to have the resolution adopted Is ex-
pected to be sufficient to carry It
through the House.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-12-18
u. S. CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE HAS
A REFERENDUM

Washington, Dec. 1.-THE Chamber
Of Commerce Of the United States an
nounced tonight that referendum
vote of member organizations had
been ordered on a report Of its rail-
road committee recommending legis-
lation to- prevent strikes or lockouts
pending investigation Of disputes be-
tween railroads and their employees.
The committee proposes that the in
terest Of the public in such contro-
versies be recognized as paramount
and that representatives of the pub
lie constitute the majority of any
board OF Cancellation ef arbitration.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-12-18
Garrison Sounds
Warning Note
Natl Defense

New York, Dec. Ito question the
power and imperative necessity of the
national government to make preparation
for defence 'is little short Of treason
former Secretary Lindley M. Garrison
declared here Saturday in an address on
"Nationalism' before the Lawyers Club.
After reviewing the passing of many
powers and duties from the state gov
ernments to the national government, he
said that in the matter Of preparedness
the central government ''flinched and fall
tered and sought to pass its neglected
duty to the states" the result being "a
lamentable failure"
One of the most dangerous sentiments
threatening the integrity Of the nation.
he said, is what utilities the natural and
for not preparing for its possibilities"
self defence Is the cardinal duty of a
nation" he added.
Mr.. Garrison went on to speak for the
avoidance by the United States Of Euro
pean entanglements. saying that any
proposition which requires this country
to enter an alliance with the other ma
tions of the world land to engage to join
with those who side with the belligerent
found to be righteous against the bellig-
erent found to be wrongful should be
tested In the fiery furnace Of fierce de-
bate and discussion before it should be
acted upon"
If the United States, he said. engaged.
as has been suggested. In a universal aln-
ance. "she Is perforce a party to every
quarrel the wide world over. No accept
able reason occurs to me which warrants
or iustifies the United States in becoming
by it's own voluntary act party to all
the quarrels Of all the nations Of the
earth"
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-12-18
The DEFENSE
S0C|ETY'S PLAN
FOR PREPARING

New York. Dec. ia platform of pre-
paredness measures advocated by the
American Defence Society was made pub
lie here tonight. 1t contains planks call
ing for:
Universal military training of the youth
Of the country and of the men of military
age, according to the principles of the
Moseley and Chamberlain bills
Immediate acquisition of a reserve sup
ply of rifles. uniforms. machine guns, mo-
bile artillery and ammunition sufficient
to equip an army of at least 1000, 900 men,
Immediate establishment of a chain or
fortified coaling stations in our five
groups of islands stretching from the Pa
cific coast to the Philippine islands,
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-12-18
German Paper Makes
Comment on respects

ing her forces. Moreover Germany does
not believe in abrogating general mill
tary service, although there are many
objections against such. 1t would be
abrogated if there were a common OBJ
lection of nations, In which Germany
would have an important place."
Discussing the naval question: the
paper explains that Germanys fleet
has been built only for defensive pur-
poses and continues:
IF German shipbuilding is to be re-
stricted in the future, other naval
powers. including the United States.
must do likewise. Great Britain must
recognize the sea as a free route for
all nations and renounce nominations
and the British idea that Great Brit
ain has the sole right of policing the
seas. The regulation of sea traffic
might properly be under international
organization"
The Zeitung concludes: IF the peace
offer is not accepted, and Germany is
forced to fight until her victory is
complete. then the peace will be Of
quite a different kind"
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-12-18

Washington, Dec. 17.-Frederick D.
Walcott Of New York, who recently in
vestigated conditions in Poland and
Belgium for the Rockefeller Founda-
ton, told a number of senators and
representatives who met tonight at
the home of Miss Mabel Boardman of
the Red Cross. that a fund of $500 ,0O0.-
900 collected in this country and offer
ed for relief Of non-combatants in Eu-
rope would be a powerful peace influ-
ence at this time. He said such an act
would tend to create great popular
demonstrations for peace among civil
ian populations of warning nations. be-
cause they would be anxious for the
assistance in rehabilitating their
homes and restoring normal living con-
ditions.
Mr.. Walcott suggested that a fund
of that size should be raised by COM
bined popular contributions and con-
gressinnal appropriation. Since. 1914
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-12-18
German Diplomatist on
Absence Of Definite Plan

Berlin, Dec. 17.-(By wireless to Say
ville).-"Some sections of the foreign
press, and especially newspapers in hos
tile countries" says the Overseas News
Agency. having declared that the Cen
trail Powers ought to have added definite
peace proposals to their peace offer. the
Overseas Agency asked a distinguished
German diplomatist for his opinion on
this point. The answer was:
1.-The German note to the Entente
governments contains a very definite
communication as to the spirit of the
peace conditions which the Central Pow
ers would bring to the proposed nego-
tiations.
1.-The Central Powers base these pro-
posals on the conviction that their own
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-12-18
Says $500,000,000
for Big Peace Influence

the estimated aggregate income Of the
United States has been eighty billion
dollars. he said, and the combined Of
ferings for war sufferers has amounted
to $40.000,00O or one-twentieth Of one
per cent. of the income.
With the forwarding yesterday of the
notes Of the Central Powers proposing
peace negotiations, the United States
government performed it's role Of inter-
mediary and took the only immediate
step contemplated by President VIII
son. Now everyone in official and dip
lomatic quarters here Is awaiting with
interest some word indicating what
nature Of replies may be expected from
the Entente.
No further light was shed today on
the purposes OF the American govern
ment. There is every indication, how
ever, the President does not intend to
make another move until at least he
has been fully informed as to the re-
ception accorded the Teutonic proposal.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-12-18

rights and just claims today are not in
contradiction to the rights of other ma
tions. In addition the Central Powers
declare they do not want to annihilate
or destroy anybody and that the peace
proposals will be of such a nature as to
guarantee the establishment Of lasting
peace.
ITO go further in outlining the peace
conditions would have met handicap
to the Central Powers in case Contrary
to what some newspapers in hostile
countries have declared) the hostile gov
ernments decided to enter into negotia-
tions. 1t is self-sustained fact that
one party would not enter discussion
with its hands tied while the hands of
the other party were Free
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-12-18
BOTH MUST ABIDE
BY CONGRESS- ACT
Regulates Hours, Not
Wages, He Declares,
and Says "Let the
Roads and Men Set
tie Wage Disputes

Washington, Dec. II - Re-
ports that railroad and brother
hood heads in peace conferen-
ces have planned to propose the
repeal of the Adamson act and
the substitution of a working
agreement of their own making
for it, today aroused Represen-
tative Adamson, author Of the
law, to declare that Congress
would Spank both sides to the
controversy if necessary"