davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16
UNITED STATES
HAS FOOD TO SPARE
Production Increasing Faster
Than Population.
THE BEEF SUPPLY GROWING
Secretary OF Agriculture Points To
Further Great Possibilities
Held Out BY Till
able Lands.

WashingtOn.-Fears that the popula-
ton of the United States is growing
so fast that it will Outstrip the pro-
duction of food are set at rest by the
annual report of Secretary OF Agricul"
ture David F. Houston, just made to
Congress.
The production Of foods In the
United States has held its own in some
branches and has increased in others.
The alarming decline in beef produc-
ton which set in some time ago reach
ed the lowest point in 1913, and since
then has increased materially. At the
same time there has been a marked
increase in the production OF swine.
Sheep have declined slightly. More OF
these meat animals have been slaugh-
tered under Government supervision
during the fiscal year ended June 80,
1916, than ever before, the report
states. The heaviest slaughtering has
been accompanied by an increase in
the number of living animals, how
ever.
Secretary Houston says that the
situation gives reason for the bright
est optimism, it being indicated that
the United States cannot only supply
its own food needs, but can feed a
large proportion of the people of the
outside world.
The report states that the Depart
ment has energetically worked through
the eradication of disease and the de-
velopment of stock raising to increase
the food supply. He recommends the
Inauguration of vigorous campaign
against tuberculosis in hogs and cat
tie, which, he estimates, is causing an
nual losses in the United States of
$25,O00,000.
The report states that the secret Of
continuing to feed the world lies in
the expansion by the American people
of the acreage of titled lands. Food
crops should be stabilized and better
regulated, he declares. Crops should
be rotated scientifically, the Secretary
declares, and the entire business Of
tilling the soil should be placed on
more scientific basis.
A marked improvement in the quail.
ity of foods and drugs offered the pub
lie has been brought about through
rigorous enforcement Of the food and
Drugs act, the report says.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16
WHAT THE GERMAN TERMS
MAY BE.
Evacuation Of Belgium, But the
Possession OF AIsace and
Lorraine.

Washington, December Ire
cent dispatches to the German EN-
bassy, covering a wide range cf
subjects, indicate a belief that the
general terms might be in sub
stance as follows:
A restoration Of the status quo
existing before the war. This in
cludes the evacuation Of Belgium
and the restoration Of the occupied
portions of northern France with
the exception of Alsace and Lor-
raine.
No authorized expression was OBJ
tainable from the embassy as to
whether conditions would be at
tached to the restoration of Bel
gium and French territory, but it
was understood that the German
idea was to make provision for
the future neutrality of Belgium
and probably propose defortifica-
tion, particularly cf the city Of
Antwerp.
1t was also understood that no
conditions amounting to economic
control of the mineral lands Of
northern France would likely be
asked.
All Germany's lost colonies she
expects to be returned.
Her possessions in the Pacific,
however, are not a subject of great
concern and the Berlin govern
ment is understood to be ready to
relinquish the claim en- Kiao-
Chau.
The security of Turkey in pos
session of Constantinople probably
would be insisted upon by the
Central Powers, as well as the re-
storation Of Albania.
The establishment Of independ-
ent kingdoms in LithuaDia and
Poland would be one Of the factors
in the German proposal, although
that part of Poland possessed by
Germany at the outbreak Of the
war would not be included.
What adjustment would be made
to cover the TrentinO region be-
tween Austria and Italy, or any pro-
visions affecting Egypt, the Suez
Canal, Mesopotamia, or the gate
ways Of control to the Indian EN-
pire are not made clear in German
quarters here.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16
NEW U.BoAT NOTE MAY BE SENT.
Washington Stirred BY Activities OF
German Submarines.

Washington.-Mor definite infor.
nation as to the facts involved in
recent activities by German sub
marines has brought the situation to
a point where a new note to Germany,
designed to clear up any doubt as
to the Interpretation of the Berlin
Governments submarine pledges to
the United States, appears to be
among the possibilities of the near
future
President Wilson has given careful
attention to the evidence in the cases
of several Of the vessels recently at
tackled, but has given no indication Of
what his decision will be. 1t was
stated positively that no course had
been decided upon, but beyond this
and reiteration that the American
Government had not in any way al
tered its stand on the submarine
question, officials declined to make
any comment.
The cases in the forefront Of con-
sideration are those of the British
steamers Arabia and Marina, both of
which, Germany contends, were be-
lieved to be transports in the naval
service of the Allies. During the day
official information reached the State
Department establishing that the
Marina, on which six Americans were
lost, was in no sense a transport, and
an inquiry was addressed to Great
Britain for information as IN fba act.
ual status of the Arabia.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16
A VIOLATION Of
GERhANY'S PLEDGE
Sinking of Marina Violation Of
Promises to U. S.
FACTS IN CASE SENT BERLIN
State Department To Give German
Foreign Office Chance To Furnish
Further Evidence Before
Taking Next Step.

Washington, D. C.-Information as
sembled at the State Department and
believed by some officials to present a
clear-cut violation of German pledges
In the sinking Of the British steamer
Marina with the loss Of six American
lives has been forwarded to Berlin for
submission to the German Foreign
Office.
1t was announced at the department
that the evidence had been sent as a
matter Of courtesy, to allow the I'M
perial Government to offer any other
facts it may have before the United
States takes its next step. Officials
indicated also that any move by this
Government might be delayed until
complete information concerning the
British liner Arabia, for which Great
Britain has been asked, could be sent
to Berlin.
In response to inquiries, Germany
has admitted the .torpedoing without
Arabia, stating that her submarine
commanders took them for transports
and asking the United States to fur
nish any evidence It might have to the
contrary. In the case of the Arabia,
Great Britain has been requested to
furnish official data to establish
whether the Peninsular and Oriental
liner was in Government service, al
though all information now at hand
indicates that when sent down she
was passing through the Mediter-
ranean on a regular voyage with pas
sengers and freight.
AS to the Marina, officials regard
the case as complete. According to
the evidence, while carrying a cargo
Of horses and other freight she was
torpedoed and sunk without warning
100 miles from shore in high sea,
with no provision for the safety of
those on board. Many horse tenders,
including six Americans, were lost. In
vestigation has developed, it is said,
that the ship had not been under char
ter or requisition by the British Gov
ernment at any time during the war,
but had transported horses at so much
per head for the Allies.
1t is generally believed that when
President Wilson and Secretary Lam
sing are ready to act, the next step
will take the form of communica-
ton to clear up any doubt that may
exist at Berlin as to the Interpretation
given by the American Government to
the German pledges given after the
attack on the Sussex.
AS in the Sussex catastrophe, Off
cials here point out, the Marina and
Arabia cases have demonstrated the
menace to innocent neutral lives in
the practice frequently followed by
German submarine commanders of at
tempting to ascertain the character of
a ship bv periscope observations. The
United States has demanded that the
character of a vessel be determined
beyond doubt before an attack is
made that endangers the lives of its
citizens and contends that this can be
done practically only by actual visit
and search.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16
P. 0. DEPARTMENT
SI2,5O0,0OO AHEAD
Postmaster. General Shows Sur
plus Accumulated.
SIS, 100000 ADDED THIS YEAR
6urIeson Recommends That TeIe-
phone And Telegraph Systems
Be Taken Over BY
Government.

Washington. - P ostmaster General
Burleson's annual report, just issued
declares there was a Postof1ce De-
partment surplus of $5,2OO,O0O during
the present year and enumerates as
among the years accomplishments i'm
provement of the parcel post, exten.
sion Oh city and rural deliveries and
development of the Postal Savings
system.
A surplus of $12,5OO,OOO is shown,
says the report, for three years of the
four the administration has been in Of
flee, and it calls attention to deficits
under previous administrations.
The department makes many recon-
mendations for improvement of the
service. Some of the most important
are these:
That early action be taken by Con-
gress declaring a Government monop-
oily over all utilities for the public
transmission of intelligence and that
as soon as possible the telephone and
telegraph facilities of the United
States be incorporated into the postal
establishment.
That 100000 be appropriated now
for acquiring telegraph and telephone
utilities in Alaska, Porto Rico and
Hawaii.
That second-class postal rates be re-
vised to make second-class matter pay
more of its share of transportation ex-
pense and that the 1-cent rate be ap-
piled to all so-called drop letters.
That public buildings erected for
postoh1ce purposes be standardized
and that their costs be commensurate
with the needs of the service.
That funds be expended in a num-
Der of large cities for buildings not
Of ornamental design, but designed to
accommodate the postal service be-
fore more money is spent in smaller
towns where buildings are not needed
and cannot be justified.
1udI CuduS0S U0 uIdu0 III Inc pres
ent building policy which imposes a
fixed charge on the department that
has grown burdensome
That the classified service be ex-
tended to include the position of post
master at Offices Of the first, second
and third classes.
That the department be authorized
to bond its employees, so that the
Government may be protected more
adequately and that relief may be af-
forded officials and employees of the
service.
That the pay Of rural carriers be
eQualized by fixing salaries on the
basis of the number of pieces and
weight of mail transported, length of
routes and time required to serve
them, instead of solely on length of
routes as at present.
That 100000 be appropriated for
experiments in aerial transportation
of mail.
Growth of the parcel post will cut
the cost of living to the city dweller.
the report declares. The service is
now handling 90,OOO,OOO packages a
month. Liberal changes in its regu-
lations have done much to bring about
it's extension, it is declared.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16
TELEGRAPH TICKS.

Representative Lewis, of Maryland,
author of the Parcel Post Law, intro
duced a bill in the House proposing
government ownership of the public
telephone system in the capital.
The Indian Appropriation Bill
carrying approximately $9,O0O,OOO, first
of the annual supply measures, was
passed by the House without roll
call.
John Mcvickar, 73 years old, once
president of the international Typo
graphical Union and formerly editor
of the Detroit News, died in Chicago
The country's manufacturing indus
tries in 1914 turned out products
valued at more than $24,OOO'OOO ana
employed 100000 persons.
The Senate adopted the committee
amendment to the immigration Bill
which would exclude Hindus and other
Asiadcs without mentioning them Dy
name. and which eliminates from the
hill all reference to passport agree
ments.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16
our aims are not to shatter

"Our aims are not to shatter
nor annihilate our adversaries.
"In spite Of our consciousness
Of our military and economic
strength and our readiness to cen
tinue the war (Which has been
forced upon us) until the bitter
end, Il necessary; at the same time
prompted by the desire to avoid
further bloodshed and make an
end to the atrocities CT war, the
four allied powers propose to enter
forthwith into peace negotiations.
''The propositions which they
bring forward fer such negotia-
tiOns and which have for their OBJ
ject a guarantee of the existence
Of the honor and liberty Of eVolu-
tion for their nations are, accord
ing to their firm belief, an appro-
pirate basis for the establishment
Of lasting peace.
"The four allied powers have
been obliged to take up arms to
defend justice and the liberty Of
national evolution. The glorious
deeds Of our armies have in no
way altered their purpose. We al
ways maintained the firm belief
that our own rights and justified
claims in no way control the rights
Of these nations.
"The spiritual and material
progress which were the pride Of
Europe at the beginning Of the
twentieth century are threatened
with ruin. Germany and her
allies, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria
and Turkey, gave proof Of their
unconquerable strength in this
struggle.
"They gained gigantic advan-
tages over adversaries superior in
number and war material. Our
lines stand mistaken against ever
repeated attempts made by armies.
THE last attack in the Balkans
has been rapidly and VIGOROUSLY
overcome. The most recent events
have demonstrated that further
continuance Of the war will not
result in breaking the resistance of
our forces and the whole situation
with regard to our troops justifies
our expectation Of further sue
cesses.
"If in spite Of this offer Of peace
and reconciliation the struggle
should go on, the four allied
powers are resolved to continue to
a victorious end, but they disclaim
responsibility for this before hui
manity and history. The imperial
government through the good
offices Of your exceIlency, ask the
government (here is inserted the
name Of the neutral power ad-
dressed in each instance) to bring
this communication to the knowl-
edge Of the government Of (here is
inserted the name Of the belliger.
ent)."
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16

Berlin.-Peace proposals have been
made by Germany and her allies,
Austro-Hungary, Turkey and Bulgaria,
to Great Britain and her allies, France,
Russia, Italy, Portugal, Serbia and
Roumania.
Chancellor Won Bethmann-Hollweg
announced to the Reichstag that Ger
many, together with her allies, "con-
scious of their responsibility before
God, before their own nations, before
humanity" had proposed to the hostile
powers to enter on peace negotiations.
The proposals, which express the
purpose of the Central Powers "to
enter forthwith on peace negotiations
with a view to lasting peace" are
contained in identical notes from Ger
many, Austria-Hungary, Turkey and
Bulgaria to the representatives of the
neutral powers protecting the inter
ests of the Teutonic Allies in hostile
countries. These diplomatists-in the
case of Germany the representatives
of the United States, Spain and
Switzerland asked to bring the
note to the attention of the nations at
war with the Central Powers. The
uote has also been transmitted to the
Vatican and all neutral nations.
Terms Not Given.
No terms are mentioned in the pro-
posal or the note to the allied powers.
Chancellor Won Bethmann-Hollweg,
before delivering a remarkable speech
In the Reichstag and reading the por-
tentious note, received, one after an
other, the representatives of the
United States, Spain and Switzerland
ard handed each a copy of the note.
Before the Chancellor entered the
Reichstag the building was surrounded
by an enormous crowd.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16
SHARK SKINS FOR LEATHER.
Bureau Of Fisheries Investigating Its
Possibilities.

Washington.-Use of shark skins as
a substitute for leather is being in
vestigated by the United States Bureau
Of Fisheries as a possible solution ,of
the high cost of animal skins. AL
ready, says bureau statement, an ac-
ceptable leather is being made from
shark skins in some foreign countries
and in the United States there has
been a limited demand for the skins
rs coverings for smaller articles. Flor
ida fishermen will supply large shark
skins for the experiments. The Gov
ernment is furnishing the fishing
tackle. Men in the lighthouse service
llso have been directed to catch
sharks.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16
81 100000 FOR FISH HATcHERIEs.

House Bill Provides For One In Mary
land Or Virginia.
ashington.-Twenty fish hatch
cries in as many states would be pro-
vided at a cost of about $1,000, 900 by
4 bill which passed the House. They
would be in Alabama, Louisiana, Flor
ida, Georgia, South or North Carolina
MARYLAND or Virginia. OREGON, Texas.
Oklahoma, Illinois, Washington, Ari-
zona. New Mexico, Michigan, Idaho,
Missouri, Pennsylvania, Delaware or
New Jersey, Minnesota and California.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16
ADVERTISERS FAVOR 1T.

National Association Approves In
crease In Price OF Newspapers.
Boston.-The Association of Nation
al Advertisers at its annual meeting
here adopted resolutions approving
reasonable increases in the selling
price of periodicals and newspapers"
because Of the higher cost of white
paper.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16
THE TEUToNs' PEACE NOTE.
PREPARED To Continue War Until
Bitter End, But DESTROYS To
Avoid Further Bloodshed.

Berlin, December 12.-Follcwing
is the text of the note addressed
by Germany and her allies to the
hostile governments:
"The most terrific war ever ex-
perienced in history has been rag
ing for the last two years and a
half over a large part of the world
"a catastrophe which thousands
CT years of common civilization
was unable to prevent, and which
INJURIES the most precious achieve
ments of humanity.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16
100000 FIRE KILLS EIGHT.
Huge Quaker Oats Plant In Ontario
Destroyed BY Explosion.

Petersboro, Ont.-An explosion and
fire destroyed the Quaker Oats build
'ngs here with an estimated loss of
eight lives and injuries to ten other
persons, all employees, and with prop
erty damage amounting to about ST.
100000. 1t is supposed that the ex-
plosion occurred in the dry room and
that it was caused by spontaneous
combustion.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16
ALL BUT GREGORY STAY.
Attorney ceneraIship Only Place
Liable To Be Vacated.

Washington. - Every member Of
President Wilson's Cabinet, with the
possible exception of Attorney General
Gregory, is. expected to remain in Office
after March 4, when the Presidents
second term begins. 1t was learned
definitely that all of them have been,
or will be asked to keep their posts.
Secretary McAdoo, personally denied
that he had any intention of resigning.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16
TO VOTE ON VETO POWER.
Business Men Consider Plan To Help
President.

Washington. - Whether the Presi-
dent of the United States should be
empowered by constitutional amend
ments to veto separate items of appro.
priation bills is the subject of a refer
endum ordered by the Chamber of
Commerce Of the United States. It
was announced at the Chambers head.
quarters that all affiliated organiza-
tions had been asked to vote on the
question and that balloting would be
completed the third week in January.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16
ERIE PAPERS TWO CENTS.

Advance In Cost Of Materials Causes
Raise In Price.
Erie, Pa.-Because of an advance
in the cost of print paper and other
materials, two local afternoon papers
announced an increase in price from
one to two cents.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16
FEDERAL WAGE INCREASE.
Bill Reported To House Carries Appro-
priation For Employees.

Washington.-The legislative, execu-
tive and judicial appropriation bill re-
ported to the House Monday carries a
10 per cent. increase in pay for en-
ployes receiving less than $1,000 a
year, and 5 per, cent. for those be-
tween $1,000 and $1,800. The increase,
first of the kind in almost so years,
would be limited to the next fiscal
year and apply only to executive de-
partments except agriculture, the
judicial establishments and the library
of Congress.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16

The Swiss government decided to
favor the single-phase system for
electrifying the railways in preference
to the third rail, because it costs 10
per cent. less to make the change.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16
NO DOUBT AS TO PENNSYLVANIA.
Official Count Of Vote Shows It Gave
Hughes 1850 Plurality.

Harrisburg, Pa.-The official count
Of the vote cast i'll Pennsylvania for
Presidential electors at the recent elec-
tion was completed and shows that
Charles E. Hughes had plurality over
President Wilson of 181,95O. The first
elector on each party ticket received
the highest vote. The vote was as
follows: Republican, 7O3,794; Demo
cratic, 521,7S4, Socialist, 42,637; Pro
hibition, 2S.525; IndustriaIist, AIT.
Total vote cast for President 1921, ,O97.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16

Melted parafin as a dressing for
omen wounds is used by a Paris sur
geon, as it does not burn the flesh, and
when it solidifes retains heat and aids
in healing.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16

Edward Francis asked to be jailed
in Philadelphia the other day on the
ground that he felt an uncomfortable
desire to steal something.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16
WOULD MAKE WASHINGTON DRY.

Senators Sheppard and Kenyon To
Champion Measure.
WashingtOn.-First efforts Of prohi-
bition leaders in Congress at this ses-
sion are to be directed toward making
the national capital dry" The initial
move will be made by Senator Shep-
pard, of Texas, and Senator Kenyon.
of Iowa, will champion the measure
from the Republican side.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16
CONTRACTS FOR AIRsHIPs.

Army Orders Ninety-Six For It's Coast
Artillery Stations.
Washington.-Contracts for So high,
power hydro-aeroplanes for the coast
artillery stations in the United States.
Hawaii, Philippines and the Panamo
Canal Zone were let by the War De-
partment. Immediate construction il
to be begun on the So machines, and
contracts soon will be let for So more
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16
TORNADO HITS LOUISIANA TOWN.
Business Section Of Atlanta DemoI-
ished And Child Killed.

Atlanta, LA tornado, which
swept over this town virtually demol-
ished the business section, causing a
loss Of about $4,000. Among the
buildings destroyed were the Catholic,
Iethodist and Baptist Churches and
the depot of the Louisiana Railway
and Navigation Company.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16

Entente Territory Occupied by
the German AlIies-Northeastern
France, practically all of Belgium,
Poland and Lithuania, more than
half of Roumania, all of Servia and
Montenegro and nearly all Of AL
bania, as well as part of Persia
and Egypt. Some of Greek Mace
donia is occupied by the German
Bulgarian forces, although Greece
is not in state of war.
Germany has lost all her over
seas colonies.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16

last December Germany had more
than 100000 cows and more than
2a.000,O00 beef cattle of all kinds.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16

Austro-Hungarian Territory Cap
tured by the AIlies-About half Of
Galicia and all Of Bukowina and
the southern fringe of Trentino as
we'll as the western border of the
Istrian Peninsula, north of the
city Of Trieste.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16
WOULD END WAR At ONCE
Overture Through U. S., Spain
and Switzerland.
SPEECH BY THE CHANCELLOR
WHERE BOTH SIDES NOW
STAND.
What They Have To Show After
Two Years OF HostiIities and
Millions Of Lives Sacrificed.

Germany's move for peace
comes just two years and 1873 days
after she declared war on Russia
and two years and 129 days after
England declared war on Ger
many.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16
BANK BAADITs GET $4,000.

Four Lock Cashier In Vault and
Escape In Auto.
Muskogee, Okla.-Four masked men
robbed the Farmers State Bank of
vinita, Okla, of $4,000. The bandits
escaped in an automobile after lock-
ing Jasper Martin, cashier, in the bank
vault.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16

Turkish Territory Captured by
the AIIies-All of Northeastern
Armenia and part of Mesopotamia.
Middletown transcript., 1916-12-16

This country produces nearly $5,0OO,-
600 worth of natural mineral waters a
year.