davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1916-12-06
With rs Americans Aboard
Italian Steamer Palermo
Is Sunk Off Spanish Coast

MADRID, via Paris, December g.
The Italian steamship Palermo. with
twenty-five American horse traders on
board. has been torpedoed off the Span
ish coast
One sailor. reported to ne an Ameri-
can, was wounded by shell and died
in a hospital at PaIafrugell. Spain
where the survivors were landed. Three
others were seriously wounded by the
torpedo. The Palermo. 9,203 tons
gross, sailed from New York on No
vember Is for Genoa and Spezia.
The ship was armed. it was said here
at the offices of fairfield, Solari & Co.
agents of the Navigazione Generate
Italiana, owner of the Palermo. She
carried two three-inch rifles mounted
aft.
"These guns" said Mr. solari, were
carried for defense only
Besides SIS mules and 163 horses, the
Palermo carried 1,452 cases of trini-
trotoluol. a powerful explosive. and
tLns Of munitions and war supplies
Evening star., 1916-12-06
.PRES|DENT;STUD|ES
HIGH COST OF LIVING
From Reports Submitted Will
Decide on Legislation to
Be Recommended.
U. S. GRAND JURY MAY ACT

President Wilson today began a study
of cost-of-living reports submitted by
government departments, and from
them he is expected to decide what
steps he will recommend to Congress.
United States Attorney Anderson Of
Boston. in charge of the nation wide
| inquiry. arrived here today, and after
conferences with officials of the De-
partment of Justice conferred with
| members of the federal trade commits
sion. He later will confer with Off
cials of the interstate commerce COM
mission.
The plan suggested by Mr. Anderson
Of summoning grand jury in New
York or Chicago. or both. to fnvesti-
gate the question thoroughly, is be
lieved to be generally favored in ad-
ministration circles.
Three factors are regarded by Depart
ment OF Justice officials as prime reasons
for the increased cost of living They
are the natural economic upward tend
ency of prices, the desire of dealers to
obtain as much as possible for their
vantage of the situation created by the
war to advance prices unwarrantably,
and possible agreements between produc-
ers or dealers to increase prices.
The last factor, it was authoritatively
announced. is the only one with which
officials are concerned. The trade COM
mission will cooperate with the de-
partment to the extent of submitting
such data as it already has and of Sc
curing other data readily obtainable
In addition to the rise in foodstuffs
officials have decided to investigate
thoroughly the causes for the recent
increase in coal prices. 1t was pointed
out, however, that local increases such
as. the recent rise in the price of coal
sold to tenement House dwellers In New
York and other large cities does not
come within the federal governments
Jurisdiction
Evening star., 1916-12-06

Robert n. Harper, District banker
and prominent democrat, has been Sc
lected definitely as chairman of the
inaugural committee that will have
charge of the ceremonies of inducing
Woodrow Wilson into his second term
as President of the United States.
Official announcement of Mr.. Harper's
selection by Vance c. Mccormick, chair
man of the democratic national COM
mittee. will probably be made tomor-
row upon the arrival in Washington of
Mr. Mccormick, who comes here to be
a guest of President Wilson at a din
ner tomorrow night in honor of the
chairman and members of the cam
paign committees that conducted the
successful presidential fight.
That Mr. Mccormick has determined
upon the inaugural chairmanship Sc
lection is known to be fact, but the
time of official announcement is not
definitely known. The understanding
is that Mr.. Mccormick has communi-
Gated with President Wilson as to his
choice. and that the President has let
it be known that Mr.. Harper is satis-
factory to him.
Choice Rested With Mr.. Mccormick.
The official statement was recently
made that the President would leave
this matter and all other preliminary
inaugural details to Mr.. Mccormick,
who in turn will give Mr.. Harper a
free hand in the details to be worked
out before the date of Inauguration.
MIR. Harper's selection has not been
in doubt since his name was first mem
toned He has been solidly backed by
the democratic organization of the Dis
trict and by individual democrats, and
was generally conceded to be eminent
ly fitted for the position.
1t is taken for granted that Mr.. Har.
per will take no steps toward carry.
ing out plans for the ceremonies o,
next March until the official announce.
ment is made public. He will, If al.
ready cognizant of the determination
that has been reached, probably confer
with Mr.. Mccormick tomorrow or next
day and make what progress he can
toward the preliminaries of the i'm
mense work ahead of him.
Some time in the future Mr.. Harper
will confer with the President about
the deeply interesting question of an
Evening star., 1916-12-06
$500. 900 Fire in Brooklyn.

NEW YORK, December 6.-Fire in
the business district of Brooklyn to-
day destroyed the four-story brick
b,iildtng occupied by the Flatbush Stor-
age Company, burned part of the struc-
ture housing the piano factory of Free
h,rn r. Smith and slightly damaged
a1io,pine property, with an estimated
loss Of s5oo,00O. One policeman was
ininred The collapse of a wall led to
a mistaken report that six firemen were
killed.
Evening star., 1916-12-06
RUSS GOVERNMENT TARGET,
Progressive Party Demands All IRE.
sponsible Influences Be Removed.

LONDON. December 6.-The progress
sive party in the duma is continuing
attacks on the government, according
to Reuters dispatch from Petrograd.
The dispatch says that after a lively
debate on a statement issued by the
administration regarding cabinet
changes the progressives moved a reso-
luton to the effect that as the recon-
stitution Of the cabinet is incomplete.
and consists rather of change in i'm,
diyiduals than in a change Of admin
istration, the duma declares that all ir-
responsible influences must be removed.
The resolution adds that the duma
will aim at the formation of a cabinet
united on thorough apprehension Of
existing problems. and which is pre-
pared to base its activity on the sup
port OF the duma and carry out the
program Of the majority of that body.
Evening star., 1916-12-06
Bitterness Against Conscription.

LONDON, December 6-Bitter feel
ing against conscription was mani
tested among delegates to the Austria
liam interstate labor conference, a Reu-
ter dispatch from Melbourne reports.
Senator Lynch and Mr.. Burchel, a
member of the house of representa-
tives, west Australian delegates. who
favored conscription. were expelled
The conference also decided to remove
from the Australian labor movement
all federal members who supported
conscription.
Evening star., 1916-12-06
BLOCKED BOOTHS PASSAGE.
William Withers, Leader of, Or
chestra at Lincoln Shooting, Dies.

NEW YORK, December 6.-William
Withers. who was leader of the orches,
ira in Ford's Theater in Washington the
night Abraham Lincoln was shot, died
here yesterday after a long illness. When
Booth limped down the back stairway
of the theoter in his effort to escape after
he had @tally wounded the President,
Mr.. Withers blocked his way. Booth
turned on the musician and stabbed him
in the neck with knife.
Mr.. Withers. who was eighty years old
was widely known as a composer and
musical director until his retirement sew
eral years ago.
Evening star., 1916-12-06
Suggestion of Substitute.

Those close to the President feel that
if there is no ball reception or some
other social AFFAIR will be substituted.
At any rate it ought not to be long
before the matter is settled one way or
another. and it is generally believed
that. Mr.. Harper will seek to ascertain,
almost at the beginning of his duties,
what is to be his course on this ques-
ton.
President Wilson may break another
precedent at the coming Inauguration
by riding in the parade from the Cap
itol to the reviewing stand in front OF
the White House in an automobile.
Four years ago he rode in vehicle
drawn by horses, but there already has
been some discussion of an automobile
as more suitable.
Evening star., 1916-12-06
Rumor of U-Boats Delays Troops.

ST. JOHNS, Newfoundland. Decem-
her 6.-The colonial government per-
mitted it to become known today that
reports of German submarines in the
Atlantic had resulted in the canceline
of the dispatch of a draft of recruits
for the Newfoundland regiment. which
had been planned for the last week
in November. Regulations regarding
measures for coast defense have been
reimposed.
Evening star., 1916-12-06
DAY IN CONGRESS.
Senate.
Met at noon.

Met at noon.
Joint committee resumed hear
ing Oh railroad problems.
Resumed consideration of Owen
corrupt practice bill.
HOuses
Met at noon.
Admiral Palmer testified before
naval affairs committee.
Suffragists made unsuccessful
attempt to recover banner un-
furled from gallery yesterday.
On motion of Senator Hoke,
Smith. took up for considera-.
tion a bill authorizing the Pres
dent, in his discretion to retire
federal judges who have reached
the age Of seventy years.
Evening star., 1916-12-06
Conservation
of Paper

nverv citizen is called Upon to see
that not a pound Of paper is wasted.
Demand from mrappins siefk Of pae. ana1 any
II YOU have no further use for to-
Avs newspaper save IT for the
school children's playground fund.
Cali Main 6O36 and ask fer the
nearest public school to your home
| ana the old papers will be sent for.
Evening star., 1916-12-06
PIoechti Also Has Been.
Captured by Invading
Hosts.
BUT ONE RAILROAD LINE
OF ESCAPE NORTHEAST
Serbians Press Thrust in Grunishte
Region on the Mace
| donian Front.

BERLIN, December 6, by wire
less to Sayville, N. Y.-Bucharest,
capital of Rumania, has been cap
tured, it was officially announced
today.
Ploechti, the important railway
junction town, thirty-six miles
northwest of Bucharest, also has
been taken.
Evening star., 1916-12-06
Continued Retirement
of Rumanian Allies Is
Admitted by Russians

BY the Associated Press. =.
PETROGRAD, December 6. via Lon
don, 1:40 p.m.-A further retirement of
the Rumanians in the Tergovtstaa-
Ploechti sector, northwest OF BuctA-
rest. and along the railway from Titu
to Bucharest, is announced in today's
war Office statement. elsewhere the
Teutonic forces were beaten back.
"On the Transylyania frontier tn-the
Evening star., 1916-12-06
Embezzler Sent to. Penitentiary,

CHICAGO, December 6.-Edwin L.
Thacker pleaded guilty today and was
given an indeterminate sentence
of from one to fourteen years In the
penitentiary. Thacker embezzled $1,000
from his employers in Chicago and fed
with his bride to the Barbados. His ar
rest by use of the wireless telegraph
attracted considerable attention to the
case
Evening star., 1916-12-06
BANNER LOBBYING.

inaugural ball and learn. first hand,
whether such feature of the in
auguration would be agreeable to Mr..
and Mrs. Wilson. 1t has been hinted
for some time in semi official quarters
that an inaugural ball will not have
executive approval, but this opinion. II
is believed. is based upon the Presi-
dents former attitude to the question
Evening star., 1916-12-06
Woman Elected, Defeating Husband,

GMAT1LLA, Greg, December e.
Mrs. E. E. Starcher is mayor of UNA
tilla today. having defeated her hus-
band in the election yesterday Wom-
en- Were elected to all other offices in
the municipal government, including
four seats in the council. recorder and
treasurer.
Evening star., 1916-12-06
PAYOF ALL CLERKS
MAY Be INCREASED
House Appropriations Commit
tee Is Now at Work on
a Plan.
D. c. EMPLOYEES INCLUDED

The general plan of the House appro-
priations committee to raise the salaries
of government clerks on horizontal
scale will embrace the employees OF the
District of Columbia as we'll as employees
of the departments, according to informa-
ton obtained today.
The Star yesterday carried the an
nouncement that a raise in the salary OF
government employees who received $l,0vo
or less, as far as those appropriated TOT
in the legislative appropriation bill, is TO
be recommended by the subcommittee Oh
the House appropriations committee in
charge of the bill.
A scheme for horizontal increase OF
all employees paid by the government ana
appropriated for in the several bllls ema-
mating from the House appropriations
committee is now being worked out, It
developed today. and uniform rate OF
advance in all appropriation bills may
be expected If the scheme now adVo-
Gated in the appropriations committee Is
enacted there will be no DISCRIMINATION
and no discrepancies in the government
service where the departmental salaries
are covered by the bills of the approprla-
tions committee.
Evening star., 1916-12-06
PRESIDENT CHANGES
HOUR FOR CALLING
To See Congressional Visitors
at 800 O'Clock Instead
of in Morning.
is BUSY THIS AFTERNOON

Congressional callers who fiocked tc
the White House this morning in large
numbers We're informed that Presiden,
Wilson will receive congressional Wis
itors who desire to pay their respects
at $3.50 o'clock this afternoon, the first
time this week he has been available
for this purpose.
The President had a larger list of en-
gagements for today than at any time
since his return from Shadow Lawn,
Mrs. Wilson for a game of golf at the
kirkside course. near Chevy Chase
but the strong winds caused the two to
leave the golf grounds after playing
nine holes. 1t is understood to be the
Presidents purpose to utilize the morn
ing hours for golf and outdoor exer-
else for some time to come and the
afternoon hours for official work.
Evening star., 1916-12-06
Scale of Proposed Increase.

In addition to an increase to be recon-
mended for the clerks provided for in the
legislative. executive and judicial appro-
priation bill, it is now believed that
uniform rate of advance for all District
employees at $1,000 and under Will De
recommended to the House.
This does not mean that the same
percentage of increase will be recon- :
mended for the n-hundred- dollar
men as will be recommended Tor the
six hundred dollar men. inasmuch as a
10 per cent advance for the larger sal
ary would be more OF raise than the
same percentage for the lower posi-
ton. .
What will take place, probably. 1t
was learned today. is the recommends
ton of a certain percentage of increase
for employees of the District OF Colum :
bia who receive less than, say, $500;
another percentage of those between
$500 and, perhaps. $1,000. and still an
other percentage of increase between
81, 900 and $500. These figures and
limits have not been determined upon,
but may be used for illustrative pur-
poses.
The appropriations committee passes
on the legislative bill with it's $4,000
government clerks salaries, and also
upon the District bill with its hum
dreds of salaries, and upon the sundry
civil bill, the fortifications bill etc. As
all of the members of this committee
are jealous of the power. prestige and
parliamentary and legislative rights OF
that committee, there is community
of interest in that committee to fore
stall Independent efforts from the floor
of the House to insert freakish and
unscientifc wage-raising legislation
into any of the appropriation bills. -
Evening star., 1916-12-06
Predict Return of Asquith.

Whether Mr.. LIoyd-George. whose
action led to the disruption of the coal
ition government and the resignation
of Mr. Asquith. would have any greater
success in forming a ministry than Mr..
Bonar Law is question which has not
been answered. Political correspond
ents predict that Mr.. Asquith win be
back at the head of the government
before many days.
Mr.. Asauith takes majority of the
liberal ministers with him in his re-
tirement. Mr.. Lloyd-Geerge being as
sured of the support OF only Herbert
Evening star., 1916-12-06

Montagu, minister of munitions: some
81 the junior ministers. .I.ct.,:s.is 80.
Christopher Addison. parliamentary Cn-
cersecretary OF munitions. and of a
small section of the party known as the
ginger group" IL is not believed prob
able Mr. Lloyd-GeorXe would have any
more success with the labor members
than did Mr. Bonar Law, the parlia-
attitude OF large part OF the unionist
party l. doubtful.
Supported Ultimatum.
Mr.. Borar Law. Sir Edward Carson
and the Earl % Derby probably would
act under SIR. Lloyd George. as they
supported his uItimatum TO Premier
Asauith regarding the formation Of "A
smaller war council.
The Westminster Gazette says Pre-
Inier Asqui,h's resignation was not re-
ceived with any dismay in liberal
circles. majority OF the party warm
ly approved his decision and was. pre-
pared To give . unionist administration
a fair chance, II one were formed. But
II predicts that any minority govern
rnent would have precarious exist
ence. The Gazette continues:
1T may well be that Mr.. AsQuith
will as a result OF the crisis De sum-
Inoned once more 10 the palace to form
an administration which would have
the advantage of commanding a maior-
ity in the house, which no other admin
istration seems likely 10 be able to
obtain.
Day of Great Excitement.
The premier's DECISION to resign and
advise the king to summon Andrew
CONTINUED on Fourteenth Page !.
Evening star., 1916-12-06
Attorney General Reports Also.

Attorney General Gregory has re-
ported to the President the results of
preliminary investigations by Depart
ment of Justice agents, and he also is
in possession of reports from Secretary
Houston and Secretary Redfeld
Mr.. Anderson will consult with repre-
sentatives of the interstate commerce
commission. in addition to other gov
ernment officials. and probably will see
the President personally.
Although several of the bills intro
duced in Congress since Monday to
meet the high cost of living sit
uatfon have been laid before the Presi-
dent, he has given his approval to none
of them. and will continue to withhold
comment until he is prepared to pre-
sent his views in the form of a recon-
mendation for legislation He has not
yet decided when he will go before Con-
greSS.
Evening star., 1916-12-06
TO AID IN REDUCING
THE COST OF LIVING

FOR the purpose of adopting measures
to reduce the cost of living, particu-
iariy in Washington. a central commit
tee probably will be named by civic
organizations of the city within the
next few days
Th1s became known today as result
Of the publication in The Star yester-
Day OF a plan presented by stephen E.
hraIner, educator and civic worker for
the formation of such body. The
plan outlined by Mr.. Kramer advocates
the creation of a committee represent
ing various civic organizations in
study and investigate prices. Where
prices are found to be inflated arti-
f1cially boycott may be put into ef-
feet by the people, following the pub
lication of what might be termed lesit-
innate prices for commodities.
May Appeal to Congress.
asked. according TO a suggestion made
today by some of the civic workers
who have become interested in the
plan. 1t was pointed out that ma
tional law should be enacted providing
for the stamping of storage eggs with
the date on which they are put in
storage, thereby enabling purchasers to
know exactly the quality of eggs they
are buying. Similar steps might also
be taken in reference to other food
products, IL was explained. although
nothing will be done. of course, until
the formation of central committee
1t has been pointed out that the pub
lication of prices which would allow for
the prime cost of commodities, plus the
overhead expenses and fair profit to
the dealers concerned. would enable the
consumer to know just when an effort
is being made to obtain exorbilant
prices from him. When an attempt was
made TO do this every consumer could
/ either stop buying the omaodity in
question. or at least keep the use of it
; at u minimum Such boycott would
be hound to prove effective, il is said,
having proved practical in other in
| stances
Evening star., 1916-12-06
Purpose of Mr.. Andersou,s visit.

The visit of Mr.. Anderson to the
trade commission was said to be pri-
marily for the purpose of devising an
effective method Of conducting the in
vestigation. which may take in fuel and
clothing as well as food.
department OF Justice officials are
understood 70 have under consideration.
as part Of the Investigation, an in
quiry into the methods adopted by
various boards of trade, produce and
other associations. where the market
saIue OF foodstuffs is largely deter
mined. 1t was said THAT Mr.. indersa,
probably would remain in Conference
with officials here for several DAYS
Evening star., 1916-12-06
by the Associated Press.

by the Associated Press.
LONDON, December s. The resig-
nation of Premier Herbert H. Asquith
was officially announced last night
The Exchange Telegraph Company
says it has authority for the state
ment that Mr. A. Bonar Law has de-
ciined the offer to form government
The Westminster Gazette also says that
A. Bonar Law has declined the invita-
tion of the king Ito form a cabinet
The king sent for Lloyd George.
After receiving Lloyd George. to
whom presumably he offered the pre-
miership. King George summoned to
the palace several members of the re-
cent cabinet In the hope OF solving the
CRISIS.
Among those who attended were An
drew Bonaf Law. Lloyd George, A. ].
Balfour, first lord of the admiralty,
and Arthur Henderson, president of the
board of education and representative
Of the labor party.
Evening star., 1916-12-06
AMERICAN VESSEL
|SSUNKBY U-B0AT
Steamer John Lambert Shelled
First Off Isle of
Wight.
CREW GETS OFF UNDER FIRE

BY the Associated Press.
NEW YORK, December G. - The
steamship John Lambert. listed in the
maritime register as an American YES
sci. was shelled and sunk without
warning by a German submarine of
the Isle of Wight November %, ac-
cording to members Of the crew.
Americans. who arrived here today on
the French line steamship Espagne
from Bordeaux.
The John Lambert was one of twelve
vessels which were built on the great
lakes, which the French line agreed
to purchase. According to the arrivals
today the vessel had not yet been
turned over to the, French interests
| but was on it's way to Havre for de-
livery there.
The attack took place at 4:30 pm. when
the ship was twenty-five miles south OF
the Isle of Wight, members OF the crew
said. The engineer. Edward HARRISON oI
this city, said that the U-boat nrst niau un
it's presence known by sending shell
crashing through the John .Lamoert
bridge and that the firing continued DUR
ing the time the crew was taking 10 the
boats, twelve shots in all being hred-
Rowed Forty Miles to Shore.
The crew, numbering sixteen. all Of
whom arrived here today, without their
captain. said they rowed forty miles to
the French coast. being on the water
twelve hours. and that shortly after the
John Lambert went down they saw the
submarine attack and sink two unideno-
fed yessels-a steamship and Dark.
John Bernardus. second officer OF the
John Lambert, said that the vessel flew
the French flag when she went down
and had been using that flag. although
not yet formally turned over to the
French.
He said he was on the bridge at the
time the attack begin. and that the first
shot struck the water about ten feet
ahead of the ships bow. The second, he
said, hit the bridge.
"As soon as the submarine opened
fire on us l ordered the French flag
run up and the men to take to the
boats" Bernardus said. The John Lam
bert left Montreal October Il. reaching
FalmoutIi, England, November 10, put
| ting in there because of engine trou-
| BILE, and leaving November p. 1t was
| the following day that she was sunk
She was in command of Capt. Thomas
Harris of Montreal.
Last Ship to Be Delivered.
| The John Lambert was the last of
the twelve great lakes craft to be taken
to France for delivery, Eighty mem
bers of the crews Of four of them were
passengers on the Espagne today
The Great Lakes and st. Lawrence
| Transportation Company owned the
John Lambert. Of 1880 tons. gross
which was built in 1903 at Chicago. The
vessel sailed from Montreal October 20.
State Department officials had re-
| ceived no reports early today on the
| sinking without warning of the Amer
| lean steamer John Lambert by Ger
man submarine. Steps will be taken
to ascertain promptly the facts in the
case.