davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Imperial Valley press., 1916-03-29

Mayor Swanson this morning began
working to bring about the establish
ment of a branch of the Public Ii
brary at the West Side grammar
school building for the use
of the soldiers, and this excellent idea
probably will be carried out.
There can be no doubt that many
of the soldiers will be pleased to have
access to the books in the library,
and by having branch especially for
them this work will be facilitated.
Many Cars Pledged.
Ell Centro automobile owners today
readily took hold Of the plan Of the
Chamber of Commerce to organize an
automobile brigade to transport the
federal soldiers stationed here to any
point in the valley in case Of an emer-
gency, Up to noon today enough cars
lad been offered by leading Ell Cen
tro residents to move more than 100
infantrymen on short notice to any
point desired.
This plan, which meets with the
approval of Major J. T. Dean, COM
manding the Third battalion of the
Twenty-first infantry camped here,
was first suggested today, and the
telephone operator at the Barbara
Imperial Valley press., 1916-03-29
Engineer Corps to Be Formed.

Los Angeles, March 29.-With the
cooperation of the National Guard
and the regular army, an engineer
corps for California is to be formed
within the next sixty days. 1t is pro-
posed to enlist 1000 recruits in the
r, giment, which will be the equal of
any in the other states of the coun-
try.
The call is made in a spirit of pa
triotism and preparedness to all en-
gineers in the state-civil, mechanical,
mining, electrical and chemical
The corps will be organized to pur-
sue a systematic course of instruction
in the duties required by such men in
actual warfare. The work will be
undertaken at once in San Francisco,
Los Angeles, Sacramento and Oakland.
As interest is manifested in other cit
les companies will be formed.
1t is proposed by the organizers to
have at least a squad in every town
in the state where two or more en-
gineers reside. These men will be
made the unit of the companies and
battalions which are to be formed.
Governor johnson has assured the
organizers of the corps that no other
engineer corps is being considered by
the state government and Adjutant
General C. w. Thomas, Jr., has been
authorized to give the formation such
cooperation as he deems advisable to
insure success.
Imperial Valley press., 1916-03-29
Mav0r Swanson Asks for
Military Branch Library

Worth hotel was kept busy receiving
names, capacity Of cars, telephone and
garage addresses. This information
is all necessary 50 that the car own
ers may be located quickly.
This action is being taken in spite
of the fact that officials here insist
that no danger of border trouble is
apparent or even expected. 1t is SIM
ply the usual military precaution TAX
en- under similar conditions at any
point where a military camp is es-
tablished.
These cars are to be used only in
the event of an emergency and at no
other time. A plan for assembling
the cars for this purpose is TO be
worked out by Major Dean with the
cooperation of the Chamber of Com
merce.
Following is list of those offer
ing their cars for this service until to
1:30 o'clock this afternoon, together
with number of soldiers to be accom-
modated:
B. R. Brundage, seven.
W. A. Reams, four.
B. E. Colvin, six.
c. F. Nowlin, four.
l. A. Morgan, four.
F. A. Ross, four.
c. E. Coggins, six.
Clifford Coggins, four
A. l.. Richmond, six.
Barbara Worth hotel, sixteen.
O.. N. Sebastian, four.
j. X. Hermon, four.
R. H. Satterwhite, four
c. O. Bulls, four.
Bowles Garage, four.
A. l.. Luce, four.
O. E. Orr, four.
F. Anderson, four.
Harcleroad & Son nine.
w. T. Marshall, four.
P. Willis, four.
E. McFadden. four.
Imperial Valley press., 1916-03-29
State Bond Commission to Pass
On Sale of Canal System
Next Week---Direct0rs To
Be Present.

of the district will be present to give
the board any additional information
that may be desired.
1t is believed these two points COW
er the only possibility of failure OF
the transaction, and there is conse-
quentiy every reason to believe that
the end of the deal is in sight for
the near future, probably within d
month.
Imperial Valley press., 1916-03-29
10000 Tons of Shipping Sunk.

London, March DISCRIMINATING
the work of the Germans since March
IS, when their new program of sub
marine warfare against the Entente
powers began, the Daily Telegraph
says that they have in less than a
fortnight sunk 10000 tons of ship
ping, of which one-third belonged to
neutrals.
The Daily Telegraph probably COW
ers the period since the resignation of
Admiral Tirpitz, the leader of the
Germa nadmiralty, March Is, 1916.
Germany's new submarine campaign
went into effect March |.
Imperial Valley press., 1916-03-29
Germans Also Score.

Berlin, March 29.-Severa lines Of trenches north of
Malancour and miles northeast of Verdun have been
captured by the Germans the office announced to-
day. Nearly 500 prisoners taken. The Germans
smashed 1000 yards of the front This is the greatest
German gain in the Verdun region for two weeks The
Imperial Guards attacked the French salient between
Bethincourt and MalancOurt
Russian attacks at Narocz have been repused.
German airmen have bombarded Russian railway de-
pots and much supplies have been destroyed.
British DOckhands Strike
Liverpool March 29.-Ten thousand Mersey river
dockhands have struck An overtime dispute threatens
seriously to interfere with Atlantic shipping.
Imperial Valley press., 1916-03-29
Ammunition by Carloads.

Columbus, N. M. (deleted dispatch)
March pa considerable quantity OF
ammunition has been unloaded here
within the last few days, several car
loads arriving today. Whether or moi
this is to be sent to General Per
shng's command is not known.
(SiX words deleted) With the es-
tablishment of the new field base 12C
miles south Of Casas Grandos, the
vanguard of the force has reached a
point in the mountainous region where
motor cars are no longer available for
service and mules are to be used eX-
clusively for transport purposes.
Imperial Valley press., 1916-03-29
Irrigation District Bonds Have Been Vaidate(

election to be held on Fridap, April T.
The retiring member will be E. A.
Perkiss, whose term will expire al
that time. Mr.. Perkiss refuses to be
candidate for reelection.
The terms of two High School board
members-C. N. Perry and J. Stewart
Ross-will also expire at that time.
1t is definitely understood that both
will be candidates for reelection, and
no new names for the board have been
mentioned
Imperial Valley press., 1916-03-29
Pershing Reports Progress
In the Chase of Villa
Villa Headed for San hndreas

Ell Paso, Tex, March 29.-Dis-
patches from the front interpreted in
connection with news brought here by
Americans returning from different
points in the interior of Chihuahua
caused the belief here tonight that
Francisco Villa was headed for Sar
Andreas, about 25 miles southwest OF
Chihuahua City, favorite headquar-
ters of the bandit. He is thought to
be not less than so miles, and pos
sibly further, ahead of his pursuers.
Imperial Valley press., 1916-03-29
Department Celebrates New
Building by Street Dance

F. Seymour, Jr., were features of the
evening. The street was roped off
from traffic for distance of half a
block and well prepared for the use
of the dancers, with many electric
lights strung overhead and a special
preparation under foot to overcome
the slight roughness of the pavement.
Imperial Valley press., 1916-03-29

Fully 1,500 persons attended the
public street dance given last night on
the State street pavement by the fire
department to celebrate the compile
ton of the departments new head
quarters building.
Fireworks and a speech by Joseph
Imperial Valley press., 1916-03-29

Ell Paso, Tex, March 29-Injuries
sustained by inebriates have decreased
co per cent since the suppression of
the sale Of pulque in the federal dis
trict of Mexico two months ago, ac-
cording to dispatches received today
by Andres G.. Garcia, the Mexican con-
sui here. This figure is based On po-
lice records.
Imperial Valley press., 1916-03-29
SCHOOL BOARD
ELECTION FRIDAY

Mrs. Bales Walker announced def
nitely today that she will be can
didate for membership in the gram
mar school board of trustees at the
Imperial Valley press., 1916-03-29
Cotton Market,

Following are today's cotton quota
tions, as reported by Daily Brothers:
New Orleans Close.
May ................. .11.S3
July ................ ..12.O1
New York Close.
May .................. .11.99
Spots, 1915. Sales, 400.
Imperial Valley press., 1916-03-29

county prisoners worked out their
fines.
Since the prohibition law became eff
fective the number of prisoners at the
farm became so small that it did not
pay the county to hire guard for the
farm.
Imperial Valley press., 1916-03-29
Against Reyes Villistas.
French Make Big Gain
In Fight on West Front

Paris, March 29.-The French have captured 5000
yards of trenches at the south end of Avocourt woods it
is officially announced They have also seized important
forcaton works and German counter attacks have been
Iepulsed
The Germans have attacked Bethincourt Dead Mans
hill and Cumneres forest with artillery.
This success for the French arms is full offset to
the recent gains of the Germans and has brought renewed
confidence to the Allies of the ability of the French to
tinue to hold the German drive in check.
Imperial Valley press., 1916-03-29

Prohibition Works Changes.
Spokane. Wash, March 29.-Tho
board of county commissioners today
closed the county honor farm, where
Imperial Valley press., 1916-03-29
Ell Paso March 29-The report that Colonel Dodds
cavalry is at Madero close Villas heels is believed to
be confirmed by official headquarters.

American Headquarters near Dublan, Mexico March
29The fact that there is practice with machine guns
night and day is taken as significant that night attack
by Villistas is expected.
There has been report regarding Villas position
since he was located ITO miles south Of Dublan.
Supplies being sent forward to the advance troops
in ample quantities.
General Pershing has praised the aviators for the
bravery they have shown in working against great OBJ
stacles in the mountains.
San Antonio, March 29-The American expedition is
making rapid progress the pursuit Of Villa and General
Pershngs report of operations has encouraged the staff
at headquarters here.
In engaging Apaches from the Arizona reservations
only young will be taken. Old Indians who served
with Geronimo are unacceptable.
Against Reyes Villistas.
Monterey, Mexico, March ga campaign of exter-
mnation of Vilistas under Canuto Reyes has been
dered Generals Luis Alizondo, Ignace Ramos and Ma
tics Ramos already in the field The Carranza general
IreVino is directing the campaign from Monterey
Imperial Valley press., 1916-03-29
Another InOuiry.

Washington, March 29.-Ambassador Gerard at Ber-
lin has been instructed to inquire if Germany has any
formation regarding the sinking of the British steamer
Manchester the engineer Of which reported the vessel
was torpedoed without warning
Imperial Valley press., 1916-03-29
Englishman Was TOrpedOed.

Washington, March 29-The British steamer Eng
lishman sunk several days ago. first sheed by sub
marine when it attempted to escape and then orpe
doed after it had ceased fleeing according to affdavits
filed with the state department by the captain of the
sci and the American survivors.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-07-09

Before Plevna, in the Turco-Rus- sian war;; Skobeleff. Russian general, felt that his army was overcome and was about to order a retreat when he caught sight of the Imperial Guard band in the rear. He at once gave the order, that they play the Russian Ma tional anthem. This renewed the courage of his men and they swept over the Turcos utterly routing them.
 During our. own Civil War time and again music played it's part in victory and in charges. Although the famous Pickett's charge at Gettysburg ended in a failure for the Confederates it is recognized by military men as one of the worlds greatest exhibitions of courage and discipline. One of the survivors of this famous movement on being asked how he felt marching across the field and up the hill in the face of the Union guns, replied, We started out like a parade. our band was playing Dixie and we thought only of victory. . Then the enemy opened fire and men were moved down like grass before a sickle, but the band kept on and we went right into the mouth of the guns while there was music. but finally nearly every mem Der of the band lay dead upon the field and we were ordered to retreat. If we could have had more music we
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-07-09

section are crossways in every direc- ton which are not so wide or so well kept or so pleasant to travel through.
 Into The Depths.
 Flight o'clock has sounded. The faint rumble of the carriages, motors, and cars are heard in the streets over head. The grand boulevards are ablaze with life; the restaurants and the cafes, three meters above, are thronged with guests. But not so the subterranean arteries. They are dark and damp and deserted.
 "Only the flame from the rat-catch- er's lantern sheds a light. We adjust our gloves for we have to put out our hands and touch the conduits of water in order to guide our way; and they are sticky. Dayve leads; we follow, creeping along with bent backs. Our first sensation is blindness. It also seems for a moment that we are deaf for we hear nothing. We feel the solid ground under our feet, but it is wet and we slip. We advance with precaution, fearing hole or pit. In a few moments, however, we regain our confidence and our eyes become accustomed to the darkness. We dis tinguish the glow from the rat-catch- CTS lantern. It is easy to follow, but the dreariness of the place is oppres- sive. It-is stif1ing in the narrow alley
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-07-09

and its population. Here, underneath the gayest and brightest city in the world is an underground life which surpasses that of any other city.
 '"The sewers are cemented arch ways, broad and high. The main canal is eight feet wide and has sidewalks which are as clean as the streets of Dutch village. In the center are rails for the wheels of little carts which carry the plumbers, telegraphers and other repairmen backwards and for wards to their work on the pipes and cables.
 Running along the walls is an in- extricable trellis of pipes, some for gas, and others for the conveyance of clean water which eventually finds its way to the hydrants of the homes above. Flowing along the ground of the sewer is the rainfall and waste water which runs down the drains from the streets overhead. The sew age, properly called, does not enter, but this ground slime is loaded with debris from the streets. There are miles and miles of these sewers; whenever a new street Is built in Paris, a new arm of the sewer stretches forth.
 The main causeway, which Is showplace for visitors, runs from the Place de la Concorde to the Place du Chatelet. But leading off from this
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-07-09

used his musicians until the end hop ing against hope that the martial mu- sic might save the day Wellington. too, had his bands, and their music kept up the spirits of the men and went far toward winning the battle. Paintings of these scenes are now on exhibition in London and the pro ceeds are used to assist the families of the officers whose lives have been lost in England's cause. They are the work of Lady Butler and are excep- tionally fine canvasses.
 One of the Sultans presented Fred erick the Great with a set of one hun dred curious instruments which when played emitted curious squeals. The Sultan declared that these sounds kept the soldiers from hearing the cries. of the wounded. History does not record any use made of these instruments, which are now preserved in one of the German museums. During the Schles- ,wig- -Holstein war in 1S48, Prince Frederick Charles, the father of the Duchess of Connaught, ordered his bands to play hymns praying for vic- tory, and an hour or two later his prayers were answered. During the Franco-German war a general wrote to dquarters-"Lend me a thou sand men and the music of the Mar sellaise and will win" M ;.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-07-09

nation in some form or other. Flies came into favor sometime before the reign of James I. when they were withdrawn only to be restored by the Duke of Cum mberland in 1745, who re- introduced them into Guards, and the drums and flies took their place as a recognized body. distinct from the band, generally speaking, but a valu- able asset for marching purposes. The influence of the Crusades led to the adoption of the kettle drum. this in- strument being highly regarded and its capture by the enemy being deemed an important stroke for them. Some of the incidents of the plot of Shakes peare's "Alls Well That Ends WelP' hinge on the capture and recapture of a drum.
 Music In Past Campaigns.
 Napoleon was a firm believer in mu- sic as a campaign assistant. and he utilized it in his army with telling results. We all remember the story of his drummer boy who when told to beat a retreat declared that he did not know how, and when commanded again to beat out a retreat he gave the drumbeats for the advance and the soldiers on hearing this pulled them selves together for a charge and won a victory. At Waterloo. Napoleon
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-07-09

but we forget the heat. For the drama commences.
 ''Dayve sets to work. He slips into one of the side inches and places his lantern on a stone. This throws the light ahead. In it's luminous path we catch sight of two bright eyes gazing at us Ma fois! It is rat-the ob- ject of our visit. Dazzled and trem- bling, the poor little creature makes frightened movements to and fro. Dayve whispers to us to be quiet. He also tells us to observe that he em- ploys none of the ruses of the Apaches.
 "He advances towards the rat and utters a queer guttural cry Taking from his pocket small pebble, he throws it in the direction of the frightened animal. Alas! The un- happy rat is tempted. Here is enacted literally the old story of the hungered one who asked for bread and was given a stone.
 ""rhe rat jumps from right to left It is hypnotized by the thought of food so easily gained and attempts to move more quickly than it's adver- sary. Vain hopes-futile efforts! The rat-catcher is alert to but one thing the adroit hunter is lowered as promptly and stealthily as the rat moves. There is only one outcome; it
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-07-09

and Dayve has been a notable victor in many past contests. Indeed, he will tell you that he has exterminated more of the vermin than any other man alive. His peculiar little whistle his secret professionnel-is what turns the trick in his favor. Nowadays he deems twenty-five or thirty rats good catch for an evening. In former days he used to ensnare as many as two hundred.
 "Of course you understand that he is not the official rat-catcher of Paris: for Paris, despite the long-termed in- vasion of it's enemy has never made any move to systematically rid the sewers of these destroyers. Dayve is simply the chief rat-catcher of Paris and this by virtue of his ability and eminence through past achievements.
 After all, he will tell you, the pro- fession of rat catcher is by no means an insignificant one whichever way you look at it. Why once, he will ex- claim-if you are fortunate enough to corner him and make him talk about himself-during the early centuries the position of rat-catcher was royal one III JISldlu dHu us HOlQ6r Was dubbed Rat-Catcher to the King. He wore royal robes and was altogether a dignitary of superior standing. The profession possesses a standing which only age can give. In Italy in the seventeenth century itinerant rat catcherS went about in company with troubadors bearing proudly on their shoulders a flag. which represented by a drawing of a rat, the signao the craft. In China, where the rat, catcher holds equal dignity with our modern butcher-for the Chinese are as fond of rat as we are of beef-the native catcher carries as the ensignia of his profession a picture of a cat in a bag. So, you see, your descent into the sewers of Paris was made in com pany with a Frenchman who can trace the lineage of his profession back to the early middle ages and who prac- tises this profession today in mannerl which outrivals that of the famed Pied Piper of Hamelin.''
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-07-09

is inevitable for Dayve's hand is prac- despite it's squeaks and cries, it's days are numbered. Quick into the cage it goes. Victim number one has been caught.
 ,. "Dayve draws near the lantern to examine his prey more closely He seems disappointed, for this rat is not very large and has some malady which gives him dents in his skin. However, the body is well developed, so the rat catcher, decides to take him along Thus, the sewers of Paris are deprived of one more of their voracious guests.
 ''The brown rat, of all the victims captured by Dayve, is the most com- mon. These are as big as kittens and as pugnacious as full grown leopards Coming from north during the days of the Revolution, they have completely supplanted the black rat, which is now a rare species in the sewers of the French capital.
 Taking up his lantern, the rat catcher presses ahead for more of the game. For six hours we furrow in the galleries and twenty rats, grace the little wire cage with their presence. Each time a rat was caught the same little drama was enacted-the peculiar whistle from Dayve, then the tempt ing morsel and then the capture. Dayve considers that a good nights work has been done, so we emerge into the sweet air and brilliant light of the city.
 Work Of A Rat Catcher.
 .'Then we have chance to chat with our rat-catcher about his work And the first question that we ask him is what he does with the rats after he catches them. He tells us that the city is developing a corps of dog rat-catchers. It purchases rats for use in training these dogs. Also, the city has an organization which fights the plague of rats by paying for all that are caught These societies encourage rat-catching competitions
The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-07-09


 mean?' Then he laughed, this Parisian friend of mine, and I knew that he was indulging in a mild little joke at my expense.
 ss Beneath the gay streets of the cap- ital of F'rance-La Vile Lumiere-are the trenches of an enemy" he said by way of explanation, "an enemy that centuries of French officials have tried to exterminate in short, the rats of the sewers of Paris" T O! l breathed sigh of relief. Do you remember the Pied Piper of Hamelin, who charmed the rats by hfs magic music, and Jean Vatican, tue ill-fated hero of Les Miserables, who hid in the network of Parsian sewers to elude the pursuit of the po- lice? In Paris today lives man from whom neither of these heroes could have any secrets.
 s.He is the catcher of rats in the sewers of Paris-Henri Dayve-who charms the bewhiskered nibblers, as did the Pied Piper, from the very un- derground passages where Jean Val jean is said to have hid. A much respected citizen is Henri Dayve, and jovial character. who is friends with everyone in the Quarter Buttes- Chaumont, where he lives, happy in his Bohemian philosophy, never blam- ing fortune and always content with his lot Small but thick-set, he hardly appears to be the sixty years of age