davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
PEACE NOTE NOT
WELL INTERPRETED

London, Dec. 26.-Professor A. F..
Pollard, who holds the chair of Eng
lish history in London university,
writes to the Times urging that while
1T is clear that somebody blundered
regarding the phraseology and pre-
sentation Of President Wilson's note,
it is also clear that the people here
are also hlundering in interpreting it.
1--WE have to remember" writes
Professor Pollard, "that it is ad-
dressed to our enemies as well as to
ourselves and has therefore to OBJ
serve the diplomatic conventions and
to assume the sincerity of enemy pro-
fessions. Secondly, we should re.
member our own procedure before the
war. We addressed an Identical in
qusry respecting German neutrality to
France and Germany. France gave
prompt and satisfactory assurances.
Germany evaded the question and in
vaded Belgium.
Immediate war between the United
States and ourselves is out of the
question, because we are bound by a
recent treaty to a cooling off period
Of not less than year. Germany re-
fused that restraint and the imme
diate issue therefore turns, to Ger
many's reply to the presidents note"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
VILLA At ToRREoN.

Washington, d. c., Dec. 26. Villa Is
giving protection to those foreigners
who remained in Torreon after he took
the city, according to official advices to
the state department today, which add
ed that the party of foreigners who
fed with British Consul O'Hea before
the capture Of the city were blocked
at San Luis Potosi because the bandits
had cut the railroad line northward
toward Saltillo.
The Villa bands thus have cut Car
ranza's communication by railway
from the border. Army men take it as
part. of Villas plan of campaign. They
now expect Villa to send force to-
ward either Saltillo or Monterey while
the Cedillo brothers, operating further
east complete the division of north and
south by interrupting traffic over the
railway between San Luis Potosi and
Tampico. the line over which a great
part of the oil for the Carranza troops
trains are moved. Philip M. Keefe,
American manager of hotel in Mex
leo was arrested a few days ago on
the charge of seditious activities. The
state department has ordered an inves-
tigation
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
S. O. S. CALL HEARD
Reseuers Rushing Out to Sea in Hope
Of Assisting Crew of Steamer
That ls Sinking.

New York, Dec. 26.-The coastwise
steamship City of Savannah and the
coast guard cutter Acushnet, today
hurried to- the assistance of the steam
ship Maryland, which shortly after
midnight sent out messages stating
that she was sinking and asking i'm
mediate aid. The Maryland gave her
position as latitude 80, longitude 81,
or about $50 miles east of Sandy
Hook.
Since the first call for help. which
was picked up by wireless stations in
this city and at the naval station at
Newport, r. l., no further word was
received from the Maryland, and 1t
was believed that the vessels wire
less had been put out Of commission
owing to the flooding Of the engine
room and the consequent hack OF
power.
Although two steamships named
Maryland are listed in the maritime
register one q British vessel Of 1852
tons, and the other an American of
1892 tons, 1t is believed that the lat
ter Is the vessel in distress off the
coast The American ship left Phila-
deaphia December % for London with
cargo Of oil and iron pipe. paper
and miscellaneous merchandise. She
is owned BY the New York, Phila-
delphia and Norfolk railroad company.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
WIRE SERVICE IN
IOWAINTERRUPTED
UNPRECEDENTED STORM SWEEPS
STATE AND PLAYS HAVOC
WITH TELEGRAPH.

Des Moines, Dec. 26. Telephone
and telegraph companies throughout
Iowa today reported Interruptions OF
service as the result of the sleet storm
which swept the state last night Ac-
cording to the local weather bureau
the atmospheric conditions accom-
panying the storm were almost unpre-
cedented. Snow, rain, sleet and hail
fell within five minutes Of each other
in Des Moines and throughout the
state thunder and lightning was re-
ported.
Telegraph companies asserted today
that they were unable to get into di-
rect communication with points east
of the Mississippi or west of the
Rocky mountains. Transcontine
telephone service was interrupted for
more than two hours by break at
Earlham. Wires throughout the state,
it was asserted are covered with ice
as the result OF last nights sleet storm
and a drop Of temperature. which is
predicted by the weather bureau, it is
thought will break many of the lines
and hold up not only telegraph but
also train service.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
PEACE NOW MEANS
DEFEAT OF ALLIES
RUSSIAN PAPER SAYS NONE OF
THE ENTENTE AIMS ARE
REALIZED.

Petrograd, Dec. "a, Sunday. via Lon
don, Dec 6.-(Delayed)-
the forthcoming reply to the peace
proposals, the Rech says:
The official reply cannot state that
the entente allies aim to bring the
Turkish empire to an end in order to
remove forever German aims of world
dominion, or that the allies will de-
mand reorganization of Austria-Hun
gary in order to make impossible the
fulfillment Of German ideas regarding
central Europe which form the first
step of their program for world power
Diplomacy cannot suggest these terms
until the allies have laid the firm
foundation for success of their pres
ent military tasks. But by saying less,
diplomacy would acknowledge result
of the war unsuccessful for the allies
Italy has not occupied Trieste,
France has not created a firm frontier
along the Rhine, England has not
destroyed the German fleet nor have
pling the German land forces; and
therefore there are no guarantees for
the future in national relations which
will free the world from the oppres-
sion of militarism."
The Rech says that even if Germany
should make the unexpected conces-
sion of relinquishing territorial gain
and restoring ante-bellum conditions,
the aims of the allies would not be full
filled and that the only terms accept
able to Russia would be those dictated
by herself and her allies.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
ARMING OF SHIPS
PROVIDES PROBLEM

Washington. D. c.. Dec. 2S.-The re
ports that Great Britain contempiates
shipping American supplies hereafter
from Halifax attracted much attention
in German circles.
This was considered in connection
with the recent demand of Lord North
ciiffe that all merchant ships be arm.
ed fore and aft for fighting submarines.
This would mean that such ships no
longer could enter ports of the United
States. 1t is thought probable that
Great Britain would convoy them with
destroyers.
This development. 1t is argued, should
give the American government no CON
cern. On the contrary, it should be
hailed with delight and relief.
The only possible effect it could have
in practical operation would be to re.
move submarine warfare from its pres.
ent scope of endangering all ships.
Such activities probably would be d.
rected then against vessels plying be
tween Canada and other British ports
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
NEUrRALs 70 ACT.

Washington, D. c., Dec. 26-1ndica.
tions accumulated in ofiicial quarters
here today that the action Of Switzer-
land in supporting the recent peace
move Of the United States may be fol.
lowed by similar action on the part
Of other European neutrals.
Holland, Spain, the Scandinavian
countries and the pope, it was said. are
expected to take some action in the
near future.
DR.. Paul Ritter, the Swiss minister,
called at the white house today to
gather information on how the Swiss
peace note had been received in this
country.
DR.. Ritter was concerned over
newspaper reports that the action Of
the Swiss government was construed
as support for the cause of the CEN
trail powers. He told Secretary Tumul-
ty it was solely in the interest Of
peace.
Messages from individuals and or
ganizations in Holland and other neu-
trail European nations continued to ar
rive at the white house today in large
numbers. All commended the presi-
dent for his recent note and indicated
that strong pressure was being
brought on the governments Of Euro
pean neutrals to take action.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
SEA FIGHTERS MEET
Austrians Report Sinking OF Several
Eneany Vessels In An Engage
ment in Southern Waters.

Berlin, Dec. 26. (By Wireless to Say
ville)- Two allied patrol boats were
sunk and four other allied warships
were damaged in the recent naval en-.
gagement in the strait of Otranto. the
Austrian admiralty announces Two
Austrian destroyers were hit.
The announcement says:
"On the night of December 22-23
four Austro- Hungarian destroyers
made raid on the Otranto strait and
after an engagement sank two armed
patrol boats. On their way back at
least six hostile destroyers of greater
size and speed evidently of the Indom-
ito class, blocked their way. A violent
combat with guns ensued. One hostile
destroyer was set on fire and three
others were hit several times at short
range. The enemy's sea forces, among
which was one vessel of q more power
full and unknown type, were routed.
''One of our destroyers was hit
twice in the funnel and another was
hit in the superstructure One man
was killed. There were no wounded"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
NO WORD YET.

New York. Dec 26.-The Mexican
members Of the joint Mexican-Ameri.
can commission has received no word
from General Carranza regarding the
American communication up to lis
o'clock this afternoon, it was stated
here by Luis Cabrera, chairman Of the
Mexican delegation.
Mr.. Cabrera was in conference
throughout the day with his associ-
ates, Commissioners Pani and Bonil
las. He ascribed the meeting as one
at which they were discussing import
ant matters" but further than that he
declined to say anything definite, ex.
cept that nothing had been heard from
Mexico City. He said that the session
will continue until tonight and that
any statement concerning results
must come from the joint commission
as a whole.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
FINANCIAL RELATIONS
BEING ARRANGED

Washington, D. c., Dec. 26.-The
government today took its first formal
step through the federal reserve board
looking to the establishment OF
financial connections abroad through
which It hopes to strengthen the
position OF the United States as a
world banker and to maintain the
American dollar as the standard OF
exchange.
Under section Of the federal re.
serve act the board authorized the ap-
pointment OF the Bank Of England as
q foreign correspondent of the federal
reserve bank Of New York and an.
nounoed that the eleven other reserve
banks might participate in the agency
relations.
Connections with other foreign gov
enmental institutions such as the
Bank Of England is foreshadowed
officials say, by today's action.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
.MED|ATORS ARE
At END OF ROPE
u. S. and Mexican Conferees
Find Work Has About
Come to Naught

Washington, D. c., Dec 26.-Unless
General Carranza returns a favorable
answer today to the last communica.
tion made to his commissioners by the
American representatives week ago
at Philadelphia, the negotiations will
come to an end.
At Philadelphia, Carranza submit
ted counter proposal, which was in
effect rejection of the agreement en-
tered into by the commissioners. The
Americans replied that they could not
consider the counter protocol and in
sisted that the agreement must either
be ratified or definitely repudiated.
In the event that Carranza agrees to
the terms Of the protocol it is expect.
ed that the session will be resumed
one week from today.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
PORTO RICO USED
FOR WAR TRAFFIC

San Juan, Dec. 20-(Corespond-
ence of the Associated Press)-Porto
Rico has been used as base OF sup
plies for revolutionary ammunition for
Santo Domingo, In the belief of q. S.
officials here who recently discovered
and confiscated large quantity of re-
volver and rife shells concealed in
barrels Of Goldfish and destined for the
neighboring republic.
Two arrests were made following
the confiscation of the ammunition but
when grand jury investigation fol-
lowed it was discovered that although
the smuggling of ammunition into
Santo Domingo was prohibited that
there was no punishment provided by
the law prohibiting it.
During the administration of Presi-
dent Roosevelt, congress passed a
Joint resolution authorizing the pres
ident to issue proclamation forbid
ding the sending Of munitions Of war
into Santo Domingo but the proclama-
ton was the only prohibition on rec
ord
Ohicials here believe that the sys-
tematic trahicking in munitions has
been broken up.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
SERVES LONG TERN
BUT is IN AGAIN

Kansas City. Mo-, Dec. 26.-Wheu
John NJ. Leonard. an attorney, com
pleted his twenty-first year in prison
since 1892, and was released from
the federal prison at Leagenworth,
,Kas.. he had visions Of a Christmas
in the open There remained one
more charge, however, still unsatls-
fled in the eyes of law, and Leonard
left here last night in custody of fed
eral officers to stand trial in New
York on a charge of robbing the post
office at Fishkill of $500 in money
orders. His personally conducted
fight against extradition won he
commendation of U. s. Judge Pollock.
but failed to obtain his liberty.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
EIGHT HOUR DAY
ATWATERW0RKS
Bulletin Posted Christmas
Day Reduces Time and
Increases the Wage

Employees of the Ottumwa Water
works were given nice Christmas
present by the commission in charge
Of this big public utility that is
municipality managed
The employees reporting for duty
Christmas day found bulletin posted
in the engine room stating that be-
ginning January 1, 1917, three shifts
of eight hours each would replace the
present two-shift plan in vogue at the
plant.
This will necessitate the employ,
ment of two additional men at the
plant to meet the new working con
ditiOns.
The change also carries with it an
increase in wages to many of the en-
ployes as some fifteen to twenty will
receive IS more in their monthly pay
check
With the west dam finished and a
stream of water pouring regularly
over the big wheel at the power plant,
the energy necessary to operate the
plant Is provided without the use OF
coal that has in some months cost
as high as $1.700, which makes big
saving in running expenses.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
ITALIANS DRILL
ANOTHER CLASS

Rome, Dec. 25. via Paris, Dec. 30
The feeling Of peace in the air has
not affected in the slightest measure
Italy's military activity. The new
class, those born in 1898, has been
called to report to the colors Janu-
ary /, which will considerably increase
the contingents available for the
front, while $500 factories are run.
ming day and night turning out arms
and munitions.
From the peaks of Trentino to the
shores of the Adriatic Christmas
passed in vigilant watching varied in
some spots by sudden attacks. not.
withstanding fearful weather condi
tions. Snow in the mountains is fiji
teen feet deep.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
DIES TRYING TO
STEAL FOR kids"
CHICAGO BAD MAN MORTALlY
WOUNDED BY SPECIAL RAIL
ROAD POLICEMAN.

Chicago, Dec. rs. 1t was tough to
be broke on Christmas, tough to have
to prowl box cars for a little Yuletide
stuff for the wife and kid; yet one
could bear that. But to die OF Dai-
let hole in the knee
No wonder Max Fritschie wouldn't
tell his name, but went to his death
yesterday with sneer for the eoppers
who sent them thither with such an
ingiorious wound.
And so while Max's unshriven soul is
seeking lodgment elsewhere Mrs. Frits-
chic and the hid are wondering why he
doesn't come home with the gifts he
went to fetch.
1t being Christmas eve. Max and
his companion could not we'll be annoy
ed by such inferior obstacles as special
railway policemen. Hence they admin
isterei drubbing to Policeman Koahl
in the yards of the Chicago and Wes-
tern Indiana Railroad company. Koahl
was taken to hospital.
1t began to look as il Santa Claus
would have to be dragged forth over
the bodies OF beatens policemen. for in
their path, Koahl being disposed Of.
appeared another special policeman,
Zorn by name.
But Zorn had learned there is only
one thing quicker than light. and that
is gunman, so he stepped behind a
box cer and blazed away After while
he poked his head out and walking a
ehort distance, he came upon Fritschie
wounded in the knee and slowly bleed
ing to death. Fritschie wouldn't talk.
Zorn called patrol wagon and Frit-
schie was taken to the Peoples hos
pital. They asked him his name.
''prown." be said, no home
After a while, weakness coming up
on him. he gave other names.
1--WE been mp against every kind OF
death there is" he mumbled, but
here go an get bumped of with a
clip in the knee. l guess the old lady
and the kid'll have to wait"
And he did And as he lay there a
couple of grizzled old detective ser
geants came in.
Hello" said they in vast surprise.
Max Fritschie, Done time in Joliet
and fast worker. That'll be a tough
Christmas for his wife and kid"
It was.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
RUMOR OF GERMAN
RAIDER REVIVED

Newport News, Va. Dec. 26. Off
GERS OF the Portuguese steamer. Faro,
in here today for coal. denied that
their ship was the mysterious craft
which encircled the American steamer,
Sucrosa, on December % south of
Diamond Shoals lightship as reported
by the Sdcrosa yesterday on her ar
rival in New York.
The Faro formerly was the German
steamer Galata laid up in Portugal at
the outbreak Of the war and later TAX
en- over by Portuguese interests. The
Sucrosa's report of the incident reviv-
the Atlantic.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
ARGENTINE FLEET
IS DISAPPEARING

Buenos Aires, Argentina, Dec. 26. =
The whiting away Of the Argentine
merchant marine. freighters, passen'
ger boats and fishing feet. Continues
rsp&diy. owing to the foreign demand
for vessels. The best known of the
shipping companies in the River
Platte has parted with number OF
passenger and cargo steamers without.
1t appears, any immediate intention OF
replacing them. The sale Of two more
river boats is announced, the purchas-
ers being European firms who have
paid 100000 pounds sterling for them.
Two modern tugs have also been dis
posed of for $4,000 pounds the pair.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
PROBLEMS OF WAR
TO BE CONSIDERED

Washington, D. c.. Dec. 26.-War
time problems will be among those
considered at the u. S. Chamber Of
Commences annual meeting here be-
ginning January 81. 1t is expected that
the attendance will be the largest in
the history of the organization.
The railroad situation. national de-
fense. daylight saving and other i'm
portant questions win be discussed at
the meeting. Results of a referendum
now being taken by the chamber
among it's affiliated organizations on
the railroad problem, particularly the
prevention OF strikes and lockouts, also
will be announced.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
GERMANS REPLY
To PEACE NOTE;
READY TO HOLD.
B|GCONF FERENCE
Offer Is Made to Meet the
Entente Group to Talk
Over a Settlement
FRENCH SOCIALISTS
CHEER WAR TALK

Berlin, Dec 26. (By Wireless to say
ville)- The text of Germanys answer
to President Wilson's note was trans
mitted today to James w. Gerard, the
American ambassador.
The answer which also contains the
reply of Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria
and Turkey,ssays:
The high minded suggestion made
by the president of the United states
Of America in order to create a Dasls
for the establishment of lasting
peace have been received and conslo-
cred by the imperial government IN
the friendly spirit which was express
ed in the presidents communication.
."The presidentopoints out that which
he has at heart and leaves open the
choice Of road.
aTo the imperial government an I'M
mediate exchange of views seems TO
be the most appropriate road IN ordef
to reach the desired result.
1T begs therefore If the sense OF the
declaration made on December II
which offered hand for peace nego-
tiations to propose an immediate meet.
ing of delegates of the beligeren1
states at neutral place.
"The imperial government Is also OF
the opinion that the great work OF
preventing further wars can be begun
only after the end of the present strug'
gle of the nations.
"It will, when this moment shall
have come, be ready with pleasure to
collaborate entirely with the United
States in this exalted task
The answer of the central powers
concludes with the usual diplomatic
terms Of politeness,
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
LOCAL MINISTER
RECEIVES GALE

Rev. E. w. Faris Holler has recoe
ed call to the Presbyterian pastnnj
ate at New London and has sent hiG|
resignation to the Benton Street Pre-
byterian church here. of which he hGa;
been pastor for some time. A meet
ing of the presbytery has been called
and will meet at Y. NJ. G. A. Saturday
to accomplish the dissolution Of tho
pastoral relation
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
Yoo1n KILLS SELF.

Rock Island. H.. Dec. 26. AM
taking part in Christmas family ce1
bration at the home OF his parents "
terday, Carl E. Thornbloom, 81 yea1
old, went to his room and shot htmsa|
dying two hours later. He left no Z
PLANTATION.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26

The Indomito class consists Of ter
Italian destroyers 239 feet long, armed
with one AZ inch gun and four IL
Founders. The official Italian account
of this engagement, received last night
said two French, destroyers and one
italian patrol boat were damaged
slightly.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
WAR VETERAN DIES.

Seattle. Wash. Dec. 26.-Hollon
Richardson. 81 years old. who was
brigadier general of the Seventh
Wisconsin brigade in the civil war.
died Sunday at his home in Keyport,
near here, it was learned today. He
took part in General Meade's council
of war the night OF the first day of
the battle of Gettysburg and was
present when General Lee surrendered
to General Grant at Appomattox.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
NEW POLISH MONEY.

Warsaw, Saturday. (Via Berlin and
Wireless to The Associated Press, to
Sayyille) Dec. 26-Governor General
von Bessler has signed an order Gre
ating the Polish state credit {, bank,
which shortly will issue new paper
currency in Polish marks of value
equivalent to German marks and guar
anteed by the German government.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
70 SCATTER MANS ASHES.

Kansas City, Mo-. Dec. 26.-After
cremation here today Of the body of
George Owen. his ashes will be scat
tered over Lake Michigan as he re-
auested Owen WAS founder of the
Society to Abolish Poverty and editor
of it's magazine. His widow, Mrs. Har-
rietta Owen. and one son, Edwin h.
Owen, of Chicago, survive.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
SEVERAL SHIPS
WRECKED BY GALE

Nantucket, Mass, Dec. 26. - The
schooner Roger Drury was sunk OF
Great Point, the schooner Daniel Nc
Loud was stranded on the northern
end Of the Rip off the point, and the
British schooner Rayola was wrecked
on the southern end of the Rip in a
northwest gale today. The crews OF
al were rescued
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-26
BLIZZARD COMING.

Norfolk, h'eb Dec. 20. "A blizzard
is headed this way from the northwest
according to dispatches from various
points Winner, 8. d., and Long Pine,
Neb., report heavy snow fails with the
mercury registering ten degrees below
zero at the latter place