davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-12-14
ARCHDUKE STEPHEN
TO RULE IN POLAND
Austrian Prince Selected as Regent of
New Kingdom, Is Report From
Warsaw, the Capital

Warsaw, December 1S.-(via Lon
don.)-Archduke Stephen Of Austria
has been selected to be regent of Po-
land with the prospect of election of
King later.
Archduke Charles Stephen. a cousin
of the late Emperor Francis Joseph. is
commander of the Austrian navy He
lis Sc years old. 1t has been reported
several times in the last two years
that he had been selected for the
throne of the new kingdom to be es-
tablished in the Polish territory cap
tured from Russia.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-12-14
GREEK AND FRENCH
TROOPS FIGHTING
IS BERLIN REPORT
It Is Claimed That There
Has Been a Clash and the
Town of Katerina
Taken

Berlin, December 13.--Wia Sayville.)
Fighting is in progress between Greek
regular troops and the French. the Over
seas News agency announces
The news agency say the fighting IS
taking place north of Katerina, about 60
miles southwest of Saloniki. and that the
Greeks have force of 5000 men.
The town of Katerina has been cap
tured by the Greeks, the news agency
says the French line Of positions hav-
ing been pierced. The Greeks are said
TO have taken UP line between Borbotz-
ko and Katerina.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-12-14

delivered before a formal reply is framed
by the allies, and that in the meantime
very clear idea of what that reply
is to be and how any attempt at media
ton by neutrals would be viewed will
be gained through diplomatic channels.
ALLIED OPINION FOLLOWED
The trend of public opinion in Great
Britain, France and Russia is being fol-
lowed closely and the American ambas-
sailors in those countries have been in
structed to forward promptly any avail
able indication of official views.
President Wilson's only conference ON
the subject today was with Col. E. NJ.
House. his personal friend and adviser.
Il was suggested during the day that the
President might discuss the situation in
general terms before the annual confer
ence of governors here tomorrow, but
he had not decided tonight whether he
would accept an invitation to address the
governors and had given no indication
of what might be the subject if he did
speak.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-12-14
GERMAN CASUALTIES
NOW REACH 1921, 1863
This Is According to Estimate Made
by British From Official Lists
Issued in Berlin

London, December 13.-The total Ger
man casualties, excluding those in the
naval and colonial services, reported in
the German official lists for November.
says a British official statement. issued
today, was 166, 176 officers and men, max
ing the total German losses in killed,
wounded and missing since the war broke
out, S921.S69.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-12-14
EXACT STATUS OBSCURE

The situa ton in the region OF Katerina
has been somewhat obscure since late
November 4, when French and Greek
royalist troops were reported to be ap-
parently on the point of clash over pos
session of the city. There had been pre-
vious trouble there between royallst and
venizelist forces and General Sarrail. the
entente commander. sent French force
to occupy the town. presumably in the
carrying out of his purpose to establish
CONTINUED ON Page seven)
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-12-14

Washington, December 13.-President
Wilson's support for the bill pending in
Congress for the purchase of Monticello.
the home of Thomas Jefferson, was asked
today by Mrs William Cumming Story,
president general of the Daughters of the
American Revolution. The President ia
vors the bill. Mrs. Story explained that
the Daughters do not want to be placed
in charge of the estate.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-12-14
Further Restrictions on
Alcoholic Beverages Are
Proposed Now in France

Paris. December 13.-Premier BRAND
announced to the chamber of depu-
ties today that he had decided to ask
parliament to enact legislation provid-
ing for a further restriction in the
consumption of alcoholic beverages
throughout France,
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-12-14
FIGHTING NEAR MoNAsTIR
GERMANS APPROACH BUZEU

Berlin. December 13.-(By Sayville.)
The Teutonic forces in Rumania are
approaching the town of Buzeu in
lighting their way northeastward. the
war office announced in tonights
statement Renewed attacks by Servian
forces on the Macedonian front also are
reported. The statement reads:
artillery fire on the Somme and on
the east bank of the Mouse tVerdun
region) temporarily increased in in
tcnsity
Then army (Rumanian 'front.'
has neared Buzeu.
EAST of the cerna Macedonian
front) new Servian attacks have been
begun"
Petrograd. December 13-(Via Lon
DON Russian troops yesterday cap
tured a line of Teuton trenches on
CONTINUED on Page Ninc)
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-12-14
MUSCLE SHOALSI IS
GIVEN SOLID VOTE
AT MORE ok MEET
Commercial Congress Rati-
flies Action of Committee
in Favoring Alabama
Site for Nitrate Plant
BY HUGH w. ROBERTS


Norfolk, Va, December 13.
tspeeiaI)-Every southern state
through formal action of the
Southern Commercial congress
taken late tonight calls upon
President Wilson to designate
Muscle Shoals as the source Of
power for the operation Of the
$2O.00O,0OO nitrate plant, which the
government will construct.
Following addresses by Secretaries Red
field and Daniels, Leland Hume of Nash
vile. chairman of the resolutions COM
mittee, made the report of his committee.
The resolutions, included in which was
that urging the President to designate
Muscle Shoals. We're adopted with con-
enthusiasm and without debate.
Alabamians and Tennesseans who led
the fight in Norfolk for the adoption of
the Muscle Shoals resolutions believe that
the result of the congress, expressive of
the sentiment of every southern state,
will have powerful bearing on the Presi-
dent when he considers sites for the nj
trate plant. This action, following SO
close on the heels of the one taken by
the National Farmers union in Palatka,
last month, is considered of greatest inn
portance. 1t is proof that the south, ex-
itself through its several states
in unison, has put aside selfish interests.
and united on the only available site for
the good of the section as whole
Senator Fletcher of Florida was re-
elected president Of the congress this
afternoon and on the board of directors
Governor Henderson of Alabama and AL
bert p. Bush of Mobile were named New
York was selected as the next place Of
meeting.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-12-14

New York, December REPRESENTATIONS
in the transatlantic marine war risk in
surance rates We're caused by Germany's
peace proposals. From 10 per cent yes
terday there was sharp drop I'd per
cent, rise again to 10. and recession
today to 5 per cent Mediterranean rates
firm at 10 per cent.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-12-14
NO HASTY ACTION
WILL Be I AlxEN IN
REPLy|NE TO NOTE
Indications 4os Allies VIII
Give Care ) Considera-
ton to Pc : e Proposal
BRITISH OFFICIALS
WITHHOLD COMMENT
Opinion Is Expressed, However, in
Some Quarters That Germany
Only Wants to Gain Time
by Armistice

London, December 13.--The Ger
man peace proposals made little
apparent progress in winning IA
vorab1e British sentiment during
the first "a hours of the animated
discussion on the subject by the
public and press. The general
trend of this discussion continues
highly critical, but there is some
indication that the first impulse OF
irritation will be succeeded by
calmer and more conservative
view in some influential political
quarters.
This disposition not hastily to
refuse to listen to the proposition
is reflected in the Westminster
Gazette, usually classed as a lib
eral journal favorable to ex-Pre-
mier Asquith, which urges that
the German peace move calls for
high degree Of British states
manship and constructive policy.
Meantime no authoritative express
sion has come from the new gov
eminent, though the press, which usu-
ally reflects the views of the leading
members. is virtually unanimous
against negotiations.
Up to a late hour tonight the for
eign office had not received the Ger
man proposals and was unaware
whether definite terms had been pre-
sented
OFFICIAL COMMENT WITHHELD
The disposition this morning was 70
withhold comment, inasmuch as the act
ral proposals had not been received. or
50 far as was known, transmitted, to
the British government, or other menu
bers of the entente. 1t was expected
that this first formality would be accom-
plished quickly and that there would be
disclosed what thus far had been largely
a matter of conjecture whether any spe-
cific terms have been put forward by
the Teutonic allies
One of the factors which, according to
ar opinion expressed here, initiates
against acceptance, is that the opening
of negotiations would necessarily be fol-
lowed by an armistice.
No specific suggestion of an armistice
is made. so far as Is indicated by the
unofficial reports received. but it is said
the precedent of 1866. in the Austro-Ger-
man peace negotiations, and of 1870. in
the Franco-German negotiations. estab-
fishes that an armistic and suspension
OF all military activity follows the open
ing of negotiations.
TO GERMANY'S ADVANTAGE
The view expressed here is that Ger
many would have the most to gain from
an armistice, owing to recent letters de-
scribing losses on various fighting fronts
and economic stripgencies within Tell
tonic territory. For that reason the pros
poets of an armistice is not regarded with
favor in London, and the suggestion is
advanced that one of the chief motives
CONTINUED on Page Severn
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-12-14
Official Vote IN Nevada

Reno. New, December 13.-President
Wilson received plurality of 5649 in
Nevada, according to the official vote.
made public today by the secretary of
state. The vote for President was:
Wilson, 1916; Hughes. 12.127: Benson,
1905; Hanly, $40.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-12-14
Would Expand Parcel
Post for Food Products

Washington. December l3.-With a
view to reducing the high cost of liv-
ing. Representative Emerson of Ohio
today introduced a resolution asking
the Postmaster General to report with
in 10 days on the advisability OF de-
creasing the rate. increasing the weight
limit and abolishing the zone system
on all parcel post packages containing
toodstuffs.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-12-14
IOFFRE, DEPOSED,
PLACED AT HEAD
TECHNICAL BOARD
Appointment of Nivelle to
Chief Command in Field
Is Popular One With
the People

Paris, December 13.-In conformity with
the change in military command an
nounced last night, President Poincaire
today signed a decree naming General
Joffe. commander-in-chef of the French
armies, technical counsel of government
regarding the direction of the war;"
Another decree declares that the COM
manders-in-chief of the armies of the
north and northeast and of the army OF
the Orient shall exercise command in
conformity with the DEGREES of October
2S. 1913 and December. 1918, which made
the commander-in-chief Of the armies IN
the field responsible directly to the minis
ter of war.
The effect of this decree is to make
both General Nivelle and General Sarrai,
commander of the entente forces in Mace
donia. responsible directly to the war
office and Independent Of the commander
mischief.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-12-14
FRANCE CONSIDERS
OFFER OF GERMANY
AS ONLY MANEUVER
Proposition Is Rejected in
Authoritative Quarters as
Being Trick of Enemy
FORMAL NOTE is NOT
RECEIVED AT PARIS
II Reply Is Made, 1t Is Reported, 1t
Will Be After Thorough Consulta-
ton With Allies-The
Press Is Bitter

Paris, December 13.-The French
government has as vet received no
official notice of Germany's peace
note to neutrals.
IL reply is made to the Ger
man note it will be only after
consultation with the allies of
France and such conversations
would require considerable time.
Inquiry in resonsible quarters to-
day ELECTED tne opinion that Ger
many's suggestion is a maneuver
second, to impress neutrals, third.
as a test of public opinion i'm bel
Iigerent countries with the chance
of some reaction there.
Germany's suggestion is rejected
in authoritative quarters, where 1T
is considered to be a repetition in
more concrete form of the peace
discussions originating In Berlin
from time to time in the last 10
months.
"CLUMSY TRAP" SAYS PRESS
Paris, December 13.-''A clumsy trap
is the caption under which the morning
papers print Chancellor Won Bethmann-
Hollweg's speech in the Reichstag.
1.-THE time for feints is over" says the
Petit Journal. I'VE are no longer in the
pi essence of the trial efforts of those per
sistent appeals to interviewers and news
paper articles. Chancellor Won Beth
mann-Hollweg summoned the Reichstae
not to hear his speech. but to be con-
fronted with an act. We do not know II
at Berlin there are people SO naive as
to imagine that the allies are likely to
swallow this clumsy bait, even on the
morrow of the events in Rumania. In
any case, Field Marshal Won linden
burgs statement shows that the mill
tary cherish no such illusion. What is
still more certain is that the treacher-
T.is German move aims at something else
than genuine peace. 1t seeks an internal
and external effect In Germany it is
intended to convince the people that the
government is not responsible for the
sacrifices imposed and that it's adver-
saries alone are responsible for the con-
TIM alton of the struggle. A broad de-
sire to persuade the neutrals that the
allies are pursuing a policy of ambition
is Observed. That is the explanation OF
the pretended moderation in the tone OF
the speech.
GERMANY SHOWS WEAKNESS
The chancellor merely emphasized es-
ssntia: weakness which temporary sue
cesses cannot hide the Petit journal
continues. 1T is because Germany
knows that she cannot win, that she de-
sires to end the war. Her plan, how
ever. is doomed. 1t will fail before the
iinmovable resolution of the allies
The Matin characterizes the peace pro
posals as mere talk saying:
''They contain no territorial. politica
CONTINUED ON Page Seven)
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-12-14

The cablegram had not been received
at the state department tonight and in
the meantime all officials were most reti-
cent about discussing the situation. 1t
is understood that the communication will
be transmitted promptly to the entente
governments regardless of what atti-
tude may be adopted by the United
States, and for this reason there is u
general belief that any steps taken by
the United States on its own account
will come after formal delivery of the
proposals from one set of belligerents
to the other
WILL FIND SOME WAY
1t is realized that the American course
probably must be guided largely by the
reception given the Teutonic offer in the
entente countries, although it is regarded
as certain that either informally or for
mally, quietly or publicly, the govern
ment here will find a way of displaying
its interest in the restoration of peace.
Most officials think a considerable time
will elapse after the communication is
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-12-14
WASHINGTON IS
WAITING NOTE
FROM GERMANY
President Wilson Cancels ALI Engagements During Day and
Held Lengthy Conference With Colonel House Who Made
Peace Trip to Europe-Wn Act With Great Care


decision
followed United States probably will
thn
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-12-14
.SOUTHERNERS ARE
SHOWN j. S. NAVY
IN GREAT REVIEW
Commercial Congress Dele
gates at Norfolk Cheer as
Big Ships Are Passed
in Long Line

Norfolk, December 13.-The American
navy occupied a prominent place today in
the convention of the Southern CONNER
cial congress. Secretary Daniels and
Representative Padgett, chairman of the
House committee on naval affairs, were
among the principal speakers at the two
sessions and this afternoon the congress,
with cabinet officials and members of the
of the Atlantic fleet in Hampton Roads.
In the double colmn extending from For
tress Monroe to Hampton bar were dread
naughts, cruisers, monitors, destroyers,
submarines and auxiliaries.
Practically every one of the thousand
delegates were aboard the marine fleet,
which, behind the presidential Yacht May
flower, Tying Secretary Daniels flag,
steamed by the men O. war.
The review was attended by the BOOM
ing of many guns, which began when the
Secretary of the Navy hoisted his flag
on the Mayflower in the Norfolk harbor
after his arrival from Washington with
Secretary of Commerce Reddeld.
COMMERCE FLEET
Following the Mayflower in the process
sion were the Isis of the department of
commerce fleet, carrying Secretary Red
field, four other ships of that department,
several naval tugs and six river steamers
loaded with delegates, The full crews of
each war vessel manned the rails and
were applauded by the visitors, but the
cheers and the music of the naval bands
We're drowned by the 19-gun salute to
Secretary Daniels fired by each ship in
turn as the Mayflower passed.
Representative Padgett in his address
at the morning session of the congress
declared that the mission of the American
navy was to ensure the safety and peace
of This country. and 'as far as possible
the peace of the world" The admins
tration would have it know to all nations,
he said, that the great building policy
upon which it had embarked was not for
any purpose of aggression. but to keep
from Americas shores an invading en-
envy.
REIMBURSEMENT COMING
Discussing international reconstruction,
NIT. IrduSett asserted lHdl dIter the war
nations must be bulded along different
lines and for more altruistic and humane
rela tionships between themselves SO that
no one of them may plunge the world
into war. He predicted that there would
be sharp establishments of financial rela-
TONS of manufacturing in it's every
phase, of agriculture of social conditions
and of international relationships.
In that connection he said that no man
could underestimate the effect upon this
country of the commercial, industrial and
maritime agreements entered into by the
groups of belligerents in Europe and that
America should be prepared for the trade
war that would come with peace.
Secretary Redfied, speaking before the
convention tonight, said the United States
would enter competition for world trade
after the war with every advantage, fol
the end of the hostilities would bring de-
mands upon this country for foodstufs
of many kinds, for agricultural machin.
ery, for lumber in many forms, and fol
loans and investments.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-12-14
Austrian Government
Resigns, Is Report OF
Reuters News Agency

London. December 13.-The Austrian
government has resigned. This an
nouncement is made in Renter dis
patch from Amsterdam.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-12-14
MODERATE ENTHUSIASM

Paris, December 13.--The new cabinet
srouses but moderate enthusiasm in the
press The morning papers point out that
CONTINUED - Page seven)
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-12-14
Berlin Reports That Ninth
Army Is Fighting It's
Way Northeastward
RUSSIANS ENGAGE IN
STUBBORN BATTLES
ON TWO OF FRONTS
They Report Advances in Carpathians
and on MOldavian Line-Heayy
Artillery Actions Near Mon
astir-Italians Defeated

The announcement by the
Teutonic allies of their readi-
ness to discuss peace with the
entente allies continues the alb
sorbing feature in the war
news. AS yet, however, no an
nouncement has been vouch-
safed as to the basis on which
they desire to attempt to bring
an end to the war. Neither has
there come from any of the en-
tente countries any official an
nouncement as to the attitude
they purpose to take with re-
gard to the proposal.
Meantime, the conquest Of
Rumania by the Teutonic al
lies continue. All along the
front the Rumanians, who are
in retreat, northeastward and
the ninth German army is
nearing the important railroad
junction town Of Buzeu.
In the Carpathians and along the
Moldavian frontier the Russians and
Germans are still at grips with the
Russians the aggressors - most
points. There is little. If any, change
in the situation in these regions, how
ever
FIGHTING NEAR MONASTIR
Heavy artillery fighting is in prog
ress north of Monastir. Servia. Other
wise calm prevails. A new feature in
the Balkan situation is a report from
Sofia that 5000 Albanians have defeat
ed a force of Italians near Pasnesina,
Epirus. the Italians fleeing.
On the front in France and Belgian
and in the Russian and Austro- italian
theatres there is little activity aside
from artillery duels.
The bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1916-05-26
PAID THE PRICE OF PEACE
First Thesshs That Should inspire
Americans CO E1eh Memorial
Day Anniversary.

!: E@c-.sI IA: emphasizes to the
A-srczz people ols tacs Eore than
81! CHER. Il l. that the pries Of peace
.s h-r life Fifty years have passed
s1cs Graz. and Lee met At Appomat-
LIZ d-t2g which period var debt OF
h.I,so1s las beea practically paid. a
-zrss1 comuy wholly rehabiii.ated,
ministry and commerce developed, and
wonderful achievements made In the
arts and sciences, all accomplished at
tremendous cos, Yet today the MIL
l:oas paid, the tremendous effort put
forth. the great burdens then assumed,
count for less than the loss to the ma
ton in human life. Today, North and
South, only men. brave men, are
81, urned as their graves are strewa
Nth flowers
], sometimes seems that, in the rush
and roar OF life, even the price OF peace
has been paid without regret But
life is dissinuIation. In hundreds OF
thousands OF homes there are faded
portraits, tattered uniforms, little re-
ninders Of thousand sorts which in
quiet hour are again and again bap-
tized in tears, as they suggest per-
sonal loss. blasted hopes. destroyed
happiness, and still, these but quicken
memories that are ever with those
who really paid the price, just as the
ceremonies and exercises today bring
back more wildly the partings, the
an1ioug days. the terrible news Of so
years ago. In the very words Me
mortal day" there ia a wealth OF mean
ing to some which those OF the present
generation cannot understand as fully
as they should, to appreciate the sig
nificance Of observance Of the day.
And yet, those of the present gener-
alton have only to look across the At
lantic, and contemplate the carnage
and destruction there, to gain better
appreciation of the price paid BY this
nation before they were born. Figures
tell something, but hearts tell more
broken hearts which time cannot heal
Let imagination touch the sorrows of
the countless widows and orphans this
great war has made, let it reckon the
prospects Of life dashed to ground,
yes, buried beneath blood-soaked sod.
and there viii come some conception
of so years ago in this country, and OF
the significance of Memorial day ded-
icated to the men who fought and
died, constituted the real price OF the
peace this country has enjoyed for
half century.