davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
HAM AGAIN VOICES
VALUATION OPINIONS
P. E. P. Co. Official ReiterateS
Views That Sangster Follow
ed Erroneous Methods.
ANOTHER WITNESS LISTED

Reiterating his belief that Andrew
Sangster. accountant OF the public
utilities commission, had followed er-
roneous methods in endeavoring to as
certain the historical cost of the Poto-
mac Electric Power Company. W. j.
Ham. vice president of the company.
today completed his testimony in cross
examination, before the commission,
and at the same time substantially
brought to a close the presentation of
the company's case.
There will he another session next
Wednesday, when an out-of-town wit
ness will be introduced by the COM
pany. This is expected to wind up the
proceedings. except for the presenta-
ton of briefs and arguments, which
probably will not be reached before
the middle Of January.
After "A day and a half of searching
cross-examination at the hands OF Cor
poration Counsel Conrad II. Syme. Mr..
Ham was asked several questions by
Commissioner Kutz. among them if he
admitted substantially the accuracy OF
the statements of fact in the Sangstcr
repOrt.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
HEAR TALK ON GREECE.
Members of Colony in Washington
Told of War Situation.

Members Of the Greek colony OF
Washington gathered in Odd Fellows
Hall last night to hear addresses on
-tbe Greek situation in its relation to
the European war, by Soterios Nichol-
son of this city and P. A. Sioris. a
prominent Greek of New York city.
Mr.. Nicholson described the recent
events in Greece. and said that Greeks
living in the United States should not
attempt to interfere with the manage
ment of the affairs Of that country by
King Constantine and his government.
Resolutions assuring the king OF the
support of those present last night were
adopted.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
FRENCH SOCIALISTS URGE
VIGOROUS POLICY IN WAR

PARIS, December "a resolution
has been adopted by the socialist con-
eress' calling upon the government to
pursue a more vigorous policy both in
military and in economic action. SO that
the full resources of the country may
be brought into play and the war ter
minated more speedily. The resolution
is predicated on the assertion that the
replies of the central powers to Presi-
dent Wilson'S note leave no doubt that
the offer Of peace negotiations was
snare.
Deputies who met German and other
foreign socialist delegates at the con-
ference in Switzerland supported mo-
ton in favor of resumption of interna-
tional relations among socialists. This
proposal was defeated by a small ma
jority, after u long and heated discus
sion.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
Surprised at SPANS Action.

Spain's action toward the German
submarine campaign caused surprise
here because no such vigorous state
ment from Spain had been expected.
Spain's action. nevertheless. is thought
to have come at an opportune time to
add another source of pressure on Ger
many in what the State Department
considers most serious situation.
Norway. Sweden, Denmark and Hol-
land also have suffered disastrously
from submarine activities, but no in
dication has been given as yet that
they also were planning action at this
time.
The United States will welcome such
protests by other neutrals, but in line
with its consistent policy, probably will
not Join In any united action with them.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
Family Connections in Virginia.

The deceased. who retired from the
drug business several years ago. had
many family connections throughout
Virginia. where he was well known.
His father, who died many years ago,
was an architect in Charlottesville
and brother. Rev. George II. Spooner,
is pastor Of a Methodist Church in
Danville. Va, while a daughter resides
in Petersburg.
Harry Thomas, 1903 Hobart street
a friend or the Spooners. identified the
body and made arrangements for its
shipment to Charlottesville. The body
viii be sent there on a late train to-
day.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
UNDERsEAS MAIL ROUTE.
Deutschland and Sister Ships to
Charge High Rates for Transmission

BERLIN, December IS, via London.
December 29.-The merchant submarine
Deutschland and her sister ships will
carry on future voyages special mail at
rates recalling the transcontinental
post in the days of the forty-niners. a
special charge of marks for a post
card or letter not exceeding 30 grams
in weight will be levied in addition to
the regular international postage "A
similar charge will be made for each
further % grams up to maximum
weight of 90 grams.
Az letters sent by the ordinary route
take many months IN transit, SIX
,nnnths being not unusual. it is expect
ed that the submarine post will be in
heavy demand
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
Social Features Considered.

Report on social features for the m
aueural celebration in substitution Tor
the jme-honored inaugural ball are to
he submitted by the special committee
of which Mr.. Harper is chairman at
meeting of the advisory council Tues
day. AS a result of what is recon-
mended at that time Chairman Harper
is to have a conference with President
Wilson later in the week, when 1t is
hoDed that some substitute social func-
tion will receive the o. X. of the Presi-
dent and that he will accept an invita-
ton to attend.
The staff at the inaugural headquar-
ters was increased today, when Vice
Chairman Charles w. Darr took desk
there with the assurance that from
now on he will spend part of each day
in assisting Chairman Harper and Sec
retary Alvin @. Belt in diSposng of the
hundreds of details that are demanding
executive action.
Prospects of Troop y of the Presi-
dents own Squadron of Cavalry, re-
Gently organized. being selected as the
official escort for the President in the
inaugural parade seemed brighter to-
day There is keen rivalry for this
honor the claims of number of states
being advanced. Troop y is the only
mounted military organization whose
application FOR this honor has come
formally before the inaugural commit
tee. The selection of the official escort
rests with the President.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
Greeks Ordered to Fight Allies.

LONDON. December "a telegram
has been received from Saloniki by the
Anglo Hellenic League saying the
Greek division which surrendered to
the Bulgarians at Kavala has been or
dered by King Constantine to leave
Goerlitx, Germany. where 1t has been
informed, for the Macedonian front. to
fight against the entente allies
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
HOUSE COMMITTEE
T0DEFYPRES|DENf
Ajax-Like Will Court Veto
ThunderboIt on Public
Buildings Bill.
TO BRING IN SPECIAL RULE

The House OF Representative rules
committee is about to stage a perform
ance of Ajax defying the lightning by
bringing in a special rule to make III
order the public buildings bill in the
face of the Presidents threat to veto
the measure. Wednesday of next week
is the time set for the initial perform
ance, according to present plans, and
the special rule will permit of only four
hours general debate upon the measure.
Members of the public buildings COM
mittee predicted today the rule viii be
adopted and the bill passed by the
House. What will be the Senate atti-
tude toward the measure is a question.
Three members of the rules commit
tee will oppose the rule on the floor OF
the House, 1t is believed. These are
Representatives Garrett and Foster,
democrats, and Representative Lenroot,
republican. In committee, when the
rule was first under consideration, the
republicans raised q point that the
public buildings bill had not at the
time been reported to the House. Since
then the bill has been reported
The strategy by which the rule was
voted on, according to certain members
of the House, was based on the as
sumption that unless the resolution
was hurr edlv voted on. administration
emissaries would change enough votes
to Kill the rule. However, the COM
mittee has met and voted to report the
rule to the House. Now comes the
threat of veto
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
Greater Activity on the Carso.

ROME. via London. December 90
The war office communication issued
says: THE weather conditions have
improved and the artillery on both sides
has been more active. particularly on
the Carso sector. During the night in
the area south of Monte Faiti our
troops occupied by surprise a hollow
of about 1000 meters in front of the
Austrian lines"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
TELEGRAPH BRIEFS,

Sir Hiram Maxim, the inventor who
died recently. left an estate of $4,000.
Accused of conspiracy in restraint of
trade, the following grocers. all members
of the Retail Grocers' and Butchers As
sociation Of Toledo. have been indicted
william Post. Clarence A. Billiat, Gus
Bankey, Charles Deldecq, Joseph Sturtz,
Charles w. Scholz. Allen C. Willard. John
A. Timer and Harry C. Simonds.
Five robbers blew open the safe of the
Hagerman State Bank at Hagerman.
Tex, early today and escaped ih an auto
mobile with $1,000
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
Russ Balk Dniester Crossing.

PETROGRAD, December 20 British
admiralty per Wireless Press).-The
Germans have begun an active bonn
bardment Of Russian positions in Cali
cia the war Office announced yesterday.
An attempt to cross the Dniester river
was checked.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
FORM Of PAGEANT
NOT YET DECIDED
Believed, However, Inaugural
Ceremonies Will Be Marked
by Historical Features.
INCREASE IN FUNDS NOTED

Whether there shall be an innovation
in the inaugural parade, turning 1T into
a historical pageant picturesquely il
Illustrative OF the progress, development
and scientific advancement of the
United States. rather than purely
military and club formation, is being
discussed at a meeting of a special
committee this afternoon in the ONCE
of Commissioner Louis Brownlow,
chairman Of sle committee. That there
will be an elaborate pageant is be-
lieved certain by those who are IN
favor of this innovation. The inaugu-
raj committee through Chairman Har-
per. has emphatically declared that no
float or organization to demonstrate
any propaganda will be allowed IN
such a pageant. The support OF prac-
tically every historical and patriotlc
organization and the federated scleh
tine societies has already been pledged
to assist in preparing program IL the
committee takes favorable action at
the meeting today
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
Blames Opposition of big Towns"

In discussing the public buildings
bill, a prominent House republican and
member of the rules committee said:
Every time this Congress frames a
public buildings bill the metropolitan
papers begin to cali 1t pork. Every
thing done to beautify country towns.
and to erect buildings and put money
into circulation in small towns is damn
ed by the big newspapers. To the city
man the countryman is a hayseed and
deserving of nothing. That attitude is
the fundamental feeling back of the OPP
position by big towns to the public
buildings bill"
on the other hand those who will
vote against the rule and the bill itself
declare that although public buildings
are a good thing, this is no time to be
spending the governments money, as
the Treasury is now in a low state and
expects to go lower
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
: Hope Mr.. Wilson May Succeed.

LONDON. December ga Reuter-
Danish social democrats have cabled
President Wilson expressing their sym
patty with his action in addressing the
belligerent powers. The message also
expresses the sincere wish that the
Presidents efforts to end the war and
establish lasting peace may succeed"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
Submits Tabular Statements.

Preceding the cross-examination of
Mr. Ham yesterday the witness pre-
sented to the commission four tables.
prepared directly from the books OF
the company, showing the net income
by years, the percentage of return by
years and the average annual rate of
return on the cost of construction and
equipment.
The average annual rate of the Po-
tomac company for the period from
October !, 1896. to June so, 1916. was
shown to be $50 per cent.
A second table dealt with the adjust
ed cost of construction and equipment
and adjusted income OF the company.
This showed for the period from Oc-
tober /, 1896, to June 80, 1915 an an
nual average rate of return of 7.07 per
cent on cost OF constructor and equip
ment.
The third and fourth tables We're for
the United States Electric Lighting
Company, predecessor Of the existing
company. The average annual rate of
return for this company from 1882 To
September 80. 1902, was $50 per cent.
The adjusted average annual rate of
return for the same period was given
as STA per cent.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
Norway Labor Backs Mr.. Wilson.

LONDON. December 29-The Norwe-
gian labor party, says a Reuter- dis
patch from Christiania, has sent Presi-
dent Wilson the following message:
.fs'The Norwegian social democracy,
mum bering a third part of Norwegian
Electors: expresses sympathy with Pres
ident Wilson's energetic labor for the
conclusion of the war of barbarity and
the establishment of a lasting peace"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
Committee on Transportation.

With the naming of the transporta-
zion committee by Chairman Harper
TODAY there remain but two committee
which have not yet been announced
The personnel of the printing and SOU
venir program committee will be pub
,iebed tomorrow, and the public order
committee. which is turned over en-
tirely to Mai Raymond w. Pullman,
will not be made public for several
DAYS. as Maj. Pullman is determined to
have an active organization that will
take the oath of service to really per-
form definite work in a stated place on
the day of the inaugural parade as well
as during the period of preparation.
The transportation committee is as
follows: Ben l.. Prince. chairman: T. L.
I.ipsett, vice chairman; w. IT. Ashby,
Mai George ]. Armes. John Bardoff, w.
T.. Beale, W. w. Bowie. George NJ Bond
Henry S. Baker, T. W. Bullock, J. H.
Eeller. Southwick c, Briggs, w c.
Coleman. w. H Callahan, w. d. Clark
ir.: Victor j. Evans. H. C. yesterday,
George L. Edmunds. DR.. J. A. Flynn,
Seth Gage, d. w. Gall. O. II. Gore. S. B.
Hege. J. T. Hendrick, Paul Humphrey
W j. Hughes, d. K. Jackson, Harry c.
Kimbal1, u. E. KEEPS. A. b. Leet. Luther
W, Linkins. NJ. A. Leese. DR.. S. E.
lewis, J. Arthur Lynham. J. c. NAL
colin, William Mercer. John II. Nelson
A i. Poston, d. w. Robertson. w. G.
Robey. S. II. Rogers. r. A. Steele, c. H
stone. Odel S. Smith. c. T. Stone, O. G.
STABLES. James +. Shea, S. j. Stein
berger and Chatham NJ Towels.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
Under Rigid Examination.

Mr. Ham was on the stand all of
yesterday, and was subjected to rigid
cross-examination by Corporation Coun-
sci Syme, in which the Commissioners
frequently participated. The witness
was never at loss for an answer, and
went into the details of the various
transactions of the Potomac company
ana the financial negotiations leading
up to its formation with a clearness
and accuracy that easily stamped him
as one of the most remarkable wit
nesses that has yet testified before the
commission.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
Tests Show It to Be Feasible.

"The experience of Switzerland and
Australia have proved that universal
service is possible without the inter-
ference with productive industry, which
has resulted from the kind of military
service required in Germany.
In a free republic the people gov
ern themselves and educate themselves.
They ought also to be prepared to de-
fend themselves"
Senator Chamberlains attention was
called to a rumor that Col Theodore
Roosevelt would appear before the
military affairs committee in support
of universal military training.
Il have received no word from Col
Roosevelt or any of his friends to that
effect, but I would be glad to have him
appear before the committee" said
Senator Chamberlain.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
Foresees No Lack of FUNDS.

That there will be sufficient funds
contributed for the expenses OF the IN
augurai ceremonies is the belief OF
Arthur Peter. chairman of the finance
committee. who said today thal INC
business interests and civic leaders are
r.snopdinp encouragingly to the solici-
tations of his committee AireauS
nracticallv $50. 600 has been contrlputed
In addiriou to the donations previously
acknowledged in The Star, Mr. 80
annonnced these: Holmes * Son, sl,Voo
I,uno II. Rudolph. $500; Saks -
$500: William j. Flather, S-oo; JONI
Larner $50; George T. EustS,
and the Columbia Typographical onioh'
No. 1ol, 500. . ~ ttar-
nor was in conference. at the war u
partment today with MAJ Neii.
/. Scott chief of stan, VINO IS - ~
grand marshal of the inaugural pa aue
This conference was for the purpose oI
drawing the lines between the WORK 10
be done by the. military committee anu
that by the citizens committees. 80
that there would be no duplication ..
effort. 1t is probable that as result
of the conference the task OIL ar :
inc. for the participation of men In the
regular service of the Army. Navy ana
Marine Corps in the parade. ana also oI
arranging for the participation ana
placing of the militia organizations
from the various states. Will De turned
over entirely to the military co,hi'ii NE
which has opened OFFICES III 'ii1
Department.. -,
The personnel of the staff of the
grand marshal will not be announce
for several weeks. Gen. scott now
ever. has asked the chiefs of all tue
hnreans TO make recommendations to
him of the officers who Will be availa-
HE for duty of this sort on March ,.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
|FAVORS UNIVERSAL
MILITARY TRAINING
Lyman Abbott, Editor of the
Outlook, Gives Views to
Senator Chamberlain.
CITES MANY ADVANTAGES

Lyman Abbott. editor of the outlook.
today addressed letter to Senator
Chamberlain. chairman of the Senate
military affairs committee, in which he
strongly Endorsed the proposed law for
universal military training. He said;
Il have been asked by the National
Security League to give you briefly my
views on the subject of universal mill
tary training. The Constitution of the
United States in its preamble declares
that one of the objects of forming the
Union was to provide for the national
defense, and the Constitution in express
terms makes it the duty of the federal
government to protect the states both
from domestic instruction and from
invasion, and prohibits the states from
engaging in war even in their own de1
Tense unless the eXigency is great
that the state which is threatened has
no time to call on the federal govern
ment. Under such circumstances. that
the nation should depend upon the
state militia for its defense seems to
me an extraordinary anomaly.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29

Mrs. Susan Roswell. widow of Edward
Boswell. died at Ashton, Montgomery
county, Md. She was born in Germany
eighty nine years ago. and came to this
country when nine years old.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
Would Promote Pacific Pursuits.

"If universal military training would
interfere with the pacific pursuits of
the American people. that objection
might conceivably justify our resorting
to the militia of the states. which is
organized for totally different pur-
pose. But, in fact, universal military
training properly organized would pro-
mote the pacific pursuits of the American
people
ut would develop a habit of prompt
obedience to law.
1T would develop the team spirit
the habit of cooperation for a common
purpose.
1T would break down class barriers
and put the employer and the employed
rich and poor, on the same level, en-
gagged in the same undertaking. II
would thus greatly promote the demo-
cratic spirit.
ut would promote spirit of real
patriotism--a patriotism which recog-
nizes the truth that the people owe
something to the government as well
as the government something to the
people: patriotism that would ex-
press itself. not in hearing orations and
waving flags and firing firecrackers
but in real practical and self-denying
service.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
GRAND Jury RETURNS
FORTY-F|VE INDICTMENTS
Ignores Charge of Homicide Against
F. A. Burns, Jr., and One Of
Forgery Against S. Stern.
Mark Latham, Treasury Clerk; Man
sell Mills, Former U. S. Employe,
and King Terrell Are Held.

The grand jury today exonerated
Frank a. Burns. jr., of a charge of
homicide in connection with the death
of Edmund ]. Soper Burns was oper-
ating an automobile December 13 near
9Th street and Pennsylvania avenue
when he struck and killed Soper. The
grand jurors also ignored a charge of
forgery preferred against Solomon
Stern.
Forty-tive indictments were returned
by the grand jury to Chief Justice
Covington. This report ended the labors
of the grand jurors, and they were
thanked by Justice Covington for their
services and discharged.
Two indictments for murder were
filed. one charging first degree and the
other second degree murder Albert W.
Thornton is alleged to have premedi-
tated the killing of Minnie F. Wood.
whom he is said to have stabbed to
death December T. Second degree is
charged against Claude Wilson. who is
said to have shot Thurman Leek De-
cember II. and to have caused his
death. The accused persons and their
alleged victims are colored.
Mark Latham, the Treas ry Depart
ment clerk, who was arrested at his
desk a few weeks ago, was indicted on
charge of forging unissued bank
notes.
1t is alleged that Latham October IA
last took one $40 note and two $40
notes from the Treasury and forged
the names of the president and cashier
of the Sheffield National Bank of Ala
bama upon them.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-12-29
West Claims the Honor.

Claims have been presented in be-
half of a number of states. alleging
that because of political upheaval in
the west the honor should go to GER
tain western states. The California
Greys have been conspicuously men
toned. Arguments and influence have
been brought to bear to have troop
from Ohio or Kansas designated. To
avoid any clash between these states
it is pointed out that the honor might
very properly be given to the District
troop, which. with the handsome new
dress uniform just adopted. would make
a remarkably good showing. Crack
troops from Virginia, Kentucky. New
Jersey and several other states also
are being mentioned.
1t is possible that one of the striking
features of the inaugural parade will
be a section representing the far-famed
beauty of southern women and the
rnuch heralded horsemanship of Nir-
ginia's daughters. In compliment to
both President Wilson and Chairman
Harper a number of noted horsewomen
of the Old Dominion have asked II such
A section could have place in the pa
rade if they organize IT.