davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26
Fight for Conscription Won
In House Now, Poll Shows
Presidents Plan Will Have
Majority of at Least IS.
Clark Moves Congressman
In Plea for Volunteering.

The administrations fight for conscr1p-
ton has been won IN the House Of Rep
resentatives. With every probability that
a vote on the substitution of the selec-
tive draft measure framed by the army
General Stan and urged by the Presi-
dent and Secretary Of War Baker will
not be reached before tomorrow, or even
Saturday. q careful nonpartisan poll OF
the House, conducted by members rep
resenting both sides of the contention IN
dlcates that the majority for the Presi-
dents plan will not fall below seventy
five 1t may surpass the hundred mark.
1t may develop in a veritable landslide
for the administration.
The poll shows that 257 members of the
House, 20 more than a bare majority Of
the entire body will vote for conscrip-
ton.
Speaker Moves House.
Speaker Champ Clark addressing the
House in opposition to the conseription
plans Of the administration and Repre-
sentative Swager Sherley, of Kentucky,
furnished the spectacular features Of yes
terday's debate on the bill to create q
modern army for the United States IN
war time. Both men held the attention
Of the House while packed galleries greet
ed the appearance Of both leaders.
The Speaker delivered his oration with
every characteristic expression Of face
and gesture which have made him one
Of the powers in the great debates of
the past quarter of a century In Congress
and out and was often applauded 30
heartily that Acting Speaker Saunders
was compelled to admonish hearers
Cites Canada's Volunteers.
The Speakers attack on the admins
tration plan for army enrolment was
based in large measure upon the argu-
ment that conscription Is distasteful to
CONTINUED ON PAGE FOUR.
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26
ROOT OR HARPER HEAD
OF RUSSIAN Commission
One or Other Said to Have Been Sc
lected for Diplomatic Service.

The American commission to Russia
will be headed by Elihu Root. former Sec
retsry OF State. or Dean W. r. Harper.
OF the University Of Chicago. q was
learned in high administration quarters
last night Both men have been con-
sidered by the President for the post OF
chairman Of the group OF distinguished
Americans to convey 70 the Russian peo-
pie a messaEe Of goodwill and interest
In their future welfare
Former Secretary Roots lengthy con-
ference with Secretary Lansing at the
State Department late yesterday after
noon was regarded as highly significant.
Secretary Lansing later declined to dis
cuss In any way the matters discussed
with MI Root.
Dean Harper has been invited 10 ro,,s
to Washington and will be asked 70 serve
on the commission, Indications pointed
strongly to his appointment as chairman
Of that body, II Mr.. Root is not named.
President Wilson. IL was said. has prso-
tcally completed the selection OF prfn-
cipal members OF the commission which
may include besides former secretarT
Root and Dean Harper. Edward n. Hun
ley. Of Chicago; Oscar Strauss. OF New
York. and Henry Morgenthau.
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26
Washington Youth Wounded
While Fighting in France
William B. Covert, Son Of
Local Printer, Lies In Hos
pital at Boulogne, Perhaps
Near Death.

Wounded. perhaps mortaIly, in a hos,
pital in Boulogne, France, lies william
B. Covert. .. Washington soldier boy
home at to4 W street northeast. are his
mother, father, four sisters. and two
brothers, who are anxiously awaiting
definite news OF his condition.
Last Sunday an oficial cablegram was
handed his father, William Covert, 81,
q compositor on the Washington Post
II read:
Regret TO inform you that La, ,lSS
Private William Booth Covert, was ad-
mitted to No. 4 general hospital at Bou-
logne, France. on April 15 Gun shot
wounds; bullets multiple"
There were no details. Merely III, same
general notification that has been 4nd is
being sent to thousands of other homes
In the countries Of the world.
On the vast battlefield Of Europe. how
ever. Covert is one of millions. and
when he Is referred TO oficislly he Is
merely No 1T5.lSs.
1t takes from three weeks to month
for a letter to reach here from France.
yet young Covert has written home 90
frequently that his mother has received
as many as three letters in one week
The last letter received from him. writ
ten on a charred piece of foolscap and
partly blackened by the pencil Of a cen
sor. is optimistic in tone. 1t expresses
enthusiasm over the prospects of the
allied powers. and declared them as the
certain victors- II was written at the
time when they anticipated their big
drive" and under numerous dificulties
When is years old Covert was employed
on The Herald as an apprentice In the
composing room. He worked there more
than five years, leaving it when he de-
cided to go to Canada In 1915 TO Join the
allied powers.
From Canada Covert went with the
other Tommies to England and finally to
France.
Young Covert attended the Pierce
School and the Carroll Institute. He has
fine record as a long-distance runner.
having won matches not only in this city,
but in New York and Baltimore.
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26
Miss Rankin VIII Vote
Against Conscription

Miss Jeanette Rankin. Congresswoman
from Montana, will vote against con-
Scripion. Miss Rankin since her advent
In Congress and her vote sEainst the dec
laraeon of war against the imperial Ger
man goyrrnment. has been consortins
more aid more with the paeinst element
In Congress-.
Miss Ranktn's opposition 10 the con-
scrptton bin is based upon hsr convic-
ton that the age limits set by the Cen
eral Stan for the creation of a nzhtins
force. are altogether TO low. In her opin-
ion the draft Of the young manhood OF
the nation. the boys between the ages OF
y and * viii remove from the nation
the potential husbands and fathers Of
the present generation II would be bet
ter, according 10 Miss Rankin, to draft
from the ranks OF the married men Of q
decade niatursr years.
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26
Herald Sunday Sermon
Rev. H. 7. Stevenson

The sermon In next Sundays
Herald will be by the Rev. Hugh
T. Stevenson, pastor of the Beth
any Baptist Church, Second street
and Rhode Island avenue north
west
Rev. Stevenson was born in Al
bany/N. Y. He has received de-
grees from both the Colgate UNI
versity Of Chicago, Ill, and the
George Washington University
and was ordained a minister in
1s92 His first charge was the
Anacostia Baptist Church.
Mr.. Stevenson Is the grand
chaplain OF the Grand Lodge of
Masons. OF this city. He has
been the pastor of Bethany Bap-
tist Church for thirteen years and
stands in the forerank OF Wash
ington ministers.
Three years ago Mr.. Stevenson
was so we'll thought Of that he
was one OF the few who were
sent on an extensive trip through
the Holy Land. He also has an
enviable literary record.
The subject OF his sermon, writ
ten expressly for the Sunday
Washington Herald, will be an
nounced later.
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26
Lansing Grah6ed by
Spirit of French Welcome

After returning to the State De-
partment, following the reception
Of Gen. Joffre and former Premier
-Viviani. Secretary Of State Lam
sing. still enthusiastic over the
whole-hearted welcome extended
by the people of Washington.
made the following statement yes
terday:
TT is very gratifying 70 this
government and 10 the people
. that we should have as our guests
such distinguished representative
OF the French republic. In send
ing men who so fully represent
the French government and peo-
pie, we have the very best eNf-
denoe Of the spirit and feeling OF
France toward the United States
We can assure the French peo-
ole that we reciprocate the spirit
svhich induced them TO send these
commissioners and rejoice that
the two great nations are bat
Ting side by side for the liberty
Of mankind"
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26
Alligators viii Work
As Cleaners of Sewer.

Trenton, April 25.-The use Of alligators
as cleaners Of sewers is a proposal made
by A. c. Gregory, engineer of-the city1s
sewers. He admits his indebtedpess to
the city of Jacksonville. Fla, for the
idea. They have been using alligators
to clean the sewers there.
The method is as follows: A rope IL
tied to an alligator and he is put in q
drain and started on an amble- along
the subterranean pathway. Chains are
tied to the rope that the alligator has
pulled through the sewer and the chains
are pulled back and forth by man power,
clearing away the obstruction.
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26

3,O29 Prisoners Taken.
Sine Monday the British have taken
sdos prisoners. including 5s officers.
Tonight's report showed that the
British pushed forward q little farther
south Of the Scarpe River in their drive
on Cambria. while the French made their
advance on Laon from the south ht-
tie more sure. progressing on the Nau-
clers plateau. The British in their new
advance occupied Pilhem village. eight
niles southwest Of CambraL
Seven Planes Doyyned.
Seven German aeroplanes were sent
hurtlink from the sky to destruction by
British flyers. Eight others were driven
out Of control. riddled with bullets six
British machines failed to return tonight
Ona British machine sent two German
ezptive balloons blazing to earth An
other, scurrying to drop bombs on . rail-
way depot. dropped and poised over an
onru shing troop train
The German troops inside heard the
whirr OF the propeller and leaned with
vhits and fearful faces from the, win
do~s. watching the British bird Of war
ho-uring over them. The British plot
dropped until he was squarely aooss the
train. Then hs,plseed hiznsalf shove The
locomotive Then he dropped a bomb.
The locomotive. spouting scalding water
from its boiler. blew up Instantly. The
train turned turtle
German nisrs Monday brought down
twenty atrplsnes and one captive balloon
In the west. and yesterday accounted for
nineteen entsnte machines, according to
the Berlin report today.
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26
NAN BURNED TO Death
WHILE ASLEEP IN BED
Capitol Heights Resident Killed by
Flames Which Destroy Home.

Isaac NJ. Funk, aged Is. living in Mary
land Park. near Capitof- Heights, Nd;
was burned TO death last night when fire
destroyed his home.
The origin of the blaze Is unknown.
since Funk was the only person In the
house at the time. II Is Believed, how
ever. that upon returning home. last
nigft. the man careiessly 1T an oil stove
and then lay across his bed and fell
asleep.
The volunteer IRE department of Capt.
tol Hsighta responded to an alarm, but
was of little assistance, since the frame
structure was quickly consumed by
flames.
When the iremen arrived they pushed
in the walls Of the house and reached
into the flames and dragged Funk from
his bed with a rake. He was badly
burned and already dead.
Funk Is survived by two daughters
living In washington and a son. who
enlisted in the navy several days ago.
Funk was an oiler in the Government
Printing Office.
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26
H.AIG'S MEN HACK WAY
THROUGH HUMAN WALL
ON FIELD AT ARRAS
Carnage Increases as Germans Pour Half
Million Reserves Into Breach Made
In Wotan Line.
In Wotan Line.
az InternationaI New. serxiee.)

London. April zIhe the Aras battle field d in full
With every hour the fountains Of dead pile higher The British
with er traditional bulldog enacy hacking away the fore6ed
deeaes of "won line while the Teutons hold them at
all costs hitting back with reckless herom that shasty in
consequences than anything that has been Verun on the
Sne the days of that ushered the supreme contest now
raging.
Into the breach that has been by the British their onssushts
on the bloodest Mondays of the waApl 10 2nden-
burg has thrown approximately half million Since yesterday
morning have flung themselves the Fray ceasee with death
defying determination.
But these human bans have been unable British
advance of the front least the Scarpe Here the British
last night today pressed of Hauncou capturing the
ruined village of Bhem Further heay made by Sir Dousa.
Haas men between the Cojeul and Scarpe rivers.
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26
GERMANS AGAIN raid
French PORT DUNKIRK
Foes Destroyers Sink Torpedo Boat
in Brief Naval Fight.
(By the International News Service

CBy the International News Service
Paris, April 25.-The second time in six
days. German mosquito" craft early this
morning attacked the French seaport of
Dunlirk. covering it with hail of shells
lasting ten minutes. British and French
patrol ships engaged the raiders and
drove them to flight.
In the engagement, however, the Ger
man destroyers sank one French torpedo
boat, according to the official announce
ment issued tonight.
The German losses are not known. The
Teuton destroyers are believed to have
come forth from the base at Zeebrugge.
When attacked by the entente warships
they retreated at great speed In the di-
rection of Ostend.
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26
MEXICO DESIRES
PEACE WITH US.
First Chief Pledges All His
Power to Maintain
Neutrality.


Mexico City, April "A. via Galveston.
Texas. April S.-"Peace and friendly re-
lations with the United States and with
all nations Is the ardent desire of the
Mexican government.
Mexico has been torn for the past
four years by civil war. the object of
which has been the restoration Of the
constitutional government. and in a few
days this will be realized. There will
be order, progress and prosperity for
Mexico under the new constitution, to-
gether with anity and cordial and hon.
orable intercourse with all other ma
tons. These are the benefits which
Mexico seeks to enjoy
Carransa Defines stand.
Gen. venustiano Carranza. First Chief
OF the constitutionalist revolution and
President-elect of Mexico. thus expressed
in an interview his attitude and that of
the Mexican government toward the
United States In the present conflict with
Germany.
Summing UP the position and intentions
Of the Mexican government toward the
United States in the present war the gem
eral answered solemnly:
nave declared the neutrality of Mex
leo in the present German-American con-
hict and shall do everything In my
power to maintain that neutrality"
What steps is your government taking
TO prevent subjects of belligerent coun-
tries from compromising on Mexican ter
ritory or waters the neutrality you have
deolared7" was asked.
up to the present have not believed
1t necessary to take any steps" he re-
piled
Denies German Propaganda.
Mexico is doing its best to end the
internal war. 1t certainly does not want
to begin an external one in which it has
no direct eoncern." ..
This is. the gist of the Mexican view
point. Replying to question as TO
whether the presence of many Germans
or the attitude of certain of the Mexi-
can press might not interfere with his
efforts to maintain neutrality, the gen.
eral said:
There are very few German residents
in Mexico and there exists no active
German propaganda"
Several questions were asked the gen.
eral regarding the presence of japanese
and their activities in Mexico. He de-
clined to answer for diplomatic reasons.
but members Of his staff declared that
Japanese activities in Mexico at this
time were not menacing or even alarm
ing.
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26
JoFFRE TO CALL ON BAKER.
Jonre Cheered for Nfnes.

JOnre Cbeered for Mnes.
Through five solid miles OF cba.-in,
American citizens. naE-waving. sbrteE-
ing hysterical with patriotic fervor and
me ne spirit OF an international friendship
~ years old rode JOSEPH Joffre eeId
marshal Of France. yesterday. Prom ths
southeasterly extremity OF the NstiorsI
capital TO its northeastern boundary tbs
nero OF the Aarne was greeted with an
ehlhusiasm and a genuineness Of vel
come such as has come 70 few visifoy,
70 American soil in all the brilliant his
tory OF America and to no solder Of
France since the days OF Lafayette.
r Foriner Premier Vivian, civfl head Of
the French war mission, rode at the
head OF the little procession Of triumph
oeside the American Secretary Of state
he was honored with volleys Of cheers
and the frantic waving Of the fsrs Of
the sister republics OF the ola and ~.
New World from end TO end Of the
route But to Joffre rubicund. smiling
gente-featured, yet withal trenendouf
went the Unlesshed sentiments Of sOons
PEOPLE In a succession Of explosive
cheers and shrieks Of delight that told
the big man In the grsy-blus trench
coat and the scarlet and gold "lepi' that
In the other land Of Ebsrty. ghuuanity
and frzte-nity he Was riGhtst home
3 HAD Cold, Gray Day.
Unlike the glorious brilliant summer
Cay in springtime which had greeted the
coming Of the British war mission on
Sunday the morning had dswned chilly
and gray for the French. Back Of the
pau OF gray the April sun struggled, EivE
ing glimpse Of itself now and then but
carrying no warmth. Nevertheless the
recslcitrancy Of the weather gods might
so unrebuked for all time. No amount OF
gloom that nature endesvored to spread
over the picture Of Americas welcome to
the representatives Of the fighting French
could dim the glory OF the hour shortly
after 10 O'Clock. from out OF the dull hori-
ron haze Of the Lower Potomac there ap-
peared the trim white outlines and the
sanron funnel OF the Presidents yacht
Maynower fianked by q lean battls-gray
DESTROYER conveying the Frenchmen 10
Washington.
Hrom bow and stern hoated the Amer1-
can Jack" and the stars and Stripes
From the foremAEt new a white nag with
blue anchor and four blue stars. sig
nifying that the Assistant Secretary Of
the Navy was aboard. From the main
mast lazily swung in the still air the tri-
color
Frenchmen on Deck.
Up the Potomac and into the Anaoostia
River swung the two naval vessels A.
the "Msynower'' approached the rnoor5nr
dock Of the Washington Navy Ysrd
the group Of distinguished Frenchmen.
with their American escort. were dis
closed standing at the starbosrd side OF
CONTINUED on PAGE TWO.
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26
Chinese Leaders Gather
CTo Discuss Joining War

Pekiu, April S.-The military and pro-
vincial governors of China today held
their first meeting with the cabinet on
the question OF whether China shall
enter the world war. The consensus Of
opinion seems 10 be that the governors
will side with the premier, who has ad-
vocsted joining the Entente
Dr.. Gilbert H. Reed. editor OF the
PeiIin Post, has been arrested at the in
stance OF the American consul. as q re-
suit Of an article in the Post deprecsting
Americas entrance into the war and sd-
vocating W. J. BryRn's peace ideas.
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26
Teresa Is 102 Years Old
But She Swears She's 14l

Teresa Jackson. colored. who says she
Is IA years OF age. but who the police
say Is just turning 1o2. was arrested last
night and locked up IN the Third pre-
einct police station on a charge Of vag-
rancy.
When locked up, Teresa told the po-
licemen about the Revolutionary war,
how It happened and. who did It She re-
members when George Washington cross
ed the Delaware and just what steamer
he rode on.
Teresa win be brought into court this
morning.
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26
TO CALL EXTRA WAR SESSION

Baltimore, April Z.-Gov. 4,-r,nya,,
will call the Maryland legislature iD g.
ira session on May Is The main laws
TO be enacted win be provisions Tor a
war loan, 10 allow the governor 70 sus-
pend the operations Of the child labor
and compulsory school attendance laws.
10 regulate the sale OF explosives. 70 en-
courage planting OF bigger crops and for
hsryland home guard. 70 protect cftl-
zens who remain al home provided the
regular State guard is called into action.
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26
MONDAY AIRMEEs HOoDoo.

Paris. April 5.-The death OF Ronald
Wood Hoskier. OF South Orange. n. J.,
in battle with a German aviator over
the French lines near St. Quentin, Mon
day is likely to be regarded as q hoodoo
by the members of the American es-
cadrille- Sergt- J. R. Mcconnell was
killed March 10, q Monday: Edmond
Genet on April Is. last Monday, and Hos
kier day before yesterday. -
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26
WAR posrpoHEs CONVENTION.

Boston, April -Postponement OF the
international Christian Endeavor con-
vention. which was to have been held
in New York July to %, has been an
nounoed by the trustees OF the United
Society of Christian Endeavor. Pat
ri9tic reasons and the interests of the
thousands Of young people who have
been intrusted to their care prompted
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26
RACKS sELEcTTvE SERVICE.

Harrisburg. April IA resolution was
adopted by the house Of representatives
last night urging the representatives of
sylvania IN the national Congress
to vote for the selective service bin
which Is indorsed by President Wilson
and his administration. The resolution
was presented by Representative Whit
aker, Of Chester County. The vote was
alf1oSt unanimous
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26
DANISH VESSEL SEIZED.

Copenhagen. April 2-The Danish
steamship. Ydum. 64S tons, has been cap
tured by the Germans and taken into a
German port. A telegram reaching here
today said there were a number of pas
sengers on the vessel which was bound
FOR ChristianiR
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26
EIGHT NORWEGIAN SHIPS SUNK.

London, April 2.-Eight Norwegian
ships. three sailing vessels and five
steamers have been sunk by German
submarines, according to telegram re-
e,sived here today. The ships are Vestelo,
VILE de Dieppe. Shield. Gislo, Godo,
Flida. Gorda, and Valerie
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26
NO ALLIANCE ENTERED INTo.

London. April 5.-Lord Robert Cecil
acting foreign secretary. announced in
Parliament today that the United States
has not entered into an alliance with
England
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26
FRENCH WAR ENJOYS
TO"GET ACQUAINTED"
PAYING CALLS TO-DAY
Visits to President Wilson, Cabinet Officers
And Vice President Prelude to
Serious Conferences.

The French will spend today getting acquainted
with President Wilson and the government officials whom they viii
confer the world warp problems
Gen. Jof. former Premier Van Vice Admiral Cocheprat and
Vieote Cambn will call Secretary of State Lansing TO-
this morning Gen. ofre NJ Van and Vice Admiral Choehep viii
then call upon President Wilson.
JoFFRE TO CALL ON BAKER
Afterwards the French marshal viii call upon Secretary of War Baker
and Vice Admiral Chochprat upon Secretary Navy Daniels NJ
Vfviani will call upon Vice President Marshall
In the afternoon the French will be for drive rousb
the parks and O'Clock the evening they be the guests Of n.
President a dinner.
This will round their official calls and by tomorrow they WIN
be ready with the British President Wilson and
government officials considering means to win the war
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26
Rirths, Marriages and peaths.

Ths washlngton Herald is printing dsiJ no
tioss q births, marriages. and dsakas snonz the
people q washfngtan.
Thsss noties appsE today On pass @
The Washington herald., 1917-04-26

CONTINUED ON PAGE FOUR.