davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-25
PACIFICIsTS ASSERT
 WAR IS NOT JUSTIFIED
"Overt Act, No Matter How Brutal" Not Sufficient Cause for U. s.
 to Make War, They Say.

New York, March 24.-Resolutions declaring that 'overt acts, however brutal, do not afford adequate cause for war to republic whose essential relations to international affairs IS summed up in the words 'conciliatlon, arbitration and democracy were adopted at a mass meeting held by the Emergency Peace federation tonight in Madison Square Garden, as a protest against war"
 "This mass meeting" the resolutions said in part, protests against the proclamation by the metropolitan press that a state of war exists be- tween the United States and Ger many; protests against the campaign of misrepresentation promoted by those who would profit from plunging this country into the abyss of war; protests against the systematic ln- flammation of the public mind Dy hvsterical preparations for war"
 Statistics show clearly" the res o,utions recite, "that to send a con t;neent to Europe would involve such a drain upon the food resources o1 the country as would plunge the na- tio ninto the famine conditions or Eu- rope. The idea that war will bring any real prosperity to the country IS a crnel illusion, even though doubtless some industry or industrial groups would profit for al tlme.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-25
Western Roads Obtain Con ference Tuesday With In
 terstate Commission.
WILL NOT EMPOWER
 RAISE IMMEDIATELY
Commission Proposes to Hold. Exhaus. five Hearings, Giving All Con. cerned Opportunity to State
 Views Before Acting.

Washington, March 24.-Applica tion of Western railroads for an in crease in freight rate because of the higher cost of labor, under the Adam son act, and of supplies and equir- ment, was forecast today by tele- gram to the interstate commerce commission, signed by officials of more than 20 roads, asking for con- ference to consider steps necessary 70 meet "a financial situation requiring immediate relief"
 Southern roads have yet to be heard from in connection with the propose general increase in rates. Because of different conditions and regula- .tions applying to their case there is some doubt whether they will request a general advance at this time.
 While the Western roads did not state specifically that a general ad- vance in freight rates would be re- qulred, such request is expected to follow. The roads declared in tele- gram read recently to the, commits sion by Samuel Req, president of the | Pennsylvania, that a general advance appeared to offer the only solution to the problem confronting them.
 Appeal of the Western roads for a conference is in line with the action of Eastern roads in filing formal communication requesting the com mission to suspend the rules so as 70 permit without delay < general ad- vance in rates. -4'~
 The committee set next Tuesday afternoon as the time for the confer- ence.
 Decision on the petition of tho Eastern roads is not expected before the. conference with representatives of the Western roads Tuesday.
 In any event it seems likely that no general advance in rate, East or West, will be authorized until the commission shall have held exhaus- tive hearings at which all parties con- cerned shall have had opportunity to state their views.
 Anon gthe roads applying for the conference are the St. Louis South western, Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific, Missouri, Kansas & Texas, Kansas City Southern and the St. Louis & San Francisco.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-25
PREPARATION FOR AGGRESSIVE WAR
 BEING RUSHED Every Defense Measure Pos sib]e at This Time Made
 by Administration. CONTRACTS GIVEN
 FOR 24 WARSHIPS War Departments Plans for Army Provide for Equipping as Large Force as May Re Put Into Field
 --lncendiarism Feared.

Washington, March 24-Having taken virtually every defense measure possible before the assembling of con- gress. President Wilson and his ad- visers are concentrating their efforts to prepare for the more sweeping steps for which congressional author- ity will be sought.
 During the day the Council of Na- tional Defense held conference with it's advisory committee of seven in- dustrial leaders who have mapped mobilization plans for the country's economic resources.
 The navy department awarded con- tracts for 24 dostroyers, and called conference of steel and other material companies for next week to consider means of speeding up naval construc- tiOn.
 The war department announced that the failure of the army appropriation bill at the last session of congress would not be permitted to handicap the army's preparations, and regula- tions were promulgated to guide the countrys newspapers In voluntary censorship to prevent the publication of details which might embarrass the government.
 With these developments President Wilson kept in close touch. Late in the afternoon, after a walk through the Mall, he and Mrs. Wilson went to the state, war and navy buildings. and paid visits to Secretary Baker and Secretary Lansing. He talked with the war secretary for nearly an hour.
 Army Preparations Adequate.
 The Council of National Defense was in session virtually all day. A mem- Der of the committee, a retired busi- ness man of wide experience, recently investigated methods in use in the quartermaster's department He re- ported that the department is filled with zeal and efficiency. and that every step has been taken to proper ly equip as large force as may be put in the field In this connection it was stated officially today that the country is in better position to get quickly an adequate supply of army rifles than ever before in it's history
 A possible element for consideration of the National Defense Council was called to it's attention today by Richard Bissell and Wilbur Mallieux of New York, president and general manager of the National Board of Underwriters. The board has offered to organize and direct for the government the working out of broad plan for fire prevention requirements. The theory on which the suggestion was based Is that a campaign of incendiarism might fol- low an outbreak of hostilities with Germany. tMslta
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-25
GERMAN ATTEMPT TO EXTEND OLD
 TREATIES FAILS
U. $. Refuses to Accept Meaning Placed on Agree
 ments by Berlin.

Washington, March 24.-The United States formally refused today Ger many's request to modernize and ex- tend the old Prussian-American treaties of 1799 and 1928.
 The state department has thus re- piled to Dr. Paul Ritter Swiss min ister here, who is in charge of Ger man interests, refusing to accept the protocol recently sent to this govern ment. The reply states that the United States, considering the treaties in force in their original form, is tun- willing to accept Germany's interpre- from seizure of merchants and their effects" in case of war, into a general exemption, including exemption of enemy ships in ports at the outbreak of war. Moreover, all enemy nationals would be free from internment and enabled to go about their business without the slightest hindrance, and not in restricted circumstances, as mentioned in the original treaties.
 The United States will follow tho spirit of the treaties and not inter- fere with Germans here who comply with the regulations. The govern ment, in case of war, will cause Ger mans to register and possibly will re- strict their ability to travel, but gen. eral internment is not being consid- cred. It is assumed that the great mass of the 1,250,000 Germans in the United States respect their obliga- tions as guests in this country.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-25
U. 5. WITHORAWS RELIEF WORKERS I5 -J FROM BELGIUM Minister Brand Whitlock and Commission Staff
 Are Ordered Out. GERMANY GUILTY
 BREAKING FAITH United States Government Charges "Gcrman Governments Disregard of Written Undertakings" Makes
 Withdrawal Necessary.

Washington, March 24-Because of "the German governments disregard of it's written undertakings" for the protection of Americans and Amcri- can relief workers in Belgium, the state department announced today that American Minister Brand Whit lock had been withdrawn from Brus- sells, and the staff of the American Commission for Relief in Belgium had been advised that they should not re- main longer in German territory
 Minister Whitlock, who has been on Belgian territory chiefly to aid the relief work, will go to Havre, France, the temporary capital of Belgium. The places of the withdrawn American re- lief workers will be taken by Dutch citizens, and the commission, through that means, will continue as best it can the work of caring for 1O,O00,0OO dependent Belgians.
 The departments announcement one of the most severe indictments of Germany yet drawn by the United States, recites that restrictions have been imposed on the Americans which, under ordinary conditions, would never have been tolerated, and that MT. Whitlock has been denied every diplomatic privilege and cour- tesy. It says that the most serious occurrences, however, have come within the past ten days, when ses- eral of the commissions relief ships have been "attacked without warn- ing by German submarines, in flag rant violation of the solemn engage ment of the German government"
 Whether Germany will continue Q make relief work difficult for some other administration, is not known here. The general American execu- tives, headed by Chairman Herbert ,. Hoover, will continue their travels and work in Belgium and Northern France, outside German jurisdiction.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-25
NEGROES AIM POOR:
 BRICK STRIKES LAD

Milton Timms, negro boy, angered at Hiram Box, white boy, yesterday threw a piece of brick at Box. His aim was bad, however, and the missile struck Eugene Balm, little son of MT. and Mrs. Sam Balm, causing ! bruise on the little fellows shoulder
 Timms started to run away, but was captured by half a dozen pur- suers, after traversing several back yards and hurdling a number of fences. He was placed in the county jail by his captors, and will likely be given a hearing Monday on charge of assault and battery. The affair occurred at Eighth and Main street, about 1 o'clock yesterday afternoon.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-25
Of 100 or More Injured, 75 Are Badly Hurt, but Less
 Than 12 in Danger.
NEW ALBANY LOSS
 PUT AT $1, ,133,OOO
General Appeal for Aid Issued, $2OO,- O0O Being Needed for Relief of HOmeless-Rescuers Find Negro
 Unhurt in Wreckage.

New Albany, Ind, March 24.-With six additional deaths reported during the day, the work of searching the debris proceeding satisfactorily, and measures of relief instituted for the homeless, New Albany late today be- gan to recover from the storm which wrecked sections of the city late yes- terday.
 The deaths reported brought the list of fatalities to 37. Three-fourths of the wrecked area, it was said, ha l been explored. The record of the missing has been kept only in 9 desultory way, but even that s being reduced almost hourly by re- ports of missing persons who are being cared for in private homes. Of 100 or more injured, it is said prob ably 75 are badly hurt. but less than dozen are in serious condition.
 Institution of relief measures were prompt. Citizens of Louisville, led by the board of trade, subscribed over $12,000 and sent a motor truck loaded with food and clothing. Late in the day, an appeal was issued, esti- mating that $200,000 is needed to care properly for the injured and home- less.
 State Troops in Charge.
 The work of clearing away the wreckage was carried on rapidly, un- der the supervision of a detachment of state troops. There were 60 na- tional guardsmen on duty today and 100 more are expected tomorrow, when 200 inmates of the Indiana state reform school at Jeffersonville will be put to work. Monday an additional 200 will be used, with electricians and other skilled labor, in the effort to rehabilitate the stricken section. The first organized estimate of the property loss resulted today in an estimate of $1,133, ,O0O, including the damaged or destroyed homes and their contents.
 When the searchers today dug into the ruins Of a negro school, which they expected would yield a number of bodies, they found badly fright ened but practically unhurt negro boy. He had been pinned under the debris. but was protected from harm by overhead timbers.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-25
IF WAR COMES THE
 GARDEN WILL HELP

Washington, March 24.-The in- mediate transfer of vacant lots and city yards into gardens, and that farms should grow mere food crops was urged in statement issued to- night by Carl Vrooman. assistant sec retary of agriculture.
 "The great need in war time," Mr. Vrooman said, would be a surplus of wheat with which the nation could feed it's allies"
 He also advocated that the acreage of soy beans and COW reas should be increased to augment the resources of protein, which, in time of emerg- ency takes the place of meat for hu- man consumption.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-25
ACCEPTS SENTENCE
 FOR REEVES MURDERS

Minden, La., March 24-Henry Wal Ter, farmer convicted of killing John Nelson Reeves, his wife and three children near here last year and sentenced to life Imprisonment, today formally withdrew his notice of an appeal and agreed to accept the sentence of the court. His attorneys filed notice and in consideration of abandonment of the appeal the prose- cution agreed to pass the remaining three indictments against Waller.
 He was indicted for killing the three children.
 This action probably ends the Reeves case, which has resulted in the conviction of five men, four of whom are negroes.
 John Long, white man wso con- fessed, has not been tried. He was used as witness for the state against Waller. and will probably be granted immunity.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-25
WOULD LIKE TO HEAR
 "DIXIE" IN FRANCE

Jacksonville. Fla, March 24-Theo- dore Roosevelt, in an address here to- day, said he would have division If American soldiers in the trenches n France in four or five weeks, If the government would give him permits sion.
 The statement was made just after the band had played "Dixie," and Col. Roosevelt had remarked:
 "I would like to hear that tune against von Hindenberg's line in France"
 The colonel said the United States should carry the war to Germany and pleaded for universal military train ing. He left tonight for Fort Meyer. to hunt devil fish.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-25
WESTERN AND SOUTHERN
 ; CITIES TBFHIND- WILSON

Kansas City, Mo-, March 24.-Kan- sas City brought loyalty" day to an end tonight with the greatest expo sition of loyalty and patriotism ever displayed here.
 Convention hall was the scene Of a huge mass meeting, with it's seat ing room, of 18,O0O capacity, packed to it's capacity early in the evening and overflow meetings addressed by several speakers kept the blocks sur rounding it crowded until nearly midnight.
 Resolutions endorsing President Wilson and recommending that no ex- pense be spared in the mobilization of the entire defensive strength of the nation, were passed without dis senting vote.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-25
REICHsTAG MEMBER
 DENOUNCES KAISER

London, March 24.-The German emperor and Chancellor von Beth mann-Hollweg were denounced in the reichstag by the Socialist deputy Ku- nert as the originators of the war, according to Berlin dispatch to Re : ters by way of Amsterdam. The incl dent occurred Thursday during de- bate on the public health estimates. Vice Chancellor Helfferich, referring to Herr Kunert's remark, declared that Germans who spoke in the same breath of Russian nd German con- ditions insulted his fatherland. The Socialist deputy retortei amid Social ist applause.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-25
GOVERNOR SIGNS
 8 BILLS; FIVE
 FOR JEFFERSON

Little Rock, March Ex-Governor Brough this evening approved 93 bills including the measures providing for mothers pensions, to permit women to practice law, and the following local measures affecting Jefferson county and Pine Bluff
 By Magee-Regulating the collec- tion of taxes in county. This bill abolishes the custom of sending the tax books to every precinct in the county each year.
 By Caldwell-Giving Pine Bluff one half of the road tax collected within the city.
 By Caldwell-To empower towns to force the laying of sidewalks.
 By Caldwell-To extend to three years the limit for bringing suits against corporations for personal in juries.
 By Newton-To pay Jefferson coun- ty jurors $3 day.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-25
French and British Troops Continue Advance on
 6 Front.
HINDENBERG LINE BEGINS TO BEND
French Occupy West Bank of Disc
 River, From LaFere to VenduiI. and Progress on Vest of Ailette. De. spite 1nundation of Section.
Associated Press Summary. }

(ASsOcIated Press Summary Notwithstanding the stiffened re- sistance by the Germans before the Hindenberg line, British and French forces continue to make progress on both sides of the Somme and Disc rivers in France.
 The west bank of the Disc. from pLaF'ere northward to Venduil, a dis tanee of four miles, has been occupied by the French, who also captured two of the advanced positions of the de- fense of LaFere, supposed to be one of Germany's strong points. North of the Somme the Germans have been driven from Saw, four miles east of St. Quentin.
 Fighting on the west bank of the Disc, according to the French official communication, was of desperate character, the Germans giving ground only foot by foot, and defending them selves tenaciously
 In the face of the German attempt to check the French advance south of the Disc by flooding those sections, the French have advanced on the west bank of the Ailette, capturing several villages and forcing the Germans to retreat.
 Roisel, seven miles east of Peronne, and a railway junction point on the line between Marcoine and St. Quentin, has been captured by the British.
 At Baumetz les Cambrai, near the center of the British line on the Somme front, the Germans attacked and obtained temporary footing in the village, but later were elected. A British advance southwest and west of Ecoust and St. Meian. southeast of reported by London.
 Grand Duke Nicholas has been busted from the chief command of the Russian army, and General Alexieff has taken temporary command.
 Russians Give Ground.
 Activity has been resumed on the Rumanian frontier, where German troops have stormed the Russian posi- tions between the Solyon1tar and Bzonaos and have taken 800 prisoners Between the Silcha and Chianich riv- CTS the Russians have withdrawn about two-thirds of mile under Ger man pressure.
 Fighting between Lakes Ochrida and Presba, on the Macedonian front. near Monastir, is reported, with the Teu- tonic forces still in possession of the dominating heights in the district north and west of Monastir basin which is said to have been the object of the French attacks.
 The advance of the Russians ir Persia toward the Mesopotamian bor, der continues, and the capture o1 Perkerind, AZ miles from the border was announced Saturday. Genera Ltichitzky, who is in command of tho southern wing of the Russian armies in General Brusilloff's offensive las summer. has been placed in command of the Russian armies on the centra front, succeeding General Alexieff.
 Announcement had been made II Washington that Brand Whitlock American minister, and the American relief workers in Belgium have beer withdrawn and will be replaced, so fa as possible, by members of Jon neutral commission, supervises prln cipally by Dutch military officials.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-25
GRAND DUKE NICK LOSES COMMAND
 RUSSIAN ARMIES
His Connection With Ro- manof Dynasty Makes
 Retention Undesirable.

London, March 24.-The retirement of Grand Duke Nicholas from his post as commander in chief of the Russian armies is officially confirmed, accord Ing to Reuters dispatch from Petro- grad.
 Pending the appointment of a suc- cessor, the dispatch says, Gen. V. V. Alexieff, chief of the general staff, will act as commander in chief. The retention of Grade Duke Nicholas was considered, undesirable by the Russian ministry of war, because of the grand dukes connection with the Romanoff dynasty.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-25
USES GASOLINE ID START STOVE FIRE:
 THREE ARE DEAD
Huttig Man Escapes by Leaping Into Ouachita
 River.

Huttig, March 24.-G. w. Howell attempted to start fire with gaso- line in his home here this morning. As a result three persons are dead, and Howell escaped only by jumping into the Ouachita river, on which his home is located.
 The dead are Mr. and Mrs. John Barlow and their daughter. Arcola, aged 20, of Clancy, Miss, the parents and sister of Mrs Howell
 They were visiting Mrs. Howell, and Howell attempted to start a fire in the stove in their bedroom before they arose. The explosion threw burning gasoline over the bed in which the three were sleeping, and they had no chance to escape.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-25
BLAST IN TUNNEL
 KILLS FOUR MEN

New York, March 24.-Four work men were killed and il seriously in- jured by premature blast in the new subway being constructed under East river near Blackwell island, late tonight
 The men were at work 1855 feet be- low the bed of the river. Inmates of two hospitals, the penitentiary and the workhouse on the island were thrown into 8 state of panic by the force of the explosion. The dead and injured were removed from the tunnel through a small shaft.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-25
DREAMS OF BURGLAR:
 SHOOTS HIS BROTHER

Joplin, Mo-, March 24.-Evidence brought forth at coroner's inquest following the death here this morn ing of Joseph B. Coffman, 32 years old, a telegraph operator at Picher, Okla, disclosed, according to officials, details of his being shot by his young CT brother while the latter in his sleep dreamed he was a burglar.
 The coroner's jury rendered ver- dict of accidental honlicid" and ab- solvd the younger brother from blame. MTINJ
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-25
1917 BALLOON RAGE
 WILL BE STARTED
 FROM LITTLE ROCK

Little Rock, March 24.-Little Rock will be the starting point of the 19l! balloon race of the Aero Club or America.
 This was announced tonight m a telegram received by the Little Rock board of commerce from Wm. F. Ass man of St. Louis. MT. Assman re- gently spent several days here invest Ing conditions, and reported that he mad found them satisfactory.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-25
Move Capital to Moscow.

Washington, March 24.-Transfer of the Russian capital from Petro- grad to it's ancient site, at Moscow, is regarded as highly probable in entente circles here which have kept closely in touch with the situation in Rus sia. The belief is founded on the re- ports that Petrograd is swarming with spies, and that it is strongly under the influence of the pro-German element. It is believed such a change will ap- peal strongly to the sentiment of the great mass of the people.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-25
NOTICE!-NOTICE!

All persons are hereby notified that the public dumping ground Is lo- cated at the foot of Texas street. and that all refuse and waste materials must be dumped at this place. Dump ing on vacant lots or public property at any other location is 3 violation of the law and such violations Will hereafter be rlgidly prosecuted.
 s. BLOOM, 2-97-1m Mayor.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-25
COMPLETE EDDY MEMORIAL.

Cambridge, Mass, March 24.-The memorial to Mary Baker Eddy, founder of the Christian Science church, erected in Mount Auburn cemetery. was today turned over to Inc Christian Science board of trus- tees by Ebert s. Barlow or New 1orK' r. who had charge of it's constructor. More than year and a half was re- nmired to complete the work, the cost being $150,00O.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-25
RUSSIANS APPROVE
 REPUBLICAN, FORM

London, March 24--The central committee and the parliamentary rep resentatives at Petrograd have voted in favor of Republican form of gov ernment for Russia, according to a .Petrograd dispatch. Prof. Paul N. Mikuloff, the foreign minister, is the leader of this organization.