davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-17

sacrifice of men and five days Of con- tinuous fighting the enemy has sue ceeded in making another slight ad- vance. bringing his position lip to Caprille Hill, just east of the Brenta river This represents an advance of about three quarters of a mile, it's chief importance being that Caprille is one Of the donl- mating heights at the head of San Loren 20 valley. leading southward to the plains toward which the enemy is per- sistently exerting all his pressure.
 As his chief effort the previous week was to gain command of the passes west Of the Brenta river, so all his attention in the last week has been given to the passes on the east bank. The fighting during the last five days has been heavy and at times desperate for control of strategic positions.
 The struggle yesterday and today took on double aspect, with the Italians at tacidng on the right of Mount Pertca, occupied by the enemy, while the Aus trians concentrated their attacks on the left around Mount Beretta. and it's neighboring hill, Caprille. The Alpinis again distinguished themselves III charges up the slopes of Pertica in an effort to redeem the hill, but while all reports agree that heaps of enemy dead marked the course of the Alpini assaults, they were unable to maintain their posi- tions at the summit, exposed to the sweep of the enemy batteries.
 Austrian attacks on the left were twice repulsed, but late yesterGay. with a large addition of fresh troops, the Austrians reached the summit of Caprille, while the Italian lines were correspondingly drawn back, Although Caprille is at he head of San Lorenzo valley, the passage along this valley is controlled by the heights on both sides by the Italians.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-17
CHRISTMAS AND NEW
 YEAR TO BE REST
 DAYS FOR SAMMIES
General Pershing Issues Orders Max ing These Two Dates Complete
 Holidays in His Army

With the American Army in France, December 16.-(By the Associated Press.) Gen. John J. Pershing, commander-in- chief of the American forces in France, in general orders issued today proclaimed Christmas and New Years day holi- days The orders said that no work is to be performed on the two holidays that is not absolutely essential.
 Intensive training in the science of at tacking 'pill boxes has begun at one of the largest training grounds. Numer- ous concrete structures Identical witl, those used by the Germans have been erected and the troops are being taught how the British take them.
 The system of attack involves auto matic rifle fire from numerotN points into the slots sufficient number of rifles being used from various points to assure a continuous stream of bullets en- tering every slot from each direction from which the pill box is attacked Under this fire bombers crawl to the pill box and the firing ceases. The bomb CTS then quickly hurl grenades inside the minute forts. This system, if faith fully carried out, seldom fails to bring about the equalization of the largest oi the Dill boxes
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-17
Local Data
Dr. Williams Speaks on
 Conservation of Fuel

Stating that loyalty to their country in the present crisis could be shown by carrying out the full conservation cam paign inaugurated by the government, as well as by joining the army, Dr. Will Hams, pastor of the Sixteenth Street Baptist church, coIored, urged the mem bers of his congregation who might be employed in the mines of the district to lay off only one day during the Christi mas holidays in order to relieve the pres- ent coal shortage.
 pr. Williams has been designated by the fuel board for work among the col ored people and is doing his part to help the situation. Tomorrow night he will send speakers to several of the local mining camps to urge the miners of his race to keep at work until the coal shortage is relieved
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-17

city and also the bringing of the tubes into substantially physical contact with the Pennsylvania railroad in New York.
 In this way MT. McAdoo became fla miliar with some of the features of rail- way transportation, confined for the time being to passenger transportation now aggregating millions year. He is understood to have contemplated en- largement of his system so that it could be made available for transportation of commodities or freight.
 Some of the railway managers are in- clined to think that, should the Pres ident ask for authority and Congress grant it, whereby the government can take, during the time of the war. the control of the railroads. Mir. McAdoo may be chosen as the Presidents right hand in directing the operation of the roads, Many persons have forgotten and presumably, many are ignorant of that fact that MT McAdoo's first promi : hence as well as his preparation for the great responsibilities he has carried as Secretary of the Treasury was gained by conceiving and then building a true railroad system, although a short one, whereby each year multitudes are trans ported by tube and tunnel back and forth between Manhattan and New ter sey, making at one point direct connec- ton with the Pennsylvania railroad.
 Railway managers will be alarmed should the supreme director under the President be man who has had no ex- perence in the management and opera ton of railroads. Inferentially if any one associated with the administration is appointed to this post the managers would prefer MT. McAdoo. It does not ea- cape the observation of any who talk with railroad men that they are con- vinced that government control of the railroads at this time will have a most influential, although as yet not fully foreseen, relation to the railroad situa- tion after the war is ended.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-17
POPULAR PROGRAM AT COMMUNITY SING Orchestral Numbers We'll Rendered and Young
 Tenor Makes a Hit

Considering the winter weather yes- terday's community concerts at the Bijou were well attended. The house was almost filled at the first per formance and half filled at the sec ond
 The Philharmonic orchestra, Philip Memoli, conductor, played Leutner's s Fest" overture-an old-time favorite, an (a) and (b) group from Nevin's "A Day in Venice" suite and selections from "Sweethearts" by Victor Her bert The latter number was light but pleasing and won harty applause. Ths orchestra, by the way, has been aug mented by a bassoon and bass clar- inet, and Joseph Montana, the well known flutist, has been engaged as q permanent member of the organiza- tion.
 Michael Ford, young tenor, made a hit in his solo number. La donna c mobile" from Xerdfs "Rigoletta," and was forced to respond to an encore. Miss Sara Mallam was at the piano.
 Community Director Robert Law renee led among other numbers the carol practice songs for everybody to be sung next Sunday.
 The Rev. pr. II. M.s Edmonds. four minute man, made speech of charac- teristic pith, in behalf of the Red Cross membership campaign.
 Mir. Lawrence announced that the programme for next Sunday would be of exceptional excellence There will be only one concert. The doors will open at p. m. and the programme will commence at 3:30 o'clock.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-17
4CAP|TAL|ZAT|uIf,F THEME OF SERMON Dr. Stuart Tells of Big Col lection for National Anti
 Saloon League

"Capitalizng Yourself'' was the sub ject upon which Dr. George R. Stuart of the First Methodist church spoke last large church to capacity. M
 The first point made in the sermon-lec- ture as the capitalization of personality Everyone is possessed of certain things which go to complete their personality, they are the only ones who own all of them, and they may be used to great advantage in life," said pr. Stuart.
 Your education, whether gained through the schools and colleges or from practical experience in the world, may be used to your advantage,' '' he continued. A talk on the use and abuse of education, of its advantages and disadvantages, of what can and cannot be done with it, was given.
 Experiences that you have had in your work in the world may be capital- ized to your advantage 1t is one of the most valuable assets of a human being. Too often it is ignored, rather than for gotten. Profit by the experience of others is good advice, but a still better saying would be, profit by your own ex- periences.'
 Folks you meet are your real working Sdpl 0dplldHZc yOuI yOui friends, and your acquaintances. Every friend you have has an actual cash value to you. Every friend you have is that much capital and every one you lose is that much capital working against yours. Keep your friends and cultivate them. It will cost neither of you much and you can be of inestimable mutual advan- tage.
 Capitalize eternity. bank on heaven, and never lose faith This is of the greatest importance. Life on earth is short in it's duration and this Is the one way to lengthen it."
 pr. Stuart gave his audience a brief history of his recent trip to Washington to attend the convention of the Amer ican Anti-Saloon league. He told them of his assistance in taking up the col- lection and stated that the first contri5u- ton received was from one man for Sl00, 900 and that the second was for s50000- pr. Stuart was one of the prinsipal speak CTS at the convention and his talks were received with much interest by his audi ences.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-17
Additional Food Board
 Chairmen Are Named

Montgomery, December 16.--tSpe- cial l)--Announcement was made by the state food administrator that per maEent county chairmen of the food
 pledge campaign had been appointed
 for 90 counties and that others would be named as soon as suitable men
 could be found. The chairmen will be
 in personal touch with the food ad !. mnistrator at all times and will give
 their attention to the enforcement of
 the food conservation laws In their
 counties.
 Those named are: Autauga. C. r..
 Thomas; Baldwin, J. $. Lambert: Bibb, w. w. Lavender; Bullock. s. P. Rat ner; Chambers, Charles s. Moon; Chilr ton, l.. H. Reynolds; Choctaw. w. If. Lindsey. Clarke, A. B. Tucker Cic- burne. J R. Barker Conecuh, c. r. Deming: Dallas, J. R. Ellis; Fillmore, \. tIohenberg. Escambia, Rev w. M. Murray: Etowah, Hugh White Franklin w IT. Key. Greene, A. P. Smith: Hous- ton, w. R. Chapman; Lee, John V. Den son: Limestone. Mrs. l.. H. Richardson Macon, D. E. Laslie; Madison. w. r. , Garth. Marshall, 0. D. street; Mont gonery, Ralph QuisenbeIry St. Cia.r, w. T. Brown; Sumter, John A. Rogers; Tuscaloosa, Frank $. Moody Washing- ton, K. H Southerlanh; TalladeaM, r,
 A. IIammett; Dale. Dr. H. B Dowi-
 ing; Mobile. John Craft.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-17
Christmas Cantata at
 Church of the Advent

The annual Christmas cantata will be presented next Sunday evening at 8 o'clock at the Church of the Advent by the choir under the direction of Choirmaster and Organist Fred !. Grambs. Vests Story of Bethlehem will be rendered. At the II o'clock service next Sunday the children oi the Sunday school will present White Christmas"
 Yesterday the Rev. MT. Gamble U Huntsville occupied the pulpit at tie morning service. The church was crowded and pr. Gamble preached i; forceful sermon. A feature of the mu- sic was the offertory solo, 70, Divine Redeemer,' beautifully rendered bs Mrs Stevenson.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-17
BRIDGEPORT POLICE
 BATTLE WITH NEGRO ! CLUB FREQUENTERS

Bridgeport, Conn.,, December 16,-A three-hour battle with riot guns and re- volvers between the police and fre- quenters of negro club on Water street took place here early today and re suited in the wounding of one police, two white citizens and three negroes. Of the injured two probably will die. The proprietor of the club, William ("Baby Doll'D Thomas, and 105 other per- sons are under arrest. including F white men and F young white women. The rest are negro men and women
 The fight started about o'clock and continued until 5 o'clock, during which time thousands of shots were fired. Vir- tually the whole police force was at one time engaged in the siege of the quar- ters held by the negroes and the final action took place when Superintendcnt of Police Redgate and five patrolinen forced their way into the elubroom and fought these inside face to face.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-17
PALESTINE REPORT

London, December 16.-An official state ment bearing on the campaign in Pal estine says:
 General Allenby reports that on De- cember 15, his left centre, northeast of Ludd, advanced on a five mile front to a maximum depth of about one and one half miles, without meeting much oppo- sition. Kibbiah. Khibanner, Khel, Bor> nat and the ridge overlooking Fl Tireh were occupied.
 ..Our airplanes dropped 56 bobs or motorboats and sheds and on troops al the mouth of the Jordan with good ef- feet, obtaining "A hits
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-17

The character of the warfare all along the lower Piave line and particularly the methods employed to defend the Queen of the Seas" from the Austro- German invasion undoubtedly are unique even in this war of novelties. Nature has placed a barrier in the path of the invader apparently more insurmountable even than the mountains across Which the enemy has fought his way, and these natural obstacles have been forti- fled as probably no other place in Eu- rope.
 FLOATING FORTRESS
 Human ingenuity has outdone itself to provide floating fortresses armed with huge guns which, camouflaged and concealed cunningly from spying air. planes, can slip from point to point, never offering a mark for the invaders, and yet always able to lombard the en. emy as he attempts nightly to build pom toon bridges across the River Piave.
 Skilled engineers have ferreted out ev- cry bit of solid mainland in the vast swampy area north of Venice where hat teries, large and small, according to the
 
 been established. They never relax their vigilance. The same engineers have cut away the dikes that formerly controlled the water to irrigate the fertile Italian plains, creating a vast lake.
 MANY HOUSES DESTROYED
 The inundation has made a thousand peasants homeless but it presents an all most insurmountable barrier to the Aus trian artillery from it's scores of vantage points and illustrates every attempt of the Austrians to steal across unnoticed Finally in addition to the foremost in- fantry lines in the inundated section, large and small batteries are scattered everywhere and floating monitors con- stantly are on patrol. Thus far the en- emy has been prevented from bringing his big guns up to a position from which
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-17
Two Explosion Disasters
 in Germany Reported

London. December 16-Two disasters in widely separated parts of Germany are reported in Zurich dispatches re- ceived here today. An explosion oc :. cured in the Zeppelin works at Fried :. erichshaven and resulted in the death or injury of many. The second explo- sion occurred near Kiel, destroying a factory where bombs were prepared
 for zeppelins and airplanes. Many of the employees in this plant were killed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-17
LONDON STATEMENT

London, December 16.-Reporting opera lions on the British front in France, the official statement issued today by the British war office says:
 We captured a few prisoners and a machine gun during the night in patrol encounters south of Cambrai. There was nothing further of special interest to report"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-17
Nature and Italians Ingenuity Defending
 Venice From Enemy
Countless Miles of Flooded Marshland Dotted With Guns Makes It Almost Impossible Seem ingly for Beautiful City to Fall Victim to
 Modern VandaIs From the North

On the Piave Northern italy, December 16Couness numbless islands by sluggish lgns and land inundated the depth of several inches
 filled that the and ntly enghu bIe Venice
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-17
Tutwiler Orchestra

Among the especially well received snu- sical numbers at the Tutwiler by Wie- gands augmented orchestar last night were: "Valse and Czardas," from Cop pelia," by Delibes Under the Leaves. ? by Thomas, played as a cello solo by A. Pauli excerpts from Lucia and Ko- clans 'Intermezzo."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-17
THE WEATHER
Weather Forecast

Washington, December 16.-Alabama and Mississppi Fair Monday; Tuesday partly cloudy and warmer.
 Georgia: Generally fair Monday and Tuesday; slowly rising temperature Tuesday.
 Tennessee: Fair Monday; warmer in west portion; Tuesday partly cloudy; warmer in east.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-17

he might Lombard Venice. The ttip through the defense system of Venice and alone the lower Piave which the correspondent made began at Venice from which city speedy naval motor
 boat ploughed its way at sunrise into the confusing maze of canals that intersect the vast marshland area to the north. The grumbling of the big guns, con stantly growing louder, could be heard in Venice, where it sounded like thun- der. NO SIGN OF LIFE Virtually all signs of life were left te- hind as the boat worked its way into
 the narrow channels. Even the custom ary animal life of any wilderness seemed to be lacking except for few ducks. Suddenly the press boat almost col lded with grayish steel hulk. The vessel bearing a huge gun had success fully thrown shells to the Piave river and many times had defeated the efforts of the Austrians to complete pontoon bridge to the southern shore.
 In case enemy airplanes were seen dur 1 ing the day the monitor was prepared to steam away at nightfall to some other spot where the Austrian shells would be unable to reach it, but from which point it could continue it's work of destruc- tion.
 MANY OTHER CRAFT The monitor was only the first of series Other lighter guns and lighter craft were lying in reserve ready. at a
 moments notice to slip through the
 winding channels to some point nearer
 to the enemy and from there to direct
 an unexpected fire on his positions. The armament of ti.e monitors gener-
 ally decrea sed in size as the press boat
 approached more closely to the front
 lines and similarly the batteries which
 here and there began to make their ap-
 pearance became lighter and lighter as the tortuous lagoons merged either in
 the Sile river or into the Sile canal far
 to the north of Venice.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-17
Paris Also Reports Increase in Artillery Action on
 Verdun Line
DETAILS FROM ITALY SHOW ENEMY LOSSES
 HEAVY AS REPORTED
Following Five Days of Terrible Fighting Slight Gains Are Made. General Allenby Advances
 in Palestine

Paris, December 16-German forces last night attacked the French positions north of the Chemin Des Danes. on the Aisne front. and east of Conflict, in the Champagne The French war office in its statement issued today reports that both attacks were repulsed. On the right bank of the Mouse, in the Verdun region, there was an increase in the artillery
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-17
Submarine Department of
 German Navy Organized

London. December 16.-An imperial
 decree prescribing for the duration of the war, the formation of the new sec ton in the German imperial navy de-
 partment to be called the U-boat de-
 partment has just been published, ac-
 cording to an Amsterdam dispatch to Reuters limited The new department deals solely with U-boat affairs, which heretofore have been handled by the
 dockyards section of the navy depart. ment.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-17
DEATHS

 Mrs. Eliza Y. Miller-Died Saturday at the family residence. 1881 Eleventh avenue, south. Funeral services over the remains were h.ld yestsxdAy afternoon from the residence with interment at Oak Hill cemetery Shaw in charge.
 Mrs. J. q. McI.eod--Died at local in firmary early Sunday morning. Re- mains were shipped yesterday to Courtland by Johns Undertaking company.
 Thomns rainter-Ase 45. died Satur- day at the family residence, 1001 North Twenty-ninth street Funeral services over the remains will h+ held this afternoon at 2:3o o'clock from the residence. Interment '.i Union Eill cemetery Shaw in charge.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-17
DETAILS FROM ITALY

Headquarters of the Italian Army in Northern Italy, Saturday. December 15 (By Associated Press )-After a heavy
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-17
;rin FoIIoyv. fine sno,y

LAXATIVE PROMO QUININE Tab.
 let's taken in time will Prevent Grip. E. W. GROVES signature on box Bee
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-17
At the Lyric

Harry Girard, one of the best known of vaudeville entertainers assisted by Agnes Cain-Br and capable com pany in The Vail of an Eskimo,' will furnish the headline attraction on the new bill Of Keith vaudeville this after- noon. This act abounds in beautiful mu- sic ard song numbers and has strong dramatic appeal.
 The Saxo Quinette are excellent nu-
 sicians and will render a most pelasing programme. John T. Ray and company will entertain in Check Your Hat" a clever song and dance number, and Ed
 Morton, vaudeyilles pleasing singer, is expected to prove one of the features of the bill. The Three Daring sisters are aerial artists. The mutual news pie
 lures are pleasing feature at the Lyric at all performances,
 At Loew's Biiou A stirring drama with a strong appeal, Unknown 274," featuring the popular ture feature at Loew's Bijou for the first half of the week. Miss Caprice is quite a favorite with the Birmingham audi ence and appears to advantage in her newest screen offering
 Frank Mulane, foremost dialect com edian and vaudeville singer; the Ballad Trio in songs with cello and piano; | Howard and Hurst, most unusual sing
 CTS; Adele Oswold, a character artist of
 ability. and Holden and Graham, very versatile pair, compose the bill for the first half or the week at Loew's. LocN' S current events and comedy pictures are also decided features. The prices in clude war tax.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-09-08

expressly referred to his Statement
that until July 30, in the sfternoon
no order Of any kind for mobilization
was given. Despite this General Ia.
nusckevitch had in his pocket the
prepared mobilization order. German,
was to be duped with u proposal OF
aroitration at the Hague court while
Russia busily continued to bring her
army to a war footing for the plan.
ned attack.
IN this connection the importance
or the cars telegram to Emperor
william, which was dispatched Jul,
80 at 1.20 o'clock in the afternoon
and which announced the general
mobilization of the Russian army, is
evident. This mobilization, according
to the caar's we'll known ukase of
1917, meant war against Germany ano
was intended to maintain the decep-
ton that military meaures were de-
sired solely against Austrian prepara-
tions.
Germany was obliged to enter a
most serious fight for the defense OF
her existence because she was threat
ened by her neighbors, France and
Russia, who were eager for booty and
power, who wanted to destroy her and
VINO were urged by the island empire
beyond the channel because England
was striving for the hegemony of Eu-
rope as Viscount Grey (former British
loreisn secretary once said.
Nothing else but the mischieyous
VIII of criminal enemy war agitat-
ors forced us into this sanguinary de-
fensive war for life and freedom. No
American note can alter this historical
truth which now again is confirmed
by General SOukhomlinoff and General
nor can the American
note shake our firm determination to
night in loyal harmony behind the
crown and the people for war aims:
maintenance of our rights to
Germany's integrity. freedom and
future of assured peaceful develop
ment for which our heroes have now
been fighting and bleeding for moro
than three years"