davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27
Strong Italian Counter At
tacks Render Enemy
Assaults Futile
Two Teuton Blows
Repelled at Sasso
Enforced Retreat to Adige
Line Becomes More
Certain

LONDON, Dec. % The violent
struggle on the Asiago Plateau con-
tinued all day yesterday, but resulted
in virtually no change in the relative
positions of the opposing armies. The
Italians renewed their counter attacks
on Col del Rosso and Monte Val Bella,
the dominating heights at the head Of
the Frcnzela Valley, but were unable
10 shake loose the grip OF the enemy.
Similarly, ali efforts Of Field Marshal
Conrad's forces 10 extend their gains
on both sides of the Brenta River
broke down.
General Diaz's troops achieved tenn
porary successes on both Of the dis
puted mountain SUBMITS, according to
the Rome War Office. but, after recon-
quering the positions. found them
selves unable 70 retain them. Berlin
states that the Italian assaults were
preceded by violent artillery prepara-
ton, and layy' stress on the heavy
Iosses suS'"T'Vu -!
forcef
The Austro3Germans struck at two
points on the Asiago front. Their ef-
forts were concentrated on the Ital-
isns' extreme right, between Col del
Rosso and Val Frenzela-Maise. Held
frontally," says the Italian communl-
que, "the enemy was unable 10 ad-
vance beyond the dwellings Of Sasso.
As Sasso is close to Rosso Hill, this is
taken to mean that the invaders made
practically no advance from their
positions Of the previous day. when
they swept some distance beyond that
height.
The other Teuton attack was made
on the left bank Of the Brenta, to the
west of Osteli and Osteria il Lepre: 1t
was promptly checked by the Italian
barrage, Rome reports. In the alter
noon. the statement adds, the flghting
diminished in intensity.
The present situation Of the Italians
is regarded everywhere as more serious
than il has been at any time since they
took I'D their stand behind the Piave-
Brenta line. That they recognize this
themselves is apparent from the des-
perAte and costly counter attacks they
are now making
The heights of Rosso and Val Bella,
midway between Asiago and Nastagna,
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27
Santa in Aero Swoops
Down on U. S. Troops
Soldiers in France Make
Merry Christmas Day in
Howling Snowstorm

WITH THE AMERICAN ARMY IN
FRANCE, Dec. 25.-The American eH-
peditionary force in France celebrated
Christmas in bowling snowstorm'
Few features Of any programme were
cancelled, for most Of the FESTIVITIES
were held indoors.
At the quarters % the American arr
squadron. although a binding snow
swirled into the hangar where a tree
had been erected for the children Of .
nearby village, Santa swooped doHa
from the clouds, dripping waite. and
with a pack on his back. stepped IRON
an airplsne. His goggles, cap, red suit
and sack we're busted heavily Witn
snowfiakes, much 70 the delight OF
about one hundred small children VINO
huddled within the shelter Of the han
gar. -,
In all the units entertaining cnii-
dren each small guest received tne
present he most desired. There were 81
least a score Of large community trees
and many smaller ones In the Lone
where the presents were distributed.
Efforts were made 20 carry out the
programme Of football games, but some
of these had TO be cancelled when the
snow became too heavy. While the
Christmas dinner did>lot approach thar
Of Thanksgiving, because Of lack o.
turkey and trimmings, the army man
aged 10 enjoy itself.
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27
U-Boats Ignored Ship
Battered by Storms
The Ruby, Helpless Is Days
in War Zone, Unmolested
by Germans

AN ATLANTIC PORT. Dec. 26.-It
isn't often a U-boat passes up the
chance to send an enemy vessel-a
helpless one at that--to the bottom,
"spurlos versenkt." Yet this is just
V hat happened to the American three
masted auxiliary schooner Ruby, whose
captain, Andrew Knudsen, and first Off
Ger. William Morgan. reached this port
on a French liner to-day.
Four months ago the Ruby left New
Orleans for France, heavily laden with
lumber. Hurricane after hurricane
lashed her. putting engines out Of com
mission, ripping sails to shreds and
sweeping overheard the lumber Oh her
decks.
Tossed about. the schooner drifted
into the submarine danger zone. Fiji
teen days she stayed there, and her
crew saw four schooncrs and steamer
sent to the bottom by the undersea
boats. German commanders took just
one look at the wreck of the Ruby and
let her pass on undisturbed. The crew
fnally rigged up temporary sail and
reached French port, after sixty-one
days across.
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27
Kaiser's Xmas
Speech Viewed a.
Aid to the Allies
English Papers Say Il
Makes Him Responsible
for Prolonging War
lSt0f Corrcsponoleucel

LONDON, Dec. 26.-The German =.
perOr's speech 20 the soldiers ~ "A.
Second Army. on the Western from, 4,
British statesman had beer pcrmi,,sd
20 write u, could not have been bet,s-
worded TO suit those in this country
who are anxious 70 strengthen N.
Allies determination 20 fich. on 70 W.
tory.
In every quarter here, Conservative.
and Liberals, the so-ca.icd never.
endians" and those who seek peace Ly
negotiation. regard the Ksiser's word
particularly those in reference 70 the
Deity, not only as sacrilegious but a.
final proof that the responsibility foy
the war and its continuance now rest.
with the enemy.
"The Times refers 70 it as zone o.
those speeches which throw an oe,a.
sional flash Of light Upon the real ehsr.
acter Of the var" and this opinion a
echoed even by this papers journals
tic opponents.
The effect upon France. Italy ana
Britain unquestionably viii be TO nerve
the peoples afresh for what is feIt i
difficult period in store for them
"the next hundred days.
Il will be interesting % see what N,
effect will be on the Bolshcviki who
are treating with the Germans in the
East. Possibly literal translation OF
the speech-if, indeed. that IS what the
Allies here have received-will not be
published in Russia. Certainly il does
not seem calculated TO further peace
spirit among the negotistors az Brest.
Litovsk.
Pleasant in contrast, from an Allied
viewpoint. are the Christmas messages
from the Allied leaders and command
ers in the field.
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27
American Observers United
in Belief Big Offensive
Is Near
French Ready for Blow
Delav Said 70 Be Caused by
Transfer of Big Guns
From Russia
IStnfCorreen ndeneel


WASHINGTON, Dec. 26.-ohcial re-
norts received here state that INC
forces being concentrated on the "es'
orn front by Germany in preparatio"
for an anticipated attack on eitner 'ne
Erorcb or British positions include
,,r;rklinr Of Austro- Hungarian troops
The approximate number OF enemy
divisions moved to the Franco Belgian
theatres was not divulged. but army OIL
fcials asserted to-day that despite con-
tradictorv reports from the western
front there is excellent reason to be-
Iieve that the Germans have prepared
for tremendous drive and that the Of
fensive is expected daily.
Some army officers were declared 70
view the situation as one of the greatest
Importance, and returning army authorl-
ties have reported that the Freneh
troops are at the point OF maximum
tension in expectancy Of the enemy
blow. High officers here expressed the
opinion that the German drive will be
as intensive and prolonged as the des-
perate effort to capture Verdun, whose
fate hung in the balance for months.
Germany, il was pointed out, VIII be
better prepared for her new offensive
than she was even for the supreme
effort of the Crown Prince against YER
dun. having no abstraction in the East
with Russia practically out OF the war,
and having. IT is believed, transferred
from the Russian TO the Western front
the greater part OF the best troops
among the 147 divisions Of all enemy
forces that were maintained in the East
prior to the overthrow of kerensky IN
Russia.
The delay in opening the attack. in
the opinion of experts here, is being
caused more by the difficulty Of trans
porting enormous military stores TO
the Franco Belgian fronts than by NOV
ing soldiers, as it is thought that the
greater part of the big guns and ottHr
material from the Russian fronts have
been withdrawn.
The German command thus far has
concealed the locality of the intended
attack. but army officers here, basing
their opinions on reports from Europe,
think il will be delivered against the
French. the Germans themselves, il is
thought, believing the British positions
in Flanders are TOO strongly held to
Justify a prolonged onslaught at the
present time.
Some officers hold the view that the
Crown Prince will direct the new opera
tions, both TO recover the prestige lie
lost at Verdun and also TO achieve
military reputation such as he has not
been able TO gain since the war began.
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27
| in 10 Born Out of
Wedlock in Prussia
Number of Unwed Mothers,
Nearly 100000 a Year,
Shows Morality
rpy tn. As,oa.,sd rrss.l

AMSTERDAM. Dec. 5.-Ien per cent
81 the children born IN Prussia IN war
time arc illegitimate, according 10
statements made in the Prussisn House
Of Representatives during debate on
the vital statistics The Berlin Town
Councillor DR.. Engcl. in an article IN
"Vorwaerts." says tnat this large pro-
tortion of illegitimete children IS "evi-
dence of The moral heaithiness of the
German race" He adds, in the course
Of an appeal for the withdrawal Of all
distinctions between legitimate and IL
legitimate children:
"Paradoxical though 10 may seem.
this great number OF illegitimato chill
dren represents a measure of the NOR.
ality OF our people. They afford cvl-
Gence that, after all, the idea OF the
restriction Of families, an idea which
the war with special emphasis bids us
combat, has not yet penetrated the
masses.
"The terrible fact. however. is that
only 1876 out Of every ] .000 illegitmate
children reach their nineteenth year, as
compared with SIC in the case of leglti-
mate children. The death rate Of IL
lcgitimates IS a convincing plea for the
Improvement Of the situation Of un-
married mothers and their children.
There should be a uniform birth GER
tidcate, and women who we're engaged
10 fallen soldiers should be awarded
tho title Frau
"War time. owing 10 the card sys-
TEN. is a torture for the unmarried
mother. Every journey for food card
IS path Of thorns, and a source of
fresh modification and humiliation. In
tho card issuing Office, and again IN
the shops, she must again and again
make confession Of her fault. The
awarding 10 her Of the title Frau would
remove many obstacles End much mea-
tai torture"
The number of unmarried mothers in
Prussia, Dr. Fl gel states. has now
reached o total OF nearly 900 yearly.
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27
Austrian Guns Boom Amid
Christmas Lull on the Plave
Italian General Strides Through First Line trenches
Carving Message of Cheer to Valiant Defenders
Ready at Moments Notice to Repel Assault

the chovaux-de-frisc order, with nu-
meious sharp projections.
Entering the first line trenches the
general led the way. The ground in
front was covered with low bushes and
scrubby vines running down 10 the
waters edge. Behind this ran n high
earthen embankment. originally erected
as dyke. but now serving the enemy
ss refuge against petty shelilng. In
the foreground were three large stone
farmhouses that had been torn to
pieces by Italian shcllhre.
One of these had had the roof, the
upper floors and two wings blown of.
while the Jagged walls of the frst story
were still standing. II was still used,
the general said, for the cnemy's ma
chine guns. They were silent then, as
the holiday season had by common con-
sent afforded a lull. The heavy Aus
trian guns werc heard now and then.
General Cheers Men
The general had a chcery word for
the men in the trenches, presenting
many Of them with holiday gifts and
giving announcement and praise to
all. The men were in the best Of spir-
its. looked sturdy and wcll-conditioned
and were unanimous in assuring their
commander that they could hold the
enemy against any further advance.
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27
British May Be Rationed
In Their Use of Tobacco

LONDON, Dec. II (by maiD.rlo'
baeeo is necessity, not luxury, de-
clsres Lord Rhondda. the food Cor
troller, IN a statement published here
1--WE must have tobacco" be says =
believe that its loss would be hs-
tional misfortune. u means much ooI"
to the manual laborer and to him Nhy
works with his brains. Men would ess
a great deal more If they did not haNs
tobacco. hold that the deprivation o.
.t would work great discomfort.
Some system of "rationing" tobaeeo'
however, is forecast By the newSpspeH'
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27
U-Boots Now Paroling
Merchant Ship Captains

Correspondence Of Tie Associated Pressl
LONDON, Dec. l0.--Commanders of
German submarines now usually re
quire the captains Of merchant ships
10 give their parole instead of making
them prisoners, as heretofore, accord
ing 70 the annual report of the London
America Trading Company. large
British shipping concern. When men
are paroled they cannot reenter the
merchant marine during the war. The
companies employing them give them
half pay until they obtain other en-
ploymenr.
I'VE have several ship captains in
our employ who have sunk more than
one German submarine in the last
year." says the report. when a ship
has been torpedoed and gone down the
survivors hurry back 10 the Offices OF
the firm, make hasty report and then
ask cheerily, when is the next ship to
be ready" That is the spirit OF the
mercantile marine"
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27
Lost Ships Lifeboat
Found Near Halifax
First Positive Identification
of Part of the Wrecked
Tuscarora

HALIFAX. y. s.. Dec pa life
boat from the American steamer Tus-
carora, believed to have been lost with
her entire crew of thirty-five men. was
picked up to-day by the lightkeeper on
St. PauPs Island. This Is the first
positive Identification Of part Of the
vessel since she disappeared in storm
of the rocky shore north OF Cape Bre-
ton more than fortnight ago.
Wreckage found nearby. including
part of a bridge, pilot house and deck
timbers. indicates that the steamer was
dashed against a cliff, where many
other ships have been wrecked.
The Tuscarora. formerly lake ves-
sci, was requisitioned by the United
States Shipping Board for Atlantic SER
vice. Among those signed on in New
York were:
II. VI. Crowell. captain, Cape Cod,
Scott Nickerson, second mate. Jersey
City; Harrington Sterling. third mate.
Crisield, Nd; Charles S. Dickey. chief
engineer. Brooklyn; otto II. Bean. first
assistant engineer, Camden; j. T. Tay-
lor, third engineer, Brooklyn; William
II. Dewall, steward, Binghamton; Carl
Johnson, A. +. Leighton, W. ODonnell
and Louis X. Jjmine.
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27
Snow Brings Cessation
Of Fighting in West

LONDON, Dec. 2G.-Christmas
brought snow and with = almost a
complete cessation of infantry activity.
front held by Field Marshal Haig's
troops the infantrymen obtained an
uninterrupted rest. On the French
front the cnly operations were trench
raids in Upper Alsace and near St.
Quentin. in which Petain's troops took
prisoners, and patrol engagements of a
spirited nature near Juyincourt, in the
Champagne.
For the first time in weeks the ar
tillery battle on the east bank Of the
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27
Britain Warned by Halifax
Stricter Regulations Adopted
for Handling High Explosives

LONDON, Dec. 12.-The Halifax e1..
plosion has resulted in the adoption o.
much stricter regulations throughout
Great Britain in connection with the
manufacture and transport Of explo'
sives. II is announced that the sever
est penalties will be enforced IN cases
of violations of the regulations.
Two days after the Halifax explosion
five men were brought into court a.
Nottingham charged with breaches O.
the safety regulations in munitions ise'
tories there. Several government Of
ticials were sent TO be present at ".
proceedings and warn offenders hs'
they would be dealt with mocc seyerer
than heretofore.
The nymber of persons employed q
the largest works in this distrlet -
equal 20 the entire population Of Han
faw
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27

NIeuse came to a dead halt: The Ber-
in War Office states that il has been
Voluntarily discontinued" Paris, on on
tho other hand, asserts that the herce
counter fire Of the French batteries pu'
an end TO the German bomoardmen''
Destructive artillery actions are re-
ported on the Ypres and oamorhi T
fronts. though not accompanied oS
troop movements.
Tho pressure Of Austro- Hungarian
.d;,,isions, recently transferred from the
Prssian theatre. on the French front
il attested bv several dispatches. That
tbis means that Hindenburg's great
offensive in the West is imminent IS
JarJIv nrobsble. "a military critics now
agree that the enemy will make every
effort 10 dispose of Italy and to talk
the Allies into piece before Launching
their final blow.
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27
s---------~------------
Luxburg's Talk of Anti-U. S.
Bloc Unfounded, Saws Chile

SANTIAGO. Chile. Dec. 2S.-presi-
dent Ssnfuentes denied to-day that
there was any foundation for the state
ment OF Count Won Luxburg, dismissed
German Minister to Argentina, in his
dispatches to Berlin that Chile was to
be drawn into an alliance with Argen-
tina and Bolivia for tho purpose Of
forming South American political
bloc opposed TO the war policy Of the
United States.
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27
Ready for Assault

are the key positions Of this region, as
Monte Grappa is the key position OF
the sector between the Piave and
Brenta. There is now imminent danger
of the Teutons breaking through the
passes between the Brenta and Astico
and compelling a retreat Of the Italians
70 the Adiage. an operation which Will
hold far more Of peril at this time
han il would have as a continuation
of the initial withdrawal from the
Isonzo and Tagliamento.
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27
- -
New Dutch Minister to
u. s. Is a Business Man

AMSTERDAM, Dec. 10.-Augustus
Phillips, the new Dutch Minister 20 the
United States, newcomer in the Dip
lomatic service. is busy studying the
aspects of various matters with which
ne will have to deal when he reaches
his post.
Nr. Phillips has been selected from
outside the Diplomatic Corps, and is
the first purely business man 10 repre-
sent the Kingdom Of the Netherlands
abroad
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27
S3OO,OOO, 900 Loaned
By Bank of Austria
Paris Comments Transaction
Must Have Been by Note
Imitation

WASHINGTON. Dec. 26.-Ohicial
dispatches from France to-day said Ii
had been announced in Vienna that
new loan Of $500, 100000 had been
made by the Austro-Hungarian Bank
70 the government at one-half OF l per
cent interest, payable eighteen months
after peace is declared.
II was said the only way the bank
had of advancing such sum was by
adding to its already over-intiated
nsper circulation. which in four months
has Increased $500 100000.
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27
Deaths Among
Our Troops Abroad

WASHINGTON. Dec. 26.-General
Pershing to-day reported the following
deaths:
AUBUCH0N. Andrew, private. engi-
neers; killed in accident December
%; nearest kin, Mrs Theodore i. Au-
buchon (mother), Bonne Terre, Mo-
Lutte, Harry, private; pneumonia. De-
cember %; Mrs. Jane Lutte mother,
Columbus, Ohio.
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27
Six Italian Ships Sunk
BY U-Boats in Last Week

ROME. Dee. 26.-The losses 10 Ital-
ian shipping during the last week from
submarines were three steamers of
more than 1900 tons. two sailing YES
sells of more than 100 tons, and one
sailing vessel Of less than 100 tons.
Two steamers were damaged By tor
pedoes and were run ashore, while one
sailing vessel was damaged, but was
towed into port.
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27
George Alvah Kittredge

BROOKLINE, Mass, Dec. 20 -.
George Alvah Kittredge. pioneer in
the operation of street railways III
India, died at his home mere to-uay'
aged eighty-four wears. Mr; hlI.reGse
lived in Bombay for more than nan a
century, going there as a represeHi..S. p.
tive Of consular interests soon al'ei
his graduation from Yale.
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27
Secretary Wilson Ill From
Strain of Labor Disputes

WASHINGTON, Dec. 26.-Secretary
of Labor Wilson to-day is i'll from
oyerwork on his long trip through the
West mediating labor disputes.
IL is not known when he will be able
10 resume his official duties, though mis-
illness is not regarded as dangerous.
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27
Deliverance of jerusalem
Celebrated in Venice

VENICE, Dec. 25.-A memorial mass
was celebrated in San Marco Churen
to-day in commemoration Of the dsF
erance of Jerusalem from the lurA
The ceremonial took on unusual sls
nifeance, inasmueh as the Ausir'sns
had declared they would be IN NS
Piazza of San Marco By the holidas--
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27
Italian Front
ITALIAN

ROME. Dec. 26.-The struggle en- the
Asiago Plateau was resumed at dawn yes
terdsy. The enemy concentrated his efforts
on our extreme right between Col del Rosso
and Val Frenzela- Alase. Held frontally, he
was unable 20 advance beyond the dwellings
of Sasso.
Our Costalunga and our Monte Meago
troops several times renewed their attacks on
Col del Rosso and on Monte dc Val Bella,
which they recaptured. but were unable 20 re-
tain. In the afternoon the fighting dimin-
ished in intensity.
On the left bank of the Brenta. an at
tempted attack 20 the west OF Osteli and or
Osteria il Leprc was promptly checked by
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27
GERMAN

BERLI;y. Dec. % (DAY) The artillery
activity was limited to destructive fire which
ct times increased in intensity southeast OF
Ypres and in the neishborhood Of Moeuvres
and Mercong.
Reconnsissances by French detachments
south of Juyincourt broke down under our
fire and in hand-to-hand fighting.
The firing. which had increased for some
davs on the east bank of the Meuse tVerdun
region was discontinued YESTERDAY.
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27

BERLIN. Dec % tDAY).-Atter strong
artillery preparation the enemy violently
counter attacked on Col del Rosso and the
neighboring heights to the westward and to
the eastward. but the assaults broke down
with heavy losses.
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27

.1IAN ARMY HEADQUARTERS

ITALIAN ARMY HEADQUARTERS
~ NORTHERN ITALY, Dec. pa
General commanding an army corps on
the Piave front took the correspondent
along the line occupied by his corps
to-day ard pointed out the Austro-
German nest on the west bank Of the
river. which is the only foothold he
has succeeded ir maintaining.
The main purpose Of the Italian com
rander was to carry a holiday greeting
20 his men in the first line trenches
lrt incidentally this visit 20 the eX-
trcnc front gave an opportunity for
the general TO explain the lay Of the
land and Why the enemy was finding
himself able TO hang on.
Ready for Assault
As the party moved forward 1t was
toted that the dcfences had been high
", organized, so that any sudden rush
Of, the enemy would meet tremendous
The defences comprise
string Of trenches fortified with masses
OF tangled wire and constructions after
New-York tribune., 1917-12-27
Official Statements
West
BRITISH

LONDON. Dec. % (NGGHT with the
exception OF hostile artillery activity IN the
neighborhood of Hsvrincourt and to the east
ward of Ypres there is nothing OF interest 70
report.
Snow has fallen along the whole front.
FRENCH
PARIS. Dec. 2G (DAY) On the right
bank Of the Meuse (Verdun 'front.' the ener-
getic reply Of our batteries put an end to a
vigorous hombardrnent Of our lines in the re-
gion OF BezonvauX.
In the region Of st. Quentin and in Upper
Alsscs French patrols penetrated German
trenches and brought back prisoners.
Lincoln County times. (Jerome, Idaho) 1911-1919, 1917-06-21

Strange as 4; may seem there Is
nothing in the world that will spoil
dead fish so quickly as water. II your
fishing conditions are such us TO pre-
vent your keeping your catch alive.
by all means kill each one as quickly
as caught. and having done so dry II
and keep 1t dry. Remember that a
fish strung through the gills and
thrown oversize is doomed 10 "A
speedy death by suffocatlon. II you
must string them use one OF the
patent stringers that holds through
the jaw and gives the fish a fighting
chance for life. II. however, you can
neither treat your catch In this way
nor turn them loose In n tank. kill
them instantly, wipe them quite dry
md keep them sheltered from the sun.
Fish should not be packed so that
they come In direct contact with ice
place a sheet Of nonabsorbent paper
between. Avoid damp moss or sea-
weed In your creel.