davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1917-03-22
MAY BAR ARMED SHIPS.
Dutch Government Likely to Follow
Princess Melita Precedent.

LONDON. March ga dispatch to
Reuters Telegram Company from Am
sterdam says:
''It is understood that the Dutch gov
ernment has intimated that it is not pre-
pared to allow armed American merchant
men in Dutch harbors. According to the
view in well informed circles, the Dutch
reply to representations arising out of
the British steamer Princess Melita case
will be unsatisfactory from the entente
standpoint"
The steamer Princess Melita arrived at
the Hook of Holland during the evening
of March 5. but. being armed. was ordered
to depart forthwith, according to a dis
patch to London. quoting the Dutch naval
department as authority. The steamer
sailed. but returned the next morning and
was permitted to disembark sick pas
senger and take on drinking water A
later dispatch from London said the
British government would insist on de-
fensively armed ships being permitted to
enter Dutch ports.
Evening star., 1917-03-22
Termed German Success.

"A German success" is the charac-
terization given the German retreat
on the western front in the headline
of an editorial today on this subject
by Maj. Moraht. military writer for the
LokalanZeiger.
"A great resolution was taken"
writes Maj. Moraht. The boldness of
the general who carried it out is over
whelming and only the power of Won
Hindenburg's personality could cause
such proof of the grand style OF initia-
tive to be accompanied by perfect calm
and security.
That the plan of a strategical short
enlng of the front was brought into be-
ing at great headquarters and that it
succeeded must give JOY to every Ger
man heart, and simultaneously give rise
10 a feeling of satisfaction when the
hostile war aims are remembered For
now the opportunity is offered to infiict
more damage upon the enemy in future
days than could be inflicted upon him
at the moment during u sanguinary de-
fenSlNe.
Evening star., 1917-03-22
Kaiser Decorates Grand Vizier

LONDON, March 22.-The German en-
neror has bestowed the order of the
BLACK Eagle on Talatt Bey, the Tur-
kish grand vizier. according to Ber-
lin dispatch to the Exchange Telegraph
Company, by way of Amsterdam. The
order is an honor usually reserved for
royal princes.
Evening star., 1917-03-22
Representative R Edward Cooper Ill.

CHARLESTON. w. Va. March 22.-
Representative Edward Cooper, repub-
lican. of West Virginia, fifth district. is
seriously Al at his home at Bramwell.
Nembers of the family say that it is not
expected that he will be able to attend
the opening Of the extraordinary ses-
sion Of Congress. April 2.
Evening star., 1917-03-22
STR|KEBREAKERS'
FORCE CUT BY ZOO
Washington Railway Orders
Dismissal of Maintenance
of Way Men.
WARNS AGAINST BOYCOTT

C. 3. Reed, manager of the Wash
ington Detective Bureau of New York,
which has supervision of the men here
TO break the street railway strike.
today announced that orders had been
received from Clarence P. King, presi-
dent of the Washington Railway and
Electric Company, to dismiss more
than one-third of its men.
This means, Mr.. Reed stated, that
all maintenance of way men, includ-
ing carhouse employees. pit men. shop
men, and line men, will be sent away,
their places having been taken by
regular men. He said that nearly one
third of the conductors and motormen
also will be dispensed with.
In all about 200 of the emergency
men will be relieved of work here,
Mr. Reed stated. He said their places
had been taken by old men and new
applicants for positions.
The company has enough applica-
tions now to fill the ranks left vacant
by the strikers" Mr.. Reed stated.
but these men are being trained, and
as soon as they have finished their
course they viii go on regularly and
more of our men will be sent else
where"
Evening star., 1917-03-22
Rapid Movements of French Under Nivelle
Threaten to Result in Breaking of the
Famous 'Hindenburg Line"
RETREATING TEUTONS GIVEN NO TIME
TO ORGANIZE DEFENSE OF POSITION
Fighting the Open Between Major Forces Both Sides Employing
Cavahy-British Also Advance and Are Within Five
Miles Of St. Quentin

French troops with the main German and
what may prove be the initial OF the great battle OF his
tory opened La Fere For the first
patrol and guard fighting has
given OF artillery and the clash forces
making stand line north and south
of La Fere from St Coucy distance
roughly estimated at miles
Evening star., 1917-03-22
Might Send Army to Belgium.

Officials say that an army would
properly be sent to Belgium, for in
stance, to help in the restoration OF that
violated territory and to throw Amer
ica's influence in real and practical
way on the side of International law
and order.
The armed neutrality status at pres
ent in force is held. by the international
law experts to present many points of
weakness Being neither war nor
peace it involves the country in con
tinual misunderstanding with both
sides. 1t is said to leave open the door
for unlimited litigation with Germany
after the war. In that status the
United States still is technically
neutral, and might be held responsible
Evening star., 1917-03-22
u. S. Not to Declare War.

President Wilson and his advisers in the
cabinet and in Congress have no inten-
ton that war shall be declared by the
United States. By the hostile acts OF
German submarines they believe the i'm
perial German government is actually
making war on the United States, and
that it shall be recognized as such state.
To meet such condition the armed forces
Evening star., 1917-03-22
Collections Thus Far $191.37.

Mrs. MacKaye said the collection had
netted S191-37. and that some boxes were
not yet opened. Wives of strikers today
were stationed at the Washington navy
yard and at 7th street and Pennsylvania
avenue with the collection boxes
The Washington Railway and Electric
Company issued statement commenting
on the activities of the collectors in which
1t was pointed out 'the public should be
reminded Of the Washington Railway Re-
lief Association, an organization formed
many years ago, in which most of its
striking employees are members. although
membership is not compulsory" The
statement explains the operation of the
relief association work.
Mrs. Garth Calderhead, wife of the
financial secretary of Division $50, today
addressed a parlor meeting at the home Of
Mrs Rafael Zon of Takoma Park. To-
morrow two meetings will be held, one at
the home of Mrs. Walter Durand at
Friendship, where Mrs. T. R. Mcdaniel
will be the speaker. and another at the
home Of Mrs. A. B. Barber. 3215 street,
to which women OF the navy will be es-
pecially invited. Mrs. NJ. T. Slater will
be the speaker.
Mrs AIacKaye announced that the
central committee of strike sympa-
thizers had decided to make an effort
legislation to have the Washington
Railway and Electric Company taken
over by the District.
Hope for Congressional Action.
The call by the President for a spe-
cial session of Congress to meet April
>. instead of April 16. has caused re-
vival of the interest in the resolution
introduced in the Senate by Senator
Hughes of New Jersey, providing for
a special committee of the Senate to
Investigate and report upon the Wash
ington Railway and Electric Company
strike. The resolution was introduced
by Senator Hughes in the closing hours
Of the special session of the Senate,
which adjourned last Friday, too late
for action. 1t was referred to the
committee to audit and control the con-
tingent expenses of the Senate, since
it provided for the payment of the
necessary expenses of the Investigation
out of the contingent fund of the SEN
ate.
If the strike is still alive when Congress
assemblies it is likely that Senator Hughes
viii press for action on the resolution i'm
medately II was said today. He is not in
Washington. but is expected to return be-
fore the special session opens
Whether the strike ends or not in the
/ interval between today and the meeting
OF Congress. il is considered probable that
attempts will be made to enact Iegisla-
ton which will provide for compulsory
arbitration of such controversies between
public service corporations and their en-
ployes in the District. Employees Of the
Capital Traction Company who were
granted increases of pay as a result of
the new agreement reached with the
union committee are to receive the in
crease tomorrow, from March 10.
Evening star., 1917-03-22

position selected by the Germans protected by the Croza
canal Aee tributary of the Ose but this line
the French great wedge directly front of La Fere
and reaching miles of that important town.
wedge based the hopes OF French military critics that
Gen Nivee has Field Marshal Hndenburg
with the whole of the famous
ndenbue believes that the extraordinary speed with
which the French Disconnected the German plans
renders probable continuation of the retirement to the Belgian
frontier.
The Berlin reports throw light the situation but
seems certain days. hours decide the fate
of La Fere
BRITISH ARE NEARING ST. QUENTIN.
The situation on the somewhat obscure
owing to the rather vague the British official
The latest London say that Gen Ha pushed
miles east of the Some points Measured from Peronne
this would place within four five miles from the vital
no;nt Of st Quentin supported by unofficial
dispatches from the front
The German retirement pvotng from their positions of
Arrs and in this Gen Hag steady
brt no localities are mentioned which might give clue rea
tive importance OF the advance
Evening star., 1917-03-22
French Territory Reconquered.

The total amount OF French territory
liberated from the German invaders by
the Somme offensive up TO March 21 is
s5s square miles. situated in the four
departments OF Pas-de-Calais, oise;
Aisne and Somme. 1t includes 36G
towns-and villages. the homes of 1885
Erenchmen. The Germans are still in
possession of 7,l26 square miles OF
France
Gen. Nivelle's entry into Noyon was
impressive. AS the general and his aids
aIiehted from an automobile the notes
of s.rhe Marseillaise" were heard. The
emotion of the people was great. Sobs
were heard throughout the crowd and
the turned faces of the soldiers were
wet with tears
The mayor of the town, surrounded
Inv a number of old men, advanced to-
ward Gen. Nivelle. A child with her
hair done up with tri-colored ribbons
offered a bouquet to the general who
took the child in his arms and kissed
her Gen. Nivelle then visited the hos
11'ontinued On Tenth Page.)
Evening star., 1917-03-22
ORGANIZATION Is Necessary.

1t was said in well Informed quar-
ters today that it will be absolutely
necessary to organize the House before
any official communication can be re-
ceived from the President. II WAS
pointed out that the unvarying Nprec-
edent has been for the two bodies TO
organize and appoint a committee TO
wait 1pon the executive to inform
hin, that the Congress was prepared
to receive any communication he de-
sired to make.
Evening star., 1917-03-22

extreme, and that he had been Informed
that much had already been done to-
ward supplyinb the manufacturers with
these tools
Evening star., 1917-03-22

with by the law courts. where it prop
erly belongs"
Mrs. c. H. Whitaker, 1871 31st street,
and Mrs. A. B. Neale of the Woodley
apartments called at the White House
offices today to seek an appointment
with the President to urge him TO use
his influence to force q meeting Of
Clarence 7. King. president of the
Washington Railway and Electric Com
pany, with a committee Of the strikers.
erS.
Mrs. Russell and Mrs. MacKaye have
received anonymous letters, which
they turned over to Maj Raymond w.
Pullman, superintendent of police. con-
tanning clipping telling OF the al
legged use for criminal purposes of
funds collected for strikers in New
york city. The clipping was attached to
a typewriter note stating: See what
the New York car mems union did with
the money collected and note what
might happen here by collections and
contributions to your Feed a Strikers
Baby Campaign
Evening star., 1917-03-22
Possibility of War Along Coasts.

The possibility of Germany extending
submarine operations TO the Atlantic sea-
board has not been underestimated. but
it is recognized that when she extends
her warfare from the comparatively linn
tied barred zone to the three thousand
miles of broad Atlantic she so effectively
weakens her starvation blockade or Eng
land that the announced object of tho
campaign of ruthlessness will of neceS-
sity be abandoned. At the same time the
submarine menace to shipping will CONF
paratively decrease.
MurmuringS of IA revolt against au-
tonracy, emboldened by the revolution
in Russia; reports of food riots in Rcr-
lin, which are said to have neressitatrI
the withdrawal of troops from In"
fighting lines; military successes by The
entente on the western front and "a
Asia Minor: the submarine campaign
operating far below the efficiency pre-
dicted for ii, lead to the belief among
officials here that possibly before Con-
gress can assemble to meet ,he situa-
tion the world may be confronted with
an entirely different set of conditions.
While it has been generally assumed
that any aggressive action by the
United States against Germany and in
cooperation with the entente allies
would be purely of naval character.
designed TO aid in the EXTERN. nation OF
submarines and raiders preying upon
commerce. State Department officials
declared that this country might take
any and all military measures deemed
necessary to make effective its protest
against Germany without actually en-
tering into formal politica: alliance.
Even the sending of an eNpeditionai..
force to Europe. il was held, would
not obligate this country to all the de-
tails of the allied program.
Evening star., 1917-03-22
Warning Against Boycott.

The Washington Railway and Electric
Company today placed advertisements
in Washington newspapers warning "all
persons against committing or doing
any act or thing that amounts to boy
colt directed against the company"
Reports on all lines today indicated
that cars were running regularly. The
company claimed that the schedule was
normal The men stated that the sched-
ule was not within tWo-thirds of nor
NAL, and that the cars were poorly
patroniZed.
Mrs. Jessie Hardy Mackaye, who, with
Mrs Charles Edward Russell, has or
ganized n series of parlor meetings ad-
dressed by the strikers wives, replied
to this warning by announcing two
more meetings for tomorrow.
Let the railroad company go as far
as 1t likes" said Mrs. MacKaye. I'VE
are holding our meetings to explain
why it is medieval not to recognize the
right to collective bargaining on the
part of the men. These meetings may
result in boycotts of the Washington
hallway and Electric lines. Mr.. King
or his attorneys may attend the meet
ings We believe it is still lawful to
assemble for the discussion of public
questions"
Evening star., 1917-03-22
Clark,s Arrival Delayed.

Champ Clark. who had Informed his
office that he would be here today. tel
eeraphed last evening that he will ar
rive tomorrow. Minority Leader Mann
;s supposed to be on his way back to
Washington, although no announce
ment of his whereabouts or plans was
made at his Office this morning.
Mr.. Madden of Illinois, the chairman
of the special committee OF twenty
seven republicans charged with report
ing a plan for harmonious action of
ranub1icans in connection with the or
t,anization of the House, Will be ready
erith his report when the republican
cancus meets That report, as hereto
fore detailed in full in The Star, con-
temnlates in event of the republicans
controlling the House, the selection of
committees by a committee on commit
toes and the full participation of pro-
pressiyes as well as regulars
bipartisan organization of the House
and all correlated subjects will be dis
cussed freely in the interim before the
two major parties caucus, but it was
thought today that nothing definite
can be determined Still the caucuses
present a showing of actual party
strength; alignment of the five inde-
uendents and the physical presence of
members in fun voice able to answer
"PreSent
Evening star., 1917-03-22
GERMANS FAIL TO HOLD
STRONG GROUND PICKED
ON WHICH TO HALT FOE

By the Associated Press
PARIS. March %. noon.-The GER
mans made energetic resistance to the
French last night between the Somme
and the Aisne, but after spirited hght-
ing north of Tergnier ia few miles
west of La Fere)- the French forced
them out of several strong positions.
The French occupied number OF
villages north of Soissons They We're
carried in the face of determined re-
sistance by the Germans.
The German retreat to the ArraS-9l'
Ouentin-La Fere line is now practlcai-
" complete. since the French are now
within artillery range OF ST ou1htii
and La Fere. The movement mas beeh
carried out by echelons, according 10
approved principles. one section nod
ine Arm while the next fell back The
allied operations are now % concerned .ea
with driving in the last OF these - SEE
tions. which are still resisting. Ihey
are situated respectively south OF ar
ras, southeast and east OF feronne'
east of Ham and the valley or the Ali
cite and north of Scissors
Evening star., 1917-03-22
Great Events Taking Place.

BERLIN. March 20. by wireless to the
Associated Press via Sayville, March
22.-German cavalry is now in touch
with the French and British mounted
troops which have been in action for
several days in the territory evacuated
by the Germans, so that for the first
time since the fall of 1914 cavalry on
both sides is being employed on the
western front. This is regarded here
as an indication that great events arc
taking place and that real battle is
in progress. trench warfare being over
for the time on this part of the front
The French and British attempted to
use cavalry on the Somme last wear
as well as at the time of the Cham
pagne offensive. but the employment
of these forces in the face of intrenched
troops with machine guns resulted in
very heavy losses. The present situa-
tion is a different one, because neither
side is now protected by trenches.
Evening star., 1917-03-22
Swept From Strong Ground.

Just in the middle of the line, east OF
Peronne and between the plain OF Cam
brai to the north and the plain of the
Sou1rne to the south, is one of the Iew
nositions of defensive value running to
the east of Roisel and Nermand. The
Germans showed signs of intending TO
cling to this salient. but it. too. now is
gone. the British being close to both
Roisel and Vermand. Another strong
section which is still holding out oc-
cnpies a formidable defensive position
formed py the Forest of Coucy, but
from the signs of destruction in the
rear of the defenders, apparently re-
sistanc. is only being may 10 secure
the retreat to the principal line at St
AS the result of Wednesdays opera
,tons the British line is now level with
fhe French, which runs along the Gro
yat canal from ST. Simon to Tergnter-
Al the latter point the French positions
ore less than two and half miles from
II Fere Part of the road from Ours
camp to Noyon, which was paved with
granite setts. had been unpaved by the
Germans, but in less than day the
Erench engineer corps had repaired the
road rebuilt bridges and put the rail-
road in working order as far as Ours
camp.
Evening star., 1917-03-22
Precedents Looked Up.

An investigator, who has been look
ing IN the precedents in situations ap-
proximating the impending one made
this statement to a Star man today:
I'm December, 1859. and January,
1860. during the eight weeks struggle
for a speakership election, ending in
the election of Speaker Pennington, the
democrats of the House endeavored to
effect a temporary organization for the
mere purpose of receiving the fresi-
dents message.
"The President, Mr.. Buchanan. had
several important SUBJECTS TO lay pc
fore Congress, and was anxious tnat
the House organize. The STATE OF the
country was such that the 1aliure OIL
the House to organize anected business
materially, and it was important to re-
ceive the message
'However. there were precedents stand
;ne against the reception of a message
nv Congress before the organization of
the House The democrats endeavored
to compromise with their opposition
for a single day. so as to appoint a
temporary Speaker for the mere pur-
nose of announcing to Buchanan that
the House was ready to receive COM
munications.
."The republicans, led by Galusha
Crow and Thaddeus Stevens. both of
Pennsylvania, blocked the plan ana re-
fused to elect a temporary Speaker, and
in consequence Buchanan's message
was not heard until the first of Febru-
ary, two months after Congress assem-
bled."
Evening star., 1917-03-22
BERLIN REPORTS BATTLE;
BELIEVES GREAT EVENTS
NOW ARE TAKING PLACE

BY the Associated Press
BERLIN, March %, by wireless to
Sayville.-Spirited fighting in the sector
over which the Germans have been re-
firing is reported in today's official
communication. which mentions no
further evacuation of territory. French
battalions attacking on the north bank
of the Aisne were repulsed.
Evening star., 1917-03-22
Company Attorneys Statement.

statement from the legal depart
rnent of the company today says:
eft has come to the knowledge of the
conpany that certain persons have
counseled or urged others not to ride
IN the cars of the company, and GER
tain organizations and persons of seem
insly good intentions have in some form
or other permitted themselves to join
movements that have amounted to a
boycott. all of which is unlawful The
Sunreme Court Of the District and also
the Court of Appeals of the District of
Columbia have affirmed the principles
that il is unlawful to boycott to do
the things that some persons and or
panizations already have done. and this
principle has also been affirmed by the
supreme Court of the United States
This statement was cited at union
headouarters as proof of their claim
that .he public is not riding on the
comnany's cars in as large numbers
as normally. One union man estimated
that the company is losing from $4,000
to $4,000 daily in gross receipts. Com
panv officials say cars are running
reeularIy and carrying normal loads.
Union Leader Replies.
In connection with the advertisement
ne the railway company against the
hoycotting of that line, George Will
h,,r+ president of the garments union,
said:
"our committee noted the advertise
ment in the morning paper of the
W.sbinrton Railway and Electric Com
w nd we say to Mr.. King that we
have have not damaged his property and do
iase ia..nd to do SO. Some Of his i'm
nortad hirelings have done much dam
age age to his property. If our eyes do not
a. to the advertisement against boy
oott;ng Mr.. Wilburt declared that the
union Is not violating the Law. He said
that the Clayton antitrust law holds
a1ha+ labor is not a commodity. and,
therefore. interference with 1t cannot
be restrained or enjoined by an equity
court. Such Interference must be dealt
Evening star., 1917-03-22
To Detail Warlike Act.

In laying the whole situatio1 before
Congress the President is eXpsc cted 10
detail fully the warlike acts sof Ger
many against the United StateS and TO
pay particular attention to thS future
Of the American governments as the
create conflict draws to a close
1t is not improbable that he fwill ask
Congress to declare state ofswar eN-
listing, although there is somj indica-
>ion that he may only outline tie situa-
tion fully and leave to Congt'ess the
section which is accepted as utnavooid-
apie.
The principal defense activitikS center
in the navy. where far-reaching. prepaia-.
tions are being carried on to deal wits
the submarine menace, whether & Is to be
met in the war ze+.sf about th. British
coasts. or 81 the se::rtes' Of American cities.
The army's plgns are in Il less definite
state because OF the uncertainty as to
what part II will be called upon TO play
General staff plans to fit several con-
tingencies have been worked out, how
ever, and every step that can De taken
in the present situation has been taken.
Secretary Baker conferred with .he Pres
ident last night, but the details they
discussed were not revealed.