davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1917-02-09
NO JUSTIFICATION
YET FOR APPEAL
TO CONGRESS
No Official Notice of Overt Act py
Germany
NO AMERICAN SHIP SUNK
Vessels Owned in United States Are
Apparently Keeping Out of
the Barred Zone.

Washington, Feb. 9.-The Ameri-
cial evidence of an overt act by Ger
al evidence of an overt act by Ger
many considered necessary TO justify
President Wilson in going before
Congress for authority to use neces-
sary means TO protect American sea-
men and people.
There no longer is any doubt that
the ruthless submarine campaign is
in full swing in defiance of the warn
ing of the United States. Everywhere
it is believed that If no American
ship has been destroyed it is because
American ships are lying idle in their
harbors; If no American life has been
lost it is due entirely to chance.
1t also is generally conceded that
on the basis of preliminary reports
the torpedoing without warning OF
the passenger liner California, with
the American on board, makes out a
clearcut case OF technicai violation
of the rights of the United States.
President Wilson, however. is rep
resented as determined not to plunge
the country into war on technicali-
ty When he moves, it will be on
complete evidence of an outrage
about which there can be no ques-
tion. Then he expects to have the
American people and Congress be-
hind him.
Unofficial dispatches yesterday told
of the killing Of an American Negro
sailor named George Washington in
fts.,r rsta alrf, - Q 1,.tt s.I
Turino. Few details we're given and
the state department. last night had
heard nothing officially. The incident
will be considered as soon as reports
are received.
To get in personal touch with all
steps taken to prepare the country
for whatever may come. the president
left the White House yesterday aft
ernoon and made another quick round
of the state. war and navy depart
ments, visiting Secretaries Lansing,
Baker and Daniels 1t was stated
that he will continue this practice al
most every day to save time.
When he returned to the White
House it was stated officially that in
formation on all the torpedoed vessels
involving Americans was being gath
cred as rapidly as possible, but that
up to that time there had been nc
change in the situation. The presi-
dent himself said that his visits were
not due to any new development OF
Importance.
Additional cause for uneasiness was
given the government in the receipt
of information regarded as confirming
the reports that ambassador Gerard
and American consuls in Germany
are virtually being detained in Ger
many because of uncertainty in Ber.
lin over the plans for ambassador
Won Bernstorff, and as a result of re
ports that German ships in American
harbors had been seized. 1t is not un.
derstood that there has been any
formal action in this connection, the
German government merely delaying
arrangements for the departure OF
the Americans.
The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1917-02-09
GERM. s9vING
ABILITY 10 K
ALL SHIPPING
Present Rate Of Destruction Would
Doom Merchant Tonnage
MILLION TONS A MONTH
Teutonic Naval Experts Claim Such
an Average Would starve Out
England.
MILLION TONS A MONTH

Washington, Feb. S.--Germany 8
ruthless submarine warfare, continu-
ed with the success of the past three
days. would destroy within short
time great part OF the worlds mer-
chant tonnage. officials estimated
yesterday on records for the three
days since expiration OF the time al
lowed in the German proclamation for
ships at sea on tepruary l to get In
to port, that vessels we're being sunk
at the rate of nearly million tons
a month, the amount German naval
authorities set as necessary to starVe
the British isles. At that rate 1t
would take just four years to destroy
the tonnage of the entire world-4o,-
100000 tons--if all the worlds ships
yentured into the war zone. Lloyd 5
report puts the tonnage sunk Febru-
airy 5, 6 and at about $4,000 tons.
The world turned out in 1916 less
than 100000 tonnage OF merchant
vessels. During the year the Germans
sank a trife more than that making
the net loss Ill WOIlu SiiipPiH5
about ] 1-2 per cent.
There are no figures to show the
amount of tonnage constantly on the
seas carrying goods to and from the
British isles.
Lloyd's report for the third day Of
Germanys new submarine campaign
shows that the undersea boats are
maintaining the average destruction
set by the Berlin naval experts a
necessary to success. The third days
report losses totalied 1896 tons and
the preceding two days totalled So
soc.
At such a rate the destruction OF
1000, 900 tons month, which is the
German aim. would seem about to be
accomplished German naval experts
contend that such an average would
cut England off from the world and
end the war by her starvation.
1t is realized at Washington how
ever, that the British government is
not lacking in measures to keep the
sea lanes open and that these will be.
come apparent as the campaign pro
crosses. 1t is pointed out that while
the world knows Of the losses OF mer-
chant ships it knows little if any
thing at all about the losses of the
submarine fiotillas.
The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1917-02-09
VERMONT GREINA.
GREEN SNATCHEO
FROM The GRAVE
Five Days Notice Bill Was Recon-
sidered This Morning
AIKEN OF puTxEY SCORED
Rallied Opponents of Measure Which
win Come Up Again Tuesday
Afternoon.

Montpelier, Feb 9.--There Is yet
hope for Vermont's Gretna Green.
Representative Aiken of Putney, who
has been the chief opponent Of the
Dunham bill requiring five days notice
CT marriage of couples residing out
side the state and which passed the
house yesterday, rallied his cLnorts
about his standard today and obtained
reconsideration of the measure
which will come up again next Tues
day afternoon.
The senate this morning passed the
administration measures creating an
insurance commissioner and a direc-
tor of state institutions.
Montpelier, Feb 9.--Although the
committee on State and court ex-
penses to whom was referred the
resolution introduced by Representa-
tive Frank A. Wilson of Pownal to
investigate the Brattleboro retreat
has not made report, their hearing
this morning made it practically cer-
tain that an investigation would be
conducted. Not only Representative
Wilson and DR.. Z. e. Potter Of North
Pownal, whose daughter is alleged to
have been mistreated while patient
at the institution are asking for an
investigation, but the retreat itself Is
asking for probe of the charges.
The attitude of the Senate towards
administration measures was shown
plainly this morning, when the bills
creating the office of director of
State institutions and the department
of insurance we're unanimously order
ed to third reading.
Another dog bill which will strike
terror to the hearts of deer hunters,
instead of bringing delight to sheep
breeders, was introduced today by Mr..
Dillon of Duxbury. 1t provides that
dog found hunting deer shall be
presumptive evidence that the owner
or keeper has violated the law; for
bids persons possessing dogs for the
purpose of hunting deer
An act excluding the nomination of
representatives to the General AS
sembly from the working of the pri-
mary law was introduced by Mr..
White of Panton.
Mr.. Brooks of Montpelier intro
duced an act providing that keepers
of disorderly houses shall be Inn
Drisoned not more than four years or
ined not more than $500.
An act increasing the salary Of the
secretary of state to $4,000 and MAX
'ng him commissioner of foreign cor
oorations, which office was formerly
held by the State tax commissioner.
vas introduced by Mr.. Moore OF Lud-
low.
An act providing that appraisals
sor condemned cattle killed by order
Of the livestock commissioner shall
not exceed SIS, unless the animal is
registered when the limit shall be
$3.50, was introduced by Mr.. Aiken Of
putney The bill provides that the
States shall pay rs per cent of the ap-
praisal.
The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1917-02-09
FIRE AT WILLIAMsToWN
Gable PrndIe Heavy Loser in $4,000
Fire Thursday.

A fire, which started shortly after
6 o'clock Thursday morning, did dam
age estimated at $4,000 in the Adams
block on the east side OF Spring
street in the business center of VIII
Jamestown, Mass, and extended into
an adjoining building before it was
under control. The postofIice was
damaged, but the mail was rescued.
The fire is supposed to have started
n Prindle's bowling alley, or from
heater in the cellar. but had gained
considerable headway when discov-
cred. The Williams College fire de-
paTtment responded with the village
department with its motor combina-
ton truck. AS this is House Party
Week" at the college the fire created
considerable excitement, and the stu
dents turned cut very generally and
assisted the firemen. The Adams
block is a two-story brick building,
with three stores on the first floor and
apartments for three families on the
door above.
The bowling alleys. pool and lunch
-oom of Cable Prindle were complete
" destroyed, the fire extending into
Quinn & Manley's grocery store ad-
dining, while the PostofIice in the op-
posite end of the block was damaged
by smoke and water There was lit
lie damage to the mails and postoffice
equipment, however, as the college
students formed salvage brigade
md carried the contents across the
'treet to a place of safety.
On the opposite side of the Prindle
bowling alleys the fire extended into
The upper floor of the story and half
frame building, occupied on the first
floor by Mr.. Quinn as apartments. Al
though the fire was soon checked, the
contents OF the store were consider
ably damaged. The apartments on
the upper floor of the Adams block
were damaged by smoke and water.
including the Office of Charles Barrett
the well-known trainer of the college
athletic teams. All the occupants
uttered more or less loss, though
that of Mr. Prindle was most COM
plete, including four bowling alleys,
pool tables and piano, a loss estimat-
ed at about $4,000. Both grocery
stores suffered heavy losses and the
building itself was considerably dam
aged. Most of the losses are covered
by insurance.
The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1917-02-09
'hnEfICANLIAERS
WATT FOR GUNS
AND SHELLS
Officials Plan to Arm St. Louis
and st. Paul
STEAMERS HELD At NEW YORK
Armament Can't Be Had as All Gun
Manufacturers Are Working for
Foreign Governments.
STEAMERS HELD At NEW YORK

New York, Feb. 9.--Agents of the
American Line, which is holding the
steamships ST. Louis and st. Paul in
port here, said yesterday that the
st. Louis would be dispatched to Liv-
erpool if the company could obtain
suitable guns TO be mounted on the
vessel and fifty shells for each gun.
Meantime the sailing dates were still
undecided.
The American Line agents made in.
quiries in every possible direction in
the city and telegraphed to gun fac
tories elsewhere TO see if there were
any four or five inch guns to be had,
but the gun manufacturers replied
that the armament could be obtained
only from the United States Navy, as
all the guns being manufactured now
were contracted for by foreign Gov
ernmenta.
Several applications were received
at the American Line Office, 8 Broad
way. from ex-nayal gunners volun-
teering for service, but their offers
did not come up for discussion, as it
was thought that the vital question
was first 10 get the guns. H.
The crew OF the st. Louis was still
standing by the ship, prepared to so
to sea whenever the orders are issued
by r. A. s. Franklin, President of the
international Mercantile Marine.
which owns the American Line.
After acquiring the guns. it was
said, there were two important ques
tons to be decided by the managers
before the st. Louis could leave for
Liverpool. One is whether she
should carry single gun mounted at
the stern, as the British, French and
Italian vessels do. or should arm at
both bow and stern.
The other question relates to the
status of the ship AT sea. At present
the American Line vessels, like these
Of all the other neutrals, have been
Illuminated at night with electric
lights over the side TO show both the
American flag and the ships name
painted on the sides of the hull. The
officials are undecided whether it
would be advisable for the liners TO
run without lights, as the belliger-
ent ships do, when they begin to
carry guns.
The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1917-02-09
CALIFORNIA DEATH TOLL Al
Torpedo Killed Five and SO Perished
Lowering Boats.

London, Feb. S.-The British pas
senger steamer California OF the An
chor line bound from New York for
Glasgow, was torpedoed at o'clock
Wednesday m5rning off the Irish
coast and sank in nine minutes with
the loss Of Al lives. The stricken
ship was able to send out IS. o. s.
calls and help arrived promptly.
Nevertheless. five persons were killed
by the explosion and Sc were drowned
in the launching Of the life boats
The news OF the sinking OF the
California reached London yesterday
afternoon before the survivors had
yet arrived % land but publication
was not permitted until more than "a
hours later
The California was an armed liner
carrying single AZ gun mounted on
the stern. The gunner was just train
ing the weapon ON the spot where oil
bubbles had revealed the presence OF
the underwater enemy when torpe-
do struck the port side with an explo-
sion so violent that most OF the peo
pie aboard were thrown off their feet
five being killed and score injured.
The submarine fred a second tor.
perdo in an apparent effort 10 acceler-
ate the sinking. but the second shot
missed, although beth torpedoes were
fired from distance of less than 300
yards,
There was only one American
aboard the California and he is
among the survivors.
Capt Henderson, commander OF the
California, declares that the conduct
of the passengers and crew was exem
plary. There had been careful drills
on the ship on the way across and
every person aboard had been assign.
ed place in lifeboat and provided
with lifehelt But despite the cool
ness of the passengers and the sea.
manship OF the crew the successful
launching OF the boats was made i'm.
possible by the shortness of the
time between the torpedoing of the
vessel and her Disappearance beneath
the waves which did not permit wait
ing until the ship had lost headway.
While the boats were being lowered
from the sloping decks the California
continued TO move forward. lurchine
like drunken man, and the roar o,
the water rushing through the gapinp
wound in her side could be heard
above the shouts of officers and men.
In number of cases it was necessary
for the passengers to jump into the
boats after they were in the wate-
and in one case a boat with it's ap
portioned load was swamped and
sank, many of the occupants beine
swept under the ship before the other
boats could give help.
Some of the life boats in the after
part of the ship were afloat when re.
leased from the davits so rapidly did
the ship settle by the stern. A consid
cradle number of the crew Jumped
from their stations into the sea and
swan to the boats. 1t was extremely
fortunate that the weather was calm
and the sea CLASSY; otherwise ii
would probably have been impossible
to launch a single boat
The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1917-02-09

BORDER BALLAD

March march, EtlFlck and Teviotdale,
Why the deli dnna ye march forward in order
March, march, Eskdale and Liddesdale,
All The Blue B 1nnes are bound for the Border.
Many banner spread,
F!uters above your head,
Many crest that is famous in story.
Mount and make ready then,
Sons of the mountain glsn,
Fight for the Queen and Our Old Scottish glory
Come from the hills where your hirsels are grazing,
Cine from the glen Of the buck and the roe,
Come TO the crsg where The beacon is blszne
Come with the buckler, the lance, and the bow,
Irumpets sounding.
Wars ds are bcundog
Stand to your and m rch in god order;
England shall many day
Tell of the bloody FRAY
When the Blue B5nnetS over the Border.
Sir Walter Scott
The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1917-02-09
GERARD TO LEAVE
SATURDAY FOR
SWITZERLAND
Military Escort Will Accompany
Ambassador from Berlin
Ill COURTESIES TO Be EXTENDED
Announcement Made as Soon as Ber-
lin is Assured of safe Conduct
For Ambassador Bernstorff.

Berlin, Feb. 9.-Ambassador Gerard
will leave Saturday under military es-
cort for Switzerland. All possible
oourtesies, it was officially announced
today, would be extended the ambass-
ador and members OF his embassy.
The governments intention to issue
passports to the ambassador was an
nounced Immediately upon the receipt
of information that the French and
British governments had guaranteed
safe conduct to Ambassador Bern
storfl
The German officials have made
every endeavor to assure Ambassador
Gerard and members Of the American
embassy of all possible facilities for
xarding private kilograms.
No serious concern has been felt
here as to the safe departure of Ger
man officials in the United States.
The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1917-02-09
REPUBLICAN CAUCUS
To Be Held at Apollo Hall on Evening
of February 12

The Republican voters of the town
of Bennington are hereby notified to
meet in caucus at Apollo Hall in the
village of Bennington on the 18th day
of February 1917, at eight o'clock p
NJ. for the purpose Of placing in nom
ination candidates for town officers
to be voted for in town meeting to be
held on the first Tuesday of March
next.
Dated at Bennington, VT, Febru-
airy 5, 1917.
Signed,
Edward H. Holden,
Walter H. Berry,
Peter Longtin,
Harry b. Hutchins,
Ralph A. Jones.
Republican Town Committee
The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1917-02-09
$4,000 FIRE AT GRANVILLE
Hotel and Business Block Destroyed
Monday Morning.


Monday Morning.
A fire. which originated in the
easement of the Central house at
Granville Monday morning, soon ate
It's way through all parts of the four
tory wooden building and into the ad
Joining structure, owned by G. II. Nc
Donald & Son, and before the flames
we're under control the two buildings
we're practically destroyed, entailing
loss OF about $4,000. This is cover
cd by an insurance of nearly $4,000
The cause OF the Are IS unknown. In
answer to calls for help from Chief G.
II. Mcdonald of the local FIRE depart
7lent, Rutland, Middle Granville,
Whitehall and West Pawlet sent COM
panies here to assist in fighting the
blaze.
Several commercial travellers lost
all their personal effects and no
property belonging to the hotel or
my OF its occupants was saved.
The building owned and occupied
by T. NJ. Copps and used by him as a
hotel was valued at s25, 900 and con-
.ents estimated at $1,000, covered by
an insurance of $4,000.
The Mcdonald block was three
story frame building. the ground floor
being occupied by G. r. Mcdonald &
Son. who conducted a general mer-
chandse store, the other stories be-
ing given to tenements, one of which
was occupied by Hugh Roberts and
family. Mr.. Mcdonald places his
ess on the building and stock in
store spoiled by water at $4,000. He
carried $1,000 in insurance, MIR
Roberts loss is estimated at $1,000,
partially insured
The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1917-02-09
c. N. C. EXCURSION
Enjoyable outing Thursday at Ben
ninuton Section Camp.

Twenty-one members of the Green
Mountain club participated in sleigh
'ide party yesterday to the club camp
1t He'll Hollow, the occasion being
more or less of reception to Theron
). Dean of Burlington who was the
yuest of the local section and speaker
1t the annual meeting Wednesday
evening. The excursion was an inn
lromptu affair having been arranged
after the meeting Wednesday even
ing and it was after 10 o'clock yester-
lay morning before sleigh was OBJ
.ained so that the stay at the camp
vas rather short, but the excursion
was greatly enjoyed nevertheless.
An hour before dinner was spent in
snow shoeing along Hell Hollow
brook and on the heights above so
hat good appetites were ready for
he menu of soup, sandwiches,
mashed potatoes, coffee, cakes, etc.,
1T one o'clock
In the afternoon many enjoyed
coasting down the He'll Hollow trail
which was in excellent condition for
The sport, having plenty enough ups
and downs and curves to make an
occasional "spill' possibility. The
party returned to the village at
about o'clock.
Mr.. Dean was very much pleased
with the camp and surroundings and
stated that he did not know of club
camp on the entire Long Trail that
was as well equipped. After express
ing his appreciation and thanks to the
members of Bennington section for
their hospitality Mr.. Dean left for
Pittsfield where he spoke last evening
before the Park club Of that city.
The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1917-02-09
UNION OFFENDERS DAY
Exercises to Be Held at G, A. r. Hall
Saturday Afternoon.

The local Sons of Veterans camr
has arranged for an observance of un
ion defenders day al G. A. r. hall
Saturday afternoon and the public is
invited to be present.
The exercises will be held at 4
o'clock and the program which will
consist of speaking and music Is un
der the direction of Mrs. Helena
Downs.
r. b. Gleason of Manchester the
division commander of the Vermont
Sons of Veterans, will be present.
The public is cordially invited to
be present at the exercises.
The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1917-02-09
DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS
In Rooms in Front of the Apollo Hall
Saturday EVENING.

Sdtui uay Evening.
The Democratic voters OF the town
of Bennington are hereby warned 10
meet in caucus Saturday evening
Feb II, 1917 at eight o'clock at rooms
in front OF the Apollo hall en- South
street in said Bennington for the fol-
lowing purposes.
1st To place in nomination candi-
dates of said Democratic party for
town office TO be voted for at the
annual meeting of said town Of Ben
nington to be held on the first Tues
day in March A. D.. 1917.
2nd TO transact any other bust
ness found necessary when met.
Dennis Enright,
VIM. Gibney,
w. p. Hogan,
John Scarey
E. j. Tiffany,
H. d. Fillmore,
John p. Mulligan,
Democratic Town Committee.
Bennington, VT, Feb. Sth, 1917.
The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1917-02-09
PARIS CHEERS U. 5. ENVOY
Mr.. and Mrs. Sharp Get Ovation at
Opera Comique.

Paris, Feb. 7.-When William G..
Sharp the American Ambassador
and Mrs. Sharp entered the Opera
Comique this afternoon to attend a
performance given for benevolent
purposes the audience recognized
them and began cheering with extra
ordinary enthusiasm. There were
many cries OF "yive l'Amerique" and
"Vive les Etats Unis," and the orches-
ira played "The Star SpangLed Ban
ner," the audience standing. After
this there was renewed cheering
Ambassador Sharp was visibly af-
fected by the enthusiasm and bowed
repeatedly
The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1917-02-09
LEGISLATURE or 1908
FULLY q Hundred Members Attend
Reunion at Montpeiier.

Montpelier, Feb 9.-The Legisla-
ture Of 1908, fully 100 strong. held a
rafting reunion at the Montpelier
house Wednesday night former Gov.
G. II. Prouty presiding. The speak
ers were Gov. Graham, Lieut.. Gov
Hulburd, r. c. Cheney. F. Il. Howe,
Judge II. 3. Howe f. c. Williams.
Judge f. l.. Fish and Judge f. M.
Butler
The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1917-02-09
LABoR's AID PLEDGED
Gompers Says Workers VIII Back
Government In Crisis.

Washington, Feb. S.-Samuel Com
pers, president of the American Fed
GRAFTON of Labor, promises that
American laboring men and women
viii stand by the Government in a
national crisis. He gave the promise
yesterday in a letter to Speaker
Champ Clark of the House of Repre-
sentatives.