davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-28
German Birth Rate
Shows Loss of 1873
Per Cent Since 1914
Socialists Disturbed Over Prob
lem-Government Preparing
for Early Legislation

Copenhagen. May 27.-The great de-
cline in the German birth rate, due 70
the war, continues to produce DIS
auietude among German soclologists.
Official statistics Of the Imperial Health
Bureau for cities with populations OF
$1,000 and over and 100000 and over
show a further heavy decline in the
birth rate of 1916 as compared with
that in 1915, which itself was some 20
per cent below that of 1914:
Twenty-six German cities IN the
class of populations of 100000 and over
report a decrease of 98,093 births, or
1873 per cent, as contrasted with the
number Of children born in 1914, while
the percentage of decrease in all cities
with populations Of $4,000 and over is
39k.
The decrease in births was accom-
panied by corresponding fall in the
death rate of infants under one year
old, which was 1873 per cent per 100
births; but this has not diminished the
anxiety of the sociological experts, who
are holding congresses to awaken pop
ular interest in this menace to Ger
many's future.
The government simultaneously is
dcvoting intensive study to the repopu-
lation problem through commissions at
tached to the Minister of the Interior,
and shortly will introduce legislation
in the Reichstag calculated to stimu-
late the birth rate and lower infant
mortality.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-28
Berlin Alters Spy Law
To Hide New Devices
Americans and Other Aliens
Restricted from Working
in War Factories

Copenhagen, May 27.-Spy hunting
and precautions TO prevent leaks Of
military secrets are the order of the
day in Germany. New regulations to
check the passage of military informs-
ton across the frontiers are published
daily.
German soldiers whose families live
abroad no longer may meet them wher-
ever it is most convenient. A military
order designstes five cities on the Scan
dinavian, Dutch and Swiss frontiers as
meeting places for soldiers on furlough
and their families. Another order bars
alien workmen from factories manu-
featuring airships, submarines, explo-
sives and weapons for close range
fighting, like hand grenades, mine and
grenade throwers, etc.
Germany apparently hopes to pro-
duce some surprise inventions, and re-
and persons submitted to the regula-
tons for enemy Aliens" namely, Amer
leans, in factories having war contracts
of any description.
A new regulation provides a new
form of pass for aliens entering the
empire. 1t invalidates the former
identification papers. and heavy pun
ishments are introduced for persons
attempting to pass the frontier else
where than at prescribed points.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-28
German Loses Frantic
Passenger in Midair
Officer Pitches to Death and
Wounded Pilot Is Taken
Prisoner

From a Staff Correspondent Of The
Associated Press, British Headquarters
in France, May PA German aviator
just shot down within the British lines
told with amazing nonchalance how he
lost his passenger in midair. The pris-
oner is corporal, and was plotting a
two-seater machine on reconnaissance
work. The passenger was new lieu
tenant observer, whom the pilot was
taking up for the first time.
The lieutenant was nervous, and kept
giving the pilot contradictory instruc-
tons, which caused him completely to
lose his way. That is how he happened
to get over the British lines. He had
not flown a great distance when he
sighted several British fighting scouts.
Now the passenger became fairly fran
tic, and began beating the pilot on the
back, urging him to swing around. This
further confused the pilot. Then a
British machine opened fire and shot
him through both legs.
Thereupon the pilot took matters In
his own hands, and dived almost verti-
cally with the engine full on. He did
not fatten out until within 200 feet of
the ground, and landed with a crash.
A search of the wreckage revealed no
trace of the observer.
81 think he must have been thrown
out" remarked the German pilot.
''He was" said one of the pilots cap
tors, who had seen the officer pitch
headlong to his death.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-28
Isonzo Front
Italian

Rome. May 27.-The Wor Office statement
today reads:
During the fourth day Of the furious battle
on the Carso the positions occupied on IN,
southern part Of the plateau were cNtenIsu
hy the untring efforts Of our troops ne
positions already captured in the other sectors
were firmly maintained.
An artillery action all along the line con
tnued fercely from sunrise until evening;
In the afternoon, between the coast ana
Jan1iano. our infantry by a brilliant assault
succeeded in reaching point beyond inc
railway from Monttalcone TO Dunno, north
east Of San Giovanni, and carried the strong
~ fortified Hill l45. southwest OF Medeazzs;
They established themselves few hundred
yards from the village. During TINS action
some OF our infantry reached the enemy 5
guns. capturing field battery oil ten guns
with ammunition, and Sl2 prisoners, includ-
ing thirty-four officers.
North Of Jamiano violent attacks and coun-
ter attacks followed in succession all day.
supported by artillery FIRE. Castagnavizza
also reached and passed, but the per-
sstent and concentrated shelling by num-
Der of enemy batteries compelled us to evacu-
ate ground there. We maintained hold on
the western boundary.
In the area east and north of Gorilla the
artillery action intense. We shelled the
basins of Gargaro and Britovo. with which
the enemy supplies centres.
In the PLAYA sector infantry of the Udine
brigade and the 95th and seth Regiments
brilliantly carried the heights at the head of
the Pallova Valley, thus connecting our
Mont Cucco lines with those on Hill 363.
They took 43s prisoners. including ten Of
ficers, and one gun. two trench mortars and
seven machine guns.
Our aircraft continued their successful
bombing raids on the enemy's communics-
tions. The railway station at San Lucia of
Tomino was severely damaged. Our ma
chimes all returned safely. During the air
fighting above Britovo an enemy machine was
brought down. Another fell in flames near
Nertoiba
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-28
Harvard Unit Guests
At Upton Luncheon
Sir Thomas deliberately En-
tertains Ambulance Corp.
at His Country Home

London, May 27.-The most elabo.
rate welcome ever rendered an Ameri.
can unit was given at . luncheon and
tea at Sir Thomas Lipton's country
home to-day for the doctors and nurses
of the Harvard medical unit, which Is
on its way to France.
The grounds of the house were pro-
fusely decorated with American flags.
bunting and the Red Cross insignia
Several British army officers and per
sons prominent in the theatrical pro
fession assisted Sir Thomas in enter
tanning his guests. Arthur Shirley
Benin. Member of Parliament, delivered
a speech during the luncheon, which
was served on the lawn, praising the
United States and President Wilson for
the entry of the United States into
the war. Major Patterson replied on
behalf of the American unit.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-28
Tribute to Lost Filler
Memorial Services Held for Ed.
mund Charles Clinton Genet

Memorial services were held yester-
day in All Saints Church at Briarclift,
n. Y, for Edmund Charles Clinton
Genet, an aviator in the French army,
who was shot down soon after the
United States entered the war as he
few over the Geramn lines with the
American flag streaming from his
plane.
His mother. Mrs. Henrietta Genet,
who for many days steadfastly refused
to believe in the unofficial reports of
his death, was present. The church
was decorated with American and
French flags, among the latter being a
banner with Mrs. Genet presented TO
the church in memory or her son. His
mother, former regent of De Witt
Clinton Chapter, Daughters of the
American Revolution. numbers that
sturdy prepayment of the Erie Canal
among her forebears. His father was
a descendant of Citizen Genet.
The Rev. Alonzo Stewart, of Ossin-
ing. delivered the memorial address.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-28
Tunnels Dug by Germans
Become Their Sepulchres

fpv san Co-re pond.nt Of ms Associated Pree.l
Grand Headquarters Of the French
Armies in France, May 81. German
troops made another futile effort in the
course of the night to regain footing
on the Chemin~des- Danes, in the vicin-
ity of the Moulin de Laffaux. The
French. however, bit into the position
so hard that the Germans were unable
TO shake them off.
From the Moulin de Laffaux,. past
Hurtebise farm TO Craonne, which are
The three most prominent positions on
The Chemin-des Danes, the artillery in
both camps Numbered throughout the
night. Everywhere the French occupy
the military crest of the plateau and
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-28
Ii Ching.hsi Named
AS Chinese Premier;
Approved by House
Nephew of Late Ii Hung-chang
Nominated by WI Ting-fang,
Former Envoy to u. S.

Peking, May 27.-By vote of 1888
to IS the House Of Representatives to-
day approved the nomination of Lii
Ching-hsi, the Minister of Finance. as
Premier. in succession to Tuan Chi Jul,
who was dismissed by President lie
Yuan-hung May 90. WI Ting-fang, for
mer minister at Washington and now
acting Premier, was loudly applauded
when he appeared in the Chamber to
make the nomination.
The Senate is expected to approve
the action of the lower house on Mon
day, and it is probable that the coali-
ton Cabinet will receive the sanction
of Parliament within few days.
President Ii Yuan-hung apparently
is rapidly gaining in strength, while
the military governors are being dis
credited.
Li-Ching-hsi is pephew Of the late
Chinese statesman Ii Hung-chang. He
was Governor of Kwangsi in 1901, and
again in l90i-'O5. Early this month he
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-28
French Hurl Back
Attack on Aisne;
British Advance
Crown Prince Fails in
Effort to Regain the
Champagne Line
Strike at Bullecourt
us;e's Troops Prepare Tor
Final Blow on Enemy
Defences
Strike at Bullecourt

ron5on. May 27.-While the Aihes
rrensrations develop behind 'he ''"9'
~. tactical struggle for position on 'he
NJ. front continues. The Crown
~. s,;,l seeks to regain a grip on
the trench elements and oosei'A.rU"
nests recently lost to the French MS
.o,css launched vigorous attack IN
The Champagne region to-day, and an
other last night on the western Slope
az the Craonne plateau. Both faiieo'
The British are keeping up their ei.
for. 70 render untenable the section Oh
H;nd,nburg trench the Germans sun
MA ves. of Bullecourt. They extend
ed their positions to-day near on'a'h. .
les Croisilles. northwest OF buiieeoui y
ANY ground gained here TENDS 10 'ea' e
,ho German trench elements whlch
.or.r only 1000 yards, without sup
mort. When they are evacuated '"e
wo,.n line will be laid open along the
LII south bank of the Scarpe, almost
from oueant TO the river
The British are also preparing 10
clear out what remains OF the oppy
,unnort line, on the north bank OF the
scarpe. Berlin reports activity SOUTH
cast Of Acheville, and says that troops
ready 70 move forward from Money
were checked by artillery hre; Inc
british War Office mentions the re-
nulse Of a German thrust near LOGS
and a minor raid northwest OF o.
The German attack in the Champagne
was a double movement on mount
Teton and the lines to the east, deIiV-
e,ed after intensive bombardment. Inc
first rush was carried into the french
line. but the poilus quickly organized
81 counter attack and the lost trenches
were wholly regained. A third German
assault. in the afternoon, melted away
rnder the French barrage. The attempt
last night on the Laffsux Mill, the loss
OF which the Germans feel keeniy. was
also carried out with determination,
but the French hold on this. high
ground west Of the Craonne plateau
could not be shaken.
Berlin chronicles FIVE French as
saults Yesterday TO retake lost trenches
south of Pargny, east Of Braye, Few
miles below Laon. They lasted through
out the afternoon, the maj stte,np'
being made after dark. All were 1ati!e'
according to the German statement
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-28

continually make further small ad-
vances and maintain their pressure.
The amount of territory gained in
these minor actions may not become
apparent for weeks. What is known
now is that the French can see and
effectively lombard the German big
gun batteries in the valley and on the
plateau beyond. The German position
in this valley is precarious, although
the Teutons still hold the western end,
whence they can enfilade the low-lying
ground and render the task of the
attackers difficult.
Craonne itself now is scarcely recog-
nizable as a town. Nothing remains
but heap of stones and bricks, while
on the sharp slopes toward the crest
the ground is as badly holed as that
around Verdun. The capture of this
place was feat Of the highest military
daring, but as one of the French COM
manders said to the correspondent:
"Our men marched forward as though
going to the theatre"
The sides of the plateau were bored
with tunnels leading to the other side
of the hill. These tunnels now are so
many graves, in which lie hundreds Of
German bodies. The ends of the tun-
nels have since been bricked up, max
ing permanent sepulchres.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-28
France May Adopt Zone
Style" for Cheap Shoes

Paris, May 27-All Paris Is talking
Of the national SHOE" q uniform style
Of economical footwear intended TO
cheaper prices and save leather.
The government is considering q
project Of this kind, but II Is not &c
Comprehensive as the general public
supposes. 1t Is proposed to adopt .
uniform style Of cheap shoe for the
benefit Of refugees and people In mod.
est circumstances who are unable to
pay so francs a pair. Expensive shoes,
with high tops, for women will still be
made for those who are able to pay for
them.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-28
Seek Solution of
Paris Labor Troubles

Paris, May 27.-Louis j. Malvy, Min.
lister Of the Interior, yesterday received
the members Of the House of Deputies
representing Paris regarding the
strikes of the garment workers and
other trades.
He said the efforts to obtain a rapid
solution of the situation had thus far
been successful and would be con-
tinued.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-28
Head of French Transpor-
tation Tells of Wrecked
Railroads and Canals
Great Need for Miners
Regiments of Engineers Should
Have Tools and Workers,
Says M. Claveille

Paris. May 27.-Albert Claveille, IN
der Secretary of Transportation. VINO
now has charge of all transportation
in the zone of the French armies up
to the front. as well as in the rear,
position analogous to that held by Dan
iel Willard, chairman of the Advisory
Commission of the Council Of National
Defence in the United States, has Just
returned from an inspection of the
railroads, canals and highways in the
region recently evacuated by the Ger
mans.
"The Germans carried off even the
steel rails md railroad ties" said NJ.
Claveille to-day to The Associated
Press. "The roadbeds and ballast re-
main almost intact. Otherwise the de-
struction in stripping the railroad lines
was about as methodical and complete
as might be imagined. All highway as
we'll as railroad bridges were badly dam
aged or destroyed, as were turntables,
water tanks and switch mechanisms.
Even articles that would have been of no
advantage or comfort TO our army were
taken away, which seems to indicate
there is a pressing need in Germany
for everything in the shape of metal
Canalboats Broken Up
The destruction Of canal locks. NJ.
Claveille said, was as complete as the
damage done to railroads. All canal
boats also were broken up. and every
means available were used for OBJ
structing the channels.
"The best service that could be rem
dered to France by the regiment of
engineers now being organized in the
United States" said ". Claveille,
"would be to bring over here as soon
as convenient tools and equipment nee
eessary to repair those railroads. canals
and bridges. They should bring not
only the required tools, now unobtain-
able here. but also laborers familiar
with that kind of work and capable of
quick productive efforts. The equip
ment in tools should be threefold the
normal supply for regiment Of engi-
neers.
"The reopening of the canals in that
district is most important. They must
be made ready for traffic Immediately
to relieve the congestion on railway
lines near the front.
"The American engineers may be of
immense service to us in this work as
well as in rebuilding the railroads.
Skilled Labor and Miners Needed
81 want to point out in this connec-
ton that in view Of the present situa-
tion all units Of engineers formed in
the United States should be autono-
nous and complete in order to be of
maximum utility; that is, they should
bring the necessary hand labor. Only
inefficient and unskilled workmen are
available here now. Above all. quick
workers are needed.
IF America could send us a coal min.
ing contingent in addition to the engi-
neering corps for railroad and canal
work it would be q great boon to US.
It should be headed by men capable Of
directing necessary repairs to mines
and Of organizing intensified produc-
ton, and should comprise coal miners.
who are lacking here now. The great
advantage in this would be to release
for transportation and other necessi-
ties ships now bringing coal to France.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-28
Western Front
British

London. May 27.-The official statement to-
night reads:
During the afternoon we gained further
ground by local attack in the neighborhood
of Fontainc-lez- Croisilles. We secured a few
prisoners in the course of patrol encounters
early this morning near the Cojeul River.
Three German airplanes were brought down
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-28

Official Statements

in the fighting OF yesterday and eight otherr
were driven down out Of control Four OF cur
airDlanes are missing.
The dog statement rave.
\ successful raid was carried out by our
troops last night northwest Of It. quentin.
Several Of the enemy were killed and eigh-
teen were taken prisoner. Our casualties
were two men wounded.
A local hostile attack cast % loos Was re-
pulsed. The enemy's artillery showed con
siderable activity during the night against
our positions south Of the River Scarpc.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-28
German

Berlin. NAV 27.-The Var Office statement
tonight reads:
In Artois and Champagne there have been
minor infantry engagements, which resulted
favorably for US.
The day statement says:
WESTERN THEATRE.--Army Group Of
Prince Rupprecht.-In the Wytschaete bend
and on both banks of the River Scarpe the
firing activity again increased in considerable
extent. English reconnoitring advances sew
eral times were repulsed southwest of Ache
Vile and north Of Monchy preparations of
enemy storming troops were taken under our
fire.
Army Group Of the German Crown Prince.
In the evening the French BY four attacks
vainly sought TO wrest from us the positions
gained in the quarries south of Pargny. The
fifth attack. made after darkness, broke down.
with heavy losses TO the enemy. An attack
at night near Vauxaillon. after strong arti-
lery preparation. yielded no success for the
enemy. In the Champagne the artillery duel
was lively west OF Suippes.
Authorization enemy aviators were
shot down yesterday. Lieutenant Voss gained
his thrtieth victory over opponents in aerial
encounters.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-28

Paris. Moy 27.--To-n,0hts official state
mont reads.
In Champagne. after violent lombard
ment, the enemy this morning threw forward
two attacks one on Teton and the other 70
the east Of Teton. At first he succeeded W
penetrating our line. Our counter attach;
however. enabled us TO recapture the whole OF
the lost ground
In the afternoon a third attack, preceded
by strong artillery preparation. was started
but the enemy was thrown back Immediately.
Considerable artillery activity prevailed IN
Champagne. The day was comparatively
quiet on the rest of the front.
REI.CIAN COMMUNICATION ar
tillery activity is reported in the region OF
Ramscapelle and Dixnudo. The artillery ac-
tivity was greater in the direction of Het Sas.
Bomb fighting also took place in that sector.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-28
Polish Regiment Goes to Front

Kiev, May 27.-The first Polish regi-
ment, forming part of the Polish d.
vison of rifemen formed In the south
western part of Russia, has left for the
Russian front.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-28

was appointed Minister of Finance TO
succeed Chen-Chin, who was removed
from office.
Evening star., 1917-03-02
REV. F. DUNSTAN SARGENT
WAS HERE FOR A WEEK
Priest Who Wrote Experiences OF
Laconia Survivors Known in
Washington.

Rev. F. Dunstan Sargent, Q. p, whose
account of the narrowing experiences
undergone by the survivors of the La
appeared in Wednesday evenings Star
spent a week in this city before the
sailing of that Inflated ship.
Father Sargent is Dominican of the
English province. He was on his way
home from the missions of the Engi1sh
Dominicans in Grenada, British West
Indies Booked to sail on the st. Louis
of the American line, he came to Wash
ington on visit to the community OF
the Dominican House of Studies, Brook
land. while waiting for word concern
ing the departure of that ship. When
it became known that the st. Louis
would not sail without some protection
from the United States government
Father Sargent, being anxious to reach
England. as he had already been trav-
cling several months, sought passage
on the first liner to leave this country,
which happened to be the Laconia.
The Dominican missionary had been
summoned home by his provincial, Very
Rev. Bede Jarrett, in view of his ap-
pointment as a division chaplain in the
English army with the rank of cap
tain.
Father Sargent, before entering the
Dominican order. in 1905, was an officer
in the English army. He took part in
the Boer campaign, in which he had
many thrilling adventures and several
narrow escapes. In one skirmish he
was one of three out of hundred that
survived the fire of the Boer antago-
nists.
He had been in Grenada four years
as pastor of the Church of st. John, at
Gouyave. He was a graduate of Ushaw
College, England. The black friar, as
a Dominican is known in England, be-
cause of their religious habit, his
friends at the mission house said today,
possessed a pleasing personality, pre-
possessing disposition, and in every way
fitted to serve suffering humanity in
such an exigency as occurred on the
Laconia.
Evening star., 1917-03-02
PROGRAM BY THE SOCIETY
OF ANCIENT INSTRUMENTS
Organization, Which Is Under Au-
spices of French-American Asso-
citation, Appears at Playhouse.

The second appearance in Washington
of Ancient Instruments of the Society
was made yesterday afternoon at the
Playhouse. This society, which holds
an exceptional place in the artistic
world. visits America under the
auspices Of the French-American Asso-
citation for Musical Art.
The organization is composed of a
quartet, containing a quinton. played
by Maurice Hewitt; a voile d'amour
played by Henri Casadeus; a wolfe
d'gambe, played by Eugene Dubruille
and basse de voile, played by
Maurice Devilliers. assisted by the
Patroni and Nine. Marie Buisson.
The society, which was founded in
1900 by Henri Casadeus. aided by the
French composer. Camille Saint-Saens
who is president of the organization
made its first appearance in Washing
one of it's patronesses.
Among those in the boxes yesterday
were Nine. Jusserand, Nine. Bakhme-
teff. Mrs. Levi P. Morton, Mrs. George
Vanderbilt and Mrs. Frederick Keep.
The patronesses of the society are
Mrs. Larz Anderson, Mrs. Blaine Beale,
Mrs. Henry F. Dimock, Mrs. George
Eustis. Mrs. Gibson Fahnestock, Mrs.
Marshall Field. Mrs. Augustus P.
p. Morton. Mrs. Edward Mclean, Mrs.
p. G. H. Slater, Mrs. Hunt Slater, Mrs.
Robert M. Thompson and Mrs. Law
renee Townsend.