davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-27

The Presidents statement. explaining
his reasons for taking over for the gov
eminent control of the railroads of tn
United States. follows:
Il have exercised the powers over
the transportation systems of the
country which were granted me by
the act of Congress of last August be-
cause it has become imperatively
necessary for me to do SO. This is
a war Of resources no less than of
men, perhaps even more than of
men, and it is necessary for the
complete mobilization of our re-
sources that the transportation sys-
TENS of the country should be or
gained and employed under a sin
gle authority and simplified method
of coordination which have not
proved possible under private man
agement and control. The commit
tee of railway executives who have
been cooperating with the govern
have done the utmost that it was
possible for them to do: have done
it with patriotic zeal and with great
ability. but there were difficulties
that they could neither escape nor
neutralize.
in the present circumstances in
wolves upon occasion and at many
points a serious dislocation Of earn
ings. and the committee was. OF
course. without power or authority
to rearrange charges or effect
proper compensations and adjust
ments of earnings Several roads
which were willingly and with ad-
mirable public spirit accepting the
orders OF the committee have al
ready suffered from these circum-
stances and should not be required
to suffer further. In mere fairness
to them the full authority OF the
government must be substituted.
The government itself will thereby
gain an immense increase OF eff
cheney in the conduct Of the war
and of the innumerable activities
upon which its successful conduct
depends.
Public Interest Comes First,
The public interest must be first
served, and, In addition. the financial
interests of the government and the
financial interests Of the railways
must be brought under common
direction. The financial operations of
the railways need not then interfere
with the borrowings of the govern
ment, and they themselves can be
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-27
"Guarantees" Reservation.

Apparently Belgium is promised free
dom by Count Czernin if all the other
German demands are met. But officials
note there is a reservation, almost in
eeparable from German diplomacy, in
the shape of guarantees" which Ger
many requires to insure the execution
of all these complicated factors of the
peace treaty.
From public declarations of German
statesmen and publicists, it is under
stood that as guarantees" Germany
would insist on retaining control of
Belgium for an indefinite period.
The German insiStence that the pledge
to restore the political independence of
countries occupied by the central pow
ers shall not apply to nationalities
which did not previously enjoy indie
pendence is regarded as aimed directly
at the projected Polish state. Even
were such a state created as result
of the peace treaty it would have to be
on the lines of the subiect-kingdom
which Germany and Austria already
have created
1t is accepted by Washington officials
that the central powers are prepared to
make every effort to regain control OF
Russian trade and markets, which are
threatening to pass to America in re-
turn for Americas substantial assist
ance in the war.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-27
CONGRESS is EXPECTED TO
GIVE QUICKLY GUARANTEES
WHICH PRESIDENT ASKS
CONTINUED from First Page.)

instituted will be sufficient to furnish
the net operating income measured by
the average of the three-year period
and furnish all needed revenues for
ways and maintenance of structures,
motive power and rolling stock, as well
as furnish an added revenue equal to
the cost Of all government Transports
ton.
The House committee on Interstate
and foreign commerce will take UP the
Legislation recommended by the Presi-
dent and give it immediate preferential
consideration over all other proposed
Legislation"
President Has Authority.
Senator Weeks of Massachusetts, one
of the leading republicans in the SEN
ate. said today: THE President has the
authority of Congress to take any ac-
ton he deems necessary to further the
ing over the control of the transport
tation lines of the country II 1t seems
necessary to do so. Whether he has
done this in manner which will best
serve the public interest there may
be a great difference of opinion, but
it will be of no force or effect to criti-
else at this time the action he has
taken.
Neither will it be of any effect to
criticise the selection of Mr. McAdoo as
| director general of the railroads, al
though the question may well arise in
any ones mind as to whether Mr.. Nc
Adoo's experience in transportation
matters justifes his selection, or
whether 1t is possible for the Secretary
of the Treasury with the manifold
duties incumbent upon him at this time,
to carry the additional burden he must
assume.
II have very positive views on the
question of government ownership or
operation of transportation systems
and on other questions relating to this
subject. which 1 shall probably express
when the proposition for legislation
the President announces he will ask
Congress to pass is brought before the
Senate.
Cummins Fears Difficulty.
Senator Cummins of Iowa, recognized
by his colleagues as an authority on
railway LEGISLATION, apprehends difficult
ties growing out Of the fixing of COM
pensation for the use Of the roads under
the three-year- guarantee plan
suggested by the President.
He said today he feared the practical
working out of this plan would result
to the advantage of the larger and
stronger railway systems and to the
distress of weaker and smaller systems
and lines.
He expects to see the plan favored by
the great systems and viewed doubt
fully by the smaller lines, with the
possibility that the latter may be forced
to the courts for recourse.
If they should be. it may turn out,
he said, that the s947, 100000 which It
is estimated the government will
guarantee as net income to the rail-
roads will have to be increased to
81 200 900, 900.
He-is of the opinion that in the end
the courts should decide the question OF
compensation for the taking over OF
the roads, anyhow, as he takes it to be
a question for the courts and not with
In the Jurisdiction of Conaresa
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-27
CUTS IN SALARIES OF
RAIL ROAD PRESIDENTS TO
BE EARLY ACT OF U. S.

CONTINUED from First Page.)
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-27
Silent as to Alsace-Lorraine.

No provision is made in Count Ger
Minis terms for the return to France OF
Alsace- Lorraine, which is regarded here
as a condition that must be met as a
preliminary to any peace agreement:
an understanding declared by Presi-
dent Wilson in his message to Con-
gress.
In the light of the extraordinary
efforts Germany has been making to
rid those provinces of French inhabi-
tants it is believed here that Germany
may propose a plebiscite of inhabitants,
relying upon the vote of German SOL
dlers and imported German population.
but such a proposal probably would be
rejected by the United States and her
cobelligerentS.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-27
ing time for the further strengthening
of the German lines in the west.
United States Position Unchanged.

1t can be stated authoritatively that
the position Of the American govern
ment has not changed in any respect
with regard to its determination to
enter into no agreement with gov
eminent which does not represent the
free will of the governed people. This
would dispose of any hope the Ger
mans might have that the Russians
could induce America to subscribe to
the peace treaty which they are now
trying to arrange. AS for the German
colonies, the American government has
never recorded itself on the subject.
and Lloyd George recently declared
that was a subject for the peace con-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-27
Became a Railroad President.
Has Handled Vast Problems.

Since his ircumbsncy ~ SECRETARY Of
the Treasury. with remarkable succeSA he
and vast problems ever presented to 8
man in that position. His measurement Of
the GrsAt foreign and demsetit loAns has
stamped him fnAncisr Ard executive o.
federal reserve bAnifA8 1yUtsM also has
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-01-26
.DOM|N|ONs ARE INVITED
TO SEAT IN WAR COUNCIL
for Their Advice on Conduct
OF Conflict.
STEP OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE
Lloyd George Believes 1t Marks Be-
ginning OF New Epoch i'm History
of Enpire-Even India to Send
Representative.
lBN AssOcinteL Press

OTTAWA, January 25.-A dispatch
from London. received here to-day by
Reuter- Telegram Company agency
said:
Premier David Lloyd Ceorre gave
an important interview to-day Oh the
subject OF the Forthcoming imperial
war council To the London CORE pond
ent OF the Australian United cable
Service. The Prime Minister said:
II do not wish TO interfere in any
way with the affairs Of "A great self
governing dominion. but We took the
step of urgently inviting the domin-
ions PrcmierS TO a sea, in the war
council. despite the fact that ii might
cause much Inconvenience locally be-
cause we desired their advice and as
sstance in coming To S.cr.sons about
The conduct OF the war, and the ncso-
tiation OF peace.
COUNCIL. MARkS HEtINNING
OF NEW EPOCH IN HISTORY
Australia knows that am no jingo.
Ny record contains no journcyings into
hamboyant Imperialism. yet | regard
this council as marking the beginning
OF new epoch in the history OF the
empire The war has changed us.
Heaven knows. IL has taught us more
than We yet understand: il has opened
4 new age for us. and We want TO go
INTO that age together with our fellows
overseas just as we have come throue n
the darkness together and shed our
blood and treasure together.
The empire war council will deal
with all general questions affecting the
war. The Prime Ministers or their
representatives will he temporary mem
of hc T'.h,
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-01-26
WALL STREET BROKERS
MAKE READY RESPONSE
They Show No Hostility TO Leak"
Inquiry Conducted by Rules
Committee.
BRING IN THEIR ECoRDs
Sufficient Data Will BE OH Hand for
Resumption OF Investigation on
Monday VI rSan and Bar,ich
Among First Witnesses.
IHy Assncia,ed Press.

Nt:W YORK. January 2;,.--The in
duiry into the alleged leak" Of adj
vance information on President Will
sons peace note will be resumed here
on Monday morning. IL was announced
tonight by Representative Henry.
chairman Of the House Rules Commit
tee. lie said he had sent kilograms
calling back to this city members OF
ington
we viii have abundant data on
hand" declared Mr.. Henry. TO go
ahead without a break In the inquiry"
Regarding information sought by the
committee concerning transactions on
the New York Stock Exchange within
the period OF the alleged leak" Mr.
Henry said:
I'm my judgmen, we will have every
thing We want in less than five days"
He added that the committee had met
with no ''refusais" from brokers
I'VE are encountering no hostility
from them said Mr.. Henry.
BERNARD Baruch. aud possibly j. T.
Morgan. as we'll as others familiar with
Wall street affairs. may be among the
first witnesses called when the COM
mittcc resumes its hearings. accord
ing to Mr.. Henry. The telegraph and
telephone companies, the chairman as
serted. had been asked by the commit
tee to preserve all slips or records Of
telegraph messages or telephone con-
vcrsations between New York and
Washington during tho period OF the
alleged leak"
only those people mentioned in MIR
Lawson's testimony and Mr. Lawson
himself will hc called to the witness
stand If il is shown they arc links in
the facts developed by the committees
inquiry" Mr.. Henry concluded
After conference between officials
of the Stock Exchange. their ATTORNEYS;
and sherman l., Whipplc. counsel for
The Rules Committee of the House. the
following statement was issued TO.
might:
In order still further TO expedite
response TO The request for immediate tc
information from brokers on the part
OF the Rules Committee. notifications
have been made, a statement Of which
vii! lac sent out hy the Stock Exchange
ohiCials tomorrow morning
Members of the Stock Exchange TO-
day received copies of tho resolution
adopted by their governing committee
requesting them To prepare records OF
their transactions for use at the con-
SrcsSonal leak Investigation. Brokers
wcr" rclu, tant To express opinions as
10 how far this Information would com
ply with the desires Of the inVcsti-
gators
The Rules Committee Of the House,
which is conducting the inquiry 10
ascertain if advance reports Of Prcsi-
den, wilson's peace note We're utilized
by spectators. suspended their sos
sions yesterday To await this evidence
Sherman l.. Whipple. counsel for the
committee, remained here to expedite.
if possible. preparations for the re-
sumption OF the inquiry next week
In Wall Street it was admitted that
some brokers might refuse to comply
Continued on Second Pase.)
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-01-26
HIS MIND STILL HAzY
Doctors Can't Tell just When Thau's
Mental Condition VIII
Clear I'D.
nv Associ.,od rre.s.l

i'iiil.ApELi'iilA. January o5.-Phy-
sicians who to-day examined Harry is.
Thaw. now in local hospital SUI
fcrine from sc!f-inilicted wounds.
found his mental condition, still
cloudy and said II would bc difficult
to predict when the haze" would clear
up.
Thaw's condition was held to be
result of the loss OF large amoupts
OF blood when he Sashcd his throa, and
wrist recently in West Philadelphia
rocming house. Detectives are con-
stantly at Thaw's bedside. armed with
bench warrant for his arrest on
charges OF kidnapping and assauitips
Frederick Gump, nipcteen-year-oId
youth. in a New York hotel.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-01-26
BILL BARS CIGARETTES
Drastic Measure introduced in IIous.
OF Delegates of West
NirStnin.
tRv Associated rr.ss1

CHARLESTON. W. VA. January a5.-
Cigarette smoking in West Virginia
would he criminal offcnse and pos
session OF cigarettes would be mis-
dcmcanor. both violations punishable
by q fine Of IS. il n bill introduced in
tho State House of Delegates becomes
law.
The bill prohibits any person or firm
from selling or giving away cigarettes.
cigarette paper or tobacco used in the
making of cigarettes. The bill also
prohibits any person having cigarettes
In his possession.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-01-26

s(continued ON Fifth Page.)
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-01-26
Lansing Issues Denial
of Intention to Resign

WASiIISGTON, January "5.-Elnt
dcnlnls were authorized by the
White House and SccrctnrS Lansing
to-day of published reports that
Mr. Lansing is preparing to resign.
The nccrctnry snid he attributed
persistent circulation OF such re-
ports to an attempt to discrcdi,
President Wilson's policies through
mn appearance of discord within the
Cabinet.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-01-26
LANSING FILES PROTEST
WITH GENERAL CARRANZA
Objects to Certain Provisions II Is
Proposed to Include in McXi-
can Constitution.
FUTURE RELATIONS AT STAKE
Washington Disapproves Limitation
Of Property Holdings of Foreigners
and Other RESTRICTIONS Of Rights
Without Judicial Recourse.
FUTURE RELATIONS AT STAKE

MEXlCO CITY. January 25-secre-
tar, OF state Lansing has sent 10 Cen
eral carranza, through Charles L.
Parker. American charge d'anaircs.
here. communication in regard to
certain provisions which il has been
proposed TO include in the new Mexi-
can constitution. The communication
calls attention to the article vesting
the executive with power 20 expropr-
ate property without judicial recourse.
and also the article providing that civil
commercial companies cannot own
properties OF greater area than is
necessary 10 accomplish the purpose
for which they are formed. and placing
the power TO determine what area is
necessary in the hands OF the exocu-
tive.
The communication says that II the
latter provision were made retroactive
II might be coniiscatory. as no pro-
vision is made for compensation
Attention is called 10 the article pro-
viding that there be 10 exemption from
TAXATION II this were given retro
active effect. says Secretary Lansing's
communication, il would impair con-
tracts OF many foreign corporations
now operating under agreements pro-
viding periods o! exemption by the
Federal or state governments
NOT IN ACCORD WITH
PRACTICE OF NATIONS
Regarding article 81. dealing with
the expulsion of obnoxious foreigners,
objection is made. because the proposed
article permits the executive TO ex-
pei any one, without recourse to ap-
peal whose presence is deemed mad
visabie by him. The letter states that
this is not in accord with the usual
practice Of nations that cause he clear
- shown
Mr.. Parker also has sent TO General
Carranza statement from Secretary
Lansing protesting against the pro-
posed article in the new constitution
which stipulates that special conces-
sionS must he obtained by eXploitcrs
of oil lands. and allows companies now
owning such lands one year in which
10 secure new concessions in order to
protect the rights they already have
acquired. The statement says this ar
ucle apparently means virtual ma
tionalization OF Mexican oil lands and
that IL might prove confiscatory OF
foreign-owned property.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-01-26
RUMORS ARE DENIED
Schwnh VIII Not CUrtaiI Plans to
Build Grcnt Plant Mt Spar
rows Point.
LRv Associated rr.ss.l

BALTIMORE, MD. January 25--
Charles NJ. Schwab. Of the Bethlehem
Steel Corporation, to-day stated that
there would be no curtailmcnt. as has
been rumored. in his original plan OF
making the Sparrows Point shipya rd
and steel plant here the largest OH the
Atlantic seaboard at n cost OF $40,-
100000.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-01-26
FUTURE RELATIONS
NAY BE. AFFECTED

INV Associated Pressl
WASH iNCTON. January 2i.-Future
relations of the Mexican de facto gov
ernment with the United states may
be materially affected by the manner
in which the suggestions OF Secretary
Lansing regarding the proposed radi-
cal changes in the constitution are re-
ceived by General Carranza and the
members OF the constitutional congress
now in session al Queretaro.
The protest delivered TO the Foreign
Office at Mexico City to-day against
incorporation in the new constitution
Of provisions limiting property hold.
inSs OF foreigners. and providing for
other restrictions OF the rights OF
foreigners. was made after the receipt
at the State Department Of numerous
complaints from Americans with prop
erty in Mexico. Enactment of such
constitutional provisions may prove
cause for diplomatic entanglements.
not only with the United states gov
ernment. but with other governments
whose nationals have invested in Mex
leo.
Secretary Lansing's protest against
the adoption of provision for confiS-
cation OF property was based on the
proposed article in which IL Is stated:
Private property shall not be seized
for public purposes without componsa~
tion. The need OF utility of such seiz-
ure shall he determined by the proper
authority. but in the event of any dis
agreement as "a terms the eXpropri-
alton shall he carried out by the ju-
dicial authority"
OPPORTUNITY NOT
GIVEN TO SHOW CAUSE
Objection to a change in tho pro-
visions for the expulsion OF foreigners
was caused by phraseology that ap-
peared to permit Of no opportunity for
the accused TO show cause why he
should not be expelled The proposed
provision reads:
"Thc executive shall have the cX
elusive right to cXpcl from tho
public forthwith and without judicial
process. any foreigner whose presence
taken by tho executive under this au-
thorization shall he without appeal.
mo foreigner shall mcddle in the po-
iitical affairs OF the country. Nor shall
they acquire any real estate. unless
they shall have previously declared to
the Department Of Foreign Affairs their
intention to waive their citizenship and
the protection Of their respective gov
ernment In all matters pertaining TO
the said property and to accept the
jurisdiction of the laws and authori-
ties OF the republic in so far as tho
property Is concerned"
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-01-26
ENGAGING ATTENTION
OF FORTY-0NE STATES

Just now tho Torrcns system is en-
GaginG the attention of forty-onc state
Legislatures. which arc in session this
winter. The act. such as is now in
force in Virginia. is that recommended
by tho American Bar Association and
tho National Conference OF Commits
sioners OF Uniform state Laws. 1t was
e(Contlnued. on Fifth Puge.)
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-01-26
DOMiNiONS MUST HAVE
RETURN FOR SACRIFICES

You do not suppose that we think
that the overseas nations can raise
and place in the field armies contain
ing an enormous proportion OF their
Continued on Third pagc)
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-01-26
TORRENs REGISTRATION
SYSTEM PUT IN EFFECT
Court Is Formally Organized for
Guaranteeing Of Title in
Richmond.
JUDGE MoNCURE pREsIDEs
Rules Governing Procedure Under
Act OF 1910 Are Laid Down by
State Supreme Court OF Appeals.
SaviIle Made Registrar.

Rules "a To the procedure under the
uniform land registration act. approved
by the Governor on February "a, 1915,
having just been completed. the Court
OF Land Registration was formed yes
,crday. and sets i'm force in this city
for the first time the so-called Torrens
system. AS the act provides that tho
Circuit Court in any city which cares
for the recordation Of deeds must as
sumo the new work. the duty in Rich
mond naturally falls upon the Chan
Gerry Court. over which Judge William
A. MQncure presideS. by virtue of which
he heads the Court Of Land Registra-
ton BY virtue of his Office as clerk
or the Chanccry Coart. Major Charles
.. Saville becomes registrar OF titles
and he has qualified to perform the
duties by taking the oath and furnish
ing bond Of $4,000 lust as the pro-
bate work Of the Chancery Court prac-
tcally forms "A separate division so
Will the records of registration be
maintained in separate books. under
the Jurisdiction of Judge Moncure
Richmond is the first city in the
state TO start the Operations Of uniform
iand registration.
Registration under the new act is
not compulsory. but is merely Il sys-
TEN which will permit OF uniformity in
mainta'::ing records OF deeds
MASSIE Is FIRST no
REGISTER HIs PROPERTY
Colonel Eugene G. Massic. patron OF
the act, in the House of Delegates for
several sessions. and known aS the
father of the bill was the first person
to file petition in the new court.
Ia;
street. Senator James T. Cannon. pa
tron of tho bill in the Virginia senate
was appointed by Judge Moncurc as
the ilrst special examiner To examine
the title of the property registered by
Colonel Massie
senator Thomas :. Martin is look ed
upon as loader among those in favor
OF 'he uniform land registration act
ana ne has caused the act 80 he printed
Tor the benefit Of the United states
senate ilc has presented Colonel
Massie with 2.l0o copies OF the act
winch have been hound in book form
ana Colonel Massic has hecn given
authority to distribute them through
the mails under senator Martins pos
tai frank.
Colonel Massic predicts fine results
from the effect OF the uniform system
oil land registration in Virginia. lie
pooh-Donhed the idea that the system
would prove unduly expensive. once
tho cost is paid for the tItlc oXamima-
ton TO have land registered, /; will
not have to be repeated, as nndcr the
old system" he said. The one fec
VIII serve for all time
ENGAGING ATTENTION
Just now tho Torrcns system is en-
GaginG the attention of forty-"nc state
Legislatures. which arc in session this
winter. The act. such as is now in
force in Virginia. is that recommended
by tho American Bar Association and