davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1917-02-26
Senators at Work on Armed
Neutrality Bill When Told
of President Wilson's Plans

When word reached the Capitol that
the President would address Congress
on the international controversy the
Judiciary committee Of the Senate was
in session giving further consideration
to one OF the armed neutrality bills
submitted by the Department Of Justice.
This measure, which was discussed by
the committee at some length. but not
reported to the Senate when the es-
pionage and conspiracy bill was
framed. would provide:
That it shall be lawful for the Presi-
dent of the United States and he is
hereby empowered to employ the land
and naval forces thereof to detain any
vessel. public or private, foreign or do
nestle. in order to enforce compliance
with, or to prevent the violation OF. the
obligations OF the United States under
the law Of nations.
"That it shall be lawful and he is
hereby further empowered to employ
such forces to enforce any or all other
OBLIGATIONS imposed by the Cnited
Ssatrr. ~ - t'v- NJ nations. hv -trea-
4 .,lIiEit Il l..
Evening star., 1917-02-26

to be raised and were given reasons
tending to show that the increase was
warranted by unusual conditions. This
campaign 10 still being carried along
cannot be punished by the existing fed
eral laws There has been no agree
ment by the bakers to boost the prices.
but they have been shown through
the public. the consumers. have been
told why these prices should be paid
without serious opposition.
This makes an absolutely new meth
Cd OF raising prices In the United States
and as far as / have learned In the en-
tire world. 1t may be found necessary
to amend the present antitrust law to
legally stay such campaign.
Proposes Plan for Cheaper Bread.
"I have had for some time bill
pending to permit the mixing of corn
meal with wheat -four to produce cheap
er bread The millers and bakers have
been protesting against that measure
and nghting its progress, and at the
same time contributing to a nationwide
campaign to raise the price of bread.
which costs more in the United States
TO-DAY. reneraily throughout the coun-
try. than in the warning countries OF
Europe.
"While these interests have been op-
posing my bill to make cheaper
bread. they are buying starch in car
load lots and using it in bread making,
90 per cent starch and so per cent
wheat -four. in what they are selling
as pure wheat bread.
IT have evidence to substantiate all
these charges. and I will be very gao
to lay them before the federal trade
commission. and hope to be the first
witness summoned"
Evening star., 1917-02-26
DANGER OF FOOD RIOTS
is CITED BY MINISTERS

That there is danger of food riots
in this city if something is not done
shortly to reduce the high cost of liy-
Ing was asserted ~ Rev. Dr. Daniel
II. Martin. pastor 81 ySslnbarton Ave-
nue. NJ E. Church. ana 6aev. DIR. James
Shera Montgomery. pastor of Calvary
NJ. f. Church, in sermons in their re-
spective churches yesterday.
IF Congress does not rid the country
OF the peril of the high cost of living
said DIR. Martin, there will be anarchy
In America within three months"
The hour is ominous." DR.. Mont
gomery declared. u. am not pro-ally
or pro-German. but pro-American. The
tood riots of the week strike a note
of alarm. which every citizen should
seek to analyze. find the cause of ii
and all unite in it's immediate remedy.
This hour our country is scenting an
unprecedented peril. and If ever in the
history OF our republic Il hundred mill
ION of re1ple should join hands and
hearts and stand on n common purpose,
that moment Is now
Evening star., 1917-02-26

a public utility valuation proceeding at
the time and they signed the paper order
ing the stigation while conducting the
utility hearing.
I'VE are anxious that every facility
of the District government be utilized
to serve the people of Washington in
what seems to be crisis in food sup
plies and prices. OF course. the first
thing to be done is to get the facts.
and for this purpose we have appointed
a committee of department heads. espe-
cially qualified. first, to investigate and.
second. 20 find remedies. if there be
any.
We realize. of course. that our facili-
ties are meager. but IL is possible we
can accomplish something. and we at
least propose to do our best. Offering
incidentally, a clearing house through
which any one who has any informa-
tion or any suggestion may operate
We invite all persons in the District
including transportation officials. deal
ers in foods and consumers-to CO.
operate with the committee appointed
today.
THE Commissioners would be hugely
gratified IL it were possible as result
of this initial step. for the people of
Washington to find means to obtain an
adequate food supply promptly and at
reasonable prices"
Evening star., 1917-02-26
Why President Did Not Await
Commission of an Overt Act
Before Appeal to Congress

Once before in the infancy of the
republic, a state of armed neutrality
was proclaimed to check predatory
violence" upon American rights, in the
war between France and England, but
it did not result actually in war for
the United States.
Whether another armed neutrality
will mean war depends on whether
Germany realizes that the United
States is ready to protect it's neutral
rights by whatever means are necessary.
Steps leading UP to the announcement
that the President would go before
Congress came in quick succession
early this morning. AT . o'clock he
summoned Secretary Tumulty to the
White House, and soon afterward
called for Senator Stone. At $50 the
deputy public printer was called to the
executive offices and given the manu-
script of the Presidents address. Soon
afterward Secretary Tumulty made the
announcement.
The President concluded that Il might
not be wise to wait for an overt act
before asking additional authority of
Congress. The accumulation of VIOLA
tions of American rights and the con-
ditions brought about by the failure of
American merchantmen to leave mort
brought him to the decision to act be-
Tore Congress adjourned
Evening star., 1917-02-26
FOURTEEN AIRMEN PERISH
French Machine Brought Down BY
Germans and Shells Explode

BERLIN. February 20. via London,
1:05 p.m.-Fourteen men were killed
by the destruction OF the French air
ship reported in yesterdays official
communication to have been brought
down by the German defensive fire.
Additional details regarding this in
cident were given out here officially
today, as follows:
The French airship brought down
Friday night was set ablaxe by our
nti-aircraft flre. 1t fell in flames near
Weelferdingen, west OF Saargemund Gn
Lorraine). When 1t landed the ammu-
milton which 1t carried exploded The
crew, consisting of fourteen men, were
killed The damage to the afrship does
not prevent ascertaining the details
of its construction"
Evening star., 1917-02-26
TODAY'S DEVELOPMENTS.

Federal trade commission
prepares to start investiga-
ton Immediately, when $780,
900 appropriation is passed
by Congress.
Representative Henry l..
Rainey of Illinois, invited by
federal trade commission,
says he will show increased
prices are result of a cam
paign. As new method is
employed he thinks anti
trust law will have to be
amended.
Appropriation OF S6,ooo,-
600 for federal relief in pres
ent situation and future in
vestigation for better mar
keting and distributingm
DDS proposed in resolution
by Senator Borah.
Department OF Justice
through special agents and
United States attorneys
watching closely for infrac-
tions OF Sherman antitrust
law.
Delegation from Indiana
requests car service commits
sion for large number of
cars to ship grain and grain
products eastward.
Federation of Women's
Clubs arrangeS for confer
ence on high food prices in
Ebbitt House, Wednesday at
? pm.
Evening star., 1917-02-26
Has Confidence in CONGRESS-.
Calls Meeting of Committee

Roy c. Clafiin. Chairman Of the com
mittee on membership of the Chamber
of Commerce, has called a meeting of
the group he heads for Wednesday AFT
ernoon at 4 o'clock. in the rooms Of the
organization. Chairman Clafiin il plan
mittee, and wishes to get his plans
well under way before the warmer days
develop spring fever" About seventy
Ave members OF the Chamber Of Com.
merce. including the entire list Of di.
rectors. have been designated to serve
on the membership committee. 1t is
aoped greatly to increase the member
ship &C tie organization Iarirr t,:e
Evening star., 1917-02-26
SAILORS FREED FEBRUARY 16.
Spain Reports Yarrowdale Mems Re-
lease, But Nothing More.

Ambassador willard. at Madrid. cabled
today that the Spanish foreign Office
had notified him that seventy-two
American sailors taken on the prize
ship Yarrowdale into Germany had
been released by Germany February 16.
Absolutely no other details were
given either as to the whereabouts OF
the men now or the long delay in hear
ing from Berlin on the many requests
for their release.
Evening star., 1917-02-26
S. L. wHIPPLE TO GET $4,000.
Committee Approves Fee for Leak In.
vestigation Attorney.

Sherman L. Whipple of Boston will
receive $4,000 for the work Of himself
and assistants as counsel to the House
rules committee in the peace note leak
inquiry The fee was unanimously ap-
proved today by the committee. Some
committeeman. including Chairman
Henry. thought the fee too small. but
Mr.. Whipple insisted that he considered
his work a public service.
The total cost of the inquiry, Chair
mar Henry said today, would not ex-
ceed $4,000.
Evening star., 1917-02-26
Fort Returns to Duties Here,

George Fort, assistant, treasurer of
the United States, who took charge of
the subtreasury at New Orleans last
August and has been in charge ever
since. has turned the Office over to As
sistant Treasurer McClendon. recently
apuointed for the post. Assistant Treas
urer Fort is back in Washington and
will assume his usual duties in the
office of the treasurer some time this
Evening star., 1917-02-26
Calls Method "Unamerican.,

'The method by which the measure
now before Congress is sought to be
forced through without due considera-
ton of all elements and all the people
involved said Mr.. Gompers in the letter
of protest. land without even giving
the people of the District of Columbia
thereon, is an unamerican thing. 1t
ought not to require an argument to
any American congressman to convince
him against a procedure unheard of in
the legislative annals of our country.
and particularly when a proposal is of
a character so violative of rights and
interests and involving so large a num-
Der of people"
Evening star., 1917-02-26
Militia Officers Sign Round Robin.

DEMING, n. NJ, February 26.-After
the seizure of a "round-robin" petition.
signed by twenty-eight Of the fifty
three officers of the I'd Arkansas Infan-
try, and addressed to Gov. Charles
Brough of Arkansas. two officers were
confined yesterday to their quarters by
Col Henry Stroupe. The round robin"
asked that the seniority rule be follow
ed in the promotion OF officers. 1t was
.he outcome of the selection OF Cant
Evening star., 1917-02-26
Bone Dry.

Hark. From the tomb a doleful sound.
John Barieycorn is going down;
Both rich and poor alike will cry:
Bone dry, bone dry, bone dry, bcne dry"
At banquet table. Fl. o
VIII keep our blood and brains just so.
Legation folk and common fry,
Bone dry, bone dry. bone dry. bone dry
THOMAS W. GILMER.
Evening star., 1917-02-26
Senate Passes Bill Quickly.

A bill extending the life OF the fed
eral war risk insurance bureau until
September. 1918, and increasing its
fund for payment Of losses from
IS, ,00o, ,ooe to SIS, ,o6o. 900. was passed in
less than a minute today by the SEN
ate. 1t passed the House in different
form and goes to conference.
Evening star., 1917-02-26
Savings Deposits Exempt.

Provided, That savings deposits of in
dividuals in a sum not in excess Of $500
deposited in banks, trust companies or
building associations. subject to notice
Of withdrawal and not subject to check,
shall be exempt from this tax: Provided
further, That such tax on moneys and
credits shall not apply to bank notes or
notes discounted or negotiated by any
bank or banking institution, savings in
stitution. or trust company. nor to saw
ings institutions having no capital stock.
building associations, firemen's relief as
sociations. secret and beneficial So
cieties, labor unions and labor
union relief associations. nor 10
beneficial organizations paying sick or
death benefits, or either or both, from
funds received from voluntary contri
buttons or assessments upon members
of such associations. societies or unions.
nor shall the provisions of this act ep
ply to life or fire insurance companies
having no capital stock. nor TO the
shares of stock of business companies
which by reason of or I'm addition 10
incorporation receive no special fran
chise or privilege. but all such corpo-
rations shall be rated. assessed and
taxed as individuals conducting brsi-
ness in similar lines are rated. assessed
and taxed.
And provided further That corpora =
tions, limited partnerships and Joint
stock associations within said District
District on earnings or capital stock
shall not be required to make any re-
port or pay any further tax under
this section on the mortgages, bonds
and other securities owned by them in
their own right but such corpora
tions. partnerships and associations
holding such securities as trustees. ex-
ecutors, administrators. guardians or
in any other manner shall return and
pay the tax imposed by this section
upon all securities so held by them as
in the case of individuals.
land provided further. that a Joint
committee consisting of the committee
on the District of Columbia of the
Senate and the committee on the Dis
trict of Columbia of the House of Rep
resentatives is hereby appointed 10
make, by subcommittee or otherwise
careful and exhaustive study of the tax
laws of the District of Columbia. in
cluding license taxes. with a view of
such changes in the laws
as the joint committee may deem fair
and equitable. report to be made to the
Congress during the next session."
The Senate conferees receded on the
Senate amendment providing for two
inspectors for the enforcement of the
child labor law.
Evening star., 1917-02-26
VIEWS IN CONGRESS
DIFFER ON POWERS
PRESIDENT ASKED

in the chamber were cleared, and the
House settled down to await the Presi-
dents arrival.
At 12:57 the senators, led by Vice
President Marshall, arrived.
While the senators were marching in
two by two Representative Beakes OF
Michigan, who has been ill, was
wheeled into the chamber in an An
valid's chair.
The committee to meet the President
was composed of Senators Simmons
Chiffon, Sutherland, Kern and Bran
degee and Representatives kitchin
Fitzgerald. Flood, Mann and Cooper.
The President was announced at 1:01
o'clock. AS usual, he was greeted with
cheers and rebel yells. and handclapping
continued for more than a minute. He
surveyed gravely the assembled Congress
for several moments before he began
reading. He read in clearly modulated
tones. his auditors listening eagerly as he
proceeded. describing how American COM
merce and that of other reutrals was suf-
fering severely from the German subma-
rine policy.
There was no applause, but many ex.
pressions of assent when the Presiden,
declared that American commerce had
suffered, lis suffering rather in appre-
hension than in fact. rather because
so many of our ships are timidly keep
ing to their home ports than because
American ships have been sunk.
Describes Present Situation.
The President first described the
sinking of the American vessels Housa-
tonic and Lyman n. Law, and the sit
uation as it exists today with relation
to the conduct of the submar cam
paign. His words were followed si-
lently and carefully by every auditor
when he declared that 'the overt act.
which I had ventured to hope the Ger
man commanders would, in fact, avoid,
has not occurred"
Up to this point in the message there
had not been ripple Of applause. such
as usually interrupts the executive ad-
dresses to the Congress.
His exposition of the nations duty to
defend our commerce and the lives of
our people met with mods of approval
as did the declaration that there may
be no recourse but to armed neutrali-
ty."
Not Contemplating War.
The Presidents emphatic assertions
that he was mot now proposing or con-
templating war or any steps that need
lead to it," and that war can come
only by the willful acts and aggres-
sions of Others" were listened to with
grave interest. Silence also met his
statement of belief that the people
would be willing to trust him to act
with restraint and prudence, and his re-
quest for authorization to arm mer-
chant ships with defensive arms. and
Ito employ any other instrumentalities
or methods that may be necessary and
adequate to protect our ships, our peo-
Pile in their legitimate and peaceful
pursuits on the seas.
To the very end of the message there
was no applause, but when the message
was concluded there was a storm of
cheering and handclappirfg from republi-
cans as well as democrats
The President left thechamber irnmedi-
ately and the Senate returned to it's
chamber. whereupon the House resumed
it's regular work.
Evening star., 1917-02-26
Mr.. Rainey Offers to Prove
Increase in Bread Prices
Is "Result of a Campaiun''

The federal trade commission is prepared
to turn the machinery of it's business court
10 an investigation OF food prices just
as soon as the 100000 appropriation
has been made for this work as asked
by President Wilson.
Representative Henry T. Rainey of IL
linois expects to be the first witness be-
fore the federal trade commission In its
his case and that his charges will be
that increased bread prices have been the
result of a campaign.
Representative Rainey will appear be-
fore the commission as a result Of a
request he made for a hearing. The COM
mission has replied that 1t will give him
the opportunity to present testimony at
the earliest possibl momnt
Washington will have an opportunity to
hear early this week just what sort Of
testimony Mr.. Rainey proposes to give. for
the District Federation of Women's Clubs
has arranged for meeting on the high
cost OF food, in the Ebbitt House Wednes-
day afternoon at O'Clock. at which Mr..
Rainey will be the principal speaker.
This is under the auspices Of the de-
| ton of industrial and social conditions
All persons interested are invited to at.
tend.
Statement by Mr.. Rainey.
In outlining to The Star today what bs
proposes to bring to the attention OF the
federal trade commission. Mr. Rainev
said: II will produce proof that the NJ.
tional Association of Master Bakers Z.
| responsible for the increase in the price
Of bread. / will substantiate this by ref.
erence to the speech Of the president OF
that association at the national confer
| ence in Salt Lake City. when he an
nounced that campaign was about fo
be started to increase the price of bread.
| He told them. that a great deal of money
would be needed to carry on this cam
paign, that 1t must be one of publicity.
and that it would cover the entire country.
Dues were increased and the money
| raised, and the campaign of publicity
| started which has continued and is stiil
in progress. The bakers were advised
| through this campaign that they ahouId
uniformly charge moro for their product
and Were given reasons to Justify the in-
| creased charges. Consumers were aiso ad-
! v'sed through a widespread publicity
that the prices on bakery products had
Evening star., 1917-02-26
Germany May Seize Fuel.

AMSTERDAM, via London, February
sS.--A telegram from Berlin says that
1t Is ofi1cially announced that the
bundesrath has authorized Chancellor
Won Bethmann Hollweg to claim. and
wherever necessary. -seiZe the whole
production CT Cra "ifc ~. az
Evening star., 1917-02-26
DIED.

GRADY Suddenly. on Saturday. February 81.
1917. JOHN W.. beloved con Of the late
Daniel and Julia Grady.
Funeral from his late residence. II o street
northeast. Tuesday. February II. at an.
'u'Tca N 81. Aiovsirs Church. where requiem
f9s -i 'f'- -''S, ~ US soul.
Evening star., 1917-02-26
'Imprudent to Be Unprepared."

|
| But. while this is happily true. it must
be admitted that there have been GER
| tain additional indications and ex-
pressfons of purpose on the part OF the
German press and the German authori-
ties which have increased. rather than
lessened. the impression that. il our
| ships and our people are spared. it
will be because of fortunate circum-
| stances or because the commanders OF
the German submarines which they may
happen to encounter exercise an unex-
pected discretion and restraint rather
than because of the instructions under
which those commanders are acting.
1t would be foolish to deny that the
situation is fraught with the gravest
possibilities and dangers. No thought
full man can fail to see that the
necessity for definite action may come
at any time, If we are in fact, and not
in word merely, to defend our ele-
| mentary rights as neutral nation. 1t
would be most imprudent to be un-
prepared.
unmindful OF the fact that the expira-
tfon OF the term Of the present Con-
eress is Immediately at hand. by con-
stitutfonal limitation; and that II would
in all likelihood require an unusual
length OF time to assemble and or
ganixe the Congress which is to sue
ceed it. l feel that / ought. in view
of that fact, to obtain from you full
and immediate assurance Of the au-
thority which I may need at any mo-
ment to exercise.
No doubt I already possess that au-
thority without special warrant OF law.
by the plain implication of my consti-
tutional duties and powers, but 1 pre-
fer. in the present circumstances, not
to act upon general implication. I wish
to feel that the authority and power of
the Congress are behind me in what
ever it may become necessary for me
| to do. We are Jointly the servants of
the people and must act together and
in their spirit, 50 far as we can divine
and interpret it.
Evening star., 1917-02-26
DECIDE ON less
INTANGIBLE TAX
Conferees on District Money
Bill Agree to Accept Sen :,
ate Amendment. &
THREE ITEMS IN DISPUTE {

The conferees OF the Senate and
House on the District appropriation
bill today determined to accept the
Senate amendment to the bill which
reduces the tax rate on intangible per-
sonal property and provides further ex-
emptions from that tax
While the conferees agreed to mako
a report to their respective houses on
the District bill there are still three
items in dispute. They are:
The question of salary increases.
This question is awaiting action or
the two houses on the salary'increases
for the federal employees.
pal hospital. The House proposes TO
place this hospital on the site at l4th
and Upshur streets northwest, while
the Senate has proposed to place the
hospital where the old Washington
Asylum Hospital now is located II IS
understood that a motion will be made
in the Senate to concur in the amend
ment of the House.
The Senate amendment providing for
the payment of damages to Thomas and
Alice n. Keller. for property taken from
them in certain street improvements, Is
the third item in dispute.
The conferees compromised on the
klingle valley project by adopting a
provision placed IN the Dlli Dy tne Sen-
ate appropriations committee providin z
for culvert. but which was not ac-
| cepted by the Senate when 1t approved
| an amendment for the purchase of the
klingle valley property for public
| park. The amount to be expended for
| this culvert has been placed at $4,000
| by the conferees. The House con-
| ferees. it is said. absolutely refused to
consider the proposal for the purchase
of the property involved for public
park.