davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-04-05
URGE UNIVERSAL SERVICE
Mfddlebury College Writes Wilson That
II Believes Country Should
join Allies.

Middlebury. March 30-President
Thomas has received a letter from the
University Of the South asking Middle
bury College to Join other institutions in
an expression Of opinion on military serv-
ice and the conduct Of the war. The fol-
lowing reply was adopted by the faculty
and students this morning by q large ma
jority vote:
President Wilson,
washington. D. c.
Dear Sir:
In response to the suggestion Of the
University Of the South that Middlebury
jois with the universities and colleges in
s.Eding to you an expression of judgment
with refs-"ace t" a military policy and
the present international situation, I am
directed by vote OF the faculty and
students to state;
I'D We beiisve tho time has CONS for
the adoption Of universal service as a
perimsnent military policy of the nation.
"(O Wo believe the war already begun
by Germany against the United States
should ba frankly and promptly recog-
nized and that our part should be prose-
cuted with the entire force Of the nation.
We believe the United States should join
the allies without reservation and do its
utmost to help win tho war.
(Sisned) JOHN N. THOMAS"
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-04-05
SPEAKER CLARK
IS REELECTED
Democrats Organize the House
with Assistance of Four
Independents.

Washington, April 2.-Thc democrats,
with the aid Of four Of the five inde-
pendents, organized the House when the
new Congress assembled to-day, re-elect-
ING Speaker Champ Clark of Missouri
and sweeping into office with him all the
other democratic caucus nominees.
Mr.. Clark received 217 votes against 205
for Representative Mann. the republican
choice for speaker. who not only failed
to receive an independent vote. but lost
the support of five of his party colleagues.
All the democrats present voted for
Mr.. Clark and were Joined by Representa-
tives Schall. progressive. Minnesota: Mar
tln' progressive rotectlonist. Louisiana:
London. socialist, New York: and Ran
dali. prohibltionist. California. The
republicans who did not support Mr.. Mann
were Representatives Gardner. Massa-
chusetts: Gray. New Jersey: Dallinger.
Massachusetts,; Haskell. New York. and
James. Michigan. Representative Fuller.
independent. Massachusetts. voted for
Representative Lenroot.
To the surprise of the republicans, Rep
resentative Schall placed Mr.. Clark in
nomination. but later II developed that he
had done so by inadvertence, but later it
developed he acted through pre-arrange-
ment with democratic leaders.
Representative Green of Massa chusetts,
presented Mr. Mann's name in a brief
speech and Representative Lenroot of
Wisconsin,. the progressiy e-republican
leader. seconded It. There were no other
nominations and in Just an hour and 10
minutes after the House was convened
Mr.. Clark, as he had predicted to the
minute several days ago. was declared
elected and was escorted to the chair by
a committee headed by Mr. Mann. In a
brief address the speaker pleaded for
united action in the present crisis.
Calling of the roll was replete with
outbursts of applause. but the lions
share went to Miss Jeanette Rankin
of Montana, q republican and the first
woman to be elected to the House.
Selection of tho minor officers of the
House was delayed by the republicans.
who. hoping to obtain one or two
places. demanded separate roll calls
on each office. Democrats were elect
ed to al of the four contested offices.
however, and the House then adopted
it's rules and organized committees.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-04-05
DEATH OF DAVID K. SIMONDs
Thirty Years Editor OF Manchestef
JOurnnl-Civil War Veteran
Graduate of AIiddlebury.

Manchester, March 29.-David X.
Simonds, for over 30 years previous to
1905 editor and proprietor of the Manches-
ter Journal and always associated init
mately with local business, social and
political organizations, died at his home
this morning after an illness of eight
months of the general ills of old age in
his 18th year.
Mr.. Simonds was for many years and
up to the time of his death a trustee Of
Middlebury College. from which institu-
ton he was graduated in 1853. He was a
veteran Of the Civil War and saw serv-
Ice with both Grant and Sherman. He
had lived in Manchester since 1870 and
was postmaster for 80 years. He held
the office of town clerk for IS consecutive
years and other town and village offices.
He was member of various Masonic
bodies and of the Congregational Church.
He had served as trustee of Burr and
Burton Seminary for a long term of years
and up to the time of hts death.
He is survived by his wife. who was
Miss Ellen L. Clark Of Brattleboro. one
daughter, Mrs. George Orvis of New York
and Manchester. and by one son. D. Clark
Simonds OF Portland. Ore. The funeral
will be held at this place on Monday.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-04-05
BUYS M|OOLeBURY REGISTER
s1.Year.Old Weekly Paper Sold b.
Middlebury College to Charles e.
Crane Of New York.

Middlebury. March O-The Niddlsbury
Register will announce this week the
sale Of the Old Register printing estab-
lishment by the president and fellows Of
Middlebury College to Charles e. Crane
Of New York. a brother Of e. II. Crane
Of the Vermont Printing company Of
Brattleboro. who for the past u years has
been with the Associated Press Of New
York city.
The new owner Of the plant took possess
sion Of the establishment on Wednesday
and will retain all Of the present force
Of the Office, including L. NJ. Lillick. in
charge Of the mechanical department, and
Miss Nellie Halpin. in charge Of the books
and business office. Mr.. Crane will re-
move his family here at once from New
York.
President Thomas found that his man
agement of the paper interfered seriously
with his college duties and decided to re-
linquish the work when favorable oppor-
tunity came.
The Register 10 81 years old and. under
various editors, has always been on q
paying and prosperous basis. Mr.. Crane
will run the paper according to his own
ideas and his newspaper experience has
been so extensive that he will step into
his new Shoes with a complete kno~l.
edge OF what he will be called upon to
do and what will be expected Of him by
the patrons Of the paper. who include q
large number of tho most intelligent and
prosperous people Of tho county.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-04-05
VERMONT MILITIA |
IS ORDERED OIL
One Of Several National GuaI
Organizations Called to
Federal Service.
A QUICK RESPONSE.
C0,O0O State Troops Soon Nubn,,.d 4
Police Duty-Army and Navy he.
cruItlos on the Increase.
A QUICK RESPONSE.
GOVERNOR ACTS ON
MOBILIZATION ORDEI

Montpelier, Apr. 2.-ActinS
on an order received early th;2
evening from Secretary Of
War Baker requesting that
every company of the LIST Ver|
mont regiment be called out
Governor Graham and AdjuI
tant- General Tillotson immeI
diately transmitted the orde1
to the captains of the various
units of the regiment, using
the telephone to reach Tho
company heads.
The message from Secre,
tary Baker failed to contain
everything which would tenc
to indicate when the services
of the regiment would be re,
quired or what kind of duty
the guardsmen will be called
upon to perform.
The order was similar te
that received a week ago Sun.
day when Company B of St
Adams was ordered to mobil.
ize at the armory.
Here in Montpelier but few
OF Company H were aware Of
the order tonight but Cap,
tain Coghlan said that the fire
alarm would be rung early to.
morrow morning, probably al
six o'clock.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-04-05
MRS. P. w. CLEMENT DIES
AT ATLANTIC CITY, N. J.
Death of Prominent Woman Follows
Long Illness.

Rutland. April l..-Mrs. Percival W.
Clement died Friday night at Atlantic
City, N. j.. where she and Mr.. Clement
went iete in January. following her SER
iors E!ncss at her home. "Brookside."
in the hope that the warmer climate
would benefit her health.
Mrs. Clement was born at Hartford.
Conn.,. September 20 1Si7 tho daughter
of Henry and Carolina Althea CdinmaD
Goodwin. She was married to Mr.. Clement
January 10. 1868. To them ten children
wero born, six of whom are living.
Mrs. Clement was for many years
actively identified with the Daughters o.
the American Revolution and the Colonial
Danes. She became a charter member Of
Ann Story Chapter, D. A. r.. when tho
membership Of the national Organization
was less than 1000
She was member OF Trinity Episcopal
Church of this city and for many years
vas closely connected with the work OF
the parish.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-04-05
NO DAMAGES FOR JARVIS.
Jury Returns Verdict for Defendant
Street Railuay Cnnpany.

Street Rail1sy Cnnpany.
The jury in tina case Ct H. T. Jarvis
VS.. the Military Post Strest Railway
company brought In u verdict 70: the
defendant Friday morning anS We're
discharged. Tho case occ-Ipied the atten-
tion OF tho court for TWO days. being
siven to the Jury :ate Thursday after
noon The Jurors IN attendance upon
court were excused Until Tuesday. April
10. when the hearing OF the cases to be
tried by jury will DO resumed, the first
case set for hearing at that time being
+. A. Jewett VS.. Buell. White. ct al. q
case OF trespass. Tho court announced
that the cases at that time must be taken
UP In the order in which they appear
upon tina docket Court adjourned To
Tuesday. after hearing two divorce cases.
The hrst divorce case taken up WAS
that OF Edna L. FSssett W. VolnAy
Fassett. the parties formerly living in
Rochester. The grounds for divorce are
lntolerablc severity and non support. Mrs.
Fassett told kar story. which was zorro.
borated by her brother, Charies Porter.
Clarence r. White 10 attorney for Mrs.
Fassett The other case IL that of Susan
Ann Shaw VS.. Eugene Shaw. Mrs. Shaw
Is at present employed as housekeeper at
Essex Center and also does sewing. She
testihed to brutalities inflicted upon her
by her husband while she lived At DAN
Vile. Her sister was also called as q
witness. The court took both cases undsr
consideration.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-04-05
WILSON MESSAGE
CLOSELY GUARDED
Not Even Cabinet Members
Knew the Text until It Was
Read to Congress.

Washington. April 2.-Reluctant up to
the last moment to take the final step in
the long controversy with Germany, Presi-
dent Wilson showed as soon as he got up
early this morning that no was ready for
the inevitable task.
Before breakfast his address to Con-
gress, written by himself on his type.
writer. was sent TO the public printer in a
sealed envelope. Secretary Tumuty was
called to the White House an hour ear
licr than usual. and the President gave
word that he was ready to appear before
Congress just as soon as the House or
gained
Realizing that II would be hours before
he could speak. the President freshened
upon The golf links until noon. He re-
ceived frequent bulletins on the progress
Of the organization of the House and ex-
pressed pleasure when told that Speaker
Clark had been reelected.
Although it was the Presidents idea at
first to wait until three O'Clock on the
House and to postpone his address until
Tomorrow II preparations were not COM
pleted by that time, he changed his mind
as the day wore on and determined to go
to the Capitol whenever the House was
ready. Late in the afternoon Democratic
Leader Kitchin conferred with the White
House by telephone and fixed the hour at
eight O'Clock.
Tho contents Of the message were more
closely guarded than ever before. Not
even members of the cabinet were shown
the text. although they knew in general
way what the President planned to say.
Mr.. Wilson read proof on the address
himself
Throughout the day members Of the
Senate went to the White House for in
formation. but were given no details The
President saw no callers, but during the
afternoon he went to the state, war and
navy building to see Secretary Daniels
and Secretary Lansing.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-04-05
GUARD SHOOTS HIMSELF
Kari NJ. Knapp. ON Duty at state House,
Injured when Putting Revolver
in Hip Pocket.

Montpelier. April 81 fhe condition of
Karl NJ. Knapp of Court street. who acci-
dentally shot himself in the left leg near
the hip at four o'clock this morning at
the State House. where as a deputy
sheriff. he was employed on guard duty.
was reported last evening as being very
comfortable. Unless blood poisoning
should develop the physicians say he
should make satisfactory and early re-
covery.
revolver which he carried during duty
with Waterman Ira Edison and when he
attempted to replace 1t in his hip pocket
1t was in some manner discharged. The
bullet penetrated the heshy part of the
leg and dropped to the floor. Mr.. Knapp
was assisted home by Mr.. Edison.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-04-05
Jam Danger Lessened.

White River Junction. April 1.-The
ice in the White river from its union
with the Connecticut at White River
Junction up to the dam at Sharon has
gone completely out and the rise is a
good two feet below the norma! in the
freshet season.
The ice In the pond at Sharon at this
date 10 an unbroken stretch OF more
than two miles save for its up stream
edge. but 1t is daily becoming thinner
and more porous and there Is conse-
quently a lessening danger from pos
sible jams when 1t finally breaks up.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-04-05

To carry on an effective warfare against
the German government which he charac.
terized as "a natural foe to liberty" the
President recommended: Utmost practical
cooperation in counsel and action with
the governments already at war with
Germany.
Extension of liberal financial credits to
those governments so that the resources
OF America may be added SO far as
possible to theirs.
Organization and mobilization of all the
material resources Of the country
Full equipment Of navy, particularly
for means of dealing with submarine war.
fare.
An army of at least 100000 men based on
the principle Of universal liability to
service and the authorization OF addi-
tional increments OF 100000 each as they
are needed or can be handled in training
Raising necessary money for the United
States government. so far as possible
without borrowing and on the basis of
equitable taxation.
All preparations. the President urged,
should be made In such way as not to
check the flow of war supplies to the ma
lions already in the field against Ger
many.
Measures to accomplish all these ends.
the President told Congress. would be
presented with the best thought of the
executive departments which will be
charged with the conduct of the war, and
he besought consideration for them in
that light.
President Wilson's appearance before
Congress was marked by a scene of the
greatest enthusiasm ever shown since he
began the practice of delivering his adj
dresses In person. Crowds on the outside
of the Capitol cheered him frantically as
he entered and as he left Congress roared
cheer after cheer in an outburst of
patriotic enthusiasm.
From the galleries, the only members
who appeared not to be joining in the
demonstration were some senators of the
group which the President branded as
'wilful men, who. by preventing a vote
on the armed neutrality bill. had made
the great government of the United
States contemplate" Chief Justice White
was among those who cheered loudly and
there was no division of spirit between
republicans and democrats.
Referring only briefly to the long diplo-
matte correspondence with Germany in
his effort to bring her back to the
bounds of the laws of humanity and ma
lions. the President launched into his de-
nunciation of the course of the German
government which he declared had forced
the United States to become a belligerent.
THE wrongs against which we now arm
ourselves" he said ARE no common
wrongs: they cut to the very roots of
human life"
Dlsclaming any quarrel with the Ger
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-04-05

man people and anything but feeling OF
friendship and sympathy for them. the
President declared their government had
not acted upon their impulses in enter
ing the war nor with their previous
knowledge or approval.
In scathing terms the President refer
red to German plots against the United
States.
1t was evident the President added.
that the spies were here even before
the war began. That the German gov
eminent means to stir up enemies at
the very doors Of the United States was
eloquently proved, he said. by the reve-
lations Of the plot to embroil Japan
and Mexico in war with the United
States.
I'VE are accepting this challenge Of
hostile purpose" said the President
because we know that In such a gov
eminent. following such methods, we
can never have a friend: and that in
the presence Of its organized power al
ways lying in wait to accomplish we
know not what purpose, there can be
no assured security for the democratic
governments of the world"
The whole force of the nation" II
necessary. the President declared.
would be spent against this natural
foe to liberty" and to check Its pre-
tensions and it's power"
Toward Germany's allies. the Presi-
dent said. the United States was taking
no action at this time. because they
were not engaged in warfare against
Americans on the seas.
The President expressed his commence
in the loyalty Of the naturalized citizens
and declared that II disloyalty did lit Its
head it would be only from "a lawless and
malignant few and sternly would be sup
pressed
With a renewed declaration that the ma
ton must unselfishly act, only for free
DOM peace and humanity. the President
left the question with Congress.
While the President was speaking word
OF the torpedoing without warning OF the
American steamer Aztec. the first Amer
ican armed ship to be attacked In the
barred zone. was passed from mouth to
mouth. but the President did not know Of
II until he had finished.
While Congress works tomorrow on
the war resolution, the cabinet will hold
a war session to which Major-General
Scott, chief OF stan Of the army. and Ad-
miral Benson. chief of operations Of the
navy. may be invited Meanwhile. many
days OF hurried preparation for the event.
uality which now confronts the nation
have borne their fruit and remain only to
DO carried further.
The nation is on a. war footing, declar-
ing war upon no other only girding itself
to take up the gauntlet that had been so
r,Ithlessly thrown down
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-04-05
u. S. COMMISSIONER.
Judge Harland p. Howe Appoints A. II.
George of st. Albans.

St. Adams. April 1.-The district court
OF the United States for the district of
Vermont. Judge Harland B. Howe, has
appointed A. II. George Of this city, COM
missioner. Alvah II. George was born in
ST. Adams February s. 1868, son Of Horace
w. and Melissa A. (Young) George He
was graduate of the St Adams high
school in the class\of 1886. He studied
law in the office of Harrington & Post and
was admitted to the Vermont bar in 1889.
]fe is a democrat and represented st. AL
bans In the Legislature of 1907 He is a
member Of st, Adams Lodge. No. n, I. O.
o, F., and is past grand chancellor Of the
Knights Of Pythias.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-04-05

washington. April Army and naj
preparations We're believed by officiaj
tonight to have reached a stage guarai
teeing against all immediate defense neel
and insuring that the more sweeping stei
Cong ess is expected to authorize can
carried out promptly.
During the day more national guard
men were called into the federal servi|
for police duty. making a tota! of mol
than $1,000 of the State troops now al
signed to guard against internal dill
orders. The war department also al
nounced that in order not to handled
government construction work all guard
men who are government employees or er}
ployes Of government private plants dom
government work will be mustered out
The guard organizations called out q
day are:
Virginia-Fourth Infantry. First an
Second coast artillery, Battery D, fel
artillery.
West Virginia-Second Infantry.
Connecticut-Second and Fourth con-
panies coast artillery.
Vermont-First Infantry.
Returns to-day from recruiting station
showed big gains in the number Of md
accepted by the navy and army. Duriu
March the gain in the army was 6.723 an
while declining to so into details, wd
department officials said the told
strength was nearing the AUTHORIZE
peace maximum of 10000. The daily I'd
turns to the navy department showd
that they had set a new record with Al
applicants accepted.
Another indication of the government
preparations for a large army was evI
denced to-day in the announcement thu
the old Fort Ringgold military reserve
ton in Texas had been restored to til
war department for military purpose|
Since 1911 1t has been under control
the interior department. 1t is assume
the transfer was made to provide train
ing space.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-04-05
WAR RESOLUTIONS
ARE INTRODUCED
House and Senate Act Immedi.
ately after Hearing Pres
ident's Message.
WILSON GIVEN POWER.
Authorised ana Directed to Take steps
20 Pat the C"uutry In . Thorough
state Of Defense at Once.

Washington. April 2.-Immediateiy after
the President left the Capitol tonight tho
Senate and House reconvened and an
idenuc Joint resolution was introduced In
both Houses declaring the existence of q
state Of war. and directing the President
to employ all the resources Of the coun.
try to carry on war against the imperial
German government and bring the conflict
to q successful conclusion.
Because Of the opposition to the meas.
ure OF Senator Stone. chairman Of the
foreign relations committee. the resolu-
ton was introduced in the Senate by
Senator Martin Of virginia. the democratic
door leader. Representative Flood.
chairman Of the foreign affairs commit
tee. introduced II In the House.
The resolution follows:
Joint resolution declaring that q state
of war exists between the imperial Cor.
man gov eminent and the government and
people OF the United States and making
provision to prosecute the same;
whereas. The recent acts of the i'm
peria1 government are acts of war against
the government and people Of the United
States:
Resolved. BY the Senate and House
Of Representatives of the United States
OF America In Congress assembled that
the state Of war between the United
States and the imperial German govern
ment which has thus been thrust upon
the United States Is hereby formally de-
clared: and
That the President be. and he Is here
BY. authorized and directed to take imme-
dtate steps not only to put the country
In q thorough state Of defense, but also
to exert all Of its power and employ all
Of its resources to carry on war against
the imperial German government and to
bring the conflict to a successful termina.
ton"
The resolution was referred to the for
eign affairs committee Of both Houses.
and adjournment until tomorrow fol.
lowed soon afterward. Both committees
meet tomorrow morning.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-04-05
II REJECTED.
Campaign to Enlist Co. Fl. of Mont
pelier to Peace Strength.

Montpelier, April 1.-Out of 50 men in Co.
II, V. N. G.. who were examined last week
by Drs. H. W. Taylor of Brattleboro and
T. ]. Hagan Of Pittsford, officers in the
medical corps. II failed tao pass and were
rejected. Three others who were examined
will be examined again later, their status
being undecided. There were 60 men in
the company and 10 were not examined
because of their absence from tn city.
Captain Coughlin of the company is
to make vigorous campaign to enlist
the company UP to peace strength and
latcr to war strength. No new recruits
were enlisted last week. one applicant be-
ing rejected because Of physical unfitness
The election Of first lieutenant will be
held April 6. the Office being made vacant
by the resignation of Raymond Paine,
rendered several months ago.