davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-12-14
BYNc,s RETIREMENT.

The London Times is demanding an
official investigation OF the conduct
of the British forces near Cambria
which resulted in the success OF the
German counter attack last week and
the forced retirement by General
Byng's armies. About one-third OF the
ground they had gained in the memo
rable offensive was relinquished in
that retirement, and The Times be-
lieves the defeat is to be blamed more
to a lack Of preparation and watch
fitness on the part of the British than
to an overwhelming German force.
Il this is true. the retreat does not
of necessity argue continuation of
the reverges when the impending
German drive is inaugurated. 1t ls
bad enough, to be sure, to learn that
the British were caught mapping, but
it would be worse to know that they
had been rushed on their feet after
having prepared for an attack which
might have been expected at any time.
1t is worthy Of note that The Times
demand for an inquiry contains also a
criticism of the censorship which has
permitted only meagre details OF the
British defeat to reach the public
even in England Such censorship
il the charge made by The Times is
true, can find no justification. 1t is
to be hoped that the public in Amert
ca will not have cause for a similar
criticism of the Washington bureau
which already has brought enough
criticism upon itself.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-12-14
SUNDAY MOVIES
cause TROUBLE
ARRESTS EXPECTED FOR VIOLA.
TON OF SUNDAY AMUSEMENT
LAW IN cENTERviLlE.

Centerville. Dec 12.-Arrests are
expected to be made Of parties con-
nected with the opening Of the Or
pheum moving picture show Sunday.
Owing to some misunderstanding as
to whether it was to be city or county
officials who were to make arrests
Sunday. none were made at the time,
but officials whose duty 1t is to en-
force the laws are making arrange
ments for arrests.
Some confusion has arisen in the
public mind owing to the manage
ment announcing that no admission
would be charged County Attorney
Greenleaf and City Attorney Max
Howell seem to be certain in the
opinion that this has no particular
bearing on the matter.
II is understood that no definite ad-
mission was collected Sunday. but
that those attending gave such
amounts as they chose. 1t is under.
stood that the management will make
the defense that they announced that
the proceeds would be given TO chart
table purposes. There is also report
that a movement is to be set on foot
to have the city license revoked
which would result in closing the
place altogether.
II is understood that the opening
was preliminary to making Sunday
opening a regular thing, and was not
for the occasion only as benefit. and
this Is what makes much interest cen
ter in any legal proceedings that may
be undertaken.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-12-14
BRAKEMAN HAS
THRILLING RIDE
FORT MADISON MAN RIDES MILES
HANGING ON TRAIN; is
BADLY FROZEN.

Fort Madison, Dec. 12.-G. E. Mar.
lott, of this city, passenger brake
man on the Santa Fe. had thrilling
member for many year, while on his
return trip to this city from Chicago
few nights ago. The man is now
confined to the hospital here as the
result of his injuries.
The man. who was on Train No. .,
stepped to the platform when the train
stopped at McCook, III. He walked to
the station office and then started
back to the train.
In the meantime the train started
and the porter had closed the door
of the coach Rather than be left on
the platform and believing that he
soon would be discovered. the brake
man grasped the handles on the closed
door and swung on.
There he rode through the cold air
of the night for six miles before he
was discovered and he fell from the
coach. He was in near frozen can
dition and was unable to hold On
longer.
Both his hands were badly frozen.
The train was stopped at Novak,
about six miles from McCook and q
search was made for him and he was
found about mile east Of that sta.
ton. He was not seriously hurt but
was suffering from frozen hands and
ears and parts of his face.
He was brought to the Sant1 ~
hospital here.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-12-14
THE PARENT-TEACHER
CLUB HOLDS MEETING

Eddyville, Dec. 1.-THE Parent
Teachers association held their regu-
lar meeting on Monday evening in the
auditorium Of the new high school
building. The attendance was not so
large on account of the cold weather,
but the evenings entertainment given
by the men was thoroughly enjoyed
by all present.
Rev. A. S. Kilbourn spoke on the
Opportunity Room and gave an in
teresting account of what these rooms
are accomplishing in other places and
what they mean to the boy or girl
who have fallen below their grade on
account OF sickness or for various
other reasons. He also examined
the records Of the different grades
and found that there were number
of children who were too old for the
grades in which they were working
and felt that the Opportunity room
in Eddyville might be great benefit
to these pupils.
The debate, Resolved. that words
speak louder than actions" brought
forth many interesting facts on either
side, but the judges decision gave
the negative 2 and affirmative /.
Roy Lafferty, Albert Newell, c. l..
Phillips and Professor Riser gave an
excellent musical program.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-12-14
kEEp n uP.

Food Administrator Hoover an.
nounces that the nationwide observ-
ance of meatless day has for the first
time created a sufficient visible sup
ply of meat to permit the national
food administration to supply a part
of the quantity requested by the allies
for shipment during December.
This is welcome pat on the back
for the citizens who have been omit
ting meat from their menus once or
twice each week, but the measure OF
success that has been attained does
not justify anyone in quitting the GUS
tom. 1t merely points the importance
of keeping at it.
This is one of the opportunities
open to everyone who wants to prove
his loyalty and have part in winning
the war. We cannot all be fighters
but all of us can be savers.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-12-14
KEOKUK HAS
COAL FAMINE
RESIDENTS OF GATE CITY -
FER FOR LACK -
FUEL

Keokuk, Dec. 12.-The coal oeD
ton in Keokuk Is acute. Therv ~
practically no coal to be had from II
dealers yesterday, although fuel ts a
the way to them. A number oe pecpA
who are without coal, and who havo
illness in the family. and ssverd
Guaranteed families had to be sup
piled, and ON the orders num the
mayor they were supplied WIN
enough to keep them from freedng
until more fuel can be obtained.
The situation is all the more com
plicated because q number Of local
people and local business men let IN
opportunity get away from them .
few days ago when there were twen.
ty cars on the tracks here. They did
not put in any orders at the time, and
now when there is practically NO coal
they are demanding fuel In large
quantities. The big shipment Of coal
at that time was protested, presum-
ably by some Of the neigh boring
towns, and the state fuel administta-
tor ordered the cars shipped out to
places where no coal could be secured.
Fort Madison and Kahoka profited By
the order.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-12-14
NARROWLY ESCAPES
DEATH IN EXPLOSION

Missouri Valley, Dec. 12.-Mur1aI
l4-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Bert
Hoag, living near California junction.
narrowly escaped death by fire and
explosion. He was trying to start a
gasoline engine on the farm. He
built bonfire around it and then
tried to prime the engine by pourins
gasoline out of five-gallon can.
When the boy gained consciousness
he was twenty feet from the engine
and his clothing was on fire. He ran
to a nearby water tank and jumped In
and extinguished the flames, but his
face and hands were badly burned,
The engine was totally destroyed
and a dog nearby the engine was
burned to a crisp.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-12-14

Count Llxburg, whose "spurlos YER
senkt" enriched the American Ian
guage and added one more item to the
indictment which history is piling up
against the German government. has
entered sanitarium in Argentina to
receive treatment for his nerves, dis
patches say. Certainly supply OF
nerve which would permit him to &C.
cept the hospitality Of the Argentine
government while plotting the death
of Argentine citizens must have re-
ceiyed a terrible shock. 1t is difficult
to understand what could have shaken
him unless it may have been the
knowledge that his sins had found
him out.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-12-14

18th grin ms soy repiiou All
right, come along" and he led the
man to building half block away.
4 The man paid the promised fee, re-
marking, however, that was half a
dollar easily earned"
"Sure!" responded the lad. But
you mustn't fergit that bank directors
is paid high in Moo Yawk."
The little maid Of all work came to
fetch Baby John, as it was his bed
time.
"Oh. let me peep at him in bed"
gushed Mrs. Sweet.
A few minutes later she was taken
in to see little John between the
sheets.
Gracious! Why do you have such
a high bed for your little SOM she
gasped.
so we can hear him when he falls
out You have no idea what heavy
sleepers my husband and are said
his mother.
"Pa, what is meant by the psyche
logical moment'?"
Have you never seen your mother
ask me for a check. SOM"
ooh. yes, pa"
And did you ever notice that she
always waits until have had good
dinner and she has brought my slip
pers and has pulled my easy chair
around to the light and struck match
for my cigar?"
Eyes. pa"
well, that is what is known as the
psychological moment for making a
domestic touch"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-12-14

At least one Ottumwa socialist has
chosen patriotism instead OF obstruc-
ton. 1t is an encouraging sign. Per.
haps. as he says. there are others who
hold the same loyal views that Mr..
Daniels voices in the interview pub
lished in The Courier yesterday. Their
names deserve place on roll OF hon
or. not because they are any more
loyal than the rest of us, but because
they have the courage to rebuke dis
loyalty by refusing to remain identi-
fled with a so-called political party
which goes into the unpatriotic bust
ness OF obstruction.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-12-14
pEppL,Ne PATRIOTISM.

1t is difficult 10 believe the state.
ment by various Washington cores
pondents that certain leaders in tho
cause of woman's suffrage have an
nounced their intention to fight Tor
favorable congressional action this
year on the ground that women should
have the ballot in recognition of their
services to the nation in the war.
An abiding faith in the inherent
good sense of American womanhood is
the basis for our hope that these suf
fragists have BEEN misQuoted or that
their meaning has been misunder
stood. We are not willing to believe
that they would, by Inference, threat
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-12-14
FACE THE FACT.

1t is encouraging rather than dis
heartening, to see warning state
ment on the immediate outlook in the
war zone issued by Secretary Baker.
whose weekly announcements thus
far nave been too full Of dangerous
optimism for which there was no
foundation.
1t is not pessimism, but deter
mination to win, that impels con-
stantly growing proportion OF Ameri-
can citizens to view the war situation
as serious. They do not doubt Ameri'
cas- ability to win an eventual vic.
tory, but they know that unless every
American citizen realizes that the
nation is facing its greatest test the
fight must be carried on merely oy
those who do have that realization
And If the number of blind optimists
is great enough it is well within the
range of possibility that defeat In
stead of victory may be our portion.
Several weeks ago The Courier de-
clared that the United States could
not consider itself on the way to vic
tory until it's people should be brought
to realize that defeat was posi-
bility. Many men who called that as
sertion pessimistic, and few who
called it cowardly. are repeating II
today. And this very fact is one OF
the hopeful, optimistic signs OF tho
times.
Americas resources have not been
more than touched thus far in pro
viding men. money. munitions and
food to meet the wartime demands
, America has vast resources which
will not be tapped until next sprina
or next summer. But eventually. un
less all signs fail. every loyal citizen
/ must make heavy sacrifices as a part
OF his work of winning the war.
1t is the realization Of this fact and
| a WILLINGNESS to face our individual re
sponsibilities which will set US on the
path to victory. Such realization
1 is brought nearer by Secretary Ba
ker's appeal for unified effort. for &C
/ operation on the part Of every mar
and woman. to the end that the army
and navy shall be given the support
and the moral and material backing
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-12-14

en- to withhold their loyal support
from the government should congress
fail to vote favorably on the proposed
constitutional amendment giving them
the privilege of the ballot.
Resolutions adopted by the Women's
Christian Temperance Unions conven
ton last week urged the members OIL
that organization to work Loyalty for
an American victory in the war, and
then follow that victory by renewed
and determined drive for national pro
hibition.
This is an indication of that good
sense in which we have an abiding
faith. So is the refusal by the major
ity of suffragists in America to as.
sumo responsibility for the actions OF
the pickets of the womans party.
But II the suffragists as body de
mand of congress that the ballot be
given to women as payment for their
activity in defense OF the government
when it is threatened with destruc
ton, they go even farther than the
pickets have gone by displaying their
accusing banners.
If patriotism must be purchased ii
cannot be called patriotism.
There are a great many women in
America earnestly opposing the extern
sion Of suffrage to their sex. They are
no less active in war work than are
the suffragists If they should descend
on congress with a demand for an ur
favorable vote on the suffrage amend
ment as recognition OF their patriotic
endeayors, they would be inviting cen
sure Thus far they have done moth
ing of the sort This fact Is chron
icled, not by way Of drawing compari
sons, but merely to indicate the en-
barrassing position congress would
find itself in If it were compelled to
purchase patriotism with its votes.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-12-14
which they must have if they are to

which they must have If they are tc
wage a winning fight.
On the developments of the next
six months depends. in large meas
ure the answer to the question, "How
long will the war last?' On the out
come of the fighting in those six
months depends, in large measure, the
outcome of the war itself.
There is no question but the Ger:
mans and Austrians will make every
effort within their power to strike an
early and decisive blow at the por
ton of the front to be guarded by
Americans at the opening of the
spring campaign. Men who should
know say this sector will be in AL
SAGE, the only point where the allies
have been able to establish their
lines on German territory, Henry J
Allen, Kansas newspaper publisher
and well-known magazine writer, said
! on his return from Europe recently
that no less than 10000 American
casualties may be expected as result
of the first months fighting.
| Mr.. Allen is not a pessimist. He
has the staunchest sort of faith in
the American army and the American
people. But he wants the people to
face the facts as the men with Per.
shing are facing them. He wants
them to know that reverses must be
expected, that lives must be lost
that sacrifices must be made, here
and abroad. before victory can be
won. And because he wants to see
that victory without unnecessary de
lay, he is urging the people back home
to take UP their duties and face their
responsibilities now instead Of wait
ing until the seriousness of the situa
ton is forced on their attention sud
, denly by an extended casualty list.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-12-14
MOBERLY MAN
Is FOUND DEAD

Moberly, Mo. Dec. 1.-THE body
OF Fred Cox. 81, who escaped from a
hospital Friday morning, was found
Sunday by two boys hunting rabbits.
They stumbled upon his frozen body
near the city limits in South Moberly.
Cox was past exalted ruler Of the Mo
berly Lodge Of Elks.
MoToRiST FOUND FROZEN.
Chillicothe, Mo-, Dec 12.-Mark Wise
of Brookfield was found frozen under
his motor car Sunday three miles from
town, where it had turned over on the
snow covered road.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-12-14
eERMANY,s PEACE TERMS.

A glance at the German terms for
peace with Russia. which were listed
in The Courier's dispatches yesterday,
give a hint to the position Germany
would take in a world peace confer
ence il the war should end with con-
ditions as they are at present.
The demand on Russia is for Ger
man ownership of all occupied terri
tory, control OF the Russian wheat
market for fifteen years and abolition
Of the Russian import duties as al
fecting Germany.
These requirements fall far short
OF agreement with the protestations
Germany has made Of her willingness
to abide by the provisions laid down
in Pope Benedict's. peace note. They
do not square any better with her re-
peated assertions indicating anxiety
to negotiate peace on the basis OF
restoration Of the ante-bellum status
quo.
1t is idle to point out the disadvan-
tage to Russia in the bolshevih nego-
tiations for peace. There remains
little or no room for doubt as to the
German inspiration behind the Len
ine-Trotzky government" Every
move of these arch-anarchists has
beer as completely pro-German as il
it had been an action by direct ap
pointee of the kaiser's.
The only hope for Russia's future
and for the reorganization of the ma
ton as a member Of the entente lies
in the possible ability of the cossacks
to overthrow the bolsheviki and re-
establish an army along the eastern
front. This would necessitate the re-
moval of some Of the troops which
Germany has thrown into the scales
on the western front. But it can not
come, if it ever comes, in time to pre-
vent the giant blow which Germany
IL preparing to launch against the al
lies in France and Flanders.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-12-14
LITTLE BENNY'S
N TIE BOOK
By LEE PAPB
BY LEE PAPE
The Gladiator.
A Play.


A Play.
Scene. A arena.
The Lions. Rrrrrr!
The audients. Heray! Henry!
Roman sitizen. Heray!
His wife. Herray! Who Is ID
man with the shield and the sword
Roman sitizen. That's the -
iator.
His wife. Who?
Roman sitizen. The man with the
shield and the sword and everything.
His wife. Yes, but who?
Roman sitizen. Are you kidding ma
or watching this performants?
His wife. Well dident you say hs
was glad he ate her? Who is he glad
he ate? Hee hee.
Roman sitizen Awfill. Herray!
Herray!
The audients. Herray!
The Lions. Rrrrrr!
Roman sitizens wife. Heray! Is
he RELY!
Roman sitizen. Is he RELY wat?
His wife. Glad he ate her? Hee
hee. Herray!
Roman sitizen. Hay, this is got to
stop Herray!
The audients. Herray!
Roman sitizens wife, l wonder Wy
he is?
Roman sitizen Is wat?
His wife. Glad he ate her. Hes
hee. Herray.
Roman s1tizen. I'm going housa
(Which he does).
His wife. Herrsy!
Audients. Herray!
The lions. Rrrrr! :.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-12-14
BAXTER FARM MANAGER.

Abba, Dec. 12.--Samuel G. Baxter
Of Ames has been employed by the
Monroe county Farm Bureau. Mr.. Bax-
ter will move his family to Abba in
a short time. Mr.. Baxter has had
fifteen years Of service in farm work
having been employed on r. 6, Gums
stock farm near Waterloo.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-12-14
OVER THERE, AND HERE.

IN the towns and farming districts
Of France which have been reclaimed
by the allies from the Germans. Red
Cross workers are finding ample op-
portunity for affording relief and as
sistance to the owners of property
who are enabled to reclaim their
homes after three years of German
occupation.
Instead of homes, there are only
ruins. Red Cross workers who have
but recently returned from the devas'
tated region say they found no build
ing covered by roof. In some places
numbers Of farmers. born and raised
on the homestead from which they
were driven by the Germans, have
come back to the wreckage to begin
anew. There remains in many cases
nothing but the land itself, and it is
rendered almost unacceptable by
shell craters. deserted trenches and
An many Instances, rude graves
marked by primitive crosses.
A cablegram from the Paris head
quarters of the Red Cross relates
some of these circumstances, and con
tinues:
Repair work has been begun at
three places where the Red Cross
helps farmers to roof at least one
room and to give 1t windows and
q door. One man, formerly pros
porous, asked for such assistance
because, of his comfortable farm
house and outbuildings, only one
stable still stands. He asked the
Red Cross to help fix the roof Of
his stable that he might bring his
family back and recommence till
ing his land which is unusually
fertile.
This man said: ut is hard to
have to begin all over. We shan
be grateful for your cooperation
as this land Is all we have left.
All the same 1t is good to be
back"
This is the spirit OF all returned
farmers OF the devastated regions.
To give these courageous, indom-
table people the chance of win
ming back again their own land,
rebuilding their houses and, like
a second race Of pioneers recon-
ouering their own country, Is one
thing the Red Cross Is trying to
do.
This is referred, more or less re
spectfully, to those Americans who
still contend that "this is not our war,
and who continue to argue that We
should not enter the fighting except
to defend our own shores. The one
fortunate feature about the present
war from the standpoint Of the people
Of this country, is the fact that we are
SO far from the scenes Of fighting tha
II we are successful in overcoming
Germany and Austria, with the hell
OF the armies of our European allies
our own land will suffer none of thu
terrible devastation which has beer
visited on France and Belgium.
: II we win, 1t must be at the expense
OF many lives and much money, bu
we will have our great, resourcefu
country intact II we had waited fol
attack, which would have come a.
surely as night follows day il the al
lies had been defeated and we hat
) yemained technically neutral, w