davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington herald., 1917-06-09

Letters to ConEressmen.
The first hint Of graft In the army
contracts was tipped off, in letters
to Congressmen by private persons
on the scene Of the construction work.
The scheme Of the contractor in one
case, investigation of which revealed
abuses and led to an entire reorgani-
Eation OF the army plans. was this:
He went into the market for lum-
Der, purchasing at $50 per thousand
feet, when the local market price was
80 per thousand feet. For carpenters
and other laboFers of the semi-skilled
class he paid 81 a day, whereas the
local wage then was about 81 q day.
BY thus doubling the cost Of the Job
he doubled his own percentage of
profits. The companies working with
him-those who supplied him with ma
terials at prices high above the mar
ket-shared in the graft and kept
quiet.
The first case brought to the gov
ernments attention was in Georgia
First word OF the juggling with con-
tracts is said to have been received by
Representative John J. Fitzgerald, OF
New York, chairman OF the House
Appropriations Committee. 1t was at
the time the army and navy budget,
appropriations. was pending in the
House.
The case was Immediately brought
to the attention OF Secretary Of War
Baker. II was learned yesterday. He
ordered an immediate investigation by
the QuartermaSter Generals depart
ment, of which Maj. Gen. Henry g.
sharpe Is chief Then, on his own ini-
tiative, he wired Mai. Gen. Wood, COM
mander Of the Southeastern Depart
ment, TO start an Investigation.
A signed statement by Secretary Ba-
ker to the Committee on Appropria-
tons admitted that these investiga-
tions disclosed abuses in many items
Of the contract. Some of the costs
which appeared large might find tuStt-
heation, however, he asserted.
The War Department yesterday was
silent on the name Of the contractor.
It was declared. howeyer-and the subj
sidiary committee on public fnfornla-
ton for the last two days hsndTunning
has issued statements on this subject
that series Of checks has since been
established whereby leaks on con-
tracts have been plugged up and dis
honest contractors discouraged.
The Washington herald., 1917-06-09
GRAFT PLOTS TO CHEAT Army
OUT OF VAST sums REVEALED
Contractors for Cantonments Charged with
Scheming to Raise Costs and Add Thou,
sands of Dollars to Profits.

Widespread graft plots blk the government thousands of
dollars canonmentsand possibly naval vessels although
the latter has been poved-have been discovered.
The workings of the scheme simple and heavy profits
the involved The whole plot brings back the of
the embalmed beef scandals of the Spanish war.
In order obtain speed construction work the War
Department arranged award plus basis that
they agreed pay the all of material and labor and
him fair profit Seven per the total expended
the the figure profit In the navy number of
tracts let plus 10 per profit
In addition great of other work the army
had let for total of $700
0O0 This would than FIVE millions profit the
tractors Hundreds of millions being spent by the navy.
The Washington herald., 1917-06-09
CAPITAL YOUTH AWARDED CROSS OF HONOR
FOR PHOTOGRAPHING BATTERY UNDER fire

bone in the young Americans body
was Jared. The padded seat Was
torn from the craft. and the observer
was hurled ten feet away. Littauers
camera was smashed, but through
some miracle the Photographic plates
were unbroken.
The pictures were developed. and
subsequently the German battery was
reduced 10 silence. In a citation the
French war office commended the
American for his coolness and bravery
under fire and for rendered signal
service.
Shortly before this exploit, LIttauer
engaged a German airman at an al
titude OF 1890 feet The German
machine apparently was shot down out
Of control. but so strict are the rsgu-
latiOns governing aviation counts that
Littauer failed to get ofhcial credit
for putting a German aeroplane out
of commission
The Washington herald., 1917-06-09
HARDING RAPS
WILSON'S VIEWS
Senator Denies u. S. Is in
War to Make World
Safe for Democracy"

One of the first partisan debates
since Congress declared war occurred
In the Senate yesterday. II smacked
OF bitterness and revived old issues
Senator Harding. Of Ohio. made
the administration for instilling little
confidence in the people of the coun-
try. He insfnuated that Democratic
Senators had criticised the adminis-
tration in executive sessions OF the
Senate.
Harding did not acauiesce in the
Presidential declaration that this
country is in the war to make the
world safe for democracy" The Ohio
man said:
II believe in democracy just as
much as any other man on this floor.
! can find my heart thrilled with the
blood of this great nation taking its
part in the maintenance of human
liberties, or the safety of the liberty
of the world. am not a little i'm
pressed by the part of this great
antees of the best civilization the
world has ever known.
More DefensTbIe Reason.
But the nations called upon to have
a fight must have a more defensible
reason for even these ideals: And
the one indefensible reason for the
United States Is the defense of the
American national rights and the
maintenance OF American honor and
our freedom to participate. In the COM
merce of the seas.
I'VE can go to the people with that
and find an unfailing response in
every American heart"
Harding was brought to his feet
by an onslaught from Senator James
Hamilton Lewis, of Illinois. Recently
Harding chided Lewis for partisan
ship in the New Hampshire cam
paign last winter. Yesterday Lewis
Day speech at Columbus had termed
the liberty loan campaign "hysterical
and unseemly." Lewis said this was
not only partisan, but was 'Ncalcu-
lated to paralyze and deaden the con-
also said that Harding had scoffed
at the idea that this country now
fought the German autocracy but not
the German people. 1t was to this
latter allegation that Harding replied.
Calls Talk BaIderdash.,
'Tf 1 were in some other place than
the Senate Chamber. where one
might speak with little more free
dom than tho courtesies Of this body
require to be observed" Lewis de-
clared, 'I would say that much of the
sentiment uttered concerning our part
in the war is balderdash."
One expression by Harding excited
Reed, of Missouri. Harding said:
IF were of a mind to do so. I
could stand upon this floor today with
criticism well-founded and substantial
ed by facts which would proye a
sensation to the hundred millions of
Americans"
Reed said he interpreted this and
other statements by Harding to mean
that Lewis and he (Reed had critics.
ed the administration in executive ses-
sion. He denied that either he or
Lewis had charged that there was
misconduct" OF the war, or 'any-
thing in the conduct Of the war call
ing for Investigation" He said Hard
ing endeavored to imply there was
something "unholy and infamous"
hidden. But Harding said all he had
in mind was that the country had
been unprepared in the past
The Washington herald., 1917-06-09
AMERICAN ship SUNK;
IDENTITY A MYSTERY
French Sailors, Survivors of U-Boat
Disaster. See Vessel Torpedoed.
(By InternatIo

Paris. June SAN unknown Ameri-
can ship has been sunk by a German
submarine in the English Channel,
boats containing survivors were she'll
ed and sunk,
News Of the destruction Of the ship
and the subsequent attack on the
survivors was received at a French
port today from survivors of the
French sailing ship Jeanne Gordon
nier..
The French sailors were IN small
boats. their own ship having been
sunk BY a U-boat, when they Witness
ed the torpedoing OF the American
vessel. Both ships were sunk on May
81. The French sailors suffered great
hardshlps, but finally managed to
reach Hayre. They said they were SO
far from the American steamer that
they could not distinguish her name.
The Washington herald., 1917-06-09
MOUNTAINEERS DEFY
REGISTRATION men
Virsinians Open Guerrilla Warfare,
Firing on National Guardsmen.

(By international News serviee.)
Roanoke, Va, June &-The noun
taineers OF this section are up in
arms against the carrying out of the
selectiye draft system, and desultory
guerilla warfare has developed.
For the past two nights the noun
tain men have been firing from am
bush at the National Guardsmen and
agents of the Department OF Justice
who were sent into this district after
a plot to resist conscription was dis
closed.
A posse Of Guardsmen, while scour-
ing the mountains, traced q small
gang Of outlaws to the entrance OF a
cave. They surrounded the place, be-
lieving they had the mountaineers
trapped. Later, however. II was
learned that there was a secret OUT
let in the rear of the cave, through
which the men escaped.
The guardsmen and government
agents are hot on the trail of the
outlaws, and arrests are expected at
any time,
The Washington herald., 1917-06-09
LEADERSOF. CHAMBER
PREPARED TO resign

Lending his unqualified support to
the movement for a merger of the
trade bodies of the District, Albert
Schulteis, first vice president Of the
Chamber of Commerce and a mem
Der Of the Board. Of Trade, declared
sign his office and that all Of the
officers Of the chamber were willing
to take similar. action II II would
in any way advance the movement.
81 have been interested in this plan
OF merging the trade bodies Of Wash
ington for many years." he said. Il
favored and worked for the amalga-
nation some years ago and have
never had reason to change my opin-
ion.
ever convinced that the sooner the
will Washington begin to progress.
We have stood still for 80 years.
'I would summarize briefly the ad-
vantages Of one great commercial
body thus:
4. Increased influence with Con-
gress and the advancement of suf-
frage for the District.
2 Ample working capital and the
elimination Of the duplication Of work
with the consequent duplication Of ex-
pense.
to expand commercially thus Offering
mere avenues for employment for our
boy and girl graduates.
In the matter OF influence, our
word and our force with Congress
Is discounted because 1t Is divided.
Members Of Congress have. told me
that they were sick and tired Of hav-
ing delegations from the District con-
stantly appearing before committees
and button-holing members, agreeing
on the fundamentals but in disagree
Tnent on details. Now, IL we had one
large body that situation would GER
tainly be eliminated. We must mar
shall every ounce of influence We pos
sess, we must conserve every bit of
our energy and work upon construct
i've lines, II we are to get the vote
in the District in the. near future.
And am certain that suffrage will
not longer be denied to the District
IL we make the right fight in the next
Congress"
The Washington herald., 1917-06-09


San Salvador has been rendered un-
tenable by earthquake and volcanic
eruption, according to message re-
ceived last night by the State De-
partment from Mr.. Long. Minister Al
the Inflated city.
The message. which was undated.
was believed to have been sent Thurs
dCy evening. At the time there was a
steady shower of dry ashes falling
over the city. Long stated that the
damage done to the legation building
will render It unihabitable. but that
all records were safe.
ITis message indicates that the
entire city was either damaged by
earthquake shock or covered by ashes
from the volcano Of San Salvador SO
that tho Inhabitants were driven from
their homes.
According to the State Departments
Information from Mr.. Long, severe
earthcuage shocks began at 6:S5 p.
The Washington herald., 1917-06-09
LONDON GREETS
u. U.S.COMMANDER
General Accompanied by
Staff and Detachments Of
Engineers and Nurses.
(By International News serviee.)

~ @A~A <NNNa DNANAsN
London, June &-hai- Gen. John J.
Pershing. commander Of the United
States troops which VIII fight in
France, arrived here today accom-
panied by his stan. The party disem-
barked at a British port, after an
uneYentful voyage from the United
train.s
Upon his arrival here Gen. Pershing
was welcomed by Walter II. Page,
the United States Ambassador; Lord
French, commander-in-chief of the
British home forces; Lord Brooke,
who will be attached to Gen. PERISH
ngs stan, and others.
Upon leaving his ship Gen. PERISH
Ing was escorted by a detachment Of
welsh flsilliers as a guard OF honor.
The American officer inspected d
small group Of soldiers on duty
Noticing stripes on the sleeve of one
OF the mems uniform, the general
stopped and chatted with the soldier.
asking what the stripes were for ana
how he had received his wounds:
Thanks ships Officers.
Before leaving for London the gen
eral warmly thanked the captain and
officers Of the ship which had brought
Gen. Pershing was in good health
and fine spirits. Wien told that the
news Of his departure from the United
states had been suppressed so sue
cessfully he expressed great surprise.
Il didn't know that" said the Amer
lean soldier. why, I thought every
one knew / was coming"
Gen. Pershing's ship was escorted
through the danger zone by three
United States destroyers.
The American commander was Of
fcially welcomed by Rear Admiral
Stileman, Lieut.. Gen. Sir William
PITCAIRN Campbell and the lord mayor
of Liverpool.
As the party stood upon the deck
Of the ship, the band played the Amer
lean National Anthem and afterward
God Save the King" All present
stood at salute until the band ceased.
Detaehments of EnEineers.
Included in the Pershing party were
attachments OF engineers and nurses
fhey said that squadron Of British
destroyers Joined the American con-
voy about 100 miles OF the Irish coast
bearers Of our country in this mighty
war for civilization" Gen. Pershing
said. ITO land on English soil and re-
ceive such welcome Is significant
We appreciate IL very deeply. We eX-
pect to be playing our part soon 1
hope II VIII Be large part on the
During. the voyage a concert was
given on ~shipboard. Gen Pershing
made an address,.
There was great enthusiasm on
board when the United States destroy
ers were sighted. II was an inspiring
sight to see the Stars and Stripes ny
ing above the gray battle paint, and
members of the Pershing party lined
the rail and cheered.
Gen. PerShing was active all the way
over, comforting with his stan on plans
for the work in hand
The ship docked at o'clock. and a
special train was waiting to hurry the
Americans to London.
The Washington herald., 1917-06-09
WASHINGTON BOY, WOUNDED At VIMY ridge,
TELLS Vivid STORY OF HISTORIC ATTACK
Eat Liberty Loan Pie;
Save Money, Buy a Bond

Chicago. June s.-Leading Chicago
hotels and restaurants announced to-
day they are serving their patrons Lib
erty Loan pie-an economical dish
and advising them to put aside the
money they save thereon and buy lib
erty bonds.
The pies cost so cents each, and one
will serve four people. They contain
meat and five different vegetables. Re-
cipes will be supplied to housewives by
the Liberty Loan Committee.
The Washington herald., 1917-06-09
STEAL REGISTRATION CARDS.

, New York. June S-New York slack
In Philadelphia to evade the regis
tratton law here, police declared today.
The blank cards have been filled in
with the names Of the holders, and
names of REGISTRARS are forged. De-
tectives are trying to trace the plot
and run down the sellers Of the blank
The Washington herald., 1917-06-09
BRITISH ship SUNK;
FIVE DEAD, rs LOST
Steamer Southland TorpedOed.
Five Americans Rescued.
M international Neyvs servI

my AuteruAtiOnui Ne"h ScFNhcesJ
New York, June s.-Five persons
were filled and g are missing as
result Of the torpedoing and sink
ing OF the 12OOo-ton British steam
shop Southland. according to q mes
sage received at the offices Of the In
ternational Mercantile Marine Com
pany here this afternoon. There Is
still hope that some of the missing
men will yet be rescued, the cable
dispatch said.
The Southland. in the service of
the British government left Liver
pool for Philadelphia on May 30 The
date of her sinking is not given.
The Southland was formerly the
Vaderland, Of the Red Star line. She
carried crew Of about LIS men, IN
cluding many Americans. Late dis
patches this afternoon said there were
five American survivors: Albert Ly-
one, OF Bridgwater, Mass; A. Mccoy.
Los Angeles; James Geoghehan, Sal
amanca, N. Y; John Mcneil. Provi-
dence, r. l.: and James Houser. Mid
dletown, Pa.
The Washington herald., 1917-06-09
AMERICA TO Send VAST ARMY;
PERSHING and AIRMEN ARRIVE
100000 TROOPS
BEFORE WINTER
Recruits VIII Be Hur.
ned to France Ahead Of
Original Schedule

coincident with the arrival in Eu
rope OF Maj. John J. Pershing and hi
staff. It became known yesterday tha
movement are nearing completion a
the War Department
The preparations under way con
template a movement far create
than at first indicated. America vii
be represented on the battle front b,
at least 10000 fighting men befor
winter. according to the present plans
Thousands of the men now bcinJ
enlisted in the army through volun
tary recruiting will have their chanci
to get into action long before Il wa
generally expected they would. i
became known yesterday that re-en
forcements to be rushed 20 Pershing a
soon as his initial division IL acros
the water will be composed largeh
OF these recruits. Of whom 1o7, SOC havt
entered the army since war was de
Clsred.
The War Department Is movinI
largely along the suggestions q
Marshal JOffre that men be sent Z,
undergo a course OF intensive pre-.
paTation behind the lines there. Ths
plan which became known yesterds,
Is q modification Of Joffre's proposal
Trained Regulars.
Recruits will be ''salted' with
balancing force Of trained regulars
Many have already had several
months training here and probably
will get in a month or two more be
fore they are sent TO France.
These volunteers will compose the
second force 10 go overseas. The
third movement will be that OF the
five divisions OF National GUardsmen
already reported.
A message TO the War Department
from Cen Pershing yesterday an
nounGed his safe arrival at q British
port. He will proceed Immediately
to France, there to confer with the
officers leading the French and Brit
ish armies actually at the front. He
will inspect the camps already pre-
pared for the American troops and
lowNS by the first 25,Oor' on thetr
arrival
Accompanying Cen Pershing on his
Journey overseas were the following
officers, comprising his stan:
Personal stan: Capt. Nelson z
Margetts, Field Artillery: Capt James
NJ. Collins. Cavalry: First Lieut.. Mar
tin C Shanenberger, Infantry, aides
de camp
General star Corps.
General Stan Corps: Maj. James G.
Harboard. cavalry, chief Of stan;
Ma5. John McA- Palmer, general star:
MAJ. Dennis z. Nolan, general stan.
assistantS
Adjaiant Generals epartment: Col
Benjamin AlYord, adjustcnt. MAJ.
John L. Hines, assistant
Inspector Generals Department: Col
Andre W. Brewster, Inspector; MAJ
Fox Connor, Mai Robert l. Clark,
Officers Reserve Corps, assistants.
Judge Advocate Generals Depart
ment: Lieut. Col. Walter A BotheL
Judge advocate; Maj n. A. Bayne,
CONTINUED on PAGE POUR
The Washington herald., 1917-06-09
monignor Thomas Writes
Heralfs Sunday Sermon

The sermon IN tomorroWs Sun
day Herald will be written by Right
Rev. Mgr. c. r. Thomas, pastor OF
st. Patrick's Church, Tenth and q
streets northwest
Mgr. Thomas was born IN Balti-
more, Nd, and received his educa-
ton from the Christian Brothers IN
that city. he received a degree
Of Licentiate Of Theology from ST
Charles College, and 9 degree Of
Canon OF Theology from St Mary'a
Seminary OF Baltimore. Before
coming 70 Washington last AprH.
Mgr, Thomas was rector OF St
AIMS Catholic Church. aud Chan
cellor Of the Baltimore Arch
diocese He was also assistant
priest at St Patrtck's from 1SS1 un-
I'll 1SsS under Father Walter.
The Washington herald., 1917-06-09
PASSPORTS GIVEN ENVOY.

The Hague, June s-The Haitian
Minister to Germany has been handed
nls passports. according to advices
Haiti recently sent a note to Ger
many protesting against the eubma-
Llne war, setting forth grievances and
demanding guarantees for the future.
The Washington herald., 1917-06-09
More U. 5. Destroyers
Expected by France

Paris, June 2-The Matin stated to-
day that another flotilla of American
destroyers.and patrol. boats is expect
ed In European waters shortly to en-
gage In submarine hunting and con-
Yoy service.
The Washington herald., 1917-06-09
THOUSANDS OF LIVES LOST
in EARTHQUAKE, IS BELIEF
Meager Advices From San Salvador Arouse
Fears of Heavy Toll-Ashes Showered
On Capital City. ~
tBy the international News Service,

San Juan Del Sur June 8-Ihousand of lost in the
destruction by earthquake of the city of San Salvador and several
Salvador feared late today from measer ad
vices received here. -. .'
The country surrounding the volcano lighted up for miles
by the flames and molten lava. -.-
The of Santa Teca. Quza Peque. Neapa Suchchoto
Paisna Armeno and Meanos also destroyed advces from
Tao,
The Washington herald., 1917-06-09
by CHARLES r. BERTELLL.
(By International Nevys servIce.)

Paris. May p. by mail to New
| York, June S.-For "spotting" a
battery Of heavy German guns in
the vicinity Of Dunkirk and photo
graphing it under heavy fire, Ken
meth Proctor Littauer, a graduate
of the Central High School. of
Washington, D. c., has been award
ed the Croix de Guerre.
LittaUer entered the aviation in
March, 1916, and received his brevet
the following July. For about eight
months he did routine reConnois-
sance work on the front near Dun
kirk. flying with the Franco-Bel-
won b name for himself for his
| coolness and daring under fire, but
| II was not until recently that he
came into the official eye of the
French government
Information reached the general
Germans had installed a battery OF
heavy guns just beyond the French
lines in a position where Il Gould
drop shells almost within Dunkirk
and cause an enormous amount OF
damage. The general decided to.
heavy guns against it To spot"
advanced lines, Is always danger
Young Lttauer-he is only y
was asked il he would undertake
-ofp-le tdw shrdl uan uan arohow
Crosses German Line.
On bitter afternoon he set OF
from the French base in a heavy
'spotting' machine, although he knew
ha TfGE If h1fn0 81
by the enemy lighting planes, in
finitely swifter than his own.
He rose to a great height in a
piercing cold that numbed his hands
until they were almost useless. At
height Of 1900 feet he succeeded
in crossing the German frst line un-
observed.
From that dizzy altitude he dropped
down to 5000 feet and started circling
about in search Of the enemy bat
dropping still lower. Fortunately
there was not a German machine In
the air.
After circling about for half an hour
the airman finally located the German
battery at the same time its gum
ners perceived him. Littauer snapped
a number OF photographs OF the loca-
ton, and simultaneously the German
high-angle guns opened. The Ameri-
can was still q little more than a
mile above the ground, but he knew
tation Of hitting anything below 1000
feet Shrapnel ratified around the
young pilot as he finished his pho
tographs. dropped a smoke bomb, and
scared upward, meantime turning his
machine toward the French lines.
Littauer had to recross the Ger
man lines. whose smaller gum now
got into action When directly over
the last German trench q piece Of
shrapnel struck the left motor. eaus-
and swerve sharply. In q fash Lit
tauer shut OF the other motor and
started to drop, n the rneantime
working his damaged machine away
from the German Inca
Germans Cease FirinE.
The German Euuners thinking the
The Washington herald., 1917-06-09
BUYS $50, ,0Oo. 900 BONDS.

New York. June S-The firm Of J.
Morgan and Company has sub
scrloed $0O,OOO,000 to the liberty loan,
was announced late this afternoon.
Ot this amount Drexel and Company,
OF Philadelphia, contributed SO, 900 900.
The Washington herald., 1917-06-09
CURED OF ANTHRAX.

New York, June S.-William Mar
mack was discharged from Bellevue
today as cured of anthrax. He con-
traeted the disease while handling
hides, and had been In the hospital
three weeks.
The Washington herald., 1917-06-09
STACKER ARRESTED.

New York, June s-Declaring he was
opposed to all wars and admitting that
he had failed to register last Tuesday.
John G. Allen, q printer, was held In
81 900 bah today for the grand fury.
He said he was formerly a Socialist
but is now a conscientious objector.
The Washington herald., 1917-06-09

$3.50 10 Chicago, m, ana Return.
valid for return until 2sths--Ady. (