davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington herald., 1917-05-10
Professor and Mother Weep
with Joy-Courtroom in
Tears-Wife Hears News
Over Telephone.
BY CLEvE H. sTAUFFER
(stan COrrespondent)

Christiansburg, Va, May s-"Not
guilty" was the verdict of the jury which
tried Prof. Charles E. vawter for the
murder of Stockton Heth, jr.
The Jurors retired at 4:35 o'clock this
afternoon and returned their verdict to
Judge Moffett at $40, after slightly more
than two hours deliberation.
There was only one ballot taken. which
showed that the jury was unanimously
Tor acQuittal. 1t was learned that the
Jurymen based their position on the un-
written law and on the plea self-defense.
Nawter, however, was largely acquitted
on the latter contention, it was said.
When the jury filed into the courtroom
here to announce the verdict, there was
silence which was nerve-racking, al
though the hundreds which had gathered
to hear the concluding addresses of the
attorneys stIll remained.
Prof Vawter was sitting with his
mother, who has been constantly by his
side. when the clerk received the verdict.
The suspense seemed terrible to Vawter
whose nervous little frame twitched as
the clerk handed over the verdict to the
judge. After several minutes, which GER
Ialnly passed Ike hours. the clerk an
nounced. mot guilty"
And then followed a scene which was
hitting climax to the drama which has
daily been enacted in the courtroom for
nearly two weeks
Thank God" a shout went up from
r. l. Jordan, one of the ATTORNEYS for
the defense. He nearly leaped upon the
table before him as he jumped from his
seat. He fell back into his seat and
wept hysterically.
oh, oh, Oh" Vawter's mother cried.
she and her son were simultaneously on
their ieet, both crying loudly as they
clasped each other for minutes.
The scene touched every one in the
court room. Rugged mountaineers wept
IKE little children. Crowds gathered
about Vawter, and for the next half
hour he was receiving congratulations.
According to the remarks made to him
the verdict was exceedingly popular
Vawter heartily shook the hands of the
neWspapermen, among whom he has
made many friends because Of his genial
manner and good fellowship. In answer
CONTINUED ON PAGE FOUR
The Washington herald., 1917-05-10
u. S. ACQUIRES
SEVEN SHIPS
Interned Vessels Purchased
to Carry Foodstufs
to Allies.

The first purchase of foreign-owned
merchant ships by the United States
Shipping Board for carrying foodstuffs
to the entente allies was announced by
the United States Shipping Board last
night
Chairman William Denman announced
that seven interned ships Of the Austro-
American Steamship Company. with a
total tonnage of 52.S5l tons, had been
bought for $6, rs, ,OO6.7O.
The vessels are the Dora. of 7,OS7 tons
and speed of 13 knots; the Ida. 7sO
tons, speed, II knots; the Erny, 6.515 tons.
Is knots: Teresa, 3.769 tons; Lucia. IA
tons, l3 knots; Anna, ISIS tons, and the
Clara, 3,9S2 tons. The Dora and Ida are
at New York. the Erny at Boston. the
Anna, Clara and Teresa at New Orleans.
and the Lucia at Pensacola, Fla,
The ships were purchased at the per-
sonal direction of President Wilson. Mr.
Denman announced. The purchase was
made from Herd C Garden, New York
ship owners. who on April . purchased
them from the Austro-American Steam.
ship Company.
The Washington herald., 1917-05-10
Enemies Of German Empire
Are Granted Authority to
Seize and Detain Amerii-
can Ships.

A free hand is to be given England,
France, or any other enemy of Germany
in the holding up of American ships at
sea at the discretion of the commanders
Of war vessels of such nations, Secre-
tary Of the Treasury McAdoo announced
last night.
Furthermore, the entire deep-sea mer-
chant marine of the United States which
Is given government war risk insuranc CO
is to be placed under the most stringent
regulation as to routes, ports of call, and
stoppages.
In short, American merchant ships are
to be deprived of practically all initia-
tive and freedom and are to be welded
into the vast general war scheme of the
government, to be directed from WASH
ington.
Capture. seizure, and detention by
such countries (enemies of GERMANY
would be treated in precisely the same
way as it would be II the United States
were the Captor," Secretary McAdoo de-
clared in a statement announcing the
new policy as to control of merchant
ships.
The United States government is able
to take this stand by providing that these
regulations must be submitted to by all
ships insured through the government war
risk insurance bureau. Practically all
vessels of large tonnage are so insured
so the order is extremely wide in scope
In his announcement Secretary McAdoo
pointed out that the step is necessary as
the United States has abandoned the po-
sition of a neutral for that of a belIig-
erent and must work in harmony with
the entente nations as to the ruling of
the seas.
Regulation Of government insured
shins is 70 he made connIata ~, - or5o,
providing that no government insured
vessel shall make a voyage II ordered
to remain in port by the United States
Owners of government insured vessels
in the future will be required to apply for
orders to the commandant of the naval
district of the port from which the ves-
sci desires to sail.
The Washington herald., 1917-05-10
Assistant Secretary Roosevelt
Launches Subtle Arraign-
ment Of the Policy Being
Pursued.

Franklin D. Roosevelt, Assistant secre-
tary OF the Navy, climbed out Of an or
chestra seat at Continental Memorial
Hall. last night and launched, in less
than a dozen sentences, a subtle arraign-
ment Of the navys delay OF its war
plans
The members of the British and
French war commissions in this coun-
try" said Mr.. Roosevelt. have been
silent, but il 1 were they, I'd report to
my government that America has re-
ceived me with fair words and still more
fair words"
Mr.. Roosevelt furnished the needed
thrill to bring into prominence a Navy
League reception rendered to Rear Ad-
miraI Sir Dudley de Chair, naval head of
the British commission, and his naval as
sociates. Mr.. Roosevelt had been buried
Robert NJ. Thompson, president of the
league.
1T is the duty of this mission" he de-
clared, turning toward Admiral de Chair,
Ito tell the American people what the
allies need and what We can give them
not tomorrow. understand, but today. 1t
is time that the officers of the navy, OF
the administration, of Congress, reached
the belief and the understanding that the
time to act is now. It's not a matter
what the navy will accomplish between
now and next September We want to
ask ourselves: what are We doing be-
tween now and Sunday"
Then came the statement that sounded
like a challenge to the forces which un-
derlie this delay.
THE quicker the people demand of their
representatives that this delay be elimi-
mated and action substituted, the quicker
will be done this great serious work of
war which now faces u.s.
Admiral de Chair, the first speaker, said
that with the help of the United States,
the allies expected to drive the submarine
from the seas and that they hoped it
would not be long. Sut there was a sug-
gestion in his talk that the building of a
fleet of wooden vessels was a measure
too long delayed to be Of value.
The Washington herald., 1917-05-10
u. S. TO SEND
ALLIES WHEAT
America Able to Contribute
100000 Bushels,
SAYS Houston.

There is enough wheat in the United
States and Canada for our normal needs
until the winter crops come in July 1
to enable US to send 100000 bushels to
our allies"
Secretary OF Agriculture Houston made
this statement yesterday afternoon when
asked what effect the shortage in the
winter wheat crop, as Indicated by the
departments forecast, would have on the
worlds food supply. Although prospects
Tor spring wheat are excellent, weather
conditions having been very favorable.
the United States and Canada will not
have as much wheat for her allies as
was exported the last two years.
The Visible supply OF wheat in the
United States and Canada at the end OF
April was slightly more than 100. 900 900
in farm granaries and small mills, is es-
timated 10 be about u5OOO.OOO bushels.
This invisible supply will be sufficient
for home consumption and seed require
ments.
But the allies wheat requirements for
the coming year are put at 500.O0J 100
bushels at a minimum. and the nations
at war cannot produce more than half
that amount.
Secretary Houston said he expected
an increased spring wheat acreage, and
that il the weather becomes warmer
within a week he expects the crop to be
greatly in excess OF the fve-year aversEe
from 1910 TO 1914 which Is "a 10000
The departments estimate for winter
wheat is 366 900 900 bushels, the smallest
in thirteen years
The normal home consumption in the
United States Is 6OO,OOOOOo
The Washington herald., 1917-05-10
BATTLE RAGING
AROUND FRESNOY
AS NIGHT FALLS
Canadians Slowly Creep Back
Toward Village Taken
from Them.
SHELLS POUR INTO LAON
German Detachment Caught Under
Machine Gun Fire Near BulIe-
court. Losing Heavily.

CBy the international Nevys Servies-)
London May s.-sIowly but steadily the
Canadians crept back toward Fresnoy
last night and today.
The village itself, wrested from them
by the Bavsrians at dawn yesterday. is
still in TeUton hands. but all day long
the British artillery rounded Il and fts
ruins are being gradually reduced 60 a
no mans land preparatory TO a new
frontal attack by the Canadians.
West Of Fresnoy," said today's Brit
ish headquarters statement, I'VE inn
proved our position during the night BY
a coUnter-attack. A portion Of the ground
lost yesterday morning has been re-
gained"
Tonight when Sir Douglas Haig~ sent
his supplementary bulletin the battle
for Fresnoy was still in fun swing In
local fighting around Bullecourt, he re
ported, a German detachment was caught
under the British machine gun FIRE, suf-
fering heavy losses.
Artillery duels began late this after
noon in the central sector Of the line OF
the allied push. around ST. Quentin.
Heavy Gun DueIs.
The German official night report as
serted that British attacks near Fresnoy
anu baAASSOeEA AdAleQ- II SPOKE OF heHNy
gun duels near Arras and on the Aisne
The French contented themselves this
afternoon with consolidating and extend
ing their gains on the Vsuclere plateau.
Big shells are being hurled into Laon.
All around Fresnoy TO the south west
and north embittered fighting took place
today. The Teutons tried vsinly to get
beyond II and reach ArleuK en- Gohelle
The Canadians hit back furiously and.
aided by the British guns. crushed every
new onslaught OF Prince Rupprechts
troops. BerIin's Official version OF the
Fresnoy battle says:
The Standardization regiments
which stormed Fresnoy yesterday with
great dash held the village against fresh
enemy attacks and brought IN an add
tionsl 100 prisoners.
Meanwhile the French carved another
slice out Of the forefield defenses OF the
Siegfried line. In what the Paris com
mlnidue describes ss a brilliant ac-
uon." the poiluS storIned German first
line tren-hes on front OF about three
quarters Of a mile TO the northeast Of
ChevreuI. near Craonne Thus thev
pushed forward considerably one arm Of
their 'nUt-cracker'' that threatens 10
crush this village. on the retention OF
office last week laid especial emphasis.
All along the Aisne and ChampaEns
fronts the Teutons launched determined
counter thrusts In the last tWenty~four
hours. Each was repelled.
The Washington herald., 1917-05-10
s33 Per CAPITA
BURDEN OF TAX
IN WAR MEASURE
People of U. S. VIII Escape
Easier Than Did Great
Britain's Subjects.
TEA AND COFFEE ARE HIT
Consumption Tariff Proposed-House
VIII Consider Measure for
Remainder of Week.

Under the proposed added taxation
which the administrators war revenue
bin carries. the per capita tax Of every
man. woman. and child in the United
States win be advanced to sss per annum.
notwithstanding the vast sun to be
raised by taxation. the multiplicity Of
things made taxable under the proposed
law, and the vast advance over the pres
ent per capita tax rate Of the nation,
the United States II getting on compare
lively easy in comparison with Great
Britain.
The United states with a population
of approximately 10000 900 win be paying
a tax of S53 a head.
The per capita tax rate of the United
Kingdom OF Great Britain and ireland
Is today more than s12 or about $50
The bin introduced yesterday contained
one important addition to the list Of reve-
nue. producing provisions-a consumption
tax on coffee and tea. Under the provi-
sions OF the BILL coffee will be taxed l
cent per pound for the entire visible sup
ply OF the United States as Of May 10.
1911, and tea will be taxed cents per
pound. Only the supplies Of retailers,
now in hand, and OF private persons are
exempt from the operation Of the con-
sumption tax
Inc COmmittee on ways and Means
yesterday accompanied the introduction
of its great revenue bin with a report
which said:
Vast War Expenses.
The war expenditures for the remain
DER Of this and the whole Of the next
fiscal year are estimated to be about
S.soo,Ooo.ooo exclusive of the S3,0oO. 900, 900
bond issue to finance the foreign loans.
We have already authorized bond issue
Of s2,0oo 100000 to provide portion of the
necessary funds to finance the war.
Therefore, the amount necessary to raise
by taxation or a further bond issue at
this time is s1,sO0 100000.
Your committee, after carefully con-
sidering the experience of the European
countries at war, believe that It is sound
economic policy for the present genera
CONTINUED ON PAGE TWO.
The Washington herald., 1917-05-10
OF LOAN
FOR BELGIUM
SIS, 100000 of Sum Granted
Allies viii Go for
Relief Work.

Arrangements have been made nv
President Wilson and Secretary Of the
Treasury McAdoo that S75.OOO.Ooo OF the
loans made to the allies shall be turned
over during the next six months to the
Belgian Relief Commission. It will be
paid in monthly instalments OF 1880. 900
and. because Of the inability Of the re-
lief commission to obtain more shining
will defray all expenses
In making this announcement veSter-
day afternoon Herbert c Hoover. chair
man OF the Belgian Relief Commission
said that the way is left open for the
commission 10 apply again at the end Of
six months for a renewal Of the loan.
While Sl2J00.OO0 will defray the ex-
penses Of all the relief work we are bic
to do now. because OF inability to secure
shipping" said Mr.. Hoover. "Belgians
and the destitute of northern France Wit
not be properly fed. Belgian school chill
dren will go hungry
There will be ample need for any hal
ance in hand and for any further sub-
scriptions for reconstruction work and
the are Of orphan children in Belgium
after peace, even IL new emergencies
during the war do not require the use of
all available funds
THE commission intends 10 retain all
funds received from public charity after
the date when the new government sub
sidy begins in a special reserve fund to
be used as above outlined. Furthermore.
an Improvement in shipping conditions
may change the situation entirely
The S75.00COOO will take the form Of a
loan to the Belgian and French govern
ments and will be advanced by Secretary
McAdoo to the relief commission in
monthly instalments.
or the Sl2,5OO.O0O turned over each
month, S,5o.O0 is for the Belgian ac-
count and $4,000 for the French ac-
count
1t was explained that Sl2.5OO,OOO is ex-
aCtly the amount the British and French
governments have been turning over
monthly for relief work in Belgium 1nd
the devastated districts OF northern
France
The Washington herald., 1917-05-10
BRAZIL
TO MAKE WAR
Pressure Brought to Bear on
Southern Republic Bal
four Visits da Cana.

Pressure is being brought to bear to
bring Brazil and other South American
countries into the European war on the
side OF the entente.
Indications OF this were given yester-
day when Arthur James Balfour, head
Of the British mission, called at the
Brazilian Embassy and held a lengthy
conference with Ambassador Da CANA.
With Brazil, already having severed
diplomatic relations with Germany, on
the brink of the war. 1t is known that
the allied powers are most anxious to
have that country actively aligned in
the war with the entente
This desire is not alone for the strength
which Brazil might have, but for the
psychological effect which it might have
in encouraging other neutral nations to
break with Germany.
The allies need food supplies; Brazil
has them.
The allies need ships; Brazil has a
reasonably large merchant marine, at
least large enough to aid in the shipping
problem of the entente.
Allies vessels have been engaged in
patrolling South American waters to pro-
tect commerce against German raiders.
The Brazilian navy could well handle
this work and release the allied ships
for other purposes.
For all Of these reasons it Is known
that the allies are extremely anxious to
have Brazil actively engaged in the
war.
No statement has come from the Brit
ish mission, but it is understood that the
conference held yesterday covered gen.
orally the part that Brazil might play,
were she to decide to enter the conflict.
The Washington herald., 1917-05-10
ANOTHER LOAN
SEEMS LIKELY
New Bill ion Dollar Bond Issue
May Be Floated>to Fins nee
Ship Plans.

An additional billion-dollar bond issue
In all probability will be declared to pro-
vide funds for the construction Of the
vast fleet of 100000 tons Of merchant
ships to rur the submarine gantiet and
get food to the allies, it was authori-
tatively stated here last night.
Following President Wilson's confer
ence with members of the House and
Senate yesterday on the expanded ship
building program, it was stated that the
Treasury Department already is making
preliminary plans for the fiotation of
another great loan. Action by Congress
authorizing the raising OF the money
must come before any definite steps will
be taken. but it is understood at ad-
ministration leaders expect the cessary
legislation to be rushed thro gh the
Congress in ten days or two W sks
1t is planned to make $500, 100000 of the
sum to be authorized Immediately avail
able upon the adoption Of the enabling
act, and to raise this money the Treas
ury Will have to issue additional bonds
before the Liberty Loan is entirely in.
1t is possible that the initial expendi-
lures under the enlarged shipbuildhg
program will be financed by the sale of
short-teTm Treasury certificate of in
debtedness, but financing of a more
permanent basis will, have to Je nego-
tiated through the issue Of long-term
bonds.
President Wilson yesterday urged upon
Senate leaders, in conference with him
at the White House, the imperative need
for immediate action by Congress to
carry out the proposed program of the
Federal Shipping Board for spending
A.O0o,OOo.O0O in building wooden and steel
cargo ships to carry food and supplies
of all kinds to the allies
Those who were summoned by the
President for a thorough discussion of
the war situation with respect to ship
ping were Senators Martin, Underwood,
Gallinger, Oyerman, Smoot and Warren
and Chairman William Danman, of the
shipping board.
The tentative draft Of the administra-
tion bill, providing not only Sl.OOO OoO, 900
for new ships, but clothing the President
with absolute power over American ship
ping and competitive ship production,
was considered, but finai approval was
withheld until further conferences can
be held
The Washington herald., 1917-05-10
Republic Of Liberia
Breaks with Germany

Baltimore, Nd. May s.-To the
list of Germany's enemies add the
republic Of Liberia.
An announcement that the negro
republic on the west coast OF
Africa had severed diplomatic re-
lations with the Imperial German
government reached the office in
Baltimore Of DIR. Ernest Lyon,
consul general of the Liberian re-
public IN the United States. this
afternoon.
The news was conveyed in a
cable from c. d. B. King, secre-
tary Of state under Presideut d,
E. Howard's administration. 1t
stated that the republic had sew
sred diplomatic relations and
would work in sympathetic CO.
operation in the prosecution OF
he war with the United States
md her allies.
The Washington herald., 1917-05-10
GOTHAM GREETS
FRENCH MISSION
Million Throats Cheer VEL
come as Jofre and Viviani
Reach New York.


New York, May s.-Like the roar of a
volcano one million throats sent forth
a spontaneous cheer this evening II
wa New York's greeting to France. The
grand old man Of the Marne, Marshal
JoIfre, was the center Of the enthusiasm
with which New Workers and thousands
Of visitors greeted the French war COM
mission when il arrived here in the
dusk of the evening.
But Minister OF Justice Viviani and the
other members OF the party were not
forgotten. However It was plain to be
seen that the man who turned the tide
Of defeat to victory in the mad rush Of
the Germans through France in the early
days OF the war had endeared himself
in the hearts Of all Americans. The en-
thusiasm that swept through that huge
Gordon OF cheering Americans marked a
fitting elimination 20 the triumphal jour
ney Of the party from the West TO the
East
II was 4:35 O'Clock this afternoon when
the party landed at the Battery. Down
town New York was a seething mass Of
humanity. Every window in New York $
skyscraper district contained its quota
Of people. Each hand that waved its
welcome TO the distinguished visitors was
waving the tricolor of France as well as
the Stars and Stripes.
'Jofrre! Joffre!" was the cry on all
lips
The hero's eyes grew dim
II was a memorable spectacle thss
awaited the visitors whea they reached
CONTINUED on PAGE TWO.
The Washington herald., 1917-05-10
Provisional Officials Said to
Have Voted for Coalition
Ministry-Victory for Del
egates' Council.
CBy the International New. Service.

(By the International News service0
stockholm, May 9.-The provisional
government of Russia, established
following the March revolution, has
collapsed. according to word from
Petrograd this evening, which said
that the government has declared IT
self in favor Of a coalition ministry.
The Council OF workmen's and Sol
diers' Delegates thus emerges victor
from a two months struggle during
which 1t first hampered, then openly
fought, and finally controlled the pro-
visional government.
Formation of a coalition ministry
is the climax Of a bitter fight for
supremacy between two men-Prof
Miliukoff, foreign minister, and NJ.
Kerenski, Socialist minister of justice,
who is the dominant power in the anti
anexationist movement
The provisional governments sur
render to the council comes upon the
heels Of the arrival in Petrograd Of
NJ. Borgbjerg, the Danish Socialist lea
der, and his statement to the council
of the German majority socialists
peace terms.
Nikolai Lenine, the radical leader
who returned to Russia recently from
exile by way of Germany to start a
peace movement, has mysteriously dis
appeared.
Two weeks ago a strong agitation
was reported in the Russian capital by
supporters of the government for the
assassination of Lenine.
From the palatial residence of a no.
torious dancer Lenine was directing
his peace propaganda and had inspired
the demonstrations against Miliukoff
The latter's followers openly advo-
Gated revenge. urging that Lenine, like
Rasputin, the mystic monk. must be
killed to save Russia from the shame
of a separate peace.
The Washington herald., 1917-05-10
Oil Steamer Burned;
Gunboat Saves Crew

New York, May 9.-The British oil tank
steamship Sebastian is believed to have
been destroyed by fire on Nantucket
shoals lightship, Her crew was rescued
by a United States gunboat
This information was received late to-
day by agents here of a transatlantic
steamship called to the rescue of the
burning vessel early today. The liner
had answered S o signals, but on ar
rival near the burning vessel found the
American warship already had accomp-
lished the work Of rescue. The Sebas-
tian, a motor steamship OF ], ,S4s net ton
mage. was bound from an American to
a European port.