davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington herald., 1917-02-16
TO RELIEVE JAM
Rail Heads Act to Break East
ern Car Congestion.

Rules and regulations laid down both
by the Interstate Commerce Commission
and the American Car Service Commits
sion, for the relief of the freight car
shortage. having failed, thirty railroad
executives yesterday entered a gentle
mems agreement to send empty cars west
and clear out the congestion at North
Atlantic terminals.
No set rules were laid down, but each
OF thirty big trunk line railroads was
pledged to solve the transportation puz-
zle which Is threatening food and coal
famines and causing loss of millions of
dollars through delayed shipments.
: The new submarine warfare of Ger
many has stopped many sailings from
North Atlantic ports and this has en-
phasized the congestion at the eastern
terminals. Loaded cars are tied up in
yards, both the goods and the cars thus
being held out of use One railroad alone
has ninety-four barge loads of wheat
in New York awaiting shipment.
What the railroad executives agreed to
do follows:
Establish dispatch lines for the ship
ment West OF empty freight cars, which
shall take precedence on the tracks over
all but passenger trains.
Send one empty west for every loaded
car received at an eastern terminal.
A wheat and flour famine is threatened
in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York
City and New England cities. To prevent
this an agreement was reached to ship
a train of fifty cars Of wheat and a train
of fifty cars Of -four eastward from Min
neapolis daily, until the situation is re-
lieved Four million bushels of grain
are stored at Minneapolis. These wheat
and -four trains viii be put ahead of all
but passenger trains.
The railroad executives believe that
thirty days OF this program will clear out
the eastern yards and relieve the western
car shortage. Heavy embargoes on ex-
port freight eastward will be maintained
and while preference will be given to do
nestle freight, as little as possible will be
permitted to come into the congested
eastern district
The Washington herald., 1917-02-16
He SAID "HELL"
Gerard Minced No Words with
Berlin, Say Reports.

tBy the international News Servicc.D }
Paris, Feb. l5.-That quotation from
James W. Gerard's reply to the German
hostage threat was wrong.
Mr.. Gerard did not say he would sit
here until Kingdom Come
What he really said-and this comes
from one who heard him say twas:
Then I'll stay here until hell freezes
over"
1t was this typically American answer,
1t now develops, given with an earnest
ness that left no room for doubt. that
convinced Count Montgelas, of the Amer
lean department of the Imperial German
foreign office. that Mr.. Gerard would
CALI any hand
Wherefore. Count Montgelas promptly
threw into the discard his threat to hold
American newspaper men as hostages If
Gerard persisted In his refusal to sign
the amendment TO the treaty OF I77s. guar
anteeing safe conduct to all German
ships from American ports in case of war.
Mr.. Gerard Continues a sphinx. NOR
will anyone officially identified with Mr.
Gerard, say a word regarding the treat
ment accorded the representatives of the
United States by the German govern
ment.
This much. however. is beyond a doubt
The ex-Ambassador was virtually held a
prisoner for fully week, that the deliv-
cry Of his passports was delayed for four
Gays and that some Of the newspaper cor
respondents did not receive theirs until
four hours before the Gerard special'
pulled out OF Berlin.
Mr.. Gerard is known to have sent to
Washington during the last As hours a
lengthy confidential message. It is not
doubted among his party that the State
Department by this time is in possession
of all the essential facts attending the
delay in the ex-Ambassador's departure
frem the German capital
In everyday language the story which
will form one of the most interesting
pages in American history may be told
buff
The Washington herald., 1917-02-16
KAISER REJOICES
over U-B0AT WAR
Worst Blow to England Of En-
tire Struggle, Declares
Monarch.
CBy the International Ne

(By the International News service.)
Berlin, Feb. 15.-Emperor william, in
the first interview he has given since the
war began, predicts that the submarine
blockade will hit England harder than
anything else since the conflict broke
out.
The Interview, which was given out in
Vienna to the Austrian poet and play
right. Hans Mueller. has just been re-
ceived here.
In part Mueller says:
1T is a source of qualification and con-
hoence to hear Kaiser Wilhelm speak
about the sharpest of all our weapons
the new submarine war; whose results,
military, political and psychological, he
already appraises as considerable.
In the course of his talk, the Kaiser
eXclaims: Look at the European neu-
trails. Read the Swedish answer, this
document written as IL for all eternity.
Now, the neutrals know right well how
they have to estimate our strength, but
likewise our will to peace. For the first
time, In a certain sense, the declared will
of the small neutral states stands against
the Anglo-world and Napoleon's conti-
mental blockade. from a phantom, is be-
coming reality-one which will hit Eng
land harder than everything else here
tofore'"
After speaking of the cordial spirit
existing between the Germans and
Austro-H -Hungarians, the Kaiser declared !:
''The goal is set and things are going
4 head"
-Nsked about his letter to the chancel-
lor. suggesting that peace proposals be
made, the Emperor was quoted as saying:
This letter had to be written. This
step had to be taken. For now all the
world knows who those are who impose
continued miseries on humanity"
The Washington herald., 1917-02-16
Simon LAKE NVENTS
SUBMARINE WEAPON
Undersea Craft Can Now Fire Torpe-
does Broadside.
CBy the International New. Service

tBy the international News Service.)
New York. Feb. 15.-Simon Lake, the
inventor. of Bridgeport, Conn. has
devised an improvement in submarine
torpedo tubes which greatly increases
the deadliness of that weapon.
A patent was issued to him today
for method of eQuipping submarines
with torpedo tubes which does away
with the necessity for turning the
vessel so that its longitudinal axis
points to its mark when the torpedo
is discharged.
1t provides for mounting the tubes
on a swivel. movable in an arc of
IS degrees of a circle. The tubes are
placed between the outer and inner
hulls, controlled by a windlass and
screw from the interior and can be
reloaded without rising to the surface
At present. submarine commander
seeking to sink vessel by torpedo
must run submerged parallel to her
for time to gauge her size and speed
and when he is ready turn quickly
at right angles and discharge his
weapon. With Mr.. Lakes invention
the torpedo can be aimed and fired
without turning from a parallel line
The Washington herald., 1917-02-16
BRITISH MAKE GAINS
ALONG ANCRE front
Aggressive English Attack Penetrates
German Trenches for ESQ Yards.

tBy the international News Serviee.) }
New York. Feb. 15-The aggressive
British campaign along the Ancre and
to the north continues to develop. South
east OF Grandcourt, another small ad-
vance was made and a few prisoners
taken. Fifteen miles farther north in
the region of Arras, they penetrated into
German defenses to a depth of go yards
and reached the third line positions.
Near Messincs German detachment
fought its way into British trenches, but
was expelled by vigorous counter-at-
tack
In Lorraine near Baccarat, the Ger
mans organized for a local attack which
was prevented by a strong French ar
tillery fire.
Yesterday, bombs were dropped on
Dunkirk and several civilians killed and
wounded. Just north of the Rumanian
frontier, the Germans on February Il
made an important attack on both sides
of the Notwithstanding high road
and won hill position east of Jacobeni.
Monday night the Russians returned, re-
captured the hill and took 80 German
prisoners. Tuesday the Germans renew
ed the battle, finally won two ridges and
compelled the Russians to retreat More
than 200 Russian prisoners, with several
cannon and a dozen machine guns were
captured.
In the Trentino the Austrians have be-
come active. South of the Coalba forge
they took ninety Italian prisoners in a
surprise attack near Tonale Pass.
The Washington herald., 1917-02-16
Six More Victims
OF U-Boat Warfare

(By Isternattensl News service)
London, Feb. 1b.-Six more ships
fell victims to U-boat warfare to-
day. All were British vessels.
Today's toll brings the total num-
ber of ships sunk since February
i to 1N with an aggregate tonnage
of more than 21s.s69. If this rate is
continued, the U-boat toll for a
month will be half million tons
or one-half of, the estimate given
by naval experts. when the decree
went into effect.
Details Of the U-boat havoc are
as follows:
Ainsdale, British. It's tons.
Cilicia. British, $3.50 tons.
Margarita, British, s75 tons.
Ferga, British.
Two trawlers.
Total, six ships, more than $3.50
tons.
Previously reported, 1o1 ships,
214.o1s tons.
Grand total. 1o7 ships, 21s,sss plus
tons.
The Washington herald., 1917-02-16
SHIP HALTED AT SEA;
CAPTIVES PUT ABOARD
U-Boat Threatens to Sink Vessel if
Sighted Again.

Portland, Me-, Feb. 15.-After having
been halted in mid-Atlantic by a Ger
man submarine and forced to take aboard
the crew of twenty-four of a French bark
sunk by the submarine, the Norwegian
ship Storli arrived here today.
On January p. ten miles of the coast
Of Spain, the Storli was halted, her Of
ficers reported, by the German U-boat
The submarine commander ordered the
twenty-four sailors from the French
bark. which had been sunk en- route from
South America to Bordeaux, on board
Then the Storn put in at Finisterre,
Spain, and landed the French sailors.
The commander of the Storli was warn
ed that the next time his vessel was
sighted by a German submarine. she
would be sunk, whether laden or sailing
in ballast. The French ship was sunk
after her stores had been taken on board
the submarine.
The Washington herald., 1917-02-16
DETENTION NOT JUSTIFIED.
nights overseas

Administration officials declared that there yese uhcs-
international law for the continued by Germany of the
Americans who taken Germany praers of
after being captured by German raiders aboard gerent
the Atlantic trade stated that this detention together with the long
line Of violations of American rights characterized the
German ruthless submarine February might
President the next step the clash Germany without waiting for
the dreaded act great disaster which would shock America
Executive and Congressional circles last night prepared have the P-
take the probably tomorrow
The Washington herald., 1917-02-16
GIRLS "PROM" GOWNS
EXCITE SOLON PIEPER
Wisconsin Legislator Would Investigate
Big College Dress Function.

tby the international News servtce.D
Madison, Wis, Feb. 15.-Legislative In
quiry into the Junior prom, the greatest
social function ofthe year at the State
University, doomed as a probability to-
day, following the introduction OF a reso-
luton by Assemblyman Carl Pieper, re-
ducing the salaries of teachers who took
part to 500 a year.
The resolution characterizes the prom
as a scene in which 1.-THE charms OF the
Creators most perfect creation-woman-
were shown in their natural state with
out being diminished to any marked de-
gree by a useless wearing apparel
why the shoulders and arms and back
part of the upper portion of the femin-
inc sex should be barred to such an ex-
tent that the slightest mishap to a few
dangerously thin threads of silk would
create CONSERVATION that would inspire
His Satanic Majesty to the highest pitch
of applause among the flames of brim-
stone, is more than 1 can understand" I"
said Pieper in offering the resolution.
The Washington herald., 1917-02-16
GERMAN OFFICIALS FREE
~ CAPTURED AMERICANS:
PRESIDENT DEMANDED ACT
Events Of the Day
In U-Boat Crisis

President Wilson peremptorily de-
mands the release of seventy-two
American seamen, captured by
German raiders and taken to Ger
many.
II demand Is refused. President is
expected to ask Congress for au-
thority to enforce his position.
Administration officials declare
there is no justification for deten-
ton Of American prisoners.
Demand forwarded after a con-
ference between President and
heads Of the State. War and Navy
Departments.
White House concerned over
status Of Americans now under
jurisdiction Of central allies.
Seek word as to whether Minister
Brand Whitlock. in Belgium. is be-
Ing detained by German authorities.
No importance attached to lower
Ing Of flag on American Embassy
at Brussels by German request.
Grave fears felt for American
diplomatic and consular officers in
Austria. Bulgaria and Turkey.
Communication very poor.
Arrest of Warrant officer Hardy,
of the U. S. s. Scorpion. not off,
cially confirmed.
Ambassador Page cables from
London that one American was In
rescued crew OF British vessel
Ansvale. sunk by U-boat.
Presidents next step expected to
be arming of American merchant
ships for use against "sub" attacks.
Administration still waiting for
report Of United States Ambassa-
dor Penfield at Vienna on exact
position of Austria on submarine
warfare issue.
No Importance attached to sink
ing of Lyman B. Law. according to
Washington officials.
The Washington herald., 1917-02-16
germany WILL PERMIT
BELGIAN RELIEF WORK
Rescinds Order Preventing Continua-
ton of American Aid.

IBy the International News Service }
London. Feb. 15.-Relief for Belgium,
administered through the representatives
of the American Commission, will con-
tinue as heretofore. Previous reports had
stated that the German government had
brought to an end the work of the Amer
lean Commission.
Today the commission received a dis
patch from its Rotterdam Office stating
that after a meeting of the German au-
thorities 1t was decided to allow the COM
mission to maintain its stan in Belgium
and Northern France to distribute neces-
stiles for the need of Belgians.
Baron Won Der Lancken, civil governor
of Brussels, the American and Spanish
ministers, representatives of the Belgian
relief committee, and the Belgian ma
tional committee were present at the
meeting.
This rescinds the order which is at
tributed to Baron Won Der Lacken that
Americans must withdraw from the oc-
cupied territories with the exception of
a few representatives of the relief COM
mission under the charge Of American
Minister Brand Whitlock
The Washington herald., 1917-02-16
ARRESTS IN FRAUD PROBE.

indianapolis, Ind, Feb l5.-Chief of
Police Samuel Perrot, City Sealer Her
man Adam, former City Street Commits
sioner Dennis Bush and six police ofhcials
were arrested today following the return
of Federal grand jury indictments charg-
ing 1855 persons with conspiracy to violate
election laws.
They gave bond and will be arraigned
March n. Several other arrests Will be
made in Indianapolis before deputy
Evansville
The Washington herald., 1917-02-16
Telegraph Tips

Butler. Ind, Feb. 15.-Robert E. Mckay,
OF Bowling Green. Ohio. and Fred Duke,
chauffeur, were instantly killed when
their motor car was struck by New
York Central express here this after
noon.
New York, Feb. IA consignment of
100000 in gold arrived here this after
noon from Canada, consigned to J. P.
Morgan & Co.
Berlin (via sayville). Feb. 15-Secre-
tary of the Prussian Finance Ministry
Michaelis has been appointed Prussian
Minister for food questions, an Overseas
News Agency statement said today.
Mexico City, Feb. 15.-Mexican newspa-
pers in commenting today upon Gen. Car
ranza's note to neutral nations on the
submarine situation, declare lnat 1t was
neither pro-German nor pro-American,
but was absolutely neutral aid inspired
only by humanitarian motives.
Berlin (via Sayville), Feb. I5-Formal
denial was made today through the over
seas News Agency Of British reports that
German submarine shelled the life
boats of the English trawler Reapwell
Bogota, Colombia, Feb. 15.-The Colom-
bian government has sent a note to
President Wilson announcing that she
will remain neutral and expresses the
hope that peace will be maintained be-
tween the American and German gov
ernments, it was learned today.
Amsterdam, Feb. 15.-"1f American
merchant ships are sailing in defiance
of Germany's submarine blockade, it
amounts to nothing less than wickedly
tempting God" says the Berliner Lokal
Anzeiger today, in commenting upon
cable dispatches from the United States.
Norfolk, Va, Feb. 15.-Additional in
spectors were added today at the coal
piers of the Norfolk and Western Com
pany at Lamberts Point. following ru-
mors that dynamite had been found in
the coal pits there.
Youngstown, Ohio, Feb. 15.-John Anon,
IS, died today; Leo Callahan. 18 was
painfully hurt when their sled collided
with motorcycle.
New York, Feb. 15.-The French liner
Rochambeau has arrived safely at Bor-
sleaux, 1t was announced at the office
of the line today. She carried twenty
two Americans.
Berlin (via Sayville wireless), Feb. Ia
Announcement was made today through
the Overseas News Agency that the mali,
committee of the Reichstag will meet on
February q.
New York, Feb. 15.-Elihu Root cele-
brated his 72nd birthday today.
The Washington herald., 1917-02-16
MAY AVOID Sub" ZONE.

New York, Feb. 1.-THE British ad-
miralty win permit neutral steamships,
bound from America to Scandinavian
ports. to put into Halifax for examina-
tion. instead Of Kirkwall or Falmouth.
This announcement was made by the
British consuls today following the re-
ceipt of a cablegram from the British
admiralty. After being examined at Hal
flax. the ships can pass far to the north
Of the British Isles, thus avoiding the
barred zone waters.
The Washington herald., 1917-02-16
THAW SOON TO ANSWER
BOY-FLOGGING Charge
Physician Denies Millionaire Is Mental
and Physical Wreck.

,By the International News Service. D
Philadelphia, Feb 15-DeniaI was mads
today by DR.. Elwood r. Kirby. the
physician in charge of Harry K. Thaw,
who Is confined to St Mary's Hospital
in this city, that the Pittsburgh million
she Is physical and mental wreck.
The physician stated today that Thaw.
while somewhat weakened from loss or
blood and not as clear mentally as
might be hoped, is showing general i'm
proyement and will be able to leave the
hospital in a few weeks, unless unfore-
seen complications set in.
II was learned here today that Thaw
will appear before the New York courts
Immediately upon his recovery from his
self-infiicted wounds, to answer to the
indictment charging him with having
beaten Frederick Gump. jr.. Of Kansas
City.
The Washington herald., 1917-02-16
CONFERS WITH AIDS.

The preemptory demand for the
release of the Yarrowdale prisoners
was forwarded after President Wilson
had conferred personally with Secre-
tary of State Lansing, and with Secre-
taries Baker and Daniels of the War
making departments. The President
called Lansing to the White House,
and after a brief conference, walked
with him through a binding snow
storm from the White House to the
State War and Navy Building, where
he conferred with Daniels and Baker.
A short time later, the announce
ment was made that the demand had
been ordered sent through the Span
ish Minister in Berlin, now handling
the affairs of the United States there.
Accompanying the demand was a de-
tailed compilation of reports on the
treatment of German subjects aboard
war-bound German ships in American
harbors.
Germany has contended that the Var
iONNdiS were peCdAse
OF reports that these German sailors
had been mistreated. Official statements
denying this charge were forwarded 10
Berlin some time ago. but they did not
effect the release Of the Yarrowdale pris-
oners. The latest reports will give in
detail the exact situation OF each OF the
German sailors in this country.
Declines Further Delay.
1t was stated that the President is de-
termined that there shall be no further
delay in the release OF the Yarrovdsle
prisoners. and that he looSs for imme-
date action on his demand.
The whole question of the treatment of
American citizens now under the juris-
oiction of the Teutonic allies last night
gave the administration grave concern.
The breaking OF diplomatic relations has
cut of practically entirely communica-
ton with Minister Brand whitlock at
Brussels, Belgium. Secretary OF State
Lansing said yesterday that at the re-
guest Of the German government, Whit
lock had lowered the flag over the
Amef;es sr--'-s'. - -|s5s and had
cesseo an diplomatic activity.
II was pointed out that this was In
eccord with the breaking Of relations.
Germany has refused to allow Whitiock
to communicate with washington IN his
dplomatic code, and such communications
as the department has received from him
have not been clear. The department IL
anxiously seeking Information ss 20
neither whitlock and the many Amsr4-
can relief workers In Bslgfum are se-
CONTINUED ON pAas ro
The Washington herald., 1917-02-16
Holds Election Stakes
Until Inaugural Day

Chicago, Feb. 15.-Jim O'Leary is a
cautious soul. He won't be certain that
woodrow Wilson was elected President
Of the United States last November until
after inauguration day. For that reason
those who entrusted to him the insig-
nificant sum of s66o.o00 as wagers on the
pay-off.
Sure, ! know know there isn't any
chance of anybody else having been
elected" admitted Mr.. O'Leary. 81 know
the Electoral College declared him for
mally elected. To tell the truth, think
this Wilson gets the job all right. but I'd
be in an awful fix IL he didn't Bets viii
be paid when hs takes ths chair"
The Washington herald., 1917-02-16

perempto demand for the release of seventt~o American e
zens held prisoners Germany last night forwarded
government at the personal direction of President Wilson
The President that this demand will bring climax the long
disputes and dcod which have marked situation between
the United States and Germany diplomatic
days considered circles that unless the
demand complied with forthwith President Wilson go Congress
and demand the authority the protect American
The Washington herald., 1917-02-16
Wilson Breaks His Rule;
Attends Cabinet Dinner

President Wilson last night broke hi.
rule against social engagements during
the present international crisis to attend
Cabinet dinner given by Secretary of
the Interior Lane.
At the White House 1t was explained
that the President ranks the Cabinet
dinners as family affairs rather tha n
social functions.
The Washington herald., 1917-02-16
''Barbary Coast" No More;
Police Close All Resorts

San Francisco. Cal, Feb. 15.-San Fran
cisco's notorious "Barbary Coast" pass
ed into the discard today.
Under orders from the district attor-
ney. the police closed more than a hum
dred resorts, warned the owners not to
reopen and ordered the several hundred
inmates to leave.
Agitation against vice was started sew
eral weeks ago by Rev. Paul Smith.
The Washington herald., 1917-02-16
PAPER INQUIRY ON.

New York. Feb. 15.-Investigation of
the high cost of news print paper was
begun here today by a special grand
jury called by United States District
Attorney Snowden Marshall.
Numerous witnesses have been called
and the PROBE, which will so deep into
the cause of the increase and search
charges of a trust and restraint of
trade. is expected to consume consid-
srable time.
The Washington herald., 1917-02-16
American Marines Were Taken Into Swine
Meunde on Teuton Prize Vessel,
and Held Prisoners.
WHITE HOUSE WARNED OF WAR
kalser's Government Had Been Told to Liberate
Subjects of This Country or Prepare
to Fight
CBy tn. international New. Service,

Berlin, Feb. l6 (iday)-The government has officially
released the seventywo American citizen, brought
December 81 BY the German prize ship Yarowda prisoner.
members of the by Gu., raider IN
the South Atlantic.
Official release was made Ife
last night They had been held pending from
Washington government Of the safety of German prop
erty in the United States.
The Washington herald., 1917-02-16
Must Be Natmalized
To Work for This Plant
CBy I.tern.tie..l New. Service,

(By International News serviee)
Duluth, Mimi, Feb. 15.-orders
were issued here by the Minne-
sofa Steel Company. a subsidiary
Of the United States Steel Corpora
ton. for all employees to take out
citizenship papers on pain of dis
missal. Three days grace was al
lowed.
The Minnesota steel plant is
working on huge shell contract
for the allies and extra precau-
tions are being taken. g.
One hundred extra guards were
placed about the buildings of the
company tonight.