davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-12-12
CAUGHT ENEMY ASLEEP
At . a. m. Italians Rushed in and
AnnihiIated Austrian Force.

Italian Army Headquarters in
Northern Italy, Dec. IA brilliant
night adventure was executed last
midnight by the third battalion of the
226th Arezzo brigade in completely re-
Iieving a threatened italian position on
the lower Piave river. Most of this
section is protected by inundation, but
the Austro- -Hungarians early yester-
day succeeded in occupying a small
bridge head at Capo Sile, few miles
below Dona Piave. The chief danger
of this was that it led to the Sile ca
nal, running to Port Grande with Ven
ice a short distance beyond.
The Arezzo brigade, therefore, was
ordered to clear out the enemy's
bridgehead. At 2 o'clock this morn
ing the third battalion threw out a
reconnaissance party. which on return
ing reported the Austrian camp asleep
around the bridgehead. The enemy
camp was taken completely by sur
prise and could make no effective re-
sistance. The fight in the darkness
was short and terrible. What enemy
troops were not bayonetted and killed
were taken prisoner and the last YES
tige of the bridge and bridgehead
was destroyed. The result of the op-
Grafton is that the only point serious
ly menaced on the lower Piave has
been made solid.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-12-12
Invade CAPITOL!
Suff Army, 500 Strong, Marches
Thru Corridors.
Are Delegates From A States
Attending NATL Convention.

Washington, Dec. 1.-THE marble
corridors of the capitol echoed today
with the tramp of 500 suffragasts.
They were delegates to the Natichal
Woman Suffrage convention here, WHO
advanced in forty-four groups uponfas
many different state delegations in
congress.
The women carried the definite
challenge to each member opposing
passage of a federal suffrage amend
ment that they will line up against
every such congressman in the 1918
elections.
Headed by Mrs Norman White
house, the victorious New York suf
fragists met in Senator Calder's Of
flee to obtain the pledge of the solid
delegation from that state. Fifty
asSachuSettS women invaded Senator
Weeks office.
Today's demonstration will be fol-
lowed by pressure from all parts of
the country until the suffrag giSts are
ready for a test vote in both houses.
This may be delayed until January as
the result of polls which indicated
that the amendment is a few votes
shy of the necessary two-thirds in
each branch. Antis, on the other
hand, are pressing for immediate ac-
ton. confident of defeating the
amendment.
The suffrage convention opened this
afternoon with unfurling of the asso-
clatlon's service flag, showing twelve
stars for its first dozen members serv-
ing at the front.
Among the largest delegation were
those from Few York headed by Mrs
Norman Whitehouse and Miss Mary
Garrett Hay. Missouri women, TWEEN
ty-two in number, under the chair
manship of Mrs. Charles Passmore,
met the Missouri members in Senator
Stones office. A delegation from,
Kansas and delegations from many
other states had hearings
At the opening of the convention the
suffrage service flag was unfurled 1t
contains twelve stars representing
women at the battle front who have
served the national association or
some of its state affiliations in official
or representative capacities
The total number of women at the
front who are suffragists, however, is
said to be in the thousands
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-12-12
DEFIES GARFIELD
Ohio Governor Commanders
Passing Coal Trains.
Overrules Federal Agent Who
Rejected Ohio Plea.

Columbus, o., Dec. 12.-Gov. James
M. Cox went over the heads of the
federal fuel administration officials
today and has taken the Ohio coal
shortage problem in his own hands.
The first move today was to order
solid trainloads of coal assembled and
sent immediately to points in the state
most seriously in need of fuel
The order is directly contrary to in
structlons of F. c. Baird federal fuel
administrator, in charge of the Lakes
Coal pool, Cleveland, who refused by
long distance telephone today to sane
ton such action.
Garfield Blamcs Railroads.
Washington, Dec. 12=Faulty rail
transportation is still the crux of the
serious coal situation in the United
states, Fuel Administrator Garfield.
the federal trade commission and the
National Coal association agreed to-
day There are enough coal cars. but
they are not being moved to and
Ifom the mines satisfactorily.
The coal industry is paralyzing the
countrys industries and itself is para
iyzed by the failure of transportation, u
the commissi IN declared today
The coal shortage is due wholly to
inability of the railroads to furnish
the mines with sufficient cars" said
the coal operators organization
Whlle disclaiming any intent :;
criticizing the roads desire to CO.
operate, Garfield placed the blame
squarely on them.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-12-12
TEAMS GET Their DISTRICTS
DIR. Nudge Will Conduct Cam
paign at Washburn.
Governor viii Address Stu
dents Tomorrow at Noon.

Only a heart and dollar are need
ed to become members of the Red
Cross in the Christmas drive. And
the dollar must be in cash, according
to a statement this morning by Nor
ton Albaugh, chairman of the drive
committee.
Cardinal Gibbons of the Roman
Catholic church has sent out a letter
to all the priests of the church to en-
courage membership in the Red Cross
among the members of their congre-
cations, and to urge on the people the
urgent necessity of supporting the Red
Cross by becoming a member The
same course has been pursued by H.
n. McCracken, executive secretary of
the Red Cross, in regard to the
Protestant ministers.
DIR. Nudge of Washburn college has
undertaken the work of soliciting the
faculty and student body of the school
thru personal solicitation by his COM
mittee of twenty-five students. A big
meeting will be held in the chapel to-
morrow noon, when Governor Capper
will address the students on the work
of the Red Cross and the duty of
every person of becoming member.
Districts Laid Out.
The apportionment of the business
tains was announced by Morton AL
baugh this morning. Unless other
wise specified, the territories on Kan
sas avenue cover both sides of the
street and east and west to the al
leys on cross streets. The apportion-
ment is:
Team No. 1, L. S. Ferry, captain,
Kansas avenue south from Eighth
street; team No. 2, w. o. Anderson,
captain, Kansas avenue between Third
street and the river; team No. 8, w
c. Carswell, captain, Quincy street
south of Sixth and all territory east
team No. 4, H. A. Auerbach, captain,
Kansas avenue between Seventh and
| Eighth street; team No. 5 combined
with team No. 10, Ralph Baer, cap
tain, North Topeka; team No. 6, c. E
| Bascom, captain, Jackson street north
to river and all west; team No. z
John G. Waters, captain; Kansas ave-
nue. between Third and Fifth streets
team No. 8, B. B. Eitelman, captain
Kansas avenue between Sixth and
! Seventh street; team No. 9, S. E. Cobb
captain, Kansas avenue between Fifth
| and Sixth streets; team No. IL, A. M
Patten, captain, Jackson street south
! of Sixth street and all territory west
Team No. II, w. o. Rigby, captain
| Quincy street north of Sixth street and
all territory east.
All territory east means in the busi-
ness sections of the various territories
| Damed
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-12-12
ENTER KANSAS FIELD
Two Big Oklahoma Oil Companies
Coming to This State.

Two mammoth foreign oil COM
panies were today admitted to this
state under action of the state charter
board. The two companies propose to
invest a million and a half dollars in
Kansas.
Approval was given the Occident
Oil & Refining company of Oklahofna,
which seeks to engage in the Kansas
oil game. Pipe lines. a probable re-
fiEery and extensive operations are
proposed by the company. which win
establish offices in Wichita S. b.
Daniels of Wichita is at the head OF
the company. which was originally
chartered under the laws Of Okla
homa. The company plans to spend D
million dollars in the state
The Oklahoma Pipe Line company
with head offices and original charter
in Oklahoma. will esta blish. Kansas
headquarters in Augusta. Allen q.
Towl of Muskogee. Okla. is president
of the company, which today told the
charter board it expected to inveat
100000 in Kansas oil projects
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-12-12
FEES EAT CHURCH
Lawyers Admit 500 Expense in Suit
Over $57 Edifice.

Attorneys trying a lawsuit involving
the sale of an old church sold for S57
admitted today that court costs, out
side of attorneys fees, would aggre-
gate 500. They refused to make any
estimate of the amount of fees to be
charged against their respective
clients.
The Rev. B. r. Ross, late pastor of
the African Methodist Episcopal
church. is the defendant The board
of trustees is suing the Rev Mr.. Ross
for 800. They charge that he sold
an old church building at Harrison
and Norris streets for S57 and never
turned in the money and that other
church property was disposed of in a
somewhat similar manner
The Rev. Mr.. Ross is preaching the
gospel at Coffeyville. He was present
in court this morning, clutching a
Bible in one hand, legal document in
another. The Rev. Mr.. Ross wears a
long, black coat, big glasses and a
mUstache and white necktie. At noon
the prosecution was still examining
the board of trustees, which body de-
clares the minister stretched his
authority in selling the old church
without the boards consent
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-12-12
B0L LSHEvIkI GUST
SENATE And ALL
RUSSIAN COURTS
New Revolutionary Tribunal
Has Full judicial Sway.
County Judges Spurn Order and
Are Thrown in Jail.
CIVIL WAR ON IN EARNEST
COssacks Determined To Check
German Grip on Nation.
Kaledines Has Army of 100000
To Overthrow PacifiSts.

Petrograd, (Monday), Dec. 10.-The
Bolsheviki have dispersed the senate,
the highest Russian court and all the
other courts of Petrograd in keeping
with the recent decree of the peo-
ples commissaries substituting new
revolutionary tribunals. The only op-
position met was at the congress OF
county Judges who refused to be dis
persed. They were arrested by SOL
diers.
The soldiers, peasants and workmen
in each district according to proclaim
alton, name a permanent president OF
the court and six jurors, the latter
serving only one week. They nave
full power to impose fines, lmprlson-
men and Punishment. Each juror can
cause an arrest in an emergency, but
the entire court must approve later.
Anv member can cause a prisoner to
be released.
The Petrograd advocates congress
has decided to ignore the law
Battles With Cossaclxs.
London, Dec 12.-Reports of fight
ing at MohiIev, Russian general head
quarters, between troops newly ar
rived there and the Bolsheviki garrl-
son were received in Petrograd Mon
day. according to the correspondent
of the Times. In the Russian capital
il is also reported that shock battai-
ions and Cossacks advanc cling on Mohl-
lev clashed with the Bolshevlkl and
were defeated.
Bolsheviki power in Petrosrao is
being menaced more seriously as the
opposition becomes solidified. There
is unrest in Petrograd and MOSCOW
the extremist strongholds, and the
Cossac cks already have advanced from
the Don northward.
Rival Parties Join Cossaclxs.
Russian officials in London assert
that the anti-Bofsheviki forces are
composed not only of the Cossacks but
also of the leaders of the other politi-
cal parties in Russia. The political
leaders opposed to the extremists ex-
pect their military forces will be able
to depose the BolsheviRi soon and thai
by spring they will have formidable
fighting force to meet the Germans
The whole force of 100000 Cossacks
it is said in London, where direct
communication has been established
with General Kaledines. will back the
counter revolution. 1t is planned tC
soIldify the loyal fighting forces. elm
mate the Bolsheviki from southern
Russia and establish a new fighting
front to keep the Germans out of the
Russian grain and coal and minera
fields.
Allied support is counted upon by
the leaders of the county revolution il
CONTINUED on Page Two)
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-12-12
OFFICIAL WAR
STATEMENTS


London, Dec. 12.-There WAS great
activity in the air on Monday, especial
~ in the Cambrai region. according to
the official statement on aerial opera
tions ISSUED last night British air
planes dropped bombs on enemy vii
lages and the Germans bombed the
British area.
Five German airplanes were brought
down and three British machines are
missing On Tuesday British avia-
tors dropped bombs on large railway
junction northeast OF Pirmasens in
the Bavarian Palatinate, about 100
miles east of Verdun.
London, Dec. PA local attack by
the enemy yesterday afternoon against
our positions north of La Vacquerie
(Cambrai 'front.' was repulsed," said to-
days official communication.
We carried out successful raid
north of St Quentin. in which we cap
tured prisoners and a machine gun"
FRENCH.
Paris, Dec 12-German parties felt
out the French lines at points north
west of Rheims last night. according
to today's war Office announcement
No activity of Importance elsewhere is
reported altho there was artillery
fighting of some liveliness in the Yer
dun region where, also, German raid
was attempted.
The statement reads:
Northwest of Rheims. several enemy
attempts upon our small posts were re-
pulsed by our fire There was some
what lively artillery activity on both
banks of the Meuse (Verdun region)
north of Hill 344. an enemy raiding
else
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-12-12
LASH U. S. FRONT!
That May Be Goal of Pending
Drive by Germans.
Americans Now Hold Gateway
to Kaiser's Empire.
BY j. w. II. MASON.

New York, Dec, 12.-America' bat
tie front in France may be the mys-
terieus objective for which Germany
is 1nassing new troops in the west.
No other part of the allies line
from the North sea TO Switzerland
presents such strategic possibilities to
the Germans. 1t is now known that
Germans within artillery range of the
Lorraine border. At the same time
Switzerland's exchange of communica-
tions with America concerning assur-
ances that American troops will not
trespass on Swiss territory, strongly
suggests that Alsace bordering on
Switzerland, is also within the Amer
lean war lines.
The Alsace-Lorraine front, there
fore. will probably be afire with some
of the most intensive activity of the
war when Americas major offensive
begins. This front is dangerously near
German territory in Lorraine and
passes directly into Germany in south
ern Alsace. There can be little doubt
of the depression to German morale
that would result from a quick ad-
vance by the Americans thru Lor-
ralne and Alsace toward the Rhine.
Before Americans Are Ready.
To attempt to prevent a maneuver
OF this character the Germans may be
planning an early attack in AIsaee and
Lorraine before the Americans are
fully ready. In reality such a move
ment would be a defensive offensive
designed to throw back the present
French lines and compel the Ameri-
cans to make a longer journey before
reaching Germany.
There is little reason to believe
however, that a German attack in
Alsace or Lorraine would be more sue
cessful than along any of other part OF
the western front A second Verdur
might well ensue for the German crown
prince. In fact, any offensive tactics
employed by the Germans in the west
will obably work to the advantage
of Americas s strategy by depicting still
further Germanys waning man power
Yet, if the Germans can persuade the
-Hungarians to donate men fol-
the slaughter, Alsace-Lorraine will
probably see Won Hindenburg taking
chance before the winter is over
The American trenches are too neal
German soil for the kaiser's comfort
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-12-12
ORDER To STAND
Barred Zone Rule VIII Not Be
Modified by Governor.
Austrians Soon To Be Pro-
claimed Alien Enemies.

Chicago, Dec. 12.-Managers of big
industries who asked United States
Marshal Bradley that exceptions De
made in the enforcement of the order
prohibiting enemy aliens from enter
ing the barred zones laid down in the
fedaral law met a firm refusal today.
Some managers said that their work
would be crippled if they were to dis
charge their German and Austrian
employees.
Several big concerns have already
planned to move their shops away
from the zones. Many Germans and
Austrians were refused extension of
permits
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-12-12

tary treasurer.
County commissioners, engineers
registers of deeds, clerks, treasurers
and clerks of the district courts at
tending the state conventions in To-
peka settled down to work on their
final programs this afternoon The
meetings end tonight with theater
parties for the wives of visiting Of
ficials and an initiation for the Of
ficials themselves at the Akepot Ster-
boo dens.
The county treasurers convened for
the first time this morning in a special
er's office. Chas L. Mitchell, presi-
dent of the Chamber of Commerce
welcomed the treasurers, and then the
program revolved into a discussion OF
technical problems. Speakers includ-
ed Walter Payne, state treasurer; L. c.
Stevenson, Lawrence; w. E. Brown,
Dodge City; H. Diefendorf, Dodge
City; and E. A. Campbell, Topeka.
Clerks Elect Officers.
The county clerks met this after
noon in the hearing room of the public
utilities commission and were sched-
uled to elect officers for the coming
year this afternoon. Speakers this
morning included w. e. Craig, Erie
Katie Harris, st. John; w. E. Rostine
City; A. c. Anderson, Salina: Capt
Raymond Montgomery, Topeka, and
W. R. Yenawine, Manhattan Craig
deplored the amount Of politics a
county clerk must play in order to get
along in his office. Oscar Swayze. To-
peka; w. S. Gearhart, state engineer
and A J. Valentine, Independence
were speakers this afternoon. The dis
trict clerks, after electing officers this
morning proceeded to inject a bunch
of patriotism into their meeting The
clerks voted unanimously to give, as
an association. $50 to the Red Cross
They also adopted resolutions thank
ing Topeka and its people for court
esy and entertainment and another
resolution reaf irmed their loyalty tc
the nation and endorsed it's stand il
the war.
| Commissioners Meeting.
The morning program of the coun.
tv commissioners was devoted mostly
| to the benefit of the county engineer!
/ who are meeting with the commits
sioners. w. S. Gearhart, state engi
neer; NJ. F. Watson, state road engi
neer and c. I. Felps, state bridge en-
| gineer were the speakers. The engi
| neers met this afternoon with the
state highway engineer and the gooC
/ roads idea that was foremost thru
/ Tuesdays programs prevailed today
! The registers of deeds listened thi'
1 morning to S n. Hawkes., assistan
attorney general, who spoke on lie
| gal Questions of Interest to the Reg
| isters of Deeds" They are scheduled
| to elect officers late this afternoon
This evening at o'clock all tht
associations will be the guests of thu
| Chamber of Commerce at a buffe
| luncheon. About 45O or 500 Officials
| are attending the five different con
! VentiOnS
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-12-12
ROURKE is IMPROVING
Assistant General Manager of Rock
Island May Recover.

The condition of G. w. Rourke, as
sistant general manager of the Rock
Island with headquarters at Ell Reno,
is much improved, according to in
formation from physicians to officials
of the road here. Hr. Rourke whose
home is at $40 Lane street, Topeka,
has been seriously i'll ever since the
freight handlers strike at Kansas City
wherein he overworked himself try-
ing to effect a settlement with the
unions.
A short time ago little hope was
held for Mr.. Rourke's recovery. To-
day physicians declared that he is in
a fair chance to get well and strong.
He is at Stormont hospital
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-12-12
FIRST SHOT AT AUSTRIA
o. S. Congressman Starts Big Shell
of Italian Gun Across Piave.

of Italian Gun Across Piave.
Italian Headquarters in Northern
Italy, Des. 12.-(By the Associated
against Austria was fired by Repre-
sentative Tinkham of Boston, on the
lower Piave, wheE Mr.. Tinkham
pulled a string firing large 149 mill
metre gun sending a shell hurting
across the Piave to the Austrian posi-
tions.
A huge cloud OF black smoke
marked the place where the shell
burst. The Italian gunners gathered
around the gun and raised a cheer as
the American congressman fired.
Representative Tinkham fired the
shot by invitation of the colonel in
command near Dona Di Piave. The
shell was sent on its journey during
a heavy artillery fire along the Piave
and the northern front. The bonn
bardment was especially concentrated
back of Mount Grappa between the
Piave and Brenta rivers. This may
be an indication of another drive on
the Italian lines from that direction.
Act Grave One.
Washington, Dec. 12=Congress-
man Tinkham, by firing an Italian
gun at the Austrian positions. has TAX
en- on. the status of non-combatant
J attacking troops and, according to
the rules of war, laid himself liable to
xecutioH by the Austrians should he
| by any chance fall into their hands.
/ Under the laws of war. civilian may
never engage in hostilities.
The temper of the German govern
ment toward such incidents was plain
| ly displayed early in the war when
/ orders were issued to the German
troops to promptly execute any Amer
leans found fighting with the British
! or French. The orders described
them as with arms in their hands from
4 a country with which Germany was at
peace. The fact that war has been
declared does not alter the situation
and any American engaging in hostili-
| ties regardless of his position in civil
life, is regarded as ''franc-tireur"
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-12-12
SCANDAL OVER BATTLE
remand Probe of British Setback at
Cambria Caught Mapping?

London, Dec 1.-THE Times this
morning prints conspicuously an edi-
torial demanding prompt and
searching inquiry into the battle on
the southern end of the Cambria sa-
Hent on November 80. and on the fol-
lowing day, owing, it says, to dis
Qufeting first hand ampIifications of
censored accounts.
These are said to include charges
OF blundering and assertions that tn,
British were caught unready.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-12-12

The wind was blowing four miles an
hour from the south at 2 o'clock, and
the hard packed snow on the streets
was showing a softness of crust most
discomforting to pedestrians. The
average temp era ture for the day was
only 3 degrees below normal. which
compares well with the 20 to 80 below
normal temperatures of the past few
days.
Topeka was blessed with some small
portion of sunshine Tuesday afternoon
and today was smiled on again
in spite of the somewhat gloomy
predictions of clouds for Tues
day and today. The thermome-
ter, to be sure, did not perform any
sudden ascensions, but the sun did
take the edge off of the cold and one
could walk along the street in COM
parative comfort-if he walked fast
and didn'1 stop to pass the time O. day
with every acquaintance met.
Today the sun was aided in its warm
ing function by moderately warm
(Cn0ffpuad on PAGE
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-12-12
DELAY PREMIER'S TALK
VIII Re Made Before Christmas--was
Expected Today. l.

London. Dec. I2.-Premier Lloyd
George will make a statement on the
war before the Christmas adjourn
ment of parliament.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Bonar
Law made the announcement IN the
house of commons this afternoon II
had been expected hat the premier
himself would speak and that he
would outline very fully the war aims
of England.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-12-12
Hundreds Swarm at Chicago Recruit
ing office on Last Day.

Chicago, Dec. 12.-Hundreds of
men were in line when recruiting Of
fices opened here today to allow men
of draft age the last opportunity to
enlist Officials predicted that the
record of 1900 men accepted yester-
day would be surpassed.