davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-17
SALARY INCREASE
ON GRADED SCALE
Conferees Report 5 and 10 Per
Cent Basis for Agricultural
Department Employees.
MAY EXTEND TO OTHERS

Wage increases for the government
| employees covered by the agricultural
appropriation bill, as determined upon
| by the conferees on that bill and re-
ported to the Senate today. are as fol-
lows: Ten per cent for all those VINO
receive $1,000 and less and per cent
| for those receiving from $1,000 to $l,ooo
q year.
This action of the conferees on the
| agricultural appropriation bill was TAX
en- independently and without consul
tation with the conferees on the leSls-
lative bill or the District bill. it was
said today However, should this ac-
tion be accepted by the senate anu
House. it is believed that all the otneI
federal employees and employees OF the
District will be accorded the same IN
creases in salary.
The conferees on the legislative bill prob
ably will meet tomorrow, and the con,
ferees on the District bill are scheduieo
to meet Monday.
House Contends for Original Plan.
The House so far has stood firm for the
increases originally provided by it in the
legislative bill. 10 per cent for those re-
ceiving UP to $1,000 and 5 per cent for
those receiving from S1,SuV " 91'ooV' AAS
Senate, on the other hand, has put into
the various appropriation bills the SO,
called Smoot amendment which would
grant an increase of Is per cent to those
receiving $3.50 year and less, and 10 per
cent for those receiving from $3.50 up to
and including $1,000.
incidentally, it was stated today by one
of the Senate conferees on the agricultural
bill. who has been opposed to any salary
increases whatever at this time. that the
compromise between the Senate and House
on the agricultural bill would cost the
government less money for salary in
creases Notwithstanding the Senate. or
Smoot plan, Notwithstanding that it grants
5 per cent increase for those employees
receiving from $1,000 to $500. which the
Smoot plan does not do
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-17
WILL OUTLINE A POLICY.
Balance Of Power" Members of
House to Hold Conference.

The five men who hold the balance
of power in the organization of the
next House of Representatives will hold
a conference at o'clock this after
noon to discuss their possible future
alignment This group consists of
Representatives-e Fuller of Massa-
chusetts, Randall of California, Martin
of Louisiana, Schall of Minnesota and
Meyer London of New York.
It includes a democrat. progressive,
a prohibitionist and a socialist. The
question these representatives will have
to face when the next Congress assem-
bles will be their choice of candidates
for Speaker of the House. and one mans
vote may decide. The next House con-
sists of 215 democrats. 215 republicans
and these five independents.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-17
Stars Planogravure Section
Shows U. S. Strength on Sea

Appropriate pictures for this
time, when the situation between
the United States and Germany is
tense, appear on the front page of
the planogravure section Of tomor-
rows Star, under the caption,
"a Sample of Uncle Sans
Strength on the High Seas"
Another interesting group Of pic
lures shows various activities Of
the United States Signal Corps.
Another feature Of the supple
ment is phot otographs Of several
riders who are to participate in
the horse show of the Washington
Riding and Hunting Club tomorrow
and Tuesday.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-17
WIRELESS PLANT FINISHED.
samoan Islands Now in Direct Com.
munication With Outside World.

Construction of another government
wireless plant connecting the United
States with it's insular possessions. has
been completed at Tutuila, placing the
Samoan Islands in direct communica-
ton with the outside world for the frs
time since their acquisition by the
United States. The station at Tatuila
connects with Honolulu. where a great
Cal.
Gov Poyer of the islands, a retired ma
val officer, advised Secretary Daniels to-
day of the completion of the plant, and
transmitted a message from the native
chiefs, who, he said, were greatly in
terested and signalized the inaugura-
ton of service with christening cere-
monies in accordance with the Samoan
custom.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-17
Big Gun Disabled at Honolulu.

HONOLULU. H. T.. February ia
fourteen-inch gun at Fort De Busy has
been disabled and will be out of COM
mission for about three months, accord
ing to an unofficial report. The gears. it
is said, were stripped either during or
since the maneuvers held February s.
Col Alfred NJ. Hunter. coast artillery,
admitted today that the gun was dam
aged, but refused to make any further
statement. The responsibility for dam
age. it was said. had not been placed.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-17
CARRANZA TO POET HIM.
New Ambassador From Mexico to
WASHINGTON Now af Ganita1

Ignacio Bonillas, the newly appointed
amba ssador from Mexico, will receive
special instructions personally given
to him by Gen. Carranza before coming
to Washington. On orders from his
government he arrived at the Mexican
capital today. 1t is expected he will
reach Washington about February "a.
Henry P. Fletcher. the new American
ambassador to Mexico. was expected to
arrive at Mexico City today.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-17
Mrs. Nelson W. Aldrich Dies.

NEW YORK. February 1.-THE
death of Mrs. Nelson w. Aldrich, widow
of United States Senator Aldrich of
Rhode Island. was announced here to-
day. Before her marriage to Senator
Aldrich in 1866 she was Miss Abby p.
Greene of Providence. r. l. Mrs. AID
rich was the mother Of Mrs John D.
Rockefeller, jr.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-17
The Worlds Commerce
Destruction

Clear insight may be
gained into marine destruc-
tion from the time the great
European war started up to
the hour of going to press
tomorrow from statistics
compiled by Oliver Owen
Kuhn of The Stars staff.
This table will be on the
front page of The Sunday
Star tomorrow.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-17
4BR|T|SHV VESSELS
SENT TO BOTTOM
Several Members of Crews
Killed and Eighteen Men
Are Missing.
NEW MARINE DISASTERS.
Ships Reported Sunk Within
Past Twenty-Four Hours

Previously reported sunk
Number of ships, 93: tonnage,
22j.614
Total since February l.
Number of ships, 81; tonnage,
235,S13.
If German submarines reach the
goal set by officials in Berlin they
must sink 1888 tons of shipping
each day.
Figures do not include small
trawlers and fishing craft
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-17
F[AGDESECRAT|ON
FORBIDDEN BYLAW
Heavy Penalty Imposed for
Sale of Articles Emb eIIished
by Old Glory.

Merchants of the National Capital
are warned against exposing for sale
or even giving away any article OF
merchandise to which is attached an
American flag or on which appears any
representation of Old Glory. An act OF
Congress. approved February s. de-
clares such use of the flag desecra-
ton and imposes a penalty of fine
not to exceed 500 or Imprisonment for
not more than thirty days. or both. for
each violation.
United States Attorney Laskey today
suggested that the attention of mer-
chants should be called to the drastic
provisions of the act. His suggestion
followed a visit to him by Mrs. Fred l..
Volland, chairman of a committee to
prevent desecraton of the flag. If such
violations are called to his attention,
Mr.. Laskey says. he will cause war
rants to be issued for the offenders.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-17

nobody" The telegram was under
stood because it had been agreed that
upon its receipt engines were to be dis
abled.
Capt. Polack said he left Immediately
for Boston and on reaching his ship
met his officer and the chief engineer
and went to the engineroor. where he
saw the men at work disabling the en-
gines.
The chief engineer reported that he
was working at the disabling of the
was finished by midday of February II
Capt. Polack said he made no per-
sonal examination of the damage as he
was not an engineer. He added:
Il do not know what was done nor
how they did it. All 1 know is the re-
port from the engineer that the en-
gines were disabled. All orders were
oral: We never did anything in writ
ing"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-17
PROMISE THEIR AID IN
RELIEVING CONGESTION
Owners and Agents of Ships Say Ex-
porters Will Be Provided With
Transportation.

NEW YORK, February 17.-Owners
and agents of ships declared today they
were ready to do their part in relieving
the railroad freight congestion. They
predicted that exporters would have no
cause for complaint that they could not
find vessels to carry their goods-at
least no greater cause than existed be-
fore the declaration of the German sub
marine blockade.
Railroad men were inclined to agree
that the new submarine campaign
played only small part in the freight
situation.
Space Reserved by British.
They pointed out that before the Ger
man edict went into effect the British
steamship companies reserved S5 per
cent of their cargo space for the use of
their government. The most important
factor in the situation, they said, was
in many years.
Twenty merchant ships arriving
here yesterday promised greater cargo
space than the port of New York has
en1oyed for some time. Fourteen of
these came through the war zone. At
that the arrival of so many vessels
from Europe at this time did not throw
as much light upon the severity of the
new submarine peril as it would a
week hence, because most of them had
entered the war zone before the period
Of immunity expired on February 5.
War Risk Insurance Drops.
War risk insurance today showed a
slight reduction from the high rates
prevailing since the beginning of the
German blockade Quotations that had
been invariably 10 per cent for trans
atlantic voyages now range from to 8
per cent. The fast Cunard liners have
been insured on an per cent basis.
Most of the underwriters quote per
cent on armed belligerents and Amer
lean vessels and 8 to 912 per cent for
other neutrals. Rates to the Medi-
terranean are IL to II per cent.
Opinion in shipping circles is that the
cut in insurance is due to the protec-
tion offered to shipping by conveys and
patrols within the war zone and to the
heavy weather, which has decreased
the effectiveness Of the u-boats.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-17
Wide Scope of Law.

Hereafter no canned goods bearing
the representation of a flag may be
used to beautify a show window or
aid in the establishment of store
shelves. No post card on which flag
is printed or painted may be offered
for sale. Mr.. Laskey pointed out, nor
even given away. Sheet music. even
of patriotic songs, may no longer dis
play the Star Spangled Banner and be
sold or placed on display.
Mr.. Lasky has already been present
ed with several incidents of violations
of the act. and he has in his possession
A small cake surmounted by a flag, a
candy box shaped like a shield and
bearing on it the starry banner and a
number of banquet and party favors
to which a flag had been attached or
on which it is represented
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-17
British NAVY Needs 100000 Men.

LONDON, February IA force OF
100, 600 men is required for the British
navy, according to the naval estimates
for the coming financial year, which pro-
vide for that number.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-17
Declines Further Comment.

Mr.. Laskey declined to be quoted on
what he would hold to be a violation
of the law and would not risk an opin-
ion on whether the woman suffragists
could use a flag on which was printed
"votes for women" or some other
legend of their cause
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-17
Embassy Official Shielded.

Later Attorney Edward E. B1odgett
to know the name of the German en-
bassy official who ordered the disabling
of the Cecilie, even if it must be given
privately.
After conference with the attor-
neys Judge Morton said that person.
ally he. did not see what good purpose
would be served by naming the official
sinca his official position was known,
and declared that if counsel did not
press the matter he would let the tes-
timony stand.
Continuing the examination, counsel
for the libellants asked:
Was Supt. Mollier your superior Of
ficero"
Yes, but he did not give me any or
ders."
WAS he informed as to the orders
given you?'
'T do not know"
''He knew that you were going to
damage the ship?'
Il talked with a government official
in his presence, but 1 do not know
whether he heard the conversation. !
am in doubt about it,
After answering a few minor ques-
tlons the witness was excused.
Banks Claim $4,000, 900.
The Kronprinzessin Cecilie is in the
possession of United States Marshal
John ]. Mitchell. pending the determi-
nation of a suit for damages brought
against the North German Lloyd
Steamship Company by the Guaranty
Trust Company and the National City
Bank of New York for failure of the
vessel to deliver shipment of gold to
bankers in England and France. which
she had on board at the outbreak of
the war. After sailing from New York
the liner turned back and put into Bar
Harbor. Me.
The federal district court originally
decided that the banks were not en-
titled to damages. Subsequently the
circuit court of appeals reversed the
lower court and sent the case back
for hearing. which began today. The
banks seek to recover S2.300.0o0.
When diplomatic relations between
the United States and Germany were
severed the marshal. at the instance
of the banks. took physical possession
of the steamer and dispossessed Capt
Polack and his crew, who had made
the ship their home since she was
libeled, and seized by the sheriff at
Bar Harbor November g. 1914. After
the crew had left the vessel an eXami-
nation by experts showed that the ma
chinery had been SO damaged that it
could not be repaired and made ready
for. sea for several months.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-17
NO NEED TO STOCK
UP ON SUGAR HERE
Dealers Say 1t Is Unnecessary
to Buy for Emer-
gencies.
PRICE OF PIES is TO GO UP

Although some people in Washington
have been paying as high as Is cents
pound for sugar within the last couple
of days, this is not necessary. accord
ing to both wholesale and retail deal
ers. There has been and still is a short
strike at the Philadelphia refreries,
but sugar is coming into Washington in
sufficient quantities to meet the normal
consumption. these dealers say. 1t is
being sold here at wholesale at u
cents and at retail at and 10 cents.
There will be plenty of sugar in
Washington the first of the week to fill
any orders. even though many people
desire to stock up for an emergency,
the wholesalers promise.
H. NJ. Wagner & Co. had some sugar
come in from Baltimore today and are
New York Monday. This concern is ad
vancing it's prices only with fluctua
tons in the New York market quota
tions. These for today were u cents
and the Washington concern was sell
ing at Z !. cents, giving its trade from
100 to 200 pounds to keep them going
until the big consignment arrives. Al
though it has contracts to supply gov
ernment departments. but one federal
institution has thus far showed con-
cern. This was the Government Hos
pital for the Insane, which uses 100
barrels a month, which asked if there
would be any delay in filing the order.
Assurance was given that there would
be prompt delivery.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-17
Many Ships Kept in Port.

Not only are ships under the Ameri-
can flag being kept in port as the re-
suit of Germany's resumption of fright
fulness in submarine warfare. and as
the result of her threats to the world.
but the ships of the Holland-American
line, the Scandinavian-America line
and the Norwegian-Amer line are
tied up in United States ports or kept
in their own ports and prevented from
reaching United States ports as ef-
fectively as if there were an actual
blockade of the United States.
President Wilson has pledged himself
to place new aspects of the case in re-
gard to Germany before Congress. 1t
was at first thought that he might go
before that body only in case of an
overt" act which might shock the
world. such as wanton destruction OF
American ships or lives. But the sit
uation is resolving itself into some-
thing different now than the mere
''watchful waiting for destruction OF
property or life, and some administra-
tion officials believe that the most suit
able step for the President to take
would be to advise with Congress on
the situation as changed.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-17
To Sell Sugar at Eight Cents.

The interests of the consumer in how
much sugar is selling for receives graft
Tying assurance from two of the largest
grocery concerns operating chains of
stores. The Sanitary Grocery Company
promises that it will have a sufficient
supply. 1900 barrels, and that this will
be sold at cents a pound and ten
pound limit This company had word
today that 400 barrels are already on
their way from New York, and that 500
barrels are to be shipped Tuesday. The
manager says 200 barrels were sold yes
terday at cents. No matter how long
the shortage lasts, he says, and no matter
how much the price may be jumped as
result of the scare this sugar will con-
ttnue to be sold at cents a pound
I. d. Piles stores have some sugar
coming in today from New York,
about enough comfortabl to care for
our customers" the mana ger said. This
Will be sold at 10 cents pound, with
a ten-pounds-to-a customer limit. The
manager expressed the opinion that
there will be plenty of sugar here
soon. and there will be drop in the
Some of the smaller retail grocers,
who have been buying their sugar in
small quantities every day or two, are
experiencing difficulties in getting
sugar supply. because those who have
sugar on hand, or coming in, are try
ing to take care first of their regular
customers with standing large orders.
From all authoritative sources today
came the advice 70 Washington con-
sumers to take the shortage coolly. and
that the first of the week there will be
plenty of sugar for every one at prac-
tically normal prices.
To Ask More for Pies.
The price of pies goes up Monday.
One of the largest dealers said today
that this is not due to the present scare
over the shortage of sugar, but to the ac-
cumulating increases in the cost of all
materials that go into the pies.
1t is pointed out that the cost of three
principal ingredients in all pies has in
creased more than 100 per cent recently
these are flour. shortening and sugar.
The price Of medium and large pies
hereafter is to be Is cents and 25 cents
to consumers for the same weight pies
that have been selling for II and 20 cents.
The small pies viii be sold at ) cents, but
will be lighter in weight.
One large pie bakery claims that in the
last five weeks the concern has lost 81, 500
on eight wholesale pie wagons.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-17
Proclamation May Help Situation.

Great Britain's proclamation of new
mined area in the North sea to restrict
the movement of German submarines
to and from home ports. and the plans
to make Halifax instead OF kirkwall
port of search for transatlantic ship
ping between the United States and
northern European neutrals, were eX-
pected to provide some relief from the
general shipping congestion. BY the
latter plan vessels might avoid the war
zone.
Officials also noted with considerable
wonder that the aggregate tonnage OF
submarine victims recently has been only
few thousand tons daily. The idleness
of American ships was discussed at yes
terday's cabinet meeting. and officials em-
phasized that the main problem in the
German A American relations now is the
submarine campaign and its effect on
American commerce.
Inquiries concerning the unofficial re-
ports that the Yarrowdale prisoners
have been released by the German gov
ernment. and in regard to a trainload
of America consuis and other nationals
overdue from Munich. have been ad-
dressed to the Spanish ambassador in
Berlin for report
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-17
Await Dispatches From Vienna.

Dispatches from Ambassador Penfield
at Vienna are awaited with particular
interest, because of press reports say
ing the ambassador had broken off
negotiations" with the Austrian for
eign office and Americans had been
ordered out of the country. There has
been no official confirmation of either
of these reports. So far as the State
Department knows. the ambassador
still is presenting the views Of the
American government in regard to
Germanys submarine policy, to which
Austria has adhered. although a final
report from him showing a break with
Austria to be inevitable is expected at
any time.
The American legation at The Hague
reports that aliens desiring to visit the
eastern and southern parts of the
Netherlands must have passports vised
by Netherlands consular officers in the
country in which they are issued.
No German Seamen on ships in Ameri-
can harbors are being held except those
who are believed to have violated
some law. That is indicated by reports
General Gregory and Secretary Wilson.
in charge of the immigrat ton service.
Reason for Collecting Data.
One of the purposes for collecting
the facts was to place the State De-
partment in a position to show Ger
many that the United States Is living
up to it's treaty obligations in the treat
ment of seamen Of German ships in
American harbors.
In cases where machinery on German
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-17
Protests Are Being Received.

Government officials are receiving
kilograms from all over the country.
asking for relief from the tying up
of American commerce. One view OBJ
tainable today as to this tie-up is that
it constitutes a virtual blockade OF
American commerce. creating a posi-
tion of growing seriousness to the
country. upon which it might be highly
proper for the President to ask Con-
gress to express itself by means of q
joint resolution.
Such an expression would not neces-
sarily mean a declaration of war
against Germany. although there is no
means of knowing how Germany
would construe action by Congress
looking to the advisability Of arming
American ships Such an expression.
hov. ever, might serve the purpose of
grouping other -neutrals which are saf-
fering from tie-ups to their commerce.
as the United States is suffering and
range them with the United States in
action which might relieve the growing
congestion.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-17
Sent Agreed Upon Signal.

January 81. the witness continued, he
again visited New York and had an
other interview with the parties from
whom he was taking his instructions.
After the interview he sent this tele-
gram to his chief officer. Sigmund Bic
rams, at Boston:
Tell Peterson everything o. K"
Asked who Peterson was, he said,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-17
WEATHER.

Increasing cloudiness and warmer, fol-
lowed by rain late tonight or tomorrow
colder tomorrow.
ing pm: Highest, AZ, at 3 pm. yester-
day; lowest, 80, at 4 am today.
Full report on page 10.