davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-09
FORTY-ONE LOST ON
STEAMSHIP CALIFORNIA

London. Feb. s.-Forty-one lives
we're lost when the Anchor liner Cali
fornia bound from New York to Glas-
gov was torpedoed Wednesday morn
ing off the Irish coast. The liner sank
in nine minutes. News of its sinking
was suppressed here for twenty-four
hours.
The only American on board John
A Lee. quartermaster on the vessel
was among those saved.
Two torpedoes were fred The first
ftruck the liner just as the gunner
was training the Al gun mounted on
the stern, aiming at the spot where
oil bubbles on the surface OF the sea
betrayed the presence of submarine.
The second torpedo went wild
I've persons were killed and a score
injured by the explosion that follows
ed the first shot.
Both torpedoes were fred from a
distance of about 900 yards The L.
boat was not visible
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-09
BUSINESS GROWTH IN
STATE UNPRECEDENTED
Report Of State Bank Examiner
Barksdale shows 1919 Was Year
OF Unparalleled Expansion.
DEPOSITS IN STATE BANKS
INCREASED Si8.598 .s2f .sS
Total Deposits More Than S18.OOO,-
600: Loans and Discounts Nearly
SIS .00O. OOO-Resources In ere as e
Five Times Greater Than In 1915.

Unparalleled expansion of business
in nearly all lines appears the out
standing feature of the last years
operations by state banks, as reported
on to the banking division of the
state corporation commission by State
Bank Examiner c. G, Barksdale The
year was the most prosperous in the
history of state banks in Virginia, not
a single institution being closed. not
a single dollar lost Ivy any depesitor.
The report dated as of December 81.
last was submitted to the commits
sion by Mr. Barksdale yesterday.
The cash assets of the 2s3 state
banks in Virginia Increased $685.
s13l2 during the period from Novem-
Der 10 1915. and November II, 1915.
on which dates reports of condition
/ were made. The amount of credit
extended during the year by state
banks to the legitimate demands of
commerce exceeded by IS, 1875, l6S.05
the amount of the preceding year.
This was more than eight times the
increase shown by the year 1915 over
1914. Rediscoupts and bills payable
Of state banks We're decreased in 1915
by St.s64.17ss4. the legitimate rea-
sou LOT pdhNS VI
counting having almost entirely dis
appeared under present prosperous
conditions.
Enormous Growth of Deposits.
The enormous growth of deposits
form significant feature Of the re-
port Deposits. not counting those of
other banks, increased SIS. $50, a2l .6S.
This is I'VE times the increase record
ed for the year 1915 over 1914, when
the increase was s3.oSs. 92s.3a. De-
posts of other banks increased in the
year sl.i26,T33.41 as compar, with
an increase of l2,4s5.30 a year ago.
In every detail of resources in the
combined statement of the 2S3 in
corporated state banks in Virginia
there were increases The only de-
of liabilities. The increase in the re-
sources of these institutions during
the year was $16.940,9S6.96. Total
deposits increased s16.5ss. 921.6S.
During the year total of 304 ex-
aminations Of state banks was made,
comprising 2S6 separate and distinct
banking corporations and nineteen
branches Four state banks were con-
verified into national banks. Fourteen
banks received charters from the
commission and commenced business
and seven banks obtained charters
which have not vet made application
! for authority To commence business.
/ Total Deposits $78, 100000.
! The aggregate of all capital stock
paid in as shown by the statement Of
November II. 1916, was $13,465,
| 1850 OF surplus funds $s.67s.-
627.l2. and the aggregate reported as
undivided profits. less amount paid
for interest, taxes and current ex-
penses, was s3.240,3 4tl2.
| Deposits in all state banks in Vir-
ginia at that time aggregated s7S.000,-
453.05: loans a discounts, s74,s5S.-.
| S12.49; stocks. bonds and mortgages
owned. s7.092.129.96; value of bank
! ing houses. $2.6S9.376 and other
real estate, $f.075.405.9s
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-09
Judiciary Committee Of Senate Recommends
Drastic Espionage and Conspiracy Laws

Washington, ID. c., Feb. 8.-The
most drastic espionage and con-
spiracy laws ever proposed In the
United States were recommended
to the senate for passage today
by the judiciary committee. The
measures framed. largely by the
department of justice and en-
dorSed by the administration
would give the executive depart
ments plcnary power 10 force the
punishment OF ofTenses involving
international relations. Under adj
mfnistratiOn pressure the bills
will be taken up by the senate Ms
speedily as possible. probably to-
morrow.
DEALS WITH SPY CASES.
All OF the measures arc de-
signed to add drastic powers to
the department Of justice i'm
dealing with spy and bomb plots
d other conspiracics growing
out Of the breaking Of relations
with Germany. The bills repo':-
cd include measures for these
purposes:
To authorize the seizure. deten-
ton and condemnation of arms
and munitions OF war in the
course OF expectation.
To regulate and restrain the
conduct and movements of in
termed soldiers and sailors of bel
ligcrent nations.
To prohibit and punish the
wiIIful making of untrue state
ments under oath to influence tho
acts or conduct OF a foreign gov
eminent.
To prevent and punish con-
spiracy to iniurc or destroy prop
erty belonging to a foreign gov
ernment with which the United
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-09
NINE BIG PASSENGER
SHIPS IN DANGER ZONE
OF Them. Three Are British ships Out
of New York. Due to Arrive. But
Tnrcported.
SEVERAL OF SHIPS ARE
NOW LARGEST IN SERVICE.
Arc Loaded With Rich Cargoes and
There Is No Doubt That Serious At
tcmpts Will BE Made to Send Them
to Bottom.

New York Feb. S.-Nine passenger
liners flying flags of the entente allies.
two ships OF the American line and
one of Holland are today on the high
seas between New York and Euro
pean ports All but three. the Ameri-
can and Dutch ships, bound east are
within possible danger OF submarines
or mines.
In addition three British passon-
ger ships from New York are due to
arrive. but have not been reported.
1t is possible word of their arrival
has been withheld in accordance with
ties. Nearly all have Americans on
board.
The ships at sea, several of them
the largest now in transatlantic SER
vice, and loaded With rich cargoes,
are;
American liners New York, from
Liverpool. February 3. and Kroon-
land, from Liverpool January 81.
Dyndam tDutch). from New York
for Rotterdam via Falmouth January
rs. and ordered back to this port YES
terday when within fourteen hours of
Falmouth.
White Star liners Baltic, for Liver
pool. January 20; Adriatic, for Liver
pcoi, pfuaTS o. anu now 1,l00 miles
out. Cretic. for Naples, February 6.
French line steamship Rocham-
beaux. February 4. about 900 miles
on her way.
Carmania (British). for Liverpool.
February 4. about 1900 miles from
this port.
Dante Alighieri utalian). for Ma
Piles. January "a, now in the Mediter-
ranean. VII
Saxonia tBritish). for London via
Halifax, January 20.
Italian (British). New York for
Genoa, January 20.
Themistocles (Greek), for Greek
ports, January Is. now in Mediterra
mean waters.
Three More Overdue.
Ships that should have arrived but
have not been reported. are the Or
duna.~ of the Cunard line. which sailed
january 81 for Liverpool; Pannonia
(British), for Liverpool Via Halifax
January IS. and Taormina Qtalian1,
for Naples. January 20. "a MI
On account Of the subn1Arine and
raider menace. commanding officers
- -
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-09
TAKE STEPS TO SECURE
FAIR TRIAL OF CASES
Eighty Mapp Violations Will Come
Before February Term of
HopeweII Court.
APPEAL TO SUPREME COURT
If CHANGE OF VENIRE DENIED
To Prevent Miscarriage of Justice In
Trials OF I.awbrcakers Governor and
Commissioner Peters Decide On This
Plan

When eighty case of violations OF
the Mapp prohibition law are brought
before the jury of the Hopeweil cor
poratton court at the February term.
Attorney James n. England. repre-
senting the department Of prohibition.
will ask for a change of ventre. and
IL 1t is refused by the court. an appeal
will be taken TO the supreme court OF
appeals. This decision was arrived
at Yesterday afternoon at confer
ence between Governor Stuart. and
Commissioner j. sidney Peters, or the
department Of prohibition.
The situation in Hopewell, since the
Mapp law became effective, has been
extremely difficult to handle. There
have been many violations of the law,
and on account of the opinion there
being Overwhelmingly against the
prohibition statute. 1t has been with
considerable trouble that convictions
have been obtained when evidence
justified a sentence.
To prevent any such procedure
taking place at the February term
OF the corporation court of Hopeweii,
Governor Stuart and Commissioner
Peters conferred on the situation. and
decided TO ask for the change OF
yenire. The grand jury has returned
eighty indictments. which will come
up at the February term. and the
prphibiti1n department does not want
to take any chances.
Wet sentiment Responsible.
1t ia because OF the wet sentiment
in Hopewell that this course was de-
cided on. When the first case is called
In the court, Attorney England VIII
ask the Judge for a change OF venire,
and IL he refuses the appeal will be
taken. This will be done with every
case until the change Is granted, and
IL it is not granted all Of the cases
will be appalled,. 1t is the idea OF
the prohfbi.< depaf..rnent that a
Jury selected from some other section
Of the state should hear the cases.
Judge walter A. Devaney Is judge
of the corporation court OF Hopewell.
and he will sit at the hearing OF the
cases. Yesterday afternoonsC ommis-
sioner Peters was asked what was
Judge Devaney's attitude toward tho
wet and dry question,
II could not answer that" replied
the commissioner. and he smiled.
i.sSsut win refer you to Judge De-
yX0O1s
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-09

New York. Feb s.-Grave anxiety
is felt in shipping circles for the safe
ty Of the White Star liner Baltic,
which. with a cargo OF munitions val
ued at $1o,000,00o, was due at Liver
pool two days ago. Agents OF the
line admitted late tonight that they
have had no word from the Baltic or
regarding her.
Two Americans are aboard the Bal
tic. They are Catherine Kirsch, of
Newark, N. j.. and l.. Rosenfield. OF
New York. The liner Is commanded
by Captain William Finch. who had
command of the White Star liner
Arabic when the latter was sunk by
a U-boat last year.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-09

States il at peace.
To prevent and punish the i'm
PRESERVATION OF officials Of foreign
governments duly accredited to
the United States.
To provide for the issuance of
search warrants and the seizure
and detention of property there
under.
TO PROTECT SHIPS.
To prevent and punish wiilful
injury. or attempted injury To. or
conspiracy to injure any vessel
engaged In foreign commerce.
To authorize the collcctOrs Of
customs or other officials duly
empowered bv the president to
inspect private vessels within the
jurisdiction of the United States.
To require sworn statements a.
to cargo and destination by mas
tiers OF all vessels leaving the
Jurisdiction of the United States.
aud b., all owners and shippers
of Cargoc- thereon.
To regulate and safeguard tho
issuance of passports. and to pre-
vent and punish the fraudulent
obtaining, transfer. use, altcra-
ton or forgery thereof
To define and punish espion-
age.
To prohibit and punish the
fraudulent use. application or
counterfciting Of the seal of any
executive department or govern
meut commission.
To prohibit the promoting of
military or naval expeditions from
the United States against any
nation. state, colony or people
with which the United States Is Mt
peace.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-09

General sale was advised several
days ago that the Second regiment
would leave the border on last Wei.
nesday, February I, for Richmond,
hut General Funston. after the de-
velopment of the present international
relations. delayed the departure of the
troops This new order would In
dictate that the Second regiment will
entrain in a few days.
Resembling former instructions that
the troops of this regiment he sent 10
their. home stations. the war depart
ment has notified General Sale tina,
the men will be all returned TO Rich
mond. II is not considered likely that
the troops will be mustered out OF
the federal service. but will be kept
here housed in the Blues and Grays
armories. pending some definite shap-
ing OF national affairs
No Richmond Commands.
There are no Richmond commands
I'm the Second regiment, which is under
the command of Colonel Robert F,
Leedy. The First battalion. under
Major George Q. Leach. is composed
OF Company c, OF warrenton. Com
pany d. OF Front Royal; Company I,
of Winchester and Company X, OF
strasburg.
Second battalion, Ma jor Benjamin
Harrison commanding, composed OF
Company E. OF Chase city: Company
r. of Roanoke; Company G. OF Pc
tershurg, and Company II. OF Big
Stone Gap.
Third battalion. In command Of
Major r. L. Slaughter. Ia composed OF
Company A, of Farmville; Company
r. of Culpeper; Company L. OF
Pulaski and Companv NJ. OF Radford
II is believed tina the return OF
the Second regiment will De fore
runner OF the return of ali the Wiz
gfnia commands on the horder--the
Blues cavalry. Signal corps. Engineer
corps and Field artillery--which will
all be concentrated In Richmond
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-09
TO PROTECT U. s. BANKS.

Won't Permit Embarrassment by
runs" by Aliens.
Washington. Feb. s.--The federal
reserve board has taken steps to safe
guard any member bank threatened
by run by foreign born depositors
and will aid any bank In the country
whose stability is thus threatened
In the case Of member banks. II
is said, tho board is prepared to dis
count virtually the banks entire
holdings of paper into currency
Non member banks needing aid to
meet such run, II Ia understood,
NAV receive II indirectly from the
board through member banks
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-09
CALIFORNIA DEATH
LIST is GROWING
Ten More Ships Sent Down
Yesterday With | .oss of Life
In Several lnstances--U-Boat
Campaign Effective
U-BOAT HAVOC At \ GLANCE.

ships. Tonnage.
Total sunk up to date
February to 81 so 1885
Total sunk since five
days of grace for
Bcutrals ended
February 81 . 80 SO3t2
Total sunk yesterday
Thursday 10 2S,3f2
Summary Of ships sunk since
February 1:
American, 1: neutrals. III: Brit
ish, 27: other belligerenfs. 8.
Ships sunk yesterday (FebrIary
81 and tonnage:
Vedamorc tBritisll). $3.50.
Saxonian tBritish). 1885.
Turino (Brftish). 2,7O2.
Hollindde tBritish), 2.6S2.
Varing tSweiish), 2,2a6.
DauntIess BRITISH. 2,157.
Songel V. tNorwcgian), 2.06S.
Boyne Castle tBritish), 145.
Yvonne (French), 1913.
Bangpuhtis Russian), $50.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-09
Aim to Prevent Vote On Pro-
hibition Measures Till After
March 4
DELAY, SHEET ANCHOR,
BALANCE OF SESSION
Dry Members of House Dis
trict Committee Win Tactical
Victory-Dr. Cannon Ad-
dresses Committee

tspe ial 10 Tho Richmond vjrginian)
Washington. Feb. s.--Delay, delay,
delay. is the slogan. the sheet anchor.
OF the liquor traffic at Washington for
the balance of this session
The efforts of the liquor attorneys
outside the committee, and of the
liquor sympathizers on the committee,
are all aimed at one thing, namely. to
prevent vote on any prohibition
measure in either the senate or the
house between now and the Fourth
of March II is fusiy realized Ara. II
any such measure comes TO vote in
either body that a majority will he
recorded against the saloon and in
favor Of prohibition
The two hearings which were set
for Thursday morning did not con-
tinue very long Indeed. the District
Of Columbia committee was in execu-
tive session the entire time set apart
for the hearing. and. therefore, there
was no public hearing at all
Notwithstanding the strenuous eff
forts OF the wet members OF the Dis
trict committee, the dry members OF
the house District Of Columbia COM
mittee today won a tactical victory
in connection with the consideration
OF a motion submitted by Representa-
tive James r Lloyd. Of Missouri. that
the committee set February l6 AS "A
date for reporting the Barley Dis
irict prohibition bill without amend
ment. as, while the Lloyd motion was
not brought up for action. due to the
other Developments, efforts by the wet
members of the committee to finally
postpone action until February 81, or
thereafter. failed by a decisive vote
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-09
CAPTURE AND LOOT TOWN.
Villistas Descend on Montezuma and
Help Themselves,

Ell Paso. Tex. Feb. 8.-Villistas,
believed to be part of General Ochoa's
force, captured the town Of Monte
yuma, on the Mexican Central rail-
road, forty miles south of here, yes
terday. according to reportsereceived
here today. No one was Mlled. but
stores were looted and large amount
of money was obtained General Jue-
vado. a Villa leader. is reported to
have executed the chief of police of
FL Vale because Of the latter's friend
ship for General Pershing and other
Americans. hundred Mormons are
still at 'Colonia Dublan
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-09
America Win Not Lay Hand
On Penny Of Private Funds
Says President
CALIFORNIA; SINKING
NOT CAUSE Of WAR
Washington Awaits Further
Developments in the U-Boat
Campaign - No Indisnity
Has Been Offered Gerard
BY r.. X. SARTWELL.
International News service stan


Washington, Feb. s. Steps to re-
assure Germany as TO tHe treatment
Of German subjects Ia the United
States, and to insure the "a fe conduct
of Ambassador Gerard ard all Ameri-
can citizens Of Germany tonight alb
sorbed President Wilson and his adj
visers. With the statement at the
White House that so far German sub
marine activities had left the situ-
alton "unchanged. II was apparent
that waiting for the covert act's that
will precipitate a physical clash he
tween the countries had been re-
sumed. and that the sinkings up to
date had not furnished the essentials
for the oulinous next step" threat
ened by the president.
Concern as to the situation Of Am
bassador Gerard and rs fellow
Americans in Germany followed the
receipt of information at the state
department that the Americans had
been detained"
While they were no; heEi as
hostages" IL was apparent that the
department felt that serious conse-
ouences might grow ous Of the stu
alton. and hurried conferences of state
department officials resulted in imme-
diate diplomatic action which was
not made public. II was understood
that reports in Germany of mtstreat-
ment of German subjects In the
United States, and of the forcible
seizure of German war-hound ships
by the United States government had
had something to do with the de
tention" of Americans.
To BE Readily Ceared Up.
state department officials declared
tonight that they felt the situation
would he cleared up without DIM
Guilty. They were emphatic In the
declaration that no indignity mai
been offered Ambassador Gerard or
any other American in Germany. AS
the president made an unexpected
visit to the grim state, War and Navy
building today and conferred with
Secretaries Lansing. Baker ami DAN
iels, an authorized statement direct
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-09
BRING SAILORS BODIES.

Collier Neptune Arrives With Blue
Jackets Remains.
Newport News. Va. Feb s.-The
United States naval collier Neptune
arrived In Hampton roads today with
the bodies Of eight sailors OF the At
Iantic feet, who died from natural
causes on their respective ships dur.
ing the progressRof the winter maneu-
yers OF the feet OF Guantanamo. Cuba.
The bodies were taken this afternoon
to the Norfolk navy yard.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-09
LA ToURAINE Is SAFE.

French Idncr From New York Ar
rtves At Bordeaux.
New York. Feb S.--The steamship
La Touraine has arrived safely at
Bordeaux. according to private ad-
vices cabled from passengers and
turned over to French line officials
here today. The vessel left New
York January IS.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-09
GUARDS ARE REMOVED.
informed Ships Crews. However, Not
= Permitted To Land.

Newport News, Va, Feb. s.--On
orders from Washington today, Immi.
grafton Inspector Morton removed
the guards recently placed on board
the German. merchantmen Arcadia.
and the Austrian steamer Budapest,
Dor Inspector Morton said he was
instructed to maintain only Ren-
eral guard over the crews Of thu, two
steamers now. in order to see that
they do not leave their ships and
enter t1ls country.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-09
SENSATIONAL REPORTS
CAUSE GERMAN ACTION

Washington, Feb s--Amhassaior
Gerard. American eonsuis and the
American sailors brought in on the
prize ship Yarrowdale. are being held
in Germany until assurances have been
received from here as TO the safe de
parture ef Count Won Bernstorn and
the German consuls. and the safety
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-09
WIRELESS PLANT FOUND.
Germans Had Located II Near Capt.
tai of Brazil

Rio Janeiro. Brazil. Feb. S-At the
suburban town in Nictheroy. on the
bay Ave miles east Of Rio Janeiro.
there was discovered today wireless
telegraph station which was esta blish-
ed to communicate with German ships
which are being detained In the har-
Dor ..
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-09
Ricln,oSi.i Ma. ,n.nkrup.

\ petition in voluntary bankruptcy
was filed yesterday afternoon in the
United States district court ~ John
James Tignor Of this city. who placed
hia liabilities at 1901. According TO
the papers. he has no aasstn
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-09
FUNSTON DIRECTED
TO SEND TROOPS HOME
C~cier For Resumption of Movement
of GuaISislnep Comes sooner
Than Expected.
SECOND REGIMENT WILL
BIZ CHARTERED HERE
No Troops Likely to &c Mustered Out
Pending Definite Change In Situa-
ton with Germany, Which May
Gall For Active Service.

San Antonio. Tex, Feb. B.
Orders were received at tho head
quarters Of the Southern division
of General Funston for the home
ward movement Of the national
guard, late this afternoon. 1t In
evident that the order for the re-
sumption Of the return move
came sooner than was expected.
or the $4,000 state troops re-
Gently ordered home, $4,000 arc
vet on the border.