davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26

chosen upon the occasion, if occasion
should indeed arise.
Since il has unhappily proved i'm
possible to safeguard our neutral
rights bv diplomatic means against the
infringements they are
suffering at the hands of Germany
there may be no recourse but to armed
neutrality which we shall know how
to maintain and for which there is
abundant American precedence. 1t is
devoutlv to be hoped that it will not
be nacessarv to put armed forces any
where into action. The American
people do not desire it and our desire
is not different from theirs. | am sure
that they will understand the spirit in
which | am now acting. That pur-
pose | hold nearest my heart and soul
and would wish TO exhibit in every
thing [ did. | am anxious that the
people of the nations 1T war also
should understand and not mistrust
us. | hope that | need give no further
proof and assurances than | have al
ready given throughout nearly three
years of anxious patience that | am
the friend of peace and mean to pre-
serve it FOR Americans as long rs
am able.
| am not now proposing or contem
plating war or am step that need leac
to it. | merely request that you vii
accord me by your own vote and defin
lite bestowal the means and the authorl
ty to safeguard in practice the right
of a great people at peace and wht
are desirous of exercising none but
the rights of peace to follow the pur
suit of peace in quietness and good
will. rights recognized, time out OF
mind by all the civilized nations o.
the world.
No course of my choosing or o
theirs will lead to war. War can COM
only by the wilful acts and agression
of Others. You will understand VIII,
! can make no definite proposal or fore
east of action now and must ask fo
your supporting authority in the mos
general terms. The form in which ac
/ ton may become necessary cannot ye
+, be foreseen. l believe that the peopl
will be willing to trust me to act wit
restraint, with prudence and in the tru
spirit of amity and good faith tha
they have themselvse displaye
Throughout these trying months and
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26
F. r. SMITH OF WILMINGTON.
Father Of w. D. Smith and Mrs. II. I
Waterman of This Town Dies.

Francis Ruel Smith, rs, a native of
Wilmington, died in his home in that
village Thursday. Feb. p. He had
been in i'll health over year, death
being due to complications resulting
from advancing years.
Mr.. Smith was born in Wilmington,
Jan 80, 1899. Practically all of his
life had been spent in that town ex-
cept few years il West Brattleboro,
when he was manager of the Pettee
stock farm He conducted for many
years the Elmhurst farm in Whining
ton, one of the show farms of this
section, and 90 years ago bought a
house in the village where he had
since made his home.
He had been many years member
of the Congregational church OF Viii
miagton and had served as deacon.
He leaves his wife, who was his
second wife, one daughter, Mrs. H. L..
Waterman of Brattleboro, and two
sons, Frank c. Smith of Wilmington
and Attorney w. d. Smith of Brattle-
boro. He leaves also one brother
Lewis n. Smith of California.
The funeral was held Saturday aft
ernoon at the Wilmington Congrega-
tional church and the burial took
place in the village cemetery.
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26
BODY OF SENATOR
EDDY BROUGHT HOME
Accompanied by Legislative Committees
Governor Arrives Today-Funeral
to Be Held at 8 o clock.

Committees representing the Yer
mont senate and house of representa-
tives arrived in Brattleboro with the
body of Senator Hermon Z. Eddy yes
terday morning. They were accompan-
led by Lieut.. Gov. Roger w. Hulburd
of Hyde Park, president of the sem
ate, who returned this morning because
of an afternoon session of the senate
today, the person who would preside in
the absence of the president being 9TH
erwise engaged
The body was taken to the Eddy
residence on Western avenue, and at
go O'Clock this afternoon a prayer
service was held at the house, Rev.
George Z. Tomkinson, pastor of the
First Baptist church, officiating. The
service was attended by relatives and
the legislative committees. Gov Hor-
ace F. Graham of Craftsbury arrived
on the afternoon train to attend the
funeral.
At 3 clock the funeral service will
be held in the First Baptist church
| Rev. Mr.. Tomkinson officiating. Dele
cations will be present from the Wind
ham county bar, Masons, Odd Fellows
bankers, Exchange club, Board of
Trade, and Vermont Wheel club. The
body will be placed in Morningside
mausoleum.
| On Saturday morning the senate
adopted the following resolutions:
Whereas, the senate has been de-
prived by death of Senator Hermon E
Eddy of Windham county, member OF
the Vermont house of representatives
when barely 81 years old, man of great
ability in any capacity, an able lawyer
high-minded, public spirited either
and an honest man; and,
Whereas, Senator Eddy endeared
himself to us all by his genial presence
his genuine interest in others, his re
gard for his home and family, his clear
life and his high hope and ambitions
Therefore, be it resolved by the sen
ate they here express their sense Of
bereavement in the loss Of such ;
friend and associate, their sorrow tha
the apparent intent of nature has beer
frustrated in the early ending of a Wig
orous, forceful life of great value t,
Vermont and to the world and thei
sympathy to the family of Senate
Eddy at this time when words meal
not much; and
'Be it resolved that copy of thes
resolutions be sent by the secretary o
the senate to the widow of Senate
Eddy; and
BE it resolved that the president o
the senate be requested to appoint
committee of two from the senate t
attend the funeral of Senator Eddy; an
"Be it further resolved that tn
senate do now adjourn
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26

wait for an overt act before asking for
additional authority of congress.
The accumulation of violations of
American rights and the condition
brought about by failure of American
merchantmen to leave port brought him
to decide to act before congress adj
joumed.
The President discussed his speech
with Chairman Stone Of the senate for
cign relations committee. No an
nonccmcnt was made, but il was
learned that the President was going to
do just what he outlined in his address
announcing the breaking of diplomatic
relations with Germany.
To ask for authority to use the forces
Of the United States to protect Ameri-
can rights is not in any sense to ask for
a declaration of war nor is it an act of
war. 1t is to prepare the United States
for what may be warlikc acts by any
other nation. President Wilson asks for
authority to establish a state of armed
neutrality. He has made full and
detailed plans for protecting American
ships desiring to enter the German war
zone.
The President points out that while he
desires peace there is something greater
than peace, the protection of the SOW
ercign rights of Americans, and that
the untrammclcd right Of American
ships to sail the seas unmolested by any
foreign nation must be upheld.
| Mr.. Wilson S decision to 20 before
congress was partly caused by the fact
that Germany S campaign is keeping
American ships tied up in American
ports. Such a condition, the President
points out, is unbearabe. Aiming
American merchantmen or conveying
them through the war zone are TIVE
methods of protecting American com
mercc being considered. Exactly wha
steps will be taken has not been re
vealCd.
The President decided that befor,
congress adjourned for the session it wa
necessary that he be given additiona
authority to protect American rights
There have been reports that such
move would be opposed in congress, bu
he decided to take the step regardles
Of that.
In his address the President point
out that Germany 5 acts since the breal
in diplomatic relations indicate her dc
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26
TOWNSHEND.

Marion Pratt and Edwin Knapp
have been quaranti1ed with chicken
pox.
Mrs. A. D. Benson, who has been in
i'll health for some time, is much bet
ter.
Herbert Benson, who has been for
some time in Waterbury, Conn, is Wis
iting friends il town
At the special meeting of West Riv-
cr Grange Friday evening seven caldi-
dates were instructed in the first and
second degrees of the order. The rag
ular meeting of the Grange will be
held Friday evening, March g The
program will be in the hands of the
lecturer.
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26

Steps leading up to the announce
mcnt that the President would 60 be
fore congress came in quick succession
carly this morning. At Q O'Clock he
summoned Secretary Tumulty to the
White House and soon aftcrward called
for Senator stone. At $50 the deputy
public printer was called to the exccu-
tive offices and given the manuscript of
the President s address. Soon after
ward Secretary Tumulty made the an
nounccment that the President had con-
cluded that il might not be wise to
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26
MEETINGS TOMORROW
WILL NOT CONFLICT
Fish and Game Club in q. A. 3. Hall
att. - Norwood Town Manager
in Festival Hall at 8.15.

In order that local people may have
em opportunity tomorrow to attend
both the meeting Of the Windham
County Fish and Game club a1d the
talk By Clarence A. Bingham, manager
of the town of Norwood, Mass, it has
been arranged to start the former
meeting, which takes place in Grand
Army hall, at $50, and the latter
meeting, which takes place in Fes-
tival hall. at SIS. Charles H. Wilson
of Glens Falls, n. Y, will speak at the
fish and game meeting.
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26

is in that belief that I request that
you will authorize me to supply our
merchant ships with defensive arms,
should that become necessary and with
the means of using them and to en-
plov any other instrumentality or meth
cd that may be necessary and adequate
to protect our ships and our people
in their legitimate and general pursuit
on the seas.
1 request also that you will grant me
at the same time along with the power
l ask a sufficient credit to enable me to
provide adequate means of protection
where they are lacking, including ade-
quate insurance against the present war
risks.
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26
Charge of Impeding Officer
Brought by States
Attorney
PROBATE COURT
ALSO WILL ACT
Se1ectmen Ask for Inquiry Relative to
Incorporate Use Of Narcotics Course
of State Depends on Outcome of Pro
bate Court Inquiry.

UdtC SOuIC Inquiry.
Mrs. Mary Simpson, a dope user,
who was arrested Saturday following
the arrest of her husband, was taken
to Newfane Jail Saturday evening in
default of $500 bail. The charge
against her was impeding an officer,
preferred by States Attorney William
r. Daley because of her actions fol-
lowing the arrest Of her husband.
The woman will be brought before
Probate Judge A. F. Schwenk March
10 for an inquiry into her condition.
This action will be taken under No.
l24 of the Acts Of 1915, in which it
is provided that in the case of per-
son $50 addicted to the Incorporate
use Of narcotics or stimulants as to
have lost the power of self-control"
the probate court shall make inquiry
"upon application of the seleetme1 Of
| TIE town or any of his relatives.
The act provides that reasonable
notice shall be given. The selectmen
have made the necessary application
and the hearing is set for March 10,
The case of impeding an officer was
continued to that date. That case
will be dropped if the woman is sent
to the Waterbury asylum for treat
ment at the expense of the safe, as
may be the order Of the court after
the hearing.
The woman is il such a condition
from the excessive use of morphine,
that physician prescribed for her be-
fore she was taken to Newfane and
she will be given the amount he has
allowed her until such time as she can
be otherwise cared for.
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26
in Odd Fellows Temple

Monday evening, Feb. 26-Regular
meeting Of Wantastiquet Lodge, No.
8. The second degree will be con
fcrrcd.
Tuesday. Feb. 27.-Regular meeting
Of Dennis Rebekah lodge a social
hour with light refreshments after the
meeting.
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26

The Orleans and the freighter
Rochester were the first American yes
sells to leave the United States for Fu-
rope after diplomatic relations with
Germany were severed. Both ships
sailed from New York on Feb. 10 for
Bordeaux, u1armed.' The Rochester
has not vet been reported.
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26

NEW YORK, Feb. 26.-The Cunard
line announced at 1876 p. IN. that it
had received confirmation from the
British admiralty Of the destruction of
the Laconia and that the advices stat
ed there was only one casualty thus
far known.
The line announced the names of
four American passengers aboard the
Laconia as follows: Miss Phyllis Bark
er, New York; Arthur T. Kirby, Balm
bridge. \. J.. Mrs F. T. Harris, New
York; and F. p. Gibbons of the Chi
cago Tribune The other Americans
among the first class passengers were
Mrs. Mary f. Hoy and Miss Elizabeth
HOY of Chicago. There was also one
American in the second class cabin,
Rev James Waring of New York, max
ing a total of seven. First cabin pas
sengers totaled SO and second cabin
II. The crew numbering 216. Twenty
Americans, all native born, were Nom
bers of the crew.
The Laeonia was one of the largest
vessels of the Cunard fleet and the
largest thus far sunk since the new
German submarine warfare was com
menced She registered l8,099 tons
was 600 feet long and was built II
manded by Capt w. r. d. Irvine.
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26
TO RELIEVE ROOD SHORTAGE.
Appropriation of se,ooo,ooo Provided in
Resolution offered in Senate.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26.-Appro
priations of $4,000, 900 for federal re
lief in the present food situation and
future investigation to devise better
marketing and distribution methods
was proposed in resolution introduced
today by Senator Borah Of Idaho. Ac-
tiop up on the resolution was deferred.
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26
TO RESUME SAILING
IF CONGRESS ACTS
Officials of American Line Made That
Announcement This Morning
at New York

NEW YORK, Feb. 26-If President
Wilson is authorized by congress to
arm ships to protect American mer
chantmen on the high seas the Ameri
can line steamers tied up here will re-
sumo sailing as soon as guns can be
provided, it was stated by the line s
officials today.
The st. Louis, ST. Paul, Philadelphia,
New York and Kroonland are at their
New York docks. The Finland of the
same line is on her way from Europe
to this port. All the ships are pas
senger vessels, but the Kroonland is
to be turned into freighter 1t was
stated also that the vessels would sail
unarmed if conveyed by American war
shipS
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26
Red Mems Hall

Triumph lodge, Scandinavian Fra
tpmity Of America, will meet Wcdnes-
day evening at 5. business, balloting.
After the business meeting a George
Washington program will be rendered
and All Scandinavians arc invited to
attend whether members of the fra.
tcruitv or not The officers Will please
hc on hand early.
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26. - President Wilson ap-
peared before joint session of both branches Of congress
at o'clock this afternoon and asked for authority
place the United States in state Of armed neutrality to
resist the German submarine Continued invasion
of the plain rights of neutras the high seas further
sacrifices of American lives and ships the nolerable
blockade of American commerce, almost efectual if
the country war; have taken the place of dreaded
covert act which expected to shock the world and
have forced the President into the next step toward
The address listened to without applause
News of the sinking of the Cunard liner Laconia with
Americans aboard was received here the President
his way to address congress Although without detail
its grave possibilities added emphasis to the Presidents
words
Immediately after the President left the capitol a
meeting of the house foreign affairs committee called
and Chairman Stone of the senate foreign relations
mittee said his committee would be called together later
this afternoon.
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26
BRATTLEBORO LOCAL.

The meeting for all the Boy Scouts
of Brattleboro will be held this even
ing at o'clock in the Main street
school building.
Rev. J. Fredrik Virgin will be out
of town tonight and tomorrow and
there will be no early service at st.
Michael's Episcopal church tomorrow
morning.
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26
ORLEANS OFF BORDEAUX.
American Freighter, from New Yorl
Feb. 10, Made Safe Crossing.

BORDEAUX, Feb. 26.-The Ameri-
can freighter Orleans was sighted off
Pointe de La Coubre at the entrance
to the Gironde at $50 this morning.
Owing to contrary tides she is not ey-
pected to arrive at Pauillac, so miles
northwest of Bordeaux, before 5
clock this Afternoon.
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26
THE WEATHER.
Rain or Snow Tonight with Big Tenn
perature Drop Tomorrow.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26. - The
weather forecast: Rain or snow to-
night, Tuesday cloudy and much cold
er. South, shifting to northwest, gales.
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26
BIG CUNARDER
LACON|A SUNK
Despatch from Queenstown
Tells of Loss of Vessel
in Danger Zone
100 PASSENGERS,
10 AMERICANS
Said to Number 27O, to Be
Landed Tonight - Laconia Sailed
from New York Feb. 1s-Was Due
in Liverpool Today.

QUEENSTOWN, Feb. 26.-The Gun
ard line steamship Laconia, which
sailed from New York for Liverpool
has been sunk The survivors of the
Laconia are said to number 270. They
will be landed tonight
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26

LONDON, Feb. 96.-Wesley Frost,
American consul at Queenstown, tele-
graphed the American embassy here
today: " Cunard liner Laeonia torpedoed
1850 Sunday night, 27S survivors
landed. Details lacking but known
some missing. One dead
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26
DEATHS.

In Guilford, Feb. %, DR.. Frank n.
Burdick, rs.
In Chieopee Falls, Mass, Feb. 24,
John O'Connell, 81, formerly of West
Chesterfield, n. H., known as John
Connell.
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26

NEW YORK, Feb. 26.-The Cunard
liner Laconia sailed from New York
on Feb IS with 100 passengers among
whom were 10 or more Americans.
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26
FOURTEEN AvIAroRs KILLED.
Additional Details Given Regarding
Destruction of French Airslip.

BERLIN, via London, Feb. 90
Fourteen men were killed by the
destruction of the French airship re-
ported in yesterday S official communi-
cation to have been brought down by
the German defensive fire. Additional
details regarding this incident wera
given out here officially today.
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26
ASKS CONGRESS FOR RIGHT
TO PROTECT u. S. VESSELS

President Appeared Before Joint Session This Afternoon
to Request Power He Said He Might Ask fOr-Te-up
of American Shipping in Part Responsible for His De-
cisOn to Act Now
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26
HAS COMPLETED PLANS FOR
GUARDING SHIPS IN WAR Zone

Anxious to Avoid War With Germany But the Right of
American Ships to Sail the Seas Unmolested is of
Greater Importance Than Peace = Confident That
Congress Will Give Ungrudgngy What He Wants
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-02-26

Continued on Page 81
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-07-01
BUILD AIRPLANE MOTORS
TO MEET NATIONS NEEDS
Prescnt Factories in Toledo md Iiin,tra
VIII &c EnlurEcd for This
Construction Work.

In keeping with the patriotic fervor
sweeping over the country is the re-
cent announcement by John y. WHY'S
president of the Willys-Overland Com
pany. that he is prepared TO do his
bit" for the government by increas-
inG his facilities to construct aero
plane motors as fast AS The United
states and allied armies can lind use
for them.
This work will be separate from his
automobile industry. which will he
taken care of as fully as in the past
Mr.. WHY'S is now a director Of the
curtiss A.roplane Company. Accord
ing TO reports. he may soon become
the head CT this company.
In addition to devoting his time and
attention to the development of Quan-
THY production of aeroplanes. ne in
tends to enlarge his present factories
in Toledo and Elmira tor :he purpose
OF turning out tho number OF airplanc
motors required.
The air hoard at Washington an
,icipates the necessity Of this country
building very large fleet OF aero
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-07-01

Courthouse, this road. built very re-
Gently AT heavy expense, is III need
OF immediate attention and repair and
from what we can understand unless
such attention and repair is given by
th- proper officials OF Stafford County
il Will not be long before the money
spent there Will have been wasted. II
seems that all over Virginia the mis-
take has been made OF building roads
without providing for their mainte-
nance. and this policy should be
changed without further delay. The
road We mention above is an important
one. and It Is a pity that il should he
allowed 10 remain in its present con-
Observation-Disclosures Star.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-07-01
HISTORIC FLAG PROVES
COLOR SCHEME CORRECT
Same shade tscd on Chr That Brtsy
Ross Wave Into the First
American Fling.

The shade of American haG blue.
which is used on Cole models. /. the
same shade OF blue which Betsy Ross
wovc into the first American flag. Miss
Dana NJ. Hubbard. OF Providence. r. l..
ccrtiics TO this. as follows:
My father. Austin f. Hubbard. has
read the announcement, OF your de-
cisicn - use Betsy Ross hlue as
the predominating color for your closed
ears. He has been interested in your
endsavor 10 obtain the precise Betsy
Ross shade. and he wonders if you
would care 10 examine a flag, one OF
our family possessions. which. prob
ably. :.pproNimatcS this shade as close
ly az any 10 wnich you may have
access
This flaG was carried by the Amer
lean expedition against the pirates OF
Tripoli, in 1902, on a ship commanded
by Captain George Hubbard. II con-
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-07-01
PLACES NEW AGENCIES
Maxwell Motor Company Announces In
creased business In Various Sec
tons of Virginia.

Making highly gratifying showing
for the industry during the pas; week
and demonsirative OF the healthy con-
diticn Of tho Richmond automobile
business. IL WAS announced ycstcrda Y
that H q Greene. district manager for
the Maxwell Motor Company. has just
closed two large contracts for terri
tory in Nirg mia. The first closed was
with, the Hicks Motor Company. of
Winchester. for territory embracing
the northern half OF Virginia and Il
portion OF the southern half of West
Virginia
The business from this Contract is
expected to exceed $4,000 Mr.. Hicks
SAID yesterday that business has been
Jar above expectations IN recent;
months ann he has already passed the
total allotted 20 him. The second con-
tract was with the Williams Motor
Company. OF Petersburg, for the south
ern section OF Virginia. and is expect
&c 20 produce about 100000 worth OF
business. This company has handled
Maxwell cars for the past Two years.
and has far exceeded expectations of
the factory in the number Of cars
placed II also has a branch in Hone
well.