davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11
HOME Of c. c. BRANCH
At T0AN0 IS DESTROYED
Fire Wipes Out One OF Finest Resi-
dersces On the Peninsula, Doing
Damage OF About $4,000.

Toano, va, Feb. f0.--Fire believed
TO have originated in the furnace
room in the basement this afternoon
destroyed the handsome home of c.
c. Branch, one Of the largest growers
of potatoes in Virginia With the
residence, valued at $4,000, were
destroyed china, silverware and anti
que furniture which cost $4,000, and
several hundred dollars worth of
clothing and jewelry of Mrs. NJ. Ham
mond. Of New York, a guest in the
Branch home. Insurance carried on
the residence, one of the finest on
the peninsula, amounted to about
$4,000. and on the furniture and
other contents, about $4,000.
1t was with great difficulty that
spread OF the flames to the stable.
barn and otier outhouses on the
place was prevented. In these out
buildings there were forty mules and
a quantity of farm machinery and
equipment. For time It appeared
that the men of the community. who
fought the blaze would be unable to
save the stables and the mules.
This was Mr.. Branch's second dis,
astrous fire. the first, about twelve
years ago, having destroyed his fine
old colonial home.
Mr.. Branch annually grows from
500 to 1000 acres of potatoes. and he
Is widely known as one OF the most
prominent and prosperous farmers in
tho state.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11
AMERICAN LINERS -
WILL AWfIT CONVOY
Not Practical to Arm. and Will Nor
Sail Uatn ships Are Properly
Protected from Submarines

New York. Feb. 10.-P. A. s. Frank
lin, president of the American line.
made this statement this afternoon:
$50 far as the American line IL CON.
cerned we have done our best in every
direction to secure guns and Run
crews. 1t does not seem possible to
us that private corporation will be
able to properly equip their ships with
proper armament. 1t looks ~ though
the vessels of the American line viii
remain In port unless the United States
government decides to provide conveys
or put on the steamers guns and trained
gunners for the protection of paxaen-
gers and crews.
Unless our vessels are conveyed b,
American warships in exchange for
proper naval guns and crews to man
these guns. American line steamers
will not sail"
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11
SAY PROBE Will SHOW
No FACTS IN CHARGES
Board Member Assert Thomas
VIII Fail to Prove Case.
SUPPLEMENTAL CHARGES
IN PAPER SENT COUNCIL
Ell Teacher Alleges DR.. Chandler
Salary Unlnwfally Increased and
That He Has Other Busines~-As to
Heating Contracts.

Commenting last night OH the sup
Elemental charges against the city
school board and superintendent J. A.
c. Chandler, filed yesterday with the
city council by r. n. Thomas, deposed
public school teacher. DR.. Chandler
last night reiterated his ~tatement
made when Mr.. Thomas several days
ago petitioned the council to investi-
gate the school board.
Il am glad these matters are to be
investigated said DIR. Chandler, so
II will be shown that the charges are
not founded on fact"
Charges by Mr.. Thomas in his sup
elemental paper yesterday are that tAe
school board increased the salary of
the superintendent contrary to law:
that as the result OF an improper
contract with c. NJ. Robinson, an
architect. contracts for heating and
ventilatng public schools were let
without the city receiving the benefit
Of competitive bidding, and that the
school board knowingly allows Super
intendent Chandler to engage in bust
ness not connected with his duties as
division superintendent.
According to Legislative Act.
With reference to the charge that
his salary had been increased unlaw-
fully by the board. DR.. Chandler said
that the board supplemented his sal
airy In accordance with the provisions
OF section 1893 OF the Code OF Vir-
ginia as amended by the general as
sembiy OF 1905
That the board lawfully increased
Chambers pay was
asserted by a member of the school
board while discussing the Thomas
charges. The representative of the
board asserts that the charges are not
based on fact. as an invest CATION will
show. With reference to the charge
OF an improper contract with an
architect, 1t was stated that the board
about two years ago passed a resolu-
ton appointing c. NJ. Robinson the
school architect to serve at the pleas
ure Of the board. It is said that speci-
hcations were drawn for the heating
systems in the schools and advertised
and bids received in the customary
manner. and contracts awarded where
specifications were met. In some cases.
It. was admitted, there was but one
bidder who came up to the advertised
specifications.
Mr. Thomas supplemental charges
Yesterday were filed with council by
Presley Smith. Jr..' his attorney.
Mr.. Thomas states that he il willing
-----------------p-- ------->---~---------------
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11
Washington Interested Over
Rumor Germany Has Asked
Peace Suggestion
ALL OFFICIALDOM
PROCESSES IGNORANCE
Gerard and Party Now On Way
toZurich, and Bernstorf Will
Leave New York Wednes-
day-Shown Every Courtesy
BT r. S. HARTWEIAL,
international News STAFF
GzDD-,~<AGrnrA

Washington, Feb. 1o.-Out Of the
war clouds lowering over the crisis
between the United States and Ger
many tonight came the vague sugges-
ton that Germany was willing to dis
cuss means of preventing actual hos
tilities. The suggestion came appar-
emily out of the air. and no one in
official Washington would accept the
responsibility for IT. 1t left the White
House and the state department gasp
ing with astonishment, and met wit
authoritative denials from practically
every official source OF information in
Washington. But It's effect was APP
parent
The White House, the state depart
ment, the German embassy and the
Swiss embassy. now handling Ger
man affairs here declared they had
never heard of the suggestion. The
publication of the report that Ger
many had addressed to this country
a note suggesting that the two nations
find ways and means of preventing
actual hostilities caused furore in
official affairs tonight Secretary to
the president Tumulty declared he
never heard the slightest intimation
of such a communication, that so far
as the White House knew the report
was a complete fabrication, and that
It's publication was matter OF '>ieep
suspicion"
No Change in Situation.
Meanwhile 1t was stated In admin
tstration circles that the international
situation remained unchanged and
that the few vessels reported sunk in
the German submarine zone during
the day offered no indications of the
dreaded covert act which will prompt
the next step In the German crisis.
The state department. mafc@ft clear
that the administration reserves the
full right to arm American merchant
vessels whenever II may deem such
action necessary. This announcement
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11
WANTS AFFIRMATION.
Germany Asks Further Notion On
Ancient Treaty.

Washington. Feb 1o.-The Swiss
minister, DR.. Paul Ritter. In charge
Of Germany's diplomatic interests in
the United States. was today requested
by the Berlin foreign Office to ask the
state department for an affirmation
of the Prussan- American treaty OF
1925.
The German government made a
similar request OF former Ambassador
Gerard, which he referred 70 the for
NAL diplomatic channels.
The treaty provides that in the
event of war between Germany and
the United States citizens of each
country in the other shall cave nine
months to close up their affairs and
depart in safety It also gives guar
antees for property,
The government here already has
given notice Of its intention to re-
spect the rights of property and in
dividuals to a full extent
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11
Chamberlain Bill Recommend
ed for Passage and viii Be
Strongly Urged
SIX MONTHS TRAINING
FOR ALL YOUNG MEN
Thereafter I Trained Men Would
Constitute Reserve Army
Liable For Military Service
When Needed

Washington. Feb. 1o.-Universai
military training and compulsory
military service for citizens of the
United states would be provided by
q bin recommended TO the senate for
today by the senate military
Chairman Chamberlain.
Of the committee, said tonight that
In view of the present international
crisis he would press the measure in
the senate at the earliest possible mo-
ment
The Cham berlain bill Is not the uni
versal training measure drawn by the
general staff OF the army, and Secre-
tary OF War Baker said tonight that
he was not prepared to commit the
administration to the support of the
senate proposal. THE action of the
senate committee was however. the
central development Of the days pre-
activities
Six Months Service.
The Chamberlain bill provides that
every male citizen of the nation shall
receive six m onths' of military train
ing during the calendar year in which
he attains the age OF nineteen. Any
person not receiving training, during
his nineteenth year. however. would be
liable to service up 10 the time he il
twentysix. After being trained each
citizen would be mustered into the
reserve" army under the bill Up
To the ago OF twenty eight be would
be Compelled to report annually to
his military superiors. All private
concerns would be forbidden to EN-
ploy any male citizen between the ages
Of nineteen and twenty-six unless he
could show a certificate OF military
training.
The exemptions in the bill would ex-
cuse from service the physically I'm
At and those upon whom families are
dependent Reltg4onka oh3ectsrs to
service would be given six months'
training In the non-cor blatant army
services
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11
RIGHTS Of SUBMARINES
DISCUSSED IN HOUSE
Members Very Much at Sea as to
What Constitutes Rights OF
Neutral Ships.
NOT POSSIBLE TO FIGHT
IN IADY-LIKE MANNER
Minority Leader Mann Ine.lines to L.
gality OF Use of Unhersea Craft.
Congressman Cooper Asks Hard
Hypothetical Question.

Washington, Feb. I0.--Concrete and
exact definition OF what shall Or may
contribute the much discussed overt
act" precedent to declaration of
war on the part of the United States
is being asked in both branches of
congress lust what are the indis-
putahle rights Of the neutral ships.
particularly American ships, on IN
high seas and what constitutes legiti-
mate and what iliegitimste submarine
warfare. are the answers sought
through interrogatory resolutions in
PRODUCED in the senate and house and
frankly discussed today,
The state department.. and Incl
dentaily the presidsnts. Interpretation
OF an overt act was demanded to-
day by Senator McCumber. of North
Dakota. on the senate moor
vs s ssss. 1870 s.ss M = s s.s.,
submarines without warning said
McCumber. yet we are told now that
we will await an overt act. Certainly
II we are to await anything further
there will never be any cause for war"
McCumber Interrogntes.
The North Dakota senator quoted
press reports of the decision OF yes
terdays cabinet meeting to the effect
that only the destruction OF American
ships and American lives would De
regarded az cause for war.
American ships and American
lives" demanded Senator McCumber
with emphasis. does this mean that
we have further receded from our po-
sitione Does II mean that we no long
er question Germany's right to sink
without warning oelligerent ships with
Americans on board and that IL calls
for nothing sterner than note? Does
II mean that another Lusitania cpl
sot1e will be allowed to pass un-
noticedr II so. we ought to notify our
people to proven, their travelling on
belligerent ships. We owe 1t TO the
American people TO let them know
Just where we stand"
The legality of submarine warfare
as directed against merchant craft
is indisputabie, according to Repuh-
Iican Leader Mann. Of Illinois. In his
contention Mann was supported by
Representative Cooper. OF Wisconsin,
senior minority member OF the house
committee on foreign affairs. Both
expressed themselves today In debate
on the pending naval approximation
bill
The presentation OF the views OF
the two leaders was brought about
through the assertion made by Rep
resentative Temple. of Pennsylvania
also Republican. to the effect that
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11
SAY WAS EsoAPED MURDERER.

Negro Victim Of Submarine Wanted
In Georgia. IL Report.
Fitzgerald, Ga. Feb. 1o.--Local au-
thorities feel certain Richard wallace,
the American negro who was killed
when the British collier Eavestone was
torpedoed In the same Richmond Wal
lace who was under Indictment for the
murder OF an A. b 4 A. call-boy nine
years ago. wallace made his escape.
1t was reported at the time that he
went to Boston and shipped as . stoker
on an ocean liner. About three years
ago a negro h1ling the description
of wallace was arrested in Colum bia.
g. C, convicted and sentenced to hang.
A local Newspaper Investigated the
case. and securing a second trial, Il
was proven that the convicted man
was Emanuel Ford. and he was given
HIS liberty. All hope OF bringing the
SLAYER to justice had been given up
until Il was learned that he bad met
death by shell fire.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11
aO0.oO0 POUNDS SOLID
ON RICHMOND MARKET.

About 100000 pounds of cured
leaf were sold on Richmond ~ehouse
floors during the last weeI prices
averaging around $3.50 per hundred
The top price for the week was $50
,per hundred.
The quality of the leaf was good and
the demand active. Prices paid have
been satisfactory all season. being
about 100 per cent higher than a year
ago. The next few weeks will see the
remainder OF the 1916 crop sold. Grow
ers are already preparing for the 1917
season.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11
REDIsCoUNTs FOR WEEK
MORE THAN x..2sU.tO0.

Paper rediscounted for member banks
by the Richmond Federal Reserve bank
last week totaled in value 81, 29o, S47.4l,
according to the statement OF condition
at the close OF the weeks business is
sued yesterday by Governor George J.
Seay Total OUTSTANDING rediscounts
are SS16f. 32279
Resources OF the Richmond Federal
Reserve bank are now sac. 1857 so, \
gold reserve of Is per cent is held
against all liabilities.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11
LAW AND EQUITY COURT
FEBRUARY TERN MONDAY.

The December term of the Law and
equity court was ended yesterday. The
February term will begin tomorrow
morning at II o'clock. when the dock
at will be called and cases set II is
expected the term will continue about
three months a. the docket 10 a very
heavy one.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11

New York. Feb. 10.-A call to all
Christian people for the observance
OF Sunday. February lS. as day Of
prayer for the president and COD
gress, and all peoples engaged In war.
was sent out today by the legislative
and administrative COMMITTEES OF the
Federal Council of the Churches OF
Christ in America.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11
STATE SUNDAY SCHOOL
CONVENTION IN ROANOKE

The twsnty-sixth annual convention
of the Virginia Sunday School asso-
citation will be held in the First Bap-
tist church at Roanoke February 90.
81 and 80. An interesting program
has been arranged and a large at
tendance IL expected. W B. Colonna.
OF Newport News. will preside
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11
SERVICES At HOME rOR
IxCuRABLEs THIS AFTERNOON

The Baraca-Philathea class Of tn,
Hanover Avenue Christian church wiz
hold special services In the sun p~r-
Tor of the Virginia Home TOR Ihsur-
ables this afternoon at $40 o'clock for
the benedt OF the inmates Of the home e.
The address OF the service will be ma e
by the Raw r. L. Clarke. OF the Third
Christian church. The public is invited
10 attend
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11
Truck Driver Esan~rated.

Chattanooga Tenn, Feb. lo.--A jury
in the criminal court here this after
noon exonerated Henry Carneilson OF
any connection with the robbery OF a
Southern Express trust here last No
vember. Carneiison. who was the driv-
er OF the truck carrying the money,
claimed he was held up by two masked
men
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11
Form Big Packing Company.

Macon. Ca. Feb. t0.--An application
for q. charter for the Macon Packing
company. with capital stock of $780,
600 was filed here this afternoon. The
incorporators Include a large number
of influential Macon business men. II
Is stated 100000 has already been
subscribed. Plans for the plan In
clude the old Acme Brewing company's
plant on Bay street.
The concern will do general meat
packing business.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11

The South Richmond Women's Chris
tian Temperance union will hold an
important meeting next Thursday af-
ternoon At o'clock in Central Meth
odist church. Matters OF Importance
viii be taken up At this meeting and
full attendance 10 desired.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11
STATE WAREHOUSE ROBBED.
Negro Porter Charged with Stealing
Confraband whiskey

Columbus, Ga. Feb. 1o.-The fifth
burglary in the state warehouse at
Girard where liquors seized during
the famous raids last May were stored
was announced this afternoon. Two
cases of whiskey were taken from the
warehouse, although all except twelve
half pints were recovered. A negro
porter named George Raiford was ar
rested 4s--@&~-y "a +s@
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11
MANY MAKE THEIR TRIPS.

More Than Eleven Hundred Ships
Pass Danger Zone.
New York. Feb f0.-More
than 100 vessels arrived at or
sailed unarmcd from United
kingdom ports during the first
nine days of Germany's unrc-
stricted submarine warfare in
British waters, according to an
announcement made here today
by persons in authoritative touch
with British admiralty officials.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11
TO CLOSE PEACE BUREAU.
Henry Ford Will shut Up shop to
Prepare For War.

London, Eng. Feb. l0,-A Reuter-
dispatch from The Hague says that
the Ford peace bureau, established by
Henry Ford the American manufac-
turer. will be closed on March on
account Of the breach of diplomatic
relations between the United States
and Germany.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11
WILL GO TO SOUTH AMERICA.
Number of Ge<ian Consuls Won't
Accompany Bernstorff.

Washington. D. G.. Feb. 10.--Not
all the German consuls, who were re-
haved from further duty here with
the breaking on of diplomatic rela-
hons between the United states and
Germany. will accompany Count Won
Bernstorff out Of the country. 1t was
learned today that a number have been
Instructed by the German government
to depart from their former posts for
points in South and Central America
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11

weekly weather Forecast.
For the week beginning Sundn~.
February II. 1917.
Middle Atlantic Sfnte---virginia.
fsouth of ssh pnrsilel.D Cold
weather will prevail ut the begin
ming Of the week. Tuesday and
wednesday will he warmer. and the
Temperature thereafter will he
moder rate to the end Of the week.
The weather will he generally fair,
except that rain or Snow r. prob
able Tuesday and "wednesday.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11
BIG HoSTELRY ON FIRE.
Hotel Lcnnox, in Boston's Back Bay
District, Damaged.

District, Damaged.
Boston. Feb. 10.-The Hotel Len
nox In the Back Bay district. was
severely damaged by Are early to-
day. All of the $50 guests and the
employees escaped, but several sus-
tanned minor injuries The elevator
wells were filled with smoke soon
AFTER the guests were aroused, and
most of them came down the stair
ways of the ten-story structure.
The loss 10 estimated at $4,000.
Joseph Collins, of Revers, whose
room on the tenth story was cut of
from the stairway. improvised 4 lad
der from blankets and sheets and
lowered himself from his window to
the seventh floor. whence he made his
way to the street.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11
RECOMMENDS WEBB BILL
Would Promote Foreign Trading by
Enabling Exporters to Combine.

Wa8hIngton, Feb. IU.--The senate
Interstate commerce committee yes
terday afternoon recommended pas
sage OF the Webb bill. urged by Presi-
dent Wilson to promote foreign trade
by enabling exporters to enter into
combinations for selling abroad.
The bill, as reported by the commit
tee, contains an amendment proposed
BY Senator Pomerene, of Ohio de-
signed to prevent such combinations
affect domestic markets.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11
RAIDER PAYS VISIT.
Small Craft Calls at Dominican
POftN

POrtA
Cape Haitien. Feb. .. (Bv Mai1)--A
German raider was In the waters Of
this island between January 2s and
January 20. She 10 described as a
small steamship with crew OF
twelve. On January Is she put In at
Huerto Plata, Dominican Republic,
to take on coal.
On the following day, she went into
Monte Christi. Dominican Republic.
TO communicate with the German
consul remaining in port for two
hours. She was observed again on
January 20. since wh.ch time nothing
has been seen Of her.
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11
BERLIN OPTIMISTIC
OVER D. 5. RELATIONS
Expects to Ser Arrangements Made
Yet Between Countries Which
VIII Avert Clash.
NO AMERICANS ARE
LEFT STRANDED IN GERMANY
Former Ambassador Gerard Expected
to File Important Message Looking
to Preserving Peace On Arrival In
Switzerland.

Berlin Feb In-InIess unforeseen
events overthrow present plans in the
eleventh hour, Mr.. and Mrs. James w.
Gerard and ae2 Americans will pull out
OF Berlin in a special train within less
than four hours and at dawn on sun
day will be on neutral Swiss soil, we'll
on the way 10 Zurich. whence they
VIII proceed to Spain for the next boat
hofneward bound.
ON the eve of his departure the for
mer American ambassador made "a
brief statement announcing that he
would give no interview of any kind
to ANY person until he had report ed
In person TO President Wilson
his statement was made to warn
the world that anything he will be
the time he meets the president in
Washington will be invented
VIII send Important Message.
Late tonight intimation came TO the
OF the International
News Service from responsible and
weu-lnf formed quarter that when the
reached Switzerland he
will use the first opportunity since
the diplomatic break to send conf
dental message to Washington. The
informant strongly
limited that in that message might be
included tangible suggestions to the
American government to the end of
averting war between the two coun-
tries
The belief that II Is yet possible for
Germany and the United states to es
tahlish a common meeting ground 10
bring about measures that viii fully
safeguard Americans ships and lives
without imparing the efficacy of the
U-boat weapon is held in wide circles
here even tonight when the last SEM
blance of official connection between
the two governments is about to van
ish In the person OF Mr.. Gerard.
Money for Americans
Reports that pacific negotiations are
contemplated will not down. joy
full surprise came yesterday to scores
of Americans who as a result of the
diplomatic break found themselves fac
TO face with the prospect of being
stranded in country that may sooner
or later be at war with theirs. Mr.. and
Mrs. Gerard and Mr.. and Mrs. JACQUES
Mayer of New York. made II known
that lack of funds will not stand in
the way of these Americans returning
to the United States. They offered TO
The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-11
VILLA HAS BIG ARMY.
Advancing NorthwArd and WIN Sooz
Take Juarex.

1AHNAThHftK NOFINWWIu HsIu VIII SDUH
Take Juarex.
New York Feb. l0.--Francasco
Villa. with $4,000 men supported by
thirty cannon and sixty-fve and
seventy-five millimetres each and
seventy-five machine guns 10 occupy
ing territory vacated by General
Pershing and gradually advancing
northvard to take Juarcx, according
to an official communication received
here by J. J. Halves. Villas repre-
sentative in New York from Hipolfto
Villa. brother Of the leader. who II
making hts headquarters In San
Antonio.