davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09
AMBASSADOR GERARD
 STILL IS IN BERLIN
Date of Departure of American DipIo-
 mats Has Not Been Fixed.

Berlin. Wednesday. Feb. T., by Wire less to Sayville, Feb. S.-The date of the departure of Ambassador Gerard has not been fixed. The German au- thorities are making every endeavoT to assure him and members of the American embassy all possible facil- ities for forwarding private tele- grams. No serious concern is felt here as to the safe departure of German officials in the United States.
 This information is contained in an announcement made public today by the Overseas News Agency, which follows:
 "The date of the departure of the American aInba ssador has not yet been fixed. The number of persons for whom passports must be secured is rather large and therefore this work will require some time. Every en- deavor is being made to assure the ambassador and the personnel of the embassy all possible facilities for private telegrams.
 While the American residents ac- cept Loyalty the decision of their gov ernment, many of them regret the breaking off of rlations with Germany without provocation. A number of Americans, among whom are several newspaper correspondents, have decid- ed to stay in Germany until further developments"
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09
sLEAk" INQUIRY IS
 NEARING IT'S CLOSE
Promised Sensation Failed te Develop . Yesterday.

Washington, Feb. S.-Another prom Ised sensation in the leak inquiry Hattened out today with the long awaited testimony of Mrs Ruth Ehomason Visconti the mysterious informant on whose statement Thomas ". Lawson based some of his dra- natfc charges. |.
 Declining to say publicly who told her that Secretary Tumulty and W. W. Price a White House correspondent, prof1ted by advance information on the peace note, Mrs. Visconti revealed to the investigating committee in con ddence that all her information came from remarks of Prices young daugh- ter.
 Immediately afterward Price took the stand. reiterated his denial of profting by information obtained in confidence and said he had reason to believe the rumor repeated by Mrs. vations by members of his family that he could have so profited-
 A crowd that damned the committee room to hear the sensational resume of capital gossip which it had report ed Mrs. Visconti might attempt to put Into the record did not conceal it's dis appointment at the brevity of her tes- hmony. The few questions asked here were confined sharply to the runors of the leak and after she left the stand it was announced that she would not be recalled.
 Tonight congressional interest in the inquiry had lapSed almost to the point of apathy and there was a den- h1te feeling that another week prob ably would see it's conclusion.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09

some time ago will soon be resumed in this theatre.
 On the eastern front comparative calm prevails from the Baltic to the line in Rumania. In the Carpathfans near kirlibaba, however, Petrograd reports the capture of first line leu tonic allied trenches which were held by the Russians despite counter-at- tacks.
 Rome reports the failure of an Aus trIan attack against the Italians in the Sugana valley and the smashing of Austrian batteries on several sectors; by the Italian big guns.
 Submarines Active.
 Enemy and neutral ships aggregat- ing 21,5o5 tons have been sunk by German submarines during xhe past A hours. Ten vessels in all were sent to the bottom during this period six of them British steamers of an aggregate tonnage of 16,736. The neu- trals sunk were Norwegian shin and a Swedish steamer A French trawler and Russian ship were the other vic- tims of U-boats.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09
To AIlay Anxiety |of German Subjects
PRESIDENT WILSON TO SEE THEIR RIGHTS ARE PROTECTED
IN THE EVENT OF WAR
Assurance is Given That Neither Their Bank Deposits Nor German War Bound Vessels in American Ports Are to be Seized.

Washington, Feb. S.-A formal state ment giving assurances that the gov ernInent has no intention of sei:zing bank deposits or other property be- longing to any foreign subject-even in the event of war-was issued by the state deartment today with the ap- proval of President Wilson.
 To Relieve Anxiety of Germans.
 The statement was prompted by the anxiety of German subjects in some sections regarding savings deposits and by the many reports in circulation re- garding the intention of the govern ment concerning war bound vessels in American ports. It makes no specific reference to the Prussian-American treaty of 1928, which provides for the immunity of such property but which has been regarded as of doubtful val idity, saying merely that the govern ment will in no circumstances take advantage of state of war to take possession of property to which in ternational understanding and the
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09

involving Americans wa being gather
 ed as rapidly as possible. but that up to that time there had been no change in the situation. The president him. self said that his visits were not due
 to any new development of import ance.
 Additional cause for uneasiness was given the government in thR receipt of information regarded as confirming reports that Ambassador Gerard and American consulS- in Germany virtual ly are being detained in Germany be- cause of uncertainty in Berlin over the and as a result of reports that Ger
 man ships in American harbors had been seized It is not understood that there has been any formal action in this connection, the German govern
 ment merely delaying arrangements for the departure of the Americans. Word was received from Great Britain and France during the day ma ts in this country would be arrang- ed. This, as well as the fact that German ships here have not been seiz- ed, was communicated to the Berlin government and no further difficulty is anticipated.
 From several neutral nations came
 information that while they would not
 break diplomatic relations with Ger
 many they had sent or would send
 protests which would align them against the new campaign Of ruthless ness Again there were some sugges- tions of a combination of neutral ma tions either to prevent trouble between the United States and Germany or to make clean neutral rights, but no def mite plans were made public.
 In taking stock of a whole new world
 situation precipitated by the German
 pronouncement on February 1, officials
 Washington looks on the German ac-
 tion as having forced the severance of
 relations and brought this country to
 the verge of war; as having left 1000,
 900 prisoners for whom this country
 was caring for in a serious condition
 and as having brought down on Ger
 many the moral indignation of virtual
 ly all the rest of the world
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09

This action by the captain. the of- ficials added was clearly within hia rights, as full responsibility for the safety of his ship and passengers de- wolves on him while at sea and he would be expected to take any neces- sary precaution.
 The Ryndam is under command CT Lieutenant Commander w. KrOl of the Holland naval reserves. The ship is expected to reach New York Satur- day or Sunday unless she is compelled to put into Halifax or Bermuda for coal.
 P. A. s. Franklin, president of the International Mercantile Marine com pany, announced late today that no de- cision had been reached regarding the sailing of the American Line steam ships St. Louis and St. Paul. Mr. Franklin declared there was nothing to add to his statement of yesterday that the sailings of the ships had been indefinitely postponed.
 Reports that preparations were un- der way to arm the two vessels were denied at the office of the line. as were rumors that the government would be asked to relieve the line of its mail contract. A number of applications from discharged naval and army gun- ners. for positions on the vessels were received today. None of the appI- cations was accepted, 1t was said.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09

Washington, Feb. S-The American sovernment is still without official ev- 3dence of an overt act by Gerntany con- sfdered necessary to justify President wIlson in going before congress for authority to use necessary means to protect American seaInen and people.
 There is no longer any doubt that the ruthless submarine campaign is in fun swing in defiance Of the warn ing of the United States. Everywhere it is believed that if no American ship has been destroyed 1t is because Amer ican ships are lying idle in their har- bors instead of plying their usual trade: if no American life has been lost 1t Is due entirely to chance.
 It also Is generally conceded that on khe basis of preliminary reports. the forpedoing without warning of the passenger liner California; with an American on Soard, makes out clear case of technical violation of the rights of the United States.
 President Wilson, however. Is repre- scented as determined not to plunge the country into war on a technicahty. When he moves it will be on complete evidence Of an outrage about which there can be no question Then he ex- nects tD have the American people and congress behind him
 Uncnlcia1 despatches today told of the killing of an American negro sail- pr. named George Washington in the Few details were given and the state department tonight had heard nothing officially. The incident will be con Eidered as soon as reports are receiv- ed.
 To get in personal touch with all Eteps taken to prepare the country for whatever may come. the president left the White House this afternoon and made another quick look round of the Etate, war and navy departments. vis- fling Secretaries Lansing, Baker and Daniels It was stated that he win continue this practice almost every day 10 save time.
 When he returned to the White House 1t was stated officially that in- formation on all the torpedoed vessels
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09

recognized law of the land give it no just claim"
 Conduct of U. s. to be Above Criticism
 The decision is understood to be in furtherance of President Wilson's de- in the conduct of the United States to warrant criticism. rather than indi- cative of any specific inclination to acknowledging the validity of disput- ed provisions of the old treaty. Off, cIalS did not comment a press deS- patch from Berlin, saying Ambassador Gerard had been asked to secure re- ratification of the treaty, but preVi- ously they had indicated that such a suggestion would find no response here under present conditions
 The departments statement follows:
 No Bank Deposits Will Be Seized.
 Tt having been reported to him that there is anxiety in some quarters on the part of persons residing in this country who are the subjects of for eign states lest their bank deposits or property should be seized in the event of war between the United States and a foreign nation. the president au- fears are entirely unfounded.
 Will Respect All Rights.
 "The government of the United States will in no circumstances take ad- vantage of a state of war to take pos- tional understanding and the recog- nized law of the land give it no just claim or title. It will scrupulouSly respect all private rights alike o fits own citizens and the subjects of for eigH states
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09
YOUNG MAN HELD BY
 IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS S
Had in His Pocket Notebook Con- tainins Names of American vesseIs.

Newport News, VT, Feb. s.-A young man giving his name as Wofgand Ser ger and according to the authorities admitted German nationality, was ar rested here today and is being held by immigration officials for examina- tion. Officers said he had in his pos session a notebook containing the names of many American vessels, in cluding warships.
 Berger, it was said, told the officers that he deserted from the German steamer Kaiser Wilhelm der Crosse in New York three years ago and that he had not worked since, but visited many Atlantic coast ports, sustaining him self by begging.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09
SHIP CAPTAINS ASKED
 TO BE MORE oRsERvANT
Those Who Sight Real or Imaginary
 Submarines.

Boston, Feb. s.-Ship captains who sight real or imiganary submarines were requested by the Boston navy yard today to obtain specific and ac- curate information regarding such craft, if reports to naval authorities are to be given credence. This state ment was issued in connection with the report to the yard last night what appeared to be a submersibIe of for eign nationality has been seen off Mar blehead.
 Captains of coastwise vessels sight ing a craft of unusual haracteristics' J the statement said, should take par ticu1ar pains to investigate closely in order that any reports made may be of a positive nature based on near-to and specific investigation. Such re- port will merit serious attention and be of real value.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09
voN BERNsToRFF PARTY
 TO SAIL FEBRUARY 13
German Government Requested to As sure Safe Passage Through War Zone.

New York, Feb. s.-The German government has been asked by the Scandinavian American Line to assure safe passage through the recently de- fined war zone for the steamer Fred ericl1 VIII. on which Count von Bern storn. the former German ambassador, and his party will sail for home on February 13. This assurance. officials of the line here said today. is request ed iI addition to the safe conduct through the blockade zone asked for by the American state department and promised by Great Britain and France.
 We have cabled our home office in Copenhagen for instructions,' one of the officials said. Until we do get orders to sail. the Frederick VIII and the Hellig Olav. now in port here. will remain at their docks. We have been asked through the state department for about 200 reservations for the return ing amba ssador and his party, and that number has been provided We will. however, take other passengers in addition"
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09
sWITcHMEN OF CHICAGO
 ARE NOT TO STRIKE
Mutual Agreement Reached 1efweer
 Managers and Yardmen.

Chicago, Feb. s.-PossibfIity of g strike. involving about two thirds of the switchmen employed fin Chicago was ayerted at midnight tonight when a joint committee of railroad manag- CTS and representatives of the yardmen announced that mutual agreement had been reached.
 The demands of the men were based on five specific grievances. ,concernine dfsciplfne and operation. While de- tails of the agreement arc not made publis, it was stated that the demands of the men had been satifsfied.
 A strike vote taken by about 5000 switchmen, affiliated with the Broth erhood of Railway Trainmen, was null lifted by the action of the conference according to the brotherhood onicials
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09
TELEGRAPH WIRE CUT
 ALONG MEXICAN RAILWAY
Railroad Bridges Have Been Burned
 South of lJuarez.

Fl Paso, Texas, Feb. s.-TeIegraph wires have been cut and railroad bridges burned along the line of the Mexico Northwestern railroad, south of Juarez, it was learned tonight. The damage is said to have been done by Villa followers. Refugees from the Mormon colonies in the country recent iy vacated by General Pershin's force express uneasiness concerning those remaining behind. Government authori- ties do not credit the report that Villa is coming toward Juarez and say they have reasor to believe he is trying to work his way south of Chihuahua City into Durango
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09
sHIPYARDs ARE TO BE
 sPEEDED UP TO THE LIMIT
Double Crews Are Working on Battle
 ships at Newport NeNa.

Washington, Feb. s.-Constructlon of navy craft by the Newport News ship building and Drydock company. the Fore River Shipbuilding company and the Electric Boat company win be speeded up to the limit of the plants. Work on two battIeships at the plant of the Newport News company at Sec retary Daniels suggestion already is proceeding under double crews and the offers of the other two companies Go take similar steps met today with the secretary's hearty approval.
 At the Newport News plants it ig ea- timated that the batt1esnip Miasieaiu- pi, recently launched, can be cOmplet- ed by midsummer instead of January 1, 1918, as called for in the contract The keel of one of the four new bat tleships recently contracted for will be laid on the slip vacated by the Miasis- sippi instead of a merchant vessels, aa had been intended.
 Representatives of the Fore River and Electric Boat company called on MT. Daniels today, offering to rush the work on destroyers and submarines for which they have contracts, aectlnE aside other private work to that end. They were told to go ahead at luil speed. The plan is to get the vessels launched as soon as possible, freeing stocks for the new set of destroyer and submarines to be authorized in the pending navy bills. Details as Co Che time that can be saved have not been worked out.
 WarIiIze preparations now virtually are completed at the navy department pending the enactment by congress Of the proposed Legislation under which the president may commendeer prl vate plants and, after that the prcal- dents decision to exercise this au- thoTfty.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09
SHORE LEAVE FOR
 GERMAN CREWS IN NEW WORK
To Be Granted Hereafter Under Ger
 tain Restrictions.

New York, Feb. 8. - officers and members of the crews of the German steamships tied up here since the ont break of the European war hereafter will be given shore leave under cer- tain restrictions, it was announced by the customs auothoritles tonight. The men, who have been fined to their ship by orders from Washington since the severance of diplomatic relations with Germany will be allowed to leave their vessel on passes singned by their com manders with the understanding that they return before midnight Of the same day, it was said. It was assert ed the new ruling was in accordance with instructions from Washington.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09
pistress sianaIs fren eritlsh sl.ams-

Boston, Feb. S-A cableEr1m. an- nouncing the arrival at st. Nnzaire France, of the British steamer Ar- rino. reported in distress January 81 was received here tonight by tha France and Canadian Steamship com pany. which opefatea fhe vessel. Lht Arrino carried munili0na Tor tnr French government
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09
BATTLE FORTY MILES
 BELOW CHIHUAHUA
Between General Marpuia's and Villas
 Main Column.

Fl Paso. Texas. Feb. s.-A battle between General Francisco Marguia's s forces and Villas main column began at Santa Rosalia, forty miles below Chihuahua City, late today, according to word received in Juarez tonight. No details were given.
 Another report received here said a bandit band last night burned the railroad station at Monetebuma, about half way between Juarez and Chihua- hua City.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09
PRINcEroN STUDENTS FORM
 PROVISIONAL BATTALION.
Ars to Become Familiar With Manual
 of Arsns.

Princeton, N. J., Feb. s.-SeaxIy one Thousand students of Princeton uni- versity have joined the provisional battalion which was established here sevsral days ago for the purpose of Rffording the undergraduates an op- p0rtunity to become familiar with the manual of arms. Drills in open and Hose formations will begin early next Eeel< under Captain Heinfzeaman of the United States army.
 Plans are afgo under way for the kstablishment af an aviation school at Princeton, ft wRg announced.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09
canaun Takinn on sunnIlen.

Bremerton Wn.. Feb. 8.-The crul- sers South Dakota and Frederick at the Puget Sound navy yard. have been ordered to take aboard supplies for their full complement of 900 men Cor nine months. The cruisers have been in reserve, with less than half thclr fun number of officers and men,
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09
8. q M. EARNED SURPLUS
 OF s4,zs7.s74 FOR THE YEAR
Equivalents 10 1f.64 Per Cent. of the
 Road's Common Stock.

Boston, Feb. s.-The Boston and Main railroad, which is now in tenn porary receivership, earned a surplus of S4,7S7. STA for the year ending De- cemher 31 after all charges, including leased line rentals. had been paid, ac- cording to a report made public today. It is equivalent to 11.64 per cent. on the roads common stock, after preferred dividend requirements.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09
HEN THAT LAID 33f
 EGGS IN ONE YEAR
Worlds Record Made by a Single
 Comb Ancona.

Toledo, Ohio, Feb. s-A worlds rec ord in egg laying is claimed for Queen Bess,'' single-comb Ancona hen, the property of A F.. Ridenour of this city. According to announce ment made by the owned today Queen Bee' laid 331 eggs from February l 1916 to February 1. 1917.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09
USE OF CONVICT LABOR tN
 MANUFACTURE OF MUNITIONS
Suggested by Pennsylvania Prison La-
 bor Commission.

Pittsburgh, Pa, Feb. 8.-The atten- ton of Governor Martin c. Brumbauah was called to the possible use of com vice labor in the manufacture Of mu- nitions, should an emergency arise. iu a communication forwarded to Che governor today by the state prison labor commission. The commlEsiuu pointed out that there are 5000 men in Pennsylvania penal institutions who could be used in the manufacture of munitions and war suppliea.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09
LAWLESS SUBMARINE
 CAMPAIGN IN SWAY
]ut There Has Been No Overt Act to Justify President
 Wilson Going Before Congress-
SAFE CONDUCT IS ASSURED WON BERNsToRFF

It is Generally Conceded the Torpedons of the Steamer California Without Warning is Proof That Germany is to Continue Conduct Lavess Campaign, in Defiance of Warning Issued by the United States is Believed That the Only Reason American Ship Has Not Been Sunk is Because There is None in the War Zone
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09
|HOLLAND-AMERICAN LINER WARNED
Steamer Ryndam Was About to Enter War Zone
 When Warned by German Submarine
SHIP NOW SAID TO BE RETURNING TO NEW YORK

At the Offices of the Line in New York Nothing Known of the Cause of the Return Wireless Message Was Re- ceived Telling That the Vessel Was Returning New York-No Decision Has Been Reached Regarding the Sailing of the American Line Steamships St Louis and St. Paul.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09
Suqar Workers to Strike.

Philadelphia, Feb. S.-SeveraI hun dred workers employed at the three sugar refineries in this city are on strike for an increase fin wages. They demand an increase from 25 cents an hour to 35. Representatives of the companies said today they could not grant the increase without raising the price of refined sugar
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09
SWEDEN HAS REJECTED
 WILSON'S SUGGESTION
To Co Fellow Strict Neutrality as Long
 as ia Possible.

Stockholm, via London. Feb. s-The Swedish government rejects President kraI countries join with the United eta4es in severing diplomatic rela- hons with Germany and declares it's intention to follow the strictest neu- raIity so long as it is possible. 6weden's reply was delivered to the American minister today.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09
Full Shore Privileges For German f Crews.

Boston, Feb. S.-The crews of six German steamers tied up here who had previously been ordered confined to their ships today were allowed full shore privileges and immigration in- spectors were withdrawn from special duty.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09
Ten Vessels Sunk
 in Past 24 Hours
BY GERMAN SUBMARINES IN
 THE WAR ZONE
ENEMY AND NEUTRAL
The British in the somne Region of France Are Keeping Up Their Of fensive in Effort to Push Forward Toward eapaume.

The British in the Somme region of France are keeping up their new of fensive against the Germans in their efforts to push forward toward Ba- paume Southeast of Bapaume, along the Bapaume road, they have taken the highest point of Sally Saillisel Hill and captured a number of Germans and one machine gun- Along both sides of the Ancre, west of Bapaume. further progress has been made. including the capture of a trench near Grand Court, where a goodly gain was made Wednesday.
 On the other parts of the front in France and Belgium the fighting con tinues to be carried out by means of artillery and small attacks by raiding parties
Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-09
Cabled Paragraphs

Death of Rear Admiral OsI<ar Hansa.
 London. Feb. 8. 5.45 D. m.-A Vienna despatch, says Reuters Amsterdam correspondent, announces the death of Rear Admiral Oskar Hansa, comman- der-in -chfef of the Austro- Hungarian navy. Death was due to pneumonia.