davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-07

Minister Ritter of Switzerland TO-
day was instructed by his govern
ment to take over German diplomatic
interests in. the Shifted States, in
cluding the German embassy here
and - consulates throughout the
country. The minister informed
the state department OF his govern
ments action in a note. -
Swiss legation official will move
into the German embassy building
when Count Won Bernstorff and his
staff depart.
Instructions have been sent to
Swiss consults to take over the Ger
man consulates in the following cit
ies:s Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati,
New Orleans, New York, Philadel-
phia, San Francisco. Seattle, St
Louis, st. Paul and Manila.
Special arrangements are being
made by the Swiss minister for the
from Manila of the Ger
man consul there. Because of con-
ditfons at sea it is understood that
the consul may be unable to return
to Germany. Just where he will go
is uncertain. It is unlikely that he
will be permitted to remain in the
Philippines.
The government is still waiting for
some act Of Germany which might
make relations suddenly more serious,
but it was said last night after the
cabinet meeting that nothing had oc-
Cured to change that attitude. The
next step of the United States, If one
should be necessary, will be taken
without addressing any communica-
ton to Germany, it was declared au-
thoritatively.
Congress and all executive depart
ments Of the government were pro-
crossing today in their preparations
for any eventuality. 1t is this ac-
tivity which has surprised Entente
diplomats and caused them today to
their hopes that the United
States will not actually go to war.
They fear declaration Of war would
harm the Entente cause by stopping
the export of munitions.
The state department today hoped
to receive early replies from some
neutrals to, President Wilson's pro-
posal that they join the United States
in severing relations with Germany,
but it was indicated that no such
word had been received so far.
A bfeak with Austria seemed to
dependSmainly on the reply OF Am
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-07
Jewel THIEVES
AT STRATFORD
GET $500 LOOT

The home of William Baliue,
Orchard street and Ferry Boulevard,
Stratferd, was entered by thieves who
broke the latch of one OF the front
windows. during the absence of the
family last night and jewery totaling
in value about $500 was stolen. After
ransacking the rooms the robbers left
by the back door leaving silverware.
clothing and valuable personal prop-
erty behind them.
The jewelry includes two solid gold
rings, solid gold bracelet with six chip
diamonds, solid gold locket set with
diamonds and chain, necklace of 110
solid gold beads and three diamond
Stickpins
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-07
SECRET SERVICE
MEN TO EXAMINE
SPYING SUSPECT
Bridgeport B Police Turn Hen
ry Castro Over to Federal
Investigation.
FEDERAL POLICE TO
PROBE HIS STORIES
Prisoner Maintains He Is
Professional p Panhandler,
When Quizzed.


Pending an investigation Of his case
by the federal authorities, Henry
Wentland, alias Henry Castro, was
held in bonds Of $500 for a hearing
next Saturday by Judge Frederic
Bartlett in the city court this morn
ing. Secret service men in this city
have already talked with Wentland at
the request of Capt. E. o. Cronan Of,
the, detective bureau.
The secret service men have already
started to prove the truth or falsity
Of Wentland's statement that he is
not spy but merely a professional
panhandler, whose knowledge of min
ing makes it easy for him to borrow
money from civil engineers.
Wentland said he worked in the
gold and silver mines in the Sonora
and Chihuahua districts Of Mexico.
He has names of numerous graz yates
of colleges where civil engineering is
taught. He told the police he would
go and see one Of these men in a city
and after talking with him get the
names Of graduates in other cities and
then obtain a loan
While hi the South he obtained the
names OF men in New Haven from
whom he says he has borrowed money
and the secret service men are going
to find out if his statement is true.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-07
Scandinavian Liner
For Won Bernstorff
Suite is Requested

New York, Feb Ia formal request
from the state department that the
Scandinavian-Americ line steamer
Frederick VIII be used to transport
Ambassador Won Bernstorff and his
suite to Europe has been forwarded
by cable to the lines head offices in
Copenhagen, it was announced here
today.
Halvor Jacogsen of the company
said that no reply had been received.
The Frederick VIII and, the Hellig
Olav of the same line are at Hoboken
and the sailings of both have been
suspended pending instructions from
Copenhagen.
Mr.. Jacobsen said he understood that
If either ship was allowed to sail it
would be required to stop at Halifax,
N. S., to be searched by the British
officials. In this way, it was pointed
out, the vessels could avoid touching
at Kirkwall, Scotland, where they
customarily put in, and thus could
make a detour of the German zone OF
submarine operations.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-07
Burroughs Homestead
Sold to Simon Lake

The sale Of the Burroughs home
stead, 1888 Fairfield avenue, to Simon
Lake, the famous submarine inventor,
marks another of those changes in the
social life of Bridgeport, of which
Fairfield avenue has seen so many.
The Burroughs homestead was
erected half century ago, by George
Burroughs, who was in his lifetime
cashier of the former Bridgeport Ma
tiOnal bank.
Mr.. and Mrs. James Richard Bur-
roughs, who have lived there for
many years, have been leaders in the
social life of Bridgeport and the home
has sheltered many notable recep-
tions.
Mr. Burroughs has lived longer on
Fairfield avenue than any person now
in residence on this thoroughfare.
Mr.. Lake has not yet developed his
plans for the property, but may use
it as city residence.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-07

Senator Works, Republican,
Of California, Declares
That Nation Has Not
Been Neutral In It's For
eign Relations.
Advises That Ships Be Kept
Out of Submarine Zones
Until Danger is Passed
Stone Resolution is Under
Debate.

Washington, Feb. 7-Senator
Stones resolution to have the
senate endorse the break with
Germany was taken up for ac-
tion Immediately after Senator
Works, Republican, in pre-
pared speech had assailed the
Presidents course. {
Asserting that the United States has
not been neutral as a nation and that,
if it had, the country nevers would
have* been brought to n breaeN Sgss
Germany, Senator Works protested
against the action Of the President in
severing diplomatic relations.
Senator Works said he did not ques-
ton the good faith of the President
and gave him credit for conscientious
motives and patriotic purposes" but
protested against this or any other
movement that tends toward war with
Germany for no greater cause than
has yet been given u.s."
T insist said the senator after re-
viewing the German negotiations and
the Presidents determination to up
hold American rights of the seas, that
never private citizen nor the Presi-
dent or congress can be justified in
driving this nation into war or endan>
gering its peace by any such false
sense Of courage or national prestige
or dignity"
Reviewing the Lusitania case at
length and branding 1t as "cruel and
unjust wrong to our people and to the
nation the senator said: sIt was well
to consider how far we ourselves. by
our course of action, contributed to
this loss of American lives"
..Our government knew what was
but. we allowed the ship
to sail, carrying American citizens
into the very jaws of death. Germany
was fighting for her life. So were
and France and the other
nations engaged in the war. What
could have been expected OF Germany
under such conditions. What moral
right had we to tempt her to this
fearful act by this threat against the
ives Of her people?
"This government cannot shield it
IS bound to accept for this dreadful
tragedy. We have continued from
hat time on to aid the enemies OF
Germany in the same way. WeNhave
not been neutral as ia nation; many of
our people have not attempted to con-
zeal the fact of their unneutrality. If
We had been wholly neutral, as we
orofessed to be, we would never have
been brought to our present relations
with Germany.
That Germany has violated the
lights OF our people on the seas, under
International law, no one can deny.
But so has Great Britain and so would
my other belligerent nation fighting
'or existence, If necessary for her sue
'ess. So would we, I apprehend, un-
Ter the circumstances
The German government has de-
,lared a danger zone about it's enemies
Ind given notice that any vessels
'ound in that zone, with certain ex-
,eptions, will be sunk. What should
De our choice under such conditions?
say keep our ships and our people
out Of this danger zone until the war
$ over and the embargo removed
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-07
FACTORIES
OFFERED NATION
FOR USE IN WAR
Six Plants Here Announced
By Secretary Daniels AS
Ready for Action.
HEAD OF SCREW co.
PROFFERS SERVICES
Lake, Remington, Cable and
Other Firms Prepare to
Aid u. S.

William III. Farrell, president of the
Bridgeport Screw Co., has offered his
own services and the use Of his factory
if necessary in manufacturing muni-
tons for the government, in case OF
war. The offer was made Monday
through Congressman e. ]. Hill. Just
before taking train for Florida from
Washington, D. C., yesterday. the lat
ter filed Mr.. Farrells letter with Sec
retary Of War Baker.
The company, of which Mr. Farrell
is president, has factory at Williston
street and Union avenue. It has war
munitions contracts at present with
foreign governments, manufacturing
screws, steel forgings and steel shells.
Mr.. Farrell, who is a practical man IN
this production, suggests that in case
of war his services might be of value
In assisting in the manufacture Of such
munitions. He is a brother of Presi-
dent James III. Farrell of the United
States Steel Co.,
Mr.. Farrell is in New York and is
not expected in the city until Sunday.
His SOM Ii in charge of the factory here
during his absence.
Advices from Washington confirm
the report current today in Bridge
port that other Industries here and
throughout Connecticut generally are
rallying to the aid Of the government
in any emergency. In the list of
firms given out by Secretary of the
Navy Josephus Daniels, these Bridge
port firms appear:
Electric Gable Co., <L<ke Torpedo
Boat Co, Connecticut Canvas Man
ufacturing CO., Remington Arms
Union Metallic Cartridge Co. and
American, & British Manufacturing
Co.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-07
NATURALIZATION OFFICIALS
QUIZ GERMANS TO LEARN IF :
THEY'D FIGHT FOR AMERICA

All those Of German or Hungarian
birth who applied for citizenship pa
pers this morning were closely ques-
toned regarding their willingness to
fight for this country against Ger
many in case OF war. George p.
Eonn, a mechanical draughtsman re-
siding at 1890 Main street, said he
would take up arms for this country
against the land OF his birth but Jo-
hann Rau Of this city was so indif-
ferent in his attitude that his case
was continued by Judge Bennett in
tne superior court. Several Hufgar-
ians had their cases continued be-
cause they did not display sufficient
knowledge Of this governments work
ings. s
Attorney Church OF the government
staff asked Sonn: IN case Of war with
pathies He?"
with the United States" was the
reply. /,
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-07

Washington, FEB. THE American
7inerl st. Louis Will not be given a con-
woy IL she decides to sail for England
through the German submarine zone.
it was announced at the state depart
nlent today.
The government IS acting on the
pclicy that Americans have an inalien-
able right to traverse the high seas,
that the German stibii1arine blockade
is entire4y illegal and that any sinking
Of American ships in contrav vention OF
law would immediately lead to hostil-
ities.
A statement az the position on the
sailing Of American vessels is being
drawn up at the state department. but
will not be made public here although
it may be made public by ship own
ers receiving it. 1t 10 understood to
be President Wilson's desire not to
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-07
GRAND LIST MAY !.
BE 1863 MILLION
INSTEAD OF $50
Tax Assessors Predict That
Valuations Won't Show
$40, 600, 600 Increase.

That the grand list for Bridgeport
will be nearer s16S, 900, 900 than the
$3.50. 100000 list desired by the ad-
ministration, was the prediction Of
several Of the tax assessors today. In
stead Of the $40,000,0o0. increase in
valuations expected and asked for
in order that a tax rate of about 10
mills might he fixed, the figures as
being compiled now show that an in
crease Of about $2S.00O,0O0 has been
made and the tax rate may be 20 or
% mills.
Col. julius w. Knowlton,- in the tax
made a guess several weeks ago on
what the grand list would be but he
wouldn't tell anyone until the list is
made up. The assessors are, much
peeved over the plan of-the Republi-
cans to abolish their board and re-
place it with single commissioner
whose term Of office will be eight
years.
Some $50 appeals have come to the
board Of relief from the 1000 tax
payers whose assessments were rails
ed. The Button Oliphant Co., Main
street jewelers., listed their business at
$4,000. The assessors raised the
valuation to $4,000. The concern
filed an appeal today.
The Peck & Lines ,Co. in Middle
street. asked reduction of $4,000
in it's business assessment. The
company are assessed on $65, 200. The
board will be in. session this evening
from Z until 9 o'clock and Friday
evening during the same hours. They
will be in session tomorrow and Fri
day from 9 in the forenoon to 4 in
the afternoon
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-07
HOLCOMB CALLS
CONVENTION OF
STATES MAYORS
Will Discuss Plans for Pre-.
paredness in Every City
j Of Connecticut.

Hartford, Feb. IA meeting of all
the mayors Of the state, to confer
on the international situation as It
affects Connecticut. has been called
by G0v Holcomb at the capitol for
Friday afternoon after the session Of
the legislature. The purpose of the
conference is to talk over conditions
in the cities and in the state as they
have bearing on the situation the
state would face in case of war and to
learn more extensively the facilities
for preparedness which the state has
and to discuss plans for the taking
of the preparedness census, which the
governor plans to have conducted by
town and city officials.
S1>re was no change today i'll the
military situation. in the state.N
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-07
NORWAY AGAINST
U. S. PROGRAM TO.
BREAK RELATIONS
Ready to Follow in Feace
Moves, But Opposes All
Warlike Actions.

Christiania, Feb. Norway will
not agree to President Wilson's sug-
gestion in regard to breaking relations
with Germany, the Aftenpost says.
This newspaper asserts that European
neutrals must decide on their policy
toward Germany according to their
own interests, not according to Ameri-
can sentiment = and adds:
ssThe Scandinavian countries gave
full support to President Wilson'S s
peace move but that is no reason why
few weeks later they should follow
Mr.. Wilson in taking steps which are
generally considered to be prelude
to war;"
Members Of the cabinet decline to
discuss the subject
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-07
NO CONVOY FOR AMERICAN Liner
THROUGH new SUBMARINE ZONES,
IS STATE DEP PARTMENT'S RULING

Es4 /. I " 49,
have the government appear to go out
Of. its way to make an official. public
announcement on the question.
1t is also stated that as yet no ship
pers have made a direct request for
convoy. It is understood, however.
that the question has been discussed
informally and that it has been learn
ed that there are not enough American
war vessels available to convoy the
whole American merchant marine ply
Ing through the war zone.
1Today's announcement is under
stood to mean that the United States
is going ahead just ais II the German
blockade order had never been issued
and that no preparations such as con-
voying or arming viii be made. It
rests with Germany TO commit the
overt act that President Wilson has
said will lead to war.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-07

If war is declared would you fight
against GERMANY
Yes
After few questions by Judge Ben
nett in the answers to which Sonn
repeated his Willingness to fight
against Germany, the applicant was
admitted.
Rau was very Indifferent when
questioned. He said he wasn't parti-
cular whether he received citizenship
papers but he would accept them If
they were offered him. Judge Benz
nett rebHked Rau, telling him that
citizenship was not something to be
passed out as a present It should
be greatly desired and highly priced
by the applicant. ;Rau's case was con-
tinued.
Eighteen applicants were admitted
this morning, making a total Of 80
since yesterday morning. Six cases
were continued today and one was dis
missed
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-07
WOMEN OF SOUTH TO AID.

Washington, Feb. THE United
Daughters of the Confederacy through
its president-general, Mrs. Cordelia
Powell Odenheimer, has rendered
President Wilson the support and
services of it's 100000 members in
whatever manner they may be availa-
bic in the nations present crisis.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-07
SWISS MINISTER GETS ORDERS
TO take OVER GERMAN EMBASSY

Z
bassador Penfield in Vienna to the
state departments inquiry concerning
details Of the Austrian. submarine
note, which officials now admit has
been received.
Secretary Daniels today urged I'M
mediate Congressional action looking
to establishment of a government
monopoly Of all wireless plants
Agents of the army quarterrnaster de-
partment were canvassing the market
for purchase of large stocks of sup
plies, under orders from Secretary
Baker. W
Secretary of Agriculture Houston
reported that his departments data
showed conclusively that the United
States couldsbe self-sustaining il any.
thing should happen to cut her OF
from the world.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-07
AMBASSADOR GERARD NOW in SWITZERLAND
GERMAN BLOCkADERS HAVE SUNK 81 SHIPS;
SENATOR WORKS DECLARES u. S. UNNEJDTRA]


London Feb. 7-Seven British ships sunk to-
day Geranys blockade Of the Entente waters Since
ebruary first SO vessels including 19 neurals have been lost
Lloyd's today announced the following sunk
British steamer Vestra Of 1921 tons gross.
British steamer Grown Point, of 5,218 tons gross.
British bark Lorton 4 419 tons.
Two British steam traWlers
Two fishing boats
lives lost from the British steamer Warenes
I TOMS reported sunk yesterday the agency also
nounces. zes sN
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-07
MILLION FOR N. Y. MILITIA.

Albany, Feb with dissenting
votes by the two socialist members
only, the assembly today under an
emergency message from Gov. Whit
man passed the bill making immedi-
ately available 81 1,00O, 900 for expenses
of the national guard. The bill passed
the senate yesterday.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-07
Peruvian Sailing
Ship Is Torpedoed
In Neutral Waters

London, Feb. THE Peruvian sail
ing vessel Lorton, while on a voyageI
from Callao, Peru, was sunk by a
German submarine on Monday inside
Spanish territorial waters, according
to a British official statement issued
today.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-07
YACHTS OFFERED NAVY

Stamford, Feb. THE Stamford
Yacht club has offered to place at
the disposal Of Secretary Daniels Of
the navy Its fleet OF Is power yachts
sor patrol duty in case of war, it was
annc;6nced today.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-07
THE. WEATHER

Snow or rain and warmer tonight;
Thursday snow flurries and colder In
the afternoon or. night ON the main-
land; fresh to strong southwest and
west winds.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-07
NEW YORK REGIMENTS MOVE.

Poughkeepsle, N. Y, Feb. 7-Co.
K, 10th Regiment, National Guard,
entrained today for ST. Elmo, N. Y,
where they will form part of bat
talon guarding the aqueduct.x
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-07

Washington Feb. 7Ambassador Willard in Madrid re-
ported to the state department today that he had received
patch from Ambassador Gerard sent from Berne Switzerland
Although word from Ambassador Gerard himself
from American Minister Stove Berne the state depart
ment interpreted Mr. Wards dispatch indicating that Mr.
Gerard had left Berlin and gotten the Swiss capital
OFFICIALS AWAIT FURTHER ADvICEs
The fact that Mr. Gerard not expected to leave Berlin
sent dispatch to Berne to be transmitted to Ambassador
Germany but officials expect further advice during the day.
dispatch to be forwarded to Ambassador Gerard in Berlin
the German capital.
from Mr. Gerard in Berne wanted instructions whether
he should forward the departments dispatch to him there
Ne direct report has received from Berne from Mr.
Gerard from the American minister there but word
pected during day which clarity the situation The
last dispatch from Mr. Gerard in Berlin dated Feb s.
GERARD PRACTICALLY HELD AS HOSTAGE
outside of Germany the govern
learned that the German Actually did
consider Mr. Gerard practically hostage until received ad
Washington detailing the arrangements made for
the safe departure of Count Won Bernstorff
disclosed today that on Monday the state depart
ent sent long dispatch giving the plans worked out for the
safe departure former German ambassador and his suite
Any plans officials might have entertained to restrain
the departure. Mr. hen of dropped
The governments action believed to have been
more in the nature compel safe return Of Count Bern
through the Allied blockade rather than any step against
Mr. Gerard or the United States.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-07
GERARD IN BERNE, SAYS
AMBASSADOR TO SPAIN:
SAILS FOR HOME SOON

Paris Feb IA Havas dispatch Barcelona says that
Ambassador Gerard will sail port for the United
States Spanish transatlantic liner.
New-York tribune., 1917-07-29
August | Is An
Important Day
To Motor World
By FRANCIS VI. HUGO,
Secretary of State

Albany, July 2S.-Three important
motor vehicle laws become effective
next Wednesday. Two are of statewide
interest; the other is confined almost
wholly to New York City. One, the
trailer law, is of Importance solely to
the business world; the second, the
anti-glare law, is preventive measure,
and the third, the Cromwell-Kelly act,
enacted at the request of the New York
City Police Department, applies to reg
istering drivers of automobiles.
Owners Of trailers in this state must
contribute fees from S. to $50, based
on weight and carrying capacity. A
trailer, as referred to in the law, is a
vehicle used in the transportation OF
goods. wares and merchandise, not pro-
PEELED by its own power but drawn by
a motor vehicle. Special registration
plates have been provided. One must
be attached to each end of the trailer.
The following are the full year reg
istration fees for these vehicles:
For each trailer with a combined
weight of truck and carrying capacity
of two tons or less, s5; two tons and
not more than five tons, $40; more than
five tons and not more than seven
tons. Sl5; more than seven tons and
not more than ten tons, $40; more than
ten tons and not more than fourteen
tons, $50. oooo
Up to the present time about $4,000
persons have been licensed from the
New York City bureau under the Crom-
well-Kelly act. The number is con-
sderably below the first estimate ~
was at first figured that there, would
be 100000 who would come within the
requirements of this new law. 81.
The New York City automobile DIS
trict now registers about 10000 pas,
sanger cars. but some thousands Of
these are from counties Immediately
adjoining and not included in Greater
New York. Many who drive their own
cars from these counties enter New
York more than ten times during the
wear and must eventually take out the
operators license.