davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-26
PROBE AUBURN CRASH
Conflicting Test m 0 n y
as to Responsibility l..
A. & w. and Inter-
urban Crews

Lewiston, Me-, Dec 25-The Maine
Public Utilities Commission began an
investigation Monday into the trolley
collision in Auburn last Friday be-
tween cars of the l.. A. & W and Port
land & Lewiston Interurban roads. by
which two motormen of the former
road lost their lives.
The forenoon was devoted to testi-
mony tending 10 show that when the
interurban car came To the block at
Minot avenue and Washington street,
the semaphore was set at neutral, and
failed to move when the car passed
the switch. The car was Immediately
stopped, the trolley shifted, it ran
back and again came forward over the
switch. This time the semaphore NOV
ed as it should 10 indicate that the
car had the right of way into the
block, and it went on.
1t was running rery slowly, and the mo-
tolman was able to set the brake and
stop it entirely before the Mechanic Falls
was presented BY several witnesses in no
way connected. with the road.
The conductor OF the Interurban car
further testified that he had several times
in the past reported that this semaphore
had not worked properly
ON the side of the H., A & w road.
witnesses testified that the semaphore at
the Court street end of the block showed
clear at the time the Mechanic Falls car
entered it. but that after the accident Il
was set against car going in the direc-
ton of the Mechanic Falls car, and not IN
the position that it should have been set
by the passage Of that car. Evidence was
also presented to show that the block sig
nails on that block were working all right
before the accident and also after II.
The hearing was held before. two mem
bers of the commission only. Chairman
y. f. Cleaves and w. b. Shelton. They
re5erved their decision
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-26
men IN SERVICE
Are Remembered !,
Hub Christmas Oh
SerVance

Boston, Dec. S.-Patrodsm n,, j.
hands with the Christmas spirit ,os,
In the thousands of homes in this ..
and it's suburbs where last night the D,
Cross service flags in the windows
brilliantly Illuminated. the first tho,.,
this morning was for the childrr, !,
following close behind it came the ro,,..
brance of the men in the service Of -,
country.
Soldiers. sailors and marines NOR j.,
training in this vicinity We're given
cheerful Christmas. Many organiz.+..
joined in providing entertainments ., .
Various forts and training stations -.
all the men received useful gifts
But the traditional Christmas oh,.u
arce was not neglected The Sal,.,.
Army and other charitable societies A.
tributed bountifully filled dinner has.
among the poor. Inmates of nriso,~
homes and hospitals ware gencrousIv :
nlembered. Aliens at the inmier...-
station. including Is Germans. were v,..-
a Christmas tree and an enterIainno..
The home festivities were not curtain,
IN the Catholic churches special r,os..
we're celebrated, starting with ri,,i,,,
mass at the Cathedral Of the Holy ~,
which was attended by 500 people
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-26
GERMANS KNEW
When American Army
Officers Left America
Tried to Sink Ship

An Atlantic Port. Dec. 25.-GoVernor
r. l.. Beeckman of Rhode Island, VINO
left here the latter part of October to
visit the American forces in France
and to convey 10 them d personal mes
sage OF greeting from President Viii
son, arrived today on q British liner
On the same vessel was William. b.
Thompson. head Of the American Red
Cross mission to Russia, who is re-
turning TO the United States 10 make a
report of the conditions IN that cour-
try with reference to the WORK Of his
organization. Thomas W. Lamont of
J. ?. Morgan & Co. and Sir Freder-
lex Edward Smith, attorney general
for Great Britain. were also among
the cabin passengers.
A large number OF wounded Cana
dams returned to the vessel.
That the crew of German SUB
marine made prisoners after their YES
sci had been destroyed, knew when
large steamship carrying American
army officers had left the United
States and that the submarine lay in
wait 10 sink her was the statement
Of several enlisted men OF the Ameri-
can navy who We're passengers on the
steamship. According to the German
prisoners who were taken to ENGLAND.
of the steamship" but the subnar-
inc had failed to sink her because Of
the vigilance of her convoy.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-26
300 WOMEN TO ACT
For Navy Relief Society
in Aiding Families Of
Men Dying in Service

New York, Dec 25.-Three hundred
women to assist in caring for the fam
lilies of officers and enlisted men of the
navy and marine corps, who lose their
lives during the war. are TO be APP
pointed to act for the Navy Relief
Society in the states of New York,
New jersey. Connecticut and YER
mont, Rear Admiral Nathaniel r. Csh-
er, commandant of the third naval re-
serve district, announced tonight.
In these states, there are nearly 3d.
600. families with sons, brothers OF
fathers in the navy, he stated
a statement said:
Whenever an enlisted man. sea-
man or marine loses his life in service
the auxiliary aid will visit the family
and extend the sympathy of the Navy
Relief Society and give such assist
ance as is needed. The society will
assist if necessary in obtaining the
prompt payment of government insur-
auce and allowances"
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-26
MANY. WAR RUMoRS
Petrograd Hears Of Ru-
manian Plot and Swe-
dish Mobilization

Petrograd, Monday, Dec. 24.-News
of revolutionary plot against KING
Ferdinand of Rumania has been re-
ceived at the Smolny Institute, the
Bolsheyiki headquarters, according TO
the evening newspapers. There are
also said / be disturbed conditions in
Rumania These reports are confirm
ed in some respects by dispatches re-
ceived here indicating unsettled con-
ditions and political crisis.
A Bolsheviki despatch announces
that 5000 troops Of General I<orniloff $
command have been defeated near
Bielgorod by Bolsheviki, chiefly SOL
diers and sailors of the Black sea and
Baltic sea fleets. Many machine guns
and much ammunition it is said have
been captured
The Boisheviki have begun an attack
on kharkov. about 400 miles south Of
Moscow The Bolsheviki control rail-
roads to the south. according to the
official news agency. which adds that
a telephone message from Moscow de-
ciarcs that large force of CossackS
and railway men has stopped troops
from proceeding north of Taaritzin, in
the province of Saratov.
The official news agency announces
that a semi-officiai denial has been is
sued in Stockholm to Russian reports
that Sweden is moving troops toward
Finland and is masSing forces oppo-
site Easa and the Aland Islands.
On Dec. 10 the Bolsheviki govern
rlent announces that General Korni-
lofts forces had been defeated at Bel
forod, which is about 80 miles north Of
kharkov, and three days later it was
said that General Korniloff had been
wounded and that his capture was eX-
pected.
There has been little news from Ru-
mania since the Rumanian army was
forced to agree to an armistice on the
eastern front 1t has been reported
that Bolsheviki and German propa
gandists were at work among the Ru-
manian troops. A few days ago Gen
eral Stcherbatcheff, the Russian COM
mander in Rumania, was reported to
have taken command of the Ukrain-
ian forces.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-26
CHICAGO HALfBACk
First u. S. Officer to Go
Over Top in No-Man's
Land

Chicago. Dec. 25--iieutenant Walter b
Schafer former halfback on the Universi-
ty of Chicago football team. claims TO
have been the first American officer TO
go over the top into NO Mans Land
under tie barrage of French gunners, ac-
cording to a letter exhibited today by
Schafers fraternity brothers at the Mid
way school
Schafer in his letter told of the manner
in which the small body OF American
troops crept out in the night under a
peppering Of bullets. to cut away the
barbed wire entangiements in order that
a heavy assault might be made the fo.-
lowing day. sh
1T was dark night when we were told
in the trenches that it was time for our
start" said Schafer. Just as We were
making final preparations a French Off
GER came running from without, yelling:
Guess, Guess"
Guess what" we asked him
"1'n bite. I'll guess your right hand,
said one of my men, who looked at his
clenched fist.
"'Non. Non, Guess masks, shouted the
Frenchman as he seized his safety he'll
met
We had lust time to put on our gas
masks before the danger came and il we
hal kidded him much longer there might
have been sad results We went out into
No Mans Land and | know that l was
the first American officer to go over the
top for Uncle Sam"
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-26
OUTLINE PART. WHICH
women MAY PLAY
IN WAR INDUSTRIES

Boston. Dec. 25.-The part which
women may be able to play in war in
dustrIes was outlined in suggestions
maze today by officials of the New
England section of the committee on
labor appointed by the advisory com
mission of the Council of National De-
Tense.
There are today millions Of intell
gent women in our American homes
either idle or inethciently e,np.oyed.
VINO, If they felt tie spur Of duty and
inspiration Of loyalty, would quickly
respond. said Luther ID. Rur!ingame
of Providence. q member Of tile ex-
ecutive committee of the section.
\ large number of women, incl,id-
inS school teachers. physicians ard
clerks from stores. already have enter
ed upon such work in New England
factories. Full provisions have been
.1nade for their comfort and train
ing.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-26
new HAVEN TO USE
RESERVE COAL SUPPLY

Boston, Dec. 90 Because al OF thci:'
coal pockets nave been emptied. Off
Gals Of the New York. New Haven &
Hartford Railroad have been forced 10
issue orders for the use Of their reserve,
supply, piled at HQlbrook, \ spur track
Las been laid to the black mountain
and q steam shoN Ell is operated, togcth-
e. with a larae force of men, in loadin :;
coal cars daily.
Last summer the railroad had piled
at Holbrool< about 100000 tons % coal
Contracts were also given with mine
opera tors for furnishing a years sup
ply, end all coal pockets were filed
The operators have not been able to
deliver. and as a result the company
has had to call upon its reserve supply.
The coal at Holbrook will be diverted
over the company's entire system.
There are approximately SEQ, 000 tons
remaining at Holbrook and the COM
pany has more at Hebronville and
Mansfield.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-26
OFFICIAL PROBE
Of Pittsburg Cras h
Costing 10 Lives
Motorman of Wrecked Car Declares
Air Brakes Refused to Work-Many
of 80 injured Are Expected to Die

I'ittsburg, Dec. 25.-Otticial investiga-
tons into the cause Of the street GER
accident which occurred late yester-
day afternoon resulting in the deaths
! Of 10 persons and the injuring Of four
score others, many of whom are ex-
pccted to die. We're set in motion here
to-day by state and county authorities
and officials of the railroad company
owners of the wrecked car. The death
list was increased by one person early
tonight when an unidentified woman
died in hospital from injuries.
AS first step in the investigation the
officers were taken aboard special
car which, driven by an export motor
man, covered the course taken by the
Knoxville car through the tube.
Later in the day. investigators went
10 the hospital in which II. II. King
lor. motorman OF the wrecked car, is 3
patient. kinEler. who had been unco1-
scious for several hours. had sufficient
~ recovered TO tell the official his story
He refuted the testimony Il other wit
ncsses stating that his car did not
stop in the tunnel nor did the trolley
leave the wire ~ took charge of tho
car a. tho south end Of the tunnel"
said klingler, III being my first trip
TOT the DAY. W non my car S2t aDcuL 3Vo
feet into the tunnel. | noticed that #
was gaining momentum and l applied
the GirbraEeS.
The airbrake refused to work and
it seemed there was no brake there at
all. I quickly applied my hand brake.
hut the car had gained such speed
that the brakes would not hold.
Survivors of the disaster told the au-
thorities that the trolley had left the
wire in the tunnel and was replaced
by the motormen of a car following.
Martin joyce. conductor of the run
away car. testified before the inVesti
gators that the trolley left the wire in
the tube, and that the car stopped in
the tunnel for about three minutes.
j. +. ITazelbaker. motorman on the
car which followed Ringers, testi-
fed that he had replaced the> trolley
Of the Knoxville car after il left the
wire in the tunnel.
Coroner Jamsou discovered on eX-
aiming the ear that part of the
brake equipment had broken under the
efforts of the motorman to stop the
car when lie found it was running
away, and employees of the company
We're said to have found piece of the
brake rod III the tunnel. The car,
which was OF the latest constructions
vas supplied with two separate brake
SYSTEMS.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-26
VICTOR EMMANUEL
WITH ITALIAN ARMY

Rome Dec. 23.-Kns Victor Emman-
uel passed Christmas with his troops
and the Christmas spirit only served
TO give him strength 10 the Italian
arms in the tremendous struggle which
they are successfully maintaining
against the Avstro-German forces.
The Pope celebrated three midnight
masses in Pauline chapel Thousands
Of messages from all over the world
bearing words of good cheer were re-
ceived<by the court.
ManyOf them came from the United
states.
American youths in aviation uni
forms were to be seen in Rome and Ma
rles. They are the first foreign soldiers
to wear the royal eagle of the italian
tlying corps. Everywhere they were
greeted with cheers.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-26
BOSTON MEN OVERSEAS
RECEIVE PROMOTION

Boston, Dec. 25.--A cablegram re-
Ceived by the state committee of
public safety tonight announced the
promotion OF three Boston men with
the overseas forces to be first lieuten-
ants. The men are Frank y. Pheian,
George II. Lyman and John II. Casey.
Lieut.. PhelaE was with the National
Guard of This state and resigned to
enter another organization which was
one of the first contingents to land in
France.
Lieut.. Lyman trained with the Har-
ward Reserve Officers Training Corps,
went to France to do ambulance work
and later returned home TO enlist in
The fighting branch of the service.
Lieut.. Casey was formerly in the real
estate business and saw service on the
Mexican border.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-26
EXCHANGE OF GERMAN
AND FRENCH PRISONERS

Paris, Dee. 25.-An official note to-
DAY announces the reaching of an
agreement between the French and
German governments for the exchange
Of prisoner: by which commission
cd officers and men Of 4S years of age
or cover who have been III captivity
more than Is months win be repa-
triated Officers in tie same category
will he informed in switzerland.
AppreciabIe improvements arc
also obtained through the agreement
for the men stiIl in captivity as re-
CARDS letters, parcels, regulation of
work and discipline.
Negotiations for the repatriation or
internment of men of 30 years or more
and having three or more children
have failed " says the note, "notwith-
standing the generous efforts of the
Swiss government
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-26
nuns ATTACK ON
west SIDE BRENTA

Italian Headquarters in Northern
italy, Monday. Dec, .4.-(By The As
@oCjatcd Press .-FavIng devoted all
thor attention last week to trying to
Get down the San Lorenzo valley lead
ing 10 the plain, the enemy has sud-
denly turned his attention in the last
II hours TO the FranZela valley, which
gives another line of approach to :h4
lower level
These valleys lie on opposing sides
of the Drcnta river with German diyi-
Sions operating cast of the river in an
effort TO LIsh through the valley Of
san Lorenzo and the Austrians fighting
west Of the river in an attempt to Of
feet . penetration by the FrenZela VAL
ley route
The latest attack on the west side Of
the river was preceded by heavy
bombardment. Then successive waves
of infantry from a large concentration
OF enemy forces succeeded in making a
few hundred yards progress. The 'Ital-
ia'ns, however, are still contestinc the
ground, their counter-attack being Vet
in progress.
Enemy troops from the Russian and
Eum0nian fronts have been identified
during the latest attacks.r is also cs-
. tablished that Austrian troops along
the PiaVe are being shifted TO the
mountain region with the evident pur-
pose of concentrating all attention on
brcA King through from the north
The menace to Venice from the le-
cent success Of the enemy in one of his
numerous attempts to cross The old
Piave has now been ended by a bril-
lianS night attack. The 18th Bersag-
lleri drove the enemy from his foothold
on the west bank near the mouth OF the
river and forced him back across the
stream to his Old position on the east
hank
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-26
WILLIAMS REFEREE:
ALL LABOR DISPUTES
PACKING INDUSTRY

Chicago Dec. 25.--John r.. Williams
;4el administrator Of Illinois, TODAY
VAS appointed referee in all labor dis
putes arising in the packing house in
dustries of the United States during
the war. Tile appointment was agreed
.lipon by representatives of packers
and laborcrs after conferences with
President Wilson's labor mediation
board. which started yesterday morn
Ing and did not end until nearly day
light this morning. The packing
houses represented were Armour &
Co, Swift & Co, Norris & Co, Cud-
ally & CO.. and Wilson & Co. The
agreement affects all of their plants
located in Chicago, Kansas City, Den
yer. st. Louis East st. Louis. ILL.,,
oklahoma City. Sioux City, St. Paul
omaha and st. Joseph.
Both sides agreed that while the
nited States is al war there shall be
n" strikes or lockouts in packing
plants, and that Mr.. Williams de-
risions shall be final in all matters.
Right Of the employees to Join GER
tam unions was The chief cause of the
dispute. The employees also demand
ed increased pay, reimbursement of
working hours and the right to present
their grievances to the packers through
committee
All Of these matters. and any others
"'lch may arise in. the future will be
settled l'y Mr. Williams. according TO
tic agreement
Roth employers and employees TO-DAY
expressed satisfaction over the agree
ment, which will go into effect at
once
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-26
BRUNSWICK RED CROSS
HAS EXCEEDED QUOTA

Brunswick. Ne, Dec. 25.-The B,,,,p,,-
Wick Chapter of the Red Cross and
Tour of its eight branches went over
me top on the membership drive Mon
day. The total number Of new members
IS Z4lS ana the quota Of $50, secured
io43 new members. Topsham bran n.
with quota IA, secured %. Lisbon
fa''s, quota 372. secured ago, AMI
Harrswell. which was not called unon
10 secure any new members. added o.
IN" branches which failed 10 rearn
III" quotas were Bowdoin. quota 17o
secured So: Bowdoinham. quota 20I. "a
cured 90; Richmond quota 3l5. secured
22S' and Freeport, quota ~. secured a.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-26
GIRL KILLS SISTER
WITH PISTOL FROM
CQNsTABlE'S POCKET

Lowell Mass, Dec. 25.-Mary Baro-
czyg. aged 7 years. of Kenwood Dray-
cut, was accidentally shot and killed
by her older sister, Stella, aged II,
a their home early TO-DAY. The re-
volver with which the shooting was
done belonged to Constable I.esrc;
Cheney of Draycut, which Mary pa
roczyg pulled from the const3ble's
pocket. Accidentally the child pulled
the trigger
a mistaken supposition that Cheney
had done the shooting led to an at
tack on him in which the officer was
subjected to severe beating. At Lo-
well. where he was taken. Cheney was
placed under arrest on q charge Of
drunkenness
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-26
GERMANS TAKE HEIGHTS
WHICH AFTERWARDS LOST

Berlin. Monday. Dec. @-via London.
Tee. 1z.-(British Admiralty per Wireless
Press The capture ~ Austro-German
forces Of del Del Rosso ana adjoining
heights On the Asiago plateau in northern
Italy. together with the taking Of more
thar Goo prisoners. was announced today
h. army headquarters. The statement
reads;
Italian cront: Dctween Asiago and the
Brcnta troops OF Field Marshal Conrad
Won Iioet2cndort stormed Col Del Rosso
and the heights adjoining to the west and
east Up to the present more than 500
prisoners have been brought in
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-26
new YORK LEADS
THRIFT STAMP SALES

New York, Dec. 25.-Federal Reserve
banks throughout the country have
sold 81, 800, 000 worth of war savings
certificates and 100000 worth of thrift
stamps, according TO figures received
from Washington today by Frederick
". Allen. director for New York city.
Chicago banks have taken -49, 060
war savings certificates and PhiIadel-
phia 673 200, New York is third. In the
sale of thrift stamps New York is
leading every other CITY. 926, 795 having
been distributed. while Cleveland is
second with 3S70oo and Boston third
with 9,o0c.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-26
CONGRESS TO RESUME
WAR PROBES THURSDAY

Washington. Dec. J-Congressional
Investigations Ct war operations and
problems will resume full swing tomor-
row afternoon after q short Christmas
recess although Congress itself does
not rec0nVene until Jan. ,.
Plans for the railroad inquiry of the
Senate Interstate Commerce Commit
tee are unsettled owing to the sudden
death OF Chairman NoWlands and
President Wilson's new conference on
Thursday with railroad managers and
brotherhood chiefs. The committee S
meeting planned for tomorrow is TO b.
postponed out OF respect to Senator
Newlands and hearings probably will
ont be held until after the President
delivers an address on railroad PROB
lens after the return of Congress.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-26
Blues HAVE LITTLE
CHANCE At DEyENS

Aver, Mass, Dec. christmas
tree parties. dinners. dances and sports
made the time pass 50 rapidly at Camp
Devens today that the thousands Of
troops unable to get home for the
holiday had little opportunity to in
duige in blues" Visitors. loaded
down with >aclages. crowded the camp
all day, and tonight every soldier who
could dance had his partner.
One feature which attracted much
attention was a procession headed by
a balki and eight soldiers carrying a
bier labeled Kaiser Bill" AS il
moved through the cantonment hun
dreds OF men fell in behind helping
out the dirges of the band with their
own mournful wailings.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-26
NOAH HIGGINS SHOOTS
HIMSELF AT WELLS

Wells Me- Dec. 25.-Noah F. Hig-
gins, aged Sc. committed suicide Sum
day night by shooting He boarded with
Miss Elizabeth Jofferds. an elderly wo-
man. who was obliged to stay in the
house with the body all night. being
ana BE to leave her home. She got :lelp
MONDAY morning Medical Examiner
'haries f. Traynor Of Biddeford deem
ca an inquest unnecessary. Mr.. Hie-
g'ns had suffered from illness beyond
endurance.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-12-26
AUGUSTA LOCALS

The Abbott farm has rncei,eJ from
the l.. +. Mclntire farm at Waterford
TWO thoroughbred Holsteins which ar.
rived Sunday. Both have made the
advance registry class and have certln
Gates for this class as 3-year-old On,
OF them made the class when she VI.
two years old and then bettered il
which is quite unusual.