davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-08
Is Russia Through l?

Washington, Nov. Russia, torn by internal dissension and worn out from the financial and economic drain of the war, and mismanage- ment, is withdrawing from the world struggle according to the opinion of local diplomats.
 While repeating that it has abso- lutely no information as to the de- velopments in Russia, the Russian embassy here answered only eva sively the persistent rumors that Russia is through?
 No doubt exists in allied quarters that the first great allied power to enter the war is quitting. but whether she will make a separate peace. or merely remain inactive, is not made clear in the information reaching here.
 Russia's decision to cease active participation in the war is believed to have been reached some time ago, closely yelled information have en- mated from allied quarters for sev. era days that Russia had decided to quit and that Germany knew it before the kaiser swung his legions from the Russian front to Northern Italy to support the Austrians in their great drive against Cadorna
 It is now believed that the kaisers spectacular demonstration at Riga served 10 quiet Russia definitely.
The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-08
DALLAS WILL CELEBRATE. Harvest Home Festival and Home Cominq on Thanksgiving Day.

The people of Dallas Valley are planning for a great gathering. at the school house Thanksgiving day
 Come out and meet old friends.
 Everybody bring well filled bas- kets so that none will go aM a hun Me invite you. you invite your friends. We want everyone to bring for exhibition a sample Of all of their home products. Show the people what Y have done toward feeding yourself and others during the coming year.
 A premium will be given to the one displaying the greatest variety of home products If you have any thing you are willing to give the church. bring it along and it will De sold in the afternoon to the highest bidder.
 Ladies brine y-lr fancy work to exhibit
 The morning will be given to the older people for speaking, singing, etc. After dinner the young people will render a Thanksgiving pro- gram. The whole day will be so- cial affair. Come. Renew old ac- auaintanees and make new ones.
 w. D. Durham,
 Hhasrx.,or, rorataafffan
The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-08
SAYS AUTOCRACY OUT IN GERMANY
Matthias Erzberger, Leader of the Centrist Party, Makes Declaration Italians Again Retreat--The
 Canadians Advance.

Berlin, Nov ,. Delayed While the troops of the central allies were forcing their way across the Taglia- mento, Germany, at home quietly passed the political Rubicon and. in tue space of five days, changed from an autoeracy into a democracy, declared Matthias Erzberger, leader of the centrist party, in an inter- view with an Associated Press cor respondent.
 This has been the most momen- tous week, since the founding of the empire said Erzberger in his re- cital of the incidents leading Co the solution of the recent political cri- sis Its achievements represent a permanent political gain for the German people.
 In view Of the July and October happenings, the majority leaders were convinced of the hopelessness of permitting the old system to pre- vail
 Erzberger indicated that the Ger man people were harmonized. dur ing the war, at least
The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-08
N. Y. DEMOCRATS
 MAKE CLEAN SWEEP
Mayor John F. Mitchell, Fusion Cam didate for Mayor, Ran Poor See ond tO John r. IIylan-A Tam
 many Victory.

New York, Nov 6.--John r. Hylan. county judge of Kings county, was elected mayor of New York to- day by a plurality of more than 100000 He carried with him the en- tire Democratic city ticket inelud- ing Chas. l.. Craig for comptroller. Alfred k. smith, now sheriff of New York county for president of the board of aldermen and Edward Swann for district attorney
 The indications are that the dem ocrats will have a majority in the board of estimates. which controls the expenditure of the city funds.
 Mayor John P. Mitchell, who sought reelection as fusiR can didate, altho not formally nominat- ed by any party, was a poor sec ond in the race. His vote in Lao districts out of 2,000 in the city was l0i,729, compared with 205, ,26S for Hylan.
 Morris Hillquit, the Socialist can didate, about whom rallied most of the radical elements in the city, and all those who favor an immediate peace, stood third with S9,S79 and Wm NJ. Bennett, who unexpectedly won the Republican primary nom nation from Mayor Mitchell, was fourth with S4,627.
 From the time the returns were received from the first one hun dren districts the result never was ill doubt. It was evident Hylan had scored an overwhelming victory, and again brought control of the city administration into the hands of Tammany Hall.
The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-08
RUSSIA WILL QUIT
 ACTIVE WARFAR
New Republic Will Remain Out for For Several Months, But Will Not Make Separate Peace-New Pol
 icy to Control Armies.

Washington, Nov. While tenn porarily withdrawing from active military participation in the great war. Russia will stand by her allies and make no separate peace with Germany.
 This is the gist of an official state ment made at the Russian embassy this morning.
 That Russia is worn out by her tremendous struggle to establish a stable government ofter the revo- lution, and is weakened by misman- agement of her economic affairs. is admitted by her statesmen. For the time being. probably until next spring or summer, she is shunting the burden of active warfare against the Teutons to the shoulders of her allies.
 Russia has not, nor will she. ne- gotiate for a separate peace with Germany or Austria, Ambassador Bakhmetiel announced officially.
 Any statement that Russia has quit the war is entirely unwarrant- ed Secretary Lansing said today. lie also said that he would later is sue a formal comment on the Rus sian situation as covered by official dispatches to the state department. He deplored any impression that Russia had abandoned the allied cause. and said that the evasive am swers as to Russia's intentions, pre- viously given al the embassy had turned to positive assurance of Rus sias fidelity.
The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-08
Evacuate Entire Line?

Berlin. Nov 6.-The Italian line on the raglianento river has been won by the stro-Germans, the German general staff announces this afternoon.
 The Italians have evacuated the entire line along the river to the Adriatic coast.
 The German statement says that from the Fella valley to the Col brigon, north of the Sugana valley, the Italians now are retreating.
 ConAagrations, the statement adds, indicate that the route taken by the retiring Italians is between the mountains and the sea, thru the up- per Italian plain.
The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-08
WAR SITUATION IS
 ALL BUT BRIGHT
America Has Not Yet Begun to Sac riiice or Fight-Germay Victor ious on Two Fronts While Re-
 sisting Strongly on the West.

Special to The Star.
 Little Rock, Nov 2-The war situation is not all favorable.
 The prospect is very gloomy, and the sooner the people of America realize it, the sooner can the war be won by the Allied armies.
 America has not yet begun to fight or to sacrifice sacrifice until it hurts, until they feel the pinch of deprivation.
 Thousands and thousands of American soldiers must lay down their lives upon the European bat tleflelds that their women-folk and their children may not bs slain at their own flresides in America.
 We can no longer look upon the war as something detached and re- mote from us-it is OUR war, and with the victorious Germans press ing on the Southern and Eastern fronts, and stubbornly resisting on the Western front, and their cam paign of relentless frightfulness on the high seas, it is Americas task to win the war.
 American men and American re- sources must be subordinated to every other consideration, else the strife will be prolonged for years and America will be impoverished in man-power as well as money.
 America MUST WIN, is the cry of alI-Ameriea MUST NOT LOSE.
 But it will not be an easy task, and in this crisis the stern duty of every citizen must be so thoroly impressed upon us that there can be no middle ground of support of the government program.
 This is not a pessimistic vail but it is note of warning that should be emphasized in this day of com placent outlook upon the crisis con- fronting us.
 Mai. Durand Whipple, of Little Rock, now in the office of the pro- vost marshal general at Washing ton, wires Governor Brough as fol- lows:
 General Crowder told us last night that if General Mackensen has sufficient transports he will he at the River Pc in two weeks and will force separate peace with Italy. This will prolong the war an extra two years. So read the dis patches with this in mind.
 We are working hard here. All the Arkansas cases pass thru my hands in good shape"
The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-08
FARM MEETING AT BIG FORK.
Interesting Program Prepared for Saturday Niuht. November TO-

The following program has been prepared for a meeting at Big Fork on Saturday night. November, i0' What the Farmers of Big Fork Need in the Way of Organizations, J. NJ. Taylor and Mid Putnam. What Farm Stock cans Be Kept Thru the Winter and Yield Proflta- ble Returns" ]. NJ. Edwards At Present Prices Which Crops Pay Best Der Acre and for Labor?" R. H Putnam.
 "The Need of Live Stock Asso- citation, jM. B. Fried.
 The Advantage of Uniform Vari- cites of Farm Products" J. A. New "The fBenefits to Be Derived from FarmeEs Meetings" R. l.. Thomp-
 R. l.. Thompson
 M. B. Fried,
 Program Committee.
The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-08

ing point in the present struggle in that theater of war
 Meanwhile France and Great Britain are rushing their greatest military and governmental leaders to aid Italy. Premier Lloyd George Gen. Sir William Robertson. chief of the imperial staff of the British army; Lieutenant General J. c. Shuts, the former South African commander, and other officials in company with Premier Painleve. who is heading the French mission. are on their way to Rome for con ference. presumably to map out in- tensiye campaigns involving the the Italian forces reinforced in both man-power and materials drawn from France and from the British.
 In Flanders, only minor operat- tions are reported, these being con- fined 10 artillery activity and some small raids into the German terri- tory.
The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-08

Washington, Nov. ,, American .f6ops of the overseas expeditionary |6fees have experienced their first .=A clash with the enemy In the .Afly dawn of Saturday, 3 German
 6lding party swept over the para ,el of trench occupied by an *Merican company and after lfiet hand-to-hand encounter, re-
 mn to their own earthworks with
 uelye prisoners. General Persh-
 ues first dispatches, announced at
 Ae war department early today. re- 19fted thai three Americans were |1lled, five wounded and twelve cap Hfed in the engagement.
 Protected by a heavy barrage IRe, Che Germans advanced across < Mans Land and stormed the Nnerican salient. Cut of from re- by the rain of German halls, it is thought the defenders fere obliged to meet a force super ar in numbers. With the exception q one German captured, nothing IS Inown of the extent of the enemy's 0Sses.
The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-08
GERMANS CROSS TAGLIAMENTo.
Italian Situation Increasingly Grave
 --Cadorna Holding New Line.

# Washington. Nov. 5.-Italy's situ- Ption appears increasingly grave today with the announcement from zRome that the Tagliamento river, #Nest of which General Cadorna es- #ablished his new line after the great retreat from the lsonzo had Reen crossed by the Austro-German Rnyaders.
 E The crossing of the river appar- gently has not been in sufficient #force to compel Cadorna to decide Ro abandon the Tagliamento line, but 4he Teutonic commander undoubt- Eedly will make the most of the SMeVement possible if he is forced TO rebouche north and south of the HpoInt where he has gained foot Ing on the west bank of the stream. That this process is already un- |der way is indicated by the fact that Rome tells of increasing Austro- |Ierman pressure against the Ttal- lan left wing, where the crossing was effected.
 The point selected by the enemy Tor the successful attempt near Pinzano, about 10 miles from the south of the river and IT miles northwest of Udina-was at a point where the marshy ground encount- cred further to the south begins to disappear, the bank rising precep- tnliy and the river narrowing down.
 IT General Cadorna decides to
 handon the Tagliamento line at winch it is by no means certain that ne intended to fight more than de iaying action, his next natural stand TOT the defense of Venice will be at AeVlnza, 10 to t5 miles further west % finally at the pieve, some ten mules further in that direction.
 Italian Navy Busy.
 An Italian naval bulletin referring 9 intense activity in the Gulf of trieste, indicates that the Adriatic nay soon be the scene of an inn fortant development and the turn
The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-08
THE Y. M. c. A.
HAS TIE FLOOR.

The Red Cross has had it's in ming.
 Liberty Bonds te the amount of between five anal six billions of dollars have had their walk away. And now please give at tention.
 Only the perfect need expect admission in the Army of the United States; the young man must be spotless. without bIem- ish.
 Perhaps after a time, when our army of exceptional young men has been depleted by disease, trench service, and im- perial shot and shell, we shall not be quite so particular, but now, just now, if you please. only the best.
 To preserve this army, the flower of our country; to pro- tect them morally and physical "; t0 return them to us, if they may he returned, at least as good as when they left us. is the big job undertaken by the Y. M. C. A.
 Next week is set aside to pre- pare for the job.
The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-08
JAPAN AND UNITED
 STATES TOGETHER
Reach Clear Understanding as tD Military, Maya! and Economic Co., Operation in War on Germany
 Keep Open Door"

Washington, Nov. 6.-Japan and the United States have reached a complete agreement in relation to China, and at the same time have arrived al a clear understanding as to military. naval and economic co- operation in war against Germany.
 This development was announced this morning by Secretary of State Lansing, who made public the notes exchanged by him and Viscount lshii, a special Japanese Ambassa- dor, formally recording an agree ment recognizing that Japan has a special interest in China, but pledg- ing the independence and territorial integrity of the great Eastern re- public, and re-aifirming the doc Urine of the "open door" for com merce and industry.
 In statement accompanying the note Secretary Lansing said that NiscOunt Ishii and the members of his mission, who are on their way home, had performed a service of the highest value to the United States, as well as to Japan, by clear ing away many misunderstanding which. if unchecked, promised to develop a serious situation in the far east.
 He spoke of the attitude of con- straint and deubt fostered by a campaign of falsehood, adroitly and secretly fostered by the Germans. and said that, thru the frankness and cordiality of the Japanese com- missioners, the work the propagan- da had for years accomplished had been undone in few days.
 Until last night, when an Asso- ciated Press cable dispatch from Picking announced that the Japanese ambassadof there had informed the Chinese foreign office of the sign ing of an agreement by Secretary of State Lansing and yiscount Ishii it had not been known generally that the delicate far eastern question had been taken up at the confer enees between the commissioners and the American officials.
The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-08
SURRENDER OR DIE
Dis Condition Thought Responsible for Twelve Being Captured.

& Washington Nov. 5.-American
 Foops captured by the Germans in Dc trench raid on the morning of November 3, probably were trapped in their dugouts and forced to sur gender or be blown to pieces with
 hand grenades without a chance for ther lives.
 E This is the only explanation which occurs to army officers today, lack
 hg any details of the fighting Gen. eral Pershing's brief report merely
 Stated that German artillery had Cropped heavy barraee fire about sector of the trench, cutting the
 nen of from help. No explanation of the eight casualties and the Twelve men taken prisoners was re- eelNed The fact that one wounded German was captured, however, in 1ieated that the trench had been Pe-occupied by the American forces.
The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-08
COTTON HOLDS P CENTS AND UP
Total Receipts at Mena for Season
 Are f716 Bales.

The total receipts of cotton in Mena during the week ending today amounted to ar bales, bringing the total receipts up to i7i6 bales. The price during the week has ranged from ? tO 27l@ cents per pound. The price during the week has ranged price for the corresponding period last year ranged from i9 to 1912 cents. but owing to the rush incl dent to getting in the election re- turns last year a report of the total amount received up to this time was not printed. Tine cott6ii marketed this year is distributed among the f1l
The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-08
ENEMIES BLAMED
 FOR COSTLY FIRE
In Baltimore. Two Piers of the R. X 0. Railway, A British Steamship and Much Munitions Were De-
 stroyed-Loss Is $5,0O0,0OO.

Baltimore, Oct 3i.--A disastrous blaze which wrecked two of the Baltimore & Ohio terminal piers at Locus Point, and spread to a Brit ish steamship, causing it to burn and sink with the probable loss of four members of her crew, broke out here last night and was not gotten under control until about three o'clock this morning.
 The railroad officials declare that the blaze was of incendiary origin.
 The loss is estimated to be great CT than five million dollars.
 Officials of the Baltimore X Ohio railway declare that witnesses have informed them they saw flames leap from piers eight and nine al five different points simultaneously. The British steamer, which was destroyed, had on board eight anti submarine shells from British port. These were exploded with loud reports when the ship took afire, and il was not long after the ship was lowed into midstream that she sank
 This fire was one of the largest this city has seen since the great con6agration in February, 1901. Vast quantities of munitions and supplies for the American forces in France were stored on piers eight and nine, and much of it was totally destroyed, as the flames spread with such lightning-like rapidity the firemen were unable 10 save much of the goods stored
The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-08
XMAS YOURDOY

The Local Chapter of the Red Cross plans to send a Christmas Box to each volunteer in the Army and Navy and to each member of the National Army from Polk county.
 As the list of volunteers is not complete, the Red Cross re- quests that the parents OF some relative, or any one who may know, to send the name and ad- dress of such volunteer to the Star office at once.
The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-08
Reats Arkansas' Rest

Elder R. P Mckinley puts Polk county to the front in the matter of raising large pumpkins, having on display in the $. l. Wood store a specimen that weighs 75la pounds after the large stem had been re- moved. This pumpkin beats the one recently advertised by Commissioner John H. Page as weighing 65 pounds and as being the champion pump kin of Arkansas.
The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-08
cniltx of Petit Larceny.

Jesse Sutton was found guilty Monday in a trial before Justice of of inc Peace s. H. Smith of the charge of petit larceny, consisting in taking coat from the store of Abernathy < Edwards on October 26. He was gi-.en a fine of sio and sentenced Co the county jail for one hour. The fine and costs amounted to S28.30. The complaining witness was T. J. Edwards of the firm oi Abernathy X Edwards.
The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-08
Mndr Sllrnrise ALtaCks.

Paris. Nov 6. roday's war office statement says the French made several surprise attacks west of Au- berive and south of st. Quentin.
 On the right bank cf .he Mcnsc, on the Verdun front, the artillery IS rather vigorous in sGme sectors.
The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-08
MORE POLK COUNTY
 BOYS ID FRONT
Splendid Patriotic Program Given at Baptist Church Under Aaspi- ces of the Local Red Cross
 Dinner al Antlcrs Hotel

A splendid patriotic program was rendered in the Baptist church in honor of the Polk county regislrants who left Tuesday to report at Camp Pike. The exercises were un- der the auspices of the local chap ter of the Red Cross, but the pro- gram was very appropriately ren- Gered by the teachers and pupils of the Mena schools. The following Polk county boys were in the call.
 Elmer Harvey Sapp, Mena.
 Earl Wnton Haines, Mena.
 Edgar Wm. Whipple, Hatfield.
 Leonard R. Harrelson. Mt. Fork
 Nm. Edgar Caude, Potter.
 Ephraim Lewis Miller, Horalio.
 Jason German, Mena
 Fred Henry Wallman. Mena.
 Chas. W. McNeil, Grannis.
 Roy Lester Musberg. Ida. Ok.
 Willie Bean Herring. Grannis.
 The first seven named attended the exercises, Henry Waltman had been excused to go to his home east of Mena, and the three last named had wired Sherin Finger that they would not be able to reach Mena until Wednesday.
 Al the opening of the exercises. the boys were introduced to the au- dienee by Sheriif II. ". Finger chairman of the local exemption board, and as each arose from his seat he was greeted by hearty ap- plause Elmer Il sapp. who had as- sisted the lceal board in all of the examinations and in making reports to the district board. was selected as captain of the squad
 The program was opened with a fervent prayer by the Rev. D. ]. Weems, here from Conway followed by an overture, Star of Hope" by the High School 0rchestra The or chestra responded with the selection Your Country Needs You Now. Readings were given by Kathleen Lee, Joe Emerson, Jr.. and Miss lone Golf Miss Lee read "The Flag That Betsy Made: Joe. IT,. used as his selection, My Mas Fraidy Cal" responding with this: Look at George Washington. look at Gen eral Lee, look at President Wilson and then look at Me- In keeping with the spirit of the times. Miss lone read Helping Out with Hoov- er.s For Dixie and Uncle Sam" was the title of duet sung by Ouda Riding and Cleone Cunningham. with Willimina pipkin as accom- panist. The Misses Steel rendered two vocal duets, using as one num- Der, Then I'll Come Back to You
 Tine address for the occasion was made by Supt. c. K. Wilkerson of the city schools. who, too, is among the registrants, and may soon be called to duty. He reviewed briefly Americas contribution to civlliza- tion. and drawing from the past history of the nation the aim and purpose of Americas purpose III the world war
 The audience sang America" as the opening number and heartily joined the chorus singing the Star Spangled Banner al the close.
 Dinner was served for the hoys and their immediate relatives al the Antler's hotel, where a bevy of young ladies Of the Red Cross Aux iliary had beautifully decorated a table with flags and bunting. and then assisted in entertaining the boys during the noon hour The boys left on train No { for Camp Pike. and when on Wednesday they were joined by the remaining three Polk county's uuofa of itS if the first call will be filled.
The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-08
RELEASE MILLIONS OF GERMAN
 GOODS TO UNITED STATES,

Washington. Nov 2.Approxi- mately s4,000,OO0 worth of German products piled upon wharves at Rotterdam will be permitted to move to America. The state de- partment has secured from the British foreign office permission to American importers and paid for prior to the entrance of the United States into the war.
The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-08
sUGAR PRICE NOW e.9O.
Basic Figure for Delivery to the
 New York Refineries Is Fixed.

New York, Oct. 30.-Basic pHce for sugar delivered in New York city was fixed at 6.90, duty paid, for "96 centrifugal" by the Interna- tional Sugar Committee tonight.
The Mena weekly star., 1917-11-08
Canadians Advancing.

London. Nov. 6-The Canadian forces, in their offensive against the Germans this morning northeast of Ypres on the Belgian front, have established themselves at point one hundred yards beyond the yil- lage of passchendaele, says the Reuters correspondent al the Bril- ish headquarters.