davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-18
NEW WAR BODY TO DEAL
WITH LARGER PROBLEMS
Baker Declares Council Is Not To
Infringe on Functions Of
General staff.
TO DEAL WITH EQUIPMENT
NJ Least One Member TO Be Fresh
From France at All Timcs-Goc-
thals Offered Post or Quartermas-
tcr-Gencral to Succeed Sharpe.
lBy Associated press

WASiiINGTON. December l7.--In cx-
PLANTATION of the new war council he
mas created. Secretary Baker said to-
day II was not in any way a result of
congressional inquiry into operations
OF the War Department. nor was i; re-
lated in any way 10 the interallicd war
conference at Paris
The secretary was not inclined TO
discuss in detail the purposes Of the
new council, but he said il was 10 deal
with larger problems of war prepara-
tions. and did not infringe on tho func-
tions of the general stan. Questions
of supply and equipment rather than
military operations probably will come
within the Jurisdiction OF the new body.
1t is planned that at least one mem
Der Of the council should be fresh from
FRANCE at all times. in order TO keep
the department in close touch with af-
fairs at the front. Mr.. Baker said he
mad no present plan OF visiting Gen
eral Pershing's Forces himself, but
would not bind himself not to make the
trip.
The council is composed Of the sec
rotary, the assistant secretary, the
chief of staff. the provost-marshal-
general the quartermastcr- general and
the chiefs of artillery and ordnance.
The three latter will be relieved of
their present duties TO devote their
entire time TO the council
Major-General Goethais has been Of
fered the post of quartermaster-sen-
eral to succeed Major-General Sharpe,
and il is understood that Brisadier-
General John ID. Barrett has been Sc
lected TO succeed Major General
Weaver as chief of artillery. So far as
is known no successor has been chosen
for Major-tieneral Crozier, chief of
ordnance. who was recently nominated
for another term.
Secretary Baker would make no COM
ment on the change. lie would neither
deny nor affirm even the statement that
the offer had been made to General
Goethals. who was in Washington last
week at Mr.. Bakers request. The fact
that General Goethals was in uniform,
although retired from active service,
indicated that he had been recalled.
General Bliss has reoccupicd his Of
flee as chief OF staff. and is said t. be
at work on report on his trip to Eng
land and France with Colonel House
General Bliss retires on December 81
for age. and while II IS certain that
he will be retained on active duty, II
is generally expected that younger
officer will succeed Linn as chief of
staff.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-18
PRELIMINARY REPORT
TO PRESIDENT BY HOUSE
Head Of American Mission Reaches
Washington aud Immediately
Goes TO White House.
NO INFORMATION GIVEN OUT
Understood That Vance Mccormick,
General Bliss and Admiral BEN
son, Other Members of Mission,
Will Attend Conferences To-Day.

WASHINGTON, December IA pre-
liminary oral report on the outcome OF
the intcrallicd conferences at London
and Paris was laid before President
Wilson tonight by Colonel T. NJ.
House. special emissary of the United
states at the conference
Colonel House arrived here quietly
late this afternoon. and went at once to
the White House. where he always
stays when in Washington. At late
hour tonight he and the President
were still closeted together in the
White House library
Tomorrow, IL is understood, Vance
Mccormick, chairman OF the war trade
board; General Tasker II. Bliss and
Admiral William s. Benson. aids to
Colonel House on his mission. will be
present at the conferences.
The administration must now de-
terminc what the course of the United
States will be in carrying out the prin-
ciples agreed upon at Paris and Lon
don. These are the things which must
be determined
|. Nomination Of the permanent rep
resentatives of the United States on
the supreme war council, the military
and the naval council
:" Determination as 10 whether or
not legislation will be required to en-
able the United States TO carry out
the agreements which Colonel House
tentatively has made
g. Plans for changes in the military.
naval and economic program OF the
United States which the conference
may have recommended
Among the naval, military and eco
nomic changes upon which Colonel
House may be prepared to offer ad-
vice arc the more aggressive prosccu-
ton OF the naval warfare. increase in
the program for the United states
troops and the solution OF the embargo
problem as il affects the Northern
European and South American neutrals
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-18
DRY" AMENDMENT
PASSED BY HOUSE,
A Plea to Virginia Workers
in Behalf of Our Country

not enough Of available coal, nor
have we enough of locomotives md
other railroad equipment or avuil-
able material out OF which 10 con-
struct these necessary inntrument-
nlities for conducting tramc.
We need to quicken our pace In
every Geld of preparedness for wnr
nnd for the establishment md muin-
tennnce of proper domestic condi-
tions while we prepare. To win, we
must work M we'll nr fight.
May not use the e1iEency of this
hour M just ground for asking men
In the mines aud In the shops, espe-
chilly mnrhine shops, and ms far M
poasible In all war industries, whcr-
ever locuted In Virginia, to deny
themsclvea the usunl holidny except
Christmas Day md hail the sensou
nv ono OF fresh resolve and extra
duty In rescuinE millions OF their
felioN-countrymeu and millions
more who fight in common cause
with us, from suffering and dnnEers
In what why can the nrmy Of SIr-
Eininns engaged I'm war industriea
better illustrate their patriotism
and link Themselves with the armies
In the camp md at the battle front
In the bonds OF service and sacrifice.
tSigned)
HENRY c. STUART.
Governor.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-18
ROCKEFELLER HOME BURNS
building nt Forest Hill De-
stroyed--PoIice Believe Fire of
fnccndinry Origin.
tRv A.soci,t,d prcos

BY Associated Press.
CLEVELAND. December i1.-Fre
broke out late tonight in the home
Of John D. Rockefeller. at Forest Hill.
in East Cleveland. a suburb.
The fire spread with such rapidity
Through the four-story building that
police expressed the belief that it was
Of incendiary origin
1t was impossible TO save any OF the
furnishings Of the house, and many
valuable paintings. brOnzes and tapes
tries were destroyed. The home was
exqusitely furnished throughout it's
forty-6ve rooms
The loss on the building alone will
be more than $4,000.
Mr.. Rockefeller bought the build
ing number OF years ago, and has
added many extensions. Hc has resided
in it every summer since Its purchase.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-18
.BOCHE NAVAL FORCES
RAKE ENGLISH COAST
Conveyed Merchant Ships Attacked
by Hun Craft and Four
teen Are Sunk
REQUIRED ONLY HALr-HouR
One English Destroyer Sunk and
Another Disabled-Force for Pro-
lection From Surface Attack Not
Present-Neutral Craft Victims.
fBy Associated pr.ss7

LONDON, December 17.-One British
and five neutral merchantmen. Brit
ish destroyer and four mine sweepcrs
have been sunk in the North Sea by
German naval forces.
The losses were the result Of an at
tack on convoy bound from Scot
land to Norway. Sir Eric Geddcs. First
Lord Of the Admiralty, announced to-
day. The total tonnage of the lost
merchantmen was 5000.
Eishty-eight Scandinavians, two of
whom we're women, and ten British
were rescued by four British destroy
ers detached from Il cruiser squadron
which was hastcncd TO the scene. Other
survivors reached Norway in boats
The merchant vessels were being
conveyed by the destroyers Partridge
and Pelew. The Partridge was sunk
and the Pelew was disabled but eventu-
ally she was brought safely to port.
The enemy then attacked the CONVOY.
sinking the six merchantmen and four
armed trawlers.
Aiveston was saved IN one OF its own
ooats. The casualties on the Pelew
were one officer and three men killed
and TWO wounded seriously. Informa-
tion regarding the crew OF the Part
ridge. Sir Eric said. was incomplete,
but report from Ecl told OF the
taking there Of three officers and
twenty-one men from the Partridge
and of one officer and twenty-five men
from the trawicrs.
The Partridge and the Pelew, to-
eether with four armed trawlers. said
Sir Eric. comprised the antisubmarine
escort of the convoy. For some reason
as yet unexplained. he added. the force
which was sent for the purpose Of pro-
tectins the convoy against surface at
tacks was not OH the scene in time to
prevent the destruction Of the convoy.
a court OF inquiry had been appointed
to investigate the circumstances, he an
nounced. a second convoy, which was
also being covered was not attacked.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-18
PIEZ TO SUCCEED HARRIS
Naval Ofccr Asks to He Relieved as
General Manager OF Emergency
Fleet Corporation.
,By Associated Press. I

!
WASHING1 ON. December 17-Rear-
Admiral Frederick r. Harris, recently
appointed general manager OF the
Shipping Boards Emergency Fleet
Corporation. to-day asked to be re-
lieved OF that duty and returned to his
post as chief OF the navy's bureau OF
yards and docks.
Ills request Will be granted. and
Charles a. Pie., Chicago engineer,
vice e-president OF the Emergency Fleet
Corporation. will be appointed to sue
ceed him.
While no official announcement has
been made as 20 Admiral Iarrls's rea-
sons for surrendering the task. which
he assumed less than "A month ago. 1t
is said he did net find the work con-
genial.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-18
PENETRATE WATERS
NEAR MOUTH OF TYNE
BY Associated Press

LONDON, December 1.-Two neutral
merchant vessels and trawler were
sunk off the Tyne on December IL by
German destroyers. Thomas j. McNa-
mara. financial secretary to the Admir-
atty. announced in the House of Com
mons to-day
BY penetrating the waters off the
mouth Of the Tyne the Germans carried
their operations close to the English
coast for the first time recently, so
far as tho official communications have
shown. The Tyne flows through North
ern England into tho North Sea at
South Shields.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-18
RRITISH BRING DOWN
SEVERAL HUN AIRCRAFT
tBy Associated PressI

By Associated PressJ
LONDON. December 1.-THE Brit
ish War Office statement on aerial op-
erations issued last midnight reads:
Although the weather was fine Sat
urday, very high wind and ground
mist interfered with reconnaissance and
artillery work. Many rounds We're
fred during the day into enemy
trenches. and bombs were dropped on
numerous targets. including two po-
sitions Of long-range guns southwest
of Lille. Later we again bombed these
gun positions.
During several fights three hostile
machines were brought down and two
were driven down out Of control. None
Of ours is missing"
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-18
commonwealth of Virginia,
t.o,ernor's Omcc,
RichmOnd, Va.


December Il, 1917.
As the holidays draw near, we cnn
but feel the changes which have
come TO rs as people since Inst we
celebrated our joyous Christina slide.
Grave as are our responsibilities,
solemn n> arc our duties, we should
not fail 10 hnd the Joy that comes
from nm appropriate Observance OF
the glad day which marks the COM
ing OF the Savior of mankind.
And yet we cannot escape the con-
rtction that our country's peril de-
mnnds ut our hands the subordinn-
tlon Of NIL pleasures to the supreme
duty OF the hour 10 make rendy for
the struggle on the result of which
depends our national eHistence.
The most imm ediate md most
acute difficulty thnt now confronts
the country II the scarcity of fuel,
not only for the present bodily COM
fort OF the millions who are now
shtrering around empty nrepInces,
but for the purpose of furnishing
power to drive the locomotive.
which are to pull the train. laden
with every necessary of life for dis
trfbution among our own people and
for export to our allies. We have
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-18
TURKS OCCUPY ISLANDS
OFF ASIA MINOR COAST
I BY a Associated Pres

BY Associated PrcssI
LONDON, December I7.-(British Ad-
miraity, per Wireless Press 1.-The oc-
cupa;ion by the Turks of two islands
of the coast of Asia Minor is an
nounced in an official statement issued
to-day at Constantinople. The text
reads:
we occupied the Islands OF Mes
sonissi and Plaka, on the coast of
Asia Minor.
"On the coast In Palestine an attempt
OF strong enemy patrol to advance
was rcpulsed. East OF Jerusalem there
have hccn artillery duels at several
points," F
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-18
FORCES
REFUSED IN DISORDER
iBy Associated Press

BY Associated Prcssl
ROME. December lI.-Austro- Ger
man forces which attacked the Italian
lines on the northern front from the
direction OF San Marino were driven
back in disorder, the War Office an
nounced to-day.
In the Col Caprillc region, the Ital-
ians attacked and then We're counter
attacked. Finally the enemy had TO
withdraw to the positions from which
he started.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-18
t0G SAVED ny CREWS
OF STEAMERS IN CONVOY
iBy Associated PressJ

kRlSTIANlA. December l7.-Sailors
from the ships sunk by German war
ships in the North Sea say that fire
was opened by the attacking cruisers
at range OF $3.50 yards. and within
a half hour the British armed ships
with the exception OF the DESTROYER
Pelew. were sunk. Crews from steam
ers in the convoy saved in all 1876
sailors. who were landed on the west
coast OF Norway I'if:y-nine of the
rescued were British.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-18
QUESTION MORMOS'S RIGHT
TO SERVE AS SENATOR


WASHINGTON. December l1-Peti-
tions demanding an Investigation of
the right of Senator Smoot, of Utah
to retain his seat in the Senate because
OF his connection with the Mormon
Church were introduced to-day by
Senator Curtis. The petitions we're
signed by members OF churches in
and Wichita, kans
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-18
DIPLOMATS AGREE THAT
HUNS WILL MIKE OFFER

By NssoCIHtcd Press
w II q 7 - y. December H.
Information received here to-day
among neutral diplomats agrees with
intimations from abroad that Germany
is considering another offer OF peace.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-18
Peters Summarizes
Results of Prohibition


suits of prohibition In Virginia dur
Ing the FIRST year of the laws opera
ton accompanied the first nnnuni
report OF Commissioner OF Prohibi-
tion J. Sidney Peters, submitted 10
Governor Stuart yesterday;
Net reduction In commitments TO
pcnitcntlnry;
"hitc men SO
Coiored mon 800
Whitc women. ......... >
Colorcd women. ...... 20
Net reductions ...... 3O5
Lr"s PERSONS coDvic icted
prior to November iDI
Actual reduction dur
ing dry period . AoB
deduction in number Of
ifmcnts for homi-
"idcs or ynrious Erndcs. ~
Number committed prt,r to
November ], IDfB..I IS
Total net reduction in
homicides ...... >.
deduction In number OF
CONN nitments TO IniI S.Gg5
Reduction I'm nDmber of
arrcsts tn dry cities h5."
Reduction in number OF
nrrcsts In wet cities iG.OiD
deduction in number
Of arrests In all
cities. ......... .U,5OI
deduction In number OF
persons nited In rhnri-
table Institutions by
public bcne,olencca I7,tS5
Increase In bank as-
"etn .....,.........s .s1O777,ooO.oo
Increasc in bnnk de-
posits ............... a..s:O,ooO.OO
Increase In states
ErOss revenue | I.G.D"5.sH
tc"o ndntIon OF Auditor for re-
durtion In rntc OF taxation on;
Tangible pcrs sonal
property y...........iO iOc per 500
Intangible sonnI
property ...........I I5c per 500
capital ........ .Or per 800
snic OF stamps in cNcess OF
cost of department SIo,JI1,05
Amount OF nre, imposcd
violations OF prohibition
IN" ''.... ................. 1i.013.0D
I'cstimoninIs OF sc,enty-niue lend
ing citizens.
IrNtimonE or newspapers which
opposed prohibition; Times-DIspntch,
Evening journal, New. Leader.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-18
REDUCE CoNGRESSMEN'S
SALARIES DURING WAN

WASHiNGTON. December IA bill
to reduce salaries of Senator's and Con-
gressmen from $500 10 $1,000 during
the war was introduced to-day by
Senator Kenyon. Of Iowa. and referred
to the Appropriations Committee.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-18
RAILROAD SITUATION
IS DISCOURAGINt; THING

The railroad situation" he said. "is
one OF the discouraging things about
the progress Of tho war. The most
magnificent Christmas present Congress
could give the American people would
be solution of the problem.
Last year the government asked for
production. VIC have had big produc-
ton, and now the transportation sys-
tenn has broken down and the crops
arc lost.
1T Is not the proper thing for Con-
GresS TO go home Tomorrow and leave
cloud of gloom over the country.
cannot conceive that the President will
not need any assistance of Congress
for two weeks. If We leave the qucs-
tion over for two weeks. it will be two
weeks before We can get down TO IT,
So the country will be left in the
same situation for probably Il month.
The situation arises out Of a lack OF
system to meet the emergency. and Con-
gresS is the part OF the government
which will have to do with determining
that policy
Senator Borah expressed the opinion
that the President has not sufficient
power under the act of August. 1916,
to take over the railroads.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-18
Tennessee River Frozen.
fRy AaaocIataa pr...

JoHNsONVILI.E, TENN, December
1.-THE Tennessee River is frozen
over here. for the first time of which
there is record.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-18
Suffer Heavy Casualties as
They Are Forced Back
to Former Line.
MAKE ANOTHER ATTACK
AGAINST CAPRlLlE HILL
British Troops Now Making
Their Influence Felt on
Italian Front.
QUIET IN FRANCE AND BELGIUM
Tor Reciprocal Iiombardincnts
iD Various sectors.
iBv Associated Press !


INC period Of virtual inactivity con
tinucs in France and Belgium. except
Tor reciprocal bonn bardmonts in var-
Gus sectors, and here and there small
operations by rcconnoitcrinE parties.
only on the northern Italian front have
there been sanguuary encounters be-
tween the opposing infantrv. and in
these The AustrO-Gcrman forces again
were defeated In attempts TO advance
toward tho Venetian plains.
Caprillc Hul. at tho head OF san
Lorenzo Valley. where last week the
Italians were forced to ccdc ground
again has been attacked by the enemy.
but the operation brought him nothing
but heavy casualties. AS hc was driven
back TO his former line
british troops arc now making their
influence felt on the Italian front Ecr-
lin reveals this Ia announcing an at
tack hy British forces south Of Monte
Fcntana Sccca. which it declares broke
down before tn. Tcutcnic positions
Countorattacks have recently been
growing more frequent on the par, OF
the Italians. and this British ,hrus.
gives added indication that more aE-
gressivc tactics arc being adopted by
y
German invaders.
FIRST SPECIFIC MENTION
or RnITISII ACTIVITIES
The British drove in on tho mountain
line lust To tho west OF tho piuyc
northwest Of Monte Tomba The Ger
man report is the first specific mention
of British activities on this front made
IL ANY of the official statements. al
though 1t has been known that con-
siderable British forces were in place
in this scctor.
British troops on tn" Cambrai front
have repulscd raids by infantry and
bombing PARTIES Oh the southern end Of
tho new salient. South OF Lens the
british improved their position Tn.
artillery battle has been more marked
south Of the Scarpc, in the Arras area.
In Champagne, north OF tho Chemin
dcs DANES and south OF St. Quentin, Ger
man efforts have been checked by tne
French. while Intermittent artillery
activity has continued over a greater
part of the front from 81, Quentin to
Switzerland
The official text OF the armisticc he
tween the Russians and the Tcutonic
allies confirms the unofficial reports
that it is TO run from December : until
January Il. The compact embraces all
tho lighting fronts where Russian
troops have been engaged and also
extends TO the naval forces Of the con-
'rIcting parties.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-18
DELAY IN ACTION
ON RAILROAD ISSUE
President Not Expected to Take
Any Step Until After Christ
mas Holidays.
BORAH WANTS SENATE TO SIT
Will Move To-Day That Motion
for Adjournment Be
Reconsidered.
B0RAH WANTS SENATE TO SIT

WASHINGTON, December l..-PrcS-
ident Wilson, according TO Information
passed out tonight in administration
circles. may delay action regarding tho
railroad situation untl after the
Christmas holidays.
The information, coming on the heels
OF assurances Of the past few days that
he would move promptly to take over
partial operation of the roads and re-
lievc the traffic congestion. occasioncd
widespread comment
Reports that the President has de-
cided to place the operation Of the
roads. once he assumes control under
the direction of Secretary of the Treas
ury McAdoo, brought forth no official
confirmation. Mfr. McAdoo himself as
sured personal friends that he had no
reason to believe that this had been
decided upon.
Senator Borar, of Idaho, made a Wig
orous plea to-day that Congress sit
until the President makes his wishes
known. lie said the people of the
country vcrc cold and starving, and
that the railroads had broken down"
lie said he would offer motion to-
morrow that tho Senate reconsider it's
motion for adjournment. so that tho
railroad situation could be smoothcd
Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1917-08-14
THE DIsPossEssED FTREN1EN

TOR the first time in eighty-one
years the Citizen Fire Company
met last evening in a firehouse
not its own. Henceforth the Citizen
and the Friendship will share quar-
ters, and the Mt Vernon will meet
with the Hope company.
After eighty-one years in ones
own house, it is not an easy thing to
break up ones home, see the furni-
ture and the household gods scat
tered to the four winds and to go
and take up ones abode in the
apartments of friendly neighbor.
Nobody not a member of one of the
older fire companies of Harrisburg
will fully understand just how keen
ly these dispossessed veterans feel
the sacrifice they were called upon
to make when the Capitol Park ex-
tension took their firehouses from
them. Harrisburg fire companies
are clannish and they have traditions
and esprit de corps. But they are
game losers and not one member
of the dispossessed companies has
protested. The firemen have stood
for the safety and protection of the
city ever since the formation of the
first company here and they are not
trying to put anything in the way
of the towns development.