davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The weekly Alaska citizen., 1917-12-24
SENATE CRITICISES SHIPPING BOARD FOR LACK OF VESSELS
 AND ORDERS INVESTIGATION
Associated Press ]

WASHINGTON, D. C., Dec. 18.-.An investigation the delays in building American merchant vessels by the United States shipping board and its subsidiary organza on the emergency fleet corporation ordered today by the senate Just before the adjournment taken, Sena Harding, of Ohio. introduced resolution calling for this investigation.
 Several members spoke the subject and all oi them severely criticised the sowness and seeming inactivity of the shipping board. The resolution rushed through and special committee will conduct inquiry during the holiday and prepare full report of its findings De submitted when congress reconvenes.
 NEW HEAD APPOINTED
 WASHINGTON, D. C.. Dec. l8.-Charles Piez, of Chicago H., today named by President Wilson gen eral manager of the emergency fleet corporation, ceed Rear Admiral Harris who today resigned Mr. Pez will the duties of his position immediately.
 The appointment of the general manager marks further reorganization the governments ship building organization. Several combinations have already been tried and still the work apparently lags behind There is much ritcsm being aroused by the failure of the organization to produce ships, which are badly needed
 It is announced by the heads of the shipping board that the progress being made in building the vessels required much rapid than generally supposed and that the congressional investigation which proposed will vndcate the work which has been done All delays so ar declared be charged the board but have resulted solely from shortage of skilled workrnen This condition is being renedied rapidly possible.
The weekly Alaska citizen., 1917-12-24
EPIDEMIC OF DISEASES IN
 FOUR TRAINING CAMPS NOW
 REPORTED BY GEN. C0RCAS
Associated Press )

WASHINGTON, D. C., Dec. 18.-In official state issued here tonight by Surgeon General Gorgas, of the United army stated that the epdemcs of dangerous diseases which have been sweeping through least four training camps located in the southern and southwestern sections o the country have been caused by several Among these oVerCroWdng ot the sol Iers insufficient and unsuitable clothing and n nearly cry camp bad sanitary conditions
 The four camps affected seriously Camp Bowie, eXas; Camp Funston, Kansas Camp Doniphan, Okla, and Camp Scyier South Carolina A number of the mem ers the national army have died from diseases tacted of these purely avoldabe conditions The of the cpdemcs has been made public but 1t is known that both Camp Funston and Camp Donphan there have been number of of spinal meningitis several of which resulted fatally
 These diseases broke among the soldiers during their first weeks camp and have been fought with all the skill that medical science possesses, In every camp the sick and every preCauon taken prevent the spread of the diseases Many of pneumonia caused by insufficient clothing protect the from seasonabe weather and several deaths from this disease have been reported.
 The surgeon general that everything possible to relieve the unhealthy conditions Is being done The troops longer badly overcrowded many buildings have been constructed Sanitary conditions have been rected and regulations being strictly enforced The shortage clothing still unreleved and cannot be until articles necessary for comfort received from the na1u iacturers who said be considerably behind with their contracts
The weekly Alaska citizen., 1917-12-24
CONGRESS ADJ0URNS TO TAKE HOLIDAY RECESS; COMMITTEES
 WILL CONTINUE THEIR LABOR
Associated Press )

WASHINGTON, b. C., Dec lS--Both houses of con gross adjourned this afternoon take holiday Ill January B. As of the recommended for passage by the departments have been whipped shape by the different committees time will be wasted by the and the committees will be given opportunity get caught with their work When congress reconvenes
 announced that legislation will be given preference over all other measures.
 Much important work has been outlined for several committees during the holiday recess and this expected be completed before January 5, when the results of their will be made known and appropriate taken.
 One ot the most important inquiries to be made IS the progress made by the United States shipping board Much dissatisfaction has been expressed the failure of the board produce merchant ships and severely criticised today in the senate when Investigating nree was appointed
 Another important matter to be looked into the rail way situation This will be thoroughly investigated and expected that special legislation will be enacted mnedi ete after the holidays the transportation problems of the country
 The hearings regarding the progress ot the army and navy preparations will be kept up until the has been thoroughly explained. The sugar famine throughout the cities of the northeastern will also be investigated we'll the coal famine Officials from both the fuel and food administrations will be called in to clear up these mishaps.
 The investigation regarding the alleged disoya senti men ot Senator laFolette, expressed in his St. Paul address before the partisan league of that last will be resumed and probably concluded during the ho day
The weekly Alaska citizen., 1917-12-24
MUST NOT KILL
 CARRIER BIRDS

LONDON, Nov. 26.-Field Marshal the Home forces, has issued cir Cular pointing out the serious results
 which may follow the shooting of | pigeons by careless hunters. He says that two pigeons. carrying messages from seaplanes in distress, were re- gently shot down, and their messages were therefore several days late in reaching the authorities. This incl dent and the fact that the shooting of pigeons has already caused the loss of several valuable birds and in- terfered with the training and use of pigeons for naval and military pur- poses. has led Lord French to in- struct local magistrates to exercise no clemency in further cases of this kind
 From recent copies of coast papers
 received as exchanges, 1t Is evident
 that the newspaper men in that DOT
 ton of Alaska are going to try to
 defeat the high cost of living by
 raising their subscription prices
 The Anchorage Times, Valdez
 Prospector and the Seward Gateway
 have raised their subscription rates on account of the high cost of pub
 lication. The Anchorage Times led
 the way some time ago when 1t went
 up from $1 month to $125. Then came the Valdez Prospector. which Seward Gateway announces that its rates will so to $125 a month.
The weekly Alaska citizen., 1917-12-24
SENATE AGREES
 AMENDMENT
Associated pr4ss


 WASHINGTON. D. C.. Dec, l8.-- The senate this morning accepted the house resolution providing for the submission of an amendment of the national constitution for nation wide prohibition 10 the states for ratification or rejection. The time limit placed on the action Of the states Is seven years
 The original resolution which pass ed the senate last August set the limit at six years. but the house resolution passed Monday afternoon fixed 1t for seven years. to which provision the senate agreed. No roll call was taken in the senate vote. The final vote stood forty seven for and eight against the reBo. lution
 This action transfers the scene of the prohibition fight from the na. tional capital to the state capitals. Every effort is now about to be made by the dry leaders to secure the ratification of the amendment In as short a time Rs possible. and il, Is claimed by the leaders that the nation will be dry within three years,
The weekly Alaska citizen., 1917-12-24
GOETHAIS HEAD
 OF Q. M. CORPS
 AMERICAN ARMY
tASsOcIated Prrs-j

WASuINGTON, D C.. Dec. IS Major General Goethals was today recalled to active service by orders of President Wilson, and will be as signed to the quarteTmaster corps as acting qdartermaster general of the American army. General Goe- 'hals relieves Major General Sharp, who has been detached from the quaTtermaSter corps to take up ser vice in the American war depart ments war council, which has only recently been organized to assist n the furnishing of clothing and equip ment to the men of the new ma tional army.
 General Goethals has been ordered to report from New York to Wash ington at once and take charge of the Quartermaster' department, thus freeing General Sharp for immedi- ate service on the war council
 While the new acting QuaItermas- ter general Is primarily an engineer officer in the United States regulars, his genius for organization fits him to the new job which has been as- signed him, and he expressed him. yelf as glad to be given an oppOr- unity to be of service to the coun- - n the war against Germany.
The weekly Alaska citizen., 1917-12-24
POKER PLAYERS
 GET NEW TRIAL

SAN FRANCISCO, Cal. Dec. 1S.- Edward Johnson and A. c. Laird. of Nome, Alaska, who were convicted some time ago for playing stud poker in Alaska, are to receive a new trial, and most of the evidence will be deleted. The federal circuit court of appeals In this city today ruled that the evidence upon which they had largely been convicted had been imp"onerly secured, and that the United States marshal for the west ern division of Alaska had exceeded hi+ authority when he hired private detectives to obtain the evidence upon which the cases were based. The detectives were not authorized by the department of justice. but were hired and paid by the marshal personally
 This Is one of the few cases ever taken to higher court where the charges grew out of a poker game, and only the guilt of the players was at stake. Other similar cases have been appealed where large stakes were involved. It is believed by the attorneys of the two men that the cases will never be retried
The weekly Alaska citizen., 1917-12-24
CIVIL SERVICE MAKESSPECIAL
 RULES LATELY

In order to stimulate the desire to take typewriting and stenography examinations for positions under the civil service. the national civil ser vice board at Washington has passed various special rules which tend to make things easier for those who branches of work.
 Under the latest ruling competi- tors in either stenography or type. writing need not take the tests in spelling. arithmetic. penmanship or if they make a grade of 70 per cent or moro In stenography or typewrit- ing 1t will be sufficient for supple, mental eligibility. However, If Rppli- Cant3 do not take the above men toned extra examinations. and pass in them, they need only to have & grade of 10 per cent in atcnography and typewritlng 10 become eligible for positions
 To give those who work during the day n chance to take examiua- tions. they will be given at night in the future as well as at get timea in the day.
 The board Is very anxious for ro- men to become interested and pre- pare to take up positions which are open. The work is light. the hours are short, thirty days leave per year Is given. and also thirty days sick leave is granted.
 The department has asked the local civil service men to give all the advertising possible. tellin. them 10 put up signs in theatres. aB has been done. and then capped the climax by requesting that advertisements be put in all theatre programs and on ell street cars. They evidently tIs. ured too strong for Fairbanks. but the local board Is doing everything possible to get people of the interior interested In the work.
The weekly Alaska citizen., 1917-12-24
LIBERTY BONDS
 GOOD AS CASH

Outside papers of recent date from various places in the states show that the people there are patriotic to an extreme degree, and al the same time have full faith In tho credit of the United States in spite of Heditious pro-German reports.
 The latest thing In trade circles now is to accept Liberty Bonds of both issues the same as cash in the purchase of goods. Various stores have pledged themselves to take the bonds just as If they were regular legal tender and accept them at face value. In one city where trac ton company bonds were being sold the company announced that 1t would be more than pleased to exchange traction bonds for Liberty Bonds, and would even be willing to pay bonus.
The weekly Alaska citizen., 1917-12-24
ATTEMPT MADE TO KILL C0V'R
 OF CALIFORNIA
(Assoctated PreSal

SACRAMENTO, Cal, Dec. l8.- What is believed by the local DO lice officials to be an attempt to de stroy the governors mansion and when large hole was torn In the foundation of the building by pow erful explosion. The explosion was directly underneath where Governor Stephens was sleeping in a room on the second floor
 The police. after an examination of the damage, stated that it was caused by heavy charge of dyna- mite. probably containing about five pounds. Governor Stephens had just arrived In this city late yes terday afternoon, having been on a speaking tour throughout the state making patriotic speeches and en- dearoring 10 line the state up solid ly in support of the governments war preparations. He was not in- jured by the explosion.
 The police were able to pick up several clews. and are searching for suspicious parties.
 WORK OF SPIES
 SACRAMENTO. Dec. 1S.-The bomb explosion which partially wrecked the governors mansion here at midnight Monday night, is believed by governor Stephens to be the work of enemy aliens who are trying to cause reign of ter rorism in this state. The govern investigation and endeavor to run down the responsible parties,
The weekly Alaska citizen., 1917-12-24
AGAIN SUFFERS FROM
 RAlDINC HUNS

LONDON, Dec. 18.-A squadron of German airplanes tonight raided the English coast towns, and a number of the enemy craft succeeded in reaching this city. where they were met with q heavy fire from the Brit ish anti-airCraft defense guns Hun dreds of bombs were dropped by the raiders on every city which they succeeded in reaching.
 Owing to the dense fog which en- veloped London, the enemy were not located until they were directly over head, although warning had been re- Ceiyed in advance of their arrival. Taking advantage of the warning, the streets were cleared of people, and 1t Is thought very few casualties occurred The fog was so heavy that 1t was almost impossible to To- cate the enemy craft with the high power searchlights, but they were To- Cated by British airplanes, which in turn directed the fire of the defense guns.
 After short sharp battle. the enemy were repelled. A number of bombs dropped by the enemy did considerable damage to property, and several small fires were started. but <. any real damage. No announcement regarding the killed and wounded has been made
The weekly Alaska citizen., 1917-12-24
WINTER DELAYS
 OPERATIONS ON
 WESTERN FRONT
lAnhnELnNe.l IrnhEl


 LONDON. Dec. 18.-Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig wires the war Of. fee tonight that practically all in fantry operations have been stopped by heavy fall of snow on the west ern front Only isolated raids have been made by the infantry. and these are of only local importance.
 The artillery duel has also Quieted down to q considerable extent, al though in the Ypres and Cambrai sectors 1t is still very heavy There i8 no indication of any activity in the nelghborhood of Cambrai. where the enemy were reported to be mass ing large reserve forces with sup porting artillery.
 1t is believed that winter weather has finally set in and will have an effect of greatly reducing all infan- try activities until the weather mod crates.
The weekly Alaska citizen., 1917-12-24
ALLEGIANCE TO
 CAUSE PLEDGED
A saoC!ated PTesSD

WASHINGTON, D. C.. Dec 1s.- The Portuguese legation today is- sued an official statement pledging the loyalty of the new government of Portugal to the allied cause. and declaring that the new officials will do all in their power to furthe: the prosecution of the war.
 The statement also makes plain that the revolution was caused by protests against internal conditions, and not by any objection to the for eign policies of the old regime. It declares that the revolt did not have a German inspiration. and that no German interests were concerned therein.
The weekly Alaska citizen., 1917-12-24
One Officer Killed
 In Grenade Practice
HAND GRENADE EXPLODES AT CAMP ksARNEY; KILLS ONE
 AND WOUNDS ANOTHER
tAssoSlated Fresnl

SAN DIEGO. Cal, Dec. lS.-- One American officer was killed and one wounded al Camp Rear ncy. near here. this afternoon, when a hand grenade accidental. ly exploded Lieutenant Me Cracken was instantly Killed, and Lieutenant Brown was severely wounded. but Il i7 thought he will recover.
 The men in training RI Camp kearney were haYing hand gre nadr practlcr drill when one Of the Srenades exploded No other casualties are reported. The cause of the explosion is mys- trry An investigation has been ordered by the commanding of licrT Of the training camp to as- certain if 1t could have been the result of work of alien enemies.
The weekly Alaska citizen., 1917-12-24

constitutional amendment providing for woman's suffrage on January 10. 1918 It is conceded that the vote will be extremely close.
 The advocates of the amendment claim that they have few more than the necessary two-thirds ma jority which is required before the amendment can be submitted to the states for ratification or rejection. The wonderful work being done by to add greatly to the chances for the passage of the resolution.
The weekly Alaska citizen., 1917-12-24
COLLECTION OF
 ART PRESENTED
(Associatet} PreSe)

NEW YORK. Dec, 1S.-The resi- due Of the late Pierpont Aorgan's 8 famous collection of art was pre- sented today to the Now York Met ropolitan Museum of Art by the younger Morgan. who thus carried out the wishes of his father. This collection will add greatly to the already valuable collection which is possessed by the museum.
 The Morgan collection Is famous throughout the world. and numbers many original works by the great artists of the world. Many of his paintings are without duplicates lad cannot be squallsd anywhere
The weekly Alaska citizen., 1917-12-24
VEDIN CASE ON
 AT CHATANlKA

This evening at 730 o'clock at Chatanika the preliminary hearing of Gus Vedin will be held before Com missioner Weiss. Assistant District Attorney Harry Pratt will go out tomorrow morning to handle the case for the government
 Vedin fig charged with having com mitted perjury. the specific instance being that he swore to having per which he had not done
The weekly Alaska citizen., 1917-12-24
Premier Borden Has
 A Working Majority
GOVERNMENT FORCES hAVE 4 MAJORITY OF FoRTY.EiGHT AND THREE ARE DOUBTFUL
Associated Pressl


 OTTAWA. Dec lS-The cleo ton results Of yesterday ars growing every hour to greater victory for the Union govern ment forces. The Uuiuuists. ua- der the leadership of Premier Borden. have now clear ma. jority of forty-eIght seats, and three seats doubtful. All of these may 20 10 the Unionlsts.
 The returns are complete yindiCation of the governments consCription policy and . rebuke to the reacttonary Liberals under Sir Wilfred Laurier. The Yio tory of the English speaking supporters is decisive over the French language provincee. Fritz Welch is in from the creek or few days visit to Fairbanks
The weekly Alaska citizen., 1917-12-24
ITALIANS WINNING

ROME. Dec. 1S.-Tonight's official bulletin issued by the war office states that the Italian forces are still holding their lines unbroken, and strengthening their defenses at all threatened points. The Teutonic forces today made several vigorous assaults against the Monte Solarolo salient, but were severely repulsed by the Italians. At other points along both Italian fronts there has been a practical cessation of all in fantry operations, but the artillery duel rages unchecked with the Itali- an gunners more than holding their own.
The weekly Alaska citizen., 1917-12-24
TEUTON ENVOYS
 ARRIVE TO SIT
 IN CONFERENCE
.tA4suClAted Preazl


 PETROGRAD, Dec. lS.-The Bol- shevik, government was today ad- yised b. Foreign Ministers neuiIf- man. of Germany. and Szernin, Of Austria, that they had arrived in Erost Litoysk and are ready to be gin negotiations for a general Flu ropean peace Russian emssarles are supposed to be in Brest Litovsk ready for the conference. which will open immediately.
 The newspapers of this city this afternoon declare that the embas- sies of the allied powers In Petro grad have been notified by Foreign Minister Leon Trotzky, of the Bol- sheyik government. that the armis- tiCe between Russia and the central alliance has reached definite results and that peace negotiations are about to open. The allied nations are in yited to participate for a general European peace or state definitely if they do not desire peace.
 KERENsKY REVivEs
 COPENHAGEN, Dec 1S.-Unveri- fled reports reaching this city to- day declare that Kerensky, the de posed premier of Russia. has reap, pearcd and is now in the vicinity of Perograd supported by several thousand soldiers The Bolsheyiki government Is stated to have sent larg" force against him. with orders to capture Kerensky. dead or alive
 FIGHTING IN SOUTH
 WASHINGTON. D. C., Dec 18- Reports received today from Russia state that serious fighting Is again in progress In the southeastern pro vinCc9 across the Don, where the CossaCks are reported to be in strong array Reports received are conflict ing, but 1t Is declared that the Bol- sheyikis are rushing heavy reinforce ments to this section to reinforce their army which Is battling with Kaledine's revolutionary forces Many regiments are said to have left Pet rograd during the last two days for the Don region.
The weekly Alaska citizen., 1917-12-24
NOT AN ECONOMIST

Are you practicing food economy 7''
 'I tried 1t out, but 1t didn't work My husband simply refused to eat the cold boiled egg that was left over from the day befors"
The weekly Alaska citizen., 1917-12-24
SUFFRAGE VOTE
 COMES UP SOON

WASHINGTON. D. C., Dec. lS.- Before adjourning today for the Christmas and New Year holidays, tho house of representatives agreed to taks . vote on the question of a
The weekly Alaska citizen., 1917-12-24
NINETEEN AMERICAN SAILORS
 LOSE LIVES WHEN F-2 SINKS
 l. 5. SUB F-l IN HOME WATERS
Associated Press ]


 WASHINGTON, D. C., Dec. IS.-NiuctttiI American tucacActs lost their lives Monday afternoon when the Unit eI States submarine Fl ranmed and sunk by suDarIue the 5 The accident occurred ill home waters but the location made public by the navy de arunct No details o1 the accident have been received yet by Secretary Daniels.
 In the brief authorized by Secretary Daniels this afternoon, and immediately thereafter pubished 1t is made known that the F3 struck the Fl during heavy log Monday aItcrnoon tearing hole the shell of the vessel and flooding the compartments Out of ot twenty four the tl only live reported have been picked up by the F-3
 The extent ol the damages the injured submarine las yet been determined but orders have been issued by the navy department to make thorough examination the wreck and possible, proceed with the work o salvage The responsibility for the collision has yet been Ned but it thought that neither ship blame the fog said have been heavy that unavoid able.
 COMMANDER SAVED
 WASHINGTON, D. C., Dec l8.-Lae advices ceycd tonight by the navy department regarding the wreck ed United submarine Fl that Lieutenant Com mandcr Montgomery, i'll command of the ll-faed vessel among the five members rescued by the F3, which rlmmed the other boat Every effort made the other nineteen members o1 the but they ayang. Lieutenant Montgomery is said have been the only officer aboard the ship be rescued The F-3 undamaged