davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington herald., 1917-12-12
LOOTER At HALIFAX
.SUMMARILY EXECUTED
Body Roped to Post. with Warning
to Ghouls on Placard.

Halifax, Dec. ia man was dis
covered looting today in the devastat-
ed region. He was Immediately shot.
The body was roped to a post. Above
his head the following placard was
posted:
THIS WAS A LOOTER."
Col. Thompson. when questioned at
military headquarters regarding the
summary execution of the looter, de-
clared no other means Of dealing
with that kind OF swine" would
prove effective. The exposure of the
bullet-riddled body. he said, would be
a grim warning to others who might
contemplate looting.
I'VE have no objection to the pub
lie knowing the nature the punish
ment in extreme cases of this kind"
be said.
Large numbers Of workmen, labor
ing with feverish energy. succeeded
before nightfall in restoring scores OF
houses to such condition
that they could be used.
Premier Borden today received an
appeal from some leading citizens, re-
questing that the disaster be regarded
by the government as OF a war char
acter. He was asked to see that in
dustrial and other losses be made good
by the government. which was petit
toned, through him, to hold itself re-
sponsiSle for the conditions rendering
the explosion possible.
The Official investigation; which was
to have started today, was postponed
until tomorrow.
still another snowstorm seriously in
terfered with the Red Cross work to-
day.
The Washington herald., 1917-12-12
FUEL AND FOOD
PROBE VOTED
Senate to Investigate Short.
age of Sugar and Coal
Throughout Country.

Where's all the coal? Where's all
the sugar."
Congress decided yesterday to find
out. Without opposing vote, the Sem
ate authorized its Committee on
Manufacturers to make an investiga-
ton at once Of the present national
shortage.
i This means that Herbert c.
Hocvef tie Food Adnti 4. .strat 1r, will
be griIlsd upon the stand. "Grilled''
Is the proper word to use. For Sena-
tor James A. Reed, Of Missouri, is
chairman OF the Manufactures Co,p-
mittee and his opposition to the
food and fuel administrations was
celebrated in his fight against The
food bills last summer.
Senator Lodge, of Massachusetts,,
was the man who set the new ma
chinery in motion. He introduced a
terse resolution as follows:
Resolved, that the Committee on
Manufactures be directed to inquire
into the cause OF the shortage of
sugar and coal and report to the
Senate thereon, together with their
recommendations of any steps which
they may deem it necessary to take
with a view to remedying the con-
ditions and, IL possible, preventing
their recurrence"
The time to find out why nobody
has any coal or sugar is now" sail
Senator Reed. We certainly are
going to find out what's the matter,
There is no antagonism in the investi-
CATION"
The Washington herald., 1917-12-12
ARMY SITTING
OFFICERRANKS
Examinations Made to Meet
Pershing's Call for
Young Generals.

The War Department yesterday put
into motion plan to shake loose the
deadwood in the officer ranks of the
army
In line with repeated recommenda-
tion of Gen. Pershing. commanding
the American expeditionary force
abroad, that only young officers
capable of Iong-sustained effort with
out sleep and in prime physical con-
dition be sent to France, Secretary
Baker announced the organization OF
examining boards throughout the
country. Before any general officer
is sent to France he will be obliged
to undergo severe physical ana
mental examinations.
General officers of the National
Guard who fail to qualify will be
retired Those of the reserve corps
attached to national army camps viii
be honorably discharged from service,
while posts in this country will be
found for those Of the regular estab-
lishment.
Secretary Bakers statement says:
Determinations of these boards
are impersonal and in the interest or
the success of our armies and the
welfare both of leaders and men, ana
VIII be affirmed by the department.
This policy will no doubt commend
itself to the. people OF the country
as being in the public interest, and
even where 1t is necessary to deny the
opportunity for foreign service to
soldiers of long experience, It will be
understood to imply nothing in any
way prejudicial to the officers in
volved
Boards Of this kind have ALREADY
round some general officers of both
the regular army and the NationaI
Guard physically disqualified, such
nnding does not in any way reflect
ufon the past service of the officer or
upon his present zeal and willingness
20 make personal sacrifices in the
service Of his country. but the oues-
ton to be determined is one Of
eapaeity to perform highly
speeiahzed and arduous type of sery-
The Washington herald., 1917-12-12
65 BELIEVED
LOSTONU.S.S.
JACOB JONES
Dispatches from Admiral
Sims Bring Both Joy
and Gloom.

The Navy Department last night
gave out dispatches from Vice Ad-
miraI Sims which will bring joy in
the safety Of loved ones to some
homes, and the gloom of death to
others.
The following statement, based on
these reports, was issued:
Admiral Sims reports that three
members Of the regular crew Of the
stroyer at the time it was sunk, and
are therefore safe.
"All the survivors are reported well,
except John ]. Mulvaney and Myron
N. Flood, who are in q hospital.
was given as one Of the crew OF the
Jones. had been transferred to an
other vessel.
Dies of Exposure.
According to latest dispatches. s.
enlisted men Of the crew are lost or
missing Gunner H. R. Hood was
killed by the explosion of the tor
pedo. Ensign s. F. Kalk died of ex-
posure after the sinking Of the ves-
sci. One man who has not yet been
identified was taken prisoner by the
submarine. Five men who were on
the latest muster rolf of the Jacob
Jones received by the Navy Depart
ment are not mentioned among the
missing.
They may have been transferred
before the last voyage and may not
have been on board
The three members of the regular
crew who were not aboard the
Jones when she was sunk and are
therefore safe. are:
LiHOus F. Develbiss, gunnerS
mate. first class.
jeremiah Downing, machinists'
mate, first class.
Cornelius A. Lane, seaman.
The man whose name was given
as a member of the Jones crew. but
who had been transferred. is James
More Are Missing.
The following. not previously re-
ported on board the Jones, are Civ
en- as missing:
George F. II. Rogers, fireman
third class; next of kin, father,
Michael H. Rogers. SO Humphrey
street, Lowell. Mass.
James Cummings, seaman, second
class; mother. Mrs. Nellie Cum
mings. 2917 Fairmont street, Kan
sas City. Mo.
william T. Clifford, fireman. Sec
ond class; sister. Ethel Clifford, st.
Elizabeth's Hospital, Dayton, Ohio.
cONTISuEn OS PACE TWO
The Washington herald., 1917-12-12
CHILLING SNOW
CLOAKS CITY,:
COLD REMAINS
Blizzard Causes Suffering
as Coal Shortage
Looms.

Snow began falling Mt an early
hour this morning. The snow was
fine and the temperature very low.
Snow is promised for today by the
Official prognosticators Of the Wealth
er Bureau. II their prediction is full
hlled in>detail a decided alleviation in
temperature will occur, however.
Coolest Decembers" are being re-
corded in, several States, particularly
Ohio, but even though prevailing
weather has truly been ice chilled no
new low degree has yet been achieved
here in Washington.
More snow for tomorrow" is also
appended to the report of the Wealth
er Bureau. which seems to be edging
the elements on to the accomplish
ment Of some genuine Christmas land
scapes in the national Capital.
Coolest December.
With the more snow" which is
promised for tomorrow will come
moderate northeastly Winds
The coldest December weather in
40 years was recorded in the Ohio
Valley yesterday with a minimum
temperature OF IL degrees below
zero at Cincinnati.
In all parts of the country east
of the Rocky Mountains the tenn
perature yesterday was from 20 to
40 degrees below the usual average
at this time of the year.
Some moderation of the cold was
forecast yesterday by the Weather
Bureau, which said that in the Ohio
Valley. Tennessee, the Lake region,
the south portion Of the Middle At
lantic States. the east Gulf and the
South Atlantic States it would grow
slightly warmer and there would
be snow in the North and snow or
rain in the South last night and
today.
New York Children Suffer.
New York. Dec. 11.-Freezing
temperatures accompanied by high
winds continued here today, with
increasing numbers of reports of
suffering due to the shortage of the
coal supply.
Yesterday, the coolest December
10 in thirty-four years, made it i'm
possible to bring 10000 tons Of
CONTINUED ON PAGE TWO.
The Washington herald., 1917-12-12
Onered Peace Year Age.

Tomorrow is the anniversary Of
the central powers peace orer 10
the allies. II the usual method 10
pursued. neat little leaflets will be
scattered by the thousands among
the German troops. with the legend:
A year ago today We offered
peace. They refused. Now let us
win il by the force OF arms"
Such, indeed, is the tenor of an
interview Field Marshal Hinden-
burg has just given to an Austrian
journalist. He said:
We have often been ready for
peace. Now it is our enemies turn.
They will come to US"
In the meantime. Count Czernin.
the A AUstro-Hungarian foreign min
lister, has arrived in Berlin. One
leading German organ says his visit
may have tremendous influence on
the course of the war. Some here
infer from this that there is a deal
on for the transfer OF large Austro-
Hungarian forces to the west TO
help the Germans in the impending
smash. But that theory is not
shared by those who are familiar
with the reluctance OF the German
high command to employ any but
German troops in a purely German
offensive.
What is thought more likely 10
that the Central Powers are getting
together on the armistice with Rus
sia. To keep the eastern front the
rest cute that IL has been for Teu-
ton troops for months is vital
precondition for the expected drive
= 81 r6fEI a
more than probable that the Teu-
tonic allies are drafting g 'declars-
tion to the world pointing TO the
offer Of q year ago, reiterating their
willingness to conclude peace. and
adding that pending q favorable re-
ply from the Entente they will try
10 force il in the west
In this connection significance Ia
attached TO an article by Count Eu
Reventlow, in which the hrebrand
militarist editor says Foreign Min
lister Won Kuehlmann is drafting a
declaration that Germany will hold
the coast Of Flanders as long as the
British are in Calais, but not longer
Where will the German blow be
struck? the military experts were
vying with one another today try
ing TO answer the question. But
none claims to know it. The bonn
bardment now under way is SINH
lar to that which preceded the
break through on the Isonzo. Every
vital front is bathed in a continuous
avalanche Of hot metal. With ev-
cry hour the intensity OF the bonn
bardment grows. Gradually il de-
velops into drum-fire. Overhead an
armada of sirmen-the Germans
were said today to have $500 ma
chines-forms a fighting screen 10
prevent hostile reconnaissance.
Throughout the day the rattle OF
machine guis from duelling flyers
CONTINUED on FACE TWO.
The Washington herald., 1917-12-12
ITALIAN PARLIAMENT
Opens DOORS TODAY
Coordination and Cooperation
Along All Lines Will Be Slogan.

The italian Parliament opens to-
day. and the government is going
to take the deputies into the fullest
confidence concerning the war s:tua-
ton that there may be the fullest
coordination Of purpose and the
utmost cooperation in the business
Of attaining victory.
This was the gist of officiaI dis
patches from Rome yesterday. It
was likewise indicated that mist i'm
rortant of the revelation to be made
to tie legislators will be tie results
Of the councils OF the italian minis
ters with those of the United States
and the other allies at the PARIS
interallied conference.
At the first session of the Parlia-
ment the government proposes 10 in
troduce a resolution for the proroga-
ton Of the provisional administra-
ton. official Bcables stated. The pos
sibility OF the establishment in Italy
OF parliamentary center commissions
on the lines Of those in France also
is being discussed.
The Washington herald., 1917-12-12

FavOrs One-Man Control.
troll as receiver for all the railroads,
to operate them as a unit. He
would be empowered to pool equip
ment, taking from well-supplied roads
and lending to those that need it
II necessary, he would have power
TO issue receivers certificates, which,
because they would take precedence
over all other railroad paper, would
readily raise funds in the money
market. This would obviate the need
for a government loan to the roads.
The receiver could keep separate ac-
counts for the several roads. and
not burden prosperous ones with the
obligations OF those in debt.
At the end of the war. the receiv-
ership could be terminated, with the
roads in relatively the same condi-
ton they occupy now, it was pointed
out. And roads for which new equip
ment had been bought or borrowed,
it was declared. would be in bet
ter condition than at present, when
they can get no material.
The President has the whole rail-
read matter under the most careful
scrutiny and consideration. II he
should conclude that a change over
the. present method of control is nee
essaTy. be feels obliged to say the
first word to Congress.
Cabinet Kept In Dark.
Even the Cabinet is being kept
in the dark as to his exact atti-
utde Members who attended yester-
days meeting of that body declared
fiatly that the matter had not been
brought Up. =
The belief is growing on all sides
that the step he contemplates il a
radical one. Congress is prepared
to have him propose an immediate
taking over Of the roads. Conserva-
tives in the Cabinet and the legis-
lative body, however. are still hope
full that he will stop short of this.
Organized labor in the railroads
will pTesnt it's views to the Presi-
dent this afternoon. Speaking for
the railroad brotherhoods, A. B.
Garretson, president Of the Order
OF Railway Conductors, and perhaps
other railway union officials will
call at the White House at o'clock
this afternoon.
Early today the managers of the
railroads, speaking through Fair
fax Harrison and other members of
the Railroads War Board, will
make a last appeal to the President
for moderate action.
Chairman Adamson, OF the House
Interstate Commerce Committee,
and author of the railway legisla-
tion passed by the last Congress,
came out flatfootedly this afternoon
for government operation of the
roads.
The joint Congressional committee
CONTINUED ON PAGE TWO.
The Washington herald., 1917-12-12
ITALIANS HOLD
NEW POSITION
Battle on Piave Delta Re-
suits In Defeat of Aus
tro-Germans.

London. Dec. 1.-THE battle on the
Piave Delta, which opened SUNDAY
with an Austro-German advance into
the defenders positions east OF Capo
Sile. about eight miles from the
Adriatfc, has ended in a brilliant
victory for the Italians, the Rome
war office reports today.
The entire positions. situated
within the area inundated by the
Italians early in November when the
enemy threatened a turning move
ment from the South, were re-
captured Sunday night and held
yesterday against powerful enemy
efforts TO win them back.
The losses Of the TeUton forces were
extremely severe. the statement as
serts, many dead being left on the
battlefield and scores OF prisoners
being taken by the Italians.
The Austro-German attack, which
yesterdays dispatches indicated was
Of less importance than it turned out
to be, was concentrated against the
Italian bridge head positions at
Agenzia and Zuliani. on the left hank
Of the Piave Vecchia, the southern
channel Of the Piave. The defending
garrison, consisting OF some go SOL
diers, were forced TO surrender after
a furious hand-to-hand struggle in
which the enemy Gu: them OF from
the main body OF Italians.
Organizing a counter stroke almost
the Italian commander
wrested back the positions and cap
tured thirty-five prisoners. During the
night and again yesterday afternoon.
strong forces Of Teuton troops launch
ed new attacks against the lines af-
ter heavy artillery preparation, but
were unable to gain a foot Of ground,
Rome reports.
The Washington herald., 1917-12-12
HANG THIRTEEN
NEGRO RIOTERS
AND MUTINEERS
Secrecy Surrounding Court
Martial Revealed by
Execution.

The veil OF mystery which shut
down over sixty-three negro troopers
of the United States army. follow
ing their participation in race riots
ana the shooting up" of the town
at Houston. Tex. several months
ago. lifted yesterday.
Not a word had been heard from
them or Of them since the Houston
incident. The veil lifted yesterday
with a brief dispatch from Maj. Gen.
Ruckman. commanding the Southern
department. to Adj. Gen. Mccain.
1t announced the execution of thir-
teen of the mutineers, the sentence
to life imprisonment OF forty-one,
and the imprisonment for short terms
Of four others. following sentence
of court-martiaI.
Five were acquitted.
Court-MartiaI Secret.
The proceedings of the court-mar-
tial were secret, as is usual The
men who paid the extreme penalty
were executed oetween Monday az
ternoon and yesterday morning, fol-
lowing approval Of the courts find
ings by Gen. Ruckman.
1t was explained at the War De-
partment that all such courts-martial
are secret and that Gen. Ruckman
had absolute authority in dealing with
the findings. The War Department
was not consulted and knew nothing
until the dispatch yesterday.
Men Who Were Executed.
The thirteen negroes, hanged at
Fort Sam Houston for completely
in the riot at Houston August %
were:
Sergt. william c. Nesbitt.
Corp. Larson J. Brown.
Corp. James Wheatley.
Corp. Jesse Moore.
Corp. Charles w. Baltimore.
Priv. william Breckenridge.
Priv. Thomas c. Hawkins.
Priv. Carlos Snodgrass.
Priv. Ira B. Davis.
Priv. James Divine.
Priv. Frank Johnson.
Priv. Rosley W. Young.
Priv. Pat Mcwhorter.
The announcement of action on
the court-martiars verdict was
made at Southern Department head
quarters at 9 o'clock yesterday by
CONTINUED on PAGE TWO.
The Washington herald., 1917-12-12
LINE ON BOCHE
FORCE MOVING
TOWARD WEST
Government Sits Every
Channel for News of
Action.

Diversion Of large bodies OF German
troops. recently concentrated on the
western front. may follow the latest
developments in Russia. High oficials
of the American government frankly
admitted last night that this was a
contingency for which they strongly
hope.
With Germany preparing for su-
preme offensive along the western
front. il is conceded that results OF
great importance in q military way
move in Russia.
By devious channels the United
States and the allies have endeavored
to check up during the last twenty
four hours on the strength behind the
latest revolt against the Bolshevfh.
The reports received are extremely
conflicting. Advices from Cossack
headquarters claim an effective force
OF 10000 well-eQuipped and well-fed
soldiers in the train OF K ailon. Pet
rograd advices refer conuemptuously
TO a force OF not more than 25.e0O in
arms
State Departments View.
Despite the conflict on this score. Of
fcials here take comfort from the
fact. as reported in the latest advices
to the State Department, that AleXieff,
relic of the pre-revolutionary army.
but Russia's ablest military strategist,
is allied with Korniloff and Kaledines.
II Alexien heads the revolving army.
as reported, and if the force behind
him is as large as .calimed, high Of
fetal of the American government
predicted last night that all Russia
would soon be free of Bolsheviki rule.
and that the phantom of a separate
peace would be forever laid.
President Wilson considers his decla-
ration Of war against Austria, coming
after the Bolsheviki proposals. as
Americas response to the proposal for
an armistice.
Diplomats at Washington feel that
the President, by the course he has
taken. completely disarmed the Boil
sheviki rulers. whom German propa-
ganda had convinced, it is said, that
the enemies of Germany dared not
state tEeir war aims.
Up to late hour the State Depart
ment had not confirmed the unofficial
reports reaching here of rioting in
Moscow
The Washington herald., 1917-12-12
GERMANS LAUNCH GIANT OFFENSIVE ON ANNIVERSARY
OF PEACE DAY--LANE MAY BE NAMED RAILROAD HEAD;
: CONGRESS STARTS PROBE OF ALL u S. WAR ACTIVITIES
Germans Try to Get
Sammies to Desert

Paris, Dec. 11.-German propa-
ganda, which upset the italian
morale and ruined Russia's great
army, Is now directed against the
American troops.
Not only have German propa-
ganda newspapers been found
scattered among the American
camps, but recently little cards. in
viting the Americans to desert,
have been showered from. air
planes.
The cards printed in German, an
nounce that all the Americans are
invited to enter Germany and help
in fighting for only a just cause,
which is a German republic"
The Washington herald., 1917-12-12
Bakers Prediction
About to Come True

In all probability the Germans
now are engaged in the preliminary
stage Of the great battle predicted
by Newton D. Baker. the Secretary
Of War. in his review of military
operations Monday. Artillery and
aerial activity reported today from
the western front is such as gen.
orally marks the opening Of a ma
jor operation. Conditions forecast
enemy offensive, which will call
upon the resources Of the allies
more than at any time since the
Germans failed to break through
the British resistance at Ypres or
shatter the French at Verdun.
The Washington herald., 1917-12-12
BRITISH OFFICERS ON MISSION

An Atlantic Port. Dec. lion q
liner arriving here -were twelve British
army officers, who said they were on
their way to China on a military mis-
sion. They declined to hint at the
nature of their task.
With them were nearly seventy on
GERS OF the Canadian overseas forces
on leaves Of absence.
The Washington herald., 1917-12-12
HUNS, FEARING U.S., PREPARE
DRIVE TO WIN WAR In WEST
Cyclone of Shells Battering French and British
Lines Indicate Gigantic Offensive on
Anniversary of Peace Proposal.

London Dec llA cyclone of German shells baeng the FrenI
and British lines all the from the Swiss border the sea uherns
dnbug supreme effort the west before Amer
lea appears in force upon the fighting line
Those who know something about the German hobby of
psychological with military effect would be surprised to see the d,
begin a dawn tomorrow.
The Washington herald., 1917-12-12
FRANKLIN K. LANE MENTIONED
ASPROBABLER HEAD
Control of Lines Congress Prepared to
Have Him Take Over Systems.

Action by President Wilson the railroad ansle rapidly coming
to head.
Developments yesterday and during the twnyfour hours will
enable him place his before Congress much
than at first anticipated
The President refused last questions his prob
able but mentioned by member of the Commerce Com
mitee He outlined follows:
The Washington herald., 1917-12-12
CONGRESS- READY TO DEMAND
SHARE In MANAGING WAR
Solons Will Start Probes Into Every Act of
Administration; Supervisory Committees
May Be Appointed by Both Houses.

Congress is opening the lid the
In the of few hours yesterday the Capitol acted in such
way to pry loose the in all directions.
Equipment ordnance and supplies for the military forces; meth
DDS of the handling the food fuel supplies
nation are all to be looked into
: TO WATCH WAR FINANCING.
expected that in addition starting probes already
launched inquiries will be undertaken into relating the
financing of the
In subscribing the investigations already provided for Repub
can both branches of Congress
abandoned the idea which many support insisting on
the creation OF Congressional committee supervis-
outlook the policies and expenditures
traion
The Washington herald., 1917-12-12

Panama and Austria al War.
Colon, Dec. n.-Panapna, following
the lead Of the United States. has De
rlared war against Auefria- -HunsArg,
The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-07-11
A. P. ABBOTT co.
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