davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-23
Ordnance Notes.

Before the ordnance king resources
of the country could begin to produce
guns, rifles, pistols, sabers, small arm
ammunition, machine guns of three
sizes, field artillery, howitzers, mortars,
bombs, projectiles ranging from one
Founders to those for the. sixteen-inch
coast defense guns, gun-carriages of
all sorts. ammunition wagons, tanks,
soldiers ordnance equipment, harness
for the thousands of animals that will
draw the fields guns and supplies, an
organization to develop all these things
had to be created.
The resources of the making
concerns of the country had to be in
vestigated: the forgers of steel had to
be shown the need of contributing their
output to the defense of the nation in
stead of using their plants for the pur-
pose of converting steel billets into
dividends.
A question as to the best procedure
to accomplish the desired end arose
whether under the circumstances it was
better to follow the example of Eng
land and buy the first available NUM-
tions, as that country was compelled
to do; or to take advantage of the
fact that war was not at the door and
to proceed in an orderly manner to pro-
cure only the best that might be avail
able in sufficient quantities To use the
expression of one of high rank, it was
as if two men had to catch train. The
one dropped everything and ran for II
without putting on his hat or coat: the
other telephoned for a taxi and while
it was coming put on his travelling out
fit. He passed the other out of breath
half way to the station.
While the armies of the United States
We're in the organization process, there
was enough time to procure the best
rifles. ammunition and artillery. and
the ordnance department knew it, even
If the world at large did not. 1T also
knew when the British and French
commissions were over here last sum-
mer. that the French would be able to
tide them over all shortages at the in
private concerns could come to the res
cue of War Department that was ut
terly unprepared for its part in the
war before the nation.
There are still some shortages of ma :
chine guns and field pieces in camps
and environments for training purposes.
but there is no possibility of a short
age in the theater of war.
But to accomplish all this. the or
ganization of the ordnance department
had to be raised from ten officers and
n few civilian employees to one that in
something over 500 officers and 1000
civilians. with nearly $500 more Off
GERS in the field. investigating, inspect
ing and explaining to the many private
concerns now engaged in turning out
war material not merely for the War
Department, but for the preservation of
the nation.
These men. working smoothly, are the
iaxis that will carry the ordnance to
the train or steamers in good time for
the start: and what they will send is
the best that the wealth AMI skill of
the nation can produce. ana not the
most or the most available that it could
buy.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-23
Why the Modified Enfeldp

The Enfield rifle vas adopted by the
ordnance department for the United States
Army because there was not and could
not be made available within Il reason
able time enough Springfeids or any
other kind of rifle except the Enfield
The Enfield was rnodifisd. because in
the opinion of experts. both military
and civilian, after balancing the loss
of practice against gain in the i'm
proved weapon, it was worth while to
wait until the changes could be made
that would produce the more effe ctive
weapon for the men who had to use
theIa in battle. The modified Enfield
now known as the u. S. model 1917. is
superior to the old Enfield for two rea-
sons: the new gun functions more per-
fectly. and it uses the United States
standard rimles cartridge. which il
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-23
SAYS HUSBAND DESERTED HER,
Violet M. Bruce Asks Absolute Di-
vorce From L. O. Bruce, Jr.

Alleging that her husband deserted
her more than two years ago and has
since married another woman, Violet M
Bruce has filed suit in the District Su-
preme Court for an absolute divorce
from Lawrence o. Bruce, jr. The hus-
band and correspondent are said to re-
side at Townville, S. c.
The plaintiff was married at Balti-
more January %, 1914, and lived in
washington with her husband until
September %. 1915. when, she alleges
he left her to visit the home of his
parents at Townville He failed to keep
his promise. she says, to aeid for her,
and July rs, 1916, went through a mar
riage ceremony at Seneca. S. c. Attor-
new Harry S. Taylor appears for the
wife.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-23
SEEKS LAND IN VIRGINIA.
Government Said to Have Options
Near Colonial Beach.

Residents of Virginia in the vicinity
of Colonial Beach are deeply ntersted
In reports that the government is con
sidering the purchase of d tract of land
opposite Cedar point According to Mrs.
L o. Price of Colonial Beach, govern :
ment agents have inspected and OBJ
tanned options on the property in that
section.
Mrs. Price said there are evidences OF
been used for military purposes during
previous wars. and the residents are
said to feel that the locality Is well
adapted either for Notifications or for
= proving grounds.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-23
The Navy Was Ready.

1t was sight good to behold in the
committee room when the investiga-
ton of the conduct of the Navy in the
present war was begun before Chair
man Oliver and his associates.
The somewhat formal statement of
Secretary Daniels was clear and re-
assuring, but the gist of it had been
foreshadowed in his annual report of
the condition of the Navy.
When Paymaster General MCGOWAN.
fianked by his assistants, the men pro-
nounced by Thomas a. Edison as con-
shutting the most efficient body for
their specific work that can be found
in the United States, appeared. one
looked upon a group that he might
well be proud to claim. Besides the
paymaster general were Paymasters
Peoples. Hancock Aud and Hilton in
their dark blue uniforms, and civilian
Chief Clerk Reed, all sitting at atten-
ton.
In response to a request for informa-
ton there was neither hesitation or
possibility of error; for from great
schedules Paymaster Peoples was read
ing a balanced statement that showed
how many of each of the items of sup
ply Were on hand when the war began.
how many had been acquired since that
time, how many had been issued, how
many were now in hand and how many
were under positive engagement for
delivery in the near future.
Nothing had been left to chance;
every supply that the Navy might re-
quire had been foreseen and provided.
The efficiency of that bureau spoke
volumes for the efficiency of the Navy
Department, and incidentally something
that most persons do not think of, the
efficiency of the committee under Rep
Iresentative Padgett Of the House naval
affairs committee. where legislation for
the Navy has its origin.
The statement made the same day
before the Senate committee that last
February Admiral Earle was securing
thousands of machine guns for the
Navy. because trouble was threatening,
although war had not been declared,
when he had no money or authority.
was only a little incident showing the
fact that the Navy believed in pre-
paredness and that Secretary Daniels
did not tolerate temporizing in his de-
partment.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-23
WITH THE
RIFLE CLUBS
ATLANTIC CITY, n. J.

The competitive season for indoor
shoots between rifle clubs of the Dis
trict of Columbia begins shortly after
the first week of the new year. Early
in February the intercity smalI-bore
shoot of the National Rifle Association
starts in all the cities under the juris-
diction of the n. r. A, and will con-
tinue for ten weeks. Three local or
CARNATIONS, the Washington Rifle Club,
the Mckinley Manual Training School
and the Central High School teams,
made fine records in the intercity
shoot of last year. all of them going
out of their divisions and being in the
lead of other clubs, supposedly better
shooting organizations The Central
High School Rifle Club team carried
o fall honors in the interhigh school
shoot. besides winning two of the local
individual championships. This year
will probably find as relatively good a
team at Central as that which won so
many titles last year, even with the
Stokes brothers out of school.
Policemen of the Washington force
will again receive instruction in the
use of the military and small-bore rifle
on the Eastern market and Poll Theater
ranges this winter.
II
rifle club will begin its annual stock
taking" says Arms and the Man. Many
OF the clubs will discover that e large
percentage of enthusiastic members
who on January l. 1917. appeared on the
rolls are absent. The year which is
drawing to a close has seen many de-
velopments which have had an indi-
rect. although none the less far-reach-
ing, effect upon rifle clubs. The year
started under the most suspicious con-
ditions. Congress having authorized
generous aIlotments for the benefit of
the shooters of the country the Ma
tional Board for the Promotion of
Rife Practice drew regulations which
club members not only the obsolete
krags. but Springfleids and bali car
| tridges for use therein as well The
coming of war, with its consequent de-
mand for all available weapons to be
: used for the fighting forces OF the ma
] ton. has brought these plans to Il
| sudden halt, resulting in the suspen-
\ sion OF the free issue and purchase
, privilege and in calling off the national
match of 1917"
| While it is true that the calling into
; use OF the greater proportion OF arms
| intended for use by the rifle clubs by
| men training Will prohibit their use on
/ the service rifle ranges. there is no
reason for any curtaiimen o. small
| bore shooting. the snaIf-hore game
| seems to be on the crest OF :. wave of
popularity since the n. X. A. authorized
| a smaU-bore outdoor shoot and at bot h
| the public small-bore ranges IN Wash
| ington more shooters are becoming ia
| miiiar with the handling and sighting
! of rifles every day.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-23
Badges for Mexican Service.

The President has authorized suit
able badge for soldiers and sailors who
have seen active service with any of
the expeditions against Mexico between
April IL, 1911, and February 4, 1917.
There are five classes eligible to this
honor: First. members of the Vera Cruz
expedition, from April %, 1914, to No
vember &c, 1914; second, members OF the
punitive expeditions March IA, 1916, to
February, 1917: third, those who were
present and participated in any action
from April IL, 1915. to February I, 1917,
resulting in casualties to American
troops; fourth. all members of the Mex
lean border patrol from April II, 1916.
to February Z. 1917. in proximity to an
engagement with Mexicans, resulting
in casualties to their own companies,
regiments or detachments-
The Mexican Service Badge" will be
of bronze an inch and a quarter in
diameter. On the diverse side is the
Mexican yucca plant with mountains in
the background, with the words. Mex
lean Service and the dates. The re-
verse side is the same as the Indian
War" badge. 1t will be worn suspended
from bar by silleen ribbon made
with green stripe. a band of yellow, a
band of blue and a green stripe.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-23
Sad for Brigadier Generals.

What promised to present very
amusing If not embarrassing, situation
to officers above the grade of colonel
has been spoiled by a timely interpre-
tation placed by the War Department
upon clause of the war risk insur-
ance act. This "joker'' read: "Briga-
der generals of the Army shall here
after rank relatively with rear admirals
of the lower half of the grade, and here
after the chief of an existing stan
corps, department or bureau
shall have the rank, pay and allowance
of major generals" Existing law made
rear admirals rank with major gen
erals; conmodores with brigadier gem
erals and so on down to enSignS ana
second lieutenants, and since the new
law provided that brigadiers should
rank with rear admiralS, the inference
seemed to be that Congress had IN
advertently promoted all brigadier
generals to the rank, pay and allow
ances of the higher grade.
While the brigadier generals did not
see any prospect of higher duties be-
ing thrust upon them, they couid not
get sight of any additional pay or al
Iowances coming their way. Fuily pc
lieving that Congress did not intend
to make such gratuitous advance IN
so indirect a way, they were wondering
just how the department would hnd a
way out of the little crossing OF the
legislative wires.
The department showed itself quite
up-to-date in its ability to meet such
situation, which it did by holding that
certain legislation. passed in the clos
ing hours of the special session, con
corning the rank of brigadier generals
operated as repeal of former laws with
which it conflicts, and in consequence
the provision of the war risk insurance
act was of no effect as far as it tended
to convert brigadier into MAJOR
general without his passing through
cha
of one star must take on his way to the
privilege of wearing two stars.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-23

The choir of Ingram Memorial Church
directed by William Starnell, organist
will give its usual monthly musical serv-
ice this evening.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-23
Ordnance Schools Of Repair.

Now comes the school for the In
struction OF the enlisted personnel OF
the ordnance. There is 9. sharp dis
tinction between the duties OF the
civilian and the soldier. even though
in the same field. The civilian. how
ever skiilful he may be in his own line,
must be taught how to do 1t in mill
tary way before he can become good
soldier; for the underlying reason that
co-ordinat ion of effort must be always
observed. For that reason all over the
country new schools" for the training
of already skilled civilians have been
formed by the Army to convert the
civilians into efficient soldiers.
The task due to the intelligence of
the enlisted men, is not difficult. the
greatest obstacle to success being the
scarcity of officers equipped all around
to be the instructors
The object of the school for the ord
nance enlisted personnel Is to train
these men in the handling and repair
ing of motor trucks. AT kenosha ana
Ciintonville, Wis. there IS class Tor
instruction in motor equipment repair
and another at Peoria. ILL.,, for the re-
pair OF tractors, while at Rock Island
arsenal there is a special school for
instruction in the repair OF Held ar
tillery equipment.
These courses are not long. but the
training is thorough. They vary IN
length OF time from thirty to eighty
days.
Mechanics of the ordnance depart
incnt are also sent to the Springfield
arsenal for six weeks training IN ma
chine gun repair; and other mechanics
on duty with infantry regiments VIII
be sent to Rock Island arsenal for in
struction in machine gun repair The
development of a highly capable oody
of this class is of the utmost impor-
lance wherever machine guns are TO be
put into action. for with the advance
supply of spare parts ana the inter
changeability of the parts of these
guns many a piece that is thought to
have been put out of commission. the
next day will be on the firing line
after treatment by these schooi-drtiled
mechanics of the infantry regiments.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-23

Edythe Marmion Brosius harpist. and
Richard Lorelebere, cellist, will assis;
with the musical portions of the
service at All Souls Unitarian Churcl,
Trow bridge TittTann bass soloist and
Lewis Corning Atwater. oreanist will
include the organ preludes Second Toe
cata." by Rocers. and March of the
Magi," by Dubois: solos. with cello
harp and orean accompaniment Ave
Maria" by Pach- Gounod "a Song o.
Glory" by Faure; interIude for harp
cello and organ. Alteration of the
art: c~~an offcrtory, Ancient NoeIs;
solo with harp. cello and organ. recita-
tive And There Were Shepherds Abid-
ing in the Fields and aria. For. Be
bold, I Bring You Glad Tidings." from
The Nativity: interlude for harp cello
and organ, "Andante Pastorale," by
Grieg and organ postlude. "Adeste FL
delis.''
This morning at Calvary Baptist
Church the solo quartet consisting of
Miss Mabel Roberte. Mrs. William #.
Reed. Richard ?. Backing and T. A.
Dona ldsan. with Louis A. Potter. jr., at
the organ. will sing two anthems.
Mrs. Huron Lawson has returned
from a concert trip during which she
rave recitals AZ st. Eilda's Hall,
Charleston. w. Va. with Mrs Jesse
RAWLINGS as accompanisi She sang
also at Blackstone College and wInches-
ter, Va.
Mrs. A. NJ. Blair. musical director of
the Rub;nstein Club. will entertain the
members OF the club tomorrow after
noon at unique holiday affair. a
come early aud go early" party. The
guests are requested each to bring a
fiye-cent present, which will be placed
In large basket anu later distributed
among The members. The affair is
scheduled to commence at 4:30 and
close at $50 o'clock.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-23

The usual holiday recess of the Wash
ington Oratorio Society was announced
at the last rehearsal Work will be re-
sumed on the second Monday night in
January at ST. Johns parish hall.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-23

Earl Carbauh, baritone soloist of Cen
trail Presbyterian Church, will sing this
morning There's Song in the Air. by
Speaks. and this evening, Cantique de
Noel. by Adam, with Mrs. Wilbur at the
organ.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-23

Mrs. Lloyd Hoppe and Edward T.
Duffy will be soloists today at Emmanuel
Baptist Church. when the following pro-
gram will be given. under direction of
Mrs. c. G.. Dickinson: Morning. Sing, o
Sing, This Blessed Morn by Geibel: o
Holy Night by Adam; solo, The Happiest
Day of All the Year. by Avery Mrs.
Hoppe. Evening. Break Forth With Joy,
Vincent: colo, The Newborn King. by
Vincent; solo. The New Born King, by
D'Espoir, Mr. Duffy
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-23

At st. Johns Church, Georgetown,
today the musical portion of the serv-
ices. under direction of Sameul A.
Leech. organist and choirmaster. will
consist of the following: "Venite."
Gregorian "Benedicite.'' by Hedden !;
''Benedictus." Gregorian; Prepare Ye
the Way of the Lord" by DR.. Garrett.
Evening, "Magnificat and Nunc Dimit-
tis." sung to Gregorian tones: Seek Ye
the Lord by Roberts. with tenor solo
by Arthur L. Simpson.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-23

Policemen of the Washington force
will again receive instruction in the
use of the military and small-bore rifle
on the Eastern market and Poll Theater
ranges this winter.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-23

The combined choirs of the Church of
the Epiphany and Trinity Episcopal
Church, under direction of McHenry Nc
Chord, organist, rendered the music at
the Van Fossen- Schwab wedding. which
took place in the latter church Tuesday
evening. Mr. McChord gave recital
for one hour during the seating of the
guests. which was followed by the pro-
Breathed Der Eden" Dykes: The
Bridal Professional" from 'Lohen-
grim; 20 Perfect Love-" by Rogers:
ITO a Wild Rose" by Mcdowell;
"Sevenfold Amen" by Stainer; recess
sional. "Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart" by
Missinettir: wedding occasional, by
Mendelssohn, and march from Tan
hauser.'
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-23

Mrs. Paul A. Ewing. soprano soloist Of
Christ Episcopal Church, sang last SUM-
day Like as the Hart Desireth." by
Allitsen. and this evening will be heard in
Though Poor Be the Chamber
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-23

per; arise, Shine" (female chorus). by
Elvey. Recessional. "Hark! the Herald
Angels Sing" by Mendeissohn; post
lude, Christmas Offertory." by Lem
mens~
The music today at Epiphany Church,
under direction of McHenry McChord.
will include, this morning. the pro.
cessional. Come, Thou Long Expected
Jesus" by Hassler; "Benedicite. by
Semper: "Benedictus," by Novello; In
troit. ION Jordan's Bank. the Baptists
Cry" by Crassilius: hymn, 20 Come.
o Come, Emmanuel" Cplain song): Of
fertory, THE Night Is Far Spent" by
Steane: occasional Jesus Come. the
Heav'ns Adoring." by Furle. Evening:
Professional Hail to the Lords An,
and "Nunc Dimittis," by Gounod; hymn,
There Were Ninety and Nine" by
sankey; offertory. "A Song in the
Night" by Woodman; recessfonai,
Work, for the Night Is Coming" by
Mason.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-23

The Christmas programs at the Ninth
Street Christian Church. under direc-
ton of Joseph Harrison organist. will
include this morning the choir anthems,
Jesus Christ Today Is Born by Brack-
EFT: Sing Glorious, Halleluias by Gel
bel; soprano solo. Angels Song, by
Stickles, Mrs. Ada NJ. Brzowkowski;
evening. choir anthems. Ring Out Ye
Bells, by Heinrich; Glory to God, BY
Koch: soprano solo. Mrs. George A NIL
Ter; incidental solos by Mrs. I. r Pr
Miss Estelle Wilde and Joseph A Scott,
jr.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-23

At the West Washington Baptist
Church this morning the music will in
clude the organ prelude. Romance .
Heavens" by Tours: tenor solo. Can
tidue de Noel" by Adams; anthem,
THE People That Walked in Dark
ness" by Lansing; organ postIude.
beginning at 7:45 o'clock. the choir
"Orientale." by Dvorak. This evening,
will present the cantata. THE Shep-
herd King" by Lincoln Hall, the solos
to be sustained by Mrs. Henry Hunt.
soprano: Mrs. W. wilkins Wallace.
contralto: George Anderson. tenor;
Fred Marks. baritone; with Miss Eliza :
beth Newton Collision, organist.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-23

Mrs. Ethel Holtzclaw Gawler sang
Thursday evening at All Souls Church
at a French program given under the
auspices of the Twentieth Century
Club. Mrs. Gawler was heard in THE
Marseillaise. .'Madrigal." by Cham
made; "Gavotte," by Weckerlin, and
"Ouvre tex Yeux,'' by Massenet.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-12-23

The vested choir of Petworth NJ H
Church. assistea by the young peoples
choir of ssventy-tive voices. with
Dwight > Church. director and Mrs.
J. NJ. Sylvester organist, will pre- sent
the following Christmas musical serv-
ice:
Evening. prelude. The Shepherds in
the Field. by Mailing: process sionai
eessionai hymn. "Joy to the world ;,
by Handel: the Willis carol, 1T Came
Upon the Midnight Clear seven ira
ditional carols. harmonized by Sir John
Stainer.
Choruses. Break Forth Into Joy." by
Berridge: Lonely Appear tcompietej,
from Redemption" by Gounod; BLESS
ed Be the Lord God OF Isarel,,5s bx-ISim-