davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-11-14
.S43,8OO OF AMOUNT SOUGHT RY.M.C.A. IN HAND YESTERDAY AT LUNCHEON HOUR More Than Half of the $75,O0O Total Subscribed
 During the Morn-
 ing Hours NEW ENTHUSIASM PUT IN ARMIES FOR
 BATTLES OF TODAY Field Marshal Rushton Is. sues General Orders Re- garding Progress of the Work

The big Young Mems Christian asso- citation drive for the $75,OO0 that Birming- ham is to raise began with a, mighty sharp and before noon a total of $43,- SSo65 had been reported to Field Marshal J. Frank Rushton.
 At l o'clock yesterday the ballroom of the Tutwiler was crowded almost to ca- pacity with generals, colonels and cap tains coming in for lunch and to report the activities in their respective fields of operation.
 The women's corps announced the larg- est amount for any army, amounting to $22,558, which was swelled by the sub- scription of the Tennessee company's $2o.- 600. The French army reported, through it's general, Dan Dimmick, $72o2.10; the British army, commanded by Gen. W. c. Bonham, reported $7599.15: the Belgian army, through Gen. R. A. Porter. $1694 50; the Italian army, through Gen. H. H. Schnell, $121S; the American, army under Gen. H. $. Meade, $250. Miscellaneous reports amount to $3S0S 80, aggregating a grand total of $43,S30.65, or well over half the amount to be raised.
 FEATURES OF DAY The features of the beginning of the campaign in Birmingham were the dona- ton of the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad company's s20,00O. and the first donation received by MT. Hugo Marx which amounted to 10 cents and was contributed by a German barber. He also received a 10-cent donation from an aged Syrian woman.
 The luncheon at the Tutwiler yester- day at l o'clock was time for the men to swap stories of their experiences of the morning. It was addressed by Judge Hugh A. Locke one of the four-minute men, who paid very high tribute to the patriotism of Birmingham citizens upon their generous response to the Young Mems Christian association call.
 Each general reported that enthusiasm in his sector was at white heat and the younger ones predicted that Thursday afternoon would see the complete amount raised.
 7 It was announced that the first bridge head had been captured in the form of s1000 donation from the American Cast Iron Pipe company by the Italian army. The British followed closely with another $1000 from the Sloss-Sheffield Steel and Iron conpanY.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-11-14
FIRE HOSE PURCHASED

The city yesterday bought of the Eu- reka Fire Hose company 5000 feet of fire hose, 2000 feet from the Bilateral com pany and POGO feet from the Manhattan Rubber company, the price averaging $1 per foot The purchase represents $1o,- 0C0. Numerous rubber houses and hose concerns were represented at the meet ing when the bids were read. The pur- chases were made on competitive bids.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-11-14
CITY NEEDS COAL

 Commissioner Brown brought up the coal situation that confronts the city, he having learned that some of the mines with whom the city has contracts for coal enough to. tide the city over the present crisis had fallen down on their con- tracts. Commissioner Brown stated that he was considering contracts with some county. The commission placed the pow CT to act in his hands and authorized him to proceed.
 Y. M. C. A. SUBSCRIPTION
 A committee composed of Judge N. L.. Steele, Hugh Marks and John M. Cart wright appeared before the commission yesterday afternoon just after adjourn ment and solicited subscriptions for the Young Mems Christian association cam paign, and every commissioner was easi- ly induced to hand over check
Norwich bulletin., 1917-04-04
STEPS TO SUPPRESS
 SEDiTIoUS UTTERANcEs
Action Taken by Board of Aldermen
 of New York.

New York. April 3.-After the grand Jury or the county of New York had passed resolutions today urging inn mediate steps to suppress seditious ut terances in public places. the board Of aldermen of the city amended the code of ordinances so as to require all assemblies on the street where public discussions are held to display the American flag. conspicuously "at all times during the holding of such as- semblies." The ordinance will become effective as soon as Mayor Mitchell signs it.
 District Attornep Swann and Po- lice Commissioner Woods, at a con- ference later. decided that street gath erings should be cuNoed as much as possible.
 Earlier in the day patrolmen arrest ed two street orators who were al- leged to have denounced the president for his address before congress. The magistrate before whom the prisoners were arraigned held them each in ST. 500 bail for further examination and directed the police in future to 'listen carefully to the exact expressions of street orators
Norwich bulletin., 1917-04-04
TRAlLs or GERMAN SECRET SERVICE HAVE BEEN UNCOVERED
Within Closely Guarded Precincts of
 the Executive Departments.

washington, April 3.-The signifl- canoe of President Wilson's warning of German spies "even in our offices of government became apparent today when it was learned that on Several occasions trails of the German secret service have been discovered within some of the most closely guarded pre- cincts of the executive departments.
 Although officials do not believe that access has been gained by the foreign agents to any information of great im- portance, they are understood to be convinced that not even the state de- partment, with it's highly confidential diplomatic facilities. has been free from invasion.
 No evidence on which prosecutions can be based has been found. it is said. but enough has been revealed to prompt a sweeping official investiga- ment believes will safeguard its inter ests more adequately in the future.
 In his address to congress last night the president laid particular stress on the activities of German spies, and a stringent spy law will be one of the first war measures requested of con- gress by the administration. At the last session an espionage bill drawn by the department Of justice was passed by the senate, but failed to reach a vote in the house.
 partment's bureau of investigation, charged with the prosecution of foreign agents and disloyal citizens, has been enlarged several times. It now is ex- pected to be given much wider facili- ties and powers and to become an in creasingly important part of the fed ,eral government.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-04-04
AMBASSADOR SHARP
 SAW DEVASTATED REGION
Reported to Washington What Ger
 mans Have Done in France.

Paris, March 3.-United States Am bassador Sharp, under instructions from Washington, has visited the de- vastated regions evacuated by the Ger mans. MT. Sharp was in Chaulny, Ham and Rove on Saturday and cabled the state department an account of what he saw.
 President Poincare today visited the towns in the Somme region devastated by the Germans during their retreat Addressing the townspeople, the pres ident said the French nation was re- solved to continue the war until a vic- tory which assured the victims of full reparation for all atrocities committer was obtained.
 Washington, April 3-A long report from Ambassador Sharp at Paris, de- scribing the terrible destruction wrought by the retreating Germans in northern France, was received today at the state department. The ambas- sador, who made a personal and ex- haustive study of conditions, shows that published reports of the devasta- 'ion have not been in any way exag- gerated. In some respects he reports atrocities more terrible than those re- counted in the news despatches.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-04-04
MEXICO CHARACTERIZED AS
 AN INTERNATIONAL NUISANCE
By Former President Taft Speaking at
 a Dinner in New York.

New York. April S.-Former Presi- dent Taft, speaking at a dinner here tonight given in his honor, declared that If any nation is to attack Us it will be through Mexico" He charac- terized the neighboring republic as "an international nuisance" and General Carranza as mot the most reliable in dividuaI" sss
 Referring to the relations of the United States and Germany, Mir Taft asserted that the people of this coun- try are in a state of mind where war IS necessary to set at defiance the ruthless violation of our rights"
 When will the war end?" he asked I hope and pray in a year. hope and pray that the pressure on Germany may finally topple that military dynas- ty. The president in his address to congress separates the German people from the German emperor. The loyal ty of the people to the emperor has been most marvellous, but no matter how loyal they are, when Germany loses it's military prowess, then the hardships through which they are go- ing, accompanied by the Russian rev olution. may topple him over If SO, the war will be won in less than a year."
 The former president explained the rurpose of the League to Enforce Peace, of which he is the head
Norwich bulletin., 1917-04-04

, will be joined by Senators Stone ana Kirby on the democratic side. Of the position that will be taken by Sena- tors Cummins and Lane, who were
 for failure of the armed neutrality bnl,
 they were not at all sure.
 Approval of President's Address. Enthusiastic approval of the presi-
 dents address is general among seua- tors. There are a few republicans who express doubt about what hs
 meant when he said the entrance of | the United States into the war would involve the utmost practicable CO., operation in counsel and action with the governments now at war with Germany" Some of them who think this might mean a close alliance and ] an active participation in all the poll cies of the entente extending even to | the period after the war, are anxiouH
 to have the exact intent of the phrase | made clear before they vote to give | the president the broad powers con veyed in the resolution
 Matter of Taxation. There may be also some disincli-
 nation particularly on the part of re-
 pubIicans to Adopt the presidents sug- gestlon as to taxation of the present generation to pay for the war if that ] taxation Is to be aimed at objects a1- ready taxed in their opinion to tho | limit
 Additional Taxation on Liduors.
 Some senators feel that there should
 be additional taxation on liquors and beer and stamp taxes of the kind that
 helped finance the Spanish war. and l that eventually much of the expense
 should be met by bond issues.
 This phase of the question, however. is looked upon as entirely aside from the great issue before congress and
 however the financial policy may be
 viewed differences of opinion on it will
 not impede the progress of the war resolution.
 Arrangements for Financing.
 Arrangements for financing activi-
 ties to follow the adoption of the war resolution are held in abeyance by the
 house ways and means committee
 pending full information as to what
 steps are planned. Democratic Leader KItchin is ready to call meeting of
 the committee at any time to consider
 raising revenues, but he thinks it use
 less to do so before he is supplied with estimates as to the amounts needed.
 Virtually all of the members of the
 committee are here and quick action can be taken whenever the call comes
Norwich bulletin., 1917-04-04
MoBILIZlNG THE "WoMAN
 POWER" OF THE COUNTRY
Report Made at General Conference of
 Woman's League.

Washington, April 3-Rapid pro- gress in mobilizing the woman power'' or the country for war service was re- ported here today at the first general conference of the National League for Woman's Service. The services of the league were pledged to President vii son and the conference issued call to women not only to enroll to take the places of men in war time. but to en- courage men to enlist in the army and navy. :
 Within the last two months 115 branches of the league have been poets enroll thousands of women soon to replace men in various industries. In the next six months the navy can be supplied with 500 trained women radio operators, Mrs. Herbert Sumner Owen chairman of the wireless divi sion, declared.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-04-04

have captured the town of Maissemy. five miles northwest of St. Quentin, and further north the Ronssoy Wood. Field Marshal Haig's forces also were successful in taking the village of Hei- nin-sur-Cojeul five miles southeast of Arras. after intensive fighting.
 Rheims has. again been violently bombarded by the Germans, more than 2,000 shells having been thrown into the town. Paris reports that there were casualties among the civil pop ulation.
 On the Russian front the Germans delivered attacks against the Russians south of Illoukst, which is in the Dvinsk sector and south oI, vladimir Volynsk, in Volhynia- Ar each place the attacks succeeded ins penetrating Russian positions but later were ex- pelled from them in counter attacks, according to the Russian war office.
 Heavy snowfalls in the mountain regions of the Austro-Italian theatre are hampering operations, but there has been considerable activity in the Adige valley. where severe artillery duels are in progress on several sec tors.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-04-04
OFFICERS DISCOVER A
 RADIO OUTFIT ON A FARM Two Germans Summoned to Ports mouth Navy Yard to Explain.

South Berwick, Me, April 3.-M. Littman and M. Seeley, Germans, were summoned to the portsmouth navy yard for a hearing today as result of the seizure last night by government officers of a radio outfit discovered upon their farm.
 The seizure was made by an officer and four marines from the navy yard, a secret service agent and two deputy sheriffs. The two men caIfe to this section two year sago and have lived since upon their small farm located two miles from the center of the town. The confiscated apparatus, it is stated, had been strung from a. barn to a tree.
 Littman and Seeley said they were permitted to return home by the navy yard authorities after being questioned regarding the radio outfit. While wis iting neighboring farm yesterday, they said, officers with warrant took possession of the house and made a thorough search.
 The men explained that their station was able to receive messages from points as far distant as Colon and that at one time they had an amateur plant about six miles from the Boston navy yard.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-04-04

Each day finds the British and French forces drawing their net close upon St. Quentin. Already close to the outskirts of the town on the west and southwest, the British and French in fresh drives have captured addi- tIonal villages and points of support.
 Attacking on a front of more than eight miles south and southwest of the harassed German stronghold, the French troops, despite stubborn resist ance by the Germans. everywhere met with success. taking strongly organ iEed positions and villages. notably among Shem Dalton. about two miles southwest, and Gi4ecourt. two miles south of the town.
 The British. already almost within a stone's throw of the western out skirts of St. Quentin. seemingly are resting there while to the northwest they are carrying out nnanoeuvre having as It's object the thanking Of St Quentin from the north.
 In this operation they have rertially succeeded. according to the British ofncial communication. Driving east ward from the region of Vermand they
Norwich bulletin., 1917-04-04
ATTENTION OF FRANCE IS
 FIXED ON WASHINGTON
Waiting for Vote by Congress or President Wilson's Recommendation.

Paris, April 3, 5.15 p. m.-The atten- ton of France is fixed intently on Washington. waiting for a vote by congress on President Wilson's recom- mendation that congress declare that a state of war with Germany exists. Among the characteristic newspaper comment is that of the Temps, which says:
 Tt is a great date in the history of America, great date in the history of humanity. The decision not to mix in the quarrels of Europe had domi- mated American policy for more than a century. German violence has been stronger than this will, and saznew- ally joins us. Despite the Monroe doctrine. despite immigration and despite ali sorts of ties binding two nations, the aggressive policy of the Hohenzollerns has forced war on a people which was firmly decided to remain neutral.
 What will Edison do? What un- expected discovery will be offer to his country?" are questions that are being asked by the French people in view of the prospect of the United States join iag the entente The greatest curios- .ty is being manifested~in possible new war inventions.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-04-04

Washington, April 3.-The way was cleared on both sides of the capitol to- day for prompt enactment of the ad- ministration resolution declaring a state of war exists with Germany and directing the president to prosecute it with all the nations resources to a successful termination.
 Continuous Session of Senate.
 Baked by Senator La Toilette in their effort to have the resolution been presented from the foreign rela- tions committee, senate leaders de- cided to begin tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock session to continue until a vote has been taken. Letters signed by Senators Martin and Gallinger re- spectively, the democratic and repub- lican leaders, went to each senator to- night asking him to be in his seat to- morrow when the senate meets, and announcing the plan for a continuous session
 Vote Late TonightN
 If the leaders can hold a quorum, as they were able to do in the clos ing hours of the last sessIon on the armed neutrality bill, it is probable that there will be action late tomor- row night or Thursday morning. It is not expected tbAt there will be any attempt to fiifbuster. but none knew speak.
 House to Adopt Resolution.
 Adoption of the resolution by the house before tomorrow night is pre- dicted by members of the foreign af- fairs committee The committee will meet in the morning and is expected to reported back quickly the resolu- tion as approved today by the senate committee A special rule probably will be asked from the rules commit tee to expedite the resolution regard less of its progress in the senate and little delay is looked for once it reaches the house floor. Sentiment on the house side is almost unanimously in favor of the measure:
 Position Taken by Senators.
 Senators who have looked over the situation believe that if friends of the resolution can be prevented from con- suming time in speech making, a vote in the senate need not be delayed many hours. They expect few votes against it and not many speeches in opposition Republicans in close touch with the situation believe Senators Lafollette, Gronna and Norris on the republican side will speak and vote against the resolution and that they
Norwich bulletin., 1917-04-04
UNNATURALIzED GERMANS
 COULD BE INTERNEb.
Law on Statute Books Gives the Pres
 ident That Power.


 Washington, April 3.-WhiIe presi- olent policy the government will pur- sue towards Germans in this country. legal officers of the administration to- day directed attention to a law already on the statute books under which aa soon as congress declares war existing every unnaturalized male German 1f years of age or under may by presi- dential proclamation be confined or removed as alien enemies
 Under the old Prussian- American treaty of 1928 German citizens here would be to an extent exempt from provisions of this law. The United States, however, has refused to ac- cede to proposal of the Berlin gov ernment that the treaty be reahHrmed with changes and additions, and ft ls Understood the document will be de- clared abrogated if the conduct of Ger mans make such a step necessary.
 State department officials revealed to- day that Germany recently replied to t' American note refusing to accept her proposal regarding the treaty be- cause of her disregard of the canons of international courtesy" and her "clear violations Of the treaty itself While no details were given out if lr understood that Germany denied that she had violated the treaty and evinced a desire to 4bide by it.
 The American government in its note said 1t was seriously considerinr whether the treaty had mot been fn effect abrogated by the German gov ernment's fragrant violations Of its provisions"
Norwich bulletin., 1917-04-04
COLONEL ROOSEVELT MADE FLYING TRIP TO WHITE HOUSE Would Not Send in His Name When
 He Found President Was Busy.

Washington, April 3. Colonel Roosevelt, on his way home from Florida. made flying trip to the White House between trains today to congratulate President Wilson on his address to congress. When he found the president was at work in the ex- ecutive offices he would not send in his name. but left his card with the chief usher and rushed back to the railroad station.
 Before resuming his journey, how ever, the former president dictated a statement declaring Mir. Wilson's mes- sage great state paper and express ing the hope that he would be allowed to raise a division for immediate ser wise at the front.
 White House attaches were greatly disappointed because the colonel could not wait to see the president Sec retary Tunulty issued this statement:
 We were pleased and gratified by Colonel Roosevelt's visit"
Norwich bulletin., 1917-04-04
STORMY SENATE SCENE;
 ADJOURNMENT FORCED.
Senator Martins Action to Head of La Toilette, Who Asked That War Resolution Go Over.

Washington, April S.-The adjourn ment of the senate today was marked by 2 stormy scene in which senator sideration of the war declaration reso-, lution over until tomorrow and the democratic leader, Senator Martin, then forced an adjournment to cut off La
 When Senator Hitchcock reported the resolution as amended and asked for it's immediate consideration, Sena- tor La Toilette made his request that 1t go over under the rules. Senator Hitchcock told him that if absence of printed copies was the basis of his objection he could promise their dis trfbution within five minutes:
 T object, under the rules" insisted Senator La Toilette.
 Senator Martin angri1y faced Sena- tor La Toilette. saying:
 "Of course, it is within the power of the senator to carry this over. He has too much experience to make it neces- sary for me to tell him that his atti- Iude in a matter of such tremendous consequenees@
 Senator La Toilette broke in with a protest against being '1ectured" by Senator Martin.
 T had nc idea of featuring the Sen ator," Senator Martin retorted, 'but I have a right to call the attention of the tous conssquences of the resolution"
 @It's quite unnecessary La Toilette interiected. T think I realize 1t as fully as the senator from Virginia does. I ask the regular order
 Senator La Toilette then insisted that the vice president sustain and an- nounce the rule against further com ment. after objection has been made TO immediate consideration of a reso- lution.
 The vice president called for other bills and resolutions. and Senator Mar tin precipitated the adjournment.
 T desire to say right here," he an- nounced. that no other business shall be proceeded with until this matter Is settled. I move that the senate ad- 1ourn until 10 o'clock tomorrow"
 The galleries greeted this announce ment with a wave of hand-clapping which was not suppressed.
 The senate then adjourned.
Norwich bulletin., 1917-04-04
OBITUARY
James B. Merwin

New York, April 3.-James B. Mervvin, who spoke from the same platform in Illinois with Abraham Lincoln in 1855, for temperance and served as chaplain through the Civil War. aIed today at his home in cut arpl was ST years old.
 He was editor of a temperance paper called "The Fountain" in Hartford, was corresponding secretary of the Cinuecticut temperance society and a factor in the temperance victory in Maine in 1851. After the unsucocess fuI Il1inois campaign lincoln and others gave MT. Merwil gold watch. His later years had been devoted to ternrerancs lectures and writing on Eaat subject and on "reminiscences of lincoln.