davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
LEAGUE CAUCUS
RESENTS ACTION
Of c. v. F|NWAlL

c. w. Finwall this morning had the
request of Nonpartisan league Officers
surrendered to the chairman notes
which was engaged in making of the
private caucaus held in the assembly
room at the northwest.
Mr.. Finwall was advised that these
proceedings were more or less conf
Dental and in order to hold them in
confidence the caucus would require
him to turn over his notes to the
chairman. He appeared before the
caucus to discuss senate bill lS7. re
ferring to Sunday baseball. The notes
which he surrendered under protest
pertained to number of other bills
which also were discussed in caucus
this morning.
League leaders showed resentment
at the course pursued by the temper
ance official, and his action has moi
tended to smooth the way for law
enforcement league measures now
pending.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
LARGEST OF FLEET,

New York, Feb. 26.-The Cunard
Line advices stated that there was
only one casualty thus far known.
The company announced the names
of seven Americans aboard the La
coma, as follows:
Miss Phyllis Barker, New York.
Arthur T. Kirby, Bainbri:lye, N. J.
Mrs. F. E. Harris, New York City.
Mrs. Mary A. Hoy, Chicago.
Miss Elizabeth Hoy, Chicago.
. Rev. James Waring, New York.
F.. p. Gibbons of the Chicago 'rrib-
une and formerly of the Minneapolis
Tribune.
There were 20 native born Amerf-
cans in the crew.
The Laconia was one Of the largest
vessels of the Cunard fleet an uthe
largest thus far sunk since the new
German submarine warfare was COM
menced. She registered 1909 tons,
was 600 feet dong, II feet beam, and
40 feet depth. She was built in 1911,
at Newcastle. 49,.
The Laconia carried mail from AM
erica. 1t is thought she was torpe'
doed Sunday night. Another steamer
rescued 20 of her passengers, who
are expected to land this evening. A
further statement this afternoon said
the majority of the survivors were
expected to land at Queenstown and
the others at Bantry, Ireland.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
BONE DRY BILL. L..'
PASSES HOUSE
MINUS FIGHT
Heated Discussion in Senate Over
Seizure Utilities in Time of
War

Senator Heckle's bone-dry law
passed the house this afternoon with
out any opposition. Other important
measures passed by that body were
senate bill 1877, depositor's guaranty
act, and senate bill 2, concurrent reso
lution amending constitution as to
provide for state hail insurance.
BY vote of Is to %, the senate
declined to concur in the house resol.l'
tion calling upon the government, in
case of war, to seize ammunition
plants, shipyards and other utilities
and moneys without compensation.
The measure caused considerable dis
cussiOn.
Senator Cahill declared that if the
profits were taken out of war there
would be no war. Senator Hamilton
made the statement that he wanted no
one to make millions of dollars from
the blood of his boys.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
UNITED Press.)

New York, Feb. 26-Representa-
tives of 1876 unions and socialists,
and women's organizations, today
planned to urge upon Governor Whit
man the necessity of $10.0O0,00O ap'
preparation for the purchasing of food
to be sold at cost to the poor. City
Investigations revealed that the acute
food situation is increasing. A strike
of school children to emphasize the
hardships of the food shortage is pro-
posed. Boycotts are so tightly drawn
that retail merchants are closing
their shops. Many women are on
picket duty at the slaughter houses.
Mrs. Ida Harris today made spir-
tied attack on her husband, grocery
store keeper, who is charged with
raising his prices. Health Commits
sioner Emerson, in a statement issued
today, said that unless wages are in
creased, or food conditions bettered,
the unhealthful conditions of the poor
will constantly increase because they
are unable to buy the right kind OF
food.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26

President Asks Pover
To Arm Ships Against
Ruthless Subsea Attacks

Washington, Feb. 26.-With a full
realization Of the solemnity of the oc
casion, the president took his action
today with the calm confidence that
congress and the country will stand
benin d him. The grim-faced body of
senators and representatives who less
than month ago heard the president
pronounce the words which announc.
ed a severance Of diplomatic relations
with Germany-an act which in all
the history Of first class nations al
ways had lead to war-heard today
in tense silence and grave attention
the words which carry the American
Republic step further in it's stand
against ruthless sacrifice of neutral
rights and lives and step nearer
war, if it must be.
President Wilson arrived at the
Capitol just before o'clock, and
promptly at that hour stepped up to
the clerks desk in the hall of the
house, where both branches of con-
gress, meeting in special joint ses-
sion, were assembled before him.
The Message.
President Wilson spoke as follows:
Gentlemen of the Congress:
81 have again asked the privilege Of
addressing you because we are NOV
ing through critical times during
which it SENS to me to be my duty to
keep in close touch with the Houses
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
FORCE To STEM
FURY Of TEUT0N
SUBSEA WARFARE
This is Urged In Special Message
Delivered Today by Presi
dent Wilson
BLOCKADE OF PORTS AS
BLOCKADE OF PORTS AS
EFFECTUAL AS IN WAR
ASSOCIATED Press.)

Washington, Feb. 26.-President
Wilson appeared before Congress this
afternoon and asks for authority tc
place the United States in state o!
armed neutrality" to resist the Ger
man submarine menace.
Continued invasion Of the plain
rights Of neutrals on the high seas
further sacrifices of American lives
and ships, the intolerable blockade
of American commerce-almosta as ef
fectual as if the country were at war
have taken the place of dreaded
covert act" which was expected to
shock the world-and have forced the
president into the next step toward
war. rs ss
Arr,ing Of Ships.
The president asks to be empow
cred to take whatever steps are neces
sary which include the arming OF
ships, the conveying of merchantmen
BY war vessels, or what other steps
are necessary, made it plain again
that he wanted peace but not at the
price of American lives and rights OF
by driving the American flag from the
seas.
Congress is expected not only to
authorize the president to use the
armed forces of the country but also
to provide money.
Once before, in the infancy of the
Republic, a state of armed neutrality
was proclaimed to check predatory
violence upon American rights in the
war between France and England, but
ii did not result actually in war for
the United States.
Depends on Germany.
Whether any armed neutrality will
mean war depends on whether Ger.
many realizes that the United States
is ready to protect its neutral rights
by whatever steps are necessary.
"Two American vessels have been
sunk. the Housatonic and the Ly'
man NJ. Law. The case of the Housa'
tonic, which was carrying foodstuffs
consigned to London firm, was es'
sentially like the case of the Frye, in
which it will be recalled the German
government admitted its liability for
damages and the lives of the crew, as
in the case Of the Frye were safe.
guarded with reasonable care.
The case of the Law, which was car.
rying lemon box staves to Palermo
disclosed a ruthlessness of method
which deserves great condemnation,
but was accompanied by no circum.
stances, which might not have been
expected at any time in conjunction
with the use Of the submarine against
merchantmen. as the German govern
lnent has used it.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
BUDGET BILL
PASSES SENATE,
TOTAL $3,392,000

The senate this afternoon adopted
senate bill 1876, biennial appropriation
bill, carrying total of $3,392.77
as against an aggregate of $4,312, ,404.6O
appropriated in the original bill.
The Dickinson normal school appro-
priation went through at $1S1,OO0.
Senator Cahill blocked the efforts
made to cut off appropriations for
experimental work at the mining sub
station at Hebron.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
TWO. COACHES
TRAIN No. 4
LEAVE TRACK

Cool head work on the part of the
engineer of eastbound train No. A. Of
the Northern Pacific. in applying the
brakes, prevented the entire derail-
ment of the train, two miles west Of
J,ldson, Morton county, yesterday
morning at $50 O'Clock, when the
front trucks of the mail car left the
track, derailing that coach and also
the baggage car. Traffic over the Yel-
lowstone division was temporarily
halted.
The wrecking crew was sent out
from Mandan. The train reached Bis
marck at $50 O'Clock Sunday after
noon, about seven hours late.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
SLIDE
TAKES LIVES
Of 15 MEN

Boise, Idaho, Feb 26.-With all
southern Idaho in the grip of one of
the worst storms of the winter, at
tempts at rescuing the six undiscov-
cred bodies of the fifteen men who lost
their lives Sunday in the snowslides
at the North Star mine. near Haley,
have been abandoned.
All fifteen of the injured, three of
whom may die, are in the hospital at
HALEY or Bellevue and the nine re-
covered bodies will be taken to HALEY
tonight if the storm abates.. The,
heavy vet snow which was still falling
over most of the state late today has
increased the danger Of new slide.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
of Congress, so that neither counsel
nor action shall run at cross purposes
between us.

between us.
Put Into Practice. IL
"On the third day of February, l
officially informed you of the sudden
and unexpected action of the Imperial
German government in declaring its
intention to disregard the promises it
had made to this government in April
last, and undertake immediate sub.
marine operations against all com.
merce whether OF belligerents or of
neutrals, that should seek to approach
Freat Britain and Ireland, the Atlantic
coast of Europe, or the harbors Of the
eastern Mediterranean, and to conduct
those operations without regard to
the established restrictions of inter
national practice without regard to
any consideration of humanity what
ever, which might interfere with their
objects. The policy was forthwith
put into practice. 1t has now been in
active execution for nearly four weeks.
Results Not Disclosed.
sits practical results are not fully
disclosed. The commerce of other
neutral nations is suffering severely,
but not, perhaps, very much more Sc
verely than it was already suffering
before the first of February, when the
new policy Of the Imperial Govern
ment was put into operation. We have
CONTINUED on Page Three.)
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
FOUR SNOW PLOWS IN
DRIFTS NEAR WASHBURN

Washburn, U. D., Feb. 26-Follow-
ing the heavy snow Of Saturday and
Sunday, the 6S-foot cut between Luc-
ca and Nome is entirely filled with
tightly packed snow. Attempts to
break through the drift will be aban-
doned until spring.
Four snowplows have been sent
from this village to dig out the train
which was stalled at Lucca two weeks
ago. Only one of the plOws has re-
turned. The others plunged into the
drifts and are stalled. A rotary is
among the three, its blades having
snapped while operating near Alice.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
LETTER ASKS
REMOVAL Of
STATE HEADS
Enderlin Physician Says Affairs
of State in Hands of Con-
spirators
ADDRESSES LETTER
TO BOTH HOUSES
Threatens to Ask Department of
Justice to Remove Present
Officials

In an open letter to the governor,
the supreme court, the attorney gen.
eral and both houses of the legisla-
ture, DR.. H. c. R. Norriss of Enderlin,
declares that the government of North
Dakota is in the hands Of group Of
conspirators who, through their con-
spiracy, have seized control of the
state affairs.
The letter relates that North Da-
kOta is at present without any Repub-
lican form of government, and the
writer declines to take recognition Of
the present government. He demands
that Republican form of government
be Immediately Instituted and if this
is not done threatens to, apply to the
United States department Of justice
for the removal Of the present state Of
ficers and the call of a special cleo
ton to fill the vacancies. IN.
No Representation.
'Inasmuch as a certain group OF GER
tain conspirators by means of an open
conspiracy have attained possession
or control of the various departments
of the government of the state
through promises to represent one
special interest in the enactment and
the enforcement of the laws OF the
state and destroy such private prop
erty rights as seem to be antagonistic
to this special interest, and as this in
terest has taken unto itself the right
of taxation and has already declared
certain portion of the property of
some interests exempt from taxation
thereby increasing the tax rate Of
1Continned on Page TwoN J&
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
ONE LIFE LOST.
(unjted PreSS.)

New York, Feb. 26.-Cables to the
Cunard offices this afternoon told OF
the sinking of the Laconia and said
one life was lost
Six Americans were aboard the Gu
nard liner, Laconia, when she sailed,
it was stated this afternoon. The
names are not available. The Laco-
MIA was manned by British officers
and a British crew. She carried a
contraband cargo, in addition to mail
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26

ing DV ld1lu dllu sea lOFccS, IL
necessary, the rights Of Ameri-
can people on the high seas.
1t is pointed out the German
intention of submarine warfare,
indicated by the long list of
attacks on neutral shipping,
will be short lived.
Principles Only at Stake
The President told Congress
that material things are no
longer to be considered in, the
grave international situation.
but there remains the one
great principle-the rights Of
American citizens to he upheld.
He plainly indicated that his
action AoesSam6t necessarily;
mean war, Once before the
United States arrived at a crit
ical point with France and was
called upon to call a state Of
neutrality. 1t permitted the
arming Of American ships and
the conveying Of American
ships. In fact, every war mea-
sure was taken, short of an act
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
READY TO RESUME sAILINGs.

New York, Feb 2C.-If President
Wilson is authorized by congress to
arm ships to protect American mer-
chantmen on the high seas, the Amer
lean line steamships Tied up here will
resume sailings as soon as guns can
be provided, it was stated by the
lines officials here today.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
TWO BRITISH ~.
BOATS VICTIMS
Of SEA R0VERS
Omitted Press.)

Toxic, Feb. 26. - The British
steamer Perceus and Worcestershire
have been sunk, it was announced to.
day. They we're sunk off Colombo, the
statement said. No details have so far
beef. received, but it has been report.
ed that explosions took place aboard
both ships, due to German plotting.
Editors Note The Perceus was re-
ported sunk at London Feb. %. and the
Worcestershire Feb. 10. and it was
then assumed they were victims OF
German warfare. The Toxic dis
patches were the first reports that
they had been victims of German plot
ting. The Japanese government has the
strictest censorship, and it is possible
they fell victims to the raiders.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
GERMANY RELEASES
AMERICAN SAILORS
Associated Press.)

Washington, Feb. 26.-Ambassador
Willard at Madrid cabled today that
the Spanish foreign Office had notified
him that u American sailors taken
on the prize ship. Yarrowdale. had
been released by Germany on Febru-
ary Is.
Absolutely no other details, either
as to the whereabouts of the men
now or the long delay in hearing from
Berlin on the many requests for their
release.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
GRANARY NEAR FLAXTON
DESTROYED: LOSS S4.ODO

Flaxton, N. D., Feb. 26-Fire total
ly destroyed the granary and the con-
tents on the farm of Mrs. Otto Ander-
son, mile north of town, last week.
Considerable grain was destroyed.
The loss Is about $4,000.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26

ua declaration Of hOslities.
Sends Request
The President worked throughout Sunday his speech He
abandoned his ordinary custom of going to church and worked
his study. Early today he called Secretary umuty to the White
House and read the speech to him. AT 3O o'clock he called
White House tell him Of his and
10 clock his request for joint session sent leaders in
the House and the Senate
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
MARKET DOWN.
fUnited Press,

New York. Feb 26.-The stock mar.
ket hesitated and sold downward TO-
day, when hearing Of President Wilt
sons determination to address con-
gress today.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
Congress Surprised.

congress SURPRISED. j .
While the president was generally
expected to address joint session Of
congress before very long, his sud-
den determination to do so today
took congress completely off its guard.
Leaders claimed they knew nothing
until the announcement came today.
Others said the senate tilibuster fore
ed tho president to decide to appear
before them. Although navy depart
ment heads refused to discuss the sub.
iect of arming merchantmen, which
is to be discussed by the president,
it was learned authoritatively that II
it is decided on, the navy department
can mount guns on every merchant
man in a few moments notice. It de-
veloped this morning that the presi-
dent does not contemplate the dis
cussion of the Austrian situation.
Feared Coalition.
That concerted Republican plan
to force coalition government in
dealing with the present international
situation was one of the principal
reasons why the president decided to
address a joint session Of congress.
is the claim Of Republican leaders TO-
day. Others learned that many mem
bers in opposition to the coalition
government plan, planned to make an
open demand that all parties be rep
resented at the congress.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26

+ Omitted Press.)
WANTS CONVOY.

Washington, Feb. 26.-Ambassa.
dor Gerard has asked the State
Department that the ship which
bringing him to American be con-
voyed by an American warship in
case Of war, it was officially ad-
mitted today. Nothing is being
done at the present time in the
way Of special protection to his
vessel in the absence Of war.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
ARRIVES SAFELY.

New York, Feb. 26.-The White Star
Liner Laplander arrived at Liverpool
safely Saturday afternoon, cables to
the local offices of the line announced
today.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
URGE Ten MILLION
APPROPRIATE n
/. 0 BU 7 t 00D
Governor Whitman Asked to Sc
cure supplis and Sell Them at
Cost to Poor .,....
WOMEN ATTACK GROCER
WHO BOOSTED. PRICES
ASKS SIX MILLIONS.
UNITED Press.)

Washington, Feb. Ex-senator
eorah today introduced a resoIu-
tion in the senate providing for
the appropriation Of $6,000,O0O
to be spent at the direction Of the
president in relieving the present
food situation.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
Chief Executive Appears Before Congress
and Asks Power to Employ Army and
Navy in Crisis With Germany. Says
It Does Not Necessarily Mean War.
United States Used This Method
With France During Directorate
(UN1TED PREss)

Washington Feb 26Amed neutrality for the United States
will be President Wilson Germany OF
her intention wage with her Uboats. In
message delivered clock this afternoon, before joint
Of Congress- President will ask for of protect
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
UNITED Press.)

Queenstown, Feb. 2G.-The Cunard
Line steamship, Laconia, of 1S,O99
tons gross, which sailed from New
York, February Is, for Liverpool, has
been sunk. NJ
The Cunard liner, Laconia sailed
from New York on February rs, with
100 passengers, among whom were ten
or more Americans
Without Warming.
It is stated authenticity that the
Laconia was torpedoed without warn
ing. ....
Wesley Frost, .Ameri.al consul at
Observation-Disclosures xa,s hmeri,
can embassy here today that "27S
survivors of the Laconia landed. De.
tails are lacking, but it is known that
some are missing and one is dead
Washington, Feb. 26.-News of the
sinking of the Cunard liner, ILaconia
with Americans on board, was receiv
ed here as the president was on his
way to address congress. Although
without details, it's grave pOssibili
ties added emphasis to the president s
words
The survivors of the Laconia are
said to number go They will be
landed tonight.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
UNITED Press)

With the British army in France,
Feb. 26-Under cover of fog and mist
within the past 4S hours, Germans
made the greatest retirement to date
on the western front. The British
gained possession of Serre, Mirua-
mont, Petit Miraumont and also cap
tured the famous Butte de Warlen.
court the scene OF some of the blood
lest fighting during the last few years.
In some places trenches were filled
with bones of dead men.
The exact retirement OF the Ger
mans is unknown, but in some places
1t is estimated at three miles. Brit.
ish patrols are out harassing the Ger
man retirement wherever possible.
Until these report the exact figures
are not available.
Force Key.
The British are now in 4 position
to force the key to the German posi-
tions. It was by chance that the Ger
man evacuation was discovered.
Smoke from fires in German dugouts
was detected and the British investi-
gated and found the enemy with
drawn.
There was only slight resistance
when the British took possession be-
fore the TeutOns abandoned their old
positions. -. .--,.~l
It is supposed that the Teutons are
preparing their lines to meet the
great "push" the Entente proposes as
soon as spring arrives.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26

London, Feb. 26.-Kut-eI-Ama-
"a has been captured from the
Turks by the British forces, ac-
cord;ng to a statement made in
the house Of commons today by
Andrew Bonar Law, member Of
the British war council.
The Turks on the Tiyris river
front are in full retreat toward
Baghailah, ~ miles to the west
Of kut.el-Amara,t says an official
statement issued today by the
war office. The fleeing turks are
being engaged by the pursuing
British cavalry.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
.TEU10NS FALL
BACK To NEW
!. ENTRENCHMENTS
In Well Prepared Position Await
Spring Offensive of the En-.
tente Forces
ONLY SLIGHT RESISTANCE
WHEN BRITISH ADVANCE
Allies Believe That They Now
Have Key to German Positions
on West Front
TAKE kUT.

TRNE Nut. NJ
London, Feb. 26.-kut.ei-Amara
has been recaptured by the Brit
ish forces. Chancellor Of the Ex.
chequer A. 6onar Law made this
announcement in the house Of
commons this afternoon. He said
the Turkieh garrison is in full
retreat.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-02-26
UNITED Press.)

Berlin, Feb. 26.-In several sectors
between Armentieres and the Ancre,
the British accommodating advances
failed, according to the official state
ment today. They were made partly
after artillery preparations, and part
" after surprise advances.