davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Alaska daily empire., 1917-11-24
Cordova, Valdez and &c., ward Favor the
 Walsh Bill for
 Alaska. SENTIMENT UNANIMOUS C0rdova Has Acted and Other Towns Are
 Now Ready to Act.

That the commercial organizations and public opinion generally of West ward communities are very strong iy in favor of having the Walsh bill for the disposal of coal lands, now pending in the United States Sen ate, extended to include Alaska, is evidenced by telegrams received by The Empire last night and this morning. Seward, Cordova and Val dez have all responded to a request for information as to the positions of their respective commercial or ganizations, and all three are for the change. Cordova has already acted on the matter.
 The Walsh bill, Senate Bill 2812) briefly speaking, provides for the sale of coal lands of known value at public sale, provided that none shall be sold for.2less than SID an acre, when they are located more than IS miles from any railroad or other means of transportation, or for less than $20 an acre when they are less than that distance from Transportation facilities. The bill al so provides that hereafter the dis coverer of coal lands may enter them, and acquire title by paying the prices mentioned for them. In either case there are provisions re- quiring the development or forfeit ure of the property, providing against mono poly, for rights of way, against interlocking ownerships and direc- torates, etc.
 In fact all the safeguards that are in tho Alaska leasing bill are in- ciuded in the Walsh measure, the difference being that the Walsh bill provides for granting absolute title to the lands while the Alaska meas ure provides for term leases. The Walsh bill, as introduced and re- ported to the Senate, applies only to the States, Alaska being excepted in specific language. A movement that thus far seems to have practi- caiiy the unanimous approval of Alaskans has been started to induce Congress to include Alaska within the terms of the Walsh bill.
 MATTER PUT UP TO THE
 WESTWARD
 After the meeting of the Juneau Commercial Association Thursday af- ternoon The Empire sent the follow ina telegram to various newspapers published at the Westward:
 "Juneau Commercial Association is asked by the Alaska Bureau of Seattle Chamber of Commerce to urge Congress to include Alaska with in the terms of the Walsh coal lands bill, providing for the sale instead of lease of coal lands, and hereaf- ter permitting discovered coal lands to be entered by the discoverer, with proper restrictions against monopoly in all cases. What is position of commercial organizations there?"
 This telegram was sent because the Juneau Commercial Association had authorized the appointment of committee to investigate the de. sires of the commercial organiza. tions of the Westward communities
 SEWARD GOES ALL THE WAY
 The following telegram was re- ceived from the Seward Gateway: Elmer A. Friend, editor:
 SEWARD, Nov 23.-chamber of Commerce of Seward tooth and nail up and down the line and clear across the board for an amendment to the Walsh bill that will extend its provisions to Alaska. Has beer waiting for copy of Sulzer amend ment before taking specific action
The Alaska daily empire., 1917-11-24
WOMAN WANTS TO FIGHT ON
 WAR FRONT

WASHINGTON. Nov. A. Miss Ruth Law. a Chicago aviator. has applied to the War Department for a pilots commission in the aviation section of the United States Signal Corps. The department has taken the application under advisement. Miss Law says she Is anxious and wants to get real war service.
The Alaska daily empire., 1917-11-24
IN BRITISH HANDS

BRITISH HEADQUARTERS IN FRANCE, Nov. "A. = Afternoon re- ports indicate that Bourbon Wood which dominates Cambrai from the west probably is now in the hands of the British. Reports also indi. cate that Mosuvres may have fallen. According to the latest reports Fon- taine is in flames.
The Alaska daily empire., 1917-11-24

ENDORSES WALSH'S BILL

resolutions protesting against those sections of Senate Bill No. 2812, which prevent the extension of it's provisions to Alaska coal and oil lands. Cordova wants AIaskans to have the same rights as are ac- corded people in the States.
The Alaska daily empire., 1917-11-24
VALDEZ BOLDLY
 FOR THE MEASURE

VALDEZ, Nov. 24.-The citizens of Valdez stand solidly behind Dele gate Charles A. Sulzer in his ef- forts to have the Walsh bill include the release of Alaska's resources for the use of AIaskans.
The Alaska daily empire., 1917-11-24
cORpOvA CHAMBER
 ACTS ON REQUEST
 FROM ALASKA BUREAU

coRDovA, Nov. 23.-The Cordo- va Chamber Of Commerce has ai- ready unanimously adopted and for warded to Washington and other commercial bodies in Alaska strong
The Alaska daily empire., 1917-11-24

WASHINGTON: Some apprehen- sion is caused by the report that Germany has sent an envoy to Pet rograd to treat with Russia for sep arate peace.
The Alaska daily empire., 1917-11-24
ANOTHER VERSION.

Washington, Nov. "A. - Another version was given late this after noon of the German submarine cap tured recently by two American de- stroyers, it having been sent to the bottom by the members of her crew opening the cocks below while their shipmates stood on the decks with their hands raised in signal of surrender. All of the crew were taken prisoners.
 Secretary Daniels today an- nounced the sinking and capture of the submarine in a formal state- ment, which made no mention nor reason for the boat sinking. The details leaked out at the Depart ment later, but the secretary neither confirmed them nor denied them, saying he had issued state ment in agreement with the Brit ish Admiralty and could not add to it. He said one German died while being transferred to the destroyer and another was drowned, the for mer being buried with military hon. ors.
The Alaska daily empire., 1917-11-24
WHAT'S THE WEATHER
 GOT TO DO WITH IT?

The weather doesn't alter the fact that it is
 3l Days only until Christmas.
 Yes, about time to think of that early shopping ex- petition. Certainly, there are presents in the stores. Just watch the ads for sug- gestions.
The Alaska daily empire., 1917-11-24
DEPTH BOMB
 ACCOUNTS FOR
 GERMAN SUB American Destroyer Sinks Another One and Crew
 PeriSheS with
 Vessel. PERlSCOPE IS SIGHTED A Few Minutes Afterwards All That Remained of Sub Were Some
 Bubbles.
'ERISCOPE IS SIGHTED

WASHINGTON, Nov. 24.-Admir- al Sims has cabled the State De- partment that an American de- stroyer has sunk another German submarine, the latter having been so badly damaged with a depth bomb that it sank with all on board.
 After the submarine disappeared the destroyer located it and tried to attach line and take it in tow.
 Later advices received show that two American destroyers took part in the action One of these sight ed the periscope at a distance of 400 yards and headed for the spot and dropped the fatal depth bomb.
 Shortly after the American de- stroyer hit the submarine with the depth bomb the submersible came to the surface. Both destroyers then opened fire on it, but the sub- marine showed no signs of life. One of the destroyers got line aboard, but it sank again and the line was severed.
 Both destroyers kept circling around the submarine while pour ing a fire into her.
The Alaska daily empire., 1917-11-24
COAL OPERATORS ARE WARNED BY
 FUEL ADMINISTRATOR

WASHINGTON, Nov. 24.-Fuel Administrator Dr. Garfield has warned the Michigan coal opera tors that the government will com mandeer and operate the mines if they carry out their threat of re- fusing to sell coal at the price fixed by the government.
 LONDON: The effectiveness of the big tanks and of the cavalry charges is the outstanding feature being discussed by military observ- CTS, in relation to the present Brit ish drive.
The Alaska daily empire., 1917-11-24
Italians Still Holding in Check the Massed At- taCkS of the
 TeutonS.
FIERCE BATTLE RACES
Teutons Have Given Up All Attempts to Reach Venice by Lower
 Piave.

ITALIAN HEADQUARTERS. Gro Associated Press).) Nov 24.- The battle in the mountains between the Italian forces and the massed at tacks of the Teutons and their re Inducements is raging with unusu al violence.
 The Italians are holding the Monte Tomba and Monte Persica positions, along the upper reaches of the Bren- ta and Piave rivers, which they lost the night before.
 The losses have been appalling on both sides, the loss of the Teutons having exceeded that of the Italian forces
The Alaska daily empire., 1917-11-24
Given Up Attempt

ROME, Nov. 24-The Teutons ap- parently have given up all attempts to reach Venice across the lower Piave river, since the terrible pun ishment inflicted recently, and are now concentrating all of their forces in an attempt to secure an opening from the mountains across the plains between the Piave and Brenta rivers.
The Alaska daily empire., 1917-11-24

Italian-American Bank here and se- cured $2,000.
The Alaska daily empire., 1917-11-24

SEWARD, Nov. 23.-chamber of Commerce of Seward tooth and nail, up and down the line and clear across the board for an amendment to the Walsh bill that will extend
 its provisions to Alaska. Has been waiting for copy of SuIzer amend ment before taking specific action.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-04-11
BIG HAUL OF.DRUGS.
Narcotics Worth $1,000 Seized By
Federal Agent.

Tampa, Fla, April S.-Narcotic
drugs said to be worth 100000 were
conflscated here today by Federal
Rvenue Agent Daniel L. Porter of
New York in a raid on the quarters Of
DIR. II. c. Hammers recently arrested
in New York charged with violation
Of the anti-narcotic act.
According to Porter the raid
brought to light traces of DR.. Ham
mer's connection with a traffic in mar
cotics in Chicago, New York, Balti-
more, Philadelphia, Buffalo, Atlanta,
Memphis. Nashville and other cities.
DR.. Hammers was arrested in New
York last Thursday and Porter stated
was being held there in default Of
$4,000 bond after arraignment
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-04-11
ISLAND HOTEL DESTROYED.
BIG LOSS AT ISLE OF PALMS By
FLAMES.
Building of Two Hundred Rooms Lost
III unexplained Manner i'm Early
Morning. Eirc-OnIy Theory Adj
vancctl.

Charleston, April 5.-Firc of an un-
known origin totally destroyed the
Isle Of Palms hotel early this morn
ing, the widely popular hostelry,
valued at 100000, with total insur-
ance OF $4,000, being consumed to
ashes between the hours of 2:3O and
$50 a. IN. The blaze was discernible
Tor many miles around, being plainly
visible IN this CITY,, Nothing but the
chimneys of the 200 room building
now remain. A high wind famed the
names to fury in a short while, and
tncre was no chance Of saving the
building or any of it's contents. No
other property at the summer resort
was touched by the flames. James
S9ttile Is president of the corporation
owning the hotel. He was at loss to-
day to account for the starting of the
fire. as electrical current had been
cut off last fall when the hotel closed
- S~D-'' oiiN iio ouSplClOuS person.
had been observed near the building
yesterday or after the fire this morn
ing. There is theory that tramps
may. have used the east wing, where
the first started, as a lodging place.
however, and were careless with
lighted cigarettes. The main hotel
building of three stories was built in
1902, the two story east wing added
in sl9oS, and the west wing Of two
storiea n 1913. Only few seasons
ago. expensive furniture and other
equipment were installed new
throughout the building. James Sottile
and his hotel manager. w. j. Hanlon.
made the trip to the Isle of Palms
at 3oclock this morning. when mott
fled OF the fire by phone, using small
launch, and were nearly swamped
when Just across the harbor, due 10
the darsness and heavy seas. No an
noupce,nent as to plans for the COM
ing season have been made today. The
pavilion and general amusement facil-
tiles are unharmed.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-04-11
BRYAN READY FOR SERVICE.
OFFERS HIMSELF FOR DUTY IN
ANY CAPACITY.
Great COmmOncr Willing to he En-
rolled as Private Soldier If His
Country Calls.

Tallahassee, Fla, April 6.-Willianl
Jennings Bryan, three times candi-
date for president and former secre-
tary of State, today sent this message
to President Wilson:
Believing it to be the duty of each
citizen to bear his part of the bur-
den of war and his share of it's perils.
L hereby tender my services to the
government. Please enroll me as a
private whenever 1 am needed. AS
sign me to any work that T can do
until called to the colors. shall
through the Red Cross contribute 20
the comfort Of soldiers in the hospital
and through the Young Mems Chris
tian association aid in guarding the
morals OF the men in camp.
Mr.. Bryan, with the rank of colo
mel. commanded regiment Of Nc
braska volunteers during the Spanish
American war.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-04-11
DOMINICK OPPOSED TO WAR.
Third District Member Says His Con-
science FOrbids Him to Favor Meas
ure.

Washington, April 5.-The only
South Carolina member of the house
voting against the war resolution is
Representative Fred III. Dominick OF
the Third district Before casting his
vote he gave out tn, blowing state
meEt:
BY voting against the resolution
to plunge us into war, 1 am giving
an expression 10 my honest conviction
and Judgment after mature thought
and calm and deliberate consideration.
MI Kitchin, the majority leader, in
his speech against the resolution ex-
acuy expressed my position. This law
VIII be passed OH Good Friday, the
day of the crucitiXion, and may ask
If there is any significance in this
concident?'
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-04-11
Mrs. Sallic T.. Afford Dead.

Blenheim. April 5.-Thcre passed
away at her home, "The Cedars," in
Dillon county on last Sunday after
noon at o'clock Mrs. Sallie Eliza
beth Afford, one of the most hon
orcd citizens of the Pee Dee section
Mrs Afford was in her S1st year, and
prior to the last few months had been
unusually active for one of her age.
She was born i'm 1886 at Maxton
n. c., but upon her marriage in 1865
to Capt. William Afford moved to
Marion, now Dillon county, wherc
she had since resided. At the age
of .16 she united with the Pres1y
terian. church. of which she was 70,
so many years faithful and most
useful and efficient member. her
membership being at Little Rock Pres
byterian church. of which the Rev.
John McSween is pastor
The intcrmcnt was ut the Afford
cemetery near itpctN N:FcCK frCSDy-
tcrian church. the funeral service be-
ing conducted by the Rev. John Nc
Swcen of Dillon and the Rev. John
Jordan Douglass of Blcnheim, NJ.
Douglass paying Il high tribute to Mrs
Affords life and character. The
benedictiOn was pronounced by the
Rev. Mr.. Phillips Of Bingham.
Mrs. Afford is survived by three
sons, II. i. Afford. Dr. Plummcr Al
ford Of Dillon and Dr. Yanccy Afford
of Wisacky, and the following dauah-
tors: Mrs. r.. G. Mcleod of Bishop
vile. Misses Ella, Annie. Douschka
Julia, May. Grace Afford of Dillon
and by several grandchildren.
The funeral was largely attcndc,
by friends from both North Caro-
lima and elsewhere.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-04-11
OFFICERS WILMINGTON COM.
PANY.
David Worth LOring Chosen First
Lieutenant Of Cavalry Troop.

David Worth Loring. q son of Capt.
Geo. w. Loring of this city, was chos-
en- first lieutenant Of q cavalry troop
being organized at Wilmington, N. c.,
where he has been living for q num-
Der Of years, during which time he
has been actively associated with the
militia Of that city. T. ]. Cause, a
former officer Of the Wilmington Light
Infantry and business man and
militiaman OF long experience, was
unanimously chosen captain of the
organization and Oscar p. Peck was
elected second lieutenant.
The troop now has seventy members
and Is rapidly adding to its numbers
As soon as the troop has been inspect
ed by an army officer and the men
have passed the medical examination,
they will be mustered into service of
the National Guard of the State.
The many friends here of Lieut.
Loring will be pleased to hear of the
honor conferred upon him, and they
feel that the members of the COM
pany have chosen man who will
we'll fiji the Office to which he has
been elected.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-04-11
WILSON PRAISES ALLIES.
GLAD TO BE ALIGNED WITH
FAIR FRANCE.
President Tells POincare That Two
Nations Stand Firmly for Freedom.

Washington, April SIN response
TO President Poincare's congratula-
tions upon the entrance of the United
states into the war, President Wilson
today sent this message:
In this trying hour. when the
destinies of civilized mankind are in
the balance, it has been a source Of
qualification and JOY TO me to receive
your congratulations upon the step
winch my country has been constrain-
ed to take in opposition to the relent-
less policy and course of imperial
istic Germany.
1T is very delightful to us that
France, who stood shoulder to should
er with us of the Western world in
our struggle for independence should
now give US such a welcome into the
lists of battle as upholders of the
freedom and rights OF humanity.
we stand as partners of the noble
democracies whose aims and acts
make for the perpetuation of rights
and freedom of man and for the safe
guarding Of the true principles of hu-
man liberties. In the name of the
American people, 1 salute you and
your illustrious countrymen."
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-04-11
GOOD PRICE FOR BONDS.
CITY MAKES MOST eADVANTAG-
EOUS SALE OF STREET M
PROvEMENT BONDS.
I'rice Paid Is Better Than Ever Before
by Reason OF Fact That Bonds Had
Been Approved Previous to Sale
Number Of bidders.

The sale Of the $4,000 street i'm
provement bonds last night by the
city Of Sumter was the most advan-
taseous ever made yet by the city in
disposing of it's bonds. In fact the
premium paid for the $4,000 bonds
sold last night was almost as much as
was paid for the $225. 900 bonds sold
earlier.
There werc number OF rcpresen-
tatives of bidders, some Of the local
banks being present as representa-
tives Of purchasers. when the bids
were opened and considered at a
special meeting of Council, which was
attended by Councilmen Booth and
Rowland, the latter acting as mayor
for the meeting. After due consider
alton motion was made by Council
man Booth that the joint bids of j.
II. Hilsman & Company. Atlanta, and
3. M. MARSHALL & Bro. Charleston, be
accepted. This motion was passed
and the bonds were awarded accord
insly., Their bid was for the prin-
cipal sum of $4,000 with premium of
N,6S3.76 and accrued interest.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-04-11
EARGLE CASE ON TRIAL.
SUIT for SOC, 900 Against Sumter Light.
Ing Company Because of Death of
Engineer.

The case of Mrs. +. M. Eargle, adj
ministratrix of the estate of A. w.
Eargle. for 100000 damages against
the Sumter Lighting Company because
OF the death of Eargle, was commenc-
ed in the court of common pleas yes
terday and is progressing today with
the probability of being completed to-
morrow.
The plaintiff. through her attorneys,
Mcssrs. r. d. Epps and w. N. Gray
don, alleges that A. w. Eargle, an en-
gineer OF the Sumter Lighting COM
pany was killed by coming in contact
with charged chain, while attend
ing to his duties as engineer of the
company, and that his death was
due to the negligence Of the company
In that he had not been warned OF the
fact that the chain was charged, and
that other precautionary measures,
which the company should have talk
en-. had not been taken. The defend
ant company. In its answer, denies
that Eargle's death was due to any
carelessness Oh its part. but that IL he
met his death because of q charged
chain which he may have come in
contact, that 1t was due to his own
carelessness in not taking the proper
precautions laid down by the COM
pany In its rules. Messrs. Lee &
Moir j. II. Clifton and Purdy and
Bl " are representing the defendant.
Eargle was found dead in the door
way Of the supply house at the light
ing company plant one night in Feb
ruary, 1916. The plaintiff Is endeav-
ing to show that he met his death be-
cause of comm" in contact with
live chain. L. eimony on behalf of
the plaintiff came to an end this af-
ternoon just before court recessed for
dinner.
The case of Geo. f. Lee against ".
Fl. Shelley and Ernest Taylor was
tried in court yesterday, resulting in
a verdict Of $4,000. the balance due
on mortgage on certain furniture
which were in question in the suit,
for Ernest r. Taylor against the de-
fendant w. II. Shelley, or the return
Of the property to Taylor to the
amount of $1G5.OO. the balance on a
mortgage on the property. The Plain
tiff Lee dropped out of the suit, prac-
ticaly, before the trial began. and it
Taylor against Shelley for the possess
sion of furniture.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-04-11
TO GIVE FREE SEED.
-ttF.H.tf z is+ef- .f !. - |
Secretary ReartlOn to BE Sent Supply
Tor Garden Purposes Among White !
and COl0red.

Secretary Reardon yesterday wired
Senators Smith and Tillman and Con.
gresham Lever asking IL it would be
possible to. secure a good supply OF
garden seed Of different kinds for free
distribution through the sumte.
Chamber Of Commerce to poor white
and colored people.
Senator Smith replied by wire as
follows: '
Telegram received. Although my
quota Of seed exhausted, I have been
able to secure some seed from anoth.
er senator. which will reach you in
q weeks time"
Congressman Lever wired his reply
an follows:
4 TELEGRAM received. Entire supply
Of vegetable seed exhausted by de-
partnsnt Of agriculture. Impossible
to secure more"
senator Tiiiman 4 had 10, not l, been s,n hear, heard
From up to last night, but Senator
Smith was reaeusted by the secretary
to see Senator Tillman and find out II
he could also secure some seed from
some other senator. II he has none.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-04-11

President Phelps Of the Chamber of
Commerce will send a letter to every
minister i'm Sumter county requesting
that they address their congregations
on the subject of preparedness and the
conservation of food supplies. Every
possible force and influence must be
used to impress upon all the people
the absolute and urgent necessity Of
making this county and State self
supporting insofar as food stufis are
concerned. In time of need the peo-
pie can wear old clothes without in
convenience, but they must have food
tn exist. Sumter county has the soil,
the climate and the opportunity that,
If properly utilized, assure an abund
ance of food for every resident. #
the opportunity is not now seized AMI
made the most of there is almost GER
taiu to be want and suffering within
the next twelve months.