davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17
OLD TREATY URGED.
Swiss Minister Gets Request From
Berlin For Affirmation.

Washington.-The Swiss Minister,
DR.. Paul Ritter, in charge of Ger
many's diplomatic interests in the
United States, was requested by the
Berlin Foreign Office to ask the State
Department for an affirmation of the
Prussian-American treaty Of 1928.
The German Government made a
similar request of former Ambassador
Gerard, which ne referred to the
formal diplomatic channels.
The treaty provides that in the
event of war between Germany and
the United States citizens Of each
country in the other shall have nine
months to close up their affairs and
depart in safety. 1t also gives guar
antees for property.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17

such as railroad strike legislation.
flood control legislation, the corrupt
practices bill and the oil land leasing
and the general dam bills, 1t is re-
garded as not unlikely that the Presi-
dent might want Congress available
after March 4 in the event that 1t be-
comes necessary for him to undertake
warlike steps against Germany.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17

officers are drawn from the ranks OF
units already established. Then the
final work of building the unit up to
full strength Is begun.
From the officers training corps tho
company, battery or troop command
ers and their suba1tern officers are
drawn. Those of higher command are
promoted from other organizations. 1t
is understood one of the first moves
by the war department in the event
Of the necessity Of forming big army
will be the organization Of On oficerS
training corps like Canada's.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17
BRITISH GAIN ADMITTED.

Berlin Says They Won Small Sue
cesses North Of the Ancne.
Berlin (via wireless to Sayville).- :
Heavy fighting is under way in the
Anore Valley. The Overseas News
Agency says there have been severe
artillery and infantry engagements fo;.
several days and that the British have
attained small successes north of the
Ancre at the cost of heavy losses.
The village Of Grandcourt, the new
agency says, was evacuated by the
Germaas on Monday.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17
Vessels Entering "Prohibited Areas"
To Be Sunk On Sight-Order Ap-
plies To Passenger AS Well
As Freight Ships.

Berlin. 1t is absolutely denied
United States, or through other me-
diums, is inviting suggestions for the
avoidance of actual war.
1t is reiterated that the Imperial
Government is not permitting doubts
In any quarters regarding the position
actively assumed in the U-boat war
fare, and that there can be no talk
or thought of recession from the pro-
gram already being carried out.
In view of this, it is declared in
authoritative circles that any further
parley or exchange of notes with the
United States may be dismissed as
unwarranted and improbable.
The origin of the report is ascribed
to the recent announcement, made
through the Swiss Government, that
Germany was willing to negotiate re-
specting the amended treaty of 1899.
AL SHIPS NOW TO BE SUNK ON
SIGHT.
AmSterdam.-All periods Of grace
for neutral ships entering the zones
announced as prohibited by Germany
have now expired, according to Ber-
lin official statement received here.
The statement says that immunity
ceased in respect to the Atlantic and
English Channel zones on the night
Of February II, for the North Sea
zone on February 6, and for the
Mediterranean zone on February 10.
It continues:
From now on, therefore, in all pro-
hfbited zones the warning which has
been issued is in full force and ship
ping can no longer expect individual
warning. Vessels which enter the
prohibited areas do SO with a full
knowledge of the dangers threatening
them and their crews. 1t is expressly
stated that all news spread from
enemy sources about any torpedoing
of neutral ships without previous
warning, before the dates mentioned
for the various prohibited areas, is in
correct
''The periods of grace mentioned
were also in force for enemy passen-
ger vessels, because it was possible
that they were carrying neutral pas
sengers, who were perhaps, ignorant
of the new blockade regulations"
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17
May Adopt Canadian Plan.

New York.-Should the United
States decide to raise a vast army,
military men say, many features OF
the Canadian system will be adopted
on account Of the similarity of con-
ditions in the two countries.
Canada's plan has been to form bat
talions which are the equivalent In
numbers and organization to regiments
In the United States service by first
detailing q full complement Of officers.
When the commissioned posts OF a
unit are filled the noncommissioned
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17
AMERICAN RED CROSS LEAVES.
Surgeons and Nurses At Graudenz
Follow Gerard's Order.

Berlin.-The American Red Cross
contingent of three surgeons and three
nurses, which has been On duty in the
hospitals of Graddenz, Prussia, for the
past two months, received an order
from the American Ambassador at Ber-
lin to leave, and departed Immediately.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17
CHINA BACKING WILSON.

Threatens To Break OFF Diplomatic
Relations With Germany.
Peking.-The Chinese Cabinet has
indorsed the American action against
Germany on the submarine campaign.
The Cabinet has assured the American
Minister, DR.. Paul s. Reinsch, that
China associates itself firmly with the
United States. The Chinese Govern
ment has advised the German Govern
ment that China will break off diplo-
matte relations if the new submarine
measures are pursued.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17
SPAIN'S MARINE LOSSES HEAVY

Twelve Per Cent. OF Shipping; Worth.
100000 Peeetas.
Madrid.-The Spanish mercantile
marine, which in July, 1914, consisted
of $40 vessels with an aggregate ton.
mage Of S46,491 tons, up to January
81 had sustained losses Of ships to the
value Of about 100000 pesetas by
reason of the war. Seven steamships,
aggregating $4,000 tons, and % ships
have been sunk by mines or sub.
marines. The losses represent about
II per cent. of the merchant marine.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17
GERMANS ORDERED DEPoRTED.

Four Were Discharged From American
Steamer Cacique.
Norfolk, Va.-The four Germans,
Paul Goebel, Heinrich Lindeman. Paul
Behrendt and Gottfried Zenk, dis
charged from the American steamer
Cacique at Newport News have been
ordered deported by the local immigra-
ton authorities who took them in
charge.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17
NO RAISE IN PAPER POSTAGE.
Senate Refuses To Suspend Rules and
Permit "Rider."

Washington.-By vote of 81 to "a
the Senate refused to suspend its
rules and permit attachment to the
Postoffice Appropriation bill of an
amendment increasing the postage
rates on newspapers and magazines,
and decreasing to one cent the rate
on drop letters. This Is expected to
end the fight of the provision at this
session.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17
GERMAN GOVERNMENT DETERMINED
NOT TO RECEDE FROM U-BOAT PROGRAM
Suggestion To Washington That Negotiations
Be Opened For Avoidance Of Conflict
Repudiated At German Capital.
NO SHIPS NOW TO BE WARNED
up there or by the local Bulgarian and
Turkish authorities.
Would Open Ports To Warships.

up there or by the local Bulgarian and
Turkish authorities.
Would Open Ports To Warships.
Senator Salisbury, of Delaware,
President pro tempore Of the Senate
and majority member of the Foreign
Relations Committee, introduced a bill
in the Senate which would throw
down neutrality bars to warships Of
the Entente Allies and open all ports,
harbors and territorial waters of the
United States to their warships and
other vessels as freely as in times of
peace.
Designed as measure short of ac-
tual war, termed to discourage the VIC.
latiOn of international law at sea-"
the bill was proposed after long delib-
Grafton and consultation by Senator
Salisbury with some of his colleagues
and officials of the Government.
Whether he had consulted or had the
approval Of the President was not
disclosed. There was no discussion Of
the bill in the Senate and it was re-
ferred to the Foreign Relations Com
mittee
Puzzled BY BerIin's Denial.
Officials were somewhat puzzled at
Berlin dispatch saying it had been au-
thoritatively denied there that Ger
many had made any effort for further
negotiations on the submarine issue.
In view of the representations made to
the department Saturday on Germany's
behalf by the Swiss Minister, who
stated he acted upon Germany's re-
quest through his Government, there
was an inclination here to believe that
the Berlin story had been put out
either for its effect on German public
opinion or to deny sensational versions
of the affair which might have reached
the German people.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17

Greece has adopted a standard time
that saves half an hour of daylight,
and brings the nation within the zone
of Eastern European time.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17

A machine has been invented that
plants from 10000 to $4,000 forest
tree seedlings in day when operated
by three men and two horses.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17
FOR EXTRA SESSION.
Washington Expects That President
Will ReassembIe Congress.

Will ReassembIe Congress.
shington.-President Wilson is
confidently expected in many quarters
to issue within the next two weeks
a call for an extra session OF Con-
gress to assemble Immediately after
the present Congress adjourns on
March 4. While it is anticipated that
the call would be based on the failure
of the present Congress to pass the
various pending Administration bills,
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17

A new United States battleship will
use 27,500 electrical horsepower,
enough to furnish heat, light and
power to a city of 100000 population.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17

The Australian state Of Victoria is
electrifying its railroad system at an
expense that eventually will exceed
$29,000,0O0.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17

A light usually attracts mosquitoes.
though recent tests Shave proved that
light covered with a red globe will
have the opposite effect.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17
BERNSTORFF'S HOPE.

al hope that war may be averted
and that the old friendly relations be-
tween the United States and Germany
may soon be restored"
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17
FOR ZITTERMAN'S SAFETY.
U. S. Asks Protection For German
Consul-GeneraI At Manila,

Consul-General At Manila.
Washington.-The State Department
undertook to secure from Japan q safe
conduct for DR.. Zitterman, German
Consul General at Manila, who de-
sires to proceed to Tientsin on the
transport Thomas, which will touch at
q Japanese port. DR.. Zitterman has
also asked that the crews of war-bound
German ships at Manila be sent to
Baguoi, the summer capital" of the
Philippines, finer climate.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17

The manufacture of artificial pearls
at Barcelona, Spain, has developed
into great industry.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17

The Greek railroad system has been
finally linked up to that of the rest
Of EHopo,
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17
BLAZE IN GERMANY EMBASSY.

Starts In Bernstorff's Room, But Is
Quickly ExtinsuIshed.
hington.-Defective wiring re-
suited in a small blaze in Countess Won
Bernstorff's room at the German En-
bassy that created not little con-
sternation in the neighborhood. Fire
men soon controlled the flames and de-
clared there was nothing suspicious
about the fire.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17
APPRENTICES IN INAUGURAL.

Newport Brigade Of 600 With Band
Going To Washington.
Newport, r. IA brigade of 600
apprentice seamen with a band will
go to Washington to take part in the
inaugural ceremonies, in accordance
with orders received at the Naval
Training Station here This is the
first time the brigade has been asked
to take part in the ceremonies.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17
LABOR AGITAToR CONVICTED.

Guilty OF Murder For Bomb Explosion
That Cost 10 Lives.
San Francisco.-Thomas J. Mooney,
labor agitator, was convicted of mur-
der in the first degree by a jury in
the Supreme Court here for a bomb
explosion, which cost 10 lives, during
a preparedness parade July 22, 1915.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17
WHY BERLIN HELD UP GERARD

London.-Dr. William Won Stumm,
the German under secretary for foreign
affairs, in an interview printed in the
Amsterdam Handelsblad, says Ger
many regrets that she was compelled
to take the measures she adopted
against Ambassador Gerard, but that
the United States had prevented Count
Won Bernstorff, the retiring German
ambassador, from telegraphing that he
had received his passports.
The interview, according to Reuters
Amsterdam correspondent, was had
in Norden, Prussia. DR.. Won Stumm
is declared to have said that Germany
received no reports from the United
States about the treatment of Count
Won Bernstorff, or of German consuls
or German subjects in the United
States.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17
FORD PEACE BUREAU ENDS.

Severance OF Relations Closes the
Tribunal At The Hague.
London.-A Reuters dispatch from
The Hague says that the Ford Peace
Bureau, established by Henry Ford,
the American manufacturer, will be
closed on March 1, on account of the
breach of diplomatic relations between
the United States and Germany.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17
13 PERISH IN HOTEL FIRE.

AS Many More Injured In Escaping,
Others Suffer From Exposure
Minneapolis lives are be-
lieved to have been lost in fire which
destroyed the Kenwood Hotel here.
Bodies of II of the victims are be-
lieved to be buried in the ice-incased
debris of the hostelry. At least dozen
persons were injured. Others are suf-
fering from exposure.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17
NEWSPAPERS GOING HIGH.
London Times May Raise Its Price
To IA Cents a Copy.

London-The price of the Times
may be raised to IA cents a copy.
The Times sslls for cents now, but
an editorial announcement stated that,
if necessary, the price would be in
creased to IA cents, the sum for which
it sold prior to 1886.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17
CONE JOHNSON RESIGNS.

Solicitor OF State Department To
Practice Law In Texas.
Neutrality-suspicious. Johnson, solic
itor Of the State Department, resigned
to resume the practice of law in Texas.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17
No OVERT ACT YET
The President Will Not Ask for
Declaration of War.
Determination of Cabinet Meeting to
Avoid Any Act That May Be
Construed as Break.

Washington. - The fateful next
\ step" in the controversy between the
United States and Germany will not
be declaration Of war. This decision
was reached at meeting Of President
| Wilson's Cabinet, which reviewed in
detail the delicate international situa-
tion now confronting the nation. Still
waiting for the covert act" that will
force this country to move, the Presi-
dent and his advisers let it be known
that the following course has been de-
cided upon
When the President is satisfied that
American lives and American ships"
have been destroyed on the high seas
in violation of the submarine pledges
formerly made by Germany he will lay
the matter before Congress.
He will not suggest declaration of
war, but will ask authority to use the
military and naval forces for the pro-
lection Of the lives and rights of
Americans at sea.
He will then proceed to use the mill
tary and naval forces for this purpose,
leaving the next move to Germany.
This would result in "state of war;"
but would leave the actual declaration
to Berlin.
1t was stated unequivocally that the
President is determined that response
bility for physical clash between the
two nations must rest with Germany,
and that the United States shall unde,
no circumstances force the issue. This
determination is in line with the earn
est endeavors of the administration tc
prevent any act which could be con
strued as an offense or affront to Ger
many during the present diplomatic
break. In carrying out this determina-
ton 1t was stated, however, the Presi-
dent will see to it that no move Of
Tending the honor of the nation or
transgressing the right of its citizens
shall go unpunished.
Members of the Cabinet reported the
machinery of the government fully
prepared to carry out the program laid
down by the President.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17
TO TRAIN WOMEN CHAUFFEURs

Massachusetts Will Open School In
Boston.
Boston.-Plans for the instruction
of women as automobile drivers in Or
der that their services may be utilized
by the State if need requires, were an
nounced by the Massachusetts branch
for women of the Special Aid Society
for American Preparedness. Glasses
in automobile driving and repairing
will open here Monday.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17
WHITE HOUSE SEASON ENDS.
President and Wife To Give Dinner
To Sneaker and Mrs. Clark.

Washington. The winter social
season at the White House officially
closed when the President and Mrs.
wilson give a dinner in honor OF
Speaker Champ Clark and Mrs. Clark
The guests included amany OF the most
nrominent members Of Congress. sew
eral of the Cabinet members and
few c,,tsidcTs.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17

American gloves are IN demand in
cuba.
Middletown transcript., 1917-02-17

''All volunteer officers are appointed
by the president, but the number and
grade Of such officers shall not exceed
the number and grade Of like officers
provided for like force Of the regu-
lar army, and they will be subject to
such assignment to duty and trans
fers as the president may direct.
''In order that the lives Of those
patriotic citizens who may volunteer
for service may be safeguarded and
conserved and not risked under per-
sons lacking In experience In the care
Of soldiers in camp and in battle, the
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-16
Total liabilities
COH IAlLMENT WILL PUT
PREMIUM ON MOTOR CARS
.sasha Makes Address at Ba.-
1oet or Colonial Motor. Cor
Foratt0n Dealer,

."s compact organization in
o'der mat all their buyiness ,c,,yi,i.a
AZ s'. oe SE"iema.ized TO The benefit Of
u"c'' meeting oc She dealer. TO- ~
o'o','- Motors Corporation. sol.
-" ioF the Maxwell Automobile
,.o!. ny in Virginia md adjoining to-.
-. va heid last evening a: MIR
In honor Q: the dealers who ma
nero Tor the discussion or common
n'.''s''S INA The solution in ,he inter
o! Al, banquet was given. after
r. =. McEonaha, zone supervisor
"e' Motor Car Company. made III.
principal address OF the evening.
DaFid IlaElestein. presidcn; OF tn.
Colonial Motors Corporation. OF ,hi.
t.e!. presided. r. X. Steiainger. man
eyer OIL the company. first led the dis
cassion OF the many problems that con
front the dealer. lie sounded as The
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-16

keynote OF his discussion absolute hon
eSty and fairness with tho prospective
buyer. Automobile sales cannot be
mao" as they We're In ;hc past" he
satu Unless YOU play square with
all and let every man know you mean
business then you arc !osn. ID Srca,
amount o! profit TO yourself" lie en-
phasiZc1 that the manufacturer should
sell 70 the dealer, the dealer should sell
TO himself. 20 his mechanic and then TO
the ultimate consumer.
Mr.. McCcnaha sounded the warning.
os the automobile world that the com :.
mcrc!al business IN automobiles Is the
greatest and most permanent " the
tutur.. lIe pointed out the need ana
the service OF trucks. Point by point
he showed hn@' the government was
considering the question OF limiting
The construction OF pleasure 2u,omo-
bilcs
The problem OF transportation Is ar
fcc;inE Tie automobile business more
than any other problem. Authorities
nave said that even If the w..r hail not
d:opped NOON ia. railroad congestion
would have come as a matter OF course
IN few years. az bushes. Increased
provided there vas no Increase in mile
age Of tracks.
With transportation az the greatest
problem in ,hc country VIC can sec tho
necessity @: trucks for service which
MI! undoub;cIl: prove 10 be the great.
est success Of motor TRANSPORTATION
business. In the Maxwell truck We
have truct that Will so anywhere for
ten hours in the day over any road
with uninterrupted service.
Mr.. Mcconaha pointed 90; that with
til" probability or government. cur,aii-
'ncnt o! tic construction Of pleasure
automobile thc-. Was almost "a ccr.
ta!1;y OF having a premium pa, upon /,
"a ;h.7 than that X snoulL Ia"e 10 he
sold at Il sacrifice"
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-16

child saving.
Canton. ohio Will employ girls TO
run street cars.
san Francisco now has women on po.
leo cour, jurics.
Atlantic City claims TO have abolish
ell tho mosquito pest.
Philadelphia has SG.00o.o0o in public
Improvements under way.
Washington has n me cmcnt for pub
lie ownership or control OF street rail
KAY lines.
Philadelphia recently paid $500 for "a
;wo-foot strip of land needed to widen
park.
milwaukee, last sum- or sent 3c6 high
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-16

school boys TO work on farms. All
Won medals.
Seattle Is tho best umbrella marie.
In the country. Everybody carries an
umbrella in Seattle.
Twenty dollars clear" proSt a head
from ?I5 ewes with the wool clip aver
aging eight hounds and IN increase in
numbers " 1873 per cent is reported by
Il Wisconsin sheep raiser.
Along with the shortage in our own
cotton crop the crop OF India. - esti-
mated in Liverpool. also fell /; per
cent. below that OF the year before.
and p "a per cent. below the last
CrOp hcore the var
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-16
WALL STREET SAMPLES
Qneer fhInEs That Sometime. Bob In
In md Around the Grcnt
Stock ExchanCes

stock e1chaasA houses often receive
very peculiar requests" says the Wall
Stree, Journni and thcte SAMPLES are
given:
A ls-:. Broadway firm received =
wire from Western branch Office.
asking for al opinion IS 10 the best
make OF piano. 4 farmc: customer
wanted to buy onc for his daughter
The same firm. which has wire. to all
the principal cities. recently received
the following telegram. "ouote Navv
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-16

Outstanding i57 cTs.ooo
Total amount of bills discounted ana
bought for tho Teck ending Friday.
December H. 1917. 5"4.4S2.ooo.
Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-16

Beans" Tho manager wired bucH, say
Ing Ia" had been unable TO prucur"
quotation on any such stock. We
DIDN'T say II was = stock." came back
tho reply from the Western Office,
Navy beans is Il commodity and one
OF orr farmer customers wants to
know what they are selling at in New.
York