davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20
COTTON SHIP BURNED.
American Steamship Burned or Coast
Of Nova Scotia While Bound for
France.

New York, April 15.-The Ameri-
caa steamship which was burned off
the coast Of Nova Scotia Saturday
night was identified here today as the
City of Wilmington. formerly the Bar
Der Lines freighter Canine. She was
vessel of 3.3O9 tons gross and was
on voyage from q Southern port for
France with cargo OF cotton and
flour.
The City OF Wilmington's agent is
Alexander Sprunt OF New York, who
said his advices gave no details re-
garding the vessels fate beyond those
contained In u news dispatch received
last night from sydney. N. s. The dis
patch said the crew was transferred
to United States warship which had
gone to her aid.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20
THREE AvIATORS KILLED.
Two Accidents on Field at Houston
Result Fatally.

Houston. Texas. April 16.-Three
aViators. Lieut.. Roland j. winterton,
o& South Boston, Mass: Lieut., Leo
john Nugent, Washburn, Iowa. and
Cadet Forest Dean Jones. Worcester.
Mass, were killed and Cadet Mau-
rice seriously injured in two air acci-
dents at Ellington Field (American)
here today. A third accident occur
red late today. but there were no ia
talities.
Lieut.. Winterton and Cadet Jones
met death in the same machine,
which fell several hundred feet. They
were doing camera work near Web
ster when their plane crashed to
earth in a tail spin.
Lieut.. Nugent was killed and Ca
Diet Maurice seriously injured in a Sec
ond accident the machine in which
they were flying having suddenly
dropped from a height of about 200
feet. Maurice is in the field hospital
ard may die.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20
CHARLESTON ITEM IN BILL.
House May Press Rivers and Harbors
Measure Today.


Washington, April 16.-An disput-
ed items and amendments to the 800
100000 rivers and harbors appropria-
ton bill were voted on today by the
house and the measure probably will
be passed tomorrow.
Amendments added to the bill as re-
ported from committee included
$16O,000 appropriation and $250,0Oe
more in contract authorization for a
twenty-six foot channel at Key West,
including the removal of what is
commonly known as the middle
ground, in the Key West channel, and
s1.610,000 for Charleston, as part OF
the comprehensive plan for develop
ing the Charleston Navy Yard and ap-
proaches.
Chairman Small, of the commit
tee, fought strenuously to keep out
the Key West amendment because il
was a new project and the effort of
the committee was to avoid new pro-
jects at this time ot large war expen-
di' res but Representatives Sears and
CE TX. of Florida championed it sue
cessfully.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20
CONVICTS MOB TRAITOR.
Maj. Birkner, Charged With Viola.
ton of Espionage Act, Tarred and
Eeathercd. |

Santa Fe. N. NJ. April 17.--Four
hundred convicts in the State peni-
tcntiary this afternoon tarred and
feathered and led around with rope
about his neck Major John M. Birk-
ner. OF Camp Cody, Deming, N. NJ,
held in the penitentiary as a federal
prisoner. He is charged with viola
ton of the espionage act.
Birkner was allowed out in the
prison yard for exercise with 400 con-
victs. The warden knew nothing of
what was going on until he heard
ioud cheering and rushed out in the
yard to find Berkner stripped and
covered with tar and feathers. The
prisoners, with loud boots, were lead
ing him about the yard with q rome
around his neck.
Assistant Superintendent Dugan
rescued him. The prisoners evil
IDENTIFY in accordance with a prear
f"Hseu pIot, had secured the feathers
from their pillows, but where the tar
came from is a mystery.
Birkner is alleged to have made
disloyal utterances such as you can
not beat the Dutch" and 'the Ger
mans will sink American transports
MS fast as they are sent over" Birk-
ner claimed the charges were spite
work by subordinate officers whom
he disciplined.
Major Birkner who was born in
Nuremberg, Germany but who had
been in the American military forces
Tor more than thirty years. was ar
res'ed last Friday at Camp Cody
where he was an officer i'm the 127th
held artillery. His home is I'm Lin
coin. Neb.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20
BAKER HOME AGAIN..
ISt,CREsrARY OF WAR, RETURNS
FROM TRIP 10 EUROPE.
Says He Returns With Sense Of Pride
and Confidence at achievements of
United States and Allied Troops.

Atlantic Port. April 16.-Secretary
OF War Baker arrived today from Eur
rope on one OF the large steamships
which few the German flag before the
Cnited States entered the war.
Treturn with sense of pride and
cofdencs, at the achievements of the
United States and allied troops
abroad. which justify many trips
across the water" Secretary Baker
said al he stepped on board train for
washinkton. He said he would give
a broad review of his trip and its
results later.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20
WOULD BECOME CLAY EATER TO
LICK KAISER.
Secretary McAdOO Says it Doesn't Mat
ter What Strange Foods People Eat
Nowadays.

A>ONuuuyS.
Columbia, April 17.-In the course
Of his address, launching the Third
Liberty loan in South Carolina, Will
liam McAdoo, secretary of the treas
ury, called attention i'm Columbia last
Wednesday to the great shortage OF
food, and said:
The greatest thing needed is wheat.
We are all eating strange breads COM
posed of elements which a short time
ago no Americans ever dreamed of.
But what does it matter? For my
part. I'd become a cIay-eater to lick
the kaiser. Save food. Save for our
Allies. You won't save unless YOU
economize. Economize and YOU not
only save food. but you also save mon
ey which you can put into the Liberty
Loans, and thus help win the war in
two ways"
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20

Amsterdam, April 16.--North Of St.
Mihiel on Sunday night says Wolf
Bureau dispatch from Berlin dated
Monday, the main part of the Ameri-
car position eastward and southeast
ward of Mainey, on the right bank Of
the Meuse, was taken by storm.
A large section of the main enemy
lines Of defense on the high road
from st. Mihiel to Bourois was rolled
up despite the brave resistance Of the
casualties besides the loss of many
pr:eoners.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20
BRITISH STRENGTH SHOWN,
HAIG'S MEN OBEY ORDER TO
STAND FIRM.
Fight Not Yet Ovcr-German Thrust.
Thus Far Held i'm Check, Sure to
Be Continued.

Washington, April 15.-Hope that
the force Of the German stroke to
ward the channel ports has largely
spent itself grew here today as the
British lines stood fast under repeat
ed shocks. The days advices indicat-
ed again that Field Marshal Haig's
men were obeying to the letter his call
for unyielding resistance. The weekly
review published by the war depart
ment although 1t carried operations
only up to last Saturday, showed that
war college opinion saw then indi-
cations that the German wave was
reaching its crest. In allied diplo-
matte and military circles the same
impression prevailed today, strength
ened by more recent reports from the
front.
Dispatches indicate that the fiercesi
fighting is on the northern line of the
new salient driven into the British
front north of Arras. The struggle for
possession Of Neuve Eglise and towns
in that region looks to observers here
| like an effort by the enemy to force a
way behind Ypres and consequent
abandonment Of that place and a
withdrawal of large section Of the
British line.
The Germans were in possession of
Neuve Eglise by last accounts but
they had previously captured it only
to be driven out again. The situation
has not stabilized on this particular
front further than to show that the
enemy is meeting with stubborn resist
ance to his effort to widen his fighting
front to the north.
Every hour gained by the British in
holding this ground means increased
probability that they will hold it per-
manently. Time allows the assem-
bling of supporting forces in suffi-
cient strength to meet any shock. Or
should a withdrawal and realignment
on better positions be judged desir-
able, time will give opportunity for
the preparation Of those positions
1t is possible that the plans of Gen.
eral Foch, commander in chief of al
lied and American armies in France,
hinge upon developments in this mar
row sector of the broad battle front
Such moves as he may be contemplat-
ing may well depend. it is said. upon
the stabilization Of the allied left
flank.
| There is no question but that many
officers here view the situation as
serious. Even If the present thrust
toward Bethune is checked, they be-
lieve third assault at some OF
point of the British front is to be ex-
pected.
There have been many reports in
dicating that the Austro- Hungarian
forces were preparing for a drive
against the Italians. When it will be
started can not be foretold, but some
observers think that in case of a def
mite check to the German movement
the Austrians would launch their ef-
fort.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20
Col HagOOd Made Brigadicr General

Washington, April 17.-Colonel
Johnson HagOod, we'll known In
South Carolina. which is his native
state. has been nominated by the
president for brigadier general. He
has been in tho regular army since
1894 and has q fine army record.
His friends i'm the Palmetto state will
be pleased to learn of the honor which
has come to him.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20
GERMANS CAPTURE BiILlEUl.
BRITISH DRIVEN OUT OF IMPORT.
ANT POSITION IN YPREs
SECTOR.
Loss of This Town at Strategic Rail-
road junction is Severe Blow tu
British and May Force Surrender
of More Territory.

London. April 16.-The Germans
have captured Bailleul, on the north
ern front. it was officially announced
this morning. The British have fall
en- back to new positions north Of
Bailleul and Wulverghem.
Fresh German attacks are develop
ing in the neighborhood Of Wytschate.
A German attack southwest Of
Vieux and Berquin was repulsed.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20
RAILROAD WAGE INCREASE.
Wage Commission Completes Rcport
With Recommendations.

Washington, April 1.-THE rail-
road wage commission has complet-
ed its recommendation for wage in
creases for railroad employees and
the report will be submitted to Di-
rector General McAdoo when he re-
turns from his Western Liberty Loan
speaking tour. Nothing will be made
known as to the amount of increases
recommended until Mr.. McAdoos re-
turn -- ....-.,-
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20

Heavy Artillery Firing During Nigh.
French Capture Machine Guns
and Prisoners.
Paris, April 16.-Heavy artillery
fgnting occurred last night on the
main battle front in the neighbor-
hood Of Montdidier, it is announced
officially. The French captured ma
chine guns and prisoners, near. the
Disc canal
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20

Fuel and Railway Administration Not
s2G. Agreed.

Washington. April 15.-wide diff.
ference Of opinion over coal produc-
tion and distribution questions appear
ed today between the fuel and rail-
road administration In statements Civ
en- out at their respective headQuar-
tiers each without the knowledge of
the other. The fuel administration
referring TO the geological surveys re-
port that bituminous coal production
fell or 100000 tons or IA per cent.
In the week ending April s. at
tributed the condition largely to
shortage OF cars at mines. Mines are
Closing because they can not get cars
and the fuel administration declared
u was gravely apprehensive lest this
cehditfon result in the complete de-
rtSetalisation Of the labor supply and
a shortage OF coal next winter.
From the railroad administration
came a report showing that more
cars were loaded with coal during the
first week In April than In the same
period last year, and that since Janu-
airy I. s5,61s more care have been
loaded than last year. despite the
short decline In January because of
bad weather. and the increased war
freight and troop traffic this year. II
mines are shutting down. railroad ad
rhinistration officials said informally,
" IL mainly because they have insuffi-
cisnt' orders or are short of labor.
Railroads are hauling 100 per cent.
coal supply to Industries given fuel
priority by the fuel administration
end the war industries board, It was
|, nointsd out and this tends to cut car
-sbbtls to others. ---- - - y y
'@s One great point Of dispute between
the two government agencies appears
In the question Of whether the rail-
roads are 70 continue their past prac-
ticcs Of giving preferential car sup
ply to mines holding contracts to
supply coal to railroads.
The fuel administration maintains
that this practice disturbs production
and results In curtailment of output
through forcing mines adjoining the
railroad contract mines to shut down
for lack OF cars.
The railroad administration on the
other hand. insists that 1t 10 fair and
Just for the railroads to continue
making contracts for coal ut lower
than the usual market price guar
anteeing producers In return q full
car supply.
In support OF Its claim that the
roads are not primarily responsible
for the loss In coal production the
railroad administration cited figures
showing that s.f10.09s cars of coal
have been loaded In the United States
since January I, as compared with
S.l04.1S7 In that period last year.
On the other hand. the fuel admin.
instration says II is largely because of
car shortage that miners are kept idle
days at time and I'm some fields
mines have worked only one or two
days a week.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20

Geneva, April 16.-Enormous loss
was caused by fire Saturday in the
Zeppelin works near fen
which destroyed the plant which was
i'eing used for building airplancs Of
the Gotha type. according to reliable
reports received hero.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20

New York. April 1G.-Upon the
opening OF the cotton market today at
another severe decline, the failure q
Gay l.. Scheffer, one of tho best
known floor brokers on the exchange.
was announced. 1t was said that his
liabilities We're not large.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20
HUNS BEATEN BY AMERICANS.
PERSHING'S MEN STOP TWICE
THEIR NUMBER.
Shouts Of "Gas" Do Not Dccciye-l
Italian From Pennsylvania Shows
How to Fight.

France, April Is (By the Associated
Press) THE German attack against
the American positions on the right
bank of the Meuse, north of st. Mihiel
yesterday was made by 400 picked
troops recently brought there from
the Russian front. Although the
Americans were outnumbeted more
than two to one, they completely re-
pulsed the enemy, driving him back
to his own trenches. The known enc
my casualties include 64 dead. many
wounded and II prisoners besides
number of wounded who were drag
ged back to the German lines by their
comrades.
The Germans attempted to deceive
the Americans by appearing in front
OF the trenches and speaking French
and English and also by yelling Gas"
The deception, however. was soon dis
covered and cost the enemy dearly.
The American casualties were com.
'parativly slight. Numerous stories of
individual bravery poured into the
headquarters today. A young italian,
born in Pennsylvania coal mining
town, killed one German and captured
three. He, saw eight Germans walk
ing In communication trench ahead
of him and, although alone he shot
and killed one and ran after the 9TH
ers capturing two and wounding some
OF those who escaped. He then re-
turned to the American line and turn
ed over the prisoners to a non-com-
missioned officer and coolly asked for
match.
The officer jokingly said "I'll give
you match If you bring another pris-
oner." The Italian, who is only five
feet four inches tall, took him at his
word and went back over the para
pet. He returned in less than five
minutes walking with drawn bayonet
behind six foot German who was
yelling "Kamrad. Kamrad"
A few minutes later it was reported
that 10 Germans were lying in a ma
chine gun nest in No Mans Land. The
Italian started for the spot but he
was ordered back by the commander
of the unit. who later sent a detach-
meht of men to rout out the enemy
which they did. i>e"
The prisoners captured | by the
Americans were mostly young men
under 20 years Of age.G They carried
two days rations and entrenching
tools and said they expected to occu-
py the American front line positions
Most of them complained about the
German food. The bread which they
carried was almost black in color and
they eagerly devoured the white bread
offered by their captors.
The prisoners said the attack was
made by picked men of four COM
panies, two from the Two Hundred
and Seventy-second Regiment regular
reserves. one of shock troops and one
OF pioneers. Some wore belts with
large buckle bearing the inscription,
Gott Nit Uns." Several carried long
trench knives resembling a dagger.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20
Burfan Friendly Toward America

Washington. April 17.-Confirma-
ton OF the report OF the appointment
OF Baron Burian has been received by
the State department. Baron Burian
mas been regarded here as more
friendly towards America than any
other statesman OF the Dual En-
plrs.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20

Washington, April 16.-A bill to
bring all persons charged with the
violation Of the espionage act under
the Jurisdiction OF the military court
martial was introduced today by Sen
ator Chamberlain. chairman of the
military committee.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20

Baron Burian was foreign minister
from September 1914 to September
1915 and since then has been finance
minister. He retains the finance port
folio.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20
DURHAM SUCCEEDS CZERNIN.
Former Foreign Minister Called Back
To- Post.

Amsterdam. April 17.-Baron Bu-
rian has been appointed foreign min
lister of Austria Hungary. succeeding
czernin. according to a Vienna dis
patch.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20
WAR GARDEN PRIZES IN GREEN.
WOOD.
Children Will Plant Vacant Lots in
Vegetables and Prizes Will be
Awarded

Awarded.
Columbia, April 16.-Reports
reaching the Food Administration
from Greenwood, where q campaign
for greater production of food has
been launched, are very encouraging.
Prizes will be awarded for the best
gardens by the children of Green
wood, the children to make use of
the vacant lots Of that city. Great en-
thusiasm is being shown in the work
of war gardening in Greenwood,
which city has set a splendid exam
pie for other communities in this
State to follow in order that greater
production of vegetables may be stim-
ulated during this critical year.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20
KILLED in PARIS.

Long Range Gun Got One Woman
Monday Night.
Paris, April 16.@Shells from the
German long range gun killed one
woman and wounded one woman and
a man in the Paris district last night.
according to todays official statement.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20

Manning, April 17.-Mr. Frank O.
Richardson. prominent citizen of
Manning died at his home at s
o'clock yesterday morning, after a
brief illness from heart trouble... He
was sixty-seven years old and woAS n
native OF Sumter county.
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20

washington April 1.-THE house
has passed the rivers and harbors
bill. carrying appropriations of twenty
millions 1t now goes to tho senate
The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-04-20
Peru Without a Cabinet.

Lima, April 1.-THE Peruvian
cabinet has resigned
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-12-24
MISHAWAKA GENERAL NEWS
100 Lincoln Home Phone us; Bsu1o

Postmaster Herzog. Notwithstand-
ing the immense quantity handled
the system Of delivery was of such
excellence that every bit Of mail
received will be delivered by Christ
mas afternoon. During the past few
days each carrier was accompanied
on his route by a helper which fac
ilitated the delivery considerably.
The soldiers mail was exceptional
~ heavy while parcels bulked large
I'm both incoming and outgoing de
liveries. The postmaster attributes
much Of the success Of the Christ
mas distribution 20 the splendid co 10
operation OF the public in mailing
their letters and parcels arly. There
will be one full city and rural de
livery Christmas day, and the gen
eral delivery window Will be open
until noon.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-12-24
ANNOUNCE BETR0THALS
AT CHRISTMAS PARTY

Members Of the Tri Kappa soror-
ity held their annual Christmas
party al the home of Miss Margaret
Burnett, Z. Third St. Monday night.
During the evening announcements
were made of the engagements of
Miss Lucille Gernhart 10 Robert
Lang of south Bend, who is in the
naval service. and of Miss Violet
Todd TO Harold yesterday, also in
the navy.
A Christmas tree was a feature
OF the entertainment. the gifts be
ing suspended from a large bunch
OF misteltoe. These gifts were later
given 10 the children at the day
Inursery.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-12-24
CITY CLERKS TAKE UP
SALARY AND FEE MATTER

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind, Dec. "a
After discussing various phases of a
proposed law concerning salaries
and fees Of county clerks in Indi-
ana, the Indiana state association Of
county clerks at a meeting here to-
day decided 10 appoint a committee
20 confer on Jan. 9. with repre-
sentatives Of associations Of county
auditors. treasurers and sheriffs
which also expect 10 present salary
and fee matters 10 the legislature
next month.
The clerks elected the following
officers today tc serve for the ensu-
ing year
President. Robert H. Mckinney.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-12-24
ARREST DE MEESTER
AS RESULT OF RAID

August DeMeester. 4O2 :. Wells
St. was arrested at 1915 o'clock
Monday night as the result OF a raio
on his place of business made by
the local police. They found three
quarts Of whisky. one quart creme
de mint and one quart of kil-akol.
No arrangements have been made
yet as 10 when DeMeester will have
his hearing
Bernard Finn was arrested as he
alighted from New York Ger trial
train Tuesday morning at 1893
o'clock. He is charged with having
three gallons Of whisky and OF be
ing intoxicated He put up 500
bond for his appearance in court
Thursday
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-12-24
AURORA BOY WINS CORN
GROWING CONTEST PUT
ON BY PURDUE u.

LAFAYETTE. Ind. Dec. "a
First prize in the annual fve-acre
corn growing contest in Indiana was
awarded 10 Everett Mcclure. Of
Aurora, Dearborn county. according
10 figures obtained today by Purdue
university officials. In competition
with 900 others. Mcclure raised an
average Of 1OS.OS bushels OF corn
per acre on his tract in the contest
which is under the auspices OF TIE
Indiana corn Growers association.
Another Dearborn county man,
Charles r Luke. Of Dillsboro. was
second with IN average yield Of
l05.1S bushels G.. Ray Griffith. Of
Franklin. johnson county. was
third with 102.72 bushels. and Q. T..
Constable, IF Goodland. also won the
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-12-24

be publicly decorated tomorrow with
a congressional medal OF honor
The exercises win take place on
Boston common and Maj. Gen. Clar-
ence r. Edwards. commander Of
the northeastern department per
sonaIy VIII make the presentation
in accordance with instructions re-
ceived today from the war depart
meHr.
The medal was awarded for con
spicuous gallantry and intrepidity IN
action with the Germans northeast
or BinarvHle in the forest DAT
gonne, France. oct 20 5, 1919"