davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24
PETER SMITH DIES
He, Was a Pioneer Banker of
North Topeka.
Fell Dead Shoveling Snow
From Sidewalk.

Peter Smith, 81 years old, a we'll
known Topeka pioneer banker. died
this morning at his home. 1900 West
Sixth street Smith, altho in bad
health for a number of years, went
out this morning to shovel the snow
from the sidewalk in front of his resi-
dence. While shoveling he was seen
to fall by Mrs. Albert Fisher, a next
door neighbor. who ran to his assis-
tance and summoned help. He ap-
parently died instantly.
Smith was born in Richmond, Ind,
August "a, 1851. He came to Kansas
in 1874 and with Jonathan Thomas
purchased the Citizens State bank of
Topeka. He was cashier and president
of this bank until 1907, when he re-
tired.
Peter Smith is survived by his
widow, and by two sons. Robert Smith,
editor of the Minneapolis Journal. and
Malcomb Smith, in the engineering
department. of the Santa Fe.
The body will be shipped to Rich
mOnd, Indiana, for burial
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24
THIS IS LAST DAY
Christmas r.. C. Membership
Campaign Ends Tonight.
Heavy Snow Keeps County
Districts From Reporting.

Today was the last day of the 1913
Christmas roll call of the American
Red Cross. On the rolls of the Topeka
and Shawnee county organization of
the great national society more than
$500 members are already listed as
members for 1919, and it is asserted
at campaign headquarters that the to-
tai membership in the county for 1919
will be fully $4,000 persons.
Reports from the country districts
were coming in slowly but steadily
all day Monday, but with from six to
ten inches of snow over the roads to-
day, it was not even expected that any
country districts would be able to put
IN reports today. The roads are i'm
passable and the district captains are
unable to make their way to head
quarters.
There is a possibility that some of
the captains may report by telephone
but these reports cannot be consid-
cred official until the actual cash to
make the subscriptions good has been
turned over to Treasurer Arch NJ.
CatIin.
One unusual incident attendant
upon the present Christmas cam
paign was the receipt OF an odd silver
spoon by the publicity committee of
the campaign committees. This spoon
was sent to the publicity committee
by Miss Sue Lowell. and will be sold
at public auction as soon as condi-
tions permit.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24
Boy Scouts Help Salvation
Army Distribute Baskets.
Every Known Needy Family In
the City Remembered.
BASKETS GENEROUSLY FILLED
Governor Makes Address Be-
fore the Distribution.
Street Railway Co. Helps Boys
Make Their Rounds.

When prosperous Topeka gathers at
a laden board to feast with her family
Christmas day. there will be no shad-
ow on the glow of the heart by the
thought of hungry neighbors. because
the needy townsman will have Just as
good a dinner as the prominent citizen.
The Salvation Army is looking after
that matter. In order that every To-
pekan who is suffering adversely this
Christmas might be fed, devoted wom-
en- of the Army of the Lord have stood
on street corners in the cold with ket-
ties that collected the pennies nickels.
dimes and quarters of those who
passed by. With the money food was
bought to fill more than 800 baskets.
which were distributed this morning,
with the aid Of Topeka troop of Boy
Scouts.
Governor Talked to Scouts.
At $3.50 o'clock today about twenty
five of the Scouts. headed by Scout
Master Graham. marched to the Sal
walton Army hall. where a short ad-
dress was made by Governor Arthur
Capper, and directions given the boys
by Adjutant Houser.
Long rows Of the baskets were ar
ranged on and under benches running
the full length Of the hall. Hanging
above this material evidence Of un-
selfish thinking, were the old FASH
ioned mottos. orthodox, plain, King
James-Version quotations from the
Bible that plead for a faith which
blossoms in good deeds. Every bas-
ket contained fourteen articles Of
food, each in generous Quantities
Chicken OF roasting meat appeared on
every bill OF fare. Potatoes. apples,
celery, bread. butter. cookies, were
among the eatables packed in each
basket. The look in the Frightening
eyes of children who view their
feast for tomorrow will be the ample
reward for those who furnished it,
and those who transported it. Scarce
ly could the poor who receive the bas-
kets have chosen SO generously had
they been their own purchasing
Hard Work FOr Scouts.
The Scouts who offered themselves
for the work Of delivering the dinners
numbered about rs. The task would
for the weight Of the baskets and the
scattered addresses made 1t impossi-
BILE for them to take more than one
at q time. necessitaffng q days work
in the delivery of all Of them. But
the boys were pure pluck. and set out
which they have put into every effort
that the town, the war workers, and
the charity institutions have asked
of them.
The usual plan of the Salvation
Army to distribute baskets to those
year on account OF the danger OF
spreading the influenza plague. Ad-
jutant Houser had arranged that a
card bearing the address Of the family
should be attached to the basket, and
that the Scout delivering the din
ner, should receive a card as a re-
ceipt to insure the delivery of the
baskets to the correct addresses.
The service preceding the distribu-
ton of the dinpers included q short
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24
TOpekans Had To Revert to
ssShanks' Ponies" Today.
Street Cars Blocked by SNOWY
drifts on Tracks. {

Topeka buffeted its way to work
this morning thru snowdrifts and a
mist of swirling white particles that
assembled instead of swirling down.
ward-Topeka did this, mostly On foot.
True, it was assisted by a few heroic
street cars and one or two motor
buses which had the poor judgment
to try to buck the drifts, but for the
most part it reverted to the first loco
motion OF man.
After work crews had Iabored all
night to keep street-car tracks clear
in order that transportation might be
afforded this morning, only a few
street cars nOsed their way out of the
company barns this morning at the
hour that always sees the full equip
tied to keep the drifts clear of all the
lines But as fast as the rails were
swept stiff wind filled them up again
many inches deep. By the time that
cars were scheduled to go out this
morning. elements had caught up with
the workers and it was not until the
drifting abated somewhat this morn
ing that any headway was possible.
Lines Blocked at O'Clock.
At 8 o'clock thousands of -opekans
were struggling down the street-car
tracks on foot, the sidewalks being
almost impossible, or too much so for
comfort. Only a part of the lines had
been open for service, and only few
of the regular cars were running over
them. The company, according to
Howard Patten, superintendent, had
succeeded in opening traffic over the
North Topeka. West Sixth, Washburn-
Douthitt. Washburn- -Huntoon, Oak
land, Cemetery and West Tenth
lines. Cars had battered their way
over the Country club line to Seven
teenth street.
The company spent the remainder
of the morning opening the Gage park.
Highland Park, South Topeka, West
Fourth. Shorey lines and the Country
club line beyond Seventeenth street.
Shortly before noon, the railway
company announced that all lines had
been opened and that traffic had been
restored.
No Schedules Now.
Street car schedules have been a
thing of history since Monday after
noon, when the snowstorm which en-
quilted Topeka began to be heavy. Cars
were run, thanks to the almost super
human efforts of the "sweepers'' and
work crews up to the usual hour at
midnight, but their movement was not
guided by time table. Many of them
were temporarily stalled and the work
crews had to dig them out
The most serious trouble after a
line had been opened for traffic oc-
CURED about 1880 this morning when
one of the "single-truckers' on the
West Sixth street line left the rails,
temporarily blocking access to the
state hospital line. AS the result the
company lost about a thousand fares
who ruined their war-made shoes and
tempers by walking to work.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24
CHRISTMAS WITH RICH
Vanderbilt Castle All Set for Great
Parties on the Morrow.

New York. Dec. 2i.-It will be n
very merry Christmas in the castle Of w.
X. Vanderbilt, jr. Preparations for the
joyous celebration were in full swing to-
day. Big vans backed up to the imposing
entrances of the mansion, unloading i'm
tiny Christmas trees, holly, gifts delicacies.
and everything else that goes to make this
n happy time of the year.
small army of servants were engaged
in getting things ready. Many of them
were at work in the ballroom. with floor
so big that an automobile could be driven
around on 1t. It's the ham soonest ballroom
In New York. Wide, lofty corridors, lux
uriously furnished parlors were redo1ent
TO help alcng the holiday spirit.
AS for presents. "there'll be loads of
en- of the hurrying attendants
exclaimed. He grinned when he said 1t.
everybody seemed happy. A genuine yule
tide merriment radiated from all sides and
made itself felt among the people in the
magnificent mansion Mrs. Vanderbilt, on
dance for her daughter, Muriel, who will
not be formally introduced into society for
another year or two. A staff of expert
cooks was at work the banquet today.
After the feast there will be good old
fashioned holiday doings in the ballroom
which makes an appropriate setting with
its garlands and festoons of greenery.
The reporter would have liked to inter-
view one Of the family and ask them for
more details. but the pleasantly smiling
butler stood In the way.
Mrs. Vanderbilt doesn't want 1t re-
ported" he assured
Rut. an why. it's going to he one of the
merriest Christmas days the massive Van
dcrbilt castle ever knew.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24
Wilson Will Leave Paris To-
night for the Front.
To Spend Christmas With the
Boys in Camp.
EATS FROM A MESS KIT
Leaves Chaumont Late in Eve
ming Bound for Calais.
Then Will Take Boat Next
Morning for England.

Paris. Dec. 24.-President Wilson's
plans for visiting American army
headquarters at Chaumont and then
proceeding to England are now COM
plete. He will leave Paris late to-
night and will not return until New
Years day. His movements while he
is with the army. which were at first
entirely in the handS of General Per-
shing. have been changed in one re-
spect.
Mr.. Wilson insisted upon taking
Christmas dinner with the troops and
eating from a mess kit with the SOL
diers about him. He will have formal
dinner with General Pershing and his
officers later. After reviewing the
troops, the president will deliver an
address which he has already pre-
pared.
Leaving Chaumont late on Christ
mas day the president will travel by
military train to Calais, where he will
arrive the next morning. He will
cross the channel by the shortest
route. landing at Dover and going di-
rectly to London to begin a round of
engagements and conferences which
will occupy his time until the follow
ing Tuesday when he leaves for Paris.
On his arrival at Chaumont to visit
the American army, the president will
be met by General Pershing, the
French general commanding in that
district. the prefect and mayor of
Chaumont. French and American
guards of honor and an American
band. After his reception at the city
hall, the president will review 10000
troops composed of~one infantry bat
tallion from each of these divisions:
68th, goth, 77th, 80th and Sind.
There will be an artillery unit from
the 77th division and two troops of
the 9Th cavalry.
After luncheon at the headquarters
of the 26th New England) division.
the president will return, by automo-
bile, to Chaumont. On the way he will
stop at several small towns where
American troops are stationed, to in
spect the quarters and talk with the
men.
-Eor the Banquet.
London, Dec. 23.-Arrangements
for the banquet to be given Friday
night in honor of President Wilson
are similar to those made for the
king of Qenmark during his recent
U,outinued on Page TwoI
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24
CHRISTMAS WITH POOR
How Widow Kirsch and Family
VIII Celebrate the Day.

New York. Dec. Alt will be q very
happy Christmas in the cold, dark tene.
Rirsch. "
Preparations for the celebration were
to get the eight younger children ready
for the event She snid she thought she'd
get them ali washed and bathed befors
w..h stopping to get lunch or dinner. there
being nothing to get and no fires to get
Each Of the small army of youngsters
had found some old toy, badly battered.
but yet a toy. There are three rooms n
the tenement, and as one of them contains
no furniture at ALL the children are goinS
to have their Christmas rompl there.
As for prssents.-perhaps the less said
Mrs. Kirsch. on Christmas night. win
Margaret. who will be just two years old.
Army basket and in addition there ara
four oranges stranger left at the teno.
ment today.
Because Eve got my nine children, every
one Of EN-" said Mrs. Kirsch.
The doctor said Tony was going to die
well. The good God helps us out. I was
making paper flowers and all the iitf.of
ones were helping me. but had to quit
getting 50 cents a thousand anyhow, and
1t took two days to make that many And
Ironing for hand laundry at two cents
for each piece ] iron. Maybe can mako
- cents a day that way-when I'm feeling
.Things are looking better for us than
they hate for a long time. md don'e
think even one Of the children Will bo
hungry tomorrow. Well have some Christ
mas"
And Bella smiled broadly in sntieipe-
baby, for 1t was getting pretty cold. g
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24
ON BILL
10 Billion Dollar Revenue Now
Being Talked Over.
Passed Late Monday, Before
Congress Takes Recess.

Washington, Dec. 24.-A ten billion
dollar revenue bill today was in con-
ference between the senate and the
house.
The measure-designed to raise six
billions in 1919 and four billions in
1920-was passed by the senate Mon
day night after thirteen hours Of de-
bate.
Senate amendments included a bone
dry rider affecting the District of
Columbia; a levy on campaign con-
tributions and a 100 per cent levy of
political expenditures over $500; a 5
per cent tax only on passenger auto
mobiles and months pay for hon
orably discharged soldiers and sail
orS.
The senate today started a series of
three day recesses to last until the
end of the holidays. The house failed
to put its recess plan into effect for
lack of a quorum
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24
TODAY'S TEMPERATURES.

At o'clock this afternoon the wind
was blowing from the north at the
rate of 25 miles an hour.
The temperature for the day aver
aged IL degrees below normal.
A real Christmas show hit Topeka
Monday night. Six and a half inches
of it, a total amount of moisture Of 81
inch fell. Only once, in 1909, when
there was nine inches of snow on the
ground, was there more snow on the
ground than there will be tomorrow.
Snow fell in all parts of Kansas
The entire state is now covered with
soft white blanket. The big storm
which passed over this district is now
in southern Illinois, where, according
to s. D. Flora, state meteorologist,
conditions are worse than they are
here and may be expected to play
havoc with train service from the east.
The storm district extends from Kan
sas east to Ohio, where it was raining
at o'clock this morning. From the
gulf states north to Minnesota and
Michigan a great deal of snow has also
Scllen. But west of Kansas the storm
did not extend very far. According to
Flora no snow has been reported in
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24

American Headquarters in Ger
many. Dec. 24.-With a spirit Of
peace on earth. good will to men,"
100000 American soldiers will en-
joy really merry Christmas on Ger.
man and French soil tomorrow.
In the back areas the holiday feasts
will be elaborate. In the advanced
areas most Of the Christmas boxes
had failed to arrive today in spite Of
the best efforts Of the transportation
units.
But the Red Cross ana Y. NC. A.
H-ere hurrying several train loads OF
boxes forward. in an effort to get
them here in time for the celebration.
Think of the Folks.
While a true Christmas spirit Will
prevail here tomorrow. the boys
the little family group back home.
More than 100000 Americans will
be spending their Christmas in Ger
many. where one of the strangest sit
uations in history win exist-twp
engaged in mortal combat co.operst-
ing in mutual celebration of the day.
Thruout German territory, the tn-t
habftants are making prep9rAtiouo<t0
aid in the festivities and It h evident
eAAOAN eSHtsflCHt8 aE0 8tHCSTe. f50IK0~
masters Of the various villages are
presenting Christmas trees to the
doughboys. In many places the
townspeople have invited the soldiers
to their homes.
Gifts From Germany.
Great numbers Of the German peo-
pie, 1t Is known, will offer gifts to the
soldiers and the latter will reciprocate.
Some of the doughboys have bought
toys and candies. for the children, ex-
planning that they are 'only kids,
anyway" e,
Every company will have its own
Christmas trees. The decorations were
bought by the men OF presented by
the Germans Some OF the doughboye
have improvised Santa Claus outfits
and will enact the role for the benefit
Of their comrades.
Army rations have been supple-
mented by ducks and geese, which
cost from $40 to SIS apiece. Officer
and men alike "chipped in" to buy
them. f...
Entertainers For Them.
The Y. M. C. A has sent a company
OF entertainers here in a special train.
They will give dozens of performances
In the bridgehead area. Tons OF
Christmas letters are on their Way
homo or have already arrived Ex.
cept for patrolling the edge of the
brfdgehead discipline will be relaxed
tomorrow.
The most famous Christmas toast
is expected to be ito Deer Tag-1ehat
we go home"
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24
CHRISTMAS FOR
THE BOYS over
THE SEAS READY
Two Millions of Them WIN
Really Enjoy the Day.
Feasts To Be Elaborate In the
Back Areas.
BOXES LATE FOR SOME
Those for Advanced Units
Tardy in the Arrival.
Their Thoughts Are ON the
Folks Back Home. -.
n
Feasts To Be Elaborate in the
Back Areas. 81
Those for Advanced Units
Tardy in the Arrival.
WITH THE SAILORS

New York. Dec. 24.-Men OF
Americas battle fleet coming home
from the war must spend Christmas
at sea. The squadron was expect
ed to enter New York harbor to-
morrow morning. but storms de-
layed it. Announcement was made
today that the fighting ships will
arrive at 9 a. m. Thursday for re-
view.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24
JUMPS FROM WINDOW
Wife of Baltimore Insurance Man
Dies of Injuries Received.

Chicago. Dec. 24.-Mrs. Mabel
Clair Beck, said to be the wife of a
Baltimore, Md, insurance salesman,
was dead here today. She succumbed
to injuries sustained when she flung
herself from q. window of the county
hospital. Mrs. Beck. visiting here, en-
route to Kansas City, left the home of
relatives and was picked up by Off
GERS because of her queer actions
Taken to the hospital, she evaded at
tendants and leaped from a fourth
story window.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24
AUSTRIANS DYING
Starvation Will Cost Many
Lives in European Country.
A British Red Cross Worker
Urges Aid at Once.

Vienna, Dec. 23 (delayed.)-Many
Austrians are dying of starvation and
at least 100000 more will starve dur
ing the winter unless food is sent i'm
mediately, according to Colonial Sum-
mer-Hayes, chief. of the British Red
Cross mission, in a report today.
Thousands have sold all their be-
longings to obtain food, he declares.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24
CORWINE FOR MAYOR
Red Cross Worker VIII Begin Active
Campaign Soon.

When E. A. Austin, local attorney.
received q telegram from Herbert j.
Corwine. a Red Cross worker at Camp
Sheridan, Chiliicothe. Ohio. it was the
first real announcement of a candf-
dacy for mayor of Topeka following
the acknowledgements flare OF a
few days ago.
Herbert J. Corwine expects to re-
turn to Topeka during Janus ry and
Corwine Is well known to Topeka
voters. In 1915 hA was the Demo-
cratic nominee for congressman for
the First district. In 1917 he was a
candidate in the mayora1ty race but
was defeated in the primaries
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24
WALKED TO WORK ANKET OF SNOW
All Kansas Is Covered With
White Drifts Today.
Snow and Sunshine To Bring
in the 1918 Yuletide.

Generally fair tonight and Wednesday !;
colder tonight; rising temperature Wednes-
day.
The shippers' forecast warns to protect
36-hour shipments north and west against
n temperature of zero :; south against a tenn
perature of degrees above: apd enst
against a temperature of 10 degrees above.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24
Want All Huns Out

Tangier. Dec. 24.-The French and
British ambassadors at Madrid are re-
ported to have demanded expulsion oi
all Germans from Spanish Morocco.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24
REDS IN ADVANCE
Riga and Mitau Are Threatened
by the BOlsheviki
Four Divisions Are Marching
ON Cities of COurland.

Amsterdam, Dec. 24.-Riga and
Mitau. principal cities Of Russian
Courland, are threatened by the ad-
vance Of four Bolsheviki divisions. ac-
cording to Lithuanian advices.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24
HENRY J. ALLEN SICK
Is Confined to Bed
With Attack of Tonsilitis,

Wichita, Dec. 24.-Henry J. Allen,
governor-elect of Kansas, in confined
to his bed at his home here by an at
tack of tonsilitis.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24
HUNS IN ACTION
Said To Have Asked Dutch for
VIM. HOhenzOllern.
Amsterdam Hears That Ebert
Has Urged ExtraditiOn.

Amsterdam, Dec. 24.-Chancellor
Ebert was reported today to have ex-
changed communications with the
Dutch government regarding the
former kaiser. The result is not
known
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24
GIVE UP MORE HUN SUBS
Fifty Mofc-Somc OF Largcst-Arc To
Be Surrendered to Allies.

London. Dec 24.-Fifty more Ger
man submarines, including some OF
the largest types. will be surrendered
soon, 1t IL learned.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24
TRY TO UNITY RUSSIA
Former Premiers Are in Paris To
Confer With tho Allies on Plan.

Paris, Dec. 24.-Prince Georges
Lvoff and Vladimir n. Kokovsoff,
both former Russian premiers, are
among the prominent Russians who
have arrived in Paris to assist the
movement of unifying Russian and
restoring order there with entente aid.
The Russians here, representing many
parties, have apparently reconciled
their political differences and are
working toward a common end.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24
Have Corn to Export

Washington, Dec. 24-ArEentina
will have 3.660.000 metric tons Of
corn for export in 1919, according to
Buenos Aires advices.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24

MATURE has made IT a White
Christmas. 1t is up TO you 20
make it joyous one for those dear
to you.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24

WEATHER FORECAST for Kansass
Fair tonight and "Wednesday.
Colder tonight. Rising tcmperature
Wednesday.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24

Confined on Page Two,
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-12-24

CONTINUED on Page Threel