davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington herald., 1918-05-08
GERMAN AUTHORITIES
DRAFT 700 BELGIANS
Decree Orders Men of German
Parentage Into Ranks.

Seven hundred young men born in
Brussels have been sent to Germany
to serve in the Kaiser's army, despite
their Belgian birth and citizenship
because their parents were born in
Germany. News of this latest rigor
of the German occupation in Belgium
Is contained in a Havre dispatch to
the Petit Parisien, repeated in diplo-
matte dispatches here yesterday.
1T is known" say the Petit Pa
risien, that a decree of Won Falken-
hausen, on December Is, 1917. subject
ed to German control all persons OF
German descent OF both sexes under
the general government in occupied
Belgium. In virtue of this arbitrary
decree, 700 young men living in Rrus.
sells and its suburbs, born in Belgium
Of German parentage, but having be.
come Belgian citizens by option, nave
lust been taken to Germany to be in.
corporated into the Kaiser's army."
The Washington herald., 1918-05-08
WILSON "DUCKS IN"
STUNG FOR WAR TAX
Small Boys Are Envious When President Gets
Under Canvas and Sees Elephants
Without Being "Snagged."

A boy. named Woodrow Wilson.
got caught ducking under the tent
at the circus last night. Upon ap-
prehension by a man in red and
gold uniform he was compelled to
pay is cents for war tax and al
lowed to stay and see the show.
The war tax payment was insisted
upon. because when he's not at the
circus, this boy happens to be Presi-
dent of the United States and
solemnly sworn to uphold, among
other things, the law that imposes
the taxes.
Sure the policeman was looking
when the President slipped under
the flaps Of the large tent. In fact.
thsre were many policemen and a
corps OF secret service agents. And
there were many boys who eyed the
President enyiously when they saw
him get away with it without be-
ing pinched." But envy inspired
ambition: Wen be President when
we git big, amen we can see the
elephants for-nothin'."
1t all happened this way
When President Wilson and his
party, which included Mrs. Wilson
Mrs. William H. Boiling, John Ran
dolph Boiling and Wilmer Boiling,
arrived at the circus grounds they
found what the circus press agent
declared to be:
"The largest aggregation Of men,
women and pretty children ever as
sembled for the great American
summer festival. circus night. $1,000
souls"
So the President like any other
The Washington herald., 1918-05-08

boy with a purse full OF change for
peanuts and red lemonade, avoided
the main entrance and got to the
seat reserved for him. Then it was
found that he had lodged the war
tax by getting in the back way, and
"a gentlemanly attendant" was sent
after it.
The President hauled out the lite
tie purse, took from It a shiny new
1918 quarter and rendered it with
a smile and keep the change
But the attendant reminded him
that for all his gaudy raiment he
too, was but an official of the G~y-
ernment and insisted on returni:rS
to the President one dime-so he
could stay for the concert.
But the last noticed of the Presi-
dent he was lavishing that dime or
another bag OF peanuts. And he
was still smiling.
The Presidential party was seated
in the center Of the tent in a box
draped with American flags. When
they had taken their seats, the band
struck UP. The Star-Spangled Ban.
ner." President Wilson, his party
and the $4,000 persons in the tent
stood at attention during the play.
ing of the national anthem. in the
midst Of which an immense Ameri.
can flag was unfurled from the rooi
of the tent.
The big show drew immense au,
diences at both performances yes
terday, the patrons OF the evening
exhibition filling all the seats in tn,
CONTINUED ON PAGE TWO
The Washington herald., 1918-05-08
BIG GUNS ROAR AS HUNS SEEK WEAK SPOT
President Fixes May 2O-25
Official "Red Cross Week"

President Wilson, a proclamation issued yesterday, ap-
peaed the American people to help the Red Cross its
gins May and continues through that week. which the Pre
dent has designated Red Cross Week" His proclamation
follows:
"Inasmuch the fund of 1917 generously
buted by the American people the American Red Cross
for the administration of relief at home and abroad has been
practically exhausted by appropriations for the welfare of the
military and naval forces and for those dependent
them and for the necessities of allies
military and civilian who have long borne the bnt of the
Gld
"Inasmuch as the year of participation
brought demands the patriotism and
beray of people and made evident the necessity of
centrang the work of relief in main organization which
respond effectively and universally the needs of humanity
under the stress of and
Inasmuch the duration of the and the closer and
closer cooperation of the American Red Cross with
and with the of allies and with
foreign relief organizations have resulted in the discovery of
late opportunity into duty; and
American Red Cross council and commits
Europe have faithfully and economically administered
the peoples trust now,
Therefore by virtue my authority President
United States and president of the American Red Cross
Woodrow Wilson do hereby proclaim the week beginning May
1915 Red Cross Week. during which the people of the
United States will be called generously to
the important work of relieving distress
restoring the of and assisting maintaining the
morale of troops and the troops and peoples of
by this manifestation of effort and sacrifice the
those who, though privileged to bear OF
spirit purpose and determination with warriors
an witness whereof have hereunto set my hand and
caused seal of the United States to be affixed.
District of Columbia this 7th day of May in
of Lord thousand nine hundred and eighteen
independence of the United States of America the
hundred and forty-second
(signed) WOODROW WILSON"
ROBERT LANSING;
Secretary Of State.
The Washington herald., 1918-05-08
HUN CONTROL
OF NEAR EAST
NOW WDWINDLING
Swedish Socialist Tells Why
Barbarity As Policy Is
Dismal Failure.
GERMANS LOSE GRIP
n n " S1
GERMANS LOSE GRIP
Czernin Gone, Won Seyd-
ler's Courts-Martial Sick
en- Rest of Cabinet.

The mask has been torn from Ger
man Imperialism in the past by the
fall Of Czernin and subsequent events.
This is the opinion OF Hjalmar Bran
tung, the distinguished Swedish
socialist who generally speaks for the
bulk OF liberal sentiment in the
Scandinavian neutral countries. An
interview with him was cabled to
Washington in diplomatic dispatches
received here yesterday.
The strength of Brantung's words
Is generally accepted here as mark
ing the definite end Of any possibility
that any OF the northern neutrals
will ever line up with Germany. 1t is
suggested here that this change of
opinion has been brought about by
the ruthless conduct of Germany in
Finland as we'll as in the east
Huns Lust for Food.
At the same time there have been
received here details Of the political
turmoil in Austria and the desperate
methods employed by the Germans to
wrest food from the hungry Ukrainian
peasants.
These reports tell that German
courts-martial have taken over the
administration of justice in the
Ukraine. and that Won Seydler has de-
termined to fight the spirit Of inde-
pendence in the subject nationalities
in Austria to a finish and with any
means in his power.
Hjalmar Brantung was asked by
the representative of the Havas
agency IL he did not believe the fall
of Czernin was a setback to the
use of democracy.
The fall of Czernin Is a good
thing" he replied.
According to my idea the fall
OF Czernin has created a definite
situation. His fine phrases upon the
good relations he hoped to este b.
lish with nations made a strong
impression upon neutrals. They
made them forget there was in
reality the vassal of German i'm
perialism.
while making a good impress
sion upon the galleries the brutal
peace of Brest-Litovsk and of
Bucharest was being imposed upon
the conquered nations. In bestow-
such miserable treatment upon the
Czech leader Masaryk. Count Ger
min threw of his mask and show
ed what the partizans of a demo-
cratic peace might expect from him.
TT is assuredly q very fortunate
thing for obtaining a durable peace
CONTINUED on PAGE THREE
The Washington herald., 1918-05-08
SOLD "SMOKY"
COAL FOR SHIP;
IS PEEALIZED

For violation OF the Fuel Admins
tration order that provides coal OF
"the lowest possible degree Of visi-
bility" for steamships, the New York
and Philadelphia Coal and Coke Com
pany was penalized yesterday by the
government
The company supplied a Belgian re-
lief ship and other vessels with high
volatile coal instead Of the so-called
smokeless coal which the Fuel Ad-
ministration has designated specifi-
calIy as suitable for bunkering ves-
sells which must pass through the sub
marine zone.
Whether any Of the vessels so sup
Piled by this company were lost at
sea, or were even actually endangered,
is not made public by the Fuel Admin
istration. The special provision for
this kind OF coal was particularly
with the view of protecting CONNER
cial and naval vessels that must
traverse the danger zone.
The company delivered the complain
ed-of coal to the president Bunge"
engaged in transporting shipments for
the Belgian Relief Commission, and
other steamships at Atlantic ports,
and for use in these ships in their
bunkers. 1t was ordered to pay
s, 900 to the Belgian Relief.
The Fuel Administration heard
Robert H. Burrows. secretary-treas'
urer and general manager. and Hen
ry W. Hsrdon. attorney, and ther
determined:
That the said New York anC
Philadelphia Coal and Coke Com
i>rslI<rIz.o OK PAGE rWo.
The Washington herald., 1918-05-08
PERSIANS CANNIBALS
WARFAMINE RESULT
People Are Compelled to Eat Grass, Dogs
Dead Animals and Even Human Beings,
State Department Learns.

even more generously than the
Persian government had asked.
These means have not been ade-
quate to meet the situation. accord
ing to yesterdays dispatch, and
further relief measures will have
to be taken.
Persia's food supply has been So
riously interfered with by the
overthrow Of order in Russia and
Ukraine, and the stoppage of traf-
fic across the Black Sea and
Mesopotamia. where the British are
fighting the Turks. 1t WAS not
stated at the department yesterday
how relief could be got into the
country. but it is presumed that
measures will be taken to get sup
plies through from India.
Despite the menace of the Germans
advancing through southern Russia.
Persia has continued to show a friend
ly attitude toward the allies. 1t
CONTINUED ON PAGE TWO.
The Washington herald., 1918-05-08

Cannibalism in Persia is one Of
the horrors of famine in that coun-
try reported to the State Depart
ment yesterday. Through the Ar
menian Relief Society word has
been received that food has almost
disappeared. People have been COM
PEELED to eat grass. dogs. dead ami
mails and even human beings. Ty-
phus and typhoid are raging.
Some time ago Persia asked the
United States for a loan in order
to meet this food situation. but
reply had to be made that the laws
of the United States do not permit
loans to any but countries asso-
ciated with the United States in
the war against Germany.
Asked Relief Society.
Nevertheless the State Depart
ment turned over the appeal to the
Armenian Relief Society and the
society. II was said at the depart
ment yesterday. has responded
The Washington herald., 1918-05-08
FEUTONIC ALLIES SIGN
"PEACE OF BUCHAREST"
Rumanian Capital is Scene of Ger
emony Described as Solemn"

London, May IA Reuter- dis
patch from Amsterdam says IL is
officially announced from Bucharest
that a peace treaty between the
central powers and Rumania was
signed this morning by the pleni-
potentiaries Of the four allied Teu-
tonic powers.
ThS signatures were affixed to
the featy in the same room in the
Rumknian Kings castle in which
the entry Of Rumania into the wal
was decided upon. The text OF the
treaty will be published shortly
The peace is to be known as the
''pea3 OF Bucharest"
GeH pan dispatches describe the
meeting as extremely solemn" anc
columns of newspaper space are
devoted to the details. Foreign
Ministe Won Kuehlmann was chair.
man athe deliberations.
Copenhagen. May 7.-Germar
newspapers arriving here state tina,
the petrol monopoly, which has
been wrung from Rumania, is tC
be introduced Immediately in it:
Germanized form.
Rumania, these papers show
must also send to Germany all sur.
plus grain for the next two years
The Northern part of the Do
bruja will not be Joined to Bull
garia, but will be governed by g
commission representing the Cen
trail Powers, its ultimate fate x
be decided later.
The Washington herald., 1918-05-08
CONTINUED
RUSSIAN BLACK SEA
FLEET BOMBS HUNS
Report Indicates Some Of War
ships Remain Uncaptured.

Berlin. via London. May -
Russian warships have bombarded
German forces in the harbor of
Mariupol. the war office announced
tonight. The statement follows:
I'm the harbor establishments of
Mariupol we were bombarded by
Russian ships"
Mariupol Is a Russian seaport on
the north shore OF the Sea OF Azov.
l4o miles southeast OF Yekaternio-
slav. The Berlin statement indi-
Gates that part of the Russian
Black Sea fleet is still at large and
actively opposing the German in
vasion along the ittoral in the di-
rection Of the Caucasus.
The fact that the Berlin war Of
flee takes occasion to make a spe-
cial announcement OF the attack by
Russian ships may indicate that the
Germans thus wish to justify fur
ther aggressive measures in Rus
sia. One of Germany's boldest aims
in connection with the conquest OF
Russia is to Join the Russian Black
Sea fleet with the Turkish naval
forces and attack the allied bases
in the Mediterranean.
The Washington herald., 1918-05-08
GEN. MAURICE
. STIRSENGLISH
WITH LETTER
Disputes Statements Of
Prime Minister Regard
ing British Armies.
SAYS MEN SHIFTED
Claims Haig Line Weaken,
ed by Taking Forces to
Other Points.

London. May 7.-Political circles here
were stirred today by the publication
in a number OF leading newspapers,
including Lord Northcliffe's Times. Of
letter by Mai. Gen. T. B. Maurice,
challenging the correctness Of state
ments made by Premier Lloyd George
and Chancellor OF the Exchequer
Bonar Law with regard to the
strength and disposition OF the Brit
ish forces when the German drive
opened.
Maj. Gen. Maurice was until recent
ly chief director of military opera
tions in the war office.
Disputes Lloyd George.
In his letter he disputes the prime
minister's implied statement in the
House of Commons that Field Mar
shal Haig's forces were not dimin-
ished during 1917. He also takes ex-
ception to the premier's statement
that only one white infantry division
is in Mesopotamia and that three
white divisions are in Egypt and Pal
estine.
NTlllCS VI llc SONCEh-
ment recently charged that important
British forces were shifted to other
theaters and that the resistance on
the western front had been thus
weakened.
The Daily Chronicle, Morning Past,
Globe, Star and Westminster Gazette.
in commenting on Gen. Maurice's let
ter, assert that the matter should be
cleared by a parliamentary hearing.
which is what Maurice asks in his
letter.
Explains Action.
In explaining his action in writ
ing to the press, the former War
Office spokesman declares he felt Il
is his duty as a citizen-above that
as a soldier-to take this course,
since he believed the morale of the
troops should not be impaired by
misstatements.
The Maurice letter was published.
in addition to the Times, in the
Morning Post, Daily News, Daily
Chronicle and Manchester Guardian.
General Maurice's letter came up
in the House of Commons today. To
an inquiry from ex-Premier AS
quith, Chancellor Bonar Law said
the government proposed to invite
two judges to investigate Maui
rice's statements privately. He
added that most secret documents"
must be gone into to determine the
truth or untruth of the allegations.
The government, Chancellor Bonar
Law said, would give a day to
thorough discussion of the matter
and the army council would be
called upon to consider the ques-
ton of military discipline. He con-
cludeG by saying that ex-Premier
Asquith will be allowed to nomi-
nate the official investigating Judge
if he desired to do so.
General Maurice's Record.
Mai Gen. Maurice had been chief di-
rector of military operations at the
British war office for many months
and had come to be looked upon by
the press as the official spokesman
of the British high command to the
British and foreign press. In his
CONTINUED ON PAGE TWO.
The Washington herald., 1918-05-08
FRENCH.

Paris. May The text Of tonight's
war office communique is as follows:
There was considerable artillery
activity from Hailles TO Villers-
Bretonneaux.
AN enemy surprise attack south OF
Hartmansweilerkopf was repuIsed.
There is nothing to report from the
remainder OF the front.
Aviation - Yesterday We brought
down in air fighting four German ma
chimes. Ten others fell out Of control
within the German lines.
I'VE dropped 4 1-2 tons OF bombs
on the Flaville. Martel. Messines.
Ham, GuIscard and Noyon stations
The Washington herald., 1918-05-08
NEW AIR PROBES;
BAKER DEFENDS;
WILSON ANXIOUS
War Secretary Tells House
Committee Germans
Are Hindrance.
SECRET FIGURES GIVEN
Facts Must be Kept Dark,
Baker Urges; Some
Are Divulged.

Secretary of War Baker placed
before the House Military Com
mittee yesterday the history and
plans OF aircraft production, with
the emphatic request that members
of the committee should regard
the whole matter as entirely con-
! fidential.
Baker said that when the appro-
priations come before the House
for debate, he thought all details,
both of what has been done and
what is planned, should be kept
under cover. He asked members
of the committee not even to di-
vulge the facts to fellow-members,
and at his request the committee
! record will be revised so as to
show no information.
Both Chairman Dent and Rep
resentative Anthony, of Kansas, at
tempted to induce Baker to per-
NIT the publication Of what has
been done with the $73o, o,ooo. 900
which the Aircraft Board has
spent. Baker insisted that it was
just as important to keep this
secret as it was to hide plans.
Recent Speeding Up.
Figures were. however, made public
last night by a member OF the COM
mittee lAdic.t,Iilg great recent
speeding up. This member, a Repub-
lican. said he was confident the worst
had been passed. His figures, which
he said were known to so many men
that it was folly to keep them secret,
follow:
Personnel: There are now $500 mill
tary aviators; 6.lOO graduates of OBJ
servation. pursuit and bombing flying
schools; 5000 others physically exam
ined and approved for training; 15.OOO
flying and non-flying officers in the
United States; 133, 900 men in all in the
Signal Corps. One year ago the flying
personnel was 70 junior military avia-
tors.
Production: The week of April p
the output of combat and bombing
planes was 1876; of bombing and COM
bat engines, 500.
Abroad: One thousand Americans
with French, British and Italian train
ing officers.
Foreign aid: Fifteen hundred foreign
planes delivered to American forces
and 1900 ordered: 1.5OO foreign engines
delivered and 5000 ordered There
are 1890 planes with the American
forces.
Il do not think the program has
worked out perfectly. or that any
other policy than of frankness is
wise" he said. but these figures
do indicate that we're getting into
a stride"
100000. 900 Disbursed.
The committee spent the whole
day in a vigorous search of what
had become of the vast sums ap-
prOpriated. 1t appeared that S42O,-
100000 had been disbursed, and
that all the rest had been con-
tracted for.
The witnesses. besides Baker.
were John D. Ryan. new aircraft
head, who appeared for a very
CONTINUED ON FACE TWO,
The Washington herald., 1918-05-08
ACTIVE ALONG /
WHOLE LYS FRONT WHILE.
INFANTRY REMAINS OUIET
Yankees Have New
Name for Germans

New York. May IA new
name has been found by Amer
lean fighting men in France
for the Hun. according to Q
letter received today from Q
United States marine. Not un-
derstanding just how the word
"boche" would be pronounced.
the Americans hit upon calling
all Huns ''bushers," term
understood by all as carrying
the full amount OF contempt
they feel for the enemy.
The Washington herald., 1918-05-08
LUSITANIA SINKING SERVICES
Anniversary Solemnly Observed at
Queenstown. Ireland.

London. May THE anniversary of
the sinking Of the Lusitania was OBJ
served at Queenstown today by q
solemn ceremony. Flags were al
half-mast throughout the town.
-Wreathes were placed on the
graves Of the go victims by offit ials
of the Cunard Line and private per-
soma
The Washington herald., 1918-05-08
President Encourages
Sweepiag Scrutiny; Four
Investigations Now.
JUSTICE PROBE DEEP
Assistant Attorney General
Instructed to Search
Out Crime.

Pres tdent Wilson yesterday
openly encouraged sweeping Off
cial Sc |rutiny of the conduct OF the
aircraft division OF the War De-
part7hent Four Investigations al
ESeaSy have been instituted.
The Senate Military Affairs
Committee began the work OF de-
tcrmining how and where the
$6oo,ooo,ooo appropriated many
months ago for aeroplancs had
been expended. The House Mill
tary Committee started an inquiry
along similar lines.
Attorney General Gregory, by
order of the President, adopted
plans to develop all evidence
of crime that can be found,
and carry out prosecutions.
Secretary Baker, OF the War De-
partment, was directed to investi-
gate along technical and scientific
lines to ascertain if the standards
adopted were likely to yield the
best possible product in aircraft.
inquiry along similar lines.
Investigations Independent.
Each investigation is to function
independent OF the others, but CO.
operation is expected to the common
end Of bringing out the truth about
aircraft conditions. II there has been
graft. fraud. neficiency or false
claims as to what is being accom-
plished. it is promised that the coun-
ers their deserts.
The Senate committees investiga-
ton has already revealed that not
one American built battleplane has
been sent to France. Here is the
comment of Senator Chamberlain,
chairman of the committee:
This whole business has been CAM
oufaged and misrepresented to the
American people It has only been
recently that planes have been sup
piled in adequate quantities for train
ing purposes
finger on the men responsible. We do
not propose to engage in any white
washing process, either
Presidents Interest.
President Wilson's personal interest
in the Liberty Motor. about which
many of the whispered charges are
centered, is revealed by a secret or
der given two days ago for tests by
experts. The order went to trusted
officials of the War and Navy depart
ments. The reports have been made
and are now at the White House. 1t
il understood that highly satisfactory
results are shown.
Nothing is being said officially about
the private investigation the Presi-
dent is conducting. 1t is understood,
however. he will privately obtain ex-
pert opinion on each brs nch OF air
craft production in order properly to
judge the conclusion reached by the
several governmental bodies which
will call witnesses.
In letter sent to one Of the mem
bers OF the Senate Military Affairs
Committee. the President said he en-
tirely approved the line Of inyestiga-
tion which the committee proposed to
follow. He also said it was proper for
the Senate to make an independent in
auiry. as a branch Of the War De-
partment appeared to be under
charges.
Conference at white House.
The entire question of ventilating
the aircraft situation was taken up
at the Cabinet meeting. Secretary
Baker and Secretary Daniels, with
Attorney General Gregory, remained
CONTINUED ON PAGE TWO
The Washington herald., 1918-05-08


How many are on your books,
Mr.. Merchant How many
know anything about you al
all. except in a general way? ?
How many know your goods,
your prices3 How many know
of any reason why they should
prefer your store to another? q?
There are 100000 people,
10000 families in Washington
who know The Herald. who
CONTINUED ON PAGE THREE
The Washington herald., 1918-05-08
Official Reports
From War Fronts
BRITISH.

London. May 7.-Tonights oflcial
war ONCE statement says:
ours and the enemy's artillery was
very active north Of the Lys and
showed some activity on other parts
Of the battle fronts.
There is nothing further to report I"