davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18
BONUS GIVEN MEN
 SAILING ON VESSELS IN NEW DANGER ZONE
Coastwise and Latin-Ameri- can Port Sailors Will Receive 25 Per
 Cent Extra

-- Washington, June T.-Because of Ger man submarine activity off the Ameri- can coast, the shipping board today or dered bonus of 25 per cent of their monthly wages paid to all licensed of. ficers employed on American merchant vessels in the coastwise, West Indian and South and Central American trade
 The new bonus, which is one-haif of that paid for service in the war zone, is applicable only to ships operating from Atlantic and gulf ports. and does not include vessels sailing exclusively in har- bors, bays, rivers and sounds Officers serving on ships under control of the railroad administration are not affected.
 Hearings on a new wage scale for Ii censed officers were in progress when the German submarines began their raid Representatives of the officers at once asked for a war bonus A similar re- quest is expected from the seamen, whose revised scales of pay had been com pleted before the raid began.
 The new scale for officers, retroa ctive to May 4, gives them substantial in- creases in pay and divides them into s1x classes, according to the size of the vessel on which they are employed Mas ters will receive from s23O to $500 a month; chief engineers from $i60 to s230; first officers and first assistant engineers, from $40 to $165: second officers and second assistant engineers, from sl25 to s150, third officers and third assistant engineers, from $l10 to $lS5: fourth of hcers and fourth assistant engineers employed on only the two largest classes of ships $115 to $120 and junior officers. Sl0O
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18

VIII be kept out of the western front hghting and held at points in Germany where they can be hastened to Italy fl needed. Some officers hold that the h,ll m the west may be due in part. at least. 10 the fact that the Germans feel if necessary to await developments ;o Italy.
 In connection with the Italian situa- ticn, Secretary Baker stated today that no American fighting units are in that region. American medical detachments have been in Italy for sometime, and some American aviators have been in training there. The War Secretary re- gently stated, however, that America, troops are to be sent to the Italian front but for military reasons the plans for the expedition have not been disclosed.
 Persistent rumors that Mai. Gen Leonard Wood was slated to command the expedition have been current ever since that officer was detached from his division just before it sailed for France. No confirmation has been obtainahle. but. the fact that General Wood has been regularly assigned as commander al CaY Funston. is not believed to have ap Caring on his ultimate duty as Y are indications that he is under Alteration for more important service.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18

In some quarters it is believed their operations may have a decided effect upon the situation on the western front. There is strong feeling that if the Austrian drive breaks down the Italians will launch a counter offensive on a large scale. In that event. officials are certain that Germany would rush divi- sions of its troops to aid it's ally be- cause of the effect an Italian success would have upon the already turbulent internal situation in Austria.
 Some officers are confident the lack of success for the Austrians now dis closed already has resulted in a shift ing of the German forces on the western front in preparation to rush divisions to the Italian front to prop up weak spots in case of counter drive
 Certainly. German reserves must De held for that service. it was argued. as the Reorganization resulting from the failure of an attempted drive to get through is almost as demoralizing to an army as an enemy advance.
 While there is any doubt in the minds of the German leaders as to the prog ress of events in Italy, considerable force of German shock troops probably
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18
Italian Deputies Adjourn Amid Scenes of Patriotic
 FervOr and Excitement

Rome. June 1.-The Chamber 0f Deputies adjourned today until sep- tember-unless extraordinary events require that 1t reconvene at an earlier date-amfd scenes of tremendous ex- citcment. Premier Orlando paid n glowing tribute to the Italian army, which. he declared. was aiding in cer- tain victory for civilization and right in the world conflict. as well as the deIfverance of oppressed peoples.
 The chamber wns in n great uproar of applause as the premier euloEixed King Victor Emmanuel and those who had been instrumentnI in Helping thc combatnnts and the civil popuin tions h dlstress through the war.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18
Germans Claim Americans War Prisoners Not Being
 Treated in HI Way

Amsterdam. June 17.-American war prisoners are not being ill-treated in Germany says dispatch. telegraphed to Amsterdam by the semi-offie;al Wolff bureau in Berlin.
 The prisoners. it is declared are noI used as show objects to the German public. and are not subjected to in suits and the throwing of stones which is foreign to the calm tempered Ger man mind. which does not excite itself anyhow over q few Americans in the midst of so many thousands of war prisoners of all nationalities."
 Adequate food lon a scale cur-n- spending to the present conditions in Germany is not lacking in the camps where American prisoners are quar- tered.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18
Summary of the News
GENERAL NEWS

GENERAL NEWS 1-Austrian drive fnjls thoroughly that allies have already begun counter attacks. American patrols are active. Germans take few American pris- Oners.
 Pro-Germans not allowed to be military obiect0rs. Bonus given men sailing vcs- seIs through new danger zone. Failure of Austrian drive will have effect on situation in France is opinion In Washington. Contingent fee men indicted nnd sensational raids made. 2=Presfdent Wilson calls cni- plOyers not to recruit labor save through federal bureaus. 7-Rumor current anti-amendfsts are seeking candidate. O--Member of I. w. w. held unuex heavy bond.
 LOCAL NEWS 3-Commission will pass on petition for six-cent fare. 5-Wholesnle Rrocers to invest 81OO0 in War Savings Stamps. Pettus will open campaign for Congress on Friday. Miss Derby to lend champion bull in Red Cross parade. Food prOfiteers to feel heavy hand of law. says Spain. 8-Cornmissary of Ensley destroyed by fire.
 FEATURES 4-Editorinl comment. 6-society and Dolly DalrympIe. s-Spcrts.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18

With the American Forces on the Marne. June 1.-The Germans today began using gas to greater extent along this front than they have done heretofore. The Bois De Belleau came in for it's share, but notwithstanding the heavy gas and other smelling the American lines remain intact.
 An American patrol crossed the River Marne last night east of Chateau Thier- ny and at once established contact with the Germans After an exchange of shots the Ameriacns recrossed the river safely by means of boats
 A heavy rain began falling late this afternoon.
 There has been an increase in the artillery and aerial activity along the Marne front but the infantry has not been engaged in the last 24 hours
 The enemy artillery fire in the sec ton east of Chateau Thierry has been increasing for sometime, and the Amer The Germans last night started to con struct foot bridge across the Marne at this point. but were discovered, and abandoned the attempt even before the American machine gunners on the bank could get into action.
 In the west the Germans have taken to drenching certain localities with mustard gas. One of these places is Belleau wood, the Germans apparently thinking that this was the only way to drive the American troops out. But it was not, for they are still holding all their positions and at the same time are giving the enemy clouds of Ameri- can gas to worry about.
 German airplanes today and late last evening were virtually active. There was hardly a moment when the hollow bark of the archies was not heard. The enemy has been especially active against the sausage balloons. The downpour of rain late today caused a temporary 1ull in the artillery duel
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18
STEEL SHIPS DELIVERED IN
 FIRST HALF JUNE
Compilations Represent Total Dead Weight Tonnage of
 S9,162 - Construction Time Cut

Washington, June 17.-Deliyeres of steel ships to the shipping board in the first two weeks of June numbered l6. with a total deadweight tonnage of S9l62
 Five of the Is were vessels built on contract for the shipping board, and were cpe-third of the total contract steel ves- sells built to date. Eleven requistioned vessels had tonnage of 55,662 and the five contract vessels & 500
 Atlantic coast shipyaryis turned out three of the steel ships, totaling 17,1oO tons; Great Lakes yards eight of 26. 3ss tons, and Pacific coast yards live. of 45. 100 tons.
 Officials of the shipping board dis closet today that the 10 fastest built steel ships of the war programme have been constr acted in an average time of @ s-lo days, or slightly more than three months. ceinraSed with F months before the war.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18
EARLY COMMUNIQUE

Washington, June l7.--Repuse~ of local enemy attacks in the Woevre and in the Chateau Thierry region was report ed today in General Pershing's com munique for last night.
 The communique follews:
 Section A.-This morning in the Woevre the enemy executed a local at tack against the left of our positions During the attack there was brisk artil- lery fighting. The assailants not only failed to penetrate our lines, but were thrown back with severe losses, and left in our hands several prisoners. of whom one was an officer.
 "In the region of Chateau Thierry two local attacks made by the enemy during the night on the line of Bouresches-B Bois- de- Belleau, were easily broken up Ar tillery on both sides continues very ac- tive in this region and in Picardy.
 Section B.-Private w. ]. Guyton, who belonged to American troops operating in the Vosges, was killed by machine gun fire on the day after his unit entered the line He received the Croise de Guerre as the first American to die on German soil. As the division to which he be- longed has now been identified, this in formation. which was transmitted con fidentially on May P. may now be pub- ished-'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18
Enemy Disregarding Heavy Casualties Continue Effort to Cross Piave River But Brave Troops
 of Cadorna Are Holding Fast to Positions
BRITISH, FRENCH AND ITALIANS
 CAPTURE OVER 45OO PRISONERS
Report From Switzerland Is That Emperc Charles Is Rushing Reinforcements and That < German Soldiers Are Aiding-French Line
 Comparatively Quiet
By Associated Press

Rome June 17.-Italian troops conjunction with their French and British allies yesterday began counter offensive against Hungarian forces which Italian mountain front The Italian allied troops according the office able partial and recy their lines at several points along the front.
 The statement the Ausrans dsregardng their continued their river Italians are bravely holding their positions.
 More than 4500 Ausans have been made prisoner by the Italians British and French
 London June 1.-The Austrns their eves the British line of the Italian after their official statement issued tonight the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18
Austrian Emperor Said to Be With the Troops
 on the Italian Front
This Amsterdam Report Says No German Soldiers Are Taking
 Part in Drive

Aanstcrdam. June IF. - Emperor Charles Is with his troops on the Italian front. according to q Vienna dispatch to the Nuiewe Rotterdamsche Cournnt. No German troops are par tfcipating in the offensive. the dis- patch adds.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18
Bulgarian Premier and
 His Cabinet Resign

Sofia, Sunday. June 16.-Cvia Amster- dam,)-Premier Radeslavoff has rendered his resignation and that of the cabinet, and King Ferdinand has accepted it. The ministers were requested by the King to retain their portfolios until a new cabinet is formed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18
Nationwide Conspiracy Be- tween Manufacturers and Contractors Agents Is
 Being Uncovered
ILLEGAL COMMISSIONS
 ON WAR CONTRACTS
 GO INTO THOUSANDS
Department of Justice Be- gin Systematic Campaign to Stop Profiteering
 of Middleman

Washington, June 17.-A na- tlon-wide conspiracy between manufacturers and contrac- tors agents in Washington to solicit government war orders under an agreement to pay commissions illegally to the agents, was disclosed today by the department of justice.
 Simultaneously with the announces ment raids were made on hundreds of manufacturers and business offices throughout the United States in search of papers showing the scope of the illegal practice, and four Boston busi- ness men were indicted in Washing ton on charges of acting as contin- gent fee agents.
 Even bctore the results of the raids were fully reported here tonight, off ciais Indicated they had evidence that scores, rerhaps hundreds, of contracts have been made with manufacturers who were under pledge to turn over to con tract commission agents in Washington. New York and elsewhere, a percentage of their profits.
 MANUFACTURERS COERCED
 Officials said the manufacturers were led into the agreements by assurances of the agents that they had special in- fIuenca with army officara or otberc in charge letting contracts, and under threat to use that influence against the manufacturers. Evidence was said to have been secured that some of the agents already have made their thou sands In commission fees.
 This development led to investigation of the relations between certain army officers and these agents. and although there is no definite indication that these officers are knowingly involved in the consplracies. Secretary Baker is making a thorough investigation in cooperation with the department of justice and to- night authorized the statement that he would gc to the bottom of any suspicious cases Secretary Daniels also is keeping in close touch with the investigation, and the whole situation has been called to the attention of President Wilson and his cablnet
 WILL BE PROSECUTED
 The commission agents guilty of these illegal practices will be prosecuted under conspiracy statutes, and all contracts made by them or with their aid are sub Ject to annument by the government.
 Ramifications of the plot may lead shortly te other disclosures as sensa- tional as those of today. These may ,ls- yclop as reports trickle in from the dra- matte raids prearranged for 4 o'clock this afternoon, eastern time. when agents of the department of justices pu- reau of investigation entered offices of several hundred business firms. showed
 tContinued on Page Two)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18
BAKER SAYS THERE
 ARE NO AMERICAN TROOPS IN ITALY
No Announcement Will Be Made of Decision Until Forces Are Safely
 Landed

Washington. June 17.-There arc TO American combntant troops in Italy now with the exception of "Observing missfons.' Secretary Baker said today. In reply to questions he said no ans nouncement would be made of Amer ica's decision to send troops to Italy. of the composition of such m expedi- ton, or of its strength or commander, until the forces hnd safely landed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18
After Bitter Debate Senate
 Passes Resolution to
 Erect Buchanan Statue

Washington. June 17.-The Senate today by vote of 51 to II adopted a House resolution authorizing the ercc- ton in a public park in this city of a statue of James Buchanan Senators opposing the resolution vigorously at tackled the loyalty of the former Presi- dant
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18
65th Sanitary Section of U. s. Army Cited in Orders Signed by Divisional General

Paris, June 4.-(Correspondence of the Associated Press. )--For courage in ac- ton the members of the Sixty fifth san were eite1 recently in communique signed by Division General Targe. com mander of the 121st infantry division.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18

Italians.
 The statement follows:
 There is little activity on the British front. The battle has died down and the enemy is recognizing after his severe defeat.
 Captured maps show that his cbjec- tives were very ambitious; they included the capture of Pau and Cima-Di-Fonte. The number of prisoners has increased to 716, including 12 officers The total amount of captured material actually brought in was four mountain guns, 4S machine guns and seven F'lammenwer- fers.
 Considering the severity of the bonn bardment, and the intensity of the fight ing, our casualties were very slight.
 ''One June b and 16 the Royal air force dropped more than 300 bombs and fired 25,O0o rounds of machine-gun ammunition on troops and transports attempting to cross the Piaye.'
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18
British Armed Mercantile
 Cruiser Patia Is Sunk and Sixteen Men Missing

London. June 17.---The British armed mercantile cruiser Patia t610s tons), was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine on June IS. according to an announcement made by the British admiralty tonight One officer and 15 men are presumed to have rsen drowned.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18
Sentences Ranging From IS Months to 20 Years Im-
 posed by Court
THE SECRETARY OF
 WAR IS IN ACCORD
After War Is Over All Such "Ameri- cans" Will Be Sent to Land
 of Their Love

Washington. June 17.--In approving today sentences ranging from IS months to 20 years Imprisonment iIn- posed by court-martinl upon IF pri- yates who refused military service at Camps Upton. New York. and Gordon, Secretary Baker made it plain that the war department does not consider these men as coming within the class of conscientious obiectors.
 The men refused service solely te- cause they were asked to fight agarnst Germany and Austria, in which coun- tries most of them claimed to have relatives. Since thev arc not re~arGed as conscientious objectors they will not have the right of review of their case by a special board appointed to hear appeals of such objectors.
 Secretary Baker held with the courts that since the men were citizens of the United States regularly inducted into service under the selective service law they were in duty bound to fight for the country and that they could not select the country against which they would hear arms
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18
Congress Is Asked for More Money to Make
 Field and Siege Cannon

Washington. June 17.--Congress was asked by the war department today for. $6S, ,2S5ooa additional for purchase, man ufactu-e and test of mountain, field ard siege cannon and ammunition for the coming fiscal year.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18
AUsTRIANs RUSHING TROOPS

Geneva, June 17.-Reports received here from Buchs and also from several points along the Swiss-Tyrolese from tier indicate that the Austrians are aided by some contingents of Germans and that the Austrians continue to me, forces toward Italy.
 ii is said trains from Innsbruck, Botzen and Trent are crowded with troops going southward and ordinary traffic on the railroads has been sus- pended.
 The new Austro-German headquar- ters, the reports add. is established just behind the Sette Comunc. Follow ing the example of the Germans with the Alsatians and Lorrainians, the Austrians are placing Slav irredentist regiments in the first and most dan gerous lines with Tyrolese troops be- hind them in order to prevent whole sale assertions.
 Vienna newspapers received here de- vote large headlines to alleged sue cesses by the Austrians They deny that the offensive was ordered by Ber- lin, but say it is due entirely to the foresight and preparations of the Aus trian headduarters staff.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18
Ukraine in Revolt

Washington, June 17.-A dispatch the state department today from Stockholm quotes a report from saying the whole of the Ukraine is on the eve of revolt against Germany.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18
TWELVE ARE SENTENCED

Hyman Polkes. 15 years: William J. Seider, 20 years Joseph White l5 years; Antonio Z Soldak 10 years; Julius Levin thai. 13 months; Louis Silverman, 10 years; Mayer Suffknd. 10 years; Louis M. Blumenthal. 15 years; Samuel Spire, 5 years; Paul Bauer. 10 years William Charles Schwab, 20 years; Michael Ciupa, 10 years.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18
Failure of Austrian
 DriUe WiH Effect
 Situation in France
This Is View of Washington Military Observers Following Receipt of News from Italian Front Which Is Considered to Be Very
 Optimistic

Washington June 17Wth practically indicating by the reorganzed Italian French pn snt increano
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18
CLAIMS OF VIENNA

Vienna. June 17.-(via London.) The number of Italian and allied prls- oners captured by the Austro- Hun garian forces in their new offensive on the northern Italian front. have
 tContinued on Pagc Two)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18
American Patrols Are
 Actiue On AH Fronts,
 Says Pershing 'sReport
Germans Fail to Renew Attack on Foul Sector. United States Troops Holding Line on Marne Subjected to Gas in Greater Degree
 Than Ever Before
uy Asrociated press

With the American Army in France, June 17A German raidng party took prisoners Lunevie front this morning. The raid followed patrol fight which the Americans the trenches killing German and wounding another
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18

Washington, June 17-Asde from patrol activity Pc- ardy Lorraine and the Vosgs developments points held by the American troops France tonights communque from General Peshng In the Vosges hostile raid was broken up by the American fire With the their attacks the of
  attempt American
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18
BAKERS STATEMENT

'1n my judgment" said Secretary Bakers approval. the sentences should be executed. and if after this war is over some process can be devised " which these entirely undesirable citi- zens can be returned to the countries of their preference. it would be highly desirable from the point of view Of the United States
 'I have not the least doubt as to the propriety of the procedure in these cases. nor am I uncertain as to the correctness of the results reached
 "The soldiers in all the cases were either naturalized citizens of the United States or natives of the United States. born of parents from countries which the United States is now at war with, properly members of the army of the United States pursuant to the aelective draft law. VI They were summoned before proper officers of the army and asked whether they would in fact fulfill their military obligations by fighting against Ger many and Austria in Europe They all answered they would not. ' There was the same shufflng on taa nart of some of the soldiers as to what they meant by their answers. and son,a long winded refinements Iwere under taken to the effect that some of them were Wllf1nE 10 1lght Germans and Austrians generally. but would not fight their own relatives. although they offered no explanation of the nrocess By which they were going to discover whether particular Germans and Austrians whom they were re- nuired to shoot Tt from long range happened to Re related to them.
 PREPOSTEROUS CLAIM
 "Tn one of the records the soldier claims to have an uncle, evidently too old to be in the military service of Austria, whom he once saw, and he had heard of 10 or F other relatives in Austria of some of whom he had seen photo graphs which must have been of a very persuasive character, since they aroused in him emotions of blood kinship strong enough to overcome the obligations of his own allegiance as an American citizen.
 These men were full citizens of the United States, most of them by the vol untary act of naturalization. They were full citizens in the sense that they had equa. rights and privileees with all other missionaries. They also have equal re- responsibilities. Among these duties and responsibilities is to protect the United States against all it's enemies, domestic and foreign. No right is extended to naturalized citizen to pick and choose"
 Twelve objectors were sentenced as fol- lows:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-18

4-Editorinl comment. G-society and Dolly DalrympIe. sSports.