davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The true northerner., 1918-08-30

But we had to get up at 500 o'clock
so couldn't enjoy it for very long.
Last night we went into Bivouac,
on old Chateau grounds. The Chateau
was in complete ruins, but we found
a table and chairs and had our meals
out under the trees. We slept in our
pup tents and l used rose bush in
front of the former Chateau as a
tent pole. / never had a wash until
about four o'clock in the afternoon,
and that was in a filthy pool. But
l shaved and cleaned up and felt
much better.
Tonight we are camping on hill
side overlooking a pretty town, river
and valley. Our tents are out in an oat
field, but most of the grass is tramp
ed down. The boys have been out
in the gardens around here, digging
potatoes, and gathering string beans
onions, peas and anything else eat
able in The gardens. Just at our
backs are the remains of c village
which has undergone. terrific shell
fire. Not a single house is left in
habitable, and when you remember
that the buildings are all made Of
stone and brick, you can understand
something of what the place has
gone through. The trees are either
down, or Scared so badly that they
are dying, shell holes are everywhere,
and just here the place looks rather
desolate.
June 30th, A. M. We are depend
ing entirely on our rolling kitchen for
our meals. Last night we had warm
"Corned Willie" potatoes, onions,
bread, and butter and coffee. For
breakfast we had bacon, potatoes,
prunes, bread and butter and coffee.
Yesterday we struck "Y" canteen
and got some chocolate, cakes and
a little jam. 1t is almost impossible
now to get things like that, and its
only when we find "Y" that we can
get it.
We haven't had any mail for over
two weeks now, and / imagine it will
be some time before we can get it.
/ won't have much time to write, and
I wish you would tell the rest not to
expect to hear from me.
l need some underclothes very
much. l have a lot of clothes in the
wash and tried to buy some few
days ago but guess the French don't
wear underclothes, at least I couldn't
find any.
The last thirty-six hours have been
very noisy, almost a continual bonn
bardment. 1t sounds close, but prob
ably is twenty or thirty KS away
from here. The other day l saw
thirty or forty little tanks, the first
| had ever seen
Shall try to get down the hill and
mail this now as we may be pulling
stakes any time now.
The true northerner., 1918-08-30

probably. Am feeling fine and every
thing is highly all right.
Have been here two days. During
that time | have been quite busy but
have been able to look around quite
a lot. Have seen some wonderful
buildings parks, etc. Many OF them
are famous in history.
| just returned from church at St.
Paul's cathedral. This was built in
the thirteenth or fourteenth century,
The true northerner., 1918-08-30

Letter from Lieutenant Herbert
Bassett, (unattsched) American
Aviation Post Office, A. e. F. Lon
don, England. Dated, Sunday,
August 4th, and addressed to his
mother, Mrs. F. X. Bassett of this
city.
Well, / have reported here and am
waiting an assignment which ] shall
probably receive tomorrow. ! Will
be close to London for several months
The true northerner., 1918-08-30
e z. M p q IS = =
From Lieut.. Ralph M. Rowland, Co
Co. 369th, u. s. Infantry.

Dear Granddad:-
| am sure l owe you letter as
know | have had lots more from
you than | have written. However,
you will appreciate that my time is
usually pretty limited.
| had the grippe for few days
and had to go back to work before I
was ready, so it took me quite a while
to get my strength back, but am
o. K. now.
The true northerner., 1918-08-30
M IS IS Is m M g =

Letter from Private Harry r. Nc
Lean, Co. ID. 147th, Regiment
Infantry, A. p. o. 1853, dated from
Somewhere i'm France" August
2nd, and addressed to his parents
Mr.. and Mrs. Frank Mclean.
Having a little spare time / thought
/ would drop you few lines to let
you all know everything is alright.
Some few days have passed since |
wrote, and we are in far different
section then we were in at that time.
There one could see children playing
about in the small town where we
were billeted. But not as in this
section. 1t sure is very nice scenery
and over to my right is hills we all
have heard and read about, they sure
are a fine sight. Yet even where |
am now seated a battle was fought
not so many months ago, but it is
The true northerner., 1918-08-30

"THE world is full of men who have
been very poor, and are now rich. This
rule is so universal that it affords evidence
which cannot be doubted that there is no
handicap of any class. Indeed, the sons
of poor men oftener become rich than
sons of the well-to-do. because the sons of
poor men have been better trained in in
dustry and modest common sense"
ED. HOWE.
Whatever the size of your fortune,
your son will have better chance if he
early becomes familiar with the lesson
taught by Savings-book.
Send your boy to us for the Savings
book we have set aside for him.
The true northerner., 1918-08-30

Continued on Page 5
The true northerner., 1918-08-30

SEVENTH GRADE
English
Arithmetic
History
Geography
Music
Drawing
Domestic Science and Art
Penmanship
Spelling
Military Training
Band
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1918-09-12
STRIKING BOTH
SIDES OF BIG
TEUTON WEDGE

The first American Offensive
was launched today.
Under direct command Of Gen.
Pershing, the American FirSt
army attacked both sides Of tho
st. Mihiel salient on front Of
more than 25 miles.
The st. Mihiel salient is a triane<
ular pocket projecting into the allie1
lines before the fortress Of Metz, II
German Lorraine. Pershing's troops
are driving in the sides of it while
the French are helping to push -
the point.
American tanks smashed thru the
enemy's concrete reinforced front
line just at sunrise. following a ter
rifle four-hour bombardment, during
which the whole interior of the
pocket was showered with shells. A
number Of villages were reported
taken.
The st. Mihiel salient is one Of
the most powerfully fortified strong
holds on the west front.
Pershing struck when the Ger
mans further north had been driven
back to the Hindenburg line by the
British and French; the situation had
become almost stabilized and 1t look.
ed as If the Germans might have q
breathing spell.
The British today continued pfUlr,
ding the enemy in Picardy. crosalnGl
the Canal Du Nord before Camhral
and taking towns before St. Quentin.
while the French made a surprise At.
tack north of the Ailette.
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1918-09-12

Everything within tho salients 80
kilometer arc was under fire. In
addition to the artillery lombard
ment. airplanes dropped bombs on all
railroad centers, bridges, hangers
and munitIon supply centers in the
salient which is one OF the strongest
fortified points on the western front
American infantry attacked be-
hind a heavy rolling barrage, timed
to go forward 100 meters every 40
minutes.
Artillery and tanks so smashed the
powerful first line that little infantry
resistance was encountered. Prison
ers indicated they had expected an
attack but did not know when or
where It would be. The first village
was taken by the Americans within
40 minutes Woods and other strong
points were enveloped.
The First army's air reserve, work.
ing with the French. assumed the of
fensive with infantry. At . a. IN.
they reported not single boche
plane in the sky. American observ-
ers and bombers worked unmolested
unutf tnt VI IldiitN.
American-driven narrow-gauge rail.
road trains and wagons were rushed
up with ammunition.
All other work was done by the
Americans, making this the first
complete all-American attack.
The number of prisoners taken is
probably large. Indefinite reports at
the time Of cabling this dispatch say
that groups of so to 100 are passing
thru villages near the front,
Many OF the prisoners are from the
crack 10th division, which participat-
ed in the Marine offensive last July.
From the moment the first Ameri,
can went over the top today, reports
flowed back steadily telling of in
creasing successes.
Prisoners taken by the Americans
reached 400 in n few hours. The
French are advancing on "A 35-kilo-
meter arc, between the points of the
American attacks. They are starting
the encirclement of st Mihiel.
Allied artillery is now moving for
ward u1:30 a. m) Pagny- Sur Moselle
is aflame from the American guns.
(This town IL 12 miles from Metz
and five miles north of the allied
line where the Moselle crosses it)
The attaclS<an the left OF tho sal
Z ,cv,t yo3s<s = -. Il
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1918-09-12
Where Big Action
Is Going On NolD

St Mihiel is on the Meuse, direct
ly in front of Metz. approximately
33 miles from that city, and about
90 miles from the Lorraine border.
1t 81 at the apex OF the st. Mihiel
salient.
The region OF the Meuse and the
Mosele is on the Toul front be-
fore the important fortress of Metz.
in German Lorraine. This is the
point where the American concen-
tration has been on for months.
The American line is within two
or three miles of the German bor-
der. At some points the line actu-
ally touches the Lorraine line. The
battle front is approximately 10
miles from Metz
Metz has been an American OBJ
jective, according to most theories
of the plans of the allied high COM
mand.
At this point It has been predict
ed the Americans might strike the
blow that would be aimed at O
drive toward the Rhine, this being
the shortest route to the great in
dustrial valley.
Gen. March announced last week
that 80 per cent OF the American
rifles in France were concentrated
under direct command of Gen.
Pershing.
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1918-09-12
TRACTION DEAL NOW
UP TO CITY COUNCIL

Thursday morning that the men
were delighted with the new order.
I'VE expect Wen now get our wage
demands" he sea
This is the AcAse OF SO. 55 and so
cents an hour which the company
claimed 1t could not pay without rails
ing fMes.
Traction President Leonard said
Thursday that with the dropping of
his management OF the company's
lines, he has no direct plans for the
future. He predicted. however. that
he probably will take control OF some
other part of the Stone Webster pow
er and traction interests.
Insists It's Cheap Buy
We're treating the city fairly" he
said. The city will be given every
part OF our property which stands as
n recognized part OF the traction sys-
tenn"
Traction experts, he says, buy
street railway concerns on the basis
of five and one-half times com.
pany's gross earnings for one year.
On this arrangement. Seattle would
have been forced to pay for the trac-
ton company $23.750. 900. The coun.
Gil struck an advantageous agree.
ment which saved the city sS.750.00
Mayor Hanson and the council ex.
poets to furnish the citizens, each
month, with a complete statement of
the earnings of the new property.
Chairman Pratt and President
Leonard. OF the traction interests,
after receiving notice OF the COM
pany directors to sell. issued the
following statement:
Our board of directors have au-
thorized the acceptance of the city's
offer OF sl5,ooo.oo0 utility bonds for
the street railway part OF this COM
pany's property.
I'VE all feel that this property Is
worth much In excess of this
amount, but in view OF existing
CONTINUED on Page Sepcn)
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1918-09-12
PERSHING BEGINS BIG DRIVE
signing
FOR DRAFT

WASHINGTON. Sept. Ia
As news flashed over the wires
today Of = great American Of
fensiye toward the Rhine. 49,
OOO, 900 Americans between the
ages Of IS and IS marched tn
register, reserve army TO back
the boys 'ovcr there"
Gen. Pershing could not have
timed his effort better than TO
launch II on the day wnen America.
at home. was moving to enlist mil
lions more for tho victory army.
Thruout the nation. extras on the
streets were bought by prospective
registrants and read as they march
ed to enroll.
All Indications pointed to smooth.
ness OF operation OF this mighty reg
istration. Draft officials OF ex-
perience were retained In practically
all cities, so that there were few
delays from incxperisncc.
The new drawing OF numbers VIII
be staged hero as soon az possible.
and II is expected that some of tho
registrants viii be In service next
month.
District and local boards have
careful Instructions as TO exemption
claims and win have industrial and
AGRICULTURAL advice as to mans es-
sentiaiity in war work.
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1918-09-12
What Sept. IL
Has Brought to
Worlds History

490 b. C.-Battle of Marathon.
1777-Washington returned to
Philadelphia with the remainder
of his army.
I814-British attacked Balti-
more.
1847-Battle Of Chapultepec.
1857--China declared war on
England.
1S7I-French assembly author
lied the president to conclude a
treaty with Germany to hasten
evacuation OF France.
1905-Tartars in Russia declar-
ed Holy war and killed Armenians
indiscriminately.
1912-Bulgaria warned by the
powers against war with Turkey;
territorial acquisitions would not
be permitted.
1917-Secretary Baker announc-
ed Liberty motor perfected.
1918-Thirteen million Ameri-
cans register for service against
Germany.
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1918-09-12
10000 in Seattle
Register for Army
From Z Until 9 p. m

Seattle began her gigantic task
Of registering ID, 900 In u single
day for military service when
polling places, decorated In flags,
opened mt ! n m.
They were scheduled to remain
open until D. m, and every man
who has passed his 18th birthday.
but not passed his 46th. must sign
up, unless already registered in the
81 to 81 draft. or in actual army or
navy service.
Among widely known men rcquir-
ed TO register In Seattle were DR..
Henry Suzzallo. president OF the
University of Washington; Mayor
Hanson and Clarence l.. Reames, ar
sistant attorney general here. DR..
Suzzallo was an absentee, but sent
in his card.
Indications at noon were that reg
istration would be twice that OF June
5, 1917. said Dan Landon, executive
OF Division 3.
Were registered 1900 already"
he said.
At the request OF Provost Marshal
Gen. Crowder. flags were flying
thruout the city. and at least one
band. representing the Knights OF
Continued on page y
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1918-09-12

Mayor Hanson and city coun-
ciImen at IL n. m. Thursday tack.
led the gigantic task OF trans
forming the Stone-Websfer trHc-
ton interests Of Seattle into the
largest municipal street car sys-
tenn in the United States.
Their action followed official re-
ceipt OF word from the corporauons
directors in Boston that the city's
SIS 900 900 offer to buy the lines had
been accepted.
| Just when the city actually VIII
take over the company's property Is
not known. President Leonard, OF
/ the traction company, estimated that
the deal probably would be complete
| ly negotiated by october /.
Explains Conference
I'VE are in conference to decide
| lust how the purchase OF the traction
| company's property Is TO be carried
out. giving care and attention in order
/ that the city's rights may be protect
ed In every manner possible" Mayor
/ Hanson explained.
TT Is thought that proper account
ants may be employed Ordinances
and laws necessary must be drawn,
and all the multifarious details must
be taken care OF in the same manner
as II n private individual were buy
ing this property. Titles must be
examined. a detailed inventory must
be made, and all these matters done
with as much expedition as Is pos
sible."
Take Inventory
Countless legal details must be
worked out, and n minute inventory
of traction property taken. probably
under the direction OF Superintend-
ent Of Utilities Thomas Murphine.
Utility bonds. covering the $4,000
/ 900 obligations, will be issued. This
means that the lines will be paid for
from their earnings. Mayor Hanson
has gone on record stating that no
additional burden is contemplated for
| taxpayers.
Numerous economy measures VIII
be worked out. with the aim OF max
ing the big municipal system pay for
itself with scent fares. If this is
found impossible. fares are likely to
be increased.
To Add 100 Cars
The traction company has been OPP
Grating SIS cars. This number, un-
der the citys administration, Is ex-
pected to be raised by approximately
100, in order to give better service.
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1918-09-12

NEW YORK. Sept 1.-THE Amer
IN offensive has started against
he German positions southwest OF
fetz. The objective may be Metz
h II may be the German front in
Lorraine. south of Metz in the direc-
ion Of the Rhine.
The probability Is at present that
khe Americans have as their imme-
Hate purpose the closing up OF the
Et. Mihiel salient. which would
Throw the Germans back on Metz
and straighten the allied front along
the German frontier
The st. Mihiel salient is the most
dangerous pocket remaining along
1.-The whole of the German west front.
II it's destruction is the immediate
purpose. and assisting assault may
be developed by the Franco-Ameri-
lean forces known to occupy the line
lon the west side OF the wedge be-
|tween st. Mihiel and Verdun.
The pocket is in the form OF a
right angle, beginning at Verdun.
then running about 20 miles south
10 st. Mihiel and eastward for rs
miles toward the German border.
The Meuse and the Moselle rivers
are the boundaries OF this 25.mile
btretch along which the Americans
\pday have started their offensive.
The country is rather difficult for
hillary operations. 1t Is hilly and
as been heavily protected with ar
Ilery by the Germans. Neverthe-
css Hindenburg may well have been
orced by his search for man-power
% have decided to relinquish eventu-
lily the st. Mihiel wedge.
1t il highly improbable. however,
hat he had completed his prepara-
hons so soon for this operation. The
Americans may well, therefore,
ave caught him off his guard by
heir sudden attack tocay.
100000 Fighters
The effective combatant strength
h the American overseas forces at
he present time Is probably
900 900.
or these a maximum OF 900, 900
hay now be under Gen. Pershing's
|irect command. This does not
mean, however. that anything like
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1918-09-12
TEN. VILLAGES ARE
TAKEN. IN SMASH ]
BYFRED S. FERGUSON

BYFRED S. FERGUSON
reuC
WITH THE AMERICANS ON THE MEUSE 'FRONT.'.
Sept 1.-THE first American offensive started at y
o'clock this morning between the Meuse and the Moseel
rivers The attack was carried out by the First army under
direct command of Gen. John }. Pershng
The Americans have captured 10 villages and advance
ed several kloeters 15lomeer front (about three
miles,.
The immediate object attack is limited specified line.
anlxs in action.
The greatest of American troops and artillery
in single engaged in the attack
the right and toward the
left II
dispatch fl.d from the St Miiel salient
attacked side of the
pushing back the of Frenes (at the northern
base of saient
front of IL klomers The French the PEEK
of the pinching Sides
More 100 tanks manned by Americans aided in smashing the powerful
of of St
az miles of St MhD The tanks drove forward SUNRISE behind
smoke
miles St MeD kept aouded
effective German observation Ie
allies complete in
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1918-09-12
DISPLAY THE FLAG

Today Is registration day !
for men Of Is TO 46. from whicls
Uncle Sam will draw the pOwo03 {
TO land the decisive blows Of u :
war. m u
II is big day in tho l,ls>e 4
OF this nation. 4
Let us honor Il and taa - 1
wlp, ,regiAtan n1 W
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1918-09-12
BATTLE ANALYSIS BY J. w. T. MASON

that number Is engaged in the Of
fensive which began today. The
whole OF the 25 miles from east Of
St Mihiel. between the Meuse and
the Moselle rivers Is not held ex.
clusively by the Americans.
Part of the sector. according to
the latest Information. was still oc.
cupied by the French. 1t Is fairly
probable that not more than 100. 900
American troops are concerned in
today's movement This number may
be increased as the offensive in.
creases.
Whether or not il will increase in
degree depends not only on the local
situation about st. Mihiel, but also
on the strategic conditions that may
be affected in western France by
the American offensive.
At present there is reason to be.
lieve that Pershing's plans are not
dominated by an intention OF fore.
ing the war into its final stage by
gradually bringing all Of his Ameri-
can forces into the combat at this
time.
II In impossible. however, for Hin
denburg to be sure OF Pershing's ul-
innate intentions.
After Hun Soil
The possibility certainly exists
that the Americans will suddenly
shift their attacks more to the east.
ward, IL the st. Mihiel salient begins
to be drawn in and may undertake
to establish themselves well within
German territory before winter puts
an end to the full activity OF the mil
itary operations.
The American threat must be read
by the German general staff as a
menace direct against German soil.
The defense OF German soil has the
prime call upon Hindenburg's forces.
Yet, he has been unable to accum-
ulate a sufficient reserve force from
the west front up to the present for
operations outside the Picardy and
Flanders sectors. Therefore. the
American attack will have to be met
by drawing upon the permanent
German reserves. whose number has
already been reduced TO dangerously
small proportions.
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1918-09-12
Polling Places

You viii find a list Of the polling places for
sc.s.x,. repatriation pnae :. 10 you know
your precinct number. 20" can easily locate the
si.ce 10 register. ~ ycu don't know your pre-
c,rrs cali up the registration office, Main 0OOO,
give them your address. aud find out.
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1918-09-12

Mayor Hanson and city coun-
cilmen at IL n. m. Thursday tack.
led the gigantic task Of trans
forming the Stone-Webster trac-
ton interests Of Seattle into the
largest municipal street car sys-
tom In the United states.
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1918-09-12
100 U.S.. Tanks Roll Over Hun Line
TODAY!

Today American troops are smashing for
ward in the Toul sector toward the Rhine.
They are paving the way for the invasion of
Hunland.
Today 100000 Americans are register
ing for the second selective service army
September IL, l9l8-what day to live in!
Already on the run, the Huns will now
know absolutely that there is to be no rest for
them until kaiserism shall be wiped from the
earth.
Today is day of days for Americans
day to consecrate to the struggle for freedom,
day to remember those who are at the front
now, a day to remember those who shall soon
join the brave troops over there, a day to re-
member our noble Red Cross, and the COM
ing Liberty loan, day to invest every surplus
dollar we can in war savings stamps.
This is no day for Seattle to be short
$2,0OO,OO0.
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1918-09-12

map shows which
nGetz, the stron n Lorraine.
objective Is to throw the
Of drive Is
kosble.
point Of attack by Americans aided
y The points TO the Of Metz
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1918-09-12

terrific artillery
the flashes
brilliantly lighted
The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1918-09-12
COMRES NOW IN
HANDS OF YANKS
RULLETIN)

LONDON. Sept. 12.-t7I2 p. ny
North of st, Mihiel the Americans
have captured Comres, it was learned
here today. (Comres is mile from
where the advance started)
1t is reported the Americans have
reached the western outskirts of
Dommartin-La- -MoYtagne ia mile and
a half from the life whore tnu(lrive
waA launched). u }1-' VI Z
1c{knch troops an u N the