davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Arizona republican., 1918-12-25
SERBS BOLDLY LAY
 CLAIM TO EASTERN
 ADR|AT|C SHORES

PARIS, Dec. 24.-(By the Associated Press).-The aspirations of the Serbian government for the future of its coun- try were explained tonight to the cor respondent by pr. M. R. Vesnitch, Serbian minister to France, who in all probability will be one of the Serbian delegates to the peace conference. M. Vesnitch was the head of the Serbian mission to the Unitd States in the win ter of 1917. Dr. Vesnitch said:
 "The Serbian people, composed of Greats, Slovenes and Serbians living within the boundaries of what hitherto has been called Serbia, and in the former Austro- Hungarian empire, number about fifteen million. These are an ethnological whole and they principles laid down by President Will son, and accepted by the governments of Great Britain, France and Italy, as conditions precedent to the armistice signed with Austria and Germany.
 Approximately 70 per cent of our people are orthodox in religion, 20 per cent Catholic and 10 per cent Protes- tant, Jewish or Mohammedan. As the Montenegrins have not decided to be- come a part of greater Serbia, we be- ing of the same race, the. frontiers of our country are Greece, Bulgaria, Ru- mania, Hungary and the Adriatic. That is our conception of the future serbia as a racial whole-the realization of our race aspirations which have sur vived through centuries of warfare, division and suffering"
 But what of the Italian claims to the Adriatic coast?" the correspondent asked.
 Italy replied Dr. Vesnitch, fac cording to the convictions of the Ser bian government, has no just claim to the eastern Adriatic coast. The gov ernments of Great Britain, Russia and France arranged by agreement with Italy to give her that coast, or large part of it, at the London conference, in April, 1915. Had Russia the right to dispose of the Adriatic coast? Or Eng land? Or France? They were each giving away what had not belonged to them.
 "We do not recognize the title of Italy, under that agreement, to any part of the eastern Adriatic. Tt ought not to be forgotten that
 Serbia had the greatest part in the destruction of Austria-Hungary, and | consequently in the collapse of Ger many. Relatively, we have endured | the greatest losses and undoubtedly | we have suffered more than anybody and for what? For a great ideal. Ii | would be cruel to rob us of the fruits of such immense sacrifices. We arc resolutely decided to defend oul rights"
Arizona republican., 1918-12-25
ELOQUENT TRIBUTE
 PAID ID PERSA|NG
 BY GENERAL BLISS

WASHINGTON, Dec. 24. High tribute to the work of General Persh- ing and the officers and men who served under him, was paid by General Tasker H. Bliss, in conferring upon the American commander the dis tinguished service medal at the di- rection of President Wilson. The full address of General Bliss was received and made public by the war depart ment today. The medal was conferred upon General Pershing at the head quarters of the American expeditionary force at Chaumont, France, Novem- Der l6
 After detailing the work done by General Pershing in creating and training on French soil an American army of more than two million men, with the agencies for it's transporta- ton and supply, General Bliss said:
 With your aid our ancient ally has regained her former boundaries. And you and your army have played a glorious part in a world event, trans cending in it's momentous importance, any other since Charles Martel beat back the flood of Moslem invasion on the plains of Tours. You, like him. have done much in crushing on evil and aborted civilization, and in pre- serving a nobler one.
 / Won the Love of All
 And, in doing this you have wor not only the admiration of your Euro pean associates in arms, but the ad- | miration and love of your country men.
 And you have done it all with the thorough devotion of the American army, its officers and men, and of al who helped to make that army and tt get it here.
 "All that I have said brings me tt this. It is not for me to speak of his
 tory to the men who have made it But it is for me and for all of us tt
 speak of that loyal and affectionat, devotion, from the men in the trenches 1 Continued on Page Two)
Arizona republican., 1918-12-25
ROBBERS BIND MAN
 STEAL B|G FORTUNE

CHICAGO, Dec. 24.-Moses Iralson, diamond merchant, with offices in the Chicago Savings Bank and Trust company building, was robbed of gems valued at between s100,000 and s125.- 900 today, in one of the most daring daylight holdups in the history of Chicago.
 Iralson was talking with a friend when the two men entered his office and pointed pistols at them. The robbers then bound Iralson and his friend with picture frame wire and leaving them lying face downward on the floor, ransacked the safe.
 After obtaining all the diamonds in the vault the robbers fled.
 Iralson and his companion were found bound by tenant of an ad- joining office who gave the alarm. Two of the robbers had disappeared, third was said to have been seen leaving the building, and another man, declared to have been a member of the band, encountered a building employe and two special policemen. one of whom shot at the fugitive, who eluded then and vanished in the street crowds of Christmas shoppers.
Arizona republican., 1918-12-25
NATIONAL GUARD F
 CONTINUED MUST BE
 ALL REC0NsT|TUI,ED ]
Federalization Will Wipe Out Its Existence-Many Historic Regiments Will Lose Their Identities Plan Proposed

WASHINGTON, Dec 24-If con- tional Guard as the army reserve of the nation, Secretary Baker said to- day, the guard service will have to be reconstructed from the ground up. Federalization of the guard for war service, the war department has held, on the opinion of Brigadiers General Samuel T. Ancell, acting judge advo- cate general, will wipe out of existence the federalized regiments. When the men are discharged they will return to civilian life without any obligation, either to the federal or state govern ments, to continue in the national guard.
 Mr. Baker expressed a belief that the problem of the national guard is bound up closely with the question of what congress may do later in framing legislation to establish a permanent military policy. Should some system of universal military training be worked out, army officers said, it is probable that the national guard would cease to exist. The war department has made no recommendation on the subject.
 There are many national guard units organized since the war by the various states, which are not affected by the war departments ruling. In some cases federal recognition has been ob- tained, bringing the units under the Liberalization sections of the act of 1916.
 Many Noted Regiments
 The great mass of the guard, how ever, was merged into the temporary | forces of the United States for the war, thereby completely losing it's iden- | tity. These regiments, including every historic military organization in the country, some of them with records dating back to the revolutionary war, and many of them being survivals of 1 civil war volunteer organizations, must, under the ruling, be ceconsti- | tuted, recruited to necessary strength, and again presented to the federal gov ernment for recognition before they can take place in the federalized national guard.
 Mir. Baker said he anticipated that state authorities generally would not attempt to reconstitute any of the old regiments until after the divisions into which they had been merged re- turn from France It would seem de- sirable, he thought, that men to be discharged from these divisions be given chance to re-enlist in the guard This would enable, he said, the recon stituted regiments to be, in fact as well as in name, continuation of the old organization, with every right to carry the names of historic battles in France of Chateau -Thierry, the Second Marne, the Ourcq, the Vesle, St. Mi hie, Argonne, Argonne Forest, Sedan Cote Chatillon and other places the divisions made famous, on their ban. ners.
Arizona republican., 1918-12-25
WILSON LEAVES PARIS FOR FRONT
PRESIDENT WILSON SENDS CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM
 PARIS TO UNITED STATES

NMTASHINGTON, Dec A.-President Wilson WV in Paris sent to the American people today the following Christmas message:
 Il hope that it will cheer the people at home to know that l find their boys over here in fine form and in fine spirits, esteemed by all those with whom they have been associated in the war, and trusted wherever they go; and they will also, am sure, be cheered by the knowledge of the fact that throughout the great nations with which we have been associated in this war, public opinion strong ly sustains all proposals for just and lasting peace and close cooperation of the self-govern- ing peoples of the world in making that peace se- cure, after it's present settlements are formulated Nothing could constitute acceptable Christmas re-assurance than the sentiments which I find everywhere prevalent"
Arizona republican., 1918-12-25
ISLAND E \ AHUGE
 ] PYRE OF BURNT DEAD

PAPEETE, Tahiti, Dec. e.-(Mail) Influenza has changed the island of Tahiti into a charnel house. At the crest of Papeete burn many pyres. with the stark, sheet covered bodies of many natives waiting to be thrown into the glowing ashes of those who have been consumed by the flames.
 The Associated Press correspondent has learned that fully e-seventh of the population of Papeete are dead In almost every native home families are without medicine and with little attention, while the fever consumes their lives. They beg in vain for food.
 Those Europeans and Americans who escaped the disease formed vol unteer corps to carry food and medi- cine to the sick and to take measures for the disposal of the dead. But the situation grew enormously, and soon got out of hand. The deaths became so numerous in the past week that to bury the victims was impossible. Only the pyre was left
 The'start of the epidemic has been traced to the arrival of a steamer here
 on November F, with many cases on board.
 Attempts to keep the epidemic from spreading have failed It now has reached the island of Moorea, where there are no doctors, and is exacting enormous toll there.
 In Papeete the victims of the plague are everywhere surrounded by the
 dying. Day and night trucks rumble through the streets filled with bodies for the constantly burning pyres, which
 seem never to want for their human fuel.
 Medical authorities here stated it 1 was the most widespread destructive epidemic in the history of the islands
Arizona republican., 1918-12-25
To Dine With Soldiers Returns To Calais Tonight Royalty Ready To Welcome Democracy With Pomp and Pageantry- Manchester Alive With Eagerness.

PARIS. Dec. 24 -(By The Associated Press)-President Wilson left Paris to- night for a weeks trip, which will take him to American army headquarters at Chaumont and to England. He was accompanied by Mrs. Wilson. Rear Ad- miral Grayson and a small party. The president is travelling by military train and will reach Chaumont Christmas morning.
 On Christmas the president will spend twelve hours in the Chaumont region, where he will take Christmas dinner with the men at their mess, and review 10000 American soldiers. Later he will inspect the billets in several of the vil- lages and. returnidng to Chaumont, will be the guest of General Pershing and his staff.
 The president will leave American headquarters at six o'clock Wednesday evening for Calais, and on Thursday morning will embark on a warship for England. So far as is known here there will be no further changes in the presidents --ograr'' in England. unless the British government suggests them.
 Manchester Visit Interests
 American officials here are deeply interested in the reception which will be accorded the president by the Brit ish people, especially in the Manchester industrial district. The president him self looks forward with high expecta- tions to a review of the troops on his visit to England.
 With his return to Paris from Eng land, on New Years. the president hopes the most necessary preliminary organization work of the American, commission will be completed. The bus mess of beginning to make peace may 1 get under way, if by then the other 1 governments concerned have named | their delegates. Official notification ot | the appointment of the various dele 1 gates, it is believed, will come within ! ten days, although it is realized that the British delegates may not be chos- en until the elections are entirely out of the way.
 German Status Dubious
 The coming of German delegates i. still in an indefinite state, while tn, question of Russian representation Ina: gone no further than some informa discussions between the American com missioners and prominent Russian. here Doubts are being expressed b, some diplomats that the conference ac tually can begin work the first week O January. as expected. Some of them ar. inclined to think that the first meetin; might not be held until February. In that event, the presidents plan would be somewhat disarranged be cause he has been planning to retur to the United States before Februar Ia with a good deal accomplished. i preliminary way at least. Tn president will be ready to return | Europe during the spring. but hope that this may not be necessary.
 President Wilson's last official en gagement was with the Belgian min ister of foreign affairs tonight.
Arizona republican., 1918-12-25
HEAVY SNOW FALLS STALL WESTBOUND
 SANTA F TRAFFIC

CHICAGO, Dec. 24.-Snow and a high wind tied up traffic generally throughout the great lakes region and the upper Mississippi valley today. Tn Chicago, street traffic was serious ly hampered and thousands of late Christmas shoppers missed their din- ners. Practically every transcontinen- tai train from the west was reported running "A hours late, or not moving at all. The storm, of unusual inten- sity, was the more keenly felt because it fsIlowed a long period Of almost spring like weather.
 PUEBLO, Colo, Dec 24.-The first train from the east to arrive in Pueb- To since yesterday morning got into Pueblo shortly after six o'clock this evening" It was Santa Fe train, number H. which becomes 612 when it leaves Pueblo for Denver, and should have arrived in this city yesterday at 2:55 o'clock. It had been stalled at Dodge City, Kansas, by drifted snow. DENVER, Dec 24.- Westbound trains on the Atchison. Topeka and Santa F'e railway, stalled in Kansas today by heavy snow falls were nov ing toward Denver tonight. All transcontinental trains on the road were going forward, including those held at Dodge City, and Syracuse, Kansas. A telephone message from divisional headquarters at Lajunta. said the storm in Kansas had abated the wind had diminished and it was hoped normal service would be re- stored tomorrow.
 Union Pacific trains from Kansas City still were tied up between Hugo. | Colorado, and Ellis, Kansas, according l to railroad information. Officials, however, said service would be, re- sumed within few hours. The main
 line of the Union Pacific, between
 Omaha and Ogden, is open and has
 not ben seriously affected by the storms.
 No trains are running south oi I Trinidad, Colorado. tonight, on the
 Colorado and Southern railroad.
 Pueblo is Snowbound
 PUEBLO, Colo, Dec. 24.--No pas. Il senger train from. the east or souti has reached Pueblo since yesterda,
 morning, because of the blizzard 1T
 western Kansas and northern Texa.
 and New Mexico. Tle' Santa Fe i!
 Stlil uioShSu py lhc iiAtS iSoA N"f oci
 City, Kansas; ths Missouri Pacific
 remains tied up z Ast of the Colorado
 state line, whib the Colorado ana !, Southern railrof d has been unable tt
 get train th ough the snow betweeI Trinidad, Colorado and Amarillo Texas.
 The Mis- ouri Pacific sent trail out of he this afternoon, expectinl , to get pe esengers through to the eas ], as far $ Hoisington, Kansas, wher. it is ss d passengers and mails for tn, west 6ill be taken on and brough | (Conttnned on Page Txol,
Arizona republican., 1918-12-25
NEWS EPITOME
FOREIGN

4 OAVAA
 Island of Tahiti is vast funeral pyre, natives having been almost an- initiated by influenza. Serbian officials lay bold claim to the eastern coast of the Adriatic, saying Italy has no just right to it. President has left Paris for the American front to visit soldiers. London is preparing a program of reception that is full of pomp and . royal glory. DOMESTIC
 United States counsel in trial of Victor Berger is charged with having tried to coeree defendant witness.
 Secretary Daniels prepares joyous greeting for homecoming fighting squadron tomorrow. General March's splendid and elo- quent tribute to General Persh- ing is made public.
 Cardinal Gibbons issues statement
 saying that he is not fearful of socialism but is opposed to gov ernment ownership.
 Spirit of Christmas is abroad throughout the land and all over
 the worldS wherever Americans
 are located. LOCAL
 Governor Hunt and party return
 from governors, conference at An
 napolis.
 Campaign to raise $1oo,0oo to com
 plete Deaeoness hospital starts Thursday noon. Only 120 cases of influenza in city Hundreds of baskets of food, much clothing, candy and toys distribu- ted to poor of city for a merry Christmas
Arizona republican., 1918-12-25
LONDON CEREMONIES
 FULL OF ROYAL POMP

LONDON. Dec. 24.-The printed program of the ceremonial of the The presidential party will cross the lord chamberlain's office. mainly con- firms the details already published. Thepresidential party will cross the channel on the steamer Brighton, es- corted halfway by four French de- stroyers. and the latter half. to Dover, by British flotilla leader and six de- stroyers.
 Vice Admiral Reyes and the kings equerry. Sir Charles Gust. especially attached to President Wilson, will meet the president at Calais and cross with the party.
 At Dover the president will he met by the Duke of Connaught, Ambassa- (Continued on Page Two)
Arizona republican., 1918-12-25
MERRY XMAS ON THE LIPS
 IN THE HEART
 IF THE WORLD

Everybody Exchanges Felic- itations- Day of World at Peace Dawns Joyously Soldiers, Sailors, Civil ians, Everywhere, Belt the Globe With Wishes for Happiness
Arizona republican., 1918-12-25
16,OOO,OOO Joim
 W1th heGrentest
 Mother of World

WASHINGTON, Dec. 24. = Re- ports received at American Red Cross headquarters today from all roIIment of anproximsteIy 16.ooo,. 900 ir the Christmas roll call," with 40 per cent of the chapters, including number of large cities, yet to report. Final returns, which are not expected for week or ten days, will bring the 1919 member ship well beyond the sixteen mill ion total.
 The southwestern division, in- cluding Texas, 2,000, 900; the Pa 6cific California, Nevada and Ari- zona), 424,700; mountain Color ado, Wyoming. Utah and New Mexico), 122,400.
Arizona republican., 1918-12-25

(Continued on page Two)
Arizona republican., 1918-12-25
NEW YORK PLAYS tOLD
 NICK FOR FIGHTERS

NEW. YORK. Dec. 24. Victory Christmas preparations in New York completed tonight in chill downpour which swept the streets almost bare of belated shoppers, but failed to dampen the ardor of the city's millions for the celebration of the first peace on earthv Christmas since 1913.
 Most of the preparations centered on events to make the day memorable for 2q 0O0 soldiers and sailors who were unable to get to their homes to spend Christmas.
Arizona republican., 1918-12-25
Liping Cost In
 NeW YOrkHQS Increased 62%

NEW YORK, Dec. 24--The cost of living in New York state has in creased 62 per cent since 1914, ac- cording to figures made pI3lic to- night by the Consumers League of New York.
The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1918-02-23

might be changed to permit it being
passed along to $50 pledges. 1t can
then descend to the $12 class. or
those who will save 81 month.
The wanderings Of the buck
about Fargo would make an inter
esting continued story. Any man
who has once held It. is immune. but
may take it a second time If he wish
es to do so. The man who is
caught" with the buck" on his
hands, finally, might be hauled be-
fore a kangaroo court. and given the
title Of Supreme Goat of Fargo,
while the holder Of the buck at noon
each day would be forced to bear the
title of Grand Goat Of the Day. We
predict there would be some tall
scurrying toward the noon hour each
day. The story Of the adventures
Of the buck" could be made as thrill
ing as a movie" serial. The Forum
will gladly publish the serial, If the
committee will provide the buck"
and start it on its way, arranging for
a central information bureau TO keep
tab on It's travels.
The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1918-02-23
Other Mems Views
An Editorial That May or May Not
Square With The Forums
Opinions,
- nmaha- WnrId- HeraId

The Omaha World Herald: Why
Is the Nonpartisan league?
Was it brought into existence, as
some people seem to think, TO be an
agent of the kaiser in free America?
Are its thousands Of farmer members
seditionists but thinly disguised? Is
treason its motive, and treason the
explanation Of its existence? Is 1t
such stuff as ,moonbeams, COLLINS,
Rossamer threads, cobWebs and
dreams are made Of?
If this is what it is then the league
can easily be scolded out of exist
ence. The state council of defense,
in reading 1t out Of respectable So
ciety, in refusing to permit 1t TO as
sist in promoting war activities and
collecting war funds, will have dealt
III its death blow III will never be
able to survive the disgrace. It's
leaders will eventually be shot or im-
prisoned and its members segregated
for the period Of the war.
But it is possible that the Nom
partisan league is something other
than a fairy tale or a ghost story
Perhaps If is only the latest mani-
festation Of the spirit of agrarian un-
rest and resentment that was voiced
by the Farmers Alliance and that
gave birth to the Populist party. Per-
haps IL grew naturally out Of ecOnO-
mic conditions and perhaps economic
theory and not sedition lis what in
spires It. Some very intelligent men
seem TO think so. For example, in
speech in the senate on Jan. ?, Sem
ator owen Of Oklahoma said.
] wish 20 make this obaerva-