davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09
CANNOT GIVE ACTUAL NUMBER
AMERICAN TROOPS NOW ACROSS

every indication Of Forthcoming p-oduc-
ton in increasing an substantial num-
bers.' The secretary chose his words
about the troops in France with utmost
care. He would not amplify the state
ment, and specifically asked that the
press refrain from speculation as to
what precise figure his guarded remarks
covered or as TO what possibilities OF
early further increase i'll the force on
the other side there might be.
There have been repeated official an
nouncements. however, that the gov
eminent Is bending every energy to
rushing men across to back UP the al
lied lines in France, and officers direct
Iy in charge of the transportation have
expressed satisfaction with the progress
being made.
There are indications that the war
department has adhered strictly to its
policy of equipping fully before his de-
parture every man sent across.
Secretary Barker's conclusions as to
machine guns follow on the heels 81
pessimistlc statements by members OF
Congress in this regard.
Todays statement regarding the
movement TO France is the first official
utterance made during the war ind,cat-
ing even indirectly the number of men
sent abroad The first force to go over
was never described except as a division.
although as n matter of fact IL was
constituted into two divisions soon aft
er It's arrival. The fact that more than
10000 have gone this year also shows
the accelerated rate at which the men
have been moving forward since the
winter passed and eased the shipping
and embarkation situation
The effect of Mr.. Bakers announce
ment In Germany and Austria, IL il Is
allowed to reach those countries, will
be watched with interest
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09
INITIAL EFFORT
u. S. ARTILLERY
NORTHWEST TOUL

With the American Army in
France, May S.-(By The Associated
Press --American heavy artillery
was fired today for the first time
in the sector northwest of Toul Aft
er several weeks passed in prepare
ton the American artillerists, hav-
ing picked out targets in the rear
Of Montsec, reported they were ready
About 40 big shells were sent over
Montscc at the heavy German bat
teries composed of 203's captured
from the Russians. which had been
firing for some time. especially at the
American battery positions.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09

Washington, May S.-More than
baf million American soldiers have
.sen sent 10 France. Secretary Ba-
.sr today authorized tho statement
,ha, his forecast 10 Congress in
yangary that 500. 900 troops would
he dispatchcd 10 France early in the
rrcser' year now Lad been sur
passed
Mr. Baker dictated the following
statement:
IN January told the Senate COM
ntitoe that there was strong likcli-
hood that early in the present year
800 900 american troops would be
dispatched to France | cannot eth
er now or perhaps later discuss the
number N American troops in
France. hut am glad to be able to
say mat 'hc forecast ! made in Jam
uar, has been surpassed"
As result Of "A personal inVesti-
CATION Of machine gun production
during the past few days the Sec
retary announced there is no pres
mt shortage Of light or heavy types
q, this weapon in France or America
and no shortage Is In prospect.
VI Baker said no question had been
brought W as to supplies of light type
&9wuing guns. which were coming for
kSrd in quantities. He would not say
whether shipment Of these guns 10
Tran,e had been started. As 10 the
heavy RrowniuGs, he said.
"Uarly manufacturers estimates as TO
the proAucuou u the heavy t.pe per-
haps were more optimistic than was
justified The estimate Of the ordnance
department IN january has been met
AMI is h,'nE met some OF these heavy
guns have been produced and there is
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09

Washington. May S-Teutonic fright
tulness as practiced in France and Bel
GUM has been made the subject of a
German warning to neutral nations of
the fate which they may expect if they
take up arms against the Central Pow
ers.
III there are any still thinking Of sid
ing with the Allies. let them take warn
ing from the fate of others" says the
warning 1t is in the form of circular
which recites the amount of booty seiz-
ed in France and Belgium, the number
Of churches damaged and destroyed. the
money wrung from the stricken inhab-
itants and. finally. the deliberate mis-
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09
John J. White Of Augusta
Elected Grand Secretary by
Members Maine FOresters

Portland. Me, May S.-Members OF
the Grand Court Of Maine. FOreStcrS
Of America, who opened their annn~
al meeting here today dedicated
granite marker for the Rcndon tee
in Deering Oaks. The tree was plant
cd last August TO commemorate INC
fact that the supreme court session
was held here at that time with Su-
preme Chief Ranger Cecil p. ReE-
don of Stockton. Cal, presiding.
Officers were elected as follows:
Grand chief ranger, Henry F.
Owen, Portland; grand sub chicf
ranger. Eli Richards. Bangor; grand
treasurer, John T. Mccarthy, Port
land; grand secretary. John j. White,
Augusta; grand recording secretary,
p. j. Cronin, Lewiston; grand treas
urer. W. J. Rouse. Jr.. Bath. The
reports showed n gain Of 125 in mc,n-
bership. 1t was voted to hold the next
session IN Bangor. Nav 2 1914.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09

New York. May S.--Joseph F..
Rutherford, who as Judge Ruther-
ford of the New York Bar assumed
leadership of the International Bible
Students Association and other or
founded by Pastor"
Russell at the time Of Russelrs death
two years ago, was arrested by fed
eral agents here today, charged with
violating the trading with the enc
my act and conspiring TO induce in
and disorder among
United States soldiers.
With five other leaders Of the
"Russellite" organizations, Ruther-
ford was sent to Jail in default of
bail. They were arrested during a
raid on Bethel Home" in Brooklyn,
the headquarters of the Bible Stu
dents Association. the Watch Tower
Tract Society and other associated
bodies formed ostensibly for the dis
of :he teachings of Pas
tor" Russell.
MANY of these doctrines were in
in Russells posthumous
hook THE Finished Mystery which
was one Of the mediums through
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09
FIRST GERMAN
AMERICAN SPY
CAUGHT IN ACT

With the American Army in France.
May Shy the Associated Press,.-
hrst German American to be caught
spying on the Americans is safely in
custody.
behind the characterization of traitor
W MS country contained in the report
VI MS arrest Is the story that he aided
"erman prisoner to escape. Both
men dohned American officers uniforms
ana entered the line from the rear in the
'''e afternoon They said they were
studying the ground between the lines
win view to using tanks, and asked
10 be allowed to cross the lines The
othcer to whom they made the request
soon discovered the ruse and ordered
them escorted to the rear. There It was
round that one of the men was Ger
man and that the German American was
his accomplish
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09
Eight American GunnerS are Killed
And Seven Injured by Explosion Of
3=lnCh She'll Near Benbrook. Tex.

'"f' NoF'A. s'>a> May 5. Eight
American ssnucl. We're killed and
seven tnuacd mo,c o. lass. ....,.....,.
rea- uo,,r.,.. ''''s'S
Ior nor,, .,. ''''''' west OF
' ''' when p thrce-inch shell
'Np''ded thus afternoon. ono rrp
,.ev made IN n ,n,,,,,
Iraa,,,-,, ~ '','''S '' 'oe
Ir.an,r, .' ".t''", " me lilSt
,,rcr.t h., - lh' l'2nd Infantry,
men voro t,.1 . 'IeS. SIX OF the
ports ina, .,p' t''n'. f1rst re-
'xr,oo,s ' ,.o Two trench mortars had
' y. '.. " 1'F' erroneous.
4 'a-c, inc .bou ~h,l r,'. "' a gunner
yeved :, have hccn T. mortar IS be
accident Serpc,n, 'es'onS'n'e Tor the
madam ono f. an assIs,an, p ,aS,u' " va
sa,d 'ouieu, he s.w ''s sa,,, instructor
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09

Wiscasset, Me. May S.-The little VII
lage of Westport, situated on an island
between Woolwich and Boothbay. and
south of Wscasset, was practically de-
stroyed tonight when a fire which start
ed in the portable sawmill of Morse
Brothers was carried by high wind 20
other parts of the town. wiping out q
residences and II summer cottages and
entailing a loss Of nearly a quarter of a
million dollars. The fire swept from east
to west. covering a territory about four
miles long and three miles wide and is
still burning late tonight.
The houses burned included the resi-
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09
ATTACK IS MADE
in DIVISIONAL
STRENGTH ONLY

What possibly may prove to be
the prelude to the long expected re-
sumption of hostilities by the Ger
mans on the western front Is being
played.
Southeast Of Ypres, from the re-
gion Of Voormezeeie to La CIytte,
the Germans have launched an attack
against the British and French troops
holding the line and at certain points
over the five mile battle front they
have met with some success by PEN
etrating front line trenches. Appar-
entity, however. over the greater part
Of the field of combat they met with
repulse.
AS is usual, the enemy began the
attack after a heavy preliminary
bombardment. The ground gained
is south of Bickebusch lake and in
Ridge wood, around which places
hard fighting was continuing at last
accounts.
The objective of the enemy seems
to be the pushing forward of his line
in this region in order still further
to outflank Ypres on the southwest
and press on toward Pocpcringhe
and the railway line running between
that town and Ypres.
Ac
come through concerning the Mature Of
the engagement, but unofficial reports
indicate that it was made only in divis-
ional strength. Whether 1t would de-
velop later into another of the great
battles that have been fought in this
area could not be foretold.
On the remainder of the front in Elan
ders and Picardy artillery duels and
small operations continue on isolated
sectors. The French south of La Clytte
have penetrated German advanced po-
/ sitions and taken prisoners. and the
Australians east of Amiens have again
plnched in and taken over portions OF
! has been particularly heavy on both
! banks of the .Avre, southwest of Amiens
and on the sector In piCardy held by tire
American troops. On the Toul sector
the Americans for the first time have
opened against the Germans with their
heavy artillery.
! On the other battle fronts the opera
tons continue of minor character. In
Mesopotamia the British have advanc-
| ed their line TO within 50 miles of Mosul.
; capturing the town of kerkuk. whicn
the Turks evacuated without giving bta-
! tie.
] The reports that the American army
i'll France was fast becoming a factor
J of great importance in the war have
; been confirmed by Secretary Of War
Baker. In a statement Mr.. Baker said
that the forecast he made in Januar,
that there was strong likelihood that
early in the present year 800 coo Ameri-
can troops would be dispatched tn
France had been surpa ssed The sec
retary said also that there was no
shortage of light or heavy tvpes of
guns in France or America and that no
shortage was in prospec
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09
GERMANS ENTER ALLIED LINES
NEAR LA CLYTE AND VOORMEZEELE

London, May Sin an attack against
the British and French line between
La Clyte and Noormezeele. in the Ypres
sector, the Germans early this morning
succeeded after heavy fighting IN en-
tering the allied front line positions at
certain roints. according to Field Mar
shall Haigs official communication is
sued this evening.
The communication adds that at all
other points the enemy met with repulse.
The communication follows:
This morning the enemy launch
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09
QUIET ON THE
SECTORS OF
AMERICANS

With the American Army In
France. May Shy the Associated
Press'-Reports received from all
the fronts on which the Americans
are engaged with the exception of
Picardy, said that quiet prevails to-
night, principally because of bad
weather.
The artillery activity was normal.
although the enemy was using a few
gas shells intermittently on the LIne-
Vile sector
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09
German Warning to Neutral Nations
Of Fate in Store for Them Ii Take
Up Arms Against Central Powers

treatment of English prisoners of war.
German propagandists have flooded
Spain with this document. printed III
Spanish. and copies have come into the
possession of the state department.
Having established its German origin,
the department tonight made public this
translation:
Besides an untold amount of war
material captured on the battlefield,
the Germans have taken possession of
incalculabe booty in France and Bel
GUM. including:
High grade watches, III.
Average watches, 5016
Underwear. 1906.
"Embroideries and women's handker-
Continued on Page 5-Coi. y
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09
THREE AMERICANS
ARE DECORATED

With the American army in France.
May S.-By The Associated Press>.-
The commanding general Of French
corps has decorated with the War
Cross Lieuts. A. ]. coyic. pilot. ana
Stewart b Board. observer. of a
photographing airplane.
The American plane drove off three
German Alhatross machines. which
attacked it northwest Of Toul, ana
then continued its mission.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09

standing less than 10 yards from the
scene OF the explosion with his two
aides, Capt. Houghton and Lieut.. Rus
sell. They were uniniured. Lieut.. Col.
Metcaife, division surgeon, and an en-
listed man also stood nearby. The en-
listed man was instantly killed, but Met
caife was unhurt.
The bodies Of some Of the victims
were literally blown to pieces.
The ilst and l;2d Infantry regi-
ments were at the trench system near
Ben Brook and their firing practice was
being watched from 4 distance by a
large crowd of civilians.
The two gun crews, made up Of men
from the headquarters companies of the
Two regiments. were operating new NOR
tafs which were located on a hill over
looking the trench system.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09

Washington, May S.--Legislation rails
ing the draft age to 40 years was dis
cussed as possibility within a few
months at a meeting Today of Provost
Marshal General Crowder and the House
military committee. Although General
Crowder made no specific recommended
ton, members Of the committee said
afterwards that the war department
was considering plan for changes.
An appropriation OF sl5.7G2,coO was
asked by Gen. Crowder for expenses of
the draft for the next fiscal year. Reg
istratlon OF men reaching the age Of q
Will require the examination, he said,
Of half a million more men than orig
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09
WAR STAMP SALE
In Maine Up To May
LIST S1,421,900
A Per Capita Average of $1.at-
Cumberland County Leads With
$3e5,60O, penobseot $14o.6co, Ken
nebec $124,eo0, York $1o1,300

Portland, May S-The sale of war
stamps in Maine up to May / amounted
to sl,42l.9Oo, according to state D;rec-
tor Herbert j. Brown. This is 4 per
capita average of s1sl. Cumberland
county leads in total sales and per cap
ita, having purchased stamps to the
value of $50, an average of $3.50 to a
person Counties which have purchase /
100000 worth are:
Penohscot $p,6no, kennebec $4,000,
York SOL ,3oo
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09
HUN PLANES
TO PUNISH
AMERICANS

With the American Army in
France, May S.-(By The Associated
Press. AT least three new German
squadrons Of pursuit airplanes have
been sent up to the American troops
in the Tout sector for the purpose
of strafing them, according to infor-
nation received today. The exact
composition of the squadrons has not
yet been definitely established. There
was no aerial activity, as it was rain
ing heavily.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09
Raising Draft age TO 40 Years a
Possibility Within a Few Months
War Dept. Considering Plan Changes

inally provided for. Glass ], the general
said now has total of about 2.265.oQ
men. of whom 2,ooo,o0o are electives,
Chairmen Dent Of the committee an
nounced today that he would ask the
House 10 eliminate from the draft legis-
lation pending an amendment giving
states credit for volunteers. IN letter
to Mr.. Dent. President Wilson today
came out in opposition to the credit
plan and asked that the measure be
passed as approved by the war depart
ment.
The conference report on the bill for
registration Of youths becoming p will
he called u IN the House tomorrow
with prospects Of a lively debate over
the proposal 10 exempt ministers from
the law
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09

dences Of Walden Pierce, George Dick
son, Mary Dickson. Georgia McHeffey,
Mrs. Cahale, Mrs. Lucy Morse, Miss
ingalls,. the Sewall farm buildings, S.
II. Colby. Nelson House. Robert Con-
nelly, Melvin Brooks and B. F. Jewett
Other buildings destroyed were Hilton S
sawmils and the South schoolhouse
The cottages. many of which were very
people.
The town was without water supply
and fire apparatus. Men were sent from
Bath and Wiscasset, but they We're able
to give but little help and the only
thing to do was to let the fire burn
until it had burned out.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09
VERY SERIOUS
DISTURBANCES
AUSTRIAN FLEET

Washington, May S.-Scrious dis
turhances in the Austro Hungarian
feet have caused changes in the high
command, a dispatch today from
Switzerland says. The crews, COM
posed largely of Slav3 and men Of
italian descent, have made a great
deal of trouble and the disturbances
were put down with difficulty.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09

ed a strong local attack against
French and British troops holding
the sector between Laclytte and Noor-
mezeele, and in the center his at
tack succeeded after heavy fighting
in entering the front line of the all
lied positions at certain points. The
fighting continues in these 1ocali-
ties.
At all other points the enemy's at
tacks were repulsed.
by successful local operations the
French troops advanced their line
during the night south of Laclytte
and captured a number of prisoners.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09
Z HUN PLANES
in TWO MONTHS
BY "ACE" BAYLIES

Washington, May 1S.-Sergeant Frank
L. Baylies of New Bedford, Mass. an
American flyer in France. has brought
down seven German airplanes within
the last two months. said an official dis
patch today from France
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09

Americans discounting his every
move.
The weather has been unsettled for
several days, preventing much in
fantry activity. There have been
some aerial encounters
One Of the American patrols last
night encountered an enemy working
party. They shot the sentinel and
rushed the enemy. but later retired
owing TO the superiority in numbers
The Germans had over them,
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09

London, May S.-"After heavy bonn
bardment on 4 wide front in Flanders.
the German infantry this morning
launched an attack south of Dickebush
lake which lies between Ypres and
KENNEL" says Reuters correspondent
at British headquarters. The attack
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09
OLD r. r. STATION
AT NEW HAVEN
is BURNED

New Haven, Ct, May s-The old rail
road station of the New York. New Ha-
ven & Hartford railroad here, which
has just been abandoned, was burned
late this afternoon In 1t were only
traffic department clerks, the division
operating department and the electrical
engineering department. Trains are dis
patched from the new stations 50 yards
away.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09
Americans Discounting Every Move
Made by Enemy on Sectors Held by
l. S. Soldiers on the Picardy Front

WITH Tho American army in France
MAY tBy Tn" Associated Press :
Except Cor artillery hring and patrol
ling there IS lttlc now In Picardy
Every daN ~" Americans become
stronger Apparently they are bet
tor ontrcren'd than III" Germans.
who ar" t".uc continually harrassced,
da, and nigh Despite thu enemy $
heavy expenditure ~ gas h" has oh
'Alnl wv nov Ant1Eo Nv thia snrtor. The
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09

apparently was only in divisional
strength, but it may develop larger
proportions. The enemy seems to have
penetrated our front line between the
lake and Ridge wood and some parties
of Germans are reported in the eastern
wood itself. The fighting continues in
fine weather and under good visibility"
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09

London. May S.-As the result Of the
cabinets decision to withdraw it's offer
to appoint two judges TO inquire into the
charges made by Maj Gen. f. 3. Maui
rice formerly chief director of military
operations at the war office, in which
the veracity of ministers OF the gov
eminent was impugned, and the deter
mination of the cabiner not to accept
an inquiry by a select committee as
suggested in the motion made by former
Premier Asquth. tomorrow debate IN
the House Of Commons Will probably
range over AL the old charges against
the government in It's relations with
the army What will fol!ow from the
debate is still obscure. If Mr.. Asquith
presses his motion to a division the de-
cision will depend largely upon the ac-
ton of the older Conservatives. who,
while anxious to give the government
a knock do not wish to bring about
q general election during the war and
prefer the coalition government to the
Radical one which might result If the
cabinet were defeated and forced to re-
sign.
The absence of the Irish Nationalists
also Will help the governments Irish
policy. There are among them severe
critics of the war cannets relations
with the army.
The situation that has been hrough;
about is absorbing public interest
throughout the country and both the
London and the provincial newspapers
are commenting upon it at great length.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09
GERMANS MEET
PARTIAL SUCCESS
AROUND YPRES

q und Gained in
South of Bickebusch
Lake and in Ridge
Wood : Hard Fight
ing Continues at
Last Accounts OBJ
ject Is to Outf1ank
Ypres on Southwest
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09
100000 TROOPS
) SENT TO FRANCE
SINCE JAN. lST

Secretary Baker Authorizes Statement That
His Forecast in January Has Now Been Sur
passed-Personal Investigation of Machine
Gun Production Shows No Present Short
age of Light or Heavy Types in France or
America and No Shortage in Prospect
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09
THE WEATHER
FAIR

Forecast: Fair Thursday; cooler
near the coast: Friday fair, except
showers In Vermont. warmer inte-
rior.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09
WESTPORT VILLAGE IS
PRACTICALLY WIPED OUT
BY A Big FOREST FIRE

Total Of % Residences and II Summer Cot
tages Destroyed Fire Aided by H G h
Northwest Wind is Sweeping From East to
West, Covering A Territory About F O u r
Miles Long and Three Miles Wide-Loss Es-
timated at Quarter Of Million
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-05-09
OLD CHARGES
British Govt.
Likely to Appear

n Debate Today in House Of Com
mons on Determination Of Cabinet
Not to Accept an Inquiry by Sc
lect Committee Regarding Charges
Made BY Gen. Maurice