davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
Firemen Overcome
In FOur-Alarm Blaze
In Hub Market Place

Boston, Dec. Fifteen
firemen were overcome while fight
ing four alarm fire which did $780,
600 damage to a six story building in
Fulton street, on the edge OF the
market district this morning.
Two of the men. Timothy Sullivan
and James Callahan, were trapped
on the third floor and were brought
to safety by rescue company which
forced its way into the flames. Lieut.
enant Fred Young, another OF the
men overcome, who nd been rem
dered unconscious by ammonia
fumes in a earlier fire, collapsed
while leading his men and had to
be taken to the City Relief Hospi-
tai, where he was revived but Is be-
ing held.
Ralph Melgard, an employees OF
the gas company, was carried out
after he had risked his life by turn
ing off gas connections on the first,
second and third floors.
The fire started on the third floor
and swept rapidly to the roof. en-
dangering for a time the adjoining
buildings. Three alarms were
sounded in quick succession and a
fourth was later turned in.
The origin of the blaze has not
been determined.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
President Leads Way for Mil
lions Throughout Nation
Thousands Enter Lawns of
Whitehouse to Hear Carols
Sung by Choir of 60 Voices
Mrs. Coolidge Busy During
Day Among Charitable Or
CARNATIONS

Washington. Dec. 24.-(AP)-Presi-
dent Coolidge took the lead tonight IN
getting Washington away to start on
it's celebration of Christmas.
Accompanied by Mrs. Coolidge, he
motored from the White House to
Sherman Square, south of the treasury.
to press a button lighting communi-
ty Christmas tree planted there. The
ceremony. at which the United States
Marine Band provided music for the
singing of carols. took place early in
the evening.
The president then returned to the
executive mansion, which was visited
later by the choir of the First Con-
gregational church, where the presi-
dent and Mrs. Coolidge worship. White
House gates were open and thousands
of people, taking advantage Of unsea-
sonable balmy weather, entered the
grounds to hear the carols, among
them Bells of Christmas" composed
by the Rev. Jason Noble Pierces pastor
CONTINUED on Page 3-Col. q
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
Sec. Hoover Sets
London Post Right
In Matter of Wheat

Washington, Dec. 224-(AP)-Sec-
rotary Hoover contradicted today an
assertion by the London Morning.
Post which said, while defending the
British monopoly of rubber, that the
United States government had itself
sought to restrict wheat production
at a time of world need.
1.-THE London Morning Post seems
to be misinformed when 1t states
that the United States government
endeavered to restrict wheat produc-
ton in the face of a starving world
said Mr.. Hoover. The facts are that
in 1917 congress, in order to supply
the allies and the starving world
guaranteed the price Of wheat to the
American farmers. Under the guar
antee the normal amount of 5o,000,-
900 acres was expanded in the 1913
crop to 64,000,000 acres and in 1919
to 76,O00,000 acres, an enormuos sur
plus resulting.
"The British government after the
armistice in 1918, however, very ma
turally turned to the large accumula-
ton of cheaper wheat which had
been held back in Australia and the
Argentine. In consequence the Amer
lean government was compelled to
buy large amounts of wheat in or
der to make good its guarantee.
"These surpluses were disposed OF
to starving countries in Europe. a
large proportion of them in actual
charity, and the remainder were sold
on credit which under subsequent
debt settlements proved to have been
about so percent of what the wheat
cost the American government"
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
Boston and Maine
Makes Ans Ner in
New HAMPSHIRE Case

Concord, n. H.. Dec. 24.-(AP)-lt
would be against the public interest to
require the Boston & Maine Railroad
to incur the additional expense of re-
storing former conditions of locomo-
tive repair and construction in New
Hampshire. the railroad commended to-
day in its answer filed in superior
court to proceedings brought by Attor-
ney General Jeremy Waldron. The
company asks that the proceedings be
dismissed or that various questions OF
law and Interpretation be referred to
the supreme court.
Declaring that the act of 1917 under
which the suit was brought was too in
definite in its terms to be mandatory,
the answer said that IAN arbitrary
geographical distribution of railway
repair work regardless of changing
conditions and the demands of eco
nomical and efficient public service"
was obviously AGAINST sound public
policy To resume at Concord the
classified locomotive work done there
prior to June, 1926 would involve. 1t
was claimed. an unnecessary labor
expense of S345.000 a year and an
equally unnecessary expense of $685.
600 for duplication of machinery, to-
gether with further outlay of approx
imately 100000 for material which
otherwise would not be necessary"
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
Lewis Ready to
Meet Operators
To End Coal Strike

Scranton, Pa, Dec. "a - (AP) -
Announcement that International
President John L. Lewis of the Unit
ed Mine Workers had notified Mayor
John Durkman today that the union
leaders are willing to confer with
the anthracite operators on any ana
all plans tending to restore peace,
was received with rejoicing by the
rank and file of the union.
The impression prevails among the
thousands of idle miners that their
leader has now paved the way for
resumption of negotiations and the
end of the tieup. The Christmas
spirit. which was one of gloom In the
hard coal fields, was suddenly turned
to one Of joy when the news got out.
Mayor Durham Immediately after
receiving the message from MI.
Lewis dispatched a letter to w. w.
Inglis. spokesman for the operators,
in which he said "the door Is open.
Mayor Durham suggested to Mr..
Inglis that Alvan Markle. chairman
of the operators and miners JOINT
committee, call a conference at
time and place suitable to both sides.
Major Inglis as yet has made no
reply.
The telegram from President Lew
IL has raised the hopes of the mine
workers that an early resumption OF
mining will result Ii the two sides get
together soon.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
Christmas Carols at
Capital for Coolidges
Condemned Chapman
Raps Court for It's
Denial Habeas Corpus

New York, Dec. 24.-(AP)-Gerald
Chapman, notorious mail robber who
has been sentenced to be executed at
the Connecticut state prison in March
for killing a policeman, issued state-
ment today. through his attorney, scor-
ing the U. S. district court at Hartford
for denying a habeas corpus writ
which would have transferred him to
the Atlanta penitentiary.
He ridiculed the idea that he was be-
ing held at the Connecticut penal in
stitution for greater safety" as was
stated by the court, and contrasted the
century old Wethersfield prison" with
the modern structure at Atlanta"
Chapman said the courts ground was
Incompetent" since not even ''the
most artless mind credits the profess
ed reason of my transfer, when the
knowledge of the real purpose is so
universal"
TN this present decision" he said,
"the most vital evidence seems to have
gone disregarded. The statement of
the judge of superior court that his
knowledge OF an agreement between
States Attorney Alcorn and the acting
attorney general that / should not be
tried anywhere but In Hartford coun-
ty, was one of his two principal rea-
sons for refusing a change of venue,
was offered by us as evidence of the
existence to show unlawful agreement
to restrain constitutional rights.
''True, it was not In writing, but
that 1t existed palpably is evidenced
by the judges statement on the record.
1t existed in such prevailment as to
make impossible the exercise of the
constitutional rights to fair and i'm
partial trial by sremoval to an Jun
prejudiced area by change of venue.
All subsequent proceedings were
founded on this unlawful agreement"
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
Aerial League
Wants Mitchell
AS General Director

Washington, Dec. "a. - (AP) -
Colonel William Mitchell, sentenced
by .courtmartial to five years sus-
nension from the army, has been
asked by the Aerial League of Amer
lea, with offices in New York, to
become its general director and to
supervise the organizations plans
for airways development.
A letter addressed to the colonel
by Henry Woodhouse. president of
the league, said that Mitchelis serv-
ices were sought in connection with
plans for establishing of 81 trans
continental, transatlantic, trans-Pa-
cific and Pan-American airways
build am air junction at Muscle
Shoals for Is rans-continental, and
to build the first two "air cities" in
the world on land already purchased
for the purpose at San Marcial, So
nora, Mexico, and tracts being
bought IN Arizona. Colonel Mitchell
is expected to decline the Offer
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
Swear Warrants
Against Building
Owner Bangor Fire

Bangor, Me, Dec. 24-(AP)-Aft-
err Investigating the fire which oc-
CURED early today in the Fashion
Shoe Shop in the Largay Building,
Fire Chief Eugene Labarrow sw0re
out two warrants against the prop
rietor, Abraham Braven1an, one
charging that he set the fire and the
other that he caused it to be set.
When arraigned Braveman pleaded
not guilty and was held under $500
bail for further hearing on Dec. 80,
when a member OF the Maine Insur-
ance Investigation Council will be
present.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
Former Emperor
Makes Ready for
Christmas at Doom

Doom, Holland. Dec. 24.-(AP) -
Howling winds shook the tall trees
around the former German emperor's
chateau tonight. but Christmas cheer
radiated from light windows and safe
and snug inside, William Hohenzol-
Iern himself directed the minutest
details of preparations for tomor-
rows festivities.
This is the eighth Christmas which
the former war lord has spent away
from Germany. but he is visited fire.
ouently by old comrades and appar-
emily thriving on his forced sojourn
abroad. Tomorrow the celebration
will be carried out In as grand a
manner. as the facilities of the cha
ten afford. There will be princely
guests from the homeland. and nota-
bIes who knew him in his days OF
power.
Princess Hermine's children are al
ready here, and Prince Eitel and
Princess Won Fuerstenberg are ex-
pected here tor light.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
Providence Asks
Roundup of Fiddlers

Providence. r. l., Dec. 24-(AP)-
The Town Criers of Providence an
nounce an all-New England folders
contest to prove for all time who is
the best bow scraper in this neck of
the woods.
The Criers yesterday issued a sum-
mons to all fiddlers to meet in this
city Jan. 4 for the grand roundup
for gold medal and title of cham
pion fiddler of New England.
Any fiddler, so years of age or
over is eligible, Nellie Durham in
cluded.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25

Boston, Dec. "a - (AP) ~ Winter
laid a heavy hand on New, England
on the day before Christmas, taking
a toll of six lives and property loss
of nearly half million dollars. II
brought snow and slippery roads
that sent three Scituate, Mass. fire.
men to their deaths when their truck
skidded. It brought, thin ice through
which several boys in Boston were
plunged into icy water, three being
drowned. Heating systems were
speeded up to keep buildings warm
and fires resulting in part. ut least.
from overheated equipment. caused
injury to score of men. fremen and
workers, and resulted in losses In
Maine. New Hampshire and Massa-
chusetts. totalling between 100000
and 100000.
Early in the day the Scituate firs
department truck overturned on .
slippery road in Norwell, Mass.
George Barrows, Hugh McDermott,
and Frank Hall were killed. Mall
colin Hall, son of Frank, and William
Continued on Page 3-Coi. ~
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
Coastguardsmen Who
Err to Be Confined
In Naval Prisons Only

Washington, Dec. 24-tAF)-coast-
guardsmen found guilty in courtmar-
tial proceedings hereafter will be con-
fined in naval prisons and none may
be sent to civil jails. under an execu-
tive order issued by President Cool
idge. The order. 1T was announced TO-
night. is effective Immediately.
In making known the new program
coastguard headquarters said 1t was
the intention to send convicted men to
the naval prisons at Portsmouth. n.
H.. Paris Island, S. c.. or Mare Island,
Cal The purpose is to ensure equal
treatment for all coastguardsmen.
While a number of coastguardsmen
have been convicted Of charges involv-
ing liquor law violations. officials as
serted that more than 95 per cent. of
the courtsmartia1 verdices concerning
them were handed down In proceedings
in which only military regulations had
been preached.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
hunsey Workers Halt Five
Minutes During Service
OPERATORS and
MINERS WILL meet
IN FARLEY ON TUESDAY

Hazleton, Pa, Dec. 24-(AP)-
Wage negotiations looking toward an
end of the hard coal strike will be
resumed in New York next Tuesday.
This announcement was made late
tonight by Alvan Markle. chairman
of the operators and miners joint
committee. who said amy basis for
settlement" could be brought before
the conference by either party.
In a formal statement. Mr.. Markle
said:
The anthracite subcommittee
will meet in New York, on December
90, 1925, at 3 +. NJ. Resumption of
negotiations is agreeable to both
miners and operators. AT this meet
ing any basis for settlement may be
brought before the conference by Ell
Their party"
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
MOTHER LODGE OF
ELkS GUILTY OF
LIQUOR VIOLATION

New York, Dec. 24.-(AP)-The New
York Evening World said today the
grand board of trustees of the Benev-
olent and Protective Order of Elks, in
it's investigation of charges of prohi-
bition violation by Elks Lodge No. /,
has found the lodge was guilty of such
violation.
The bar and the grill room OF the
lodges club in West 43rd street re-
Gently were padlocked by federal au-
thorities for six months by agreement
of the lodge officials, after 1t was
charged liquor had been sold.
The grand board of trustees has for
warded it's report to Grand EXalter
Ruler Atwell, whose decision will be
made known Sunday night at a meet
ing at the clubhouse. The members of
Lodge No. then will learn whether
its charteC is to be forfeited or other
punishment melted out.
Lodge No. I is known as the mother
lodge of the order in this country. 1t
owns clubhouse valued at $4,000, 900
and has approximately 5000 members.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
nipple Christmas
ior Col. Coolidge

Pbmouth. VT. Dec. 24.-(AP)-
q box Of goodies from the White
Aalpe was among the Yuletide gifts
ntelyed by Colonel John c. Cool
|nns father of the President. Christi
~ eve found the colonel in COM
lztive good health and cheerful
3aiiz. and he looked forward to a
dlA Christmas. A blanket of snow
gsered the hillsides, and the wealth
N vas clear and cold.
Ihe same simplicity that has al
M marked Colonel John Cool
kes mode of life was to be seen
m Christmastide preparations.
e was no tree in the cottage,
~ me hanging Of stockings the
aoent's father left to his neigh
Attorney General Sargent and
ner Governor w. w. Stickney
spped In today to wish the colonel
n y Christmas" and by tonight
'N oO cards had come to him
nis well-wishers far and
IA
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
Three Bangor Men
Fail in Attempt to
Buy Cullen Weekly

Bangor, Me-, Dec. 24-(AP)-Three
Bangor newspapermen have lost out
in their attempt to buy the Fountain
Inn. S. c., Tribune for dollar.
The Carolina weekly was an
nounced for sale yesterday at the
record low price by Robert CULLEN,
it's publisher.
C, X. McCaleb, Morton Havey and
Robert Collins wired CULLEN the dol
lar.
Today they received this telegram:
"Sorry. Paper sold. Merry Xmas
-QuilIen."
The telegram came collect.
In a joint statement today they
said: 1--WE hope My. CULLEN sends
hack our dollar. z
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
Ex-Sec. Weeks and
Wife Hurt in Crash
Trains in S. Carolina

Florence. S. c., Dec. "a - (AP) -
John w. Weeks, former secretary OF
war, and Mrs. Weeks, both were hurt
in a collision between two Atlantic
Coast Line passenger trains at Call
lard's Cut, near Monoks Center, s. C.,
today in which four trainmen were
killed.
: Both were examined by physicians
here and their injuries were declared
to be not serious. Mr.. Weeks was
bruised about the head when he was
thrown against the partition of his
berth, and the muscles of his neck
were somewhat sore. Mrs. Weeks
was suffering from somewhat SINH
lar injuries.
A physician and a nurse accom-
panied them from the scene OF the
wreck and intended to remain with
them until their arrival at Washing
ton, where they plan to spend Christ
mas after trip to South America.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
hIerprises of Noted Publisher
over so Cities Observe
Psried Of Silence - Brief
Rites BY Bishop Manning in
New York Cathedral-Sister
10 Late to Attend Due to
Dehyed Train SDistin-
rushed Men Honorary PAIL
hearers

New York, Dec. 24.-(AP) = With
Suvessivs simplicity, funeral servic-
" rae held today in the Cathedral
Il & John the Divine for Frank A.
.xun6y. publisher and editor. who
n Tussday morning.
]. Hsvented by a delayed train from
~ present at the services, Mrs.
IN II. Hyde, only sister and near
IN native Of Mr.. Munsey. arrived
s. ~ York from her home In Flor
~ 1T slx o'clock tonight for her last
WI II the body before it is placed
i l receiving vault in Woodlawn
cmetry. The bronze casket con-
lthins the remains was returned to
tCsntinusd on Page 3-Col. 81
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
ARREST AMERICAN
WOMAN IN ITALY
AS A GERMAN SPY

New York. Dec. 24.-(AP) - Mrs.
Ella Briggs, an American woman
architect sent to Sicily to make pic
lures of Italian renaissance architer-
ture for the Architectural Book Pub
fishing Company. of New York, is
under arrest in Palermo, Sicily,
charged with being spy for Ger
many, it was learned today.
A cable from Mrs. Briggs, brother,
who also is in Italy, stated that Mrs.
Briggs is being held in Jail incom-
muIiicado, Paul Wenzel, head of the
publishing firm, said. The cable. he
asserted, was the first information
the publishers had concerning Mrs.
Briggs since she went to Sicily last
summer.
She left here last March with a
commission to draw plans for some
public buildings in Vienna and the
commission to do Photographic work
for the Architectural Book Publish
ing Company. She first went to vi
ings there, went to Sicily.
On receipt of the news of her ar
rest, Mr.. Wenzel said, her firm had
made affidavits as to the purpose of
Mrs. Briggs mission In Italy and
gave these to the state department,
together with a request that official
steps be taken to obtain her release.
Mr.. Wenzel said Mrs. Briggs has
nothing whateve. to do with the
German government.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
Six Killed, Half Million
Damage in Series Of FIRES
Drownings in N. England
.INDICT SHERIFF
AND 3 DEPUTIES
IN NEGRO LYNCHINC

Clarksdale, Miss. Dec. 24.-(AP)
Sheriff S. w. Glass of Coahcma
county and three Of his deputies
were indicted today by the grand
jury investigating the lynching here
Saturday night Of Lindsey Coleman.
negro. This was made known with
the publication Of an order by Cir
cult Judge A1corn, relieving Sheriff
Glass from official performances OF
duty during the present special
term of this court"
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
Rescue Two Women
Ii 100000 Fire
At Marlboro. Mass.

\ Marlboro, Mass, Dec. 24.-(AP)-
No women overcome by smoke
gws rescued, one fireman was slight
N injured and street lights in the
inter Of the city were extfnguished
men are swept through a four-story
hifk store and tenement block,
unsing damage estimated at from
ll60000 to $125,0O0. The fire was
lppght under control after q two
~ half hour fight.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
Valuable Antiques
Lost in Flames at
New Portland, Me.
Especial to Kennebec JournaD


New Portland, Me-, Dec. 24-Fire,
which started from an overheated
chimney, destroyed the home of
Charles Hoyt- early this morning.
The loss was heavy, only partly COW
cred by insurance.
The main part OF the house was
totally destroyed but by the prompt
and efficient work of the .firemen, the
shed and barn were saved. The fur
niture in the lower part.of the house
was carried to safety but it was i'm
possible to reach the rooms on the
upper floor. This was a. large stand
Of buildings with all modern i'm
provements. One of the rooms con-
tanned many antiques, all of which
were burned. The loss on this one
room was estimated at over $500.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
Three Lose Lives
In Oklahoma Fire

Okmulgee, Okla, Dec. 24-(AP)-
Two children and a 10 year old girl
were burned to death, the mother OF
the two children was critically
burned, three others were injured,
and 10 others barely escaped with
their lives when a three story frame
hotel, the oldest in Okmulgee, burned
early today.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
Vice President Is
Last Minute Shopper

Chicago, Dec. 24.-(AP) vice
President Charles g. Dawes was TO-
day caught in jam with lo,eoo other
last minute shoppers at STATE anu
Madison streets, the worlds busiest
corner.
The vice president explained that
ba was hunting 'thingamajig" for
HE aon that he had forgotten.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
THE WEATHER
INCREASING cLouDINEss

Northern New England-Increas-'
ing cloudiness, light snow Friday;
Saturday fair and colder.
Southern New England - Light
rain or snow on the coast and light
snow in the interior; colder Friday
night; Saturday fair and colder.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
State Department Moves

Washington. Dec. 24.-(AP)-The
state department took immediate
action today to ascertain the, facts
as to the arrest at Palermo, Sicily,
of Mrs. Ella Briggs, American archi-
tect, as a German spy.
On the strength of Associated
Press dispatches from New York
saving that the New York firm which
commissioned Mrs. Briggs to do
Photographic work for it, was for
warding affidavits as to her employ
ment, the department cabled the
American embassy in Rome to in
stitute an inquiry and report the re-
suits by cable.
The papers from New York pro-
baby will not reach the state de-
partment until after the Christmas
holidays and it has received no word
from any other. source than press
dispatches as to the incident.
Regardless what charger were
made against Mrs. Briggs, the fact
that she is an American citizen
would give embassy or consular Of
ficials access to her in prison. under
international usagesand a special
provision of treaties that govern the
relations between nations. 1t is not
doubted that she will be assured a
complete and fair hearing.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-12-25
Boston Forecast

Forecast for Boston and vicinity
Friday light snow or rain, colder
Friday night; Saturday generally fair
and colder; fresh south and south
west shifting to northwest-W winds.