Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 16, Number 100, Decatur, Adams County, 26 April 1918 — Page 1

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HMMi ■m* BMMMaMMMHMIMMMMH | A olume \\ 1. Number 100. Decatur, Indiana, Friday Evening, April 26, 1918. Price, Two Cents. GERMANS WEDGE WAY BETWEEN LINES

FRENCH ARE SEPERATED FROM BRITISH ARMY ENEMY CROSSES THE KEMMEI-YP RES ROAO AND SURROUND FRENCHFRENCH HOLDING VILLAGE—VIOLENT ATTACK ON AMIENS. (By William Phillip Sims. United Press Staff Correspondent) With the British Army in Flanders, April 26—(Special to Daily Democrat) —French troops are entirely surrounded on Mont Remmel. They are still fighting. After eight hours fighting yestreday, German storm troops finally wedged their wav between the French and British flanks | and crossed the Kemmel-Ypres road, where the terrific allied fire held them up for two hours. They then turned southward and pushed down the valley to the west of Kemmel Hill, surrounding the French, who weFe still fighting atop the heightAlthough the Germans have reached the crest of the hill, the lemnant of the French garrison is still there. The French also hold the village. * « , Today the German lines apparently run west ol Remmel, but the ultimate winner is still a matter of doubt. Similar fighting surged about A illers, the British fighting like lions, retaking the town atop a ridge, much in the same fashion as the Germans took Remmel, working around the sides until it was surrounded. . . . As the French held out in Flanders, the Germans held out in the towns east of Amiens. In the Remmel fighting the Anglo-French made a savage counter-attack, both allied flanks firing on the German altiners, turning the green fields of the valley into a saliving hell. The Germans paid dearly for their gains. (By Henry Wood, United Press Staff Correspondent) With the French Army in the Fields Apri 26—Special to the | Daily Democrat)—The Germans are continuing the development ( oi their attacks against Amiens, with increasing violence, aiming eventually at a separation of the Franco-British forces As the result of unifying the allied command, each is constantly opposed to present attacks as heretofore with the minimum forces necessary, preferring to lose ground rather than uselessly sacrificing their reserves. London. April 26-(Special to Daily , Dei P<> cr . at General Radcliffe, director of operations, declared today that he exnects a big German offensive between Arras and Armens— far greater than the present attack"—for the purpose of separating the British and French armies. . * u • i»♦ “So far the German successes have been merely technical, he said. "There has been no change in the strategic situation. tondon April 26—(Special to Daily Democrat)—The German’ have occupied Mont Remmel, according to the latest information received today. This, however, is unofficial information.

(Continued on Page Four) The battle in Flanders has again taken the ascendancy. Severe infantry and artillery fighting is progressing on practically the entire battle area. Field Marshal Haig reported today, while the operations on the British front in Picardy are limited to local actions and cannonading On the northern edge of the Flandirs battle front, the Germans obtained a footing on Mont Kemmel. This ,wa- the culmination of a severe, <ll- - tight on the ten mile front between Bailleul and Hollebeke. Kent,mel is about four miles northeast of Bailleul and seven miles south and west of Ypres. If the enemy completely establishes itself on this htdg.it the British must defend Ypres from • the south on a low. flat terrain, Haig conducted a successful minor B operation on the extreme western tip K of the northern battle front, west of R Merville. On the southwestern sector J of the Flanders theatre, the Germans g are heavily shelling the British posltions on the ten mile front between g Givenchy and the Lys river. In Picardy, the British cleared out E some hostile posts southeast of Y ilI lers-Bretonneux, which they re-captur- | ed from the Germans last night. German artillery is active south of fe the Somme and is employing gas | shells freely. Ixmdon. April 26—(Special to Daily ' Democrat)—The British were again in possession of Vlllers-Bretonneux today. The village was recaptured by Australian and English troops in a surprise attack last, night, which netted six hundred prisoners. Field Marshal Haig reported. The British lines at that point have been carried forward

DECA'r U R DAIL Y DEM( )C FLVf

to practically the same position they held l>efore the present German thrust. Fighting was still under way around Villers-Bretonneux when Haig filed his report. In Flanders, allied troops were compelled to withdraw a short distance under heavy enemy attacks between > Bailleul and Wytschaete. Heavy fighting Is continuing in the neighborhood of Dranoutre. Kemmel and Vierstrat. Infantry action around Hangard-E iSanterre and along the Avre died down yesterday, the French war office rei>orted last night. There was heavy mutual artillery fighting in this region. however. Following a violent bombardment the Germans attacked heavy near Regnieville (seven miles northeast of Seieheprey.) They gained a slight footing in advanced positions but were later ejected. The German day statement announced the capture of Hangard-En-Santerre and progress northwest of Castel (toward Hailles. Franco-American troops hold the line between Haillss and Hangard-En-Santerre.) The night statement from Berlin said the Germans were battling for possession of Mont Kemmel. the principal height northeast of Bailleul. (By Robert J. Bender, United Press I staff correspondent.) i Washington, April 26—(Special to Daily Democrat)—America must ex pect a long and fitter struggle on the ’ west front. It may be months before 1 a decision in the bloody fighting there ‘is realized. "Today the allies are outnumbered by their foe. The situation is serious. ■ The duty of the American government, 1 the laboring man and the people at 1 home is to make haste now. A auct cessful outcome is assured. 1 " (CuutinueQ on Page Two)

THE SCHOOL NEWS 1 The County Track Meet Will be Held Here Next Friday. LIBERTY LOAN DAY Observed in the High School Today—Mr. Kremers Talks. This is educational week in the schools. The local high school is observing the Hiime this afternoon with a special observance of “liberty loan.” Educational talks along this line were given by Dr. S. P. Hoffman, Hon. Dan j Erwin and Hon. C. L. Waiters. Prof. J. D. Sarig read the president’s proclamation on the third liberty loan; Mr. I McAdoo's letter was read by Prof. L. i E. Keller; and the high school sung patriotic songs. In accordance with the request of the council of defense Prof. Coffin, of Earlham college, gave a talk this morning in the Decatur high school at eleven o’clock on "Why Continue in School?” At the high school chapel service this morning. Will Kremers, manager of the Holland-St. Iziuis Sugar plant, gave an interesting and instructive talk on "Sugar." A county track and Held meet will take place in this city next Friday, in which the i>igj| schools of Berne. Seneva. Linn Grove. Kirkland township, t Monroe and Decatur will take part. The old track at Steele’s park whi h has been used heretofore is being ploughed up. hence the boys are getting one ready near the south ward school for this use. — o K. OF C. NOTICE All Knights of Columbus are requested to meet at the hall. Saturday at 8:15 a. nt to attend the funeral cf Brother Ansel Bremerkamp. G. K. VANCIL WOUNDED Kenneth Vancil, Former Decatur Boy, is Wounded IN BATTLE IN FRANCE According to Word Received by the Parents at Van Wert, Ohio, The war is coming home very closely to Decatur people. One of the first ones wounded in France, vety closely connected with this city, is Kenneth Vancil, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Vancil, of Van Wert, 0., former Decatur residents, and wiio spent his school days in Decatur. The Van Wert Bulletin says: "Mr. and Mrs. Edward T. Vancil. of North Market street, have been notified that their son, Kenneth Vancil, of the U. 8. Naval Engineers, has been wounded "somewhere in France.” He is a member of the same division as Dr. W. E. Lawhead, of this city, who for several years has been in the medical corps of the navy. The message, which is front Maj. Gen. Commandant Geo. Barnett, of Washington, states ' that he was wounded, April fifteenth. in action. The seriousness of his condition is not known." ■ Twenty-one of the Ever Ready class were entertained at the home of Mrs. I Ed Ahr. The class has arranged to buy a liberty bond and disucssed ways ,[of [laying for the same. A social will [ be given probably next Tuesday evcnJing at the M. E. church by the class. |Ruring the meeting a two course lunch was provided.

s+++4++ + + + + + + + + LIBERTY BOND SALES. • + Quota Sold 1 + Union $ 20,250 $ 21,400 < + Root .’14,000 28.200 < I* Preble 211.000 17,350 ■ + Kirkland 22,600 16,850 ■ ,+ Washington .. 27.600 17,800 • + St. Mary’s No. 10,900 7,950 • + St. Mary's So. 9.250 5.150 • r .+ Blue Creek .. 20,600 21,450 4 j + Monroe. North 21.200 16.540 H + Monroe. Middle 17,300 5,000 H I ♦ Monroe, Berne 35,800 28.900 4 + French 22,200 3,800 4 + Hartford 26,200 19,550 4 + Wabash 31,000 25,900 -I + Jefferson 19.450 16,600 4 + Decatur 4 + First Ward A. 9,200 21,550 4 4- First Ward B. 9,200 8.05'1 4 + Second Ward A 9,300 38.950 4 i 4- Second Ward B 9,300 9,100 4 4- Third Ward A. 9.200 19,750 4 4- Third Ward B. 9.200 14,550 4 + 4 1 4- Total $364,300 4 4- The above includes $103,250 44- turned in by the women’s com 44- mittee. 44.4.4.4.44.4.4.4.4.4.4.4.4. BUY YOUR COAL And Store it. is the Advice of the State Council of Defense. THE POWER TRACTORS Will be Distributed—Educational Vocation Work. Indianapolis. April 26 —In view of the reduced output of coal from Indiana mines, consumers of such steam and domestic fuel, are advised by the Indiana State Council of Defense, to buy and store the coal they will need for next winter. A resolution, to that end, was adopted by the council, after a report had been made by Will .1. Freeman, chairman of the coal production committee, at the meeting of the council April 24th. Mr. Freemen stated that the Indiana mines, due to the car shortage, are turning out but 60 per cent of their capacity and that conditions threaten a repetition of last winter's experience. The council went on record as supporting the policy laid down by the authorities at Washington, relative to road building. This is against the beginning of any new construction, an 1 the exercise of “common sense" hi reference to conlpleting work now under way. The council went on record as favoring the continuation of vocational education work in the Indiana schools, during the vacation period, to meet the demands of the nation in its war organization. The council withheld indorsement of the War Chest fund plan, presented by request by A. W. McKeand, of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, holding such enterprises within the province of each community for approval. The chamber reported an investigation as to the Hartford City. Ind., glass plants which since their suppression as non-eslsentlal industries are desirous of securing war work. The council will assist in an equit'Continued on Page Two'

4.4.4.4-4-4-4--F4-4-4-4-4-4-4- LIBERTY DAY PROGRAM. + + + 4> Today is Liberty Day—a na 4> 4> tional holiday by proclamation of 44> President Wilson. It will be ob- + + served in this city with a patriot 44- ic program this evening at the ♦ 4- court house and an invitation is ♦ * 4- extended to the community to at 44- tend. Rev. Gunn, one of the well 4- + known ministers of Fort Wayne, 44- will deliver the address. The 44- program will be: ’ 4- Band Concert in front of Court 4- + House at 7:30. + ’ 4- Invocation (circuit court room) + s - —8:00. * 14> Vocal Singing—Male Quartet. + + Patriotic Address —Rev. Gunn. ♦ 4> Singing—Male Quartet. i + America —Audience. + ++++++ + + + + + + +

: DIED AT MARION * Mrs. A. B. Crampton, Wife of the Former State + G. A. R. Officer + 4> + WHO IS GOVERNOR + + *Of Soldiers’ Home Dice * + After a Very Short 4. Illness. 44* . The many friends and the G. A. It 4> . men especially, of Wells county, will x be pained to earn of the death of + 'Mrs. A. B. Crampton, whose husband 4. is the present governor of the sol4. diers' home at Marion. Mr. L'romp--4> ton has been in Decatur on several or- ♦ casions and gave an address at the F time of the dedication of the Adams ► I county soldier’s monument. The sol

’■ diet's home correspondent of t’.i< " Marion Chronicle says: “The death of Mrs. Ijouisa A. B Crampton, wife of Governor A B Crampton, conies as a great shock tc all at the Home, where she was well J beloved by all who knew her Mrs Crampton has been in failing health for quite a while, but it was only during the last few days that her condition became worse. She bad been attended by Dr. Harry Miller. ch : ef ( surgeon of the Home, and everything possible was done to ease her suffering, which was severe up to witu- ■ in a day or two of her death Since then she had been resting easily, and passed away peacefully and calmly. The funeptl will be held at the governor's residence here at 10 a. m. tomorrow. Thursday, and the body will 1 then be taken by auto to Logansport. • Ind., for interment in the family buryi ing ground. Charles A. Crampton a . son. who is in the medical corps at ► Camp Devins. Mass., has been notified I and a message is expected from hint -t t any time Other relatives and friends • the expected to attend the funeral here and then accompany the governor's party to Logansport. The sympathy of all the veterans is extendi ed to Governor Crampton and the :>th- ► er relatives in their great bereavement.” MOTHER IS DEAD Miss Virginia Cravens, the High School Teacher, Receives UNEXPECTED NEWS Os Her Mother’s Death at H a rdensb u rg—C a u se Unknown. ■ Miss Virginia Cravens, teacher of English in the Decatur high school for several years, received the unexpected ' word last evening of the deatli of her mother which occurred at her home at Hardensburg. The message came here about 4:30 o’clock last evening, but Miss Cravens, who had gone to - Fort Wayne on the 4 o’clock car did . not receive it until iter return he e [. about eleven o’clock. She left at once, l>; leaving on the 12:52 train on the G. it. t- & I. for Indianapolis, thence to her ► home. F The news of the death came very tin F expectedly. Miss Cravens having had • no word of any illness. The cause and *• the details of the death were not told *■ in the telegram. F — TWO HAVE VOTED . Walter Wilkinson who leaves tot morrow for Purdue University to take J'up the mechanical training course, heJ, ing one of the four men selected by a'the local military board, was the first ► man in Adams county to take advaut- ► age of the. absentee voting privilege, ► he casting his vote yesterday with b Clerk Will Hammell. Herschel ReyI- nolds who leaves Saturday for Camp b Taylor voted this morning.

SLAUGHTER OF GERMAN TROOPS WILL CONTINUE HINDENBURG MUST FEED MACHINE WITH GERMAN LIVES AND TRUST TO FATE-MORE BLOODY FIGHTING AROUND VILLERS-BRETDNNEDX. (United Press Service) Washington, D C.. April 26J(Special to Daily Democrat) —Army men viewed the north end of the western battle line today as presenting more danger elements than the struggle in the Amiens sector. Reinforcements, sufficiently strong apparently, have been thrown into the Amiens battling, but there appeared to be more weakness in the British front to the north. Re-capture of Villers-Bretonneux by the English and Australians showed that the Germans had had only a slim grasp on it. but it is likely there will te further bloody fighting there and it is possible will exchange hands more than once again. (By J. W. T. Mason, United Press Staff Correspondent) New York, N. Y., April 26—(Special to Daily Democrat) —Von Hindenburg's renewed pressure on the front between Ypres and Hazebrouck, after the recent heavy German casualties, is still another indication of the growing realization in Germany that the present situation in the west is not exerting its expected influence on the ending of the war. By securing a footing on Mont Kemmel, the Germans have added difficulties to the British defense of the Ypres salient, but have not placed in any peril the British forces defending that area. The British line continues intact. It is in perfect position for another moderate retirement, if it becomes necessary to exchange still a little more ground for a further slaughter of German-power. The key to the entire west front situation at the present moment is the impossibility for Hindenburg to stop, his offensive efforts without confessing the ruin of his great plan to end the war before America's military strength can be brought to bear. There is every reason for confidence in General Foch's ability to prevent this by compelling the uninterrupted payment of' German casualties on a continuously high scale. Hindenburg has not yet reached his Moscow, but the basis of the strategy that overthrew Napoleon in Russia is now being used by General Foch under modern conditions. Hindenburg’s progress in the west will eventually exhaust him, through the too costly expenditure of human lives just as Napoleon progressed, but lost his man power, in Russia. Hindenburg, however, will not abandon his quest yet. He has become the victim of his own ruthless machine. He cannot guide it. He can only feed the machine with German lives and trust blindly to fate which is moving inexerably against him.

(Bv Frank J. Taylor, United Press staff correspondent.) With the American Army in LorI raine. April 25 —(Night) - (Special to Daily Democrat)—A French general will decorate with the Croixe Do Guerre the colors of th American regiments which defeated the five day

TODAY’S WORLD NEWS FLASHES | (United Press Service) Washington, I). C., April 26—(Special to Daily Democrat)— Champ Clark, speaker of the house, declined to accept the Missouri senatorship, to succeed the late William J. Stone. Washington. D. C., April 26—American aviators in France have downed 339 enemy planes from the time the United States entered the war up to March 8. according to unofficial reports from France today. Rome. April 25—Mount Stromboli is in violent eruption. Falling lava set fire to vineyards. It is believed there are some lives lost. Stromboli is a 1 volcanic island, the northeastermost of the Lipari islands, located in the Mediterranean off the north coast of Sicily. The volcano is 3,040 feet high. The ’ island has a population of about 2.500. Indianapolis, April 26—Three Indianapolis restaurants were closed today ’ for a period of a week for violating food regulations. The restaurants served ' more bread and sugar than the law allows. P Camp Zachary Taylor, Ky„ April 26—A1l arrangements had been comI. pleted this morning for the reception of 10.000 new drafted men at this camp r during the next five days. The first men were expected during the afternoon. Increments were ordered from Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. Immediately b on arrival, the men were placed in quarantine for two weeks. Muncie. Ind.. April 26—(Special to Daily Democrat) —Fire, starting from spontaneous combustion in the packing room, destroyed the entire manufacturing section of the B. O. Skillam glass factory at Yorktown early today. The warehouse, chemical rooms and office buildings were saved by the Muncie fire department which was called. The loss is estimated at $25,000, covered by insurance. >- , ■ 5 Washington, D. C., April 26—A further credit of $3,250,000 was extended ’ to Belgium today, bringing the total to that government to $107,850,000. and v the grand total to the allies to $5,288,850,000, the treasury announced. t Indianapolis. Ind., April 26—Confident that Indiana would make a fifty • per cent over-subscription of its quota of the Third Liberty Loan, workers 1 started on the last lap of the campaign today. The entire state’s showing in - the Liberty Loan campaign has been remarkable, so far, those pushing the i campaign declared. The southern counties in the St. Louis federal reserve district have over-subscribed their minimum quota by about thirty per cent.

attack by picked German troops northwest. of Toni two weeks ago. Individual members also will be decorated. The citations and ceremony are s< heduled for Sunday. This is the first time an American regiment has received the French w r cross.