Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 16, Number 263, Decatur, Adams County, 8 November 1918 — Page 1

Volume XVI. Number 263.

THE PEACE MESSAGE WAS PREMATURE

SENT FROM OFFICE OF REAR ADMIRAL WILSON ELEVEN O'CLOCK MONDAY MORNING IS TIME LIMIT FOR GERMANY TO ACCEPT OR REFUSE—THE AMERICANS POSH ON TOWARDS METZ. ______________ (United Press Service) Paris, Nov. B—(Special to Daily Democrat)—The German armistice delegates, it was reported today, asked permission to refer the conditions to their government and to send a courier to Spa to notify German grand headquarters. The Effel Tower wireless informed Spa of the request- The delegates remarked on the difficulties of the rout, saying the journey might take some time. Brest, France, Nov. B—(Special to Daily Democrat)—Rear Admiral Henrv B. Wilson. U. S. Navy, commander of the American forces in French waters, today made the following statement: “The statement of the United Press relative to the signing of the armistice was made public from my office on the basis of what appeared to be official and authoritative information. “I am in a position to know that the United Press and its representative acted in perfect good faith and that premature announcement was the result of an error, for which the agency was in no way responsible." London. Nov. B—(Special to Daily Democrat)—Eleven o’clock Monday morning has been fixed as the time limit for Germany to accept or refuse the allied armistice terms, according to a wireless dispatch from Paris this afternoon. The dispatch said the German plenipotentiary had received the armistice terms, as well as a demand to act upon them within seventy-two hours. Paris, Nov. B—(Special to Daily Democrat)—The German delegates arrived this morning at Marshal Foch’s headquarters, and art reported to positively have asked for an armistice. The text of the allies’ conditions was read aloud and then handed to the enemy delegates. The latter asked immediate suspension of arms, which was refused. The Germans, it is stated, have seventy-two hours in which to reply. , , Tne enemy representatives arrived at the meeting place designated by Foch last night, spent the night in a house which mid previously been prepared for them there- 1 hey proceeded to Foch’s temporary headquarters this morning. (By Webb Miller, United Press Staff Correspondent) With the American Army in France. Nov. B—(Special to Daily Democrat)—American flyers report that all roads toward Metz and Conflans are litterly jammed with enemy motor trucks filled with men and material. The Americans are rushing forward in trucks, which they have been forced to emply to keep up with the fleeing Germans. Stenay, Mouson and the southern part of Sedan are on fire.

Copenhagen, Nov B—(Special to Daily Democrat) —The German revolution was reported, today to have spread into Mecklenburg-Schwerin, and east Prussia, thus extending across practically the whole northern portion of the empire. Dispatches said the Schwerin, one pf the principal cities of East Prussia has joined the revolt. Wilhelm and Bremerhaven, north sea ports arre expected to have joined the revolution. The whole German navy is said to be m the hands of the red flag. The progress of the revolution is ♦+*+++++ + + + + + + + a. THE PEACE STORY. + ♦ I + The Daily Democrat has no * + apology to make for its an- + ♦ nouncement of the United Press + ♦ story published yesterday. Ev- 4 + ery big paper in the country car- + + ried the story and issued extras. + ♦ The news came through signed + + by Howard and Simms, was pass- ♦ ♦ ed by the censor, and was accept- ♦ ♦ ed as authentic, since the U. 1’ ♦ ♦ has been absolutely accurate in + ♦ their war reports. We had no + ♦ way of ascertaining any infor- + + mation to the contrary and mes- + ♦ sages to Indianapolis, * hicago 4 ♦ and other cities failed to unravel ♦ ♦ the mystery. Back of all of it we 4 4 predict there is a story worth 4 ♦ having, with the possibility of 4 4 there having been much founds- + + tion tor the cablegram. What is $ 4 hardest to understand is why no 4 ♦ further information came from 4 ♦ Howard or Simms. The truth will * ♦ be known within a day or two 4 ♦ and will be given to the public. 4 tt+++ +++ t + + + + + i

DECATUR DAIRY DEMOCRAT

comparatively peaceful. The revolutionists now completely control Flemsburg. The newspaper Politiken sayte it has no doubt that a majority of the reichstag parties will demand unanimously the kaiser’s abdlction which, according to the paper, may be expected today or tomorrow. Paris, Nov. 7—(Delayed)—A delegation bearing a white flag has arrived at the French lines. Rome, Nov. .7—(Delayed)—Hundreds of persons died of starvation • in the evacuated districts of Italy. I after the Austrians cut off their food ’| supply just after the withdrawal, ’I Major Howell of the American Rod ‘■Cross, arriving from the war zone, ‘ told the United Press today. The *1 situation is wtill critical. ■ ■ .! Copenhagen, Nov. B—(SpecialB—(Special to . j Daily Democrat) —The revolution in ■ northern Germany which began Wed- • nesday by saiors at Kiel is reported ‘ to have spread throughout Schleswig- ► Holstein and into Mecklenburg- ► Sewerin. Riots also are reported in ► the city of Bremen, southwest of ► Hamburg. ► |,l Washington. Nov. B—(SpecialB—(Special to l« Daily Democrat) —Authorities here ), today believed that the silence of l> i European capitals on the armistice (.irnay be due to the revolutionary l> ' movements in Germany which will ■> require the most drastic action to 4 suppress. 4 It was pointed out that Germany 4 might .veil have asked as one con--4 sideration of signing of the armistice 4 terms the privilege of announcing 4 her action to her own people before • (Continued on Page Four)

Decatur, Indiana, Friday Evening, November 8, 1918.

MAKE STATEMENT I I New York Office of United j Press Trying to Discover the Cause FOR PEACE STORY 'Sent Out Yesterday—Fol-low-up Messages Believed Held Up by Censor. (United Press Service) New York, Nov. B—(Special to Daily Democrat) —hi view of die British and French official statements' today showing continued fighting on 1 the western front, the United Press! issued the following statement from its general offices here: “Our cable received from Paris at noon yesterday, signed by Roy W. Howard, president of the United Press and William Philip Simms man-, a; er of the Paris bureau, reporting' the signing by the allies and Germany of an armistice, was written in plain English and not susceptible to any, possible misconstruction, as received in this office. I “No censor could have had any doubt as to its plain meaning. “After the receipt of the second message reporting Ihe celebration in Brest, we have received no further word whatever from Mr. Howard or Mr. Simms, although messages were dispatched to them as early as 1 p. m. yesterday. Following is the exact cable copy of the original message as transmitted to the United Press: “‘Unipress, New York: “‘Urgent — Armistice Allies Germany Signed Eleven Smoming Hostilities Ceased Two Safternoon Sedan Taken Smorning by Americans. “ ‘HOWARD “ ‘SIMMS? ” “Unipress is the cable address of i the United Press. The word ‘urgent’ merely indicates that the message was filed at the ‘urgent rate.' The words saltwnoou* ano inng' meaning ‘this afternoon and this ' morning’ are ordinary, accepted cable contractions. , 1 “It is absolutely inconceivable to ‘ -us that Mr. Howard did not file furtiv I er dispatcher and our only possible 1 conclusion is that the remainder of 1 his messages were held up by a cen- ' sor. “Investigation of the matter is pro- 1 ceeding and we expect that it will be ! cleared up within a very short tinr. " ’ - T ] the news was broadcasted throughout the world. This course, it was suggested, would give her an opimrtunity to take adequate steps for suppressing a re- , volt in Germany before her capitula- * tion became known to the people. ’ It has been the openly expressed 1 fear in allied quarters here for some days that bolshevikism might break 1 out in Germany—a development which ‘ authorities here say is little more to be desired than Hohenzollernism. 1 Lord Milner, the British war minister, recently warned against the; possibility of revolt in Germany and urged every caution in handling the I situation to prevent such an eventual ! ity which might carry on into Franco, and even great Britain. There is the greatest confusion in official minds here as to just what has transpired on the other side. I Wednesday night the Gefman plenipotentiaries were reported to have nr-j rived at Foch’s headquarters. That group was said to include Admiral von Hintze among others. Unofficial reports here today mention another group, apparently separate from tho first for von Hintze is not named 'n , it —as having arrived at Foch’s head- > quarters. Paris. Nov. 8—(8:50 a. tn.) —Parliamentarians headed by Mathias Erz-j berger were at General Foch’s head- ' quarters late last night. New York, Nov. B—(Special to /.Daily Democrat) —A delayed cable- - gram to the United Press received s early today from Paris stated that ; firing on the western front was orders ed ceased at 3 o’clock Thursday after-* noon.

■+*+*+++ + + + + + + + - + SEE YOU IN SIX MONTHS. -I + Somewhere in England, Oct. 19. >1 ■ + Dear Friend. Josn:— -I ♦ Just to let you know that all 4 + the Company A boys and myjselt' -I + landed in England, October 17. 4 + well and happy. We are at a -I + rest camp for a few days before 4 + moving on. 4 + Will see you in about six 4 4- months. Ha! Ha! + 4- Very truly yours. + + C. R. DUNN, 44- Capt. 113th Am. Tr.. A. E. F 4- ++++++++ + 444 + 4 + ON TROOP TRAIN I Sergeant E. F. Bernard, of I Camp Funston, Cal., Goes Through Here AT NOON TODAY Throws Out Card and Pair of Black Gloves for His Sister, Mary. , ’ I 1 Several troop trains passed through here this morning over the Erie enroute east, and among the number, on one between eleven and twelve o’clock today noon, was Sergeant E. F. Bernard, of this city, who has been at Camp Funston, Cal., five months. Mrs. Earl Hoagland and sister. Miss Mary Cox. of 210 South Eleventh street, saw the trains go past and picked up a card and a pair of black gloves thrown out by Mr. Bernard. On the card was written: “Segt. .’. F. Bernard, 510 Grant street. Passed through. Tell my sister, Mary.’’ These may be secured by the family at the Hoagland home. Miss Mary Bernard is employed ai the H. A. Colchin cigar store this city. The family is well known here. o | BURGESS PLANT DESTROYED (United Press Service) M;(rblehe;,<• Nov. v £?*' ■- cial to Daily Democrat) The big Burgess airplane plant here is in ruins today following a fire which, according to reports, followed an explosion. The loss was estimated at nearly $500,000. Thirty seaplanes in course of construction were destroyed. The Burgess plant was in the buildings of the Stearns & Mackay Shipbuilding company and many valuable yachts owned by the latter company were destroyed. 0 BOTH CLAIMING IT (United Press Service) New York. Nov. B—(SpecialB—(Special to Daily Democrat) — Both Governor Whitman and Democratic Candidate Smith were still claiming victory today in the New York governorship race. There were only six districts missing today, however, and the count gave Smith 989,212; Whitman 978,148. Til soldier vote is yet to be tallied. FUNERAL NOTES The funeral of Myer Kahn will t.e held tomorrow. There will be a short service at the home, conducted by the Rev. C. J. Miner, after which the | procession will leave the home at twelve o’clock for the burial place near Murray. j Funeral services for Jesse Steele, 1 who died at Lima. 0., of influenza, i were conducted this morning from the home of the mother. Mrs. R. A. Davis, near Pleasant Mills o RED CROSS WORKERS Urged to Report for Duty for Surgical Dressing Making. Red Cross workers in the surgical dressing department are urged to report for duty afternoons and Thurs!day evenings to make up the quota 1 allotted Adams county. This quota must be made, whether the war ends now or not. Workers are asked to 'report for duty. o — WAR WORKERS' NOTICE Solicitors of third ward B are to attend the meeting at headquartcis 'Saturday evening at 7:30 o'clock.

: CAN KEEP SECRET + + Miss Leota Schurger, For- + mer Decatur Girl. Per- ♦ sonal Stenographer + *TO THE GOVERNOR J *■ Os Michigan—ls Grand-’ ► ► daughter of John Schur- | ger—Was Born Here. | Miss Leota Schurger. daughter of Albert Schurger, of White Cloud. 1 ’ Mich., and granddaughter of John Schurger. veteran abstractor of this city, holds a very responsible po-i---tion as stenographer to the governor of Michigan. Next to one other she J knows more about the governor’s business, than anybody else except the governor himself Mi s Schurger was born here and lived on West Madison street, this city, until the family moved to Monroeville and ’ then to White Cloud. Mich., a numbor: of years ago. Her mother was Miss Ida Rohrer. 'J | The Grand Rapids Press of recent date published a picture of the young girl, who is very beautiful. It was published under the heading "Here’s

a Woman Who Can Keep Secret.” and with it was the following dispatch from lainsing. Mich : “Next to Maj. Raplh Duff, private secretary to Gov. Sleeper. Miss M. Schurger of White Cloud knows more about the official business of the executive office than any person in the state excepting the governor. “Miss Sehnrger is Gov. Sleeper's personal stenographer. Confidential information of all kinds passes through her hands. She knows, for instance, days in adanee of any other person, of appointments to be made by the governor. To her he dictates all his letters, proclamations and speeches. | “The old theory that a woman cannot keep a secret was exploded in 'he. executive office years ago. Like other your.T women »ho bfitted the same position, Miss Schurger keeps office information strictly to herself." ON HIS WAY HERE I I Otto Gase, Soldier Abroad, Who Had Arm Fractured Writes Home. WAS IN HOSPITAL But Expected to be on Way Back to U. S. by Time Letter Arrived. The letter mentioned yesterday, as received from their son. Private Otto Gase. a soldier abroad, by Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Gase. is given herewith in full, it was written October 17 cn i American lied stationery from Base hospital 54, A. P. O. 798. and says: “I think it is about time for me to write, so you know how I am. I am in a hospital with fractured arm. I am . getting along pretty well and feel . well otherwise. t "There will be no use for you to ■ write as by the time you get this I will be on my way to the U. S. Then it will not be hard for you to locate me. There will be no use for you o worry as I will get along all right. “As soon as I get back and staI tinned I will write and let you know ■- where I am. ;- “Will close, hoping this finds everyi cne in the best of health. i “I am. < Your son. > Pvt. OTTO GASE. AT BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. S. G. Huntington. of Marion. > superintendent of the northern di ' trict, will preach at the Baptist church 1 Sunday morning and evening

P WILLSHIRE EOY WOUNDED I 1 A Willshire (().) special to the Fort Waytie' News says: I "Willshire. ()., Nov. 7 Word Luis ■ been received here that Floyd I. Strickler of Willshire has been wounded in action in France degree undetermined. Floyd is on* of three sons of Mr. and Mrs. Otis Strickler, all in France. He enlisted at Van Wert in June. 1917. and went overseas with Company 1) 146th infantry. • the following August. He 'eighteen years old last April. Flo-d wrote his parents last Septembei that lie was slightly wounded on September 3 and in the hospital. hu' would soon lie in the fight again A month later he wrote that ho hid been wounded again." THEY CAME BACK Three American Aces Arrive in London After Thrilling Journey—Escape FROM THE GERMANS Tramp at Night, Sleep in Days—Came Through Occupied Belgium.

(United Press Service) London. Nov. 8 (Special to Dallj , Democrat) liiree American avhiI tors have just arrived in London ai’e: . having escaped from the Germans f They made their way to Holland aftei I , a thrilling 24 day hike through c.cupied Belgium. The men trampei lat night and slept in the (laytime II except when they were in Brussels j Then with civilian clothes covering': , their uniforms they walked the street ( , by daylight I The aviators are Lieut. R. A. An I . Jerson. of Honolulu, whose liro hei j 'lives at 114 Richmond street. Plain '1 field. N. J.: John Donaldson, son of' 1 General Donaldson of Washington. I D. ('.. and T. E. Tillingha-q. of West >1 • erly. B. I. They .di escaped from I Fresnos. and were interviewed by--1 nited Press on their arnv.ii*'; here. t | "1 was downed as Arras 011 Augu it f: '27.” said Anderson. "They were liven ,to one against, me. After having be n I wounded three times I fell three d j thousand feet and was taken to fiuy I hospital at Mons." BIG FAIfTtONIGHT s Besides: the good supper served a. a the Pythian Home tonight, there will '1 be dancing and a bowling contest. I Everyone is invited to come and eh- i: joy a good time. (

’TILL Ol li BOYS COME HOME. The lighting will soon he over. The world will breathe a sigh of relief and thanksgiving. What a wonderful part America has played in this great drama What a wonderful part America has vet to play in the great affairs ot the world. We have more than four million boys in the armv and naw. We must take care of them now. THEY ARE SALE FROM SHOT \ND SHELL BUT THE ARE NOT SAFE FROM THE THOUSAND TEMPT A- ’ TIONS OF ARMY LIFE. The seven great war relief organizations I will now be called upon more than ever to do their marvelous , works and just because hostilities have ceased is no reason the American people should slack up on this great work. As an evidence on the spirit of unity of people of all creeds in the religious walks of life, we are glad to publish the following appeal signed by seventeen well known men of this county, ea< h one of a differ- > ent faith, but all one in the cause of relief for the soldier. , We are for the United War Work Campaign with all our hearts. We are lor these great organizations because the> look look after the care and comfort of the American soldier boy. They take care of him no matter what his race, creed or color. Every one ought to feel that it is a glorious privilege to give to so worthy 1 a cause. These seven great organizations are mothering our sol:i dier boys every minute of the time and they do wonderful work. e We call upon all citizens to join in this great cause- (live liberally: () B. T. Burk. Christian. Edward X. Ehinger, Catholic. W. A. Lower. Presbyterian. C. E. Bell. Baptist. F. V. Mills. Methodist. I. A. Kalver, Jew. L. L. Baumgartner. Evangelical. Henry Schulte. Lutheran. Mathias Kirsch, Reformed. Roy Mumma. United Brethren. Jefi' Lehman, Mennonite. Ernst Isch, Apostolic Christian. Cal Kunkle, Evangelical l.utheran. Frank Martz. Friends. I Chris Beery, Brethren in Christ. Joseph J. Schwartz. Amish. Elmer Eley. Methodist Protestant.

Price, Two Cents

SOLICITORS WILL COME TO SEE YOU People Will he Asked to t Give Liberally to United War Work Fund. TEAMS WILL CANVASS Sunday and Monday—--1 Open Your Hearts and Pocketbooks. ! 1 Sunday and Monday the solicitors of the United War . Work campaign will start to secure subscriptions to the greatest cause humanity has ever known. Are you ready for I hem? Ready with a generous contribution that will come direct from your heart with a prayer (hat your dollars will gloriously help mother some soldier boy? You do not have 10 pay the money all at once. You may pledge for a generous um and pay it in installments. Open your hearts and your pocketbooks. Make a subscription that in the years to come ou will look back on these ays with thankfulness that you lad the vision and the purpose o give generously. If it is posible pay your subscription in ash on or before December 2. 1918, but >i it *s not possible for »ou to do so you can pay 50 per ent on December 2. 1918, and 25 per cent on January 15. 1919, and the balance of 25 per cent on March 1. 1919 INE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION T H. Ernst, custodian of the courthouse. celebrated his seventy-third birthday anniversary yesterday the finest way ever As the climax to a perfect day came the announcement f peace after the world war. and he ■ays no finer thin* could have happened 10 nun on this anniversary than the peace compact. He was the truest of honor ar a dinner given at noon by his daughter, Mrs. Herb I ichot. and at supper given by his daughter. Mrs. L. (’. Annen. FLAG DEDICATED Rev. Mills gave an address ala service flag dedication this afternoon at the Hartford township high school. This evening he will talk at the Kirkland township high school flag raising. County Superintendent E. S. Christen also attended.