Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 42, Number 72, 5 February 1917 — Page 1
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VOI VI 1 1 NO 79 Palladium and Sun-Telegram, v AL,I1.,U. 16 consolidate 1907
RICHMOND, IND., MONDAY EVENING, FEB. 5, 1917.
SINGLE COPY. 2 CENTS
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jRiivlG EARLY MEEMT
PRESIDENT STILL HOPES TO AVOID WAR; ASKS NEUTRALS TO ADOPT HIS ATTITUDE; NO WAR PREPARATIONS ARE UNDER WAY
(By Associated Press) WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 Grimly preparing, and with an air of conviction that the nation's course will be shaped immutably for it as Germany makes effective her announced measures of unrestricted sea warfare, the United States government has begun a tense vigil that may be broken momentarily or may be long drawn out. ' Despite the severance of diplomatic relations with Germany, President Wilson believes his long struggle to preserve the country's peace has not yet been lost. He still hopes not only that hostilities will be avoided, but that other neutrals, adding their voices to that of the United States will unite the major moral force of the world to compel peace in Europe.
No Response Are Received.
It had not been revealed today whether any responses had come from the suggestions to neutrals, presented with a notification of the break with Germany, that they follow the example of - the United States and thus bring to bear to end the war the united pressure of the whole neutral world. The president Is known to be very hopeful that this new stroke for peace will, if not immediately successful, at least hasten the end of hostilities. With distinct anxiety, cable and wireless dispatches bearing on Germany! newly announced war plans are bf ing watched for the first Indication of American lives lost or ships r-unk without warning. It now r-npoars that the sinking of tlu Ameri'.-an steamer . Housatonic Saturday by a submarine was not an Illegal act, tince1 she carried contraband wheat,' warning was given, and the crew saved. Sailors Ordered Released Officials today heard with considerable satisfaction the reports that the German government had ordered the immediate release of the American sailors taken from British ships by the German raider in the Atlantic, as demanded by the United States shortly before the severing of diplomatic relations.
and many offices in these departments
are quietly working overtime. Plans are under discussion for calling out navy reserve officers and of graduating the senior class at Annapolis to meet any emergency conditions. Wireless operations are under orders to guard their dispatches with unusual care and a censorship bill is ready for congressional action when it is needed. Congress Will Rush Bills. Congress, laying aside partisan differences is ready to rush through the army and navy appropriation bills and any extraordinary finance measures, which might be requested by the president for defense expenditures. Many telegrams assuring support or offers of service are pouring into the White House hourly and the war and navy departments have a number of offers from industrial plants to give preference to government orders. Rear Admiral Peary today - tendered the srvices of the national aerial coast patrol commission, of which he, the head, to the government for defense
purposes.
(J.
S. TIGHTENS GUARD ABOUT BIG ARSENALS
(By Associated Press) PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 5. The tension created here by the crisis between the United States and Germany has resulted in a strengthening and tightening of guard lines about all government property and privately owned munition plants.
Plants of tremendous military im-
OFFICIALS SORRY FOR COUNTESS
I
countess von- BEawsToiarr r
Officials of the government here and
portance are located in and near this members of the dipomatic corps are
city, including the Frankford and
Schuylkill Arsenals and the big armament plants that are turning out thousands of tons of war materials. All of these places were under heavy guard when the gates opened today. Government agents are combing the liats of employes at all munition plants to eliminate "undersireables." City policemen both in uniform and in civilian clothes, are on duty at the postoffic, the custom house, the quartermaster's depot and the two government arsenals.
Recalls Ship Sunk in 1864
(By Associated Press) NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 5. Confederate naval historians here today recalled the fact that the first Ameri-
President Gompers of the American j can vessel sunk by a hostile submar-
Federation of Labor, has cabled the
president of the German Federation of Trade Unions urging that organization
to use its influence to avoid war. Pa-
This action was interpreted in some ! cIfigt eiements in congress were laying
quarters as an indication of a concii iatory attitude on the part of Ger
many since formerly that government had maintained these men were legally prisoners of war. having accepted i ervice on armed belligerent merchant vessels. Austria's Attitude Uncertain The situation in regard to Austria had not changed up to today and in fcome quarters it was suggested that the Austrian government might not find It necessary to ratify formally the submarine policy of Germany and in that event relations might be continued between the United States and Austria. The state department Is making efforts to secure a guarantee of safe conduct from the allied powers for Count Von Bernstorff, the' German ambassador, to return to his country with his staff, and preparations were under way today to turn over affairs nf the German embassy here to the Swiss minister. The delay in receiving word from American Ambassador Gerard, at Berlin, that lie had received his passports nnd was ready to go to some neutral European country or return to the United States was attributed to the strict censorship in Germany. Requests that German consuls In this country be accorded full protection have been sent to governors of states pnd teriitories by the state department. Chapters Receive Orders
Chapters of the Red Cross throughout the United States today had orders from national officers to prepare immediately for relief work. Transportation of Belgian relief supplies was temporarily suspended, but. the Spanish ambassador in Berlin was expected to present an urgent request today for guarantees of immunity from attack for vessels chartered by the Belgian relief commission. Government officials authorized a statement denying reports thatsizure c.f German war bound merchant ships in American harbors is contemplated. It was explained, however, that steps have been taken to prevent the obttruction of harbors by the blowing up or sinking of any of these vessels. This action is prompted by reports that Germau crews have attempted to damage a number of war bound ships in Philippine harbors, and in several American ports. I Makes Secret Plans. j The department of justice also Is
making secret preparations for forestalling depredations which German tympathizers might commit on munition factories or public works. In Washington, the capitol and state, war pnd navy building are closed to visitors and carefully guarded, and additional police have been placed about the White House. No actual Avar preparations have been made by the war and navy departments, although many unusual precautions are being taken, and plans are being drawn up for any eventuality. Secretaries Baker and Daniels yesterday conferred with bureau chiefs,
plans for combatting unusual military
preparations, and such peace advo
cates as William J. Bryan and Henry
ine in warfare bore the same name as
the Housatonic, also the first American steamer sunk by a German submarine since the break in diplomatic relatione occurred. The former vessel' was the United States steamer Housatonic sunk in Charleston harbor the night of Feb.
Ford were here today to use their in- 17, 1864, by the confederate submarfluence in that direction. 1 ine H. L. Hunley.
genuinely sorry for the Countess von
Bernstorff, American wife of the German ambassador. The Countess Aid leave the United States with her husband, but will be in the unfortunate position of being compelled to live in Germany perhaps at a time when that country is at war with her own. The Countess was a Miss Jeanne Luckemeyer of New York. She married the Count on Nov. 14, 18S7.
PRESIDENT WARNS OFFICIALS AND CITIZENS SO TO CONDUCT THEMSELVES THAT NO BLAME CAN BE PLACED ON 0. S. IN EVENT OF WAR
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DUPONT PLANTS OFFERED U. S. IF WAR GOMES
(By Associated Press) WILMINGTON, Del., Feb. 5. With the plants of the Dupont Powder company placed at its disposal in the
event of hostilities, as authoritively an
nounced last night, the United States government's facilities for the manufacture of powder and other high explosives would be enormously increased. Since the start of the European war the company has been compelled to make constant additions to its plants in order to fill large contracts from the
entente allies and at the present time Is said to be in position to render more effective service than at any time in its history. Estimates as to the aggregate dally output of its various plants were not available.
DIVINE GUIDANCE FOR WILSON INVOKED BY RICHMOND PASTORS BECAUSE OF DIPLOMATIC BREAK
BLIZZARD HALTS TRAFFIC; HIGH WINDS DRIFT SNOW; GAS SUPPLY REMAINS LOW
Disorganized traffic and an Imminent coal shortage accompanied the worst blizzard in years Sunday and early Monday. High winds increased suffering from the below-zero temperature and drifted the swirling snow. Lowest temperature during the blizzard was recorded at the water works this morning at C o'clock when the mercury stood at eight below. Prlvata thermometers in different sections of the city registered as low as 16 degrees below zero. Temperature Takes Rapid Drop Lowest temperature Sunday was two below at 7 o'clock In the evenin Early in the day the water works thermometer registered 25 above zero. This morning at 10 o'clock the thermometer stood at zero. Trains from the east were from one to four hours late last night, while those from the west were not affected considerably by the blizzard. This morning westbound trains were running from 40 minutes to an hour and a half behind. Delay was caused chiefly because
the automatic signal system on the Pennsylvania lines was frozen up and hand signaling was made necessary. Street Cars Run Irregularly Interurban cars weathered the storm with little delay, although the schedule yesterday afternoon and evening was disorganized somewhat. Street cars operated intermittently during the blizzard and snow sweepers were kept busy clearing the tracks. Difficulty was encountered at the grade from the temporary Main Street bridge. A car left the tracks at the switch between Main and North A streets during the heighth of the blizzard. Coal dealers this morning said they were able to fill small orders for a limited time and did not anticipate an immediate famine unless expected shipments fail to arrive. Hard coal is practically an unknown quantity in Richmond yards. Low gas pressure yesterday evening and this morning caused some uneasiness but little suffering. Country roads in some places nearly were impassable.
Richmond pastors yesterday prayed that the war cloud hanging over this nation might be lifted. In most of the churches divine aid was invoked for the president. In some of them the ministers devoted part of their sermons to the international crisis Victory of dry forces in the Indiana senate during the week shared with the diplomatic situation in special mention. Large audiences were reported at all the churches in the morning service but the below-zero weather in the evening reduced the number of worshippers. Newspaper advertising was given large credit for the crowded pews. The second week of the simultaneous campaign was inaugurated yesterday. War Might Do Good Rev. Francis Anscombe of South Eighth Street Friends church, took the position that war might have some
SEIZE SEVENTEEN GERMAN VESSELS
(By Associated Press) WASHINGTON, Feb. 5. While the United States awaits the issue of war or peace, President Wilson has taken steps that the conduct of the government during the tense period of waiting shall be one of calm deliberation and beyond criticism. The American government it was stated officially will be very careful to see that Germany and all other' foreign governments will have no just cause for complaint. ' General instructions have been issued to Federal government officials in all parts of the country to avoid hasty action and do nothing not strictly legal and within the province of the government. 4 Holds Strictlv to Lena! Rioht.
The government, it was pointed out.
has no legal right to take over war bound ships in American harbors.
AUSTRIAN ANSWER REPEATS PURPOSE
(By Associated Press) WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 While officials refused to admit that Austria's formal announcement of her adhesion to Germany's declarations of unrestricted submarine warfare has been received officially there is reason for believing it is now before the government and that appropriate action is being considered.
Ford Offers Plant to U. S. (By Associated Press) WASHINGTON, Feb. 5. Henry Ford, manufacturer and pacificist, announced here today that in the event
benetcial results. He based his view of war he would place his factory at on the certainty that entrance of this j the disposal of the government and
nation would shorten the conflict and
enable the United States to assume a large share in shaping the peace negotiations so permanent peace might be made possible. "Several years ago it was thought impossible that Indiana would go dry. At one time slavery was established. Continued On Page Twelve.
Tramps Miles in High Gale and Drifts
operate it without profit.
GERMAN CREWS ARE HELD AS PRISONERS ON BOARD VESSELS
"I would like to spend the night in the basement. I am a little tired and somewhat chilled," remarked a very
large man wearing ragged and travel ( 0f the crewg however, who returned
(By Associated Press) NEW YORK, Feb. 5 Nearly two thousand officers and men, remnants of the crews of the twenty-five German merchant ships which were laid up here at the beginning of the war are virtually prisoners today on board their vessels. The federal authorities explained that the German seamen were "Not forcibly detained but simply request
ed" to remain on their ships. Members
(By Associated Press) MANILLA, Feb., 5. The naval authorities at 6 o'clock this evening seized the seventeen German merchant vessels anchored in Manilla bay. All the German crews were removed.
GERMANY AWAITS OFFICIAL NOTICE
Sudden Change of Front Made by Board of Charity Bureau
Persons who are watching the work of John T. Melpolder are wondering why the managing board issued a statement supporting the agent. They are wondering what influence Melpolder has over the board.
asmuch as he is the agent of the board. There are some persons who believe the changed attitude of the board
members toward Melpolder is due tq
the argumentative powers of Fred
(By Associated Press)
BERLIN, Via London, Feb. 5. The news of the breach of diplomatic relations between the United States and Germany was made known here today through newspaper dispatches. No official information has yet been received at either the United States embassy or the foreign office so Am
bassador Gerard's plans have not been '
definitely decided. He will probably leave Germany by way of Denmark and return home through Russia, taking the trans-Siberia railway. It is expected that American interests will be entrusted to the Brazilian minister.
soiled clothing as he entered police headquarters late Sunday afternoon.
His face was bearded like a Russian anarchist and tlie beard was a solid sheet of ice. "I walked here from Greenville, O., and the going was kinda hard," continued the stranger. "Roads were filled with snow drifts and there was a pretty sharp wind." Walks 26 Miles in Gale. The distance between Greenville and Richmond is 26 miles. The theremometer never registered above zero Sunday. The tramp departed this morn
ing for Indianapolis, on foot. Another tramp staggered into police headquarters Sunday so chilled that the lower part of his face had turned a greenish shade. He became ill during the night and today a city physician discovered that the man was suffering from pneumonia, lie was taken to Reid hospital.
from shore leave last night and today
were notified by the policemen and federal detectives on guard at the German line piers that if they went aboard they would have to stay there. Collector Malone of the port of New York let it be known that his guards were stationed to prevent the German
sailors from violating the immigration laws by deserting their ships.
Strict legal rights must be the new base for the conduct of all Federal officers under the announced policy of the government. No matter what other nations may do in the present emergency, it was stated, that the United States would adhere strictly to law and would do' nothing under stress of excitement which it would not be legal to do in ordinary time. As outlined in. the highest official quarters the policy of the government will be to act on principle rather than on the ground of expediency. Federal authorities will be expected by President Wilson to avoid any act that may be considered questionable. The president himself, it was stated. Is moving without panic 'or haste and expects all subordinate officers of the government to do likewise. While not stated especially it became known that the president is particular to warn Americans generally to do nothing which might cause trouble. He desires that every act of the United States in the super crises shall bo along lines with absolute propriety. If war comes he wants no possibie blame attached to the American government or any of its officials or people.
RYAN DRAWS $5 FINE FOR ASSAULT
Several influential members of the I White, Melpolder's strongest chamft-
board said less than six weeks ago they would "get "rid of Melpolder if they knew how to go about it." Their, apparent change of front, as evidenced by this statement, causes doubt to arise as to which is their sincere attitude toward their agent. Board is Equally Culpable. It is pointed out that if the managing board heartily endorses Melpolder it is responsible for bis conduct in-
ion on the board. v White is given credit for being able to bolster the courage of more timid members.
BOZWORTH ASKS DIVORCE
Harlan Bozworth filed suit in circuit court today for a divorce from Hazel. Bozworth. Abandonment was the charge.
SUe ORDERS STAND, SAYS LATE REPORT
(By Associated Press) BERLIN, Feb. 4. Via London, Feb. 5. According to information obtained in official quarters there is no prospect of any modification of the orders to submarines.
Earnest Ryan was fined $5 and costs in city court today on a charge of assault and battery on his wife. He declined to make any statement and pleaded guilty. Mrs. Ryan said her husband rebuked her when she came home about 10:30 o'clock one evening after visiting with neighbors. She said he had been drinking. While she was in bed he slapped her and then struck her. She ran out of the house in her night gown, despite zero weather, and told her troubles to a police officer.
TRY DOG COMPLAINT IN CIRCUIT COURT
Benjamin Reddinghaus, charged by a grand jury indictment with harboring a mischievous dog, was tried by a jury in circuit court today. It is alleged that Reddinghaus was driving along a country road with Howard Mull and Frank Sittloh and that a dog which accompanied the party killed turkeys belonging to Mr. and Mrs. William Doren, Boston township.
PERSHING LEADS
MERICAN MEN FROM MEXICO
MRS. FREEMAN IS CALLED BY DEATH ANCEL
Mrs. Martha Howard Freeman, aj-ea 56, wife of Perry J. Freeman, 113 South Twenty-first street, died at her home at 2:15 o'clock this morning following a long illness. Death resulted from Blight's disease. Mrs. Freeiran, one of the city's best known women, had been an invalid for over a year. Mr. Freeman is a prominent member of the Wayne county bar. He has served as mayor of Richmond, postmaster, prosecuting attorney, judge of the city court and as United States commissioner for the Richmond district of the state. Taken Critically III. In November, 1916, Mr. and Mrs. Freeman went to Los Angeles to visit relatives and while there Mrs. Freeman became critically ill and was returned to Richmond as soon as possible. Ever since that time her condition had been serious. Bright's disease developed some time ago. Besides her husband Mrs. Freeman is survived by her son. Gath, hr daughter, Mrs. W. B. Kerkam, Washington, D. C, her mother, Mrs. James Howard, her sister, Mrs. D. H. Nagel and her brothers, Dr. Fred W. Howard and Edward Howard, the latter all of Los Angeles. Mrs. Freeman was born in Anderson, Ind., February 23. 18G1. and was married, June 12, 1883. Funeral arrangements have not been announced. .
(By Associated Press) COLUMBUS, N. M. Feb. 5. Maior General John J. Pershing rode out of Mexico at 10:05 today at the head cf more than 10,000 soldiers of the American punitive expedition. ' General Pershing crossed the boundary at the border line gate at the head of his staff with Lieutenant J. P. Collins, his aid de camp, and Captiin William O. Reed, bis intelligence officer, riding next. As he crossed the line the guards at
the gap in the barb wire fence pre-! office today. The capital stock In sented arms. I named at $100,000. The directors are:
William J. Blackmore, George B. Calvelage, Harry B. Lontz, Benjamin T. Hill and John M. Lontz.
FILE INCORPORATION PAPERS
Incorporation papers for the Richmend Malleable Castings company were filed at he county recorder's
GERARD MAY COME BACK VIA SPAIN
(By Associated Press) BERLIN, Feb. 5. United States Ambassador Gerard has ' practically decided to return to. the United States from a Spanish port. The plan to have American interests taken over by the Brazlian minister has been abandoned and it is not known who will represent American interests in Berlin after Mr. Gerard's departure.
Weather Forecast
For Indiana by United States Weather Bureau Generally fair and not quite so cold tonight Tuesday fair with rising temperature. Temperature Today. Noon 1 Yesterday. Maximum .28 Minimum. .8 below zero