Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 42, Number 159, 17 May 1917 — Page 1

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HOME EDITION FOURTEEN PAGES VOL XI II NO IQ Palladium and Sun-Tlecrm vyu. ALII., 12V Connolldatcd 1907 RICHMOND, IND., THURSDAY EVENING, MAY 17, 1917. SINGLE COPY, 2 CENTS

COMBINE IS BLAMED FOR HIGH PRICE IN COAL HART

State Commission at Hearing Promises Relief After the , Probe is Concluded-Ashe Crosses Bavis. FREIGHT RAISE FAVORED John W. McCardle, member of the elate utilities commission, today declared the present coal shortage and high prices to be the result of a "damnable combination." He was addressing Richmond coal dealers and consumers at a public hearing in the Commercial club rooms, Nearly 50 men attended. "The present situation is an infam ous outrage." he declared. "The state public service commission now has no power to take summary action in this matter but it is seeking to Inform Itself on all the facts so it can act lntelliKsntly." Give Assurance of Relief After discussing the situation at length, McCardle gave assurances of relief. "We are planning to take action to compel the railroads to furnish cars to the mine operators and to load them and move them rapidly, If the roads are to blame," he promised. A clash between President Bavis of the board of works and Robert S. Ashe, owner of the Liberty Light and Power company and defeated candidate for the nomination for council in the last primary election, enlivened the hearing. Bavlr, was talking on a subject raised by McCardle, that of the status of public utllties and their rates under the present high cost of production. Bavis was advocating permitting utilities to amortize their losses caused by high prices. "Mr. Chairman, what is this, a coal hearing? I wish you'd ask him to get to his point," Interjected Ashe. Bavis turned about to face Ashe, who was sitting behind him. M'Cardle Explains Question "Is there some objection to my speaking?" he Inquired. j M You're the chairman, -you" tell him;" Ashe implored McCardle. So the chairman spoke up. "The gentleman wishes you to come to the point." McCardle informed Bavid. Bavis immediately made ready Continued On Page Nine. to SENATE IS PEEVED OVER PRESS REPORT OF SECRET MEETING WASHINGTON, May 17. The senate was in quite a temper when it reconvened today to continue debate on the war budget and found that a full and accurate reports of Its secret session yesterday had been published In the newspapers. Exclusion from the mails of any newspaper which publishes matter purporting to report executive sessions was proposed by Senator Hardwick of Georgia, as an amendment to the pending espionage bill. Senator New, of Indiana, declared gome of the statements published were not made while he was in the chamber and protested against public dissemination of inaccuracies. Senator Myers of Montana, said he regarded the Senate's recent vote against newspaper censorship, a declaration of congressional intent for complete freedom of the press. "I think the action of Congress means tnat newspapers can publish anything they please." he said, closing the incident without further action. Flour Price Tumbles $1 on Each Barrel Flour prices have tumbled. This Is a Etranse bit of news these days, but the facv. remains true nevertheless. Local iv.illcrs are sellinc flour $1 per barrel cheaper today. No reason is given for this decrease, i or is it known how long the price will hr.Uh Do YcurpJ -i Join the Bit NowLj-Red Cross WEATHER FORECAST for Indiana by United States Weather Bureau Generally fair tonight and Friday. Little change in temperature. Temperature Today. Noon SO Yesterday. Maximum 77 Minimum 42 For Wayne County by W. E. Moore Somewhat unsettled. Probably fair tonight and Friday. Continued warm. General Conditlona Wanner weather continues east of the 100th meridian but cold weather prevails in far West. Frost In northern California, and Nevada with snows in western Montana and Tellow Stone Park, Wyoming. No Immediate prospect of In temperature.

Profile of President and Lily on an Egg

Found at Economy ECONOMY, Ind., May 17 Economy hens aren't so slow either, just because they are somewhat Isolated is no Indication that they can't keep pace with the times. Well did they know that editors were getting tired of imposing this "P" and "W" egg stuff on their readers' credulity. They recognized that to get newspaper space, as scarce as it is, they would have to do a new stunt. Tuesday an egg bearing a clearly defined profile . of President Wilson and a perfectly etched calla lily was found at the Edwards' Brothers home. This is interpreted as being symbolical of the part that President Wilson will take In bringing . about peace, as represented by the lily. The egg will be sent to H. H.' Smith of the Milwaukee Public Museum. U. S. DESTROYERS IN DANGER ZONE ENCOUNTER SUB? WASHINGTON, May 17. No report has come from Rear Admiral Sims that any of the American destroyers, cruising with the allied fleet, have encountered German submarines, but navy of ficials do not expect to receive de tailed statements of operations on minor engagements if no losses are envolved. It was reiterated today that for obvious military reasons that the number and names of American ships in European waters or those to be sent would not be disclosed. Naval officials resent the statement that the destroyer crews were not adequately clothed for duty. The men all had regular outfits, which included woolen underwear, uniforms, caps, box, jerseys, heavy jackets, seal boots and oil skins and most of them were provided with additional clothing before they sailed. The department has contracted for new winter outfits, which will be available for all men who may be sent abroad. Included will be knitted woolen underwear as heavy as athletic sweaters in texture, thick wool blouses, wind proof cutter suits of a neutral tinted cloth and, heavier caps and tiox. J' .,:: ,.: ,: SET SATURDAY FOR MUNICIPAL PRODUCE SALE Tomorrow a carload of choice, southern-grown garden produce will arrive in Richmond and will be offered for sale to the householders at cost prices, under the supervision of Mayor Robblns and other city officials. The sale of this produce will be conducted Saturday morning unless the car fails to arrive, which is improbable as it was shipped from Mobile, Monday. E. S. Davis, representing the co-operative organization of southern producers from which the shipment was purchased, will arrive here tonight or tomorrow morning when he and Mayor Robblns will perfect plans for the sale. Will Announce Places of Sale. Definite announcement as to the places where the produce will be placed on sale, the time the sale starts and the prices to be charged will be announced in tomorrow evening's issue of The Palladium, providing, of course, that the shipment arrives tomorrow. Tentative plans call for placing the produce on sale at the five fire stations and at the central market. Firemen and other city employes will act as clerks. At the city building and the various fire stations, the firemen and other city officials have been kept busy the past few days answering telephone inquiries, mostly from women, regarding the garden produce sale. "Ijook out for a bargain counter rush," said one woman to a fireman at the No. 5 hose house, West Richmond. It will be a case of first come, j first served. Sell Car In Five Hours. Yesterday a carload of southerngrown produce was sold at Muncie, under the supervision of the city officials, in five hours time. This produce was secured from the same o ganization that is sending a shipment to Richmond. Over the telephone today Mayor Bunch of Muncie told Mayor Robblns that the experiment had been so successful In Muncie that two additional cars of produce had ben ordered. "The produce was all of the best grade and the prices were so low that ever purchaser was astonished," Mayor Bunch said. Cabinet Crisis Passes; People 0. K. Policy PETROGRAD, May 17. The cabinet crisis has been settled. A declaration of the government's policy has been accepted by the representatives of the council of workmen and soldiers delegates, with slight variations, and was signed by them at midnight. COKE SHIPMENTS DECREASE CONNELLSVILLE. Pa., May 17. Due to a decrease in the supply last week to an average of 53 per cent., both the shipment and production of coke in the Connellsville region fell befow ihe average.

ELIGIBLE HEN REM A II! A 17 AY FROM LOCAL

NAVAL RALLY Lack of Attendance, Save by Boy Scouts and Women, Causes Cancellation of Meeting. NO RECRUITS OBTAINED So small was the attendance at the advertised navy meeting to have been held last night at the High school au ditorlum that the meeting was called off after Principal Pickell, who was to have presided, openly censured Richmond's citizenship for apparent lack of patriotic Interest in the grave prob lems confronting the nation as a result of the war. Henry U. Johnson was to have delivered an address and Gunner's Mate Goldfarb, navy recruiting officer here, was to have told of life in the navy. There were a handful of citizens, a company of Boy Scouts, and a delega tion of young women members of the Red Cross in attendance. Young men of military age were conspicuous by their absence. Three Recruitles Days. Goldfarb has been in the city three days and has not yet secured a re cruit. His office is located on the second floor of The Palladium building. Richmond should have a lanre num ber of pool sharps," the navy officer remarked today. "About the only places I find the young men are the pool Tooms, and they tell me that they don't want to serve their country unless they are compelled to because they have to help support their families." Warner Notes Slacking Up. Sergeant Warner, in charge of the local army recruiting station, also commented today in the unusual slacking off in army enlistments the past few days. "I believe all the volun teers have gone, and the ones who remain are those who will have to be conscripted before they answer the president's call to service," Warner remarked. Incidentally he expressed the belief that many Richmond people are un der the impression, since the passage of the conscription law. that no more volunteers are being accepted by the army. Such is not' the case, arSeargeant Warner points out. The regular army will continue to accept volunteers, resgardless of the conscription law, until the army has been recruited up to its full war strength. German Press Points to Russian References BERLIN, (via London), May 17. Press comment today on the chancel lors speech almost unanimously un derscores the references to Russia as the significantly outstanding feature of the premier's utterance. The speech as a whole is generally commended as one of the boldest and best that Von Bethmann 'Hollweg has yet made in parliament and personal criticism of the chancellor is conspicuously absent. The editorial discussion, dilating upon all angles of war aims and peace terms, emphasizes the widely diverg ent views entertained on all sides. In many quarters the speech has had a pronounced conciliatory effect, and is interpreted as pointing the way to a common meeting ground. The impres sion prevails that the conservatives came out of the fray badly battered. Over $2,245,000,000 Needed in Revenue WASHINGTON, May 17. Democratic leader Kitchin announced in the House today that the treasury department had notified him that It would be necessary to raise $2,245,000,000 instead of $1,800,000,000 by the war revenue bill now under debate. He urged support of new proposals to raise the income surtax increases on sums above $40,000 as now contained in the bill by one-fourth. Brewing in England May Restrict Exports LONDON, May 17. Influential representatives have been made to the Ministry of Food that the continuation of brewing in Great Britain is likely to make it more difficult to get increased export of cereals from America. Kennedy Jones, director of food economy, gave the Associated Press an authoritative statement In regard to the restrictions already imposed on brewing and the complexities of the problems. Corn Sells For $1.60 Boone Reid, a farmer residing east of Richmond, today sold 1,200 bushels of corn at $1.60 a bushel, the deal bringing him $1,920. , "This is the highest price I ever received for corn and it makes up what I lost during the Cleveland administration when I sold corn for 16 cents a bushel. During the Civil war I got $1.20 a bushel, Reid told a friend while In Richmond today. ARRANGE FOR MEMORIAL MILTON, Ind., May 17. May 27 the Christian church will have special Memorial Dy services.

Speaks For Orphans

at 8 O'clock Tonight Miss Florence Schofield. who has lived in Paris and therefore has per sonal knowledge of the condition of French war orphans, will speak on their needs at the High school auditorium at 8 o'clock this evening. Miss Schofield 6poke to an audience of over 1,000 persons in Indianapolis this morning, and is reputed to be an eloquent speaker. No admission will be asked nor collection taken. 544 MEMBERS ON CLUB ROLL; ARMY IS VICTOR The victory of the Navy yesterday in the Commercial club batUe for recruits was short-lived. Victory perched on the banner of the Army today, the final day in the three-day drive for members by the club's armed forces. A total of 544 recruits were placed on the clubs roll during the threeday canvass but the campaign is not over. Members of the two forces pledged themselves today to continue the propaganda work for the club. Reports of the campaign were sub mitted by Admiral Harris of the Navy and General Elmer of the Army at a luncheon at the Y. M. C. A. at noon today. The Navy listed 271 recruits and the Army 273. Lontz Praises Work of Forces. After the outcome had been an nounced Commander-in-Chief Lontz spoke briefly, praising the work of the commanding officers and of the mem bership committee, headed by Fred J Bartel. A rising vote of thanks was extended to Secretary Haas, Admiral Harris led the Navy in three cheers for the Army and General Elmer led the Army in three cheers for the Navy. Then ; Commander-in Chief Lontz led the crowd in three cheers for the Army and Navy, An application blank for admission to the Commercial club under the new regime is appended. This blank may be filled and mailed to the club office COMMERCIAL CLUB Richmond, Ind., 1917 I, the undersigned, in consideration of my interest In the development of Richmond, agree to take membership In the Richmond Commercial club for a term of three years, with dues at the rate of $10 a year. Name. Business; Address........ Recommended by 'i. -.., ........ T.a BOGUS U. S. AGENTS CONFISCATE SUGAR HOARDED BY FARMER The United States government is not confiscating sugar or any other supplies, and If such action is ever taken the aovernment will pay for everything it confiscates. This statement is made so that no other oeoole will be duped as was Andrew Benson, a farmer, living north east of Richmond close to the OhioIndiana line. ' Yesterday two men drove to the Benson farm where they represented themselves to be United States offic ers. They told Benson that it had been reported to them that he had purchased more sugar than permitted "under the law." Admits 300-Pound Purchase. Benson admitted that he had pur chased 300 pounds of sugar, believing It would be a wise action on his part. because of the constant Increase in the price of this commodity. "No one is allowed to have more than 25 pounds of sugar on hand at one time, so we will have to confiscate all your sugar except 25 pounds, one of the bogus federal agents informed him. Without questioning the men's authority Benson surrendered all his sugar except the amount he was told he could keep. Without re-imburslng Benson, the swindlers loaded over two hundred pounds of his sugar Into their wagon and drove away. Up to the present time the two crooks have not been ap prehended. Don't Use Fireworks, Appeal of Goodrich People of Indiana have been asked to refrain from the use of fireworks in observance of the Fourth of July. The appeal was made In a proclamation by Governor Goodrich, issued through the state fire marshal's office. The request cited the danger of operations by alien enemies, the need of the materials In production of war munitions and raised a question of the actual pleasure derived, as reasons for foregoing the time-honored practice. RESERVE BANKERS ASKED TO AROUSE INTEREST IN LOAN WASHINGTON, May 17 Representatives of all Federal reserve banks, Dallas and San Francisco excepted, were today told by the Federal reserve board that upon them would depend much of the task of arousing the "spirit of 17" to insure a large oversubscription to the $2,000,000,000 liberty bond offering. CHARTER SECOND FARM BANK CHARLESTON, W. Va., May 17. A charter has been issued by the federal farm loan board to the Virginia Joint Stock bank of Charleston, the second such bank to be chartered in the United States.

FOREGO LUXURIES DURING WAR, PROF. CHRISTIE TELLS BANKERS

"If our sons are willing to give up their lives In the trenches for our country, surely. we ought to be able to give up the luxuries at home, and join in the conservation movement," said Prof. - G. I. Christie, before the Sixth District Bankers' meeting In the Murray theatre this morning. Prof. Christie gave an excellent address on "Patriotism and Production." He said, "In planting gardens, we are planting seeds of patriotism." ' Prof. William R. Rawles, of Indiana University, spoke next on "Taxation." He showed the faults in taxation methods under the present constitution. "Our taxation system has been condemned for fifty years," he said. Prof. Rawles is in favor of a flat tax rate. He said the two things that taxation in Indiana needs are equality and universality. One Hundred and Fifty Attend One hundred and fifty visitors attended the meeting. This is an un usually large attendance. Richmond High school orchestra opened the convention with a delight ful musical program. The nominating committee reported, and the following officers were elect REFUSE HOME RULE; FAVOR CONVENTION LONDON, May 17. According to a report in the lobbies of the House of Commons, the nationalists have refused Premier Lloyd George's offer to set up home rule at once, and have accepted the proposal for a convention to map out a scheme of self government for Ireland. GRAND JURY PROBES LAST JAIL DELIVERY The grand jury turned from its probe into alleged bridge frauds today long enough to investigate a robbery case, a forgery case and to hear the testimony of the three young women who broke Jail recently. The women, Ollie Gates, Elizabeth Culbertson and "Babe" Armstrong, were arrested last night at Greenville by Prosecutor Strayer and Sheriff carr. . On the strength of their testimony Mona Hoover was placed under arrest and. Is confined at the women's jail. The Hoover woman, .it is understood, sawed the bars and made possible the Jail de'lvery. During the last session of the grand jury, the Hoover woman was Indicted and fined for running a house of 111 fame In which the other young women were Inmates. $3,500 Fund Poshed $5 Over Goal Line Secretary Haas of the Commercial club announces that the goal of $3,500 has been crossed by solicitors for the Greater Richmond Fund. Two gifts, one of $100 and the other of $25, pushed the Fund across the line with $5 to spare, and Haas says there are several other prospects who are nearly certain to contribute. The two recent contributors were the Dllle-McGuire company, which gave $100, and the law firm of Gardner, Jessup, Hoelscher and White, which gave $25. Safety Achievements Shown by Railroads CHICAGO, May 17 Returns Issued by the Interstate Commerce Commission and made public today by the bureau of Railway News and Statistics show one of the greatest safety achievements in the history of American railways in their record for the summer of 1916. In the quarter from July to Septem ber, when the roads handled the largest passenger movement in their history, the returns show that there were only two passengers killed in train accidents. Only in one previous quarter oft record, when traffic was very much lighter, was this record equalled. This was from April to June, 1916, while all other summer quarters show a con siderably greater number of fatalities. GERMANS L08E ROEUX BERLIN, (via London), May 17. The ground which was captured by the Germans in the village of Roeux yesterday morning was later lost following a strong British counter-attack says the German statement.

Ackerman Answers

BY CARL W. ACKERMAN (Copyright, 1917, The Tribune Assoc iation. Registered according to the Copyright Act, Canada, 1917, by The Tribune Association.) Of the hundreds of questions .which people have asked about Germany since this series of articles has been appearing In The Tribune, one of the most interesting and difficult is: "How long with the war last?" It is impossible to say with any de gree of certainty whether tne war will last more than this year or not. There are and there will be great mili tary operations In Europe this summer and fall, and until some of these are completed no one will know what the results will be. But to observers In Germany, one thing is certain: Ger many can conduct an agresslve war

ed: Chairman, Charles D. Johnson, Liberty; secretary, John W. Tevis, Madison; member of nominating committee for state convention, Claude Kitterman, Cambridge City. The following men were elected as members of the executive committee: Charles L. Johnson, Batesville; S. W. Gaar, Richmond; John C. Shirk, Brookville; J. J. Reibolt, Laurel; A. E. Nowlin, Lawrenceburg. A luncheon at the Westcott this noon ended the meeting. The women visitors were entertained this morning and at lunch at the Country Club.

THEATRE PARTY FOR TRAVELERS OPENS PROGRAM Delegates to the state United Commercial Travelers convention were welcomed to Richmond today under the genial rays of the first "summer" day of the year. If the weather today Is a foretaste of that to be served during the convention the delegates and visitors will have a "hot time" In reality. Delegates and visitors commenced to arrive early this afternoon and every train and most lnterurban cars that arrived brought a fresh consignment. Early Arrivals See Town. Most of them found quarters In their hotels and went out to "see' the town" and to renew acquaintance with other early arrivals. By tonight It Is expected that nearly all of the 280 accredited delegates will be here. A theatre party Is to be given by the local entertainment committee tonight and the delegates and guests will gather at the Westcott before going to the theatre. Tomorrow morning the convention will begin with registration of delegates and by tomorrow afternoon when the first business session is held it will be well under way. The women visitors, and it is expected there will be at least 150 of 'em, will be entertained tomorrow morning with a card party at the Westcott and tomorrow afternoon with a reception and musicals at the Elks' elub. Lieutenant is Dead; 16 Soldiers Poisoned PITTSBURGH, May 17. Four more soldiers of the third Pennsylvania Infantry, on police duty tn the Pittsburgh district, were removed from their camp at Port Perry. Pa to hospitals here this forenoon suffering from the effects of poison, while the military authorities and physicians In vestigated the death of Lieut. William F. Corcoran, of Philadelphia, and the illness of twelve other guardsmen last night. The soldiers were on duty at Port Perry. Pa and yesterday were served with a meal from the restaurant conducted by Carl Miller near their camp. G. A. R. Ladies Give Warner School Flag Ladles of the G. A. R. auxiliary will present a flag to Warner school at 1:80 o'clock Friday afternoon. Children of the school are' preparing appropriate exercises. Following the flag presentation, the annual manual training and domestic science exhibit will be held. Work done by the children In cooking, sewing, drawing, painting and wood work will be shown. Friends and patrons of the school are cordially Invited to attend. Fight to Raise Tax on $40,000 Incomes WASHINGTON. May 17. The fight to raise surtaxes on Incomes of more than $40,000, 25 per cent, by amendments to the war revenue MIL was still on In the house today. Members of the ways and means committee worked hard to prevent further changes in the bill, but insurgents pressed for Increases, encouraged by their success In committee of ' the whole yesterday In boosting from 8 to 10 per cent, the proposed surtax rate on Incomes between $40,000 and $60,000. fare this year. She can continue an offensive war in 1918, and perhaps even in 1919, unless the United States and the Allies are overwhelmingly successful in their military operations. In this, the last of this series of articles on Germany, I want to answer briefly some of the questions I have been asked by people from Holyoke. Mass.. to Richmond, Indiana and Chicago. "Will Germany be forced to stop fighting because of a lack of money?" asked a business man In Richmond. Answer "It is very doubtful whether Germany will permit her finances to decide the war. When the ruthless submarine war was decided upon financiers were not even questioned about the effects it would have upon I, German's financial standing. German

DEAD PILED HIGH IH VAIN ENDEAVOR TO STOP ALLIES

Hindenburg Uses Every Ounce of Manpower in Attempt to Regain Two Lost Villages. ITALY DELIVERS BLOW (By Associated Press) The Germans have piled high their dead before the British lines, but have failed to stop the British advance. The most furious and sustained counter attacks have withered before the blast of the British artillery and the sapping of the Hindenburg line goes on. slowly but without bait The tremendous efforts made by Field Marshal von Hindenburg to stem the tide of victory which was steadily setting against him have given the battle of Arras an appearance of ebb and flow but the net result fs that the most violent efforts of the Germans to regain the Initiative have failed. Von Hindenburg apparently used every ounce at his command to wrest from the British the villages of Roeux and Bullecourt and the outcome Is- summed up In the almost complete repetition by the British war office of the statement: "Our troops made progress In the Hindenburg line." Austria Becomes Wabbly. Possibly more ominous for Berlin. In view of the wabbly condition of her Austrian ally is the news of the great blow struck by Italy In the direction of Trtest. The Italians have opened their spring offensive to brilliant fashion attacking on a wide front and apparently with greater forces than at any other previous operation. The Isonso, a turbulent mountain valley bordered by mountains and cliffs Is fat their hands for a distance of 15 to miles north of GortzJa. ' General Cadorna appears to plan a great flanking movement against the Corso plateau, natures great rampart defending the Trieste region. The action Is in too early a stage to permit sound judgment on its outcome. ' FOREST ORES RAGE IN THREE STATES DULTJTH. Minn.. May 17. From many points In Wisconsin. Michigan and Minnesota reports continued to come today that forest fires are doln? heavy damage. Only rain can save the situation now, it Is declared. Wind on the iron ranges of Minnesota has again started fires believed dead yesterday. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of men m the three states are fighting the flames. CALLS FOR CHARITY DECREASE STEADILY The city's prosperity ta reflected In a resume of charity work reported at the social serrlos bureau. The report shows that seventy-six eases are now benefiting through the service's work. In May. 191. there were 117 eases. In May. 1918. there were 1X1 cases. The decrease tn number of needy is almost fifty per cent. It Is interesting to. note, however. that the Increased cost of commodities necessitates the expenditure of practically as much money now as it did. two years ago when there were Just twice as many eases to care for. It is pointed out that needy cases are now receiving more attention now than heretofore. BAKERS AGAINST WHOLE WHEAT LOAF CHICAGO, May 17. Strong opposition to use of the whole wheat loaf as a war economy was expressed by S. S. MacDonald, president of the national association of Master halters, in an address, opening a special congress of members here today. LETTER CARRIERS WEAR STRAW LIDS Add signs of spring. Richmond city letter carriers today appeared in their summer head gear, shiny new straw hats. This is the f rst organized attempt to "rush the season." Questions financial methods are about as follows: The government floats a war loan. The banks, people and manufacturers subscribe. The government spends this money in Germany for war supplies, war materials and for salaries. The workers are receiving high wages; they save considerable money deposit it in tire banks. Profits of the manufacturers go to the banks, too. Then when the government wants more money it announces another war loan, and the money which the government previously spent ts returned by the people In subscriptions. No one la permitted to take 1.000 marks or more out of Germany without written permission, so that every possible cent is kept in the country. This method of war finance is successful In Germany Continued On Page Ten. ' (