Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 43, Number 344, 20 December 1918 — Page 1

RICHMOND P AIXI i VOL. XLIIL.'fcrO. 344 ZStJTUn' RICHMOND, IND., FRIDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 20, 1918 SINGLE COPY 3 CENTS

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REPORT ON HOG ISLAND YARDS CHARGES GROSS EXTRAVAGANCE Condition Before February Was "Organized Riot" Says Department of Justice Money Not Considered.

NO CRIMINAL CHARGE (By Associated Press WASHINGTON. Dec. 20. The loug awaited report of the department of Justice on the government's great Hog Island shipbuilding project made pub-

lie at the white house today on wire 4 less instructions from President Wil

, fon Bays, searching Investigation has disclosed no criminal liability, but recommends that a board of arbitration determines what part if any of the more than $60,000,000 the plant cost was in excess of reasonable necessity and should be demanded of the contractors by the government. In brief the investigators report: That' the facts do not Justify criminal process and that no fraud or secret' profits has been established: That the probable cost of the plant will be about $61,000,000 (including $8,000,000 for additions by order of the emergency flpet corporation), compared an original estimate of $21,000,000 and a revised estimate ot $27,000,000. In State of Chaos. That no clear explanation of this discrepancy has been forthcoming; that prior to February 1 last, a condition existed at Hog Island which "superficially at least would impress anyone "as an organized riot, tangled mass or state of chaos. That the contractor or agent, th American international corporation in substance has taken the position that since this was a war job cost was of minor importance; and That the question of reasonableness of the expenditures should be referred to a board of arbitration provided for in the contract, proceedings to be closed if the board finds the expenditures reasonably necessary, or otherwise payment of the excess to be demanded by the government. Is Behind Schedule. Th report which la dated September 12, 19J8, also stated that the plant --would be cotapleted in September; that the contract substantially was being compiled with and that the controversy hinged "not so much upon the qucptlon of accomplishment, but upon nmrn. methods and expenditures." IJut attached Is a letter from the investigators, dated September 21. which ithc attorney-general transmitted to the president, referring to press reports that the program is falling behind schedule and calling attention to the fact that the report was based upon conditions as they appeared early In July. 4 General -Manager Piez, of the Emergency Fleet Corporation, appearing yesterday before tho senate commerce committee, testified that the Hog Island Yard would be completed in iibout sixty days; that the cost would be about $63,300,000. and that the plant had delivered one ship and laid fifty keels. The department of justice InvestlgaHon was made by two assistants to the . attorney general G. Carroll Todd and Mark Hjman beginning last Febru- , ary, when Piesident Wilson asked the , attorney general to get into consultation with Chairman Hurley of the sbipi ping board, "about the whole matter with a view to instituting criminal jirocess in case the facts justify it." Charges of graft and gross waste had been made in an inquiry conducted by the f.enate commerce committee and Mr. Hurley had written to the President and to Mr. Gregory saying there was "serious disorganization and negligence at Hog Island'' and that he desired the aid of the Attorney General in investigating conditions. Set Out Contract. The two assistants with the aid of two naval technical advisers, Civil (Continued on Pags Fourteen) to AH You Need Is a Heart and A Dollar

Join the Red Cross

Wayne County is Still

jThe War Savings Stamp committee has issued the following notice to the people of Wayne county: 'While Wayne county was oversubI'ciibed $90,000. June 28, 191S, on War Savings Stamps, she is $100,000 delinquent today. r . There remains less than two weeks tnd the integrity of a patriotic citi-J-m nhin nf thf ronntv should ' Imme diately protect the honor achieved through the large oversubscription in June by investing in these high-grade t'ecuritles freely the coming two weelts. ' I Mildreds of citizens are holding certificates partly filled out. Patriotic Iatv and self favor should prompt the holders of such certlncates to com

U. S. Employment Service Found Jobs for 84,284 (By Associated Press) WASHINGTON. Dec. 20. In Its first report on the part it is playing in restoring war workers and discharged soldiers to peace time industry, the United States employment service announced today that during the week ending December 17, Jobs were found for 84,284 applicants who registered. Women registrants numbered

73,350 and of these 13,054 were placed. GERMAN APPEALS FOR U. S. AID IN PRESENT CRISIS AH Are Willing to Share Blame for War, Says Repatriate. (By Associated Tress) MUNICH, Dec. 20. General Count Max Montgelas, who was recalled from Switzerland to enter the Bavarian cabinet on November 21 and who has been referred to by French newspapers as the "second Lichnowsky," because of his revelations of conditions prevailing in Germany early in the war, . has published an open letter to President Wilson. It follows: "In these decisive weeks the eyes of the world are upon you. Above all, the eyes of the German people in the present difficult crisis, are watching you. We do not beg, we do not want forgiveness, but want justice. We do not say pharisaically that one of us is guiltier than the other. We do not separate ourselves in these days of suffering from any of our countrymen. high or low. We want to bear in . ing in this world catastrophe. "Each of us who knows your country knows well that proud conscious American nation beneath the 'Star Spangled Banner, and honors It. We disdain to blame others, but we expect. Mr. President, that you will despite all opposition, achieve success with the principles you laid down". We are building upon the words you spoke at Washington's grave, when you said that every arbitrary power, regardless of what side it appears upon, must be destroyed or condemned to impotency. We are building upon the word of impartial Justice, which knows no difference as to those to be judged. We are confident that you want to create a league of equality between nations, In which each people may freely breathe and work and prosper spiritually. You know better than J, what the German spirit has given your great people. You know the world can do without this spirit less than ever after it has been freed from the bonds of militarism. If our expectations are deceived, we shall not cease fighting on for the attainments of better days. Your message is hopeful, but we must be afraid that not all the allies will listen to your words. You have power and you have a duty to perform." French Commissioner Is Shot in Uhrania GENEVA, Dec. 20. Lieut. Col. Henry Villaine, chief of the French commission sent to collect evidence concerning the conflict between Ukraine and Poland, has been shot and killed by Ukranian soldiers, according to a telegram from Lemberg just received by the Polish bureau at Lausanne. The French commission arrived at Lemberg during the recent fighting there between Polish and Ukranian, troops. It was. however, able to complete its inquiry arid was about to return to France when its chief was killed. Details as to the fatality are lacking. TheWeather For Indiana by United States Weather Bureau Rain tonight and Saturday. Warmer tonight In northeast portion. Today's Temperature. Noon 49 Yesterday Maximum 53 Minimum 28 For Wayne county by W. E. Moore Partly-cloudy tonight and Saturday. Occasional rain and moderate temperature. General Conditions The Texas storm is now causing unsettled and showery weather as far north as the lakes and east of Pennsylvania. Temperatures are about normal for the season over the west and considerably above normal in this section. No very cold weather in any part of the United States. plete the filling them out to a maturity value of $100. They will all look good January 1, 1923, when redeemed at $100 and costing ony only $S5.60. Thousands of citizens in Wayne county are not possessors of a single War Savings Stamp, wherein the government has made a continuous appeal for $20 invested for every man, woman and child. Is it not time that all citizens who have not responded to this appeal do so. The time is short and the honor of Wayne county is at stake. Thousands of citizens solicited by committees deferred agreeing to buy during the year. May we not now appeal to all those so deferring to promptly protect their accepted promises earlier In the year. Only a few days remain to make good. Do it

HOW THEY TURNED

2,000,000 GERMANS KILLED IN THE WAR (By Associated Press) NEW YORK, Dec. 20. When the total German casualties are published, the number will be about two iailiion, according to the Cologne Gazette of November 25, a copy of which has been received here. Up to Oct, 25 the total casualties reported were 6,066,769 of whom more than 4,750,000 were Prussians. The total includes the naval - casualties which were - 70,000 comprise of more than 25,000 dead, more than 15,000 missing, and nearly 25,000 wounded. The Cologne paper uses the word appalling in describing the casualties among the officers. The total on October 24 included 44,700 officers killed, 82,460 officers wounded, and 13,600 missing," a total of 140,760. The loss in officers alone the paper points out exceeds the total casualties of Germany in the Franco Prussian war of 1870, when the total losses were 129,698. TRANSPORT LANDS 3,720 FIGHTERS (Bv Associated Press) NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Dec. 20. The transports Martha Washington and Mercury came into port today, bringing home 3,720 officers and men, including 600 wounded. Would Compel Redaction in Government Expenses (By Associated Press) WASHINGTON, Dec. 20. Measures to compel government department heads to reduce expenditures were discussed today by the senate democratic steering committee. No action was taken, but it was said there was general disposition to undertake some move toward bringing about greater economy in the readjustment to a peace basis. Urges Auto Owners to Get Licenses at Once Owners of automobiles must have their licenses by the first of the year, said Chief of Police Gormon today. Mr. Gormon said that there is no need for owners to wait until spring to get their licenses. They must have them and have them as near the first of the year as possible. Mr. Gorman also calls attention of automobile drivers to the rules of lighting. There have been many people injured recently because of the failure of drivers to observe these rules. $100,000 promptly. Can any non-investor in Uncle Sam's best in the world war securities look our returning World War heroes square in the face without personally surrendering his right to citizenship. If your heart has not yet pulsated with patriotic fervor, get in the game now. Invest $846 and get $1,000 in War Savings Stamps. If you cannot reach that maximum amount try $500, $400, $300, $200, or even $100, the full amount of a completed certificate. : , The December complete certificates of twenty War Savings Stamps maturing $100 January 1. 1923, cost $84 each. Two Certificates maturing $200, cost $169. Three maturing $300. cost $253. Four maturing $400. cost $338.40. Five maturing $500, cost $423. Six V ...

THE PRUSSIAN TIDE AT

BERNSTORFF IS MEMBER OF NEW PEOPLFSLEAGUE Soldiers and Workmen's Council Has Called Elections for; January 1 9. - (By Associate! Press) LONDON, Dec. 20. A "People's league" has been organized in Berlin, says a central news dispatch from Copenhagen today. The league's committee included Prince Maxmilllan of Baden, former German imperial chancellor; Hugo Haase, independent socialist; Count von Bernstorff, former ambassador to the United States, and Matthias Erzberger, the Centrist leader; Dr. Solf, former German foreign minister; Prince von Hobenlohe-Schil-lingsfuerst, the Austrian ambassador, and Cardinal von Hartmann, archbishop of Cologne. Dr. Gustav Stresemann, leader of the National Liberal party in Germany, has announced that the German people's party in which he has been active since the revolution, is absolutely opposed to a Social democracy and will 'fight the Socialist rulers, accord-1 ing to Berlin newspapers received! here. The Center party has been summoned to a conference which will be held at Frankfort on Dec. 30. Reports from Copenhagen state the German cabinet headed by Friedrich Ebert has resigned, but there is no confirmation of them as yet. The congress of soldiers' and workmen's councils has decided that elections to the national assembly shall be held January 19. Those opposed to the summoning of a national assembly polled only forty votes out of a total of 240. Six Million Died in World from Influenza LONDON, Dec. 20. The Times medical correspondent said it seems reasonable to believe that throughout the world six million persons perished from influenza and pneumonia during the past three months. Diplomats Are Asked to Convey Thanks to Staffs WASHIXRTON. Dec. 20 Diplomatic officers of the United States were re quested in a letter sent today by Actintr Sficretarv of State Polk to con vey the thanks of the government to members of their staffs, who will be dismissed becaupe of the passing of the war emergency. Delinquent maturing $600, cost $507.60. Seven maturing $700, cost $592.20. Eight maturing $800. Cost $676.80. Nine .maturing $900, cost $761.40. Ten maturing $1,000, the limit for one person, cost $846. Look up your bank balance or funds you could invest and match one of this set of figures by buying War Savings Certificates. Patriotic citizens who assisted in putting Wayne county $90,000 over her quota of $945,000 in June by pledging amounts to be purchased on or before December 31, 1918, should immediately protect their obligations by making their purchases. Do it now. " The State and National government have a complete record of every pledge card signed in Wayne county and the War Savings Committee is being

CHATEAU-THIERRY

GERMAN LINE PUSHED PAST NEUTRAL ZONE (By Associated Press) PARIS, Dec. 20. Field Marshal von Hindenburg has telegraphed the Berlin government advising it of his intention to form a new front six miles behind the neutral zone fixed by the armistice, according to a dispatch to Le Journal from Zurich today. The government has asked the" field marshal for an explanation, add the dispatch, but has not yet received a reply. It also is announced that two regiments of the active army will be sent to Frankfort-on-the-Main at an early date. The correspondent affirms that Ma jor Gen. Scheuch, the Prussian war minister; Field Marshal von Hindenburg and General Lequid (probably Lieut. Gen. Lequis, former governor of Metz) who is in command of the active troops in Berlin, are behind a counter-revolutionary movement. He declares the existing government is manisfestly incapable of preventing the realization of their scheme. ADVOCATES PRIVATE SHIPPING CONTROL (By Associated Press) DETROIT. Dec. 20. Bainbridge Colby of the United States shipping board, in an address here last night advocated the placing of the millions of tons of shipping built by the government as a war emergency measure into the hands of private concerns for operation, either through lease or purchase. The government, he said, should absorb the initial cost of reestablishing America's merchant marine and this would be justified by the large benefits flowing to the nation's trade. "My personal view," Mr. Colby said, "is against public operation. Public administrative body could hardly undertake the business of shop management on the unprecedented scale necessary for our large and growing national enterprise. "By the end of the present year we will have a total of about -3,500,000 tons of shipping with more than 12,000,000 more tons either on the ways or under contract. "I do not urge that the United States enter into a scramble for marts; there is enough trade for every nation, but America should not be content to continue in the ignominious position she occupied before the war when her ships only carried eight and twothirds percent of the world's commerce."

in War Saving Stamp

pressed to obtain redemptions of these pledges NOW. As fast as these pledges are covered the pledge cards are mailed to this office. 'We regret to state that too many of these pledges made by responsible citizens have not yet' reached this office. We can only deliver to the state director, Joseph D. Oliver, such pledge cards as are fully redeemed by Dec. 31, 1918. The unmet obligations will he held over for a delinquency report carried over into 1919. We hope this notice will prompt all makers of these pledges to protect them at once. Owing to the many other demands made upon, our citizenship the War Sayings committee has desisted pressing payment of these obligations as

Letts Ask Protection From Bolsheviki WASHINGTON. Dec. 20. An appeal for protection from the Bolsheviki was received by the state department today from Lettish government through the American legation-at Stockholm. The Lett representative said the German troops were not remaining , to maintain order as the armistice terms permitted, but were leaving the country at the mercy of the Bolshevik!..

ENGLISH SHOW PLEASURE OVER WILSON'S VISIT Must Come in Personal Contact With Common People Urges Press. By Associated Press.) LONDON, Dec. 20. Newspapers here make extended comments on the impending visit of President Wilson to England. The Dally News expresses profound satisfaction over Mr. Wilson's plan and adds: "Every faction of the nation is eager for an opportunity to display its gratitude and admiration of the President's unfaltering idealism and steadfastness of purpose." The newspaper, approving of King George remaining in London to- honor President Wilson hopes, nevertheless, that the ceremonial aspect of the visit will be kept to the narrowest limits consistent with its importance, so that nothing may stand in Mr. Wilson's way, preventing his coming in personal contact with the people rather than the rulers. It continues: "While the visit will give the people nn opportunity to range themselves publicly on his side, it will also give the President an opportunity of which he will hardly fail to avail himself of shortening the preliminaries which are occupying time that might be profitably devoted to actual conference with the allies. These preliminaries have not been formally begun." Want Swift Decision. The paper contends that it is necessary to press forward to the negotiations and name conditions of peace for Germany and determine the future of Russia. "Only swift decisions by the allies," it says, "will enable Germany to resume something like her normal industrial life and secure the survival of a government capable of executing the conditions of peace. Delay means anarchy and anarchy in Germany is fraught with greater, perils for the wjorldthan anarchy In Russia.- The condition of Russia is a matter upon which Mr. Wilson's voice can carry greater weight than any other. He has no material considerations to Influence him and no question of the bondholder will affect bis judgment. He presumably has full knowledge of the facts which the people of this country have not, and a straightforward declaration from him that the allies are taking the only course open to them would dispel misgivings which Viscount Milner's statement yesterday left unallayed." Assured of Welcome. "President Wilson will'be assured of a great popular welcome to England," says the Chronicle. "It is perfectly certain, if the future peace is to be really founded on a permanent basis, there must be closest co-operation between the two great Englishspeaking powers. This will be needed to safeguard and develop the peace that Is arranged. "The Initial requisites exist good will and common purpose but every opportunity must be taken to strengthen them by mutual knowledge and mutual understanding If a full harvest Is to be reaped." Asserting jthat Mr. Wilson has done much to promote harmony between England and America, the newspaper says: "We do not wish to prejudice his position by calling him a great Englishman, but that is, in fact, how millions of Englishmen regard him. Pershing Decorated to Show Gratitude of American People (By Associated Press) WASHINGTON, Dec. 20. Awarding of a distinguished service medal to General Pershing was done, says a general army order published today, "as a token of the gratitude of tho American people to the commander of our armies in the field for his distinguished services and In appreciation of the success which our armies have achieved under his leadership." POLES LAND AT DANZIG. PARIS, Dec. 20. A Warsaw dispatch said landing of Polish troop at Dansig had begun; Poland's representative at Berlin has left Germany. long as, possible. They now Invite patriotic co-operation on the part of all citizens in relieving the present strained conditions, Everybody boost Wayne county obligations must not be permitted to go below par. The most practical Christmas gift for your children and your friends would be one or a number of War Sayings Stamps. They will. look mighty good to your children and friends Jan. 1, 1923 when they each call for a five dollar gold piece. We would like to see every business house in Wayne county offering and pushing the sale of War Savings Stamps in this home stretch up to Jan. 1, 1919. We do not believe their doing so would reduce their regular lines sold at a profit. The patriotism

ITALY'S KING TELLS WILSON OF CLAIMS TO BE ADVANCED

McCormick and Baruch Receive Summons to Join President in Paris To AdKse'on Ec Aid. onomic CORDIALITY IS SHOWN (By Associated Press) WASHINGTON. Dec. 20. The expected call for Vance McCormick, chairman of the war trade board, and Bernard M. Baruch. chairman of the war industries board, to Join President Wilson tn Paris and act as advisors to the American peace delegation, was received today and announced at the state department. Both were asked some time ago to bold themselves in readiness for the trip and they are expected to sail shortly. Mr. McCormick will give advice and information regarding blockade, agreements with neutrals, and war restrictions on trade, while Mr. Baruch as an expert on the raw material market and supply will advise particularly In connection with reconstruction work. EXPRESSES SYMPATHY PARIS, Dec. 20. President Wilson spent most of today conferring with Italian statesmen and considering the claims that Italy will lay before the peace conference. Early In the day Mr. Wilson conferred for some time with Premier Orlando and Foreign Minister Sonnino of Italy, who' explained in detail their country's ambitions. The president has expressed warmest sympathy with Italy's aspirations but has not committed himself fully as to his views. After the conference Mr. Wilson spent some time in going over material presented and comparing it with data collected by Colonel E. M. House, who spent some time in attempting to determine what, in his opinion, should be Italy's legitimate claims. Mr. Wilson frankly told Premier Orlando and Baron Sonnino that he did not know what Italy should receive, but added that . he intended to support action that would be Just. Diplomatic Reception. The program -for the day also Included, a. reception, at the Murat resi-. dence of 'the ambassadors and ministers accredited to France. The ceremony one of the most colorful and dignified to take place during Mr. Wilson's visit to Paris was scheduled to begin at 5 p. m. The majority of the members of the large diplomatic corps here had never met the president and all were eager to greet him personally. While the diplomatic corps was being received, a committee from the French senate waited to formally welcome the president to France and give expression to the cordial sentiments and bonds of friendship between the two republics. Because of this 'engagement a previously arranged luncheon with Stephen Pichon, foreign minister, was cancelled. Holiday in Paris. Paris took another holiday today because of the arrival of King Victor Emanuel and his son, the Prince of Piedmont. The reception given the Italian sovereign was not as large as that which marked the a rival of Mr. Wilson, but it was fully as enthusiastic. The cordiality shown at the meeting between Mr. Wilson and King Victor Emmanuel yesterday was a subject of much comment by those who were present. The President had been somewhat concerned as to the event, not knowing that the Italian king speaks English. After the exchange of greetings, the two statesmen came to a mutual understanding and during their conversation they could be Been to be smiling and gesticulating in the most friendly manner. Week Draws to Close. - It Is probable that members of the American peace delegation will hold informal conferences with Premier Orlando and Baron Sonnino for the purpose of gaining personal knowledge of their views, which have been explained in a preliminary way by Count Di Cellere, Italian ambassador at Washington. This will go far toward laying the ground work for consideration and determination of Italy's claims In actual conferences later. Mr. Wilson's first week in France is drawing to a close with his advisors feeling that much has been accomplished in a preliminary way toward establishing personal relations with statesmen with whom the American delegation will have to deal. Organization la now appearing out of the confusion which prevailed during the first few days after the President's (Continued on Page Fourteen) Campaign that would prompt a merchant to push the sale of government securities at no profit to himself should inspire likewise the purchaser to greatly increase his amount of purchase. The millions of gallant heroes who risked their lives, many of which were sacrificed, to save your hide and mine, did not do so with any chance or hope of profit. May we not and should we not then honor their priceless valor and service by protecting the dignity of our splendid country and all its obligations. We especially appeal for the War Savings Stamp protection today and up to January 1, 1919, as there seems to be an apathy and a possible chance for defeat in meeting the government (Continued on Page Fourteen)

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