Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, February 23, 1915, Page 1

i | TH vomm: 13, NO. 47, . .‘ FLANDERS LIKE WORLD WHENALL HAVE PERISHED Flooded Farms, Mud, Ruin, Desola- tion and Death Present Horrible Picture of Conditions There. BELGIANS TO BE FREE, OR DIE Is Gloomiest Spot on Earth—Simms Tells of Germans Brave Advance to Death in Yser Flood. Following is the first of a series of articles by William Philip Simms, who has made a trip along the Belgian lines by special invitation of the Belgian war office. Mr. Simms has just returned to Paris from his tour. This is the second time he has received a special invitation from one of the belligerents. He was the first American chosen by the French government to make a tour of the battlelines under official escort, being the only American newspaperman who made the trip to the front with the party of foreign diplomatic attaches in November. Simms made his trip to the Belgian front accompanied by a staff officer and was afforded ex- ceptional opportunities to see exactly how the Belgians waged war. By WILLIAM PHILIP SIMMS. ‘With the Belgian Army Headquar- ters at , Feb. 7. (By Mail to New York.)—Did you ever in the most hideous nightmare of your life dream of what hell is like, with the River Styx running with dead bodies floating in the stream and miles and miles of ooze and mud and stench and ruin and desolation all along its shores? If you have, you can pic- ture what things are like here along the Yser, where the Belgian army is fighting the oddest, gruesome and most frightfuk battle the world ever has seen. Troops Suffer War at Its Worst. Elsewhere along the great lines of trenches, there is slush.and mud, for. this” winter” has broken records for rainfall. And everywhere the troops are suffering war at its worst. But the worst conditions at other points would be the best in Flanders, where the whole country is one vast marsh, full of wreck and ruin, dead men and dead animals, where a few months ago were beautiful farms not to be bought for $200 an acre. To Free Belgium or Die. Grimly determined to drive the Ger- mans out of theéir country, a new Belgian army has sprung up. It gets its inspiration from King Albert, who refuses now, as he has refused all along, to acknowledge defeat. To free Belgium or to die under its floods is king’s slogan, so his men say, and with him stands every able-bodied ! Belgian, facing this scene of surpass- ing desolation with a fervor almost uncanny. The king has become al- most a god to the Belgians, patriot- ism a religion, the army a church, death a glory to aspire to. The Bel- gian story of the battle of the Yser, still in progress, is set forth for the first time. It was told me by one of the king’s principal aides. Ordered to Hold Yser Three Days. Following Antwerp, the Belgian army of 60,000 men of all arms re- tired down the coast of the North sea closely pursued by the Germans. The Belgians were given no rest. They had no reserves and with a light artillery could do little against the heavy German fieldpieces. Also the Germans had pitted against the Bel- gians at this time, by their own offi- cial reports, 150,000 men. When the Yser was reached the Belgians were ordered to hold their positions for three days at any cost until the allies could send reinforce- ments. This was on Oct. 17. In- stead of three da.ys, they held out for six. Liege All Over Again. It was Liege all over again with the Belgians bearing the brunt. On the 22nd the Germans broke through by sheer weight of numbers. On the 23rd the French came up at Lom- bertzyde, but the Belgians, worn out though they were, instead of resting, fell back on their own center and aided in checking the Germans. It was now decided to flood the country. The Yser is a small Missis- sippi in which the bed is higher than the surrounding country. The sea, too, is higher. Germans Advance to Death. So the gates in the dykes were raised and the water was let in, flood- ing and ruining thousands of fer- tile farms for years to come. Slowly but surely the waters rose, trapping the Germans, who bravely fought for- ward instead of saving themselves as they so easily could have done by retreating. ' Belgian officers make no s MEMBERS OF BEMIDIT'S The above picture was taken by meeting of the association, at which approved. pretense of hiding their praise and admiration of the Germans for this feat. . . Thousands- Left Dead. For two weeks in the rising flood the Germans tried to advance to higher ground on the Allies’ side of the river leaving thousands of dead, much ammunition and stores of all sorts, cannon and transports, to be covered by the encroaching river and sea. A letter found on the body of a dead German officer describing the fighting as far worse than anything he had seen during the battle of the Marne. Situation Not Materially Changed. “It was simply hell,” he said. (Continued on last page.) IMPORTANT CASES ARF BEFORE SUPREME COURT ‘Washington, Feb. 23.—Following a three weeks’ mid-term recess, the su- preme court reconvened today. Many decisions were expected, the ¢ourt having devoted the recess period to| their preparation. Heading the list of cases specially advanced for argument today was that of Leo M. Frank of Atlanta. Al- though technically assigned for hear- ing today, Frank’s case will probably not be reached before . Thursday or Friday. : Among other cases to be argued this week was the suit of the Ramapo ‘Water company against New York City, growing out of acquisition of the water company’s property. It was also expected today that the court would advance for hearing, April 5, the appeal of the harvester trust from the decree of dissolution secured by the government, which proved that the trust controls 85 per cent of the United States manufac- ture of agriculture implements. EDUCATORS AT CINCINNATI Cincinnati, O., Feb. 23.—Between 2,500 and 3,000 school superintend- ents from all parts of the country arrived here today to attend the three-day meeting of the department of superintendents of the National Educational association. Many edu- cators of national reputation are on the program for addresses. An ex- tensive exhibit is being held in con- nection with the convention. The entertainment program includes vis- its to schools, universities, industries and places of historical interest. ON TRIAL FOR MURDER. San Francisco, Feb. 23.—Vernon Fowler, charged with the murder of ‘William Fassett on the night of Deg. 18, went on trial today before Su- perior Judge Griffin. Fowler is ac- cused of being one of three burglars who entered the home and shot Fas- sett down while they were robbing the place. ) Dies From Injuries. Jack Roberts, who was brought to Bemidji yesterday from the John Mo- berg logging camp, located one mile north of Nushka, east of Bena, suf- fering from a fractured skull, died at a local hospital this morning. Rob- erts was working on the jammer when the cable broke, the large boom falling on his head. KKK KKK KKK R KK KKK KKK KRR KKK KKK KK KK MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION * KKK KKK KKK KKK KK KK AN KKK KKK KKK KK KKK KK Photographer Hakkerup at the last .the Cochran summer hotel plan was AGAIN DEFEAT BRAINERD Bemidji High School Basketball Team Scores 32 to 20 Victory—Means Another Step Toward State Title. TANNER’S SHOOTING A FEATURE Winning its seventh straight game, the Bemidji high school basketball team succeeded in eliminating Brain- erd from the state championship race by a victory of 32 to 20 last evening in that city. Although handicapped by floor conditions, the local five had little trouble in downing Brainerd. Tanner and Johnson, at forwards, played sensational basketball. Tan- ner netted four difficult field baskets. and probably established a season record in foul shooting by counting ten times in twelve chances. Captain Johnson succeeded in netting three field ' baskets and continually drew applause by his clever floor work. Graham and Bailey, at guards, held their men scoreless and broke up the Brainerd teamwork. Bailey netted three double counters, while Graham succeeded in dropping one ringer from the center of the hall. Cameron, at center, did not play in his usual form. The treatment received at Brainerd was excellent, and the officiating of Referee Magnus of Aitkin, was very satisfactory. LIQUOR CASES MAY - DELAY DARNELL CASE (United Press) Milwaukee, Feb. 23.—It be- lieved that the Rev. Darnell white slavery case will not be reached be- fore Thursday, the delay being caused because of the trial of several liquor cases which are now in progress. Ruth Soper Darnell, accompanied by her mother and Attorney Leach, left Owa- tonna this morning for Milwaukee. The presence of the attorney adds considerable interest to the case. INSULT AMERICAN WOMEN (United Press) London, Feb. 23.—Dispatches from Geneva travelers arriving at Basel, Switzerland, report that six Americ- ans, including two women, were in- sulted and mistreated by Germans on account their speaking only English. Soldiers tore off one woman’s waist, but the Americans were finally res- cued by a German officer. The dis- patch says that many Americans are leaving Germany. is Lester and Angus Vandersluis, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Vandersluis, went to Minneapolis last evening, where they will spend’ three weeks, the guests of relatives. Mr. Vanders- luis accompanied them to the ecities. Miss Capitola Stewart has resigned her position as bookkeeper and clerk with the Segal Emporium company, and has accepted a position at the Bazaar store, having commenced her duties there this morning. SCOO WELL-TM DISGUISED AS A MAID QUT AFTER A J0B-TD GET S0ME, LOCAL COLOR FOR MY SERIES THE CUB REPORTER Y/ T 58N YOR AD FOR A NICE STRONG HANDY GRLTO DO HOUSE- OPTION M TOMORI!0W Is Hade speou.l Oxdu-chulel Sta- is Candidate for State Im- qnigmfion Commissioner. ST. LOUIS HEARING - TONIGHT (United Press) St. Paul, Féb. 23.—County option has been made a special order for tomorrow - night at 7 o’clock in the house. Much interest was taken in the announcement. All spectators must secure places in the galleries for an order was made today that no one, other than legislators, will be allowed on the floor. There was no session of the senate this morning because several mem- bers who returned home for Sunday, had not returned, storms having in- terfered. A public hearing will be held this evening on the question of the divid- ing on St. Louis county. It became known here today that Charles Stuart, political writer on the Minneapolis Tribune, is a candidate for immigration commissioner, ! the position now held by Fred Sherman. BEMIDJI DEFEATS WALKER. Visitors Prove No Match for Fast Palace Aggregation. Showing good team-work and ex- cellent basket shooting, the Palace Meat market five last evening de- feated the Walker city team by a score of 72 to 8. The Bemidji boys completely outclassed their oppon- ents, who appeared lost on the large Armory playing floor. Elletson and Riley, at forwards, starred, as did Newton at center. Ripple, Crosby and Walker guarded. well. ANOTHER NEUTRAL SHIP VICTIM OF BLOCKADE (United Pross) London, Feb. 23.—Another neutral vessel has fallen a victim to German submarines. The Norwegian steamer Regin was torpedoed in the English Channel, off Dover, this morning. The Regin sank in fifteen minutes. Sev- eral channel ships clgsed in and:pick- ed up twenty-two OF Her crew and taken to Dover. The Regin was car- rying coal from Tye to Bordeaux, and the explosion wrecked her while she was picking her way through the channel. This is the second neutral vessel sunk, the other also being a Norwegian, and there is no doubt here but that both were sunk by Ger- man submarines. ROTARIANS AT PHILADELPHIA “Philadelphia, Feb. 23.—The tenth anniversary of the International Ro- tary club was celebrated here today when the conclave of the eastern di- vision, comprising seventeen ' clubs, met. Following adjournment of the afternoon session, the visiting clubs will see the city on a sightseeing tour. Governor Braumbaugh will be the guest of honor and is expected to de- liver an address at the banquet in the Manufacturers’ club in the evening. An elaborate program has been pro- vided for the wives of the delegates. BUTTERMAKERS COMPETE. Mason City, Ia., Feb. 23.—A big scrap between buttermakers of Iowa and Minnesota for the highest prize in buttermaking, is promised here to- day for the National Buttermakers’ association convention, here March 9 to 11. Last year the best of the deal seemed to lay with Iowa. LaBaw is Chairman. ' Lee A. LaBaw has been selected as chairman of the auditing committee of the Minnesota Court Reporters’ association. Willis L. Wyman, who i reporting the term now:in session here, is secretary-treasurer of the as- sociation, and J. J. Cameron, formerly of this city, but now -reporting in Duluth, is vice-president. Charles Cominsky returned to Be- midji this morning from St.” Paul where he has spent several days on business. Scoop Is Now On Tlle Servant Problem Job SlNKIN(i 0F EVELYN | BRINGS NO PROTEST President Wilson Sees No Danger in Situation—Might Blame British, Germans or Dutch. - NO WAY TO FIX RESPONSIBILTY Boat Had No Right to Move Through Mined Field Without Proper Pilot + . —Holland Coast Protected. ‘Washington, Feb. 23.—Pres- ident Wilson is not alarmed be- cause of the Steamer Evelyn situation. No diplomatic pro- tests will be made. By J. W. T. MASON. New York, Feb. 23.—The destruc- tion of the American steamer, Evelyn, off the German coast of Borkum, may have been due to a: British, German or Dutch mine. Unless one of these governments informs . the United States voluntarily that it placed the mine where the Evelyn was blown up, there is no way of fixing the re- sponsibility. s In any case, responsibility for mine disasters is not closely defined in in- ternational law. A critical situation would not ordinarily arise between a belligerent and a neutral nation over such an incident as the sinking the of Evelyn. Special circumstan- ces would have to be proven before relations would be strained. Thus, if the mines were not fixed with con- tact machinery, or so that it could cnly be exploded by an electric cur- rent, worked from the shore, the af- fair would be similar in its conse- quences to the destruction of a neut- ral ship by a submarine. In German Water. It is not reasonable to believe that but a contact mine caused the catas- trophe. The waters where the Eve- lyn went down are German and if the mine was stationary, it was probably placed there by the Germans. But it is difficult to understand in this case why a pilot from Borkum was not.taken on board the Evelyn. Tte Germans have declared the coastal waters of Holland outside the new war.zone, It appears that the.Eve- Iyn had made her way safely through the Dutch waters and was just en- tering the defensive war zone, along the German coast, when the accident happened. Why the Germans did not take better precautions to guard a cargo destined for their mills, if indeed the mine was a German one, is a mystery. The most reasonable supposition on the theory is that the Evelyn tried to move through a Ger- man mine field without a local pilot. May Have Been British. It is possible, however, that the mine was laid by the British navy. The English government has reserved to itself the retaliatory measures be- cause of a German mine, laying along the coast of the British Isles and there have been recent. suggestions that mines were being strewn in Ger- man waters. ' If the mine was neither English nor German, but was Dutch, it must have broken from its original moorings and drifted north along the Borkum coast. The Dutch govern- ment has mined various coastal areas as a matter of self-protection and it would' be quite possible for one of those mines to free itself from its moorings and drift into German wa- ters. Or the mine might have broken away from the German or English moorings. If under these confusing conditions the American ambassadors at London and Berlin are able to fix the responsibility they must secure confidential information from the British and German authorities. HAS HOPE FOR PASSAGE (United Press) Washington, Feb. 23.—President ‘Wilson ‘this morning in a conversa- tion with newspaper men said that he sees-a possibility for the passage of the ships - purchase bill, which has been left without amendment by con- ference. The president says - that fore it is placed. before the senate. R TH LOUE OF MIKE DONT HIFE THAT- TS FAE B WOULD SRP A CLO Our Slogan: “Bemidji 25,000 Population in 1925” UNABLE TO SECURE BOND E. M. Tschoepe, Accused of Embezzle- ment, Will Be Taken to Fergus Falls Jail to Await Trial. MAY MEAN PRISON TERM Having failed to secure bonds of $2,000," Erwin M. Tschoepe will be taken to Fergus Falls morning by Frank Tufts, deputy United States marshal. Tschoepe was brought to Bemidji Friday night from Nebish, where he has been en- gaged in the merchandise business, a charge of embezzlement having been brought against him by the goy- ernment, it being claimed that he was responsible for a shortage of $388.94 at the Nebish postoffice, of which his wife is the postmistress. Upon his arrival here he was ar- tomorrow raigned before Judge H. A. Simons | and asked that he be given a hear- ing. The judge placed the bonds at $2,000, giving the defendant unul‘ yesterday in which to secure signers. This Tschoepe was unable to do and consequently he must await action of the federal court at Fergus Falls, being held in’ jail there until that time. Should Tschoepe be found guil- ty it will mean a term in a Fedeml prison. Al Smith, who was arrested sev- eral weeks ago on a charge of having introduced intoxicating liquor into Indian territory, was taken to Du- luth yesterday where he will be held until the term of Federal court which convenes in July. GERMANS, INCREASE “YPRES ACTIVITIES! (United Press) London, Feb. 23.—Germans are in- creasing their activities around Ypres. It has been admitted that the Germans destroyed British advance line trenches Sunday. This German gain was offset by a British victory at Labassee. In the vicinity of the Lys river rifle fire is daily increasing in volume. ELECTED VICE-PRESIDENT. Charles Haycraft is Honored at Older Boys’ Sunday School Conference. Although Harold Hayner is suec- ceeded by a Brainerd boy as pres- ident of the Northern Minnesota Older Boys’ ence, Bemidji is not to be without representation among the officers, for | Charles Haycraft was named vice- president at the annual meeting which has just closed at Brainerd. The officers elected follow: Pres- ident, Ingolf Dillan of Brainerd; vice- president, Charles Haycraft of Be- midji; secretary, Harley Jones of Detroit. The convention meets next year in Detroit. This city had a dele- gation of-1 adult and 17 boys at the convention and the invitation was almost unanimously accepted. One hundred and fifty boy delegates, aged 15 to 19, were present at the banquet Saturday evening at the Gardner au- ditorium, where the principal address ‘was made by Sherman Coy on “Play- ing the Game.” The resolutions adopted thank the people of Brainerd for their hospitality and courtesy; discuss Sunday school work in rela- tion to dividing up towns' in dis- tricts; take a stand for temperance 'and advise all boys to sign the pledge; discourage the use of tobacco and cigarettes, and advocate the con- some minor changes are necessary be- duct which would gain the approval |from Berlin. of their mothers. By "HOP” SEZ-WHATS YOUR NAME ‘- T SEZTILDA “WELL TILDA- SHE, Sunday school confer-' POGUECASEINCOURT FOR FOURTEH TINE Action of Former Bemidji - Mayor Against Great Northern Will Be Tried in District Court Tomorrow sk CITY MUST PAY $500 DAMAGES Jury Finds Michelson May Collect for Injury Done Property by Con- struction of Pavement. For the fourth time the case of J. P. Pogue, the Bemidji liveryman and for several terms mayor of this city, against the Great Northera railroad company, will be taken up in district court tomorrow. On October 28, 1909, Pogue's au- tomobile was struck by a Great Northern freight train at a Wilton crossing, and it was as a result of this accident that the suit for dam- ages was brought. The first case Wwent to trial before Judge W. 8. Me- Clenahan, of Brainerd, and was' dis- missed by the plaintiff. A short time later it was again called for trial and this time it was dismissed by Judge McClenahan on motion of the de- fendant at the conclusion of the plaintiff’s case. Was Given Verdiot. The third time the case was tried jbefore Judge B. F. Wright, a verdict of $3,500 being awarded the plain- tiff. The Great Northern, through its attorneys, A. L. Janes, former as- "sistant attorney general, and Thayer C. Bailey, asked for a new trial, which the state supreme court Igranted. Judge Stanton to Preside. When the case is called tomorrow Judge C. W. Stanton will be found on the bench, Judge Wright, who is presiding at the term, not. desiring to again hear the case. The plaintiff; will be represented by Attorneys John - Gibbons and Judge M. A. Spooper, and A. L. Janes and Thayer C. Bailey, will appear for the defendant. City Must Pay Damages, Late Monday afternoon the cage of Michael Michelson, who asks dam- ages from the City of Bemidji fop injury done to his Nymore property because of the establishment ng the pavement leading to that yillage, last summer, weént ‘to the: jury and-two hours later a verdist of $500 was re- turned. P. J. Russell, city attorney, stated this morning that an appeal for a new trial will be made. A stay of 40 days has been granted. Wright Case to Jury. This morning the case of Sorenson Brothers against Wes Wright, occu- pied the attention of the court. The action is brought to collect $75 for a carload of hay which Wright claims was not accepted by him because.of poor quality. Charles Scrutchin, for the plaintiff, and P. J. Russell, for the defendant, completed their arguments late this forencon and Judge Wright charged the jury just before the noon recess. Sue On a Note. The case of J. C. Johnson, repre- sented by Attorney Russell, against Leota R. Dickinson, who is defended by Attorney Carl L. Heffron, is now on trial. This is a suit on a note. Judgment for Plaintiffs. Two labor claim cases were heard by Judge Wrivht this noon, judgments for the plaintiffs being or- dered in both. The plaintiff, rep- resented by Attorney O. A. Naplin, of Thief River Falls, testified, but there was no appearance on the part of the defendants. The cases were brought by Joe Stumpvall and Theo- dore Reisner against John Webster Stanley. WOULD EXPECT WAR IF U. S. SHIP IS SUNK By ED KIEN. Copyright 1915 by United Press. London, Feb. 23.—*“Germany will sink no American ship unless by de- sign. A German torpedo, finding as its mark the hull of an American ves- sel, will have been aimed and fired If an Amerigcan mer- chantman is sunk it will be for the express purpose of dragging America into the war.” The speaker was England’s best known and best loved sailor, Admiral Lloyd Charles Beres- ford. TO RAISE DAKOTA RATES. Pierre, S. D., Feb. 23.—That an advance in passenger rates will be made from Sonth Dakota points to other points in the nation, was the assertion of railroad companies . to- day. The fare from Huron to Min- neapolis will be increased 88 cents. The fare from Huron to Chicago will undergo an increase of $2.24. The rate to Milwaukee will be boosted ° $2.39 and the rate to Omaha ‘will be raised 49 cents. Other rate in- creases will be ‘general throuhmn ithe state, - S