Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, April 2, 1917, Page 1

# A. Burnquist has announced the ap- Up-to-the-Minute Dispatches by the United Press---Createst Afternoon Paper Service THE BEMIDJI DAILY Pl “VOLUME XV. KO. 82 BEMIDJI. MINNESOTA. MONDAY EVENING. APRIL 2, 1917. NATION’S EYES ARE UPON HUGECROWDHEARS DR. WALLACE GIVE HISTORICAL RESUME OF WORLD'S STRIFE Oy Hall Packed to Suffocation With True Citizens of U. S.; Stanton Presides. PATRIOTIC SOCIETY WILL BE FORMED WEDNESDAY NIGHT Naval Militia Cheered; Civil War Veterans Color Escort Evokes Wild Demonstration. Patriotism was rampant Saturday night in Bemidji when the city hall was packed to its utmost with true American citizens to hear Dr. James ‘Wallace of Macalester college speak. The object of the meeting was the formation of a patriotic society for Bemidji, following the example of cities throughout the United States in this, a crisis in the history of the nation. Dr. Wallace is a man of high schol- arly attainments and a widely read historian. His address was not in advocacy of war on the part of the United States, but a resume of the history of the world in its interna- tional difficulties and strifes and the -causes, bringing his subject down to the present difficulties in Europe and the relation of the United States thereto. Free From Bias. The address was free from bias and purely from a discussion of the evo- Tution of nations and the crisis which -affected them at certain periods. At “its close prolonged applause caused Dr. Wallace to bow his acknowledge- ment. Judge C. W. Stanton presided and introduced the speaker. The hall was profusely decorated in the na- tional colors and the stage was a ‘mass of red, white and blue. ‘Music was furnished by the band and a mixed sextet. The close was the singing of ‘‘America” by the en- tire audience scanding. A feature was the entering of the hall by the Bemidji naval militia un- der command of Junior Lieut. R. B. JI.ycan, waves of applause greeting the trim members of the company. Cheers for Veterans. A few moments thereafter four grizzled veterans of the Civil war entered, escorting the colors and pan- demonium broke loose as the Boys of ’61 marched to the front of the hall. Membership cards were passed through the big audience and liber- ally signed for membership in the new society. There wi.. be a meet- ing at the Commercial club rooms Wednesday night when the organi- zation will be perfected. Obiect of Society. The object of the new society in brief is this: If the locai militia is called there may be some members of families left behind whose daily bread winner has gone to the defense of the nation. it is for these that the society will look after if occasion requires and see that they suffer no hardship while husband or brother is absent uphold- ing the honor of the country. The society will also stand ready to do -whatever may come to hand in a patriotic way for its country. Everybody will be welcome to the meeting Wednesday night at the @ommercial club rooms. HAIG'S FORCES NEAR VON HINDENBURG LINE (By United Press) London, April 2.—General Haig’s men are in sight of von Hindenburg’s lime and within five miles of St. Quentin. Tremendous fighting is ex- pected soon. PALLBEARERS AT FUNERAL John Larson, Christ Larson, Joe arson, Hovey Lord, Homer Oranger and Herbert Raco acted as pallbear- ers at the funeral of Esther Funkley yesterday afternoon. Six of the girls in Miss Evans’' Sunday school class, of which Miss Funkley was a mem- ber. acted as honorary pallbearers. BABCOCK WILL DIRECT HIGHWAYS OF STATE Paul, St. April 2.—Governor J. A. pointment of Charles M. Babcock of Wik River as highway commissioner of Minnesota, under the provisions| of the highway act passed by the present legislature. The commission- er’'s term of office is six years, with aa annual salary of $4,500. NAVY NEEDS MEN: ENLIST IN BEMIDJI The United States navy needs men. There is a recruiting sta- tion at No. 304 Marquette av- enue, Minneapolis and a branch office at Bemidji, where all in- formation may be obtained. Bemidji has a splendid com- pany of naval militia under command of Senior Lieutenant E. A. Barker. Applications should be made either to Lieu- tenant Barker at Barker’s drug and jewelry store, or to Junior Lieutenant R. B. Lycan, Ant- lers cigar store, Elks temple. Congress Meets L German Ships (Congress Opens; Clark Speaker; Will Be Taken | Chaplain Prays for Defense Over by U. S, (By United Press) ‘Washington, April 2.—Plans were today completed by the government to take over 90 per cent of the Ger- man warships interned in United States harbors when war is declared. 24 RAILWAYS ASK FOR RATE INCREASE (By United Press) ‘Washington, - April 2.—Twenty- four western railways today filed a petition with the interstate com- merce commtission - for -immediate in-|~~ crease of 15 per cent in freight rates. STORE IMPROVED Shavitch Brothers are making sev- eral important changes in the inter- jor of their clothing store. Alcove mirrors have been installed, new| clothing cabinets have been added and the display windows equipped with modern fixtures. The ceiling has also been painted and the entire interior of the store improved for the spring season. STAR MEETING There will be a regular meeting of the Eastern Star tomorrow night at 8 o’clock in the Masonic hall. There will be work. SPIRITUALISTS OBSERVE FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY WITH ALL-DAY PROGRAM The sixty-ninth anniversary of Modern Spiritualism was observed throughout the United States yester- day and the Bemidji congregation celebrated the anniversary by an all- day program in Odd Fellows hall, in which the congregation took part together witu many friends. The morning services were in charge of Dr. G. H. Brooks of Los Angeles, Calif., missionary at large for the association, who has been in Bemidji for the past several weeks. The day was also to mark the de- parture of Dr. Brooks to other fields but the local congregation had taken the matter up with church officials and prevailed upon them to allow Dr Brooks to stay during the montk of April. At nobn a splendid dinner was served, a large number participating, and the ladies of the congregation demonstrated their ability as culin- ery artists. In the evening several members of the congregation took part in the services. PEACE CRANKS ATTACK NEW ENGLAND SENATOR (By United Press) Washington, April 12.—Senator Lodge of Massachusetts was today knocked down and severely injured in a clash with a man and woman said to have approached him on a pacifist cause. DECISION DAY Yesterday was Decision Day in the Fifth ward Congregational <church. Rev. M. A. Soper, of the American Sunday School Union, delivered the address. In the afternoon at 3 o'clock Rev. Soper preached in thne consolidated school house at Carr Lake and in the evening at the school house in Grant Valley. 0f Country in its Right (By United Press) Washington, April 2.—With a prayer by the chaplain for ‘“an Am- erica mighty in defense of its rights,”” the Sixty-fifth Congress of the United States convened at noon today in a special ‘“war session” to take action in the crisis with Ger- many. Champ Clark was elected speaker of the house by 217 to Congress- man Mann's 205. Pacifist advocates were present in large numbers. Representative Lee of Georgia was carried in on a stretcher. He has been seriously ill with pneumonia. Representative Green of Massa- chusetts nominated Congressman James Mann of Chicago for speaker on the Republican slqte. Congress- SOUTH READY FOR WAR REPORTS EX-PRESIDENT (By United Press) New York, April 2.—“The south and southwest are ready for war with Germany,”Ex-President Taft to- day said after completing a tour of that part of the United States. “The people feel that war is in- evitable and are willing to go into it to defend their rights. They feel that Germany has forced war upon the United States. I also found com- pulsory training in freat favor,” ad- ded Mr. Taft. Towa for z, Des Moines, Ia., April 2.--The Iowa house of representatives today passed the Senate resolution endorsing uni- versal training and urging congress to immediately pass such a bill. MRS. CURTISS DIES Mrs. H. B. Curtiss of Bovey died at St. Anthony’s hospital Saturday night. She was very ill when brought to the hospital and had only been there a few days. She was 60 years of age and leaves her husband and nine children. Mrs. A. A. Beach of Long Prairie; Mrs. Jess Taylor of Kenmare, N. D.; Mrs. David Jones of Bovey: Mrs. Frank Rommer of Bovey; Miss Olive Curtiss of Be- midji; Frank Curtiss of Deer Creek; Jack Curtiss of Kenmare, N. D.; V. L. Curtiss and Sam Curtiss of Bovey. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon from Ibertson’s undertak- ing parlors, Rev. L. P. Warford offi- ciating. COMMERCIAL CLUB MEETS TOMORROW The regular meeting of the Com- mercial club will be tomorrow eve- ning at promptly 8 o’clock. There are several committees to report and important matters to come before the club and a large attendance is urged. 0, NEW HOME Mr. and Mrs. M. E. Allen will leave Wednesday of next weeck for Tower, Minn., where they will make their home. Their daughter, Miss| Hazel Allen, principal of the Lowry schools, will arrive in Bemidji on} Friday of this week. From here she will go to Minneapolis and Duluth) where she will visit friends dnrmr:; Easter vacation. Mrs. Allen will ac- company her. daughter to the cmosl‘ for a few days’ visit before going to Tower. REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TONIGHT The regular meeting of the city council will be held this evening in the council chamber of the city build- ing. There are several matters scheduled to come up for action and it is expected the usual large crowd will be present. man Lenroot of Wisconsin seconded the nomination. The surprise of the day occurred when Congressman Schall, the blind congressman from Minnesota, nom- inated Champ Clark of Missouri for speaker for the Democratic side. He was expected to support Mann. In making the nomination, Representa- tive Scha.. said: . ““There is just one party today and that's the American party. I realize the action I am about to take will be used against me to attempt my political death in Minnesota. There are about 32,000 of the 44,000 in my district who are Republjcans. “With sightless eyes I would be of little service on the battle fleld but I can use the light God gives to me to vote righ. today.” GET RID OF MONARCHY, THEN SHAKE, SAY RUSS TO GERMAN PEOPLE (By United Press) Petrograd, April 12.—“We can- not shake hands with Germany again until the German people have rid themselves of the Hohenzollerns,” declared President Rhobeleff of the new Russian duma at a huge patri- otic mass meeting yesterday. WORK ON STORE Work has commenced on the im- provements to the Given Bros. hard- ware store on Minnesota avenue. The improvements include the taking over of the store to the south and tearing out the partition to create a store with a 50-foot frontage, while Koors Bros. will ocenpy the front of the north store with their retail bakery. NEW OFFICERS ELECTED BY S. S. ASSOCIATION Mrs. Clara Johnston of Hines was clected president of the East District Sunday School association at the con- vention held at Hines Saturday. The other officers elected at the conven- tion were as follows: Vice president—Mrs. E. L. Oberg, Blackduck. Secretary-treasurer—Munidia Let- fors, Blackduck. Teachers’ training superintendent ——J. F. Johnston, Hines. Elementary superintendent—Mrs. P. C. Newcomb, Hines. Home department superintendent —A. W. Wildman, Kelliher. Teen age superintendent—J. C. Parker, Blackduck. Missionary and temperance super- intendent—Adam Baney. Adult superintendent — F. Jameson, Blackduck. The convention was well attended, there being hetween 80 and 90 pres- ent. The people of Hines served din- ner and supper in the domestic sci- ence room of the school house for the delegates. “DRESS UP WEEK” FOR w. THE MALE PERSUASION| {clare that a state of war exists be- dealers | According to clothing thronghout the United States, Dress 1'p Week was inaugurated today and will continue until April 7 Bemidji clothiers have for the week and every store plete with stocks for men in rlmlnnz‘ Easter will be next | most three years’ of the chief executive to peacefully ! and furnishings. Sunday and is the day generally sup- posed to inaugurate spring attire, and | | gress. prr'p.xrvdl.nrroc of the country, is re-lIthe situation. r\n‘ ~ J A YT e\n{? ~LER 45 CENTS PER MONTE NGTON ate Today PRESIDENT IS READY T0 LAY QUESTION OF ACTION BY U. . BEFORE CONGRESS noon, on the 2nd day of April, concerning grave matters of (Seal) By the President: ROBERT LANSING, Secretary of State. (By United Press) Washington, April 2—A vigsr- ously phrased resolution calling for immediate declaration of war against Germany will be introduced into the House by Representative Gardner, Republican, of Massachusetts. Gard- ner dropped the resolution in the basket just before the House met &t noon today. Forecast of Message. (By United Press) Washington, April 2.—Floor Lead- er Kitehin this afternoon stated the House of Congress could not be or- ganized until 4 or 5 o'clock this eve- ning. President Wilson will he ready to present his ‘“‘war message' immedi- ately after the organization of Con- It is completed and ready for introduction and it is believed will recognize that a ‘‘state of war” ex- ists between Germany and the United States. Chairman Flood of the house for- eign affairs committee said today that the message to Congress would not declare war against Germany, but the recognition of a state of war places the responsibility on Germany without altering the rear fact that war is on. Hove for Peace. The message is expected to express the profound hope that peace may soon be restored on the basis of the equality of nations, freedom of the seas, restrictions on autocracies and limited armaments. The President may discuss the Rus- sian revolution as an illustration of the growing power of democracy and the waning influence of autocracy. The length of time for the passing of the resolution is doubtful. Oppo- sition may hold up action for several dayvs or i1 may he passed immediately with little opposition. America Watching. By J. P. YODER (United Press Staff Correspondent) Washington, April 2.—Congress met in extra session here today to receive a message from President Wil- on in which he is expected to de- tween the United States and Ger- manyv: and to demand that he be delegated complete powers, as com- mander-in-chief of the land and sea to cope with This action marks the climax of al- effort on the part force the protection of lives and the male persuasion of Bemidji will| property of American citizens frnm this week head toward the men’'s; clothing stores to procure gladsome raiment so the missus won't ashamed of him as the sun beams in all its splendor This is Dress Up Week—dress up. I | I = & 5= | = be ! the effects of ruthless German sub- marine warfare The president {form congress that a state of war be-| is expected to in- | tween the United States and Germany | has existed ever since the sinking of THE PRESIDENT’S PROCLAMATION Whereas, Public interests require that the Congress of the United States should be convened in extra session at 12 o’clock 1917, to receive a communication national policy which should taken immediately under consideration. Now therefore, I, Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim and declare that an ex- traordinary occasion requires the Congress of the United States to convene in extra session at the Capitol in the City of Wash- ington on the 2nd day of April, which all persons who shall at that time be entitled to act as members thereof are hereby required to take motice. Given under my hand and seal of the United States of Am- erica the twenty-first day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and seventeen, and of the independence of the United States the hundred and forty-first. be 1917, at 12 o'clock noon, of ‘WOODROW WILSON. the American steamer Algonquin March 12. U. S. Awaits Word. Commercial, industrial and man- power mobilization of our forces have made great strides since the presi- dent suddenly issued his call to tha nation’s legislative body ten days ago, and so definite has been the convic- tion that aggressive war is to be waged upon Germany they stand at this moment, awaiting only word from Congress to go ahead. Munition and shipbuilding plants are prepared to serve the equipment for the sea and land forces and the present session of congress is expect- ed to pass a universal service meas- ure. Today's historie situation resulted directly from Germany's repudiation of her submarine pledges of a year ago and the resumption of ruthless bmarine warfare in an attempt to s.arve England into submission. U. S. Vessels Sunk. The first American ship to go down at the hands of a German submarine commander following the German de- cree establishing a submarine block- ade zone around England, February 1, was the Housatonic. This ship was sunk without warning on Feb- ruary 3. This was followed by the sinking of the Lyman M. Law on February 13, the Algonquin on March 12 and the Vigilancia, City of Mem- phis and the Illinois on March 18. Al] these were \merican ships and all of them. with the exception of the City of Memphis, were sunk without ning. The captain, four Amer- icans and four of other nationalities are missing from the City of Mem- phis and 15, including several Am- ericans,” are missing from the Vigil- ancia. What Shaii It Bc? The big auestion that stares the country in the face today is: What will Cdngress do? Probably never before the history of the United States has there bheen so nearly a coalition congress. Democrats and Republican wil! have 214 votes each in the House. The balance of power will be in the hands of five independ- ents. Schall, Progressive, and Ful- ler, Independent .are expected to vote with the Republicans and London, Socialist, and Randall, Prohibition- ist, with the Democrats. Represen- tative Martin of Louisiana, elected from a Democratic district on a high tariff progressive ticket. really holds the whip hand in the House organi- zation. His vote may be the deciding one. And nobody knows how he will cast it Representative Jeanette Rankin of Montana, the first woman in congress, is present and will vote on the war _questions. The session beginning today was expected to be the most momentecus sicne the Civil war, by reascn of the critical sitnation which caused its being and the vital incidents, many | unprecedented, which marked the in- terim between the close of the Sixty- fourth Congress March 4 and the opening of the new Congress today.