The Bismarck Tribune Newspaper, December 25, 1916, Page 1

| ae + RES meee ~~ The Weather Snow and Colder CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION FOR STATE ADVOGATED League Caucus This Week Prob- ably Will Endorse Calling of Special Assembly WOULD PAVE WAY FOR PROGRESSIVE MEASURES Idea is to so Revise Constitution as to Carry out Organiza- i tion’s Program The convening of a constitutional convention March 1, 1917, will be the most important matter to be discussed at the Non-Partisan league caucus to be held here this week. Announcement to this effect was made today by a prominent local league leader. Except by an occasional amend- ment, North Dakota’s constitution has undergone little change since its adop- tion by the first constitutional conven- tion, provided for in the enabling act approved by congress February 22, 1889, Delegates to this convention were elected in May, 1889, to the num- ber of 75, and they assembled in Bis- marck and organized July 4, 1889. The constitution which they framed was adopted October 1, 1889, by a vote of 27,441 to 8,107. To Pave the Way. The purpose for which the new con- stitutional convention is proposed is a general revision of the constitution , Which will pave the way for the ultra- progressive program adopted by the Non-Patisan league and approved by a majority of members of both houses of the Fifteenth general assembly. If a bill providing for the assembling of a constitutional convention passes both houses, the governor may then by proclamation call a special election for the selection of delegates to the con- vention. The results of the delibera- tions of these delegates will be em- bodied in a proposed draft of a new constitution, which must be published for three months and then submitted toa-vote of the people,.and which, up- on approval of a majority of the elect- ors voting will be referred to the legis- lative assembly to, be chosen at the next general elegtion, with whose agreement to each; of its articles the constitution will be:adopted. POPE PRAISES WILSON'S NOTE SWEDEN TO ACT (Associated Press) Pope Benedict, according to reports today, in speaking to ‘Cardinal Gas- parri, cabling the. secretary. of state, regarding the president’s note to bel- ligerents, said: “It fs a document showing the hon- esty, justice and far-sightedness of the American president.” A Havas dispatch from Berne says that it is believed in certain circles there that the Swedish government is about to approach the belligerents on the subject of peace in the same way as the Swiss president. 4 The JournalGedecuneva of Geneva, discussing the note sent by President Wilson to the belligerent powers, gives warm praise to the president. “Whatever results Wilson obtains,” the Journal Says, “we Swiss and other neutrals must thank this good repub- lican and salute him with respect. President Wilson has dared to propose something precise in order to realize his specific aspirations. He has caus- ed, during this dark Christmas, a gleam of hope in a gloomy sky.” EMDEN HERO {S TAKEN PRISONER (United Press) Berlin, Dec. 25.—An Overseas News agency dispatch states, according to private reports from Switzerland, that Captain Carl von Mueller, commander of the German crusier Emden, destroy- ed by the Australian cruiser Sydney early in the war, has been taken pris- oner and is being transferred from Malta to England. LAST RITES OF CHURCH ADMINISTERED BISHOP RICHTER IN MICHIGAN Grand Rapids, Mich., Dec. 25.;The death of Bishop Henry J. Richter, of the diocese of Grand Rapids, who was stricken with pneumonia, is feared hourly, according to a report from his physician this morning. He grew steadily worse during the night and shortly after 9 a. m. lapsed into un- consciousness. The last rites of the church have ben administered. THIRTY-SIXTH YEAR, NO. 305 UNITED PRESS Constitutional Convention _ eh 1K TRIBUNE BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA, MONDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1916 ASSOCIATED PRESS Hangs Himself|Burleigh County’s Good-Looking With Rope on Xmas Gift Duluth, Minn., Dec. 25.—With a rope taken from a Christmas package, Gus Nelson, age 55, hanged himself last night in the lobby of a hotel here, while five men stood by, waiting for the po- lice to arrive. Had they cut him down, they probably would have saved his life, the police say. The dead man is said to have been despondent because he was alone on Christmas Eve and with- out funds. He had a brother in South Dakota, a farmer. STATE'S. WHEAT PRODUCTION (SIG 30,325,000 BUS. Price Prevailing December 1 Was $1.52 Compared With 87 Cents Last Year CORN YIELD FOR 1916 13,515,000 BUSHELS (By Associated Press.) , Washington, Dec. 25—A summary of estimates of the crop production and prices for North Dakota compiled by the bureau of crop estimates shows that the total spring wheat produc- tion for 1916 was 39,325,000 bushels on an acreage of 7,150,000, compared with a total production of 151,970,009 bushels on an acreage of 8,350,000 in 1915, or a decrease of 11,675,000 bush- els. The price prevailing Dec. 1, 1915, was 87 cents, compared with $152 for the corresponding time this year. Big Increase in Corn. An increase of 3,715,000 bushels is noted in the corn production, the total yield for 1916 on an acreage of 510,- 000 being 13,515,000 ‘bushels, compar- ed with a total production of 9,600,- 000 bushels on an acreage of 700,000 for 915. The prevailing price Dec. 1, 1916, was 84 cents, and for the cor- responding time last year, 67 cents. Other crop production figures are as follows: ‘ . 1915 1916 Potatoes 6,975,000 7,200,000 Hay ... 884,000 — 060,000 Oats 2,500,000 2,450,000 Barley 26,738,000 46,40,000 Rpe ... 4 000 —4,200,00 NEW CHIEF OF STATE. SCHOOLS MANES. AIDES) Fargo, N. D., Dec. 25.—N. C. ‘Mac: donald, state superintendent-elect of public instruction, yesterday announc- ed the three major appointments he will make after taking office. To succeed Mr. Macdonald himself as state inspector of consolidated, graded and rural schools he will ap- point Edward Erickson of Grafton, at present county superintendent of the Walsh county schools. The appointment of deputy siate su- perintendent has been offered to Mor- ris Johnson Kernall, formerly a pro- fessor in Valley City Normal. ‘Miss Helen Sullivan, for ‘the past two years in charge of the boys’ and girls’ industrial club work in the ex- tension department of the Agricul- tural college, will be appointed as- sistant state superintendent. DARTMOITH MAN GIVES LIFE TO FRENCH CAUSE AS PNEUMONIA VICTIM Paris, Dec. 25.—Howard Burchard Lines, a graduate of Dartmouth and the Hardvard law school, son of Dr. E. H. Lines, and a volunteer of the American ambulance, has just died in the Argonne of acute pneumonia.. He contracted the disease while on ser- vice at the front. Wishing You The Best of Christmases SHSSSSSSSOSE OOD The Tribune extends to its @ friends everywhere heartiest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous and happy New Year. The Tribune trusts that this most gracious of all holidays may find good cheer and contentment in every home which it visits; that the day’s ‘blessings may fall upon all of its friends, and the Christmas spirit abound everywhere. The Tribune on this joyous day echoes the friendly senti- ment of Tiny Tim: “God bless us, everyone.” SOHO HOSSSSOOO SOSH QOS SE OOOO SEEOEOD - = > > > 2 e 2 2 2 e > oJ 2 > ° CAROL D. KING, MENOKEN Member of Senate. SHOW FLURRES ACCOMPANY OL MEK TO CI Scores of ‘‘Kiddies’’ Made Happy At Early Hour This Morning RESIDENCES AND STORES DRAPED IN WHITE GOWN One Hundred Poor Children Fed at Van Horn Cafe—Kettles Net $123.33 ‘Candles were kindled in scores of Bismarck homes last evening and hundreds of “kiddies” were made hap- py this morning, when they arose early and beheld -their stockings chucked plum full. It was a great Christmas morning in the homes. On the streets scarcely a soul moved. (Passing the various homes early this morning, little tots in their paja- mas could be seen romping. and play- ing on. the floor in the light of the tree with their rocking horse, their doll or some’ other gift that Santa left in his trip through the city last evening. Storm Ushers Great Day In. ‘A snowstorm ushered Christmas in- to Bismarck and the state. Snow flur- ries, driven by.a stiff northeast wind, dressed the residences and the busi- ness houses of the city in a holiday suits of white, adding to the spirit of the Jay. Few Christmas bells were to ibe heard on the streets. Instead, automobiles flitted ‘by, carrying guests to the different homes where they spent the day. The lobbies of the leading hotels seemed deserted. To- night a transition, however, will ‘be noted, when Christmas throngs will partake of the Christmas dinners, big Preparations having been made both at the Grand Pacific, the McKenzie and Van Horn. (Many Christmas ‘Eve Parties. Many Christmas Eve parties were held in the various homes of the city, and exercises held in the churches and at the state penitentiary. At the state institution some 222 con- victs assembled for more than an hour last night and celebrated the birth of the Christ Child. At the ho- tels were several parties. In many of the cities of the state, such as Fargo, Valley City, Mandan, ‘Minot and other points municipal exercises were held, the attendance being some- what checked iby the coldsvave. On the \Northern Pacific No. 1, which ar- rived at 9:05 this morning, due in here at 11 last evening, Santa Claus romped, with the travelers in the Pullmans and the dining cars. He was also aboard train No. 3, which pulled in here at 1:20 o'clock this at- ternoon, and has wired ahead that he will be in train No. 4, due at 4:40 o'clock. The Poor Enjoy Big Spread. One hundred little tots from the poor fathilies, and among them were newsies and orphans, piled into the big auto bus owned ‘by McGillis & Wallace of the Van Horn hotel, early this afternoon, and were conveyed in dozen lots to the Van Horn cafeteria under the direction of Assistant Cap- tain Rhody of the Salvation army, where they tucked napkins under their chins and “filled” up on soup, roast turkey, cranberries, bread, ice cream and coffee. That was the me- nu provided for the children of the poor iby the cafe management. Not a tot in the city was slighted. Jimmy and Mary both rubbed their “tum- mies” as thep left the cafe, both ad- mitting that “it was some feed.” A few of the youngsters didn’t forget to show their appreciation, and de- spite the big load they carried, tod- dled up to Bougas ‘brothers and ex- pressed their thanks and wished ‘em a Merry Christmas. ‘But some of the “kids” were too full to utter another word. The management understood and they were pardoned. Captain Murphy as Santa. Captain James Murphy of the Sal- vation army was the Santa Claus of the hour. Last night he personally directed the distribution of 31 baskets to the needy, 21 pairs of shoes and eight pairs of rubbers; also, a large amount of stockings and underwear. Toys, candies, nuts and fruit accom- panied the baskets for the children in the families. Tonight a Christmas tree program will ‘be held at the bar- racks and an interestig program will be rendered. Santa Claus will be GEORGE N. VARNUM, '‘MENOKEN Representative. FRANK G. PRATER, ARENA Representative. County Has Selected Four Repre- sentatives Who Show Up Well BUSINESS AND FARM ARE COMPLIMENTED IN CHOICE | Senator King Has Been Success as Merchant; Prater, Varnum Bailey Farmers Burleigh county has every reason to expect good, constructive service from its legislative delegation to the Fif- teenth general assembly. The four men who were swept .topsictory hy such tremendous majorities:‘last No- vember are known as loyal citizens of the slope; men of experience, and of sound knowledge of the practical needs of their districts. Expression of Confidence. The confidence which their fellow- citizens repose in them was indicated at the election, when Carol D. King of Menoken received 1,790 votes for the state senate to 528 for: his oppon- ent. For representatives, L. D. Bailey of Moffit polled 1,760; Frank G, Prater of Arena, 1,924, and George N. Var- num, 1,724, while the highest vote re- ceived by any of their opponents was 492. Farming and Business. Each of the four Burleigh county legislators is a practical, successful farmer. Senator Carol D. King’s farm near Menoken is one of the finest in the county. Representative Varnum has a splendid place near the same vil- lage, and Representative Frank G. Prater is known as one of the most progressive and ‘successful agricultur- ists of the Arena region. Representa- tive L. D. Bailey came to Burleigh county at a date when the buffalo still disputed possession, and he has been actively engaged in farming ever since. All of these men have also been prominent in Farmers’ union or other co-operative movements. They have given much study to the business sit- uation in their district and state, and when they come to vote upon matters involving commerce and_ transporta- tion they may be depended upon to use good judgment. CLASH FEARED AT WAREZ TY (By United Press.) El Paso, Texas, Dec. 25.—An Amer- ican here, known as a close friend of Francisco Villa, claimed yesterday that he had received information that when Villa's forces occupied. Torre- on, the bandit chief gave orders to commanders not to harm lives and property of foreigners. Villa is not at Torreon in person, but was said to be in the vicinity of Bermejillo. A clash between forces of General Jose Murguia and General Gonzales is feared. Christmas celebration is responsible for much intoxication at Juarez and feeling between the two commands is bitter. The two generals are hostile and before the celebra- tions are over, trouble, it is feared, will result, aS _DO.YOUR | CHRISTMAS: SWAPPING EARLY! Delegation To State Assembly L. D. BAILEY, MOFFIT ‘Representative. Pope Makes Yuletide Plea For Peace Rome, Dec. 25.—Pope Benedict | made a plea for peace in his ad- dress at the Christmas reception to the sacred college. ‘Referring to the m ge of Bethlehem, the pope “Good will among men”..was the essential condition toward obtaining that “just and durable peace” which must put an end to the horrors of the pres- ent war. The pope urged those in power to hear the voice of the sacred ~ college appealing to them to end the struggles of the people and open their ears to the admonition of the Father of the Christian family. CANADIANS MAKE ISWITZERLAND Celebrate Day Before Christmas In Capturing Dugouts on Line of 400 yards GREMANS CRY ‘‘KAMERAD” AS SOLDIERS MAKE CHARGE Believed That New Phase of Man- euver will Change Future Tactics With the British army in advance December 24, via London Dec. 25.— (From a staff correspondent of the As- sociated Press). North of Arras cer- tain Canadian troops have just accom- plished what the British officers de- clare marks a new phase in trench warfare. With a raid race, they suc- ceeded in putting out of action, tem- porarily at least, an entire battation of German infantry. Take Prisoners. They took 59 prisoners, including one commissioned officer, and estimat- ed that they killed 150 Germans in dug-outs which were blown to atoms after their occupants refused to sur- render. The Canadian losses were ex- tremely light. The raid took place at three o’clock in the afternoon on a front of 400 yards. The German pris- oners admit that they were taken com- pletely by surprise. The officer captured said he was con- vinced something was about to hap- pen, but believed the attack was com- ing on Christmas eve. He reported to the higher command but received no report. The Canadians, from the plains of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, established themselves well forward so that when the artillery ceased their preparatory fire they were in the front line trenches in less than two minutes. The offices in command, who were reporting the raid by tele- phone, said “they're off,” before he had time to say “they’re in.” Consterna- tion reigned among the Germans, who scrambled for the saps and dug-outs leading to the rear trenches, while the Canadians pelted them with hand grenades. y Cry “Kamerad.” Caught unprepared, many Germans in the front line offered no resistance, but threw up their hands with cries of “Kamerad.” Others were taken as before the Canadians pushed on to the second trenches. About 20 dug-outs were destroyed by Canadians, several with bombs cap- tured from the Germans. One of the officers engaged said: “As we entered the trenches, many Germans broke for the dug-outs. Many who did were subsequently well cared for. Each of our men were given definite instructions for his precise at- tack and the mass of the enemies’ trenches, which proved absolutely cor- jrect, Each man knew every detail of the proposed operation. They enter- ed the fight with great cheers. When they came out two hours later, they were singing and as happy as school- boys on a holiday. The newness and dispatch with which the raid was car- ried out were unique. The artillery co-operation of the British guns work- ed to perfection. Beautifully placed curtains of fire prepared our advance and creeping forward, protected Us, a8 they proceeded to absolutely demolish the enemy's trenches, The program had given the men an hour and a half for the work, but the cleanout was ac- complished within an hour and ten minutes and the raiders signaled they were ready to return to their own trenches. CHRISTMAS EVE CLAIM ON EUROPEAN BATTLE LINES LAST EVENING Berlin, by wireless, Dec. 25.—Last night was generally calm on the Franco-Belgian front, army headqquar- ters announced today. The state- ment reads: Western Front: There were artil- lery duels of temporary severity in the Syecadte sector. With the re- maining armies, the activity did not pass the usual measure. Last night in most sectors was calm. they fled for the second and third line}. | UNIQUE RAID | WILL SUPPORT ON TRENCHES; PEACE APPEAL Copy of the Note Sent Belliger- ents Received at the White House “TO CONSIDER ITSELF HAPPY IF COULD ACT” (By United Press.) ee Washington, Dec. 25.—Switzerland in a note to the warring powers, has announced her support of President Wilson’s appeal for the discussion of peace terms, The note says that the Swiss government would consider it- self “happy’ if “it could act in any way, no matter how modest a way, for the rapprochement of the peoples now engaged in the struggle and for last- ing peace.” Sent to White House. The note was sent to belligerents yesterday by the Swiss federal coun- cil. Dr. Paul Ritter, minister of Swit- zerland to the United States, present- ed.the-copy to. the White House.” ~ Secretary Lansing made the note public last night, and it is-as follows: Lauds the President. “The President of the United ‘States of America, guided ‘by warm friend- ship, desires hostilities soon to come to an end and has said that he has for considerable time been in touch with conditions. He has had the kind- ness to apprise the Federal council of the peace note sent to the govern- ments of the Teutonic and the Allied Powers. In this note he discusses the great desirabiltiy of international agreement for the purpose of avoiding effectively and permanently the occur- rences of catastrophes such as the one the people are suffering today. “In this connection, he lays partic- ular stress on the necessity for bring- ing about the end of the war. With- out making peace proposals himself, or offering mediation, he confines him- self to sounding whether mankind may hope to approach the haven of peace. ‘Mighty Echo in Switzerland. “Most meritorious is the personal initiative of President ‘Wilson and it will find a mighty echo in Switzer- land. True to obligations arising, ob- serving strictest neutrality, united by the same friendship to the states of both warring groups of powers, sit- uated like an island amid the seeth- ing waves o fthe terrible world war, with its ideals and material interests jeopardized and violated, our country is filled with a deep longing for peace and ready to assist by its small means to stop the endless suffering caused by the war and brought before its epes by daily contact with the in- terne, the horribly wounded and those expelled. It is ready to establish a foundation for the beneficial co-opera- tion of the people. Happy If It Could Act. “Swiss Federal council is therefore glad to seize the opportunity to sup- port the efforts of the president of the United States. It would consider itself happy if it could act, no matter how modestly, for the rapprochement of the people now engaged in the struggle in order to reach everlasting peace.” COURT 10 PROVE ROUND ROBIN nounced that George Bell, Jr., com- mander of the provisional division, and Private Dixon, Eighth Ohio In- fantry, would be calied before a sum- mary court Tuesday, to answer a charge drafted in a “Round Robin” and signed by approximately 400 members of the Eighth Ohio Infantry. The “Round Robin” protested against camp conditions. RECOVERY PREDICTED FOR ELEVEN PEOPLE INJURED IN BLOW-UP Atlantic, Ia., Dec. 25.—Physicians at the local hospital today said that all the eleven persons injured in the ex- plosion yesterday at Kimballton, near here, probably would recover. The ex- plosion, which resulted from a defect. in the gas lighting system at the farm house of John Faaborg, caused the death of John Nelson, 47; Ida Faaborg, 14, and Christiania Faaborg, 9. -| PORTUGAL CABNIET HAS | Home a roposed By Nonpartisans KRIS. KRINGLE HAS DOMINION OVER NATION White House Celebration Enlivens ed by Presence of Wilson’s Grandnieces | GOTHAM’S CHRISTMAS BILL PLACED AT $150,000,000 American Soldiers on Mexican Soil Celebrate in Unique Manner (Associated Press) New York, Dec. 25.—Not the least interesting feature of the Christmas celebration was the part taken by twe of the largest American battleships, the New York and the Pennsylvania, the crews of which played Santa Claus at the celebration of the children, Bee tween 400 and 500 hungry children were provided with a Christmas dine ner and a toy, made possible by a cok lection of members of the crews that netted nearly $4,000. The chief master boatswain of each ship appeared in the role of Kris Kringle. Begins Early. The Christmas observance began in this city last night with the flashing into life of the great “Tree of Light” in Madison Square Garden. At mic night prayers for world peace were of+ fered at mass in the Roman Catholic churches. With Christmas trees in po- lice stations, the police acted as Santa Clauses to approximately 25,000 chil- dren. Reports from the express come panies and postoffice indicate that this Christmas is a record breakér. One estimate puts New York’s Christmas bill as approaching $150,000,000. AT WHITE HOUSE, (Associated Press) Washington, Dec. 25.—Two - young: sters, kin of the president, made a merry Christmas at the White House today. They were Ellen McAdoo, the president's granddaughter, and Jose- phine Cothran, his grandnlacao—4™.«° the adults listened to the little folks. Christmas Tree. A heavily laden Christn. stood on the second floor, « around it the family gathered, w. presents were exchanged among t. grown ups and Santa Claus distribute, them to the young folks. Every mar- ried employe of the White House had.- a turkey, the gift of the president.” President Wilson was up early and joined little Josephine Cothran, his grandniece, who had discovered the large Christmas tree in the White House, laden with presents mostly for her. Soon, the entire party spending Christmas with the president and Mrs. Wilson were gathered in the library and the exchange of presents follow- ed. Breakfast at the White House was a joyous affair, with Josephine Cothran continually jumping up to rush back ta her gifts. Mrs. Wilson attended church alone, and the president remained at the White House to play with his grand- niece. During the morning, Secretary and Mrs, McAdoo, with Ellen McAdoo and several other relatives, visited the White House and took part in the fes- tivities, The president had all three of his daughters with him for the first time in months. WITH “PUNITIVE EXPEDITION® (Associated Press) El Valle, San Buena Ventura, Chi- huahua, Mexico, Dec, 25,—(By wite- less to Columbus, N. M.) There was a Fourth of July akin to the Christmas celebration at this camp, which is the extreme southern point of the Amerte can army’s punitive expedition. Nears ly $300.00 worth of fireworks were set. off Christmas eve, consoled the 4,000 soldiers in camp for their inability to hang up stockings and brought some- ing akin to alarm to the residents at El Valle, and Mexicans inhabiting the fringe of adobe huts that surround the camp. Christmas day itself was given over to sports, a turkey dinner and a mov- ing picture program at night. ‘ iy —— ‘ PARENTS MISSING. 5 Associated Press) Chicago, Dec. 25.—There will 6 more than 200 Chicago homes in which Christmas joys will be darkened by, the unexplained absence of parents, The record of the police department show that 236 men, women and child- ren have been reported missing in the last two weeks and only a few of thes have returned. 1 CREATED WAR COMMITTEE WITH ENTENSIVE POWER Lisbon, via Paris, Dec. 24.—The cabs inet has decided to create a war come mittee and a public economy commit- tee. Both bodies will have extensive powers. VON MACKENSEN RENEWS — ATTACK ON BRIDGEHEAD WHERE RUSSIANS STAND Berlin, by wireless. Dec. 23.—Field Marshal von Mackensen, with the Dob- rudja army, after capiuring Isakacha, in the Danube, has again Seeun an at- tack onthe bridgehead of Mr? vhin, in the northwestern cor->~ ~ »brudja province, to which the “us »-Rumani- an forces have retreated, army /head- quarters announced today.