The Bismarck Tribune Newspaper, February 26, 1917, Page 1

The Weather (Warmer tonight. O— “Over t Act” of C risis ‘Sinking of Cunarder May TEUTONS FAL BACK TO. NEW ENTRENCHMENTS In Well Prepared Position Await Spring Offensive of the En- tente Forces ONLY SLIGHT RESISTANCE — WHEN BRITISH ADVANCE Allies Believe That They Now Have Key to German Positions on West Front TAKE KUT. London, Feb. 26.—Kut-el-Amara has been recaptured by the Brit- ish forces. Chancellor of the ‘Ex. chequer A, Bonar Law made this announcement in the house of commons this afternoon. He said the Turkieh garrison is in full retreat. London, Feb. 26.—Kut-el-Ama- ra has been, captured from the Turks by the British forces, ac- cording to a statement made in the house of commons today by Andrew Bonar Law, member of the British war counci The Turks on the Tigris river front are in full retreat toward Baghailah, 24 miles to tne west of Kut-el-Amara, says.an official statement issued today hy the war office. The fleeing furks are being engaged by the pursuing British cavalry. + (United Press) With the British army in. France, Feb,’26.—Under cover of fog and mist within the past 48. hours, Germans made the greatest retirement to date onthe western front, > The British gained possession of Serre, Mirua- mont, Petit Miraumont and also cap- tured the famous Butte de Warlen- court, the scene of some of the blood- fest fighting during the last few years, In some places trenches were filled with bones of dead men. The exact retirement of the Ger- mans is unknown, but in some places it is estimated at three miles. Brit- ish patrols are out harassing the Ger- man retirement wherever possible. Until these report the exact figures are not available. Force Key. The British are now in a position to force the key to the German posi- tions. It was by chance that the Ger- man evacuation was discovered. Smoke from fires in German. dugouts was detected and the British investi- gated and found the enemy with- drawn. f There was only slight resistence when the British took possesion be- fore the Teutons abandoned their old positions, 4 It is supposed that the Teutons are preparing their lines to meet thé great “push” the Entente proposes as soon as spring arrives. (United Press.) Berlin, Feb. 26.—In several sectors between Armentieres and the Ancre, the British reconnoitering advances failed, according to the official state- ment today. They were made partly after artillery preparations, and_part- ly after surprise advances. GERMANY RELEASES AMERICAN SAILORS (Associated Press.) Washington, Feb. 26.—Ambassador Willard at Madrid cabled today that the Spanish foreign office had notified him that 72 American sailors taken on the prize ship, Yarrowdale, had been released ‘by Germany on Febru- ary 16. ¢ Absolutely no other details, either as to the whereabouts of the men now or the long delay in hearing from Berlin on the many requests for their release. TWO: COACHES TRAN NO. LEAVE TRAGK Cool head work on the part of the engineer of eastbound train No. 4/ of the Northern Pacific, in applying the brakes, prevented the entire. derail- ment of the train, two miles west of Judson, Morton county, yesterday morning at 9:30 o'clock, when the Yront trucks of the mail car left the track, derailing that coach and also the baggage car. Traffic over the Yel- lowstone division was temporarily halted. The wrecking crew was sent out from Mandan. The train’ reached Bis- marck at 5:30 o'clock Sunday dfter- noon, about seven hours late. .|sunk, the President Asks Power To Arm Ships Against Ruthless Subsea Attacks Washington, Feb, 26.—With a full realization of the solemnity of the oc- casion, the president took his action today with the calm confidence that congress and the country will stand behin d him. The grim-faced body of senators and representatives who less than a month ago heard the president. pronounce the words which announc- ed a severance of diplomatic relations with Germany—an act which in all the history of: first class nations al- ways had lead to war—heard today in tense silence and grave attention the words which carry the American Republic a step further in its stand against ruthless sacrifice of neutral rights and lives and a step nearer war, if it must be. President Wilson arrived at the Capitol just before 1 o'clock, and promptly at that hour stepped up to the clerk's desk ip the hall of the house, where both branches of con- gress, meeting in special joint ses- sion, were assembled before him. The Message. President Wilson spoke as follows: “Gentlemen of the Congress: “] have again asked the privilege of addressing you because we are mov- ing through critical times during which it sems to me to be my duty to keep in close touch with the Houses j of Congress, so that neither counsel nor action shall run at cross purposes between us, Put Into Practice, “On the third day of February, 1 officially informed you of the sudden and unexpected action of the Imperial German government in declaring its intention to disregard the promises it had made to this government in April last, and undertake immediate sub: marine operations against all com- merce whether of belligerents or of neutrals, that should seek to approach Freat Britain and Ireland, the Atlantic coast of Europe, or the harbors of the eastern Mediterranean, and to conduct those operations without regard to the established restrictions of inter- national practice without regard to {any consideration of humanity what- ever, which might interfere with their objects. The policy was forthwith put into practice. It has now been in active execution for nearly four weeks, Results Not Disclosed. “Its practical results are not fully disclosed. The commerce of other neutral nations is suffering severely, but not, perhaps, very much more se- verely than it was already suffering before the first of February, when the new policy of the Imperial Govern- ment was put into operation. We have (Continued on Page Three.) FORE TO STEN FURY OF TEUTO SUBSEA WARFARE P Held gS This is Urged in Special’ Message Delivered Today by Presi dent Wilson BLOCKADE OF PORTS AS EFFECTUAL AS IN WAR (Associated Press.) Washington, Feb, 26.—President Wilson appeared before Congress this afternoon and asks for authority to place the United States in a state of “armed neutrality” to resist the Ger- man submarine menace. Continued invasion of the plain rights of neutrals on the high seas, further sacrifices of American lives, and ships, the intolerable blockade of American commerce—almost as ef- fectual as if the country were at war have taken the place of a dreaded “overt act” which wag expected to shock the world—and have forced the ‘|presicent into the next step toward war. 5 Arming of Ships. The presidént asks to be empow- ered to’ take whatever steps are neces- sary which ‘include the arming of ships, the convoying of merchantmen by war vessels, or what other steps are necersary, made it plain again that he wanted peace but not at the price of American lives and rights or by driving the American flag from the seas. Congress is expected not only to authorize the president to use the armed forces of the country but also to provide money. Once before, in the infancy of the Republic, a state of armed neutrality was proclaimed to check “predatory violence” upon American rights in the war between France and England, but it did not result actually in war for the United States. Depends on Germany. Whether any armed neutrality will mean war depends on whether Ger- many realizes that the United States is ready to protect its neutral rights by whatever steps are necessary. “Two American vessels have been Housatonje and the Ly- man M. Law. The casé of the Housa- tonic, which was carrying foodstuffs consigned to a London firm, was es- sentially like the case of the Frye, in which it will be recalled the German government admitted its liability for damages and the lives of the crew, as in the case of the Frye were safe- guarded with reasonable care. The case of the Law, which was car- rying lemon box staves to Palermo, disclosed a ruthlessness of method which deserves great condemnation, but was accompanied by no circum- stances, which might not have been expected at any time in conjunction with the use of the submarine against merchantmen’ as the German govern- ment has used it. MARKET DOWN. (United Press.) New York, Feb. 26—The stock mar-j ago. Only one of the plows has re-| ly destroyed the granary and the con- ket hesitated and sold townward to-| turned. The others plunged into the |'tents on the farm of Mrs. Otto Ander- day, when hearing of ?resident Wik son's determination to adress con-/among ‘the three, its blades having | Considerable gress today. URGE TEN MILLION APPROPRIATION To BUY FO0D Governor Whitman Asked to 8e- cure Supplis and Sell Them at Cost, to Poor WOMEN ATTACK GROCER WHO BOOSTED. PRICES ASKS SIX MILLIONS, (United Press.) Washington, Feb. 26.—Senator Borah today introduced a resolu- tion in the senate providing for the appropriation of $6,000,000 to be spent at the direction of the president in relieving the present food situation, (United Press.) "New York, Feb, 26.—Representa- tives of 126 unions and _ socialists, and women’s organizations, today planned to urge upon Governor Whit- man the necessity of a $10,000,000 ap- propriation for the purchasing of food to be sold at cost to the poor. City investigations revealed that the acute food situation is increasing. A strike of school children to emphasize the hardships of the food shortage is pro- posed, Boycotts are so tightly drawn that retail merchants are closing their shops. Many women are on picket duty at the slaughter houses. Mrs, Ida Harris today made a spir- ited attack on her husband, a grocery store keeper, who is charged with rasing his prices. Health Commis- sioner Emerson, in a statement issued today, said that unless wages are in- creased, or food conditions bettered, the unhealthful conditions of the poor will constantly increase because ings are unable to buy the right kind of food. BUDGET BILL BASSES. SENATE: TOTAL $3397000 The senate this afternoon adopted jsenate bill 136, biennial appropriation (ill, carrying a total of $3,392,774.13, {as against an aggregate of $4,312,404,60 appropriated in the original bill. The Dickinson normal school appro- priation went through at $181,000. experimental work at the mining sub- station at Hebron. FOUR SNOW PLOWS IN DRIFTS NEAR WASHBURN Washburn, U. D., Feb. 26—Follow- ing the heavy snow of Saturday and Sunday, the 68-foot cut between Luc- ca and Nome is entirely filled with tightly packed snow. Attempts to break through the drift will be aban- doned until spring. Four snowplows have been sent +} Queenstoun: Senator Cahill blocked the efforts: made to cut off appropriations for | WILSON HERS NEWS. OW WAY 1 ONRES Laconia Torpedoed by Germay Submarines; One of the Largest Liners ‘of Atlantic —_—— TEN SUBJECTS OF THIS NATION AMONG PASSENGERS Survivors Are Placed at 270— Vessel Has Tonage of 18,000.., (United Press.) WANTS CONVOY, Washington, Feb, 26.—Ambassa- dor Gerard has asked the State Department ‘that the ship which bringing him to American be con- voyed by an American warship in case of war, it was officially ad- mitted today. Nothing is being done at the present time in the way of special protection to his vessel in the absence of war, (United Press.) Queenstown, Feb. 26. he Cunard Line steamship, Laconia, of 18,099 tons. gross, which sailed trom New York, February 18, for liverpool, has been sunk. ‘The Cunard liner, Laconia. ; sailed from New York on February 18, with. 100 passengers, among whom were ten or more Americans. Without Warning. It is stated authentlicaily that the ‘Laconia was torpedoed without warn: | ing. Wesley Frost, Amorivig consul at (nu -belography Neath meri- can embassy ‘here today that “278 survivors of the Laconia landed, De- tails are lacking, but it is known that some are missing and one is dead.” ‘Washington, Feb. 26.—News of the sinking of the Cunard liner, Laconia, with Americans on board, was rece! ed here as the president was on his vay to address congress. Although hout details, its grave posstbili- ties added emphasis to the president’s words. The survivors of the Laconia’ are said to number 270. They will be landed tonight. READY TO RESUME SAILINGS, New York, Feb 26.—If President Wilson is authorized by congress to arm ships to protect American mer- chantmen on the 1 seas, the Amer- ican line steamships tied up here will resume sailings as soon as guns can be provided, it was stated by the line’s officials here today, ARRIVES SAFELY. New York, Feb. -The White Star Liner Laplander arrived at Liverpool safely Saturday afternoon, cables to the local offices of the line announced today. LARGEST OF FLEET. ‘New York, Feb. 26—The Cunard Line advices stated that there was only one casualty thus far known, The company announced the names of seven Americans aboard the La- conia, as follows: ‘Miss Phyllis Barker, New York. ‘Arthur T. Kirby, Bainbrilye, N. J. Mrs, F. E. Harris, New York City. Mrs. Mary A. Hoy, Chicago. Miss Elizabeth Hoy, Chicago, Rev. James Waring, New York. F, P, Gibbons of the Chicago Trib- une and formerly of the Minneapolis Tribune. There were 20 native born Amert- cans in the crew. The Laconia was one of the ixrgest “}some interests exempt from, taxation BONE ORY BILL vessels of the Cunard fleet an «athe jlargest thus far sunk since tie new German submarine warfare wes com- menced. She registered :8,(99 tons, was 600 feet Jong, 71 feet beam, and 40 feet depth. She was built in 1911, at Newcastle. The Laconia carried mail from Am- erica. It is thought she was torpe- doed Sunday: night. Another steamer rescued 270 of her passengers, who; are expected to land this evening. A further statement this afternoon said the majority of the survivors were expected to land at Queenstown and the others at Bantry, Ireland. ONE LIFE LOST. (United Press.) ‘New York, Feb. 26.—Cables to the Cunard offices this afternoon told of j the sinking of the Laconia and said one life was lost. 3 ‘Six Americans were aboard the Cu nard liner, Laconia, when she sailed, it was stated this afternoon. The names are not available. The Laco-. nia was manned by British officers LETTER ASKS REMOVAL OF STATE READS Enderlin Physician Says Affairs of State in Hands of Con- spirators ADDRESSES LETTER TO BOTH HOUSES Threatens to Ask Department of Justice to Remove Present Officials In an open letter to the governor, the supreme court, the attorney gen- eral and both houses of the legisla- ture, Dr. H. C. R. Norriss of Enderlin, declares that the government of North Dakota is in the hands of a group of conspirators who, through their, con- spiracy, have seized control of the state affairs. The letter relates that North Da- kota is at present without any Repub- lican form of government, and the writer declines to take recognition of the present government. He demands that a Republican form of government be immediately instituted and if this is not done threatens to, apply to the United States department ‘of justice for the removal of the present state of- ficers and the call of a special elec: tion to fill the vacancies. No Representation. “Inasmuch as a certain group of cer- tain conspirators by means of an open conspiracy have attained possession or control of the various departments }. of the government of the state through promises to represent one spacial interest in the enactment-and the enforcement of the laws of the state and destroy such private prop- erty rights as seem to be antagonistic to this special interest, and as this in- terest has taken unto itself the right of taxation and has already declared a certain portion of the property of thereby increasing the tax rate of (Continued on Paes Two PASSES HOUSE MUS FHT Heated Discussion in Senate Over Seizure Utilities in Time of War Senator Heckle’s bone-dry law passed the house this afternoon with- out any opposition. Other important measures passed by that body were senate bill 127, depositor’s guaranty act, and senate bill 2, concurrent reso- lution amending constitution as to provide for state hail insurance. By a vote of 25 to 23, the senate declined to concur in the house resolu- tion calling upon the government, in case of war, to seize ammunition plants, shipyards and other utilities and moneys without compensation. ‘The measure caused considerable dis- cussion. Senator Cahill declared that if the profits were taken out of war there would be no war. Senator Hamilton made the statement that he wanted no one to make millions of dollars from the blood of his boys, LEAGUE CAUCUS RESENTS ACTION OF C. W. FINWALL’ i C. W. Finwall this morning had the} request of Nonpartisan league officers | surrendered to the chairman notes | which was engaged in making of the private caucaus held in the assembly | room at the northwest. Mr. Finwall was advised that these proceedings were more or less conti- dential and in order to hold them in confidence the caucus would require him’ to turn over his notes to the chairman. He appeared before the caucus to discuss senate bill 137, re- ferring to Sunday baseball, The notes and a British crew. She carried a contraband cargo, in addition to mail. GRANARY NEAR FLAXTON DESTROYED; LOSS $4,000 from this village to dig out the train which was stalled at Lucca two weeks drifts and are stalled. A rotary is snapped while operating near Alice. Flaxton, N. D., Feb. 26—Fire total- which he surrendered under pctest| pertained to a number of other bills which also were discussed in caucus this morning. League leaders showed resentment} at the course pursued by the temper- ance official, and his action has not tended to smooth the way for law last week. json, a mile north of town, destroyed. grain was ‘The loss is about $4,000. - enforcement league measures a | both ships, PRESIDENT WANTS AUTHORITY 70 PROTECT RIGHTS OF AMERICANS BY USE OF LAND AND SEA FORCES Chief Executive Appears Before Congress and Asks Power to Employ Army and - Navy in Crisis With Germany. Says. It Does Not Nece: United States Used ssarily Mean War. This Method With France During Directorate (UNITED PRESS) Washington, Feb. 26.—Armed neutrality for the United States will be President Wilson’s answer to Germany's announcement of her intention to wage rentless message delivered at 1 o'clock t session of Congr President Wilson ual declaration of hostilities. Sends The President worked throughout Sunday on his speech. abandoned. his ordinary eustom his study. Karly today, he ealle House and read the speech to him, Senator Stone to the White To af. 10 o’clock his request for a the House and the Senate. IDAHO SLIDE. TAKES. LIVES OF 15 MEN Boise, Idaho, Feb. 26.—With all southern Idaho in the grip of one of the worst storms of the winter, at-| tempts at rescuing the six undiscov-| ered bodies of the fifteen men who lost their lives Sunday in the snowslides at the North Star mine, near Haile) have been abandoned. All fifteen of the injured, three of whom may die, are in the hospital at Hailey or Bellevue and the nine re- covered bodies will be taken to Hailey tonight if the storm abates., The heavy wet snow which was still falling over most of the state late today has increased the danger of a new slide. THO BRITISH BOATS VICTINS OF SEA ROVERS (United Press.) Tokio, Feb. 26.— The British steamer Perceus and Worchestershire have been sunk, it was announced to- day. They were sunk off Colombo, the staicment said. No details have so far heer: received, but it has been report- ed that explosions took place aboard due to German plotting. ‘Editor's Note:—The Perceus was re- ported sunk at London Feb. 23, and the Worenestershire Feb. 19, and it was then assumed they were victims of German warfare. The Tokio dis- patches were the first reports that they had been victims of German plot- ting. The Japanese government has the strictest censorship, and it is possible they fell victims to the raiders. warfare with her U-boats. In a his afternoon, before a joint , the President. will ask for means of protect- ing by land and sea forces, if necessary, the rights of Ameri- can people on the high. seas. It is pointed out the German intention of submarine warfare, indicated ‘by the long list: of attacks on neutral shipping, will be short lived. Principles Only at Stake © The President told Congress . that material things are .no - longer to be considered in, the grave international © situation, but there remains ‘the one great. prineiple—the rights” of American citizens to be upheld, He plainly indicated that his > xetion, dloessxanbt* necessarily, mean war. Once before... the United States arrived at a crit- ical point with France and was called upon to call a_ state of neutrality. It ‘permitted the arming of Ameriean ships and the convo of American ships. In faet, every war mea- Sure was taken, short. of an act- e s Request ; He of going to church and worked in d Secretary Tumulty to the White At 9:30 o’eloek, he called use to tell him of his course, and joint session were sent leaders:in Congress Surprised. While the president was generally expected to address a joint session of congress before very long, his sud- den determination to do so today took congress completely off its guard. Leaders claimed they knew nothing until the announcement came today. Others said the senate filibuster fore- ed the president to decide to appear before them. Although navy depart- ment heads refused to discuss the sub- ject of arming merchantmen, which is to be discussed by the president, it was learned authoritatively that if it is decided on, the navy department can mount guns on every -merchant- man in a few moments’ notice. ‘It de- veloped this morning that the presi- |dent does not contemplate the dis- cussion of the Austrian situation. Feared Coalition. i That a concerted Republican plan to force # coalition government in | dealing with the present international | situation was’ one of the principat reasons why the president decided to address a joint session of congress, is the claim of Republican leaders to- day. Others learned that many mem- bers in opposition to the coalition government plan, planned to make an open demand that all parties be rep- resented at the congress. PLANS MADE TO PROTECT COMMERCE (Associated Press) Washington, Feb. 26.—In his ad: dress to a joint session of congress this afternoon, President Wilson will ask for authority to establish a state ‘of “armed neutrality.” He has made full and detailed plans for protecting American ships desiring to enter the German war zone. In addition to giving authority to establish a state of armed neutrality, congress is expected to place im the president’s hands authority to get ad- ditional money, if needed. A bond is- sue may be authorized. > The president completed his ed- dress to congress early this morning and it was sent to the public printer. At the same time he discussed Bie speech with Chairman Stone of senate foreign relations committee. No announcement was made, dut it was learned that the president was ge ing to do just what he outlined im hie address announcing the breaking of diplomatic relations with Germpny. Merely Preparation. ; 3 To ask for autor ital