The Bismarck Tribune Newspaper, April 24, 1917, Page 1

r ul THAT CMS REVOKE LICENSES OF TAXI DRIVERS CHIEF THOMPSON OUT Head of Bismarck Fire Depart- ment Tenders Resignation to Commission CHANGE IN LINE-UP FOR NEXT TWO YEARS Best Takes Sewer and Water De- partment, Bertsch Police and Kirk Streets Declaring that. a majority of the capital city’s taxi drivers have within the last few months been convicted of, or have pleaded guilty to boot- logging, blindpigging or kindred of- fenses against law and order, State’s Attorney iF. E. McCurdy last evening submitted to the city commission a long list of names which he held should no longer appear on the rolls of Bismarck’s licensed taximen, and asked their licenses revoked. The state’s attorney stated that in practically every instance offenses charged had been committed ‘by em- ploye rather than owner of the taxi service, but that the fact of the latter having retained the convicted driver or drivers in his employ tended to prove his sanction of the traffic. The elty has power to take away the li- censes of these men, said Mr, Me- Curdy, and he recommended that it be done. The communication was re- ferred to the police commissioner, Complete Shift. The old commission died last night and a new one was born without a single change in the personnel of the board. The business of the old year finished, a roll was called of the com- mission which is to servé Bismarck for the next two years; President Lu- cas delivered his message, and the work of ‘reorganizing the. eard “fol- lowed. A shift was made in every commis- slonership, except that of finance, which is held for another. two years iby R. C, 'Battey. Other, clectlons ‘made follow: ‘Water. any ng éls—R. L. Best. ‘Street: a s—C. N. Kirk. Fire a a olfce—Chris Bertsch, Jr. In the former. Jine-up, Best had streets, Kirk police and Bertsch sew- ers and waterworks, Thompson Would Quit. ‘The resignation of Harry A. Thomp- son as chief of the fire department was handed in by Commissioner Kirk as soon as his successor as head of the fire and police department was named. On motion of Best no action was taken on the filling of the va- cancy, none of the commissioners feel- ing competent last evening to make recommendations for departments new to them. Gets Money Back. Commissioners ‘Best°and Kirk each refunded the city $27 paid for their bonds during the last tWo years, The commission recently adopted a reso- lution calling upon members to pay their own bonds. The city will save $270 on each four-year-term as re- sult. Grambs & Peet were awarded the contract for sewer connections in the paving district on a bid of 79 cents per linear foot for six-inch tile. The Bismarck ‘Water Co. advised that it stood ready to install services in the paving district upon application of the property holders and to make needed repairs. Contracts covering this work have been let. Where water consumption will begin immediately no charge will be made for the in- stallation.. In the case of vacant lots, the owner will be asked to pay the actual cost, which will be deducted when the consumption of water be- gins. ‘Want Car Line. A petition against the shortening of the street car line, questioning the legal right ‘of the commission to do so, and threatening court action if the commission does not refrain from cur- tailment was presented by Hugh Jack- son and 49 others. “Forfeiture,” said the petition, “must be complete or not at all. The commission has no power to change an act of legislature by private agreement.” The city was urged to resist amy change in the line proposed by the board of control. On motion of Commissioner Kirk, the governor, board of control and emergency commission will be asked to set a date for another conference with the city commission on this pEOU: lem. Drinking Fountains. Appreciation of the drinking foun- tains presented to the city by the Uni- ted Commercial Travelers will be shown by enameling these life-savers pure white and keeping them spick and span in appearance. This duty was delegated to Commissioner Fest. Health Report. Health Officer Strauss at the re- quest of the commission presented a report showing the city to be unusual- ly free from communicable disease and the general health standard high. His report was made from cards filed with him by every physician in the city and was pronounced. absolutely correct; Complete statistics covering (Continued on Page Three) WHO RAUL BOOZE | NEW LINE-UP | PRESIDENT—A. W. LUCAS. FINANCE—R. C. BATTEY. STREETS—C. N, KIRK. POLICE—CHRIS BERTSCH Jr. WATER-SEWDPRS—R. L. BEST. PRESIDENT’S RECOMMENDATION ‘Better vital statistics. Recreation parks. Public playgrounds and gym. (Motorized fire department. ‘Rigid law enforcement, Clean streets everywhere. General sewer connections. ‘Systematic garbage collection. A definite city plan. A bridge over the Missouri. Co-operation and teamwork. PRIDE IN PAST: FAITH IN FUTURE LUCAS’ MESSAGE Accomplish- President Reviews ments of Old Administration and Tasks for the New SHOWS PERIOD OF REAL DEVELOPMENT FOR CITY Pride in Bismarck’s past and faith in future were the keynotes of President A. W. Lucas’ inaugural mes- sage, delivered at the initial meeting of the new city commission last eve- ning. The president commended his co-workers for the good work which they have done, and set for them im- portant tasks for the new term upon which they are entering. ‘His address in full follows: To the Honorable members of the Commission of the City of (Bismarck: Preparedness and co-operation should be the keynote of the new ad- ministration which is inaugurated this evening. The citizens of Bismarck have intrusted the management of the city into our hands and it seems prop- er at this time to outline in a general way plans for the future and touch briefly upon the record of the past four years. I desire to thank my colleagues for their co-operation during the term that has expired and earnestly request a continuation of the same harmony and team work. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. There is no more important depart- ment of the city than that devoted to j the health of the people. In the health of a people lies the wealth of the land —and of course*its happiness. 1 take pleasure in calling attention to, the excellent service rendered by the city health department under the regime of Dr. F. B, Strauss, especially ‘in view of the meagre funds available for this work. No epidemic has afflict- ed the city and the low death rate is one the citizens can well be proud of. Health authorities are agreed that Bismarck is done a radical injustice in the present methods employed in keping vital statistics. Deaths have been credited to the Capital City in- advertently from other points in Bur- leigh county. Then there is no proper distinction drawn between resident and non-esi- dent deaths, Before going further in- to a discussion of health and sanita- tion, I desire to call attention to the two hospitals, the largest and prob- ably the most efficient in the state. These institutions have treated ap- proximtely 29,000 patients in the last five years. Approximately 6,000 per- sons a year are treated, a large per- ‘centage of whom are non-residents. (Many of them come here for treat- ment with ailments in an advanced stage and the death rate naturally among such a number would be much larger than among 6,000 normal citiz- ens of resident population. But in making out the death certificates, a very considerable number of these non-resident deaths among the hospi- tal patients have been charged to Bis- marck, and the same has been true of deaths at the penitentiary. But with all these inaccuracies, Bis- marck makes a commendable showing according to the records of the state board of health. In 1915, the state board of health records 51 resident and 71 non-resi- dent deaths in Bismarck. In 1916, the number of local deaths was 92 and non-residents dying aggregated 95 or a total of 187. The last total includes deaths of ten persons who died in Bur-! leigh county outside of Bismarck. ‘Only a careful checking of vital sta- tistics will give the accurate data, but in the face of all possible errors in recording vital statistics, Bismarck’s showing is excellent and a fine tribute to the general features of civic life here which mitigate disease. The vital statistics are being car fully checked by the city health of. ficer who in due time will certify the results with any recommendations he may. see fit to make. ‘It. is imperative for the dest inter-| deputy: game warden for the WORST HEADS STATE BOARD FOOD RESERVE Former President of Agricultural College Named Chairman of Efficiency Commission CLUB WOMEN OF NORTH DAKOTA REPRESENTED Mrs, Weible and Mrs. Vick Mem- bers of Committee—Will Have Much to Accomplish John H, Worst of New Rockford, former president of the North Dakota agricultural college; Oscar J. Seiier, Jamestown attorney; Hon, W. R. Por- ter of Fargo, superintendent of the agricultural college demonstration farms; J. iM. Still of ‘Beach, Hon. Hor- ace Bagley of Towner, iMrs. Mary Dar- row Weible of Fargo, vice president of North Dakota Suffrage association; Mrs. Mildred B. Vick of Cavalier, president of the State Federation of Women’s clubs; M. V. Boddy of Far- ‘go, secretary of the state Equity; D. E. Shipley of Bismarck, state secre- tary of the Farmers’ union; O. O. Morrell of Surrey, state secretary of the Grange, and Howard R. Wood of Deering, state manager for the Non- partisan league, form the efficiency commission which is to work out ‘North Dakota’s problems of greater food production and adequate distri- bution. Governor Frazier named his com- mission this morning. The board is appointed in conformity with resolu- tions adopted at the national food conferences held in St. Louis and in other parts of the nation the fore part of the month. It will be the duty of this commission to encourage the till- ing of every acre of available soil; to consider the labor problem, and to solve the problem of efficient and equitable distribution. The task -of the commission has been divided into four heads: Production and labor, distribution and prices; economy and utilization, and. effective organization, ‘Its obfect’ will "be to Increase the food supply. and. improve the machinery of production and distribution, In this effort it will .have the co-operation of the federal department of agricul- ture and other branches of the na- tional government. The commission will be depended upon to plan its own campaign, which will be one adapted to conditions pre- vailing in this state. Governor Fra- zier feels that he has selected good men for this important duty, and he is confident that North Dakota will not be found a laggard in the mobili- zation of food reserves. HIGH COST OF PRODUCTION IS DISCUSSED New York, April, 24- Editors, ,pub- lishers and advertising ‘ ‘men from all parts of the United States and from ‘Canada are here for the annual con- vention of the Associated Press, and the American Newspaper Publishers’ association held here this week at the Waldor?-Astoria. One of the most important ques- tions for discussion is that of the war censorship. The high price of news- print paper also will be discussed. The fourth annual report of the bu- reau of advertising of the A. N. P. A. shows that newspapers of the coun- try during 1916 gained $20,000,000 in advertising over the preceding year, while the magazines showed a gain of $9,000,000. In an-address to members at @ luncheon, Frank B. Noyes, president of the Associated Press, said “In the past it has been necessary on like occasions for me to explain the constraints the Associated ‘Press was under to observe the strict neu- trality on all controversial points, due to the varied and manifold opinions of its membership. Not a Trace of Neutrality. “Today, thank God, this is not only not necessary, but the contrary fs true, for not a trace of neutrality is coursing in our veins—but red blood and red blood alone. “Today, neutrality has been ¢ast aside, and we, in common with all true Americans, are standing with our cousins to the north and those across the sea, who, under’ many flags, are ‘battling ‘that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish fromthe earth.’ God Gives Us a Leader. “In every past great national crisis that we have met God has raised up a leader truly great who has typified America, her hopes and ideals. In this day of national peril, He has not failed us. “I give you the health of the presi- dent of the United States, Woodrow Wilson.” «FLANNAGAN APPOINTED DEPUTY GAME WARDEN (Special to Tribune) Towner, N. D., April 24.—J. J. Flan agan of this: city-has been appointed ‘erm district of the state. Railroads Prepare for Exigencies + Important Announcements to he ilitate Handling of Material Are Expected PARTY OF RAILROAD OFFIGIALS IN CITY Important announcements relative to changes in passenger and: freight service on the main and the branch lines of the Northern Pacific to faci- litate the transportation of troops and government supplies are expected to be made by officials of the road with- in a few weeks, As far as the movement of war ma- terial is concerned, the railroads of the country are under government control and according: to information left here by the officials, the Northern Pacific is so organized for this move that little difficulty: will be | experi- enced in making the change. The only expression which Super: intendent Nichols left in Bismarck during his brief stay: yesterday after- noon with Superintendent Berner of the Jamestown division, was the will- ingness of the officials of the North- ern Pacific to co-operate with the gov- ernment. However, no inyportant changes will be made in tha service affecting. the Northern Pacific until official word has come from the war department, Teri President George T. Slade, J. Rappelje, general manager of the Noho Pacific and T. UW. Lantry were present at the largest railroad meeting of employees held in the w in many years at Glendive, Mont., | night. Vice President Slade outlined the part the company will play in the war and what is expected of the em- ployees of the road. He stated that there were possibilities of making changes on this road and thal through freights, carrying government mate rial and munitions, must be handled with efficiency and promptness. C. L. Nichols, general superintend- ent of the Northern Pacific, and W. E. Berner, members of the official party, left this morning on a special for Wilton on an inspection trip, af spending a portion of ‘Monday in Bis- marck and Mandan. The two officials will not return to ‘BiYsmask tonight abut. will go over. to'@ine!S +0 “and? in- spect other branch: lines. of the North- ern Pacific. ASSAILANT OF SCHOOLTEACHER ISTDENTIFIED Body Found in Dunbar Creek With Bullet Hole Above Heart Believed Self-Inflicted HOMESTEADER FINDS CORPSE WHILE FISHING Grand Rapids, Minn., April Tae body of a man found in Dunbar creek was identified positively today s that of the assailant of Miss Olga Dahl, who was attacked, tied to a tree and twice shot, while on her way home last September from the school near this place, of which she was the teacher. Girl Identifies Body. Identification was made by Semi Manula, at whose home tho man stopped to beg breakfast, tne morning of the attack, and by George Johnson, who saw him later in the day. Homesteader Finds Corpse. The body, caught in a snag, was discovered by Gust Johnson, a home- steader, while fishing last Sunday. A bullet hole above the heart is thought to have caused death and of- ficers believe it was self-inflicted. Empty Revolver Found, A revolver, with taree emptv shells was found on the bank nearby, Two had held the bullets, which the man had fired at the girl and tho third that which ended his. life. SCHOOL TERM AT HUFF LOSES FOR THE YEAR (Special to Tribune.) Huff, N. D., April 24.—flaborate ex- ercises marked the closing (Friday aft- ernoon of one of the most successful school terms the school here has ever had. Miss 24—! WORST BATTLE IN WAR RACING ON WEST FRONT Teutons Hastily Organize East of Arras to Stem Drive of En- tente Armies LITTLE OPPORTUNITY FOR USE OF BIG HOWITZERS Heavy Losses and Tenacious Fighting on Both Sides Are Reported (By Associated Press) What is apparently the bitterest fighting of the present Anglo-French offensive is raging tocay aiong the Wotan line, the hastily organized po- sition east of Arras to which the Ger. mans retired, wien the northern end of the Hindenburg line was turned by General Haig. Supreme Effort. The Germans are, putting forth a supreme effort to hold this vital por- tion of their defenses, the crumbling of which would expose Doual ana Cambrai, and bring into prospect an- other great retreat. The British have driven two wedg- es into the German position, forming sharp salients in the region of the ‘Scarte river and north of tne Ba- paume-Cambrai road. The head of the first salient has been thrust with- in four miles of Vitry, the most im- portant point on the Wotan line. But the tenacity and power with which the Germans are fighting leaves the issue for a time in doubt. Can't Use Howitzers, Tae semi-open character of the fighting affords little opportunity for the use of great how!tzers. The hat- tle is being waged largely with ma- chine guns and field aritille und the meagre report from the fighting line indicates heavy losses on both sides, althou the British claim that their casualt are moderate com- pared with tose of the enomy, Subdue Strikers, The situation behind the German lines, ftaught-as it is° with far muro tremendous possibilities than- those presented by any battle, remains un- The little news that trickles the man frontier indicates that he authorities have gained the upper hand over the strikers by tne drastic methods of militarizing the munitions industry and forcing strike leaders into the fighting line. It is too early and information is too mea- gre to say whether these stern meas: ures of repression have definitely crushed the startling storm of dis- contempt which has swept over the (Continued on Page ued on Page Three) TAKES AS PAYMENT ON DIGE GAME Orrin, N. D. Farmer Learns Later "That He Is Victim of a $1,000 Swindle Minneapolis, April 24.—Peter Wolf of Orrin, N, D., told Minneapolis po- lice today he had been swindled in this city by two strangers of $1,000, the amount he received for a carload of cattle in South St, Paul. According to Wolf, he’ came to Minneapolis from St. Paul after the sale, and Was met by a man who call- ed him by name, and said he used. to live in Orrin. Then another man, who claimed to be a farmer from Orrin, joined them, and the three got in a dice game. At its conclusion, one of them of- fered a check for $1,000 00, in settle- ment of iis losses, and Wolf oblig- ingly cashed it. Wilson Signs War Credit Measure Washington, “April 24.—President Wilson today signed the war bond pill, authorizing the sale of $5,000,- 000,000 in. government bonds, and $2,000,000,000 in treasury certificates. Pressure Upon Rome, April 24.—Tne Corriere D Italia, the clerical organ, declares that it is able to confirm reports pub- lished in the Spanish newspapers that the immediate following of the German empire is exerting pressure on him to abdicate. The paper says that at a recent meeting of the Hoz- enhollern family, one member, bolder than tue rest, intimated that the em- peror migat save thy sittaticn. by Lol To Abdicate Growing Daily State Reports Kaiser lowing the example of Emperor Ni- cholas. The German monarch is. reported to have turned tail and after observ- ing that the general opinion was against him, left the room muttering: “We shall see.” The same evening he summoned another family council. The chancellor and some ministers were presented, but what — re-|in more talk than would follow in the |and_ to have established: Inains unknown. WAR MISSION GEN. JOFFRE. HOUSE LUKE WARN TOWARD CONSCRIPTION Passage of War Army Bill Fore- cast by End of This Week SENATE TO RUSH MEASURE THROUGH ington, April 24.--Passage of army bill by the end of the week was forecast today upon the as- sembiage of congress. General de- hate on the measure .continued in both houses. A vote may be réached in tie house Thursday, and In the senate by Saturday. System Failed. Lieutenant General Bridges, mem- ber of the British commission, de- clared here today in a talk with newspaper cor ondents that tue British democracy had ‘become ar- most “fanatical” over universal mili- tary service. .The volunteer system under Which the empire entered the D Bridges said, has cost t valuable c zens, crippled industrial mobilization, and immeasurably set back Eng- land's efforts in the war. What War Means. “War,” said General Bridges, “is no longer a war of expeditions, but is a case of nation against nation. Men, women and children are equaly drawn into its vortex. The women and children being forced into indus-, try and fed on ‘aalf rations in order to supply the men at the front. War has become an immensely democrat- ic business, and needs the full effore of every member of the community directed along the line, most neces- sary to be served.” Attention is focused mainly in the house, where opposition to the ad- ministration’s plan for raising an army iby selective draft is started. In the senate, passage of the bill virtually without modification is ex- pected. With both houses of congress de- ‘bating the war army bill today, it be- came more than ever apparent that there is no fight over wacther a great army shal be raised, the only ques- tion being what strength can be mus- tered hy opponents of the administra- tion's ive plan, Certain to Pass Senate. In the senate passage of the gen- eral staff bill, virtualy without change is regarded as certain; on the house side the president's supporters also are confident of success, thougi the contest there will be bitter. Dis- cussion in th senate may continue un- til Saturday, but the house, under a tentative agreement for 18 hours of general debate, probably will be; ready to vote by Thursday. Most Speeches Favor Draft. Most of the speeches in the house were in favor of the administration plans, after Representative Dent, chairman of the military committee, had made an opening statement earn- estly supporting the bill as amended by his committee to autaorize calls with provision for ap- plying the draft only if the volunteer m fails. Representative Kahn of California, ranking republican of the committee, appeared in the unique position of spokesman for the president and leader of the adminis- tration forces. Both Sides Heard in Senate. Senators Wadsworth and Weeks vigorously adyocating the draft and Senator Thomas as strongly opposing it, made the principal addresses in the senate. Chairman Chamberlain of the sen- ate committee, said tonight that he might seek unanimous consent Wed- nesday for a vote tha: day, or Thurs- JOFFRE AND VIVIANT HEAD WHICK LANDS ON AMERICAN SOIL TODAY GONVOYED OVER SEA Distinguished Visitors Are Wel- comed With Salutes and Flo- tilla of American Craft — GRANDSON OF LAFAYETTE. MEMBER OF COMMISSION Leading Men of French Govern- ment Sent Here to Arrange Plans for Co-operation TO HEAD MISSION, Rome, April 24.—It is expected | that the Duke of Abruzzi, cousin of King Victor Emmanuel, will head an Italian mission to the United States. Washington, April 24—The French commission has safely landed in the United ‘States. This official state- ment was given out carly today by the government: “The department of state vised of the safe arrival French commission.” The commission arrived early this morning on ‘board a speedy stoamship of the French line, which was convoyed across the Atlantic. ad- the is of Met By American Ships. The vessels were met off the coast by American torpedo boat:destroyers and escorted to a port, The distin- guished visitors were welcomed with salutes as the vessels dropped. an- chor. The naval and military attaches of the French embassy at Washington and military officers, together with a representative of the state depart- ment, immediately ‘boarded tae French vessel and extended welcome to the American shores, Viviani Heads” Mission. ~~" Among the most notable figures in France are the members of the mis- sio At the head is Rene Viviani, minister of justice, and vice , presi- dent of the Council of leap tee who embodies the highest type. of renicn, democriucy, He is a progteas{ye in every sense belonging to. ‘the hi Inde- pendent Socialist party, which ‘1n- cludes such men as Painieve, Briand, and -Milerand. As minister of labor in the Chemenceau cabinet, he pass- ed the workers’ pension liw through parliament. Joffre in Party. Other members of the party are: Marshal Joseph Jacques Cesaire Jof- fre, commander - in - chief of the French armies until last December, now military adviser of the govern- ment; Vice Admiral P. L. A. Choche- praft, dean of French admirals, and an expert on submarine problems; Marquis Pierre de Caambrun, mem- ber of the chamber of deputies, and a student of international affairs; and M. Simon, inspector of financing. Marquis de Chambrun ig a grand- son of ‘Lafayette of Revolutionary fame. The Marquis married Miss Rives ‘Nichols, step-daughter of Bel- lamy ‘Storer, ambassador to Vienna in the Roosevelt administration. His ‘brother married a sister of Represen- tative Nicholas Longworth. Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour, formally presented by Secre- tary Lansing to President Wilson yes: terday, was the guest of honor last night at the most notable dinner giv- en at the White (House in a genera- tion. During the dav he was presented to Vice President Marshall at the capi- tol, lunched with Ambassador Spring- Rice at the French embassy, and re- ceived cards or calls from many prom- inent persons, including former Secre- tary Bryan. Spend Day Exchanging Calls, Meanwhile Lieutenant — General Bridges and other embassy officers called on Secretary Baker, Major Gen- eral Scott, chief of staff. and war de- partment officials: Admiral De Chair and his naval aides called on Secre- tary Daniels, Admiral Benson and other navy department officials and Lord Cunliffe, governor of the Bank of England, called on Secretary McAdoo. The officials so far, with the en- thusiasm the people of the capital have shown and the courtesies and cordialities extended by the officials, have taken the British commission completely by surprise, Mr, Balfour after three-quarters of an hour's ¢on- versation with President Wilson. re- + marked enthusiastically that his trip had been justified by that meeting alone. Welcome Surprises Commission. All during the day members of the commission exclaimed over - the warmth of the welcome. As if to make it more perfect. Washington just at- this time is blossoming into the falt richness of its spring dress. The pre liminary conferences 07 all were stated to have laid an basis on acquaintance and ‘under standing for the detailed conferences to follow. ee President Wilson and M+ Baler day. He said he did not expect to endeavor to use the new cioture rule, both because he was not certain he could get: the two-thirds ‘necessary to’ invoke it, and because it might result normal course. are. known to have tonche* athe © ‘broad phases of the sity 3 a way as to give each an the other’s personality an?