New Britain Herald Newspaper, February 17, 1916, Page 1

'HERALD BEST OF ALL! LOCAL NEWSPAPERS NEW BRITAIN HERALD HERALD “ADS” MEAN BETTER BUSINESS \ = PRICE THREE CENTS. NEW BRITAIN CONNECTICUT, THURSDAY, FEBRU ARY 17, 1916 —T'WELVE PAGES. ESTABLISHED 1876: 100,000 TURKS AND MORE + THAN 1,000 GUNS CAPTURED BY RUSSIANS AT ERZERUM Eritish Expedition in Mesopotamia Loses 2,000 Offi- cers and Men in Battle With Sultan’s Forces Near Batiha---Allied Ships Shell Turkish Town 5,000 of Czar’s Troops Killed in Three Days’ Struggle on the Caucasian Front Allied Reconnoitering Detachment on Dardanelles ¥ront Ambushed and * Nearly All of Men Slain—Austrians Repulse Eighth Attack By Italians On Positions on Javereck—No New Developments in West, Petrograd, Feb. 17, via London, 2:15 p,, m—The official Messenger, esti- mftes the Turkish garrison at Erzer- um, capture of which was announced vesterday, as 100,000 men. It is also estimated that more than one thousand guns were captured. It is said there were 467 guns in the outer forts, 374 in the central forts, and 200 field guns at Erzerum. § British Lose 2,000 Men. “Constantinople, Feb. 17, via London 12:33 p. m.—The losses of one of the| British expeditions in Mesopotamia in a battle with the Turks near Batiha, west of Korna, amounted to 2,000 offi- cers and men, according to an official | announcement given out by the Turk- | 1sh war department under date of Feb- ruary 16. The statement also says that the Russians lost 5,000 men in killed in a {hree day battle on the Caucasian “tront. Text of Statement. The text of the statement follows: “Irak front: One of our seaplanes flew over the enemy artillery positions at Kut-El-Amara, successfully drop- - ping twelve bombs, which had great effect. J‘After his defeat in the battle near Batiha, west of Korna, the enemy left many dead on his road of retreat. The enemy losses in that battle as estab- | Jished up to the present amounted to 2,000 men and 300 animals. 5,000 Russians Killed. “Caucasian front; In the fighting, which has been in progress during the lagt three days, despite cold weather and snow, the enemy lost 5,000 dead and sixty prisone “Dardanelles: A cruiser, a monitor and a torpedo boat of the enemy on February 13 fired twenty shells on Tekke Burnu and then withdrew be- fore the fire of our coast batteries. The fire of the warships did no damage. Reconnoitering Party Ambushed. “Near Aden, in the woods between Sheik Hosman and Eluaile, an enemy reconnoitering detachment was am- bushed, nearly all the men being illed, Those who escaped fled in the direction of Sheik ~Hosman, leaving behind all their baggage.” Ttalian Attacks Repulsed. Vienna, Feb. 17, via London, 3:48 p. m.—An Austrian official statement jssued under date of Feb. 16 an- nounces that the eighth attack by Ital- fan outposts on the Austro-Hungar- lan positions on Javereck was re- pulsed. The statement adds that the ground in front of the new Austrian positions in the Rombon district is covered with Italian dead. | Trench Official Report. “Paris, Feb. 17, via London, 3:2§ p. m.—*“There were no events of im- portance last night” the war office announced this afternoon. German Official Report. Berlin, Feb, 17, Via. London, 5:03 p. m—The war office zave out the following report today: ‘Western front: There Wwere no events of special importance. In glearing out the mewly captured bosition near Ober-Sept (Alsace), _tight more French mine throwers were found, Artillery Fighting. “Rastern front: On the northern portion of this front there was spirit- ed artillery fighting. Our airmen at- \fcked Dvinsk and the railway es- “Hblishments at Wils ka. Balkan front: The is pnchanged.’ situation ¥ PER CENT. ASSESSHENT . Action Taken by Southington Nation- . al Bank to Cover Shortage Created ' - by Embezzlement of Cashier Curtis. —Stockholders Bank Southington, Feb.17 of the Southington National have received notices of a cent. a essment to be made on es # share of stock of the bank, W % learned today to cover in part the <. "chortage created by the embezzlement - yf the late cashier, Louis K. Curtis, which amounted to out $87,500. The stockholders will meet on Feb. fvhen the matter will come up for ac- " ton. 25 ALLEGED SOUP POISONER SAID TO BE IN BOSTON Chicago Authorities Expect Arrest of Jean Crones in Near Future. Chicago, Feb., 17.—Jean Crones, accused of putting poison in the soup erved at the banquet at which Archbishop Mundelein and hundreds of other prominent persons were guests, has been secen in Boston, ac- cording to reports reaching police officials here today. The' Chicago au- thorities have been in communica- tion with eastern detectives, and Crones’ arrest is expected soon. It was said that the Chicago offi- cials were informed that Crones was seen at the South Terminal in Bos- ton shortly before midnight Ilast night. Detectives today set about .investi- gating details of an alleged confes- sion sent to the New York Times by a man who signed the name “Jean Crones.” They said information ggthered here tallied with the acts in the alleged confession. Boston, Feb, 17.—The police today were investigating a report that Jean Crones, for whom the Chicago police alleged poisoning of soup at a‘banquet to Archbishop Mundelein, had been seen in this city. According to the report, a man who said he formerly worked with Crones in Chicago, saw some one whom he claimed to 1ecognize as Crones near the South Station. He said that when he spoke to him, the man told him to mind his own business and hurried away in the direction of the South Boston district. Early in the 'day the police had found nothing to substantiate the report, Captain Nicholas Hunt, chief of de- tectives, announced today his conc'u- sion that Jean Crones, the chef want- ed for putting poison in soup served at the banquet to Archbishop Munde- lein last Thursday here, is hiding in New York or Boston. ICE MEN QUIT WORK Many Who Worked Yesterday at Shut- tle Meadow Lake Fail to Put in An Appearance This Morning. According to information received in City hall today many of the laborers employed by the water department to harvest ice at Shuttle Meadow lake failed to put in an appearance for their second day today. It is said that half of those who worked at the lake vesterda were conspicuous by their absence this morning.So short of hands are the harvesters that Superintendent Towers of the water department took a vagrant from the police station this morning, gave him a coat and trans- ported him to Shuttle Meadow to put him to work. Mayor Quigley says twenty-four cakes of ice are being run into the ice house every minute. Nearly 1,000 tons was harvested vyesterday. The mayor and Chairman Rossberg of the water department went to the lake this afternoon to oversee the work. MAY TRANSFER HOUSTON, Secretary of Agriculture Likely Succeed Garrison. ‘Washington, Feb. 17.—Cabinet gossip today took a strong trend to- ward the possible transfer of Secre- tary Houston from the department of war department, . O. Thompson, president of the University of Ohio State University and Representative Asbury F. Lever of South Carolina, chairman of the house agriculture committee, were being discussed as successors to Sec- retary Houston. ‘While nothing official coming, it Is known that tthe possi- bility of the transfer of Secretary Fouston has received serious con- sideration. was forth- EXECUTIVE SESSION, Washington, Feb. 17.—The senate went into executive session again to- day on the Nicaraguan treaty, with | prospects of a'vote onm its ratification, are searching in connection with the | to | | ! | FRENCH AND ITALIAN AGENTS MAY VISIT U§, President Thomson of A.H.C. Heard They Were Com- ing Here. Ax.-rival of a group of distinguished foreign visitors, presumably represen- tatives of the French and Italian gov- ernments, has been anticipated for several days by New Britain manufac- turers. While it is not definitely known what their purpose is in visit- ing the local manufacturing plants, it is believed that it relates to war business. Speaking of the proposed visit this morning, President H. C. M. Thomson of the American Hardware Corpora- tion said he received word by phone several days ago from an out of town party thate the visit of the foreign- ers was contemplated and he expected them to arrive yesterday. The visit did not materialize and President Thomson now believes that New Brit- ain will not see them as he has heard nothing further of the matter, As to the object of their visit Presi- dent Thomson was ignorant. informant gave him to understand that the visitors would inspect several of the large local manufacturing plants with the aim of securing a line on their capacity. Whether they be- !ie\‘F New Britain concerns are in a position to furnish war munitions and their visit here is for the purpose of obtaining information in that direc- ton, Mr. Thomson was unable to see, but he declared if that is the object it will prove a disappolntment so far as his company is concerned, as, he said, it is not equipped for such purposes. KHEDIVE OF EGYPT NOW DISCONTENTED British Offer Throne to Prince Yusuf, ‘Who Declines Offer—Revolt of Redifs Cause, Berlin, Féb. 17, by Wireless to Say- ville—Advices from Cairo, as given cut by the Overseas News Agency, state that the Khedive of Egypt has become discontented and that the British have offered the throne to Prince Yusuf, who has declined. The leader of the Senussi is said to have informed the Brittish he was powerless to suppress the rebels. The statement given out by the news agency is as follows: “The Italian newspaper Ordine of Ancona, publishes a report from Cairo, dated February 2, to the effect that the jeader of the Senussi was re- quested by the British authorities to terminate the combats on the western frontier of Egypt, but replied that he was powerlss against the rebels. The Eritish said the Redifs (first Egyp- tion reserves), who mutinied, must be suppressed Wwith energetic measures. “The Khedive expressed to the Eritish his intense pain that the Redifs had been fired on. He re- quested of Major General Sir John Maxwell, forces in Egypt, that, the British offi- cer who gave the order to fire on the Redifs be court-martialed. In the meantime summoning of the Redifs has been postponed. “The Khedive is dincontented and weary. The British have offered the succession of ‘the throne to Prince Yusuf, who declined.” The identi of the prince referred tc is not clear. The reference may be to Youssouf Sadik Bey, chief of the Egyptian cabinet. ALLING IN THE FIELD Tormer Chairman of Board of Public Safety Would Accept Democratic Nomination For Mayor. Edward B. Alling, former of the board of public safe of the commissioners who airman nd one were re- ! moved by Mayor Quigley for lese ma- jesty announced today that he would accept the nomination for mayor from the democratic par Mr, Alling wants it understood that he will not make a fight for the nom- ination but will consider it an honor to lead the party in the spring cam- paign if the party decided to select him. His | commander of the British | MERIDEN BUSINESS FIGHT ECHO HERE Homer A. Curtiss, Pioneer Manu-: facturer, Comes to L. F. & C. DEPOSED N @LYER oy | Former Head of Meriden Cutlery | Company Writes Stinging Letter Ac- companying Resignation from Board of Directors. Homer A. Curtiss, deposed presi- den and treasurer of the Meriden Cut- lery company, positions he has held for years. has accepted an offer from Landers, Frary & Clark of this city and. according to Vice Preident A. G. Kimball, will occupy a position in the management of the cutlery depart- | ment of the local concern. Mr. Curtiss, Who is one of Meriden’s pioneer manufacturers, has indignant- | 1y declined to become a puppet in the | hands of those Who succeed him in | power in the Meriden concern and | has résigned from the board of direct- | ors. Shorn of his authority as presi- dent and treasurer he has washed his hands of the concern's affairs. As an indication of Mr. Curti state of mind, the following letter to the company written by him, was giv- en out for publication today: A Humiliating Offer. | “You have offered me an ‘advisory’ | position coupled with the request that I keep away from the office unless sent for by the president. Such a position is, and I fear was, intended, by whoever prompted it, to be so | humiliating fhat I cannot accept it | and keep my self respect. I regret | that fifty years of service should have | such a result. After careful consider- | ation I hereby resign my connection as a director and otherwise with the | Meriden Cutlery company.” Big 'Men' on Directorate. Among the directors of the com- pany are John L. Billard, whose con- | nection with the New Haven road has made his name familiar in all parts of the country; E. J. Doolittle, paper box manufacturer and former railroad | commissioner of the state, and Charles L. Rockwell, one of Meriden's young | | Charles P. McCarthy was fined | of the case | Mahon or anyone else to | Friday CHAUFFEURS FINED: | ONE SENT T0 JAIL Martin Given Thirty Days and Fined $100; McCarthy Fined $50 SEQUEL TO FEB. 12 “JOY RIDE” Prosecutor Kleet Says They Were On Way to Red Swan Inn, Meriden, ‘When McMahon's Automobile Over- turncd in Berlin. William Martin was fined $100 and costs and sent to jail for thirty, and $50 Judge James T. Meskill in police court this morning on charge convicting them of interfering and tampering” with an automobile and costs by | owned by P. S. McMahon without the owne permission. committed at 2 a. m, on February 12 and when the men were first ar- raigned the charge was ‘“taking and using” the car. The penalty for this offense is not less than six months in jail, while for the charge preferred against them the court is given more leeway in the matter of a money fine and jail sentence. Although the case was called at 8:45 o’clock a recess was immediatel called, during which Lawyers W. F. | Mangan and P. F, McDonough, rep- resenting Martin and McCarthy re- spectively, conferred with their clients and with the prosecuting attorney, George W. Klett. Prosecutor Wants No “Come Back.” To the charge of “interfering and tampering” with McMahon's car both Martin and McCarthy pleaded guilty. Prosecutor George W. Klett made a statement of the facts in the case to | the court. He declared that he had absoluely refused to agree with the counsel for the defense to make any recommendation as to the disposition as he did not want Mc- be able to leave the court room and say that he had not been treated perfectly fair b the prosecutor, the police and t court. He then explained the circum- stances surrounding the taking, of McMahon's car. night, Martin, McCarthy and mwen decided to take an The offense was three other men of wealth and actively identified | with a number of prosperous indus- | tries in the Silver city. Many other men prominent in the manufacturing and busines life of Meriden are associated with the concern. | Suit Ov New President. | S. B. Austin the new president of | the Meriden Cutlery company. Mr. | Austin’s advent into Meriden’s manu- facturing circles precipitated a suit against the Cutlery company for $50.- 000 damages by the Wyoming Cutlery company of Wilkesbarre, Pa., which | claimed to have him under contract. Kirkham & Cooper, the local law firm, is interested in the case and is said to represent the Wilkesbarre concern. Besides asking for $50,000 damages, | the Wyoming Cutlery company brought injunction proceedings to re- strain Austin from engaging with the Meriden concern. il also | Surprise to Curti: It is said that Mr. Curtiss was not informed that Mr. Austin was to come to the Meriden plant, the greatest of secrecy having been maintained by those woh engineered the plan. The first information Mr. Curtiss had of Mr. Austin being engaged, it is said, was when he was served with papers in the suit. The Wyoming company is said to have suspended business af- ter Austin left. James P. Grosvenor of Meriden suc- ceeds Mr. Curtiss as treasurer of the company. Valuable Acquisition, i Vice President Kimball of Landers, Prary & Clark today stated that Mr. Curtiss would be connected with the | management of the cutlery depart- ment of the local firm. The acquisi- tion of Mr. Curtiss should be of in- estimable benefit to Landers, Frary & Clark as he has a thorough knowl- edge of the cutlery business through his half century association with its manufacture. MASTERS T0 CONFER will Masons Consider Demands of | Hod Carriers and Lathers at Meet- ing Wednesday Night. A meeting of the master masons of this city has been called next | Wednesday night to discuss demands made on them by hod carriers and lathers. The hod carriers have de- manded an increase in pay from 80 to $3.20 per day and the lathers have demanded twenty-seven cents per bunch, an increase of two cent It is said that the master ma are prepared to refuse the incre: and that plans will be made special meeting to oppose mands. for sons ses at the the de- i o WEATHER. Hadtford, Feb., 17.—Tor Hartférd and vicinity: Gener- ally fair tonight and Friday. Continued relatively mild. o | Mangan said he had seen evidence tt They telephoned to corner automobile ride. the taxi-cab driver at Crowell’ but he could not accommodate them. They then went to Corbin” garag where Martin told J. J. W on, was in ¢ rge, that he wanted to tak McMaho r out to run down to the | farm in Kensington and get a load of milk. On the road McCarthy took the wheel and was driviag when at Up- son’s corner the car was ditched, either because of the drivers | lack of knowledge of the car or be- | cause the wheels became caught in the | car tracks. All were thrown out and Mariin was slightly injured while other members of the party were ! scratelied. “They were headed for a | place just below Meriden, the Red | Swan Inn T believe it is, and it was a pure case of ‘joy ride’,” the prosecu- tor said. He then advised the court that al- thought th McCarthy’s first offense Martin has been in court twice before for violation of the motor vehicle law and has been fined twice, “Cases like this Lring condemnation on automobiles to the detriment of in- | nocent auto owners and chauffeurs and | a severe penalty has been proscribed,” | the proseccutor said. “I have no sym- pathy for a man who will take his em- ployer's car without permission.” Prosecutor Klett then explained that the penalty prescribed for a first of- fender under this complaint is a finc of not more than $100, a jail sentence of not more than ten days, or both. In subsequent convictions, under which Martin's case comes, the penalty may ! be a fine of not more than $500 or not more than six months in jail or both. | On August 4, 1914, Martin was fined $50 and costs for reckless driving and | on January 18 of the present year he was fined $5 and costs. | “Martin ought to go to jail” said the prosecutor. “I have told his | counsel so. It has been shown that | fines have no effect. How long, it is for the court to say. Had he been brought in under another charge the penalty- would have been very severe. I am sorry that the state has to ask for a jail sentence, but it is my duty to ask it.” Would Not Jump Bond. Speaking for Martin, Lawyer Man- gan said that Martin's case differed from that of McCarthy’s only in that he had been arrested twice before, He then explained the nature of the other two offenses, declaring that neither of them was very serious. He said that after the accident of last Saturday morning the young men were scared | but they ‘‘came back to arrange to pay for the damage they had done. They came back to see McMahon to | pay him and they both will.” Lawy i | | | | i t | McMahon was not aggrieved at Mar- tin and did not want to have him sent away.” Mr. Mangan Last night Martin was given in hi hand and a promise of a home for a | year to skip town. But he would not | do it because he thought too much of | his bondsman, whom he does not even know, and refused. I think it is safe | to that if he is fined he will to jail.” TLawyer Mangan then plained how Martin has already &0 | ex- | spent | A (Continued On Ninth Page.) He said that on last | who | | education ASSURANCES to Sinking of U. S. ASKS GERMANY FOR NOT TO SINK SHIPS ARMED FOR DEFENSE Secretary Lansing Considers Lusitania Agree ment Satisfactory So Far As It Relates British Liner STATED SUGGESTION WILL NOT BE HEEDED BY BERLIN REGIME HEALEY’S RESIGNATION I FINALLY ACCEPTED G. 0. P. Chairman Tenders Farewell Dinner at Hart- ford Hotel. The resignation of TRaymond R. Healey as chairman of the republican town committee was accepted with | regret at a farewell dinner tendered the members of the committee by Mr. Healey at the Hotel Heublein, Hart- ford last night. No successor was chosen so the committee is now with- out a leader. For some time past Mr. Healey has insisted on resigning but the members of the committee were loath to lose his services as they realized that men of his stamp are difficult to secure. At the last two meetings of the commit- tee, the resignation has been allowed to lay on the table as it was hoped Mr. Healey would reconsider and continue | as the heaa of the party. The farewell dinner was attended by George W. Bull of the first’ ward, Mark Cashmore of the second ward, Fred M. Hewitt of the third ward, W. N. McKirdy of the fourth ward, Paul Bellman of the fifth ward and John F. Kingley of the sixth ward. Mr. Healey informed his fellow wor ers that he was desirous of having his resignation accepted and this was done with considerable regret. It is said that the members of the committee have no successor to Mr. Healey in mind but it is reported the chairman will not be selected from out side the present committee. TEXAS OPERA HOUSE Gas Explosion Followed by Fire Des- troys Several Business Buildings —Loss About $75,000. Mexia, Texas, Feb. 17.—Search of the ruins of the Mexia Opera House collapsed last night and of busines buildings destroyed in the resulting fire failed to add to the list of victimg 2nd the number of dead early today remained at nine. Nearly a score in- fured were reported resting easily. Three of the dead were killed in the wreck of the Opera House, which had been opened for an art exhibi- tion by the city schools under the auspices of the Mothers Club. Be- cause of the early hour only a few persons had arrived when the acci- dent occurred. The victims killed in the Opera. House were A. B Weisner, superintendent of the schools: Mrs. Weisner and Professor A. C. Burton, Two doors six men from the were killed Cafe, upon which the fell. A gas explosion the collapse of the Opera House re- sulted in fire. Before the fire was checked a number of busi s build- ings had burned with a €00, Opera House in the Mecca Opera House which followed MAYOR DISAPPROVES Says He Will Return Increases in Pay to Police and Firemen to Common Council at Early Date. A. Quigley action of the common Mayor George is dissat- tied with the council last night in voting increases to police and firemen and hc this afternoon that he would have th matter brought up again. He said he would not veto the council’s action but would not approve of it He said might call a special meeting n Wednesday night. According to Mayor Quigley, of the policemen will receive an crease of eighty cents a day. He a number of policemen saw him tod and that they agreed with him in hi: disapproval of the eighty cent A committee from the police is pected to confer with the mayor the board of public safety tomorr morning. statc he xt in- nid ex- i W SW TEACHERS. ‘ Miss TWO N Miss Hazel Davenport and slla Connor heen engaged by the committee on teachers of the board of for the, regular teaching | the public Mi has ) t G schools Davenport IGast street school and the Burritt school. been assigned to the Miss Connor to COLLAPSES; 9 DEAD | city | some | Kaiser Also Wants Assurances Tha Armed Merchantmen if Given In musity From Attack Will Not sault Submarines—Austrian Noti on Proposed Campaign Reach: State Department. Feb. 17—Secpeta accepted the Lusitani Washington, Lansing today agreement as acceptable to the United States in far it relates to thal case, but asked Count Von Bernstorfl so the German ambassador, for assufy ances that Germany will not carry It policy of sidking merchantships wit to liners even if they out warning carry defensive armament. The defens mined upon. question of what constitute ve armament ater in a way not yet ag It is suggested that the Unif States may propose that guns mount} ed on the stern of ships and capab of being swung from 15 to 30 degree in either direction might come withy in that class. Germany Not to Accept. It was stated authoritatively 'thé Germany, because of its unusual pd | sition, cannot and will not acee) | the suggestion of the United Stafg as it now stands that liners carryii guns shall be immune from . at under previous assurances. is to be detef] Germany Wantk Assurances. Germany is prepared to inform United States that if passenger lin { leaving Americans ports with defs i sive armament are to be immune fry submarine attack without warning, 8 the German government promised I | September in the Arabic case, h Berlin government expects some | surances that the liners will not tack the submersibles Count Von Bernstorff, the Germa ambassador, has an engagement & confer with Secretary Lansing todas and he is expected to convey thi view in reply to the secretary's staf {ment of yesterday, and that it Wi desirable that the German govel ment make a declaration that carrying out its new submarine cam paign of sinking armed merchantme without warning after Feb. it in tended to abide by the assurances | Bave in the Arabic case t “lin would not be attacked without w ing unless they attempted to res) Apply to Ttalian Shi Such assurances as it is indicated Germany may now ask probabl would apply only to Italian ships, British passenger-carrying liners ha not been armed, even with the sml guns, allowed for defensive purpose since the outbreak of the war, President Wilson and Secref@ Lansing considering today mne German proposal designed to sety Lusitania controversy to deternii¥ whether its terms would be nullified by announced intention of the Teu tonic powers to sink all armed & emy merchant ships without warnif after February American officials expressed th opinion that the submarine conti) | versy with Germany cannot be clo until assurances are given that Y safety of neutrals and non-combatant at sea has not been altered by thil latest Germanic de arations. The: ar that the United States con onted with a long of diplo, | matic exchanges and that ¢ | situation is where it W weel ago, when it was described as “grave’ were is ies state s sever Bernstorfl’s View. Count Von Bernstorff told See tary Lansing yesterday it was his pel sonal opinion that in the new submi Jign his government intend by its promise not to si unresisting “liners” without warnf given in the Arabic and refer to the Lusitania agreement. M | Lansing informed the amb | that'such a declaration from h | ernment would be highly desirable; The ambas: 5 ted the posi sibility of postponing the ufiecll. | aate of the new submarine ecampaig | if it’ would give time for negotiation | to clarify the confused situation bl the secretary did not commit himf self. This is the situation now rine cam ed to abide P Not Buture. the and had Cover Past, result of the Lusitania United States the belief that the | of submarine warfare | lines and in accordance | tablished principles of somewhat corresponden Arabic cas rested seouilé future cond on humang with the o8 internationa law, modified by the ney conditions developed during the waf had been The state depatl ment had been proceeding lately upol the theory that all that was necessan he in the Wil past Austro-G As a | in the | in 1ssured the the t (Continued On Ninth Pag