New Britain Herald Newspaper, February 15, 1917, Page 1

HERALD BEST OF ALL LOCAL ' NEWSPAPERS NEW BRITAIN HERALD [HERALD “ADS” MEA |BETTER BUSINES PRICE THREE CENTS. NEW BRITAIN, CONNECTICUT, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 19i1¢ —TEN PAGES. ESTABLISHED 1 ~ WHITLOCK REQUESTED TO HAUL DOWN U. S. FLAG; - NO CONTRABAND ON TORPEDOED AMERICAN SHIP CONN. ARTILLERY SUMMONED TO GUARD BRIDGE! Gov. Holcomb, Acting on Word From Gen. Wood, in Command ;f Dept. of the Ea Structures at Bridgeport, Stratford, Niantic, Saybrook, New London and Middletown-- gic Points on Main Railroad Line Between Boston and New York | J0S. TOWERS DEAD AFTER ACTIVE LIFE County Commissioner Expires at Age of Filty-Five PROMINENT IN POLITICS ' Has Been Chatrman of Republican Town Committee, Member of Com- mon Council and Representative in General Assembly. County Commissioner Joseph Tow- ers died early this morning at his home on Stanley street, near the Ber- lin town line, after an illness which extended over a period of more than & year. While Mr. Towers' relatives and friends had long realized the gravity of his condition, as he did himself, his death came, nevertheless, as a distinct shock and the news of BERLIN ENTHUSES OVER OLD TREATY - Would Permit Interned Ships to Return to Germany SEC'Y ZIMMERMAN EXPLAINS Amended Provisions Being Submitted to U. S. Through Swiss Embassy— Provides Protection for Citizens of Both Countries. Berlin, Feb. 14, via London.—For- eign Secretary Zimmermann, in an in- formal discussion today with the cor- respondent of the Associated Press, explained the amended provision of the American-Prussian treaty of 1799; which Germany now is submitting through the Swiss government for the approval of the United States. Herr Zimmermann declared that the in- - his death, quickly spread about the city, brought messages of sympathy to his bereaved family. Than Mr. Towers there was no more staunch republican or man who worked harder or did more for the G, O. P. in this city.. He always. gave unstintingly of his time and furds and credit for much of the strength of the republicans in this section goes to him, Born in Haverstraw in 1861 Mr. Towers was born in Haverstraw, N. Y., on October 17, 1861, the son of James Towers and Hannah Lee. He received his education in the country schools of his native town and in 1873 went west to Iowa with his father. After six years in that staté 3 JOSEPH TOWERS r . the elder Towers and his son moved east and came to New Britain where they went into the brick manufactur- ing business near the Berlin-New Bri- tain town line in 1879. Mr. Towers’ brother, William, was also identified in the brick business but in 1887 Joseph bought out his i\ erests and for the past thirty vears® had con- ducted the business himself. During the past few years Mr. Towers de- voted less of his time to the business, having handed the reigns over to his son while he applied himself to his work as county commissioner until compelled to leave ‘the office because of his critical illness. On March 25, 1891, Mr. Towers was married to Miss Lucy Agnes Rawling a daughter of Noah and Agnes Raw! ings of Berlin. The wedding took place in Berlin and Rev. Theodore Clayton, then pastor of the Methodist church there, officiated. Besides his wife and one son, Reginald Towers, Mr. Towers is d by two brothers and four s They are William Towers of Oxford, Pa.,, and James Towers of Stanley street, this city; Mrs. Mary Lawrence of Pough- ‘keepsie, N. Y.; Mrs. Sarah Schweitzer of Elkhart, Ind. and Mrs. Elizabeth Bicks of Gary, Ind. James Towers of Seymour street is a cousin. Prominent in_Politics. Early in life Mr. Towers afliliated Pimself with the republican party and 4 until illness prevented he ever gave his untireing efforts to the furthering of the aims and ambitions of that party. After having served for three < (Continued on Ninth Page.) terning of civilians and the confisca- tion of private property were prepos- terous steps to which his government was unalterably opposed. The proposed amended treaty deals in the broadest manner with the pri- vate interests and personal liberties of | 'the ‘ubjects of both countries. The German proposal would make articles 23 and 24 of the treaty effective im- mediately upon the severance of diplo- matic relations, ag-well as in the event of a declaration of war. It also would .extend their protection over all German merchants in the United States but would only affect American merchants in Prussia, not in the en- tire German empire. Under the treaty, as it stands at present, citizens of either country domiciled in the (other are guaranteed unmolested re: idence for nine months after a decla- ration of war but may be excluded from fortified cities or places of mil- itary importance. Protection for Fall, The German proposals guarantee to German subjects in the United States and Americans in Germany freedom to leave the country of their respective residence at a time and by routes to be assigned. They may take ith them all their personal prop- including money, valuables and bank credits, except as otherwise pro- hibited by existing embargoes and protection of themselves and their property shall be guaranteed in ac- cordance with the laws of the country of their residence. - There shall be no | restrictions of their private rights oth- er thran the judicial enforcements im. posed on neutrals. Special provision is made that civilians shall not be put in camps or their property sequestered except under laws applying to all neutrals and a genera] provision is inserted that German property in the United States and American property in Ger- many shall be treated as neutral. An- other provision protects patent rights and contract relations. A significant section is one guaran- teeing the protection of the sixth Hague convention in regard to enemy merchant ships to merchantmen of both parties as well as their cargoes. The provision is extended, however, to forbid the enforced departure of such ,vessels from their ports without a binding pass from all enemy coun- tries guarantecing a free voyage to a home port. The same protection would be ex- tended to the crews of these ships and the treaty would apply, in all par- ticulars, to the colonies of both par- ties. ELKINS IS HEARD FROM Despatch From American Ambassador 7, to Turkey, Dated Feb. Today—Delayed Longer Than Usual. Washington, Teb. 15.—The message to reach the state depart- ment from American officials in Tur key or Bulgaria since the break in relations with today from Ambassador Elkus Constantinople, who inquired about the difficulties of communication with bis government. It bore the date of Feb. 7 and was delayed at least five days longer than is usuaily the case with despatches from the Turkish capital., ; to Switzerland i lowing committee to Received | first Germany was received | at GERARD AND PARTY ARRIVE AT PARIS Ambassador Will Meet Notables at Dinner He Is Arranging WARNS AGAINST SPIES Believes Espionage May Be Practiced Among Americans Following Him Out ‘'of Germany—One Person Now Under Suspicion. Paris, Feb. 15.—James W. Gerard, former American ambassador at Ber- lin with Mrs. Gerard and their party, forty-two persons in all, arrived in Paris this morning from Berne, Swit- zerland. They were met at the sta- tion by the American ambassador, Mr. Sharpe, and the embassy staff. A battalion of French photograph- ers took snapshots of Mr. and Mrs. Gerard as they alighted from the train. The journey from Berne was without incident. The French government. placed two cars at the disposition of the party, attaching them to a regular train, Mr. and Mrs. Gerard are stop- ping at a hotel. Mr. Gerard had a long talk with Mr. Sharpe at the embassy this morning. He probably will be received by dis- tinguished representatives of the French government and will meet some of the most important person- ages at a dinner which Mr. and Mrs, Sharpe are arranging. Checred on Leaving Berne. Berne, Feb. 14, via Paris, Feb. 15. —To the accompaniment of echoing cheers that filled Berne's railroad sta- tion, Ambassador Gerard, his staff and about fifty other Americans de- parted tonight for Paris by way of Pontarlier. The departure was made the occasion of .a demonstration such as Berne has not seen in a long time. The women members of the party were laden with beautiful cut flowers pre sented by Berne friends, which were doubly appreciated because they had been so rare in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Gerard arrived at the station about ten minutes before the time set for the departure of the train and were greeted by Minister Stova)l. Among the big crowd of prominent persons who filled the platform were members of the Entente legations in Berne, English and French officers interned in Switzer- land and as many Berne citizens as could find standing room. Courtesies From Swiss Gov The ambassador and h cupied a first class car on the train and his unofficial traveling com- panions were accommodated in an- other first class car and one second class coach. The arrangements were made by the Swiss government, which did everything in its power to co- operate with the American legation in providing for the \comfort of the party. It was arranged that the trav- clers should transfer to sleepers. at Pontarlier for the remainder of the sador Gerard warned one of the Americans who came to bid him farewell to be careful about spies who might try to attach themselves to American groups following him out of Germany. Mr. Gerard specified a well-known member of the Berlin- American colony who, when the American emigration from Berlin be- gan, announced that he hoped to so immediately, CENSUS COMMITTEE NAMED. Acting Mayor M. I, Jester today an- nounced the appointment of the foi- assist in taking census in this city: Herbert V. Camp, the military Johnstone Vance, Howard A. Timbrell, Alfred E. Masg- nell, Joseph Roche and Leo Bojnow- ski. President G. M, Landers of the ew Britain Chamber of Commerce is also taking an active part in the | movement.« A meeting of the com- mittee will be held at an early date to discuss ways and means of carr) ing out the work COLOMBIA REMAINS NEUTRAL. Bogota, Feh. 15.—The government plicd to President Wilson's note | has o the German submarine in responsc campaign saying that Colombia would preserve lier f neutrality. The reply expres: sope that | peace hetween Sermany and America lwnl not b¢ broken. s NO CONTRABAND ON AMERICAN VESSEL (Owners of Schooner to File Pro- test With State Department CAPTAIN GENUINE YANKEE All Crew But One Come of Revolution- ary Stock—Scant Courtesy Sailors By Commander of Austrian Submarine. Cagliari, Sardinia, Feb. 14, via Paris, Feb. 15, 12:30 a. m.—Captain McDon- ough, master of the American schoon- er Lyman M. Law, which was sunk by & submarine will leave here tomorrow for Rome to testify before the Ameri-, can consular authorities with regard to the sinking of his ship. United States consul Tredwell at Rome sum- moned Captain McDonough to the Ttal- ian capitol today through the British consul here. The British consul has taken affida- vits from Captain McDonough and the crew of the Lyman M: Law in which they-say that the vessel was suddenly approached by a submarine which gave no indication of her na- tionality. They say they scarcely were given time to save themsclves hefore the schooner was torpedoed and sct on fire. Was It Overt Act. Rome, via Paris, Feb. 15, 2 a. m.— All of the Rome papers ask if the sink- ing of the American schooner Lyman M. Laow constitutes the overt act men- tioned by President Wilson in his statement to the senate. While the British consul at Cagliari telegraphed United States consul Tredwell here that the Lyman M. Law was a former American ship, the Giornale D’Italia says that the schooner was registered regularly in the American merchant marine and was flying the American flag when she was sunk. No Particulars from Captain. New York, Feb, 15.—A cablegram from F. W. McDonough, captain of the American schooner Lyman M. Law, which was sunk in the Mediter- ranean, was received here today by the agents, the Maritime Transporta- tion company. The message reads: “Law destroyed, Austrian subma- rine. Crew safé, Caglieri, Sardinia.” George W. F, Green, president of the Maritime Transportation company announced today that it intended to file a protest with the state depart- ment over the destruction of the schooner as soon as he receives full information. ‘Captain McDonough is ‘down eas- ter’” an American of three generations, a sailor out of New England ports for more than twenty years,” said Mr. Green. ‘“His men, with one exception, are of the staunch New England stock, Their ancestors fought in the revo- lution. Now if they are not entitled to protection, who is? “Moreover, the schooner carried no contraband. TFurther, she Vv not equipped with wirele: nd sailed be- fore the severance of diplomatic re- lations between the United States and 3 ¥ She was no doubt in the nean when the German note was published. Another American schooner, the Eagle Win controlled by his com- pany, is now in Marseilles, Mr. Green added. He said he had captain to start for the United States but was advised the vessel had held up nch authorities, The Eagle a schooner of 1,233 TO MEET SOON. to Savville n committee will v, the day before embles. REICHSTAG Berlin via wirele: The Reichs meet next Wedn the Reichstug WEATHER. Por Hartford and and wvarmer gencrally fair. fnow riday Shown - st, Calls Out Ninth Company to Prote No Chances to Be Taken at Stra GERMANY’S REQUEST TO WHITLOCK. Washington, Feb. 15.—State department advices today reported officially that Brand Whitlock, Ameri- can minister to Belgium, had been requested but not ordered by the German military authorities, to lower the American flag from the legation in Brussels. While the news aroused deep feeling in official quarters and admittedly added to'the tension of the situation with Germany, it appeared doubtful wheth- er there was ground for taking any action, as Mr. Whitlock, while in Belgium, has virtually only repre- sented the American relief work. The seat of the Belgian government now is at Havre, Francé. CONN. ARTILLERY MEN ORDERED OUT ON DUTY Will Protect Bridges in State at Request of General Wood. Feb. 15.—Orders were received today from the office of the adjutant general at Hartford for the immediate mobilization of the ninth company coast artillery, Connecticut National Guard. Captain Metcalf, commanding the company, said he ‘did not know the reason for the order. The company Stamford, | L opening fand numbers 65 men. The other com- pany here, the seventh, has received no mobilization orders it was said. Hartford, Feb. 15.—By direction of Governor Holcomb, Adjutant General Cole this afternoon eordered into ac- tive service one company of the Connecticut coast artillery corps, Na- tional Guard, located at Stamford. The company will guard important railroad and highway bridges. It will probably take its stations tomorrow morning. Governor Holcomb when asked his reasons for ordering out the company said: “I did it because General Leonard Wood asked me to.” The bridges which the company will guard are the big railway bridge at New London, the bridge at Niantic, the two bridges at the mouth of the Connecticut, the bridges at Middle- town and the bridges at Stratford and Bridgeport. These bridges all pos- ses great strategic and economic value as part of the line of communi- cation between Boston and New York. LEAK PROBE WANES General Committee May Abandon Hunt for Evidence to Prove Tllegal Trip on Wilson's Peace Note. New York, Feb. 15.—A mass of statements submitted by stock brok- ers awaited examination today by ioral leak committee. Mem- id, however, that most of th work woull be done by a sub-commit- tee and that the other members might be able to return to Washington af- ter the hearing today. If the sub- committee discovers in the records of business done for broker tomers cvidence to warrant a of the public hearings the whole committee can he re. cmbled the public examination of wit- | nesses resumed. i clared that cabled the | tons | | time Brokers who testified yesterday de- their customers included government officials. One of the witnesses said ‘that the records sub- mitted by the brokers would not ne- sarily lead to the discovery of such officials, provided any had been trading in the stock market ’at the President Wilson issued his peace note, because they might have dealt through a third party. Another New York stock exchange house, in addition to B, F. Hutton and company had an advance tip from Clement, Curtls and company of Chicago, on peace deyelopments De- | cember 20 it was hrought out at the | opening here tod of the leak in- qui Clifford Buckman, Pynchon and campd on that date his firm sent out to its correspondents a warning that they would ‘not be surprised” to see de- velopments later in the day regarding peace which might affect the market unfavorably. of Raymond, testified that FRENCH LINE SHIPS FOIL SUBMARINES Chicago Reaches New York and Rochambeau Arrives at Bordeaux. New York, Feb. 15.—Another en- tente ship, the French liner Chicago, to pass safely through Germany’s zone of unrestricted submarine warfare, ar- rived here todey-with 181 passengers. No U-boats were observed the officers said, nor any friendly war vessels. The passengers included Robcrt MacCreary, of East Aurora, N. Y., and American ambulance driver and Fre- den Zinn of Battle Creek, Mich., an American aviator, both from the French front on leave of absence. The French line steamer Rocham- beau, which left here ocn Februa with 100 passengers, has passed s through the submarine zone and rived at Bordeaux. She reached there at 11 p. m. Tuesday, according to ad- vices received by the company's cf- fices here today. London, Feb..15, 12:25 p. British steamer Cilicia, of 3, | and lpmiunm gross has been sunk. Lloyds shipping agency announced today. The crew was landed. The British steamer Fergal also has been sunk it was announced. HOOVER DOUBTFUL Chairman of American Docs Not Belleve Relief Workers Are Being Held Prisoner in Belgium. Washington, Feb. 15.—Reports from Berne that American relief workers in Belgium are held prisoners by the German military authorities were discredited here today by Her- bert C. Hoover, chairman of Ameri- can Relief Commission. He said he expected no difficulty in the departure of the Americans from Belgium into Holland and hoped they all would be out within a week, At present thero are 42 American relief workers in Bel- gium. Mr. Hoover was in Washington to- day consulting with state department officials on the best way to reconstruct the relief work which the German au- thorities have forced the Americans to give up. Commission STANLEY WORKS ANNUAL. Stockholders Re-elect Directors at Annual Meeting Today. The annual meeting of the stock- holders of the Stanley Works was held this afternoon, the business be- ing conducted along general routine lines. The election of directors re- sulted in the same members being chosen again. The annual meeting of the officers was held at a subsequent meeting of the directors and there was no change in that body JURY R VERDICT. In the case of the Swanson Floral company against the Charter Oak Brick company the jury in the court of common pleas today rendered a verdict in favor of the defendant. The suit was Tor $2,500, the plaintiff aiming that smoke from the brick- vard injured his plants. Gaffney and Robinson appeared for the defendants ull and Marks represented the Flag Incident at B sels Not Conside Serious As Belg Government is Ni Located in France ‘Washington, Feb. 15.—While if] was indicated that the accumulj of violations of American rights lead President Wilson to go by congress at any time, it was state| day that he has made no del plans for taking such a step, i said, will depend entirely upon cumstances. The opinion grew af officials, however, that such @& would nat be long deferred. Nothing has been heard by the department early today from many, in reply to its inquiries the exact status of the Amel taken into Germany on the prize] Yarrowdale. The government began today the insistent need for some action soon to open a way for m ment of shipping now held u American’ ports by suspicion of ings on account of the German marine campaign. Reports on th| cumulating freight are now reag officials regularly, and although situation is not veet regarded as ous, it is apparent that America dustries will be affected unless d shipping starts moving before lon| At the present stage of ' dey ments Of the German-American tion, attention is centered' on dent Wilson by the growing belief] he will take no steps, even to the nishing of defensive armame: merchant ships, without fifst con Ing congress, The sinking of the Amel schooner Lyman M. Law in the N terranean by an Austrian submy is regarded by officials here as il inasmuch as the cargo was not co band and the submarine displaye flag, but since no lives were lost believed the incident will not, & self, develop into a cause for @ action by this government. ‘Within a few days the state e ment may send a peremptory de: to Berlin for release of the Ameri| brought in by the prize ship Yar dale and held prisoners. The department advices made mention of American relief wor being held prisoners und offl shared the view of Mr. Hoover, cH man of the American commis that it was Improbable. As to the flag incident, it seeme be regarded by officlals as more timentally than actually serious, though it did arouse some feel State department officials took view that Germany was acting wi their rights. The American min] is accredited to the Belgian go' ment, not to Belglum as a geog cal unit, and the seat of governm is ‘at Havre. Mr, Whitlock remained at Bj sel’s by permission of the Ger government to take part in the work ‘and the American legal ceased to be a legation. Whether Whitlock will stay in Brussels as of the four Americans permitted continue the work of relief comi sion, or whether he will be transfe to Havre has not been decided. ARE WE TEMPTING GOD! Berlin Lokal Anzeiger Says Plan Send American Ships Through marine Zone Are Wicked. Amsterdam, via London, Feb. 1 The Lokal Anzeiger of Berlin exprd the hope that cabled reports to thef fect that. American merchantmen sailing in deflance of the subm blockade are unfounded. “The plan for such sailings,” it “at the hottom amounts to ' noth else than most wickedly tempd God.” INCREASES MEAT RATIONS, Berlin, Feb. 15, by wireless to § ville~—~The Bavarian department | the interior has increased the w meat ration, the Overseas N Agency announced today. This crease follows onc made a few ago for Berlin the announcen states.