New Britain Herald Newspaper, February 22, 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 22, 1917. —TWELVE PAGES. ESTABLISHED 18 'CITY AN ARMED CAMP WITH MILITIA ON DUTY: EVERY PRECAUTION TAKEN TO BALK FIREBUGS: COMMUNITY TERRORIZED BY INCENDIARY FIRE Regular and Supernumerary Police and Soldiers Guard Factories and Other Buildings to Prevent Recurrence of Last Nigh Reign of Fiends---Damage Expected to Reach $50,000---Help Summoned From Hartford, Waterbury, Bristol and Piainvil < Believed to Have Been Last Resort to Stem Flames ~ FORESEES VIENNA | . BACKING GERMANY| Berlin Said Already to Know What Aus- tria's Stand Will Be on U-Boat War. ~BREAK SURE SAYS "FRANKFURTER PAPER Surprised Expressed That\ President Wilson Does Not Realize Dual Mon- archy Has Already Given Its An- swer—Five American Sallors in Crew Given Ten Minutes to Take to Life Boats. Berné, Via Paris, Feb. 22, 4 a, m.— Austria’s reply to the United States de- fining her .position in the submarine war is known in Berlin, according to the Frankfurter Zeitung, which pre- dicts that a breach of relations be- tween Washington and Vienna is in- evitable. The paper’'s Berlin corres- pondent says: “The memorandum which President Wilson has sent to the Vienna govern- ment leaves no doubt that the breach of relations between the United States and Germany will soon be followed by a breach with . President Wilson wishes to be clearly told whether the Austria-Hungarian government has withdrawn its earlier declaration regarding the conduct of submarine warfare. to think that the explanation given by Austria-Hungary at the beginning of the unrestricted submarine warfare to the effect that from Feb. 1 all ocean , traffic in the blockaded zones will be prevented with all means, should not be cabable of misconception. But in A his dealings with the Central Powers | President Wilson is always painfully exact. “It.is true that we have not heard that he ever sent cautions let alone warnings, to the Entente, for pedoing Austrian or German ships Without warning, but when Germany or Austria do the same thing Presi- dent Wilson raises his voice in the name of humanity and civilization. The Austro-Hungarian government will answer President Wilson’s memo- randum and what the answer will be §s known. Mr, Wilson will be able to draw his conclusions therefore and will break off relations.” Americans Escape Death at Sea. Washington, Feb. 22.—Sinking by a German submarine of the Swedish steamer Skygland, which had five Americans aboard, after the crew had been given ten minutes to take to their boats, was reported by Con- sul General Hurs in a partment. No one W s injured and the crew landed safely at Terragona, | Aspain. The Skygland was stopped in Mediterranean by a submarine miles out of Terregona, Spain, at 6 a. m., Feb. 8, Consul General Hurst reported, and the crew was given ten minutes to take to their boats. As the crew left the ship, sailors from the submarine went aboard and placed a bomb, which was exploded and destroyed the ship. The crew landed at Terregona after seventeen hours in their boats. The Skygland undoubtedly is the same vessel as that reported from Parls vesterday as the Skogland, which was mentioned as having been sunk Feb. 18. There is a Norwegian steamer Skogland which sailed from New York Jan. 13, for Kirkwall. The Skygland, a vessel of 1,837 tons net sailed from Norfolk, Jan, 3, for Bagnoli, Italy. Consul General Hur: in hig despatch said there were fn her crew, five of whom claim American citizenship. He gives their mames as James Brancr, Brookly Leo Cartright, Portsmouth, Jack Burke, Brooklyn: Jay Unfontown, Pa., and Joseph Blizabeth, N. J. the ix Lewis, Brown, Austria-Hungary, ' Really one ought | tor- | message today to the state de- | SENATE TO PROBE SGANDAL CHARGES Appoints Committee fo Investi- gate Accusation Against G. 0. P. USE OF PUBLIC PAPER Republicans Claim Stationery Bear- ing Water Mark Seal of Common- wealth Can Be Purchased by Any- one—Did Bissell Deny It? Hartford, Feb. 22.—An investiga- tion maye be made into an alleged statement credited by Senator O’Sul- livan, democrat, to Deputy Comptrol- ler Bissell to the effect that water marked state paper cannot be bought for use by outsiders, under a resolu- tion adopted by the senate today. This was the climax of a lively debate to- day over the general deficiency bill which was finally passed. hen the bill was taken up yes- terday Senator O’Sullivan asked if 1t were possible that a deficiency ap- propriation of $30,000 to pay for print papers used in the issuance of state documents might have gone to- ward paying the paper bill of the republican state committee. He claimed to have received during the campaign considerable Hterature sent out by the committee bearing the state water mark. Senator Ecyd of the appropriations committee today took up the defence | of the hill. He pointed otit that $10,- 000 of the deficiency was due to ex- tra clerk hire after passage of the compensation act which was after the appropriations had been made. Denies Campaign Use of Paper. He also said that the increased cost of food and fuel had brought about a deficiency of $200,000 in the departmental accounts. He took var- ious items and explained them. Com- ing down to the $30,000 item, Sena- tor Boyd said that the committee found no evidence that any of was used to buy paper which might have reached the republican state committee. All the deficiency items were justified, he said. Senator Brooks said that he knew Senator O’Sullivan’s statements were not correct when they were made but he waited to offer proof. He said he had bought state water marked pa- per at Case, Lockwood & Brainard's and had paid for it, and had been informed that any one could buy it if he had the money. Senator Doughan, democrat, called attention to the fact that the appro- | priations committee was sliding over the criticism that items over $10,000 in the bill had not been itemized as required by law. He thought the dis- cussion was taking on a political tinge. He said that a Fairfield county leader, John T. King, had said at a dinner at which was Governor Hol- | comb, that members of the leg | ture were simply “instruments of the party. The senator thought conflict with the expression made by republican senators that the admin- istration had a pay-as-you-go policy. Klett Bought Somc Paper. Senator Klett replied, saving that be-had asked Senator O' th | source of his information about thefwater marked paper. He had this was in | haa found that any one could buy it. The republican state central commit- tee paid for its paper and the demo- cratic state central committee could have bought the same paper if it | had wanted to pay the price. aid that the democratic offer icism of republicans, forgetting ecretary of state under a demo- ic administration employed girls and used state stationery in his cam- (Continued On Ninth Page). crit- that a this | ullivan for | bought some of the same paper and | He also GOOD WORK company which otherwise | Especial praise is due the work of saivage. The Herald Publishing company wishes to extend its thanks to those who assisted in removing valuable property from the building when it was threatened with destruction by fire last night. the volunteers were effectual in removing from the danger zone many documents of importance to the had-the flames communicated with with a vim and energy and assisted materially in the APPRECIATED * The efforts of might have been destroyed this building. Boy Scouts, who worked TO PROTECT OTHER CITIES QUICK TO ANSWER APPEAL Waterbury Appamal; Makes Trip Here in Forty Minutes HARTFORD COMPANY SPRINTS enteen Minutes—Fire Bell Put Out of Commision by Contin- uous Service. Seriousness of the situation was realized as alarms began to multiply and it was found that the local ap- paratus was inadequate to handle the threatening blazes. Clerk A. Ii. Mag- nell of the safety board and Capt. T. W. Grace at police headquarters were directed to get in touch with nearby cities and ask that apparatus be held in readiness. President Horace B. Clark of the Hartford fire board gave immediate assurance that all ap- paratus available would be- sent im- mediatelyfollowing a call for aid. Fire department officials of Bristol, Plain- ville and Waterbury gave the same re- ply. Telephone calls from New Haven and Meriden were received volunteer- ing tance, but it was not needed. Meriden was not called upon as it was understood that the department was having troubles of its own. It was about 8 o'clock that officials decided that aid was imperative. Word flashed to Hartford, Bristol, Plainville and Waterbury brought the response that apparatus had started. Over the country roads, fortunately in good con- dition for high speed, record runs were made. From Hartford came the high-pow- ered pumps of Engine Companies 11, 12 and 15 with a department squad car loaded with extra hose and other apparatus. The run was made in | seventeen minutes. In charge of the detail came President Clark of the Hartford fire board. Deputy Chief { Keena, Master Mechanic Charles A. Cutler and Captains Ward, Tucker and Bullman. President Clark gave as- surance that more apparatus would be sent if needed. The extra hose and other equipment came in timely, all |of the local equipment, even that of | the private factory departments, being in use. ter “hanic Cutler gave material assistance in aiding local me- chanics in keeping the pumps in first class working order. From Plainville came Norton with that town ratus loaded down with men and ! equipment. TFor a time this appa- ratus was stationed at headquarters to “cover up” on further alarms. Volun- teers remained there to guide the visiting chauffeurs about the city in case of need. Forty Minutes From Waterbury. Chief 12. A. Norton of {in personal \charge of the from that ‘city. TFrom came Chief H. Heitman with the | motor pump Engine Co. No. | loaded down men and equip- Minton A motor appa | | Bristol apparatus A of with (Continued On sleventh Page). Dash From Capital City Made in Scv- I Service | MILITIA MAY BE KEPT OUT BIG FACTORIES Mayor Quigley Decides Sol- diers May Be Needed and Orders Them to Continue on Duty. -ALL EQUIPPED 2@~ SHOOT MARAUDER: | Mayor Threatens to Call Out Troops on Own Initiative It He Was Un- able to Locate Governor Holcomb —Bugle Call Notifies Mcn They Are Needed at Armory—Boy Scouts Help. Following a conference between Mayor George A. Quigley and Cap- i tain A. H. Griswold of Co. I, First Connecticut Infantry, commanding both local militia companies in the present crisis by virtue of his senior- ity of service, the mayor announced today that the soldiers will be kept on duty until further ‘Whether it will be for hours or several days he was unable to state. Under the authority invest- ed in 'him, as chief magistrate of the city, by Governor Marcww . Holcomb, Mayor Quigley is today the com- mander of the military companies in this cily and Captain Griswold s act- ing under his orders insofar as they apply to the placing of men and the guarding of strategic positions. The personnel of both Company B and Company I, recruited by ex-sol- diers of the National Guard, now brings the number of men beyond the full quota of war strength. Each soldier is fully equipped with all ac- coutrements. The privates are armed with rifles and bayonettes and each man is supplied with filled cartridge belts and bantilegrs. Orders havc been with ball cartridges and the men will not hesitate to shoot if the occasion demands. Not only will the soldiers assist the pclice in patrolling the notice. factories, the electric light plant, the as plant and other vital points about the city. Quigley Determined. Mayor Quigley had a difficult time locating Governor Holcomb last night {to get permission to use the militia. Repeated calls to Hartford and Southington led to reach him and the mayor finally called Adjutant Gencral Cole on the telephone. The general appreciated the situation but was unable to authorize the calling out of the soldiers and explained that | the only person who to call out the infan- ! the governor has the power trymen. 11 them out myself and make anations afterward,” said ex- (Continued on Ninth Page) o e A WEREATHER. was | Waterbury | Hartford and v: Cloudy tonight and Friday. Not much change in temperature, { [ e S A twenty-four | issued to carry the rifies loaded | streets, but they will also guard the “Well, if I can’t get him I'll | the | FIRE BOMB THOUGHT PLANTED IN CELLAR Flames Spré;d Rapidly and.Ex- plosions Are Heard by Renolds WATER OF- NO AVAIL Owner of Commercial Street Property and Wife Believe They Saw Fire- bug Surveying Building Several Days Ago. Belief that the fires were not only deliberately set as a part of a’ Sys- tematic campaign planned by a mas ter mind in crime but that the build- ings were visited several days ago to . ““get the lay of the land” is strength- ened by experiences of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Reynolds Monday night. They are believed to have encountered the “brains” of the suspected combine, three unidentified men, who were found acting suspiciously about the Reynolds property and the building at Commercial and Center streets that was partially gutted last night. Reynolds was on his way from the room when his attention attracted by the form of a man skulking about the rear of his mer- cantile-apartment building on the corner. The man, tall, well-dressed and unidentified by Reynolds as hav- ing been seen seen previously, entered the alleyway from Center street, skulked along and appeared anxious to escape discovery: Watching him, | Reynolds noted that he was apparent- ly making efforts ‘o inspect the build- ing exteriorly without being observed. A little later and the man had disap- peared. Seen to Join Companion, Mrs. Reynolds left the house a lit- tle later to attend a church meeting and noted the man as she stepped from the verands. Her suspicions were at once aroused when he stepped hurriedly back from the building, tried to hide in the shadows ahd held up his hands in an apparent attempt to cover his face. Seeing that Mrs. Reynolds was approaching him rap- idly, he hurriedly turned, broke into a semi-run and went up Center street towards East Main street. Mrs. Rey- nolds attempted to catch up with him so as to get a description of him. Looking back several time, he quick- ened his speed and was joined by two companions, who had been openly idling near East Main and Center. The three hurriedly conversed, looked at Mrs. Reynolds and then disap- peared on Iast Main street. going in an easterly direction. Discovery of the fire by Reynolds last night was attended by circum- stances that are considered to be high ly suspicious and indlcate the use of bombs filled with some mixture like “Greek fire” and great cunning. But 8 few moments before discovery ho had attended to the furnace and heen about the cellar. Everything was carefully: cleaned up and the fire was in order. Bomb Suspected. He had hardly got to the supper table when his son, Hugh Reynolds, Jr, came in with information that there was a little fire in the cellar. They went to the scene and according | to their story, found the blaze confined to an area hardly larger than a bushel basket. It seemed to glow in a man- ner that even then, caused a suspicion that it was not like ordinary fire. Rey- nolds, senior, seized a fire hose and was about to turn on the water when fire was discovered bursting out near the fire plug. He believes that the fire was “planted” therc with the idea of cufting off attempts of turning on the | water quickly. | Fighting his way to the fire plug, he turned on the water and directed the | nozzle toward the first blaze discov- ered. There were immediate results | that, in the belief of officials, indicate that & homb or chemical mixture was used. As the water struck the flumes there appeared to he slight muffled explosion and the flames were seat- tered over a wide area. The cellar be- came a furnace, the flames spreading with great rapidit Telephone calls were frantically sent into fire lhead- quarters but all available apparatus (Continued on, Eleventh Page) -All Factory Departments Mustered Into Service. Lends Services to Visited last night by one successful gangs of firebugs thorities of the country, New Captain Robert T. Hurley of ber of subordinates arrived protection. The city had the worst experience in its history Al- though the property damage is not ex- pected to exceed $50,000, the character ot the fires, their threatening nature and ‘expectations that they were but sample of what would follow caused a state of terror, Unable to meet the situation properly, calls for assistance were sent to Hartford, Waterbury, i Bristol gnd Plainville. All responded, Hartford with three powerful motor pumps, Waterbury with its most pow- erful motor pump and the other places with one piece of apparatus eac Eight PFires in Two Hours. Within a perfod of abbut two hours there were eight fires, seven of them unquestionably of incendiary %origin, All of the seven were cellar fires of the most dangerous type, believed to have been set through the use of a new type of bomh filled with chemical solution similar to “Greek fire’p Nu- merous small fires are being reforted today as having been discovered last night during the excitement but, be- cause of timely discovery, were extin- guished without calling for fire appar- atus. Every agency is being used to in- vestigate the cause of last night's “reign of terror,”” the most thorough protection is to be given public and private property while outside aid will be called in, if necessary. It is believed that a trio of highly dangerous and clever men is respon sible, that they were in the city 1 night, are in the city now and that fur- ther attempts will be made to destroy ! property. No satisfactory explanation has been given as to the motive for their conduct. Little credance is given the theory that a moentally ur balanced person is resnor work shows too much cool calcul with fires last night. ducting the investigation as well { to the scene. Capt. Hurley, State Police Specialist on Arsg Local Authorities Run Down Miscreanis—Suspects Ta to Headquarters Last Night Released. of the cleverest and g yet discovered by the Britain is virtually und| martial guard today with Companies E and I, First Re ment, Connecticut National Guard, detailed for indefin duty in the protection of public and private propérty. Fd nished with ball cartridges and ordered chances with anyone found acting suspiciously, guardsmen will act in co-operation with Chief of Poli William J. Rawlings and his men in patrolling the stred and protecting property¢ Every available policeman, sup numearries and a number of volunteers sworn in esp cially for the purpose will be on duty until further orde to take t the state police with a nu today‘a&;d will aid in cof ast furnighing futd R. Land are the proprietors of store. Ry At 6:25 Box 43 at Hartford ayf and East Main street was pulled‘ stubborn cellar fire in the fruit g conducted by Albert Lose at 240 Main street. This proved to ticularly stubborn and threatened building for o time. It was foumne | a new consignment of paper valued at about $150, had heen m to the center of the cellar floor fired. Bverything was in proper s when the owner was in the celigy tending the furnace at about 6 o'el jss Lydia Los - of the o gn‘:&(o sift up through c flooring. Shouting to Walter sked to send in the alarm did so. Later at night the bull again took fire, nece 136 alarm from Pox 43. mes their way throuzh a partition intel | saloon conducted next door by Hel | Schmarr. 1t is ostimated that the { will exceed $500. The only fire not of ap incend| nature was at 10 Emmons place| 6:48 when the bottom of an oil he collapsed when in use at the ho; John Pinches. The blaze was th ening for a time hecause of the ing oil being distributed about room. An alarm was sent in t South High and West There was practically property damage. 1] Commercinl Street Alarme. of available .t Com came ip. 4 were ru turned (i that tl Reyi) Center street al of more ordina than the situation b t Mayor George A. sures to eall of Gov- on- { came so acute th }Quiz’le_v took drastic me !a nalt. Securing the appro ernor Marcus H. Holcomb, the N al Guardsmen were ordercd out. With alarms.coming in in quick succession, the fires increasing in se riousness with rapidly increasing area covered the local department found it- self with insufficient apparatus to meet the emergency. With a little more time intervening, the situation could have been handled without outside aid. Explosions Are Heard. In at least three of the fires a muf- fled explosion quickly followed discov- ery, causing a speedy and deadly dis- tribution of the flames. It is believed that time bompbs, placed in the build- ings some time before discovery of the fire, are responsible. The use of such bombs was discovered by the authori- ties in Hartford. Two Fires in Clothing Store. The fi alarm came in at when Traftic P’olicemaun Charles M. Johnson pulled iox 42 at Main and East Main street for a fire in the cel- lar of The 1 n, & women's cloth- | ing store, at 454 Muin street. Two dis- {tinet and separate fires of highly sus- picions vature were found in piles of paper and rubbish that had apparently been raked up in directly opposite ends of the cellur. "Timely discovery and prompt work by the firemen provented serious damage, the loss being estimat ed at about $200. A part of the ceiling was burned. Max Glaser and Hyman 5:40 in he s ; ce before watei™, Throughout the n were poured on t abon?t t Lo fur could be Jaid. tons of wate the flames and giving the impression that the b ing was doomed and the roof gt Tpon orders from Chief Darme, all| cupants were compelled to leave building. Detective A. R und former Captain J: the tire department were promine: several rescues. More than two loads of potato stored on the floor, proper Gordon Brot! were badly d Other vegeta { ana produce suffered heavy fire In TIce Corporation Blaze. With the appartus scatterefl Spring, East Main and Commef streets, shortly before 8 o'clock & came from Church street where it reported that the Herald building the Hotel Beloin weyé on fire. lurid glare of the fiafhes against sky lent credence to this report, when the firemen arrived it was fol that the blaze was in the rear of ti buildings, in the barns and owned by the New Britain Ice poratfon. Lines of hose were stret through the Herud . building through the Curtis Building een alley. The men also rought~ blaze trom Corbin Place. 4 The barns were filled with hay On (Continued Ninth Pag