New Britain Herald Newspaper, April 23, 1917, Page 1

P ~/HERALD “ADS” MEAN |BETTER BUSINESS PRICE THREE CENTS ITAIN HERALD NEW BRITAIN, CONNECTICUT, MONDAY, APRIL 23, 1917. —TWELVE PAGES. ‘HAIG'S MEN OPEN |SOUTHERN PACIFIC |NEW DREADNOUGHT { ~ THE RIVER SCARPE * Jump Forward on Wide Front and First Reports Say Pro- gress I Satisfactory CENSOR HOLDS VEIL OVER KUSTRO-GERMAN AFFAIRS Events Transpiring in Central Em- pires Kept From Outside World— Failure of Agitators to Mince Words Indication of Weakening Autocra- M—Bflhh Hopes for Master Stroke Against Tarks. Ushered in by prolonged mllle}y bombardment, a renewed attack has been begun by the British in north- ern France. The new stroke, marking a resump- tion after a week’s interval of the British offensive begun on April 9, was given its initial impetus today -on both. sides of the Scarpe, as the official statement puts it- + - The statement embodies a report of progress sent by General Haig. The extent of the attack has not yet been clearly developed but as it is announced to have been launched on’ a wide front {t probably reaches ‘well toward the Vimy positions on _ the north and beyond the Arras-Cam- ¥ ‘brai road to the south. \ Early details of the offensive, re- port the' shattering of the last re- maining defenses of the Hindenburg line north of the Scarpe. This was accomplished by the.taking of .the tcwn of Gavrelle, on the Arras-Donal | road, on the front between Fampoux and Baillelil. This capture marked & mew advance of about a mile. South of the Arras-Cambral road, the. line has been straightened out by the capture of the village ¢f Guemap- pe, Already more than 1,000 addi- tional Germans have been taken pris- . ‘omers. 4 Silenceé ng what is transpir- ing in the tral empires serves to- accentuate the repdrts of grave inter- nal troubles. In spite of the asser- tions of the German pregs that the great Berlin strike, which involved at least 300,000 workers, is over, there 1s evidence that the agitation is con- tinuing. The Berlin Tageblatt ad- mits that the members of two of the munitions workers’ unions have re- fused to return to work and says that : those who persist in their refusal will be called to the colors. ‘The meagre light which sifts through the veil of the German censorship dis- >/ appears entirely in the case of Aus- “4ria. Following persistent reports ‘that Count Tisza, prémier of Hungary, -~+and-foremost exponent in the .dual .»monarchy of the German idea, had re- _signed, all information as to condi- “tions In Vienna or Budapest ceased. The one thing that appears certain is _that the socialists and radicals in both ‘empires have recently drawn much closer together and that inflammatory language is being used with an im- punity inconceivable in the earlier days of the war. In the meantime the revolytionary mpirit which is rampant throughdut Burope has given a sensational dem- onstration in Sweden. The food situa- tion js ostensibly the cause for the re- markable events in Stockholm where a great multitude of workers tried to “force their way into the -parliament ; building. The fact that there . were * unrebuked shouts for a republic and ® . tnat the ominous word ‘revolution” was freely used gives another aspect to the affair., The royel castle is un- der guard and more serrous outbreaks are predicted for May 1. i ° While the revolutionists gather headway and audacity in the mon- archial kingdoms of Europe, “the armies of the British and French democracies are massing their guns and shells for another tremendous thrust against the German lines in France. There is nothing definite to indicate where the blow will fall, but %the general opinion in the allied capi- “tals is that General Haig is about to make another great effort to smash his way through to ambrai and Doual. ¢ Pending these developments public interest has been keenly aroused by the crypic words'of Lord Curzon, member of the British war council “keep your eye on Mesopotamia. *9he uninterrupted successes of the British forces in the valley of the Tigris, who are now some eight miles north of Bagdad have given rise to the hope that Lord Curzon’s words were a prediction of some overwhelm- ing blow against the shattered forces of the Sultan, The main Turkish forces, are at present surrounded by the British and Russian armies, and their only road of retreat lies across an almost im- passable desert. British Progress Satisfactory. TLondon, April 23.—The British have opened an attack on a wide front in the reglon of the Scarpe river. The official report issued today says that e (Continued on Eleventh Page.) Railroad Loses Appeal to Supreme Gourt in OreCal. Case LAND WORTH $30,000,000 Timber and Minerals in Property ‘Which Must Be Given Up Are Alone ‘Worth $24,250,000—Must Pay $1,- 300,000 in Back Taxes. Washington, April 23.—In deciding the Oregon-California land case today the supreme court affirmed the: Ore- gon federal court’s decree enjoining tho Southern Pacific railroad from dis- posing of timber and minerals on its land received by congressional grant. By the same gdecision the govern- ment won its suit against the South- ern Pacific to retain nearly 2,300,000 acres of Oregon and Washington land worth $30,000,000. * The = Chamberlain-Ferris law of 1916, forfeiting and divesting the rallroad’s title to the lands granted by congress in 1865, and providing for | federal sale of the lands, timber and minerals was upheld as constitutional. S Heavy Loss For Railroad. At stake in the Oregon-California land cases, twice before the supreme court, was title to almost 2,300,000 acres of land worth, including timber and minerals, about $30,000,000, along the Southern Pacific line in Western Oregon and Washington. Specially in- volved were the timber ard minerals, alone estimated at $24,250,000. A decision by the supreme court sustaining the government’s claims en- talled: Forfeiting the railroad's title to land, timber and minerals, with fu- ture payment to the railroad of $2.50 .an acre for the land only. Denial to the raiiroad of any pro- ceeds from timber and minerals. Disposition of timber, mineral, pow- er and agricultural rights under direc- tion of the interior and agricultural departments. 3 Payment to Oregon and Washing- ton of about $1,800,000 in taxes due. A decision in favor of the railroad involved receipt of the proceeds by the railroad instead of the government from the lands, timber and minerals, with the government receiving but $2.50 per acre, and also annullment of the Chamberlain-Ferris law of 1916 | which forfeited the railroad’s title and mvwot‘u for the properties’ disposi- tion B3 :fi“ McReynolds tobk no part in the case, having participated in its 'prosecution when attorney general. Ferfeiture of the rallroad’s title was sought because it charged more than $2.50 an acre for the land granted in 1866 by congress to induce construc- tion by the old ‘Oregon-California railroad of rallroad extensions into the then new northwest territory. The old grant fixed this maximum figure at which the grantees should sell to actual settlers. The government al- leged gross and continuous violation of the $2.50 price restriction, for forty vears. It charged that the railroads had sold land for prices greatly in ex- cess of that sum. Before Court in 1915. When the case was first before the supreme court. in 1915, the court re- versed the Oregon federal - district court’s decree forfeiting the lands, but directed an injunction prohibiting future sale by the railroad at more than $2.50 per. acre pending action by Congress to provide regulations for propet disposition of timber and min- erals thereon. Upon this suggestion, congress passed the Chamberlain-Ferris act of 1916, absolutely forfeiting and “di- wvesting”’ the railroad’s title for breach of the settlers’ sale price of 50 pro- viding for disposition by federal government and for ultimate payment to the_ railroad of lands forfeited at $2.50 per acre. i That the government was entitled merely to ‘“regulate” sale of its granted lands, timber and minerals, but could not forfeit and keep the proceeds was contended by the rail- road upon the second appeal to the supreme court. The railroad claimed _all proceeds from timber and miner- als, being willing to sell “stumpage” or other land alone—exclusive of timber and minerals—at the $2.50 acreage price : The Chamberlain-Ferris act, the railroad contended, was unconstitu- ‘tional and void. and not authorized by the supreme court’s {irst decision. It provided that proceeds from timber minerals, power and agricultural land sold should be divided as fol- lows: 26 per cent to Washington and Oregon state school funds; 26 per cent. for roads, highways, bridges, cornmon schools, etc., 40 per cent for reclama- tion work, and 10 per cent to the federal treasury. As the holder of mortgages on the railroad property, the Union Trust company of New York also opposed thé governments’ claims. in behalf of European bondholders, principaily in Germany and Holland. In .the proceedings, the ninth fed- eral circuit court certified a number of law questions to the supreme court asking whether the Oregon district court’s decree was in accordance with the first supreme court ruling; if not, whether the railroad’s proposed decree enjoining merely future sales at over $2.50 an acre should have bheen ac- cepted; whether the railroad is en- titled to timber and minerals on the land; whether the railroad has only, (Continued on Eleventh Page.) NEW OFFENSIVE ON | FORFEITS HOLDINGS| GLIDES DOWN WAYS Battleship New Mexico- Takes ' First Dip at New_York Yards IS DRIVEN BY ELECTRICITY Spectators Permitted to Sec Only Bow of Vessel—Original Specifications Called For Tonnage of 42,000—12 Fourteen-inch Guns in Mpin Battery New York, April 23.—Another dreadnought entered American waters as a unit of United States sea power today when the battleship New Mexi- co,,comparing favorably offensively and defensively with any other fighting vessel afloat, was launched .at the New York navy yard. Precautions Taken. With no untoward incident marring a ceremony which is usually an occa- sion of public festivity but was today of private character as the nation is at war, the New Mexico moved down the ways at five minutes before the hour. set. In the small grandstand built near her towing bow the witnessing as- semblage was so seated that the mom- ent the battleship trembled into mo- tion until she rode the waters at the foot of the ways only the bow could be seen. This was only one of: the measures of precaution taken by the naval authorities. : Admiral Nathaniel R. Usher, com- manding the New York navy yarad, was master of ceremonies. -Assistant Secretary of Navy Franklin Roosevelt represented the government. There Wwere no speeches. B Oil Burner Electrically Driven. The largest battleship ever con- structed at the New York navy yard, the New Mexico, is a sistership of the Idaho under construction. She will burn oil and is said to be the first bat- tleship to be equipped with the elec- tric drive. The keel was laid in Oc- tober, 1915. The original plans announced called for 42,000 tons displacement for the New Mexico and a speed of 21 knots. She. was designed to carry a main battery of twelve fourteen-inch guns, together with twenty-two five-inch guns, four six-pounders, four anti-air craft guns and four torpedo tubes. Tf any changes have been made in these plans they are a navy secret. "PLOT CUBAN REBELLION Republic of Cuba Ncws Burcau Re- veals Plot for Uprising—State De- partment Will Receive Facts. New York, April 23.—Circum- stances of an alleged plot to stir up a new Cuban revolution with May 2 fixed, as the date for the uprising, were made public here today by the Republic of Cuba News Bureau, which said a complaint shortly would be placed before the state department, ATTACK ON CLERGY BY DR. DILLINGHAM Pastor of Universalist Congregation Says His Church Has Been Maligned and Lied About. During his sermon at the Univer- salist church last *evening, Dr. Dill- ingham, the pastor, said the church had been maligned and lied about and every effort had been made to preju- dice the church-going people of this city against it and its services. He said so-called evangelical churches here are boasting of their liberality and that all church were preaching “a Univer- |' sal Salvation.” In spite of this he de- clared, one minister last Sunday (April 15) urged the members of his congregation to write or telegraph Billy Sunday and urge him to come to New Britain when Billy’s whole mes- sage is hell fire and eternal pun- ishment.” He declared Sunday wag doing a great injury to the cause of true religion and the re-action that would follow would set the church back a hundred years. Dr._Dillingham also declared that the people of New Britain were “afraid” to investigate Universalism, that they did not care to attend the services, that they did not know what it was, ‘that they did not want to know and that-they preferred hell fire to the doctrine of God’'s love. Hell fire is a fine doctrine—for the other fellow,” he concluded. SHOT AT GUARDSMEN. Man Arrested at Madison Admits Ex- changing Bullets. Madison, Conn., April 23.—A man who declined to give his name but said he came from Thomaston was arrested here today in connection with the firing Saturday night on military guards at a local bridge. The man is said to have admitted exchanging shots with the guards. No weapon was found on him. He was captured by a track walker, who turned him over to the military au- thorities. Later he told conflicting stories and it is understood was’ fin- ally sent to New London. FRENCH AND BRITISH AMBASSADORS ACTIVE IN BIG CONFERENCE {SIR CECILISPRING-RICE N M I USSERAND (Below)™s Figuring largely in the plans for the conference in Washington of the allied commissioners with the Ameri- can government, are the British and French ambassadors to the United States. . These two diplomats are Sir Cecil Spring Rice, British, and M. Jean J. Jusserand, French, shown at: top and bottom respectively of the accom- panying picture. Each of these diplo- mats has represented his country here since before the war and is thorough- ly gopversant with American opinion concerning the war, ¥ LOST DESTROYERS OF NEWEST TYPE Amsterdam Paper Learns That Two Sunk in Dover Raid Were of Latest Construction. Amsterdam, Via London, April 23. —The Maandag Ochtenblad learns that both of the German destroyers which were sunk in the battle off Dover sailed ' from - Zeebrugge and were of the mewest type with- four funnels aplece. Two other destroyers were heavily damaged. Numerous wounded sailors were brought to Bruges on Saturday. A squadron of eight vessels is sald to have left Zeebrugge at 7 o’clock Friday night. Precautions were ap- parent about the Belgian base yester- day and today, searchlights are being worked vigorously and rockets were going up at frequent intervals during the night. SPENCER DISINHERITS SON Will of the Latc Randall W, Spencer Provides That Ralph Spencer Shall | Receive None of Testator’s Estate. By the terms of the will of the late Randall W, Spencer it is specifically stated that his son, Ralph Spencer, is not to share at all in the estate. There is nothing to indicate that the will is to be contested as the disinherited son has. signed the formal waivers. In his will,! drawn up by Lawyer George W. Klett on November 24, 1914, Mr. Spencer provided that after all his just debts and funeral expenses are paid the sum of $500 shall be paid to his granddaughter, Florence A. Nowland. be divided equally between the daugh- ters, Edna Pond of Hartford and Queen S. Nowland of this citv. The testator’s son-in-law, Charles W. Now- land, is named as executor, ‘The son, is worded as follows: “I make no bequest to my son, Ralph Spencer of New Britain as I do not want him to have any part of my estate.” NEW MEXIOAN GUARD OU Washington, April 23.—The First regiment of infantry and Battery A of fleld artidery, New Mexico Natianal Guard, were ordered into the federal service for police protection today. R e e o O WEATHER. Hartford, April Fartford and vicinity ening this afternoon, fair and' cooler tonight and Tuesday. paragraph disinheriting his | I l 1 i | White grounds waved their |and the KERALD BEST OF ALL LOCAL NEWSPAPERS ESTABLISHED FIGHT ON CONSCRIPTION OPENED IN LOWER HOUS ALFOUR AT WHITE HOUSE AND MEETS THE PRESIDENT Day of Social Formalities Spent By British High Commis- sion at Washington—H ere to Point Out How Amer- ica May Avoid England’s Mistakes, Which Proved so| BIG ELEMENT FOR Costly at Beginning of War Against Germany. ‘Washington, April 23.—British For- ; eign Minister Balfour and mémbers of the high commission began their first official day in Washington with a round of calls, the first of which was at the state department. Soon after 10:30 o’clock, Mr. Balfour, ac- companied by the British ambassador, dreve from the mansion which has been given over to him, to the state department building and paid a for- mal call on Secretary Lansing. The ambassador and Hugh L. Gib- son of the state department, who has been detailed as Mr. Balfour’s aide, remained with Secretary Lansing only a short time and Mr. Gibson with- drew, together. They at once plunged into a conference. The conference was not prolonged and at its conclusion Mr. Balfour and Mr. Lansing left the building to cross over to the White House where the forelgn minister was presented to President Wilson. As they left the building several hundred employes crowding the stair- ways and corridors applauded and cheered loudly. Mr. Balfour ac- knowledged the greetings by bowing and smiling. ¢ The British foreign minister. and Mr. Lansing crossed the avenue which separate "the state department build- | as acute as was expected, but Great} ing from: the White House and just before 11 o’clock passed in the main entrance of the executive mansion where. President . Wilson, surrounded by a party of army and navy aides, was waliting. ‘While Mr. Balfour and Mr. Lansing were at the White House the naval officers of the British party headed by Admiral De Chair began prepara- tions to call on Secretary . Daniels. They were accompanied: by Rear Admiral Fletcher and other officlals. As _Mr. .Balfour passed into the ‘White House grounds the “silent sen- tinels” of the woman -Suffrages doing “peaceful picketing” around the banners British minister foreign smiled broadly. 4 ’ The army officers of the British mission, at the same time, were ar- riving at the war department to be received by Secretary Baker. Major- General Bridges, accompanied by his ajdes, was escorted first to the office of Major-General Scott, chief of staff, where they were received by a large party of American officers, including Generals Bliss, McCain, MecIntyre, Crozier, Weaver and others. A large number of officers of lesser rank were present. tired in field uniform, while American officers were in the dress uniforms. The naval delegation meanwhile had been received by Admiral Ben- son, chief of operations, and left cards for Assistant Secretary Rooseyelt, who was out of the city. Tomorrow evening there will be ‘a reception by Secretary Lansing at the Pan-American building for the noted visitors, preceded by a dinner. Washington’s welcome to the party on their arrival vesterday afternoon was quiet, but warm and enthusias- tic. Mr. Balfour and his party, ac- full companied by Secretary Lansing and | street fighting has broken out leaving the two high officials ' The British officers were at- | tha | ! Tt was made known by members of | the committee that today and tomor- | row are to be devoted to social for-| malities and that the stage of con- | ferences is not expected to be reached before Wednesday. 0 Mesnwhile the French commission is expected but it was said today there were no plans for joint conferences at this stage, although undoubtedly there would be some later on. The conferences are not expected to be prolonged and it was said to- day that after the principal subjects had been gone over it was probable ' that Mr. Balfour and some other member of the mission might return to England, leaving details to be worked out by subordinates. trolling motive of the British commis- sion’s visit here was one of service and i courtesy to the American people with a view of enlightening the govern- ment on the price Great Britain paid,—as one of the commissioners put it—for her mistakes on entering the war- Measures by which the United States can extepd to its allies the most assistance will -be first discussed and foremost among these are questions of shipping and food. It was said the food situation in England is not Britain, having pooled her resources with her allies, is called upon:to sup- ply Fyrance and Itdly where the situ- jation is more pressing. Material as sistance from the resources of the United States it was said would relieve the situation much. 1t is possible that before Mr® Bal- four leaves he may . be invited to ad- dress the senate.’ % BREAK WITH TURKEY State Department Receives Confirma- tion of Press Reports Through Minister Stovall in Switzerland. ‘Washington, April notification of the 23:—Official Turkish .govern- \ ment breaking off diplomatic relations 'wlth the United States ivas received today by the state department in a despatch from Minister Stovall at Berne, Switzerland. * The communication came from G. Cornell Tarler, secretary of _the American legation at Constantinople, acting for Ambassador Elkus, who is ill. It was sent to the American lega- tion at Berne and forwarded to Sec- retary Lansing, ¥ TROOPSCLASH I CHINA e Friction ' Between Sze-Chuen and ' Yuan Soldicrs Bursts Into Flamc nnd Results in Street Fighting. Cheng-Tu, China, April 23.—Fierce here other American officials, were driven | petween Sze-Chuen and Yunan troops, from the station through the green | mn. outbreak is the climax to avenues of Washington to their tem- perary residence. Two troops cavalry escorted them and thousands of persons lined. the streets cheered. ‘While Mr. Balfour and the president were together the British army and navy officers concluded their visit at the war and navy departments and returped to their stopping places. The president’s reception of Mr. Balfour was quite extraordinary. It lasted three quarters of an hour and while surrounded by all tEe formality which might be expected on such an The rest of his estate is to | errand, the president and British min- ister talked freely and at length. At. 11:45 o’clock, Mr. Balfour left the ‘White House and accompanied | by Secretary Lansing, drove to the capi- tol to be presented to Vice President Marshall. After the formal greeting the presi- dent and Mr. Balfour entered the blue room with Secretary Lansing and re- mained in earnest conversation for more than half an hour. The military aides were not present at the conference, 3 Assistant Secretary Phillips and Mr. Gibson accompanied Mr. Balfour to the capitol. As the party was leaving the White House grounds a Wild West Show parade was passing with a steamn calliope screeching “God Save the King,” and the ‘‘Marsallaise.” Some body ‘in the crowd proposed three cheers for Mr. Balfour and the crowd roared a response willingly while the British minister smiled and bowed. After a brief visit at the capitol Mr. Ralfour drove to the French embassy to be entertained at luncheon by the | her improvement has continued. and | ‘reads: the friction between the two parties which oL | has steadily increased since the Yun- nanese forces, entered Cheng-Tu last April. The direct cause was the at- tempt of the . military governor of Sze-Chuen, a Yunnanese, to disband the provisionel- troops. i The British, French and Japanese consuls have arragned an armistice but' the situation is still critical., All foreigners are safe. ; BULGARIA STEADFAST. Determined to Wage War' to End ‘With Her Amsterdam, Via London, April 23. —A semi-official Bulgarian statement which has been received here, refer- ring to the manifesto of the Russian provisional government of April 10, says: “The Bulgarian government is al- ways ready to support steps calculated to secure peace. On_ the other hand it is firmly resolved, in union with its allies, to continue the war to a ter- mination which shall 'guarantee to Bulgaria the complete unjon of all her nationalities.” BERNHARDT IMPROVES. New York, April 23.—The condition of Sarah Bernhardt improved during the night. Last evening the phy- sician held out scant hope for her re- covery, A bulletin this morning “After having passed a poor sterday, Mme. Bernhardt improvement last night and She day ) showed 1 French ambassador Jules Jusserand. :spent a comfortable night.” | today. | for the first time and in the | debate was resumed. . It was emphasized that the con-| The house bill, OFFICIALLY RECORDED | Discussion of ing Voluntary Enl ment as First Te§ i ARMY STAFF Bankers and Treasur) Officials Begin Series of Co on Great Issue of War el Coastivise Shipping My Be A to lngcnup} Commcree' Washington, April 23,—The create & DLig war army by geled draft was under debate in both It was taken up in th as reported ¥ " majority' of, the committee, P! for volunteer enlistment with | seription omnly as a last resort | | the fight for this measure was | Chatrman Dent of the military { mittee, whose supporters feel .| ! that they- would make a ing. A strong element in the ; however, backed the_ selective i scription plan advocated by the: !genenl staff and recommend { the military committee mino 1 by Representative Kahn of Cal a republican. | In the senate the bill under ci eration was the general staff’s ure. 0 i In the house the measure Was f up under an agrcement providing: eighteen hours of' general d be followed by five minute ti . Conference on Bond Treasury department’ offici today & smeries of confere representatives of financial’ . tions in the forthcoming $8,0f 000 bond issue. d Becretary McAdoo, Governor. ing of the federal reserve boar other officials conferred with a d gation of bankers and representat of New York bond houses with s ence to details many of which to be formulated. It is expected, delegations from Chicago, it phia, Boston and other cities will¥ fer with Mr.- McAdoo. 5. Bankers and other which have subscribed to the irg sue of treasury certificates r war finance measure were, notifie day that first call for the prod would be made next Wedn morning. ] May Remove: Coasting Shi The removal of ships. from | wise trade was discussed today i} number of steamship lines ‘and roads with the Councll of Natid Defense. To the railroad men.d phasis was laid on the’nece re-arranging their schedules cothmodate the increased sh which would be thrown upon theg withdrawal of coastwise vess Government officials today coneidered calling a confer: steel ship builders here this an effort to stimulate, if possib output of greater tonnage.of thi in addition to the fleet of small en ships. 3 Commerce Laughs at U-Bogd Despite-the German submnaring paign American -exports in reached a value of $551,278,000, ¥ has been exceeded only ‘once, ¥ January, the best month in the’ try’s. history. Imports of $27 000 set a new American recond. CHINA BECOMING WARLE Tncensed at Detention of M Berlin—Country - May ' Declare But Not With Entente, Peking, April 23.—The war ment in C'I'flnl. is increasing daily, Chinese are incensed over the of Germany £ in detaining the ministeriin. Berlin pending the’ arrival of Von Hintze, Germ ‘bassador to Peking. There also gréat “indignation over the deten of Chirese students in Berlin Munich. 5 The majority of the governors anj Parliament favor war but they diffes over the attitude China should ade toward. the Entente. The indication are that China will declare war indes pendently. 'he newspapers reproduce a spatch from Dr. V. K. Wellington Chinese minister to the United § in which he urges to declare itself and not in partnership Entente. He urges China’s wouid be stronger if it acted pendently, and it could co-d 'freely with the ‘Entente an United States.