New Britain Herald Newspaper, December 20, 1917, Page 1

e~ {PRICE THREE CLNTS. ) T — NEW BRITAIN CONNECTICUT, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, - *ADDED EVIDENCE OF THE DUPLICITY OF GERMAN COUNT ' Some Two Scores of Telegrams | Sent by Yon Luxburg to For- eign Office in Berlin WERE DISPATCHED FROM ARGENTINA .. May Have Important Effect Upon Latin-America in Its War Talk, as the Public Mind of Argentina Just Now Favors Joining United States and the Allies. Washington, Dec. 20.—Some two lcore more telegrams which passed hetween Count vonLuxburg, Ger sainister to Argentina and the Ger- "“man foreign office will be made public ‘today by the state department by agreement with the Argentine gov- “‘ ernment which will publish them sim- “ultaneously at Buenos Aires. Disclosure of more of the sensa- .~ . ~tional Luxburg telegrams, which are w expected to lay bare more evidence of the German diplomat’s duplicity, ‘comes at a most interesting time, es< ¥ pecially as it is being done by agree- £ « ment with the Argentine.government. How the public mind in Argentina, already pressing President Irigoyen to go to war with Germany, will regard further exposures of German intrigue, , ‘. 18 of no less interest to officlals here / #*galled at Buenos Alres, to than is its probable effect on the gen- ‘eral Latin-Americd attitude toward a so-called neutrality conference - just attend which Luis Cabrera, Mexico’s repre- sentative unceremoniously left the United States reecntly while this gov- ernment was waiting to begin negotia- ,tions over food exports to Mexico. ‘While public sentiment for enter- ing' the war 'qn the side of the ‘United States and the Allies has been .,; spreading through all Latin.America, the conspicuous examples of inaction have been the governments of Mexico ‘l‘ld Argentina. The sudden visit of Cabrera at this particnlar timé to a so-called neutrality eonference in Buenos' Alres excited much i | Whether there can be any connection f =1 en the new Luxburg exposures ! {and the relations between Mexico and Argentina excites much more interest. | MR. J. OGDEN ARMOUR GETS HIS PROFITS | Some Very Interesting Testimony Is Heard Before Commission at ‘Washington Today. ‘Washington, Dec. 20.—At the Fed- ,eral Trade commission’s investigation of the Chicago stockyards here today, F. R. Hart, one of the principal fig- ures in the stockyards company, tes- , tified it had been agreed to pay J.\ %'Ogden Armour all the company's earnings over nine per cent. to keep ‘Armour from moving the ya.rds away from Chicago further. west, REAL OWNERSHIP. Washington, Dep. 20.—Efforts of the Federal Trade commission to dis- cover the real ownership of the Chi- cago stockyards and terminal rail- roads began today with an inquiry into the corporate. relations between the Chicago Stockyards. company, the " Union Stockyard and Tramsit cam- ! pany, the Chicago Junction Railways and Union Stockyards company, and the Chicago Junction railways. Frank R. Pegram, treasurer of the Chicago Stockyards company and cashied for F. H. Prince, of Boston, testified he held 79,990 shares of the Chicago Stockyards company as trustee, but that he had never had them in his possession. The stock was held, he said, subject to bearer war- rants, but he did not know where these warrants were, though he thought most of them were in the safe deposit boxes of Mr. and Mrs. Prince. Other witnessés summoned to tes- former tify include W. M. Wadden, MAYOR AND CURTIS BREAK OUT AGAIN Ancient Feud Resamed, This Time ALDERMAN MISSES 2,000 Ine Docsu’t Suspect Dishonesty But Wants to Know Where It Went— Mayor Advised Chatrman Riley Not to Attend Council Meeting. No longer does the Municipal Farm committee hold the cemter of the municipal stage. No longer are the harpoons of the city fathers aimed in its direction, for it is now the charity department that is un- der a fire of criticism which will ap- parently outclass that recently borne by the potato committee. An inter- esting example in contrasts was furnished at last night's session of the common council when, during the early part of the evening, the meeting proceeded with that smooth, hum-drum routine not unlike that of ‘Washington Irving’s schoolroom in the classical Ichabed Crane. Then mentioh was made of the charity de- partment. The transformation was a study in diametrical opposites and from that moment until the time of adjournment the assemblage became as the front line trenches of France, with their hand grenades, machine gun rattle and heavy artillery bom- bardments, compared to the more peaceful surroundings of an’ old fashioned New England Thursday evening prayer meeting. As a result Alderman Orson F. Cur- tis of the third ward locked horns -several times with Mayor George A. Quigley and the charity department was, figuratively speaking, made the object of viscious attacks and coun- ter attacks. Before relating a more detailed account of the evening’s many and exciting activities it might be briefly stated that Alderman Cur- tis refused to accept a report of the charity department relative to ex- penses incurred in the construction of a new dairy barn and intimated ‘that the department had failed to account for between $2,600 and $2,600 that has been expended. To cap the climax and bring the mayor down from his seat on the rostrum the Third warder made the positive ‘| statement that he was prepared to prove that the dairy barn has in reality cost something in excess of $17,300 and that in its construction several thousands of dollars has been wasted. The matter has been left to a committee of five to investigate and report back at the next meeting | ot the council. Although the mayor 1 openly declared his intention of placing Alderman Curtis on this committee of investigation. the lat- ter jurhped up and declared he ‘would not serve unless he could be chair- man and was given a committee that would “find out things.” Department Admits Fault. Returning to a more -orderly chro- nological resume of the fracas enact- ed within the council chambers last evening it should be explained that at the last meeting of the council Alder- man Curtis questioned the.cost of the town farm dairy barn and asked that the charity department, at the Decem- ber meeting, present a detailed ac- count of all expenditures. This was presented last evening as follows: YEAR OF 1916. Total appropriation, includ- ing $6,000 for dairy barn $58,000.00 Total amount collected on account .. Departmental penses ...... Barn expendi- tures ......-.. Pald city treas- ury 7,987.87 ex- .$43,253.19 2,635.61 B eesee--19,060.00 Balance re- turned .....$65,987.87 $65,987.87 YEAR OF 1917. Tota] appropriation, includ- ing $5,600 for barn... Total collections on Dec 1.. Dept. Expenses to Dec. 1 ..... Barn expenses. Paid city treas- ury . $58,000.00 5,339.79 .$39,378.16 12,059.98 5,339.79 Goncerning Charity Department | SPEAKING OF JUDGES, HERE’'S A REAL ONE L Mankato, Minn., Dec. 20.— A statement that the United States might as well be under the . Kdiser’'s government as under its own was among those charged to Frank J. Busch, a wholesale grocer, ar- rested on complaints that he made seditious remarks. He told Municipal Judge Com- stock he was 0rTy, and at the judge’s suggestion, bought $1,000 worth of Liberty bonds, subscribed $100 to the Red Cross and gave $50 each to ‘the Knights of Columbus and the Y. M. C. A. Then, today, Judge Comstock fined him $500. LABOR EXCHANGES IN CONNECTICUT I tho Dobi Stephen ?fl]ln. Balance on treasurer for the Chicago Stockyards hand $63,339.79 company; E. V. R. Thayer, president of the Chase National bank; S. H. Sessenden, a broker; C. C. Chase, auditer for the Chicago Stockyards and Transit company, and J. N. Man- ping, an employe of Prince and com- any. All are from Baston, except ;’4. Thayer, who formerly lived in| FPossible deficit at end of Boston, but now of New York. VOAr ....c.en.eee....$ 3,438.14 F. W. Croll, confidential secretary of | Appropriation for dairy J. Ogden Armour, has also been| barn, 1916 .... $ 6,000.00 “sabpoenaed. Appropriztion for dairy barn, 1917 ..icoeeeccnns $63,339.79 Estimate need for balance tieaeess.$10,000.00 Balance on hand Dec. 1. 6,561.86 25 5,600.00 SERBIAN COMMISSION. Arrives to Pay Respects to President and Country. An Atlantic Port, Dec. 20.—A Ser- ,bian diplomatic mission to the United ‘States arrived here today on a French ‘steamship. It is headed by Dr. M. R. Vesnitch, who represented Serbia _at ‘the Inter-Allied conference at , Its members include a number bian army officers. 'r‘he mission i $11,600.00 Expended for barn, 1916 ....$ 2,635.61 Expended for barn, 1917 Transferred other ments 12,059.98 to depart- annaonoa. EHLHD) $18,059.98 on total ba (Continued on Third Page) Overdraft m\. to go dirgct to Washingtor State Council of Defense Plans Trans- fer of Workmen to Essential Industries. Hartford, Dec. 20.—In anticipation of the heavy labor demands that are expected by spring or earlier, the Connecticut State Council of Defense, at its weekly meeting, appointed a special committee consisting of Joseph W. Alsop, F. D. Cheney, George M. Landers and Herbert Knox Smith to draw up a resolution provid- | ing for the formation of labor ex- changes throughout the state under the auspices of the council. The reso- lution will be presented at the next meeting of the council. The labor exchanges will act as clearing houses for the transfer of workingmen from non-essential to essential industries, including farms, .where the labor shortage will soon become a serious problem. E. K. Eyerly, supervisor of farm management, Northeastern Regional District, United States Department of Agriculture, and David Elder, a farm labor specialist of Rhode Island, were'| at the meeting to present the labor needs of the farmers of Connecticut | and the necessity for providing labor to plant and raise a food crop during | the season of 1918. N. B. H. §. HONOR PUPILS Names of Seventeen Who Have Main- tained Average of 85 Per Cent. for Three Years Announced. The preliminary honor list of ‘the class of 1918 was announced this morning at the school. The pupils whose names appear on this list have attained an average grade of 85 per cent. or over for the first three years | of their course, and attained during the first report of the current year, a grade sufficient to maintain this ‘minimum average. Their program provides for at least 76 credits. The honor pupils are: James Pro- Harry Fogelson, Edward “Baul David Leades, Maurice Edward Marlow, Israel Louis Nair, Henry Nilson,. Roger Fuller Tracy, Ruth Mabel Anderson, Anna Victoria Foberg, Mabel Klingberg, Margaret Cecelia Leonard, Eleanor North Mann, Helen Margaret | Peterson, Eva Katherine Prelle, Flor- ence Sirkin, Doris Helen Waters. NEARLY CLOSED Senate Military. Committee Practically Finishes Its Inquiries Into Supplying Arms to War Army. ‘Washington, Dec. 20.—With its in- quiry into alleged delays in supplving the war army with guns and ammuni- tion virtually concluded, the senate military committee today prepared to question regarding shortage and pré- duction delays in clothing and food for soldiers. Chairman Chamberlain promised a thorough investigation of the work of the quartermaster’s department, of which Major-General Goethals, re- cently recalled to active service, soon will take charge. The relation of the : clothing shortage to prevalence of dis- ease in various cantonments also will be developed. One private munitions manufactur- er remained on the stand when the hearing was resumed today to sup- plement the testimony already given by other manufacturers as to delays in supplying machine guns ana rifles during the early days of the war. CARDINAL, GIBBONS. Gives His Sanction to Roman Catholio Miners to Work Holy Days. Washington, = Dec. 20.—Cardinal Gibbons gave his sanction today to Roman Catholic miners working on holy days falling within the Christ- mas and New Year’s holiday season. In a letter to Fuel Administrator Garfield he approved of a suggestion that miners take only Christmas Day and New Year's Day off, and further proposed that saloons might co-oper- ate by closing from 9 o'clock in the evening until 8 a’clock the following morning. Ol S U WEATHER Hai®ford, Dec. 20.—Fore- cast for New Britain and vi- cinity: Unnettled tonight. Friday rain, continued mild, sl S g s { BElizabeth MEMBERS MAY FAIL Red Cross in Danger of Not At- taining Its Object LIVELIER SPIRIT NEEDED Public Must Co-operate If New Britain Is Not to Make Its First Unsuccess- ful War Campaign—Park Place First With 100 Per Cent. Unless greater interest is displayed by the public generally, New Britain will have the unique experience of not succeeding in a war campaign. The drive for 22,000 Red Cross members has not been successful so far, and co-operation is essential if the quata is to be filled. Only a few names are listed on the street honor roll on the bulletin board at Central park. It was announced today that Park place has the distinction of being the first street to go on the gald star side, which means that everyone in every house on the street is a member of the Red Cross. Harrison street is added to the | honor roll for percentage on the other. | side of the bulletin board. People are asking why such and such streets, where prominent citizens live, do not appear on the honor roll. It is no time in these days for negli~ gence and indifference. General Apa- thy is the greatest aide that the Ger- man General Staff"can have in these days. The young women in the booths are doing fine work, and if all shawed the enthusiasm that the Red Croas nurses are showing, there weuldn't have to be a call sent out for more interest. Some of the ward captains are slow about sending in their reports, and it would be a great help to the cam- paign mgnagers if they would speed up. Others are daing work which can call forth only the highest praise. ‘Ward Manager Abraham Gorbach of the Sixth Ward is proving a live wire. He hasn’t waited until the | campaign day, but has his ward or- ganized and has brought in many inames. He will meet his captains ltonlght at the Y. M. C. A. The merchants are responding splendidly to the appeal to advertise thé campaign in their regular adver- tising space in the papers. Fourth Ward Day. Today is the Four’g: w-ni day in the carapaign, % & workers are ‘husfilng for memberships. 'The cap- tains in this wiard are announced as follows: Elm street, Jobn R. Blair: Corbin Place, John Williams; Chestnut street, Charles E. Steele; Park street, ‘William R. Reeve; - Franklin street, | Boy Scouts; Seymour street, Mrs. H. C. Warner; Stanley street, J. J. Me- | Briarty; Dwight street, Dwight Court Andrew J. ‘Anderson; Fairview street, Hurry Hancock; Woodland street, Mrs. W. H. Porter; Oxford street, Harvard street, John G. Sandstroms: Flornce street, Boy Scouts; Belden street, A. Bromley; Lindon street, Lindon court, Mrs. Abel Kronholm; Jublleo stret, Joseph F.. Williamets; Rhodes street, Fred Anderson; Mil- lard street, Mrs. George T. Jones. i ANNOUNCES ENGAGEMENT. e Daughter of Former President Will ‘Wed English Officer. London, Dec. 20.—The engagement 1s announced of Esther, daughter of Grover Cleveland, to Captain Bosan- quet, of the Coldstream Guards. Cap- | tain Bosanquet, a son of Sir Albert Bosanquet, has been decorated with the distinguished service order. Miss Cleveland came here in June of last year, after having qualified as a nurse and instructor of the blind, and took up work as & volunteer at St. Dunstan’s Home for Blinded Sol- diers. MAY CALL HOOVER. Committee Investigating Sugar Short- age May Also Hear Rolph. ‘Washipgton, Dec.'20.—Testimony of Earl A. Babst, president of the Amer- jcan Sugar Refining cimpany regard- ing the sugar shortage and in answer ta charges of Claus Spreckels that the company was aided by the food ad- ministration was continued today be- fore the senate investigating commit- tec. Some members hoped to call Mr. Hoover and George M. Rolph, direc- tor of the sugar division of the food administration, today, and complete the. inquiry tomight, but' indications | were that it would extend into to- morrow. At. the. conclusion of the sugar in- vestigation the committee expects to turn its attention to the coal shortage. LIGHTLESS NIGHT. Will Be Observed Throughout Coun- try tonight. Washington, Dec. 20.—The first week day “lightless night” will be ob- served throughout the country today in strict compliance of the rules of the fuel administration. Reports re- ceived here from companies supplying electricity for lighting of advertising signs indicate a willingness to co- operate to aid in the conserving of the supply of coal throughout the nation. Failure to observe the new regula- tions, it has been announced, will re- sult in penalties for the offenders. L} ‘gpatch delayed on | and 1917. —SIXTEEN PAGES. DRIVE FoR 2,000 |CENTRAL POWERS WILL BETTER B-US§ ESTABLI! PEACE PROPOSALS TO A PEOPLE'S CHRISTMAS | TREE _ CELEBRATION, Program for Observa.nce Monday Night Deserving of Large Attendance. The Red Cross, puplls of the High and Grammar schools and the Boy and Girl Scouts are to take a promi- nent part in the People’s Christmas ‘Tree celebration at Central Park, Monday. evening (Christmas eve.) Preceding the opening of the exer- cises, there will be a Red Cross pa- | rade, the length to later, with weather govern. The committee in charge of the observance has.arranged the follow- ing program. Ringing of the chimes, 6:45 o’clock; Red Cross association parade, 7:00 o’'clock; opening address by Mayor G. A. Quigley; singing of the following carols by pupils of the High and Grammar schools, accompanied by the Philharmonic band, Silent Night, Haydn; Under the Stars, Brown; Christmas Eve, Foster; The First Nowell, Traditional; O Come, All Ye Faithful, Reading; Hymn for Christ- mas Day, Reading; Come Gather Round the Christmas Tree, Elise Traut; The Star Spangled Banner, Smith. & At 8 o’clock the words of the fol+ lewing carols will be thrown on the screen and it is earnestly desired that the people will sing them as they have been arranged for the purpose: Joy to the World, Handel; While Shepards Watched Their Flocks, Handel; Hark, the Herald Angels Ring, Mendelssohn; 1t Came Upon the Midnight Clear, Willis; O Little Town of Bethlehem, Redner; band concert. 8:30 o’clock. When thé Christmas Tree Observ- ance is spoken of as being for the people, every citizen with the “Love Ye One Another” spirit in his heart is meant: every lonely one is meant, be determined conditions to whether he be a citizen or not; every | stranger in the city for the time being is meant; everyone, rich or poor, ¢hild or grown-up is meant—all are meant —and are cordially invited to join in the Christmas Tree celebration, Christ- mas eve. NORTHWEST GALE Does Heavy Damage in Queenstown, Damaging Cathedral, and Injuring Several. London, Dec. accompanied by snow and extreme | cold, swept Queenstown Saturday night, according to a Central de- account of wire | trouble. “Many persons were injured ! in the streets. St. Colman’s cathedral | was damaged and the police barracks many houses *~ were unroofed. Glant waves swept over the vessels in the harbor and for several hours they were cut off from. communica- tion with the shore. HALIFAX SANTA CLAUS | WILL BE AMERICAN Unroofing Buildings, Toys Will Be Provided for Hundreds of Blind and Crippled Chil- dren There. HalifaX, Dec. 20.—An American Santa Claus must provide toys for hundreds of blind and crippled chil- dren in hospitals here. The limited stock carried by the local dealers has Dbeen exhausted. The bulk of holiday trade before the disaster was in 'the purchase of gifts for Nova Scotia forces overseas. These had been ymailed for delivery on the battlefront next week and Halifax had planned for a quiet ob- servance at home. The number of persons blinded by the explosion may exceed 1,000 in- cluding those who lost 'the sight of one or both eves. Many of these are children. WAS IT ACCIDENT? Sick Two Weeks, Killed by Fall From Window. Chicago, Dec. 20.—Harry C. Moore, o broker, who has spent his summers on his farm at Guion, Ind., and his winters for the last five years here, jumped or fell from a sixth story window of his hotel today and was killed. He had been ill for the last two weeks, his wife said. Broker, SCOTT RETURNS. At Atlantic Port, Dec. 20.—Major Gen. Hugh L. Scott, U. S. A.,, who ls to be assigned as chief instruction of- ficer of the new National Army re- turned today from Europe on an American steamship. "He has been at the front' in France studying con- ditions there. A number of Amer- ican army officers arrived here with him. | 20.—A northwest gale | SANTA CLAUS VISITS PAPER GOODS PLANT Progressive Kensington Con- cern Insures Lives of All Its Employes. In line with other manufacturing | concerns which are showing a live- lier interest in the welfare of their employes, tho American Papér Goods Co., whose plant is at Kensington, late yesterday afterncon completed | arrangements to insure the lives of its workmen at the expense of the company. The total 'insurance signed for is $250,000. XEach employe of mcre than three months and less than a year’s ser- vice will be insured for $500. This sum will be increased $100 .for each additional year of service until the maxithum: allowance of $1,000 is reached. Thus an employe complet- ing five years'of service will auto- matically become insured for $1,000. Working and sanitary conditions at the Kensington factory were found to be so good that the Equit- able Life Assurance Society of New York, through which the insurance was taken, waived individual medi- cal examinations for those at work | at the time the !nsurance went into effect John §:°Baird, 'chairman | of the board of directors of the Paper Goods Co., and Herbert M. Lloyd, treasurer of the company, explained the insurance plan and the benefits to be derived from it. After the of- ficial announcemcnt had been made, | an attractive folder bearing Christ- mag greeiings was presented to each employe. In the folder was a com- pleto explanation of = the insurance feature. . The American Faper Goods Co. is one of the oldest industrial estab- lishments in this scction of the coun- try. Since business was first begun, it has grown in size and importance under the efficient management of | Lewis E. Reynall and W. 8. Bacon. Considering the members of the families which .the insurance pro- tects, as well as the number .of em- ployes insured, more than-1,000 per- sons will be benefited. Announce- ment of the insurance plan comes as 2 pleasant Christmas surprise to those who will reap the financial re- ward of the foresightedness of the management. i SUBMARINE LOSSES i ARE DIMINISHING At the Spne Time, Tdoyd George Says, Shipbuilding Is on the Increase. London, Dec. 20.—Speaking in the house of commons. David .Lloyd George, British premier, said that the n:argin of losses at sea was narrow- irg. The sinkings by submarines, he said, was decreasing, while shipbuild- ing was increasing. The prémier said the sinking of submarines was increasing. A Although the merchant tonnage was down by 20 per cent, he added, the losg had been only 6 per cent of imports over that of last year. . charding the military situation, Lloyd George said it was idle to pretend that the hopes formed had been realized. This disappointment he attributed to the Russian collapse. ELEVEN KILLED | Miners Meet Death in Coal Mine Ex- plosion in Tenmnessee, Bigger Ma- Jjority of Them Escaping. Knogville, Tenn., Dec. 20.—Eleven miners were killed in an explosion at mine No. 8 of the Dar Dour Coal and Coke company, Catoosa, near Nemo, Tenn., late Wednesday afternoon, ac- cording ¢o- word reaching here today. Seventy-five were in the mine at 'the time. SOME SUGAR. Cargo of 9,000;000 Pounds-of Much- ‘Wanted Product in Boston. Boston, Dec. 20,—A cargo of 9,000,000 pounds of raw sugar from Louisiana, the first received this month, reached Boston today. Re- finers said it probably would be the last of the Louislana product to be sent here this season, but that Cuban sugar was expected to move mnorth- ward in the next ten days and further relieve the shortage, BRITISH - CASUALTIES, London, Dec. 18.—British casualties rtported in the week ending today totalled 17,976 officers and men as follows: Officers killed or died of wounds, 331; men 3,181. Officers ;vsozxged or missing, 1,039; men { et Repre senta Germany and A so Inform Me; of Bolsheviki KERENSKY ON MAR TOWARD PETROGR Negotiations for Peace AustroiGerman Forces and Now Assuming Aspect of Im ance—Fighting Along the Pia 2 Snow Prevents i‘lyms—m ‘“Fnemies of Russia.” Petrograd, Dec. 20.—Acceord press reports, Russia has bey formed by the Central Powers 1 they intend to make peace Propo to the Allies. 3 This repart is published in Evening Post, which says the . Te] sentatives of the Central Powérs; the first preliminary peace confi with the Russians, announced | their governments intended on ciple to put the question of pe 1 fore all the powers, and that they:| asked their allies to do likewise... sia was requested to take o steps. It is stated the Russians'® endeavoring by all means to sound Allies. London, Dec. 20.—Peace ne tions between Russia and the Powers, an armistice having Teac! , are assuming an aspi importance. Dr. von Kuehlman German foreign ‘sécretary, and G CGzernin, the ' Austro-Hungarion eign minister, are both said to their . way to Brest-Litovak, ace panied by advisory suites. It is also indicated from Beflln, 2 the main committee of the Relcl willi be ‘summoned: to meet in session in-‘connection With these tistions and some., pers interpret it as showing th of the people is no' about. t itself. Another result .o zhe aripist that Ensign Krylenko, the Bol chief commander, has been move divisions from the front against Gen. Kaledines reported to be gaining new suc There is no direct confirmatfon: report that Kerensky is in the ity of Petrograd with an army. Meanwhile, the Bolsheviki tration is adopting drastic my against its opponents including ¢ tablishing of the death' penalty, A despatch from Tammersfo land, says the Russian troops a: paring to evacuate E‘lullmlt transportation u.lmd.y Mv(nibun ranged. | The Evening Post says the Ges | have officially informed the Bo headquarters that the Central p are ready. to consider the ment of peace on the basis of D nexations and no indemnities pointed out that self definition of~ 4 tions was impracticable. g o. P Petrograd, Dec. 20.—Orenburg sacks opposing the Bolsheviki occupied Tcheliabinsk, a junction. the 'Trams-Siberian railroad to & report received by the Den. The Bolsheviki .government: weeks ago reported that Tchel was being besieged by troops Gen. Dutoff, hetman-of. the.Ural- ‘sacks and one of the leaders o counter revolution. ¥ Thé town is 360 miles :nocth Orenburg and' west of the border. The Trans-Siberian is joimed here from the north railroad: line runnihg and Ekaterinburg. 3 f Petrograd, Dec. 20.—Ths rep tatives of the Central powe! formed the Russians they were to discuss peace preliminaries but d sired to know the result of Rus efforts to induce the Allies to join the negotiations before proceed! with them. They said this point view might be changed, however, they might be willing to discuss peai with Russia alone. .= The Germaj were of the opinion the Russiah i mistice might influence the © fronts. The first conference was merely to the discussion of who Wi participate in the negotiations. Sends Ultimatum. ; London, Dec. 20.—The Bolshev government, according to Petrog: advices, has sent an ultimatum to Ukranian rada. It demands that wi in 48 hours a decision ' be mi whether the Ukraine will cease assist Gen. Kaledines by sending him troops while forbidding passage Bolsheviki troops, and also will stop disarming troops In Ukraine. In case of refusal4he raf will be considered at war with # (Continued on Fifteenth Page).