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Newspaper
Athens Weekly Banner
Location
Athens, Georgia, United States of America
Date
Dec 14, 1917
Page
4
Five members of the railroad war board presented the railroad view of the transportation problem to the president in Washington on December 12. They said whatever course he chooses will receive full cooperation from railroads, including possible government operation.
Secretary Daniels warned at the Southern Society banquet that German agents spreading fake disaster reports dampen the American cause. He said even minor military casualties have been broadcast through the public press, emphasizing danger from false reports.
Washington reports that Hungarian subjects in the United States, mostly laborers loyal to the allied cause, will face few restrictions after the war declaration against Austria. The proclamation allows naturalized and naturalizing individuals broad freedom to live and travel, with travel outside the country requiring permission, and limiting entry to certain zones.
New York December 12 Dissolution of the News Print Manufacturers Association was voted at a meeting of the association's directors with no federal decree pronouncing the organization in restraint of trade.
At the national council of women of the United States closing session in Washington on December 12, a resolution endorsed both the constitutional amendments on prohibition and woman suffrage. The council pledged to extend its support to the president and all affiliated organizations.
The seventy sixth annual session of Mt Vernon Lodge No 22 F and A M will be held Thursday evening December 13 at 8 o clock in the temple. Election of officers for the new Masonic year to follow refreshments after. E C Paine W M and G Quinn secretary invite members to attend.
Havana reports the House of Representatives passed a resolution declaring a state of war exists between Austria-Hungary and Cuba after President Menocal urged the move. The declaration follows the president’s message to Congress.
The first survivor accounts from Adjutant J K Richards, published by the navy department, describe the destroyer Jacob Jones sinking. Only two small boats and three life boats remained afloat, with men rescued after seventeen hours in the sea.
The Webb export bill allowing American exporters to combine to promote foreign commerce passed the Senate today. The president urged enactment in a recent address to Congress. The measure had already passed the House last June.
A war poem narrates a soldier boy's daily routines from dawn to night in a camp. His thoughts of a beloved girl sustain him through drills fatigue and work. He envisions victory over Germany and longs to return home to her after the war.
Athens faced a coal shortage as local officials and the City Fuel Association pressed for shipments. State administrators and officials in Washington, including Dr. Hardman, were contacted to secure coal and relieve Athens, with a wire dated December 12, 1917, noting ongoing talks with mine operators and federal departments.
Athens prepares for a fireworks ban this holiday season. The city council, chamber of commerce, fire insurance exchange and other groups warn that fireworks pose extra fire hazards, with a strict ordinance to be enforced. An insurance company notification urges forbidding use storage or sale, stating policies void for fireworks and no extra premium justifies the risk.
Everyday patriotic citizens from Athens enlist for national service. Chester Adair, son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Adair, joined the quartermaster corps at the local recruiting station, traveled to Atlanta, then likely to Jacksonville Florida for assignment. John B Kelley, a traveling salesman with Talmadge Brothers Company, enlisted and heads to Camp Jackson in Columbia District of Columbia as an army field clerk.
Mrs Turner Moon at her Jackson Street home suffered a badly broken hip after falling while performing duties at the start of a snow cover period. She was attending to tasks when the accident occurred.
New York December 12 The general operating committee of the eastern railroads ordered an embargo on all export freights reaching north Atlantic ports except government cargo. The Banner’s Christmas Commissary expands in subscriptions and scope to aid the needy.
The German attempt to wedge into the British line west of Cambrai failed, yielding only slight gains. An attack between Bullecourt and a northern point lasted from dawn to afternoon, with heavy enemy losses. Despite defeat, German bombardment of Allied positions persists as reinforcements come from the East. Snow hampers Italian front defenses as optimism grows about holding the Austro German advance. London reports fourteen British merchantmen sunk by mine or submarine the past week, plus Italian losses of one steamship over 1,600 tons and three smaller vessels in the week ending December 8.
Washington December 12 new house committee assignments approved at caucuses of democrats and republicans subject to acceptance at the regular session Republicans chose Misa Rankin as chairman of the special house suffrage committee Shirley of Kentucky was selected to succeed Fitzgerald of New York as chairman of the house appropriations committee
Halifax reports the munition ship Mont Blanc disaster death toll fixed at 1126, including identified, unidentified bodies and those missing, as of December 12.
Concord December 12 A long day in which the state sought the death penalty for Gaston Means while Maude King allegedly killed herself by accident. The defense claimed accidental death as the crucial point. The state argued Means squandered the victim’s money and killed her to avoid accountability. It is doubtful the case will reach a jury before Friday.
Washington December 12 Fuel Administrator Garfield tells 200 leaders of the war service committees named by industries to cooperate with the government in buying war supplies. He says reducing consumption can save the country from a coal famine.
Washington reports the railroad war board has ordered a hundred locomotives from western lines to aid in relieving freight congestion. The move aims to speed shipments and restore loading capacity amid rail traffic pressures nationwide.
Washington December 11 steps have been taken in Congress to obtain fuller information and establish closer connection of the government's war activities past and future. A general inquiry into the War Department's work is ordered by the Senate military committee beginning tomorrow. An investigation of the Navy Department is said to be contemplated.
Reported gin nings for Clarke and nearby counties through November show 1917 totals across banks and towns including Jackson, Walton, Gwinnett, Oconee, Madison, Barrow, Barrow, Hall, Morgan, Oglethorpe, Wilkes, Elbert, Greene, and Gwinnett with year over year comparisons to 1916. Notable figures include Walton 22 842 in 1917 vs 20 191 in 1916 and Jackson 19 553 vs 21 150.
Wilmington officials report four thousand three inch shrapnel shells exploded at Bethlehem Steel Company projectile loading plant near New Castle. One man killed and fire followed. Officials say origin not yet convinced to be accidental.
Washington reports that Major General Cre zier, chief of ordnance, briefed the Senate military committee on delays and deficiencies in supplying ordnance for the war effort. He admitted shortages for training but insisted there were none intended for frontline use, citing congressional appropriations and labor issues in private plants as key causes.
Presidio Texas December 12 General Pedro Favels led about five hundred troops to Ojiniga this afternoon to seize the town after Villa followers evacuated yesterday. The move ends resistance in the area with the federals in control.
Washington December 12 The construction at a southern port likely Savannah or Wilmington of a 4500 ton concrete steamship is to be started soon by the Shipping Board and the United States Bureau of Standards. If successful many more may follow from Southern ports.
Chicago December 12. After five hours the American League club owners adjourned their annual meeting without adopting a wartime policy. The session recessed until tomorrow as officials weighed options amid wartime constraints.
Will Bolton, shot several days ago by Will Ed Harris, died yesterday. Both men were African American. Bolton was at Harris home with others when Harris was away. Harris’ wife reportedly invited them in for a gamble and on Harris returning he opened fire, then discarded his pistol into a yard well.
In Athens the first snowfalls trigger a mood shift across society. Businessmen exchange snow balls, students join the playful chase, and professors join the fun, as restraint loosens and the town enjoys a rare recreation. The piece muses that snow alters behavior by offering diversion and breaking routine.
A compact, period tone collage notes the fading year and looming war effort. It contrasts diary like reflections on time with a government pledge that labor may be drafted if requisitioned, tying personal passage to national mobilization.
Mrs Frances C Axtell of the United States Employees Compensation Commission argues women should be placed in war-related roles suited to their abilities rather than forced into traditional tasks. She suggests women could inspect uniforms, make rope, and handle small arms at arsenals, stressing cooperation between business and government and noting higher hazards for women replacing men in war work.
The third Quartermaster class completed its prescribed course at the University this week. Final exams marked the close of three successful schools. Those who passed will be admitted as finished non commissioned officers in the Quartermaster Service or assigned within the next week. Credit goes to Prof. Sanford and Prof. Grigg for their efforts. Many students were Georgia veterans blending into the student body. The Express Companies seek a ten percent rate increase due to higher operation costs before the Interstate Commerce Commission.
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