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Newspaper
Athens Weekly Banner
Location
Athens, Georgia, United States of America
Date
Jan 18, 1918
Page
4
The Athens Banner urges Clarke County readers to plant and support the war effort with farmer’s plows as weapons and promotes a planned Vigilance Corps to monitor potential internal threats. The piece rails against fuel shortages and the harsh winter, praising citizens and government as they endure trials and emphasize loyalty.
The anniversary of Robert E. Lee will be observed with exercises honoring his life and greatness. A special thrift campaign will be promoted during the day, and the celebratory program would likely have General’s approval if he were alive to participate.
Otto H. Kahn, a loyal American of German heritage, praises the benefits of American institutions and urges others who have benefited to follow his example by contributing to the country. He is slated to deliver a major speech.
The article notes extensive adoption of government life insurance by soldiers at Camp Wadeworth Spartanburg during November. About 29,000 applications were sent to the Bureau of War Risk Insurance, with 71 percent for the $10,000 maximum, 23 percent for $6,000, and 6 percent for lesser amounts. Every man in 16 companies applied, and in 6 units three full companies also requested the maximum.
The article warns of a prolonged coal shortage as winter continues with severe weather. Federal Fuel Director Garfield may shut down nonessential industries to conserve coal for families, urging citizens to use their allocation of five hundred pounds carefully. It condemns past favoritism in coal distribution and calls for a square deal nationwide to prevent further suffering.
The editor defends Secretary Baker against criticism of war mobilization and information handling. It argues secrecy is vital and that public notices of submarine ships or casualty lists should wait until proper officials approve. Baker has fulfilled duties amid immense strain since the nation entered war.
Augusta forms a vigilance committee to root out Germans and sympathizers. It adopts slogans opposing German propaganda and enemy activity and plans a city census on loyalty. The Rotary Club plans support, aiming to inform officials and report findings to rid the city of undesirables.
The Banner calls for forming a Vigilance Corps in Athens as a quiet service to government interests. It praises local loyal citizens and urges caution amid reports of disloyal sentiments, warning that native Georgians may misread or relay harmful information. The piece stresses unity and prudence during tense times.
A newspaper recalls an earlier report that cited official sources about a detachment leaving a port for a destination on a given date. The paper explains it did not publish the specifics due to government requests for caution, urging citizens to silence in matters best kept secret and to avoid aiding the enemy.
Associated Press reports Russia yields on Stockholm transfer and pursues Brest-Litovsk talks. Trotsky says quadruple alliance loses a pretext to break off peace on technical grounds. Front activity noted with infantry quiet mid-winter, artillery near Verdun. British destroyer Racoon sinks off north Irish coast with all hands. Russian officers offered to Pershing declined due to US citizenship rules. German quarrels over Wilson speech widen in Amsterdam. Fifteen German planes and a balloon downed by French pilots. four enemy aircraft shot near Lusagna by British. Hertling to answer Wilson and Lloyd George before Reichstag, per Berlin newspaper.
The nation endures its coldest spell since 1899 with temperatures plunging from the Rockies to the Atlantic and into the South, amid a fuel shortage. Rail officials order coal first to keep trains running while traffic stalls in the West and East. embargoes on passenger tickets and freight movement worsen conditions as a severe blizzard disrupts all transport.
German children celebrated Christmas with exultation at German army victories in France and Belgium. Toys from Germany reached the French libraries showing leaden models of destroyed cities, bricks, mortar, and stones depicted as the ruins. Picture books illustrate military operations under the German emperor.
A historic report from Rome dated January 12 describes two torpedo boats conducting a nighttime raid on Trieste Harbor. They cut eight chains, removed mines, spotted Wien and another cruiser, fired two torpedoes each, and the Wien sank in seven minutes amid alarms. The second ship’s damage was unclear as retreat followed artillery fire.
The sugar industry in Porto Rico faces a general strike by 50 000 to 60 000 sugar plant workers over wage hikes an eight hour day and other changes. They have appealed to Samuel Gompers and Secretary Wilson for help while Santiago Iglesias urges a federal wage and profits investigation if producers refuse to meet with labor.
Cambridge University Senate has formed committees to explore postwar educational collaboration with American universities. Trinity College appoints Gaillard Lapsley a tutor born in Philadelphia and Harvard graduate. A pamphlet outlines teaching for research students and evaluating Cambridge access to American research facilities. Only about 200 of Cambridge's 4,000 undergraduates remain on site. wartime disruptions delay progress.
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