17 Dec 1914
Page 1
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Newspaper
Bluefield Daily Telegraph
Location
Bluefield, West Virginia, United States of America
Date
Dec 17, 1914
Page
1
British reports detail a German squadron shelling Hartlepool, Scarborough, and Whitby causing 110 casualties, seven dead soldiers and many injuries. Buildings, gas works and the Balmoral hotel are damaged as coast guard vessels respond and public anger grows.
The German cruisers bombarded East coast towns in a night attack hindered by fog and mines. British defenses at Hartlepool fired back while troops sheltered, with seven hours of pursuit possible. Casualties were seven dead and fourteen wounded among Royal Engineers and Durham Light Infantry as civilians fled to shelters. Washington reacts as naval experts debate implications for recruitment and war aims (Continued on page four).
German cruisers shelled Scarborough Hartlepool and Whitby early today engaging British patrols. Officials say both sides suffered small losses as the fleet withdrew in mist after about an hour of bombardment. Continued details promised on page four.
Reports from the Austrian frontier describe a looming crisis in the dual monarchy with Vienna Budapest and Prague rattled by protests. Demonstrations in Vienna target war conduct while Prague Bohemia opposes casualties for German or anti Slavic aims. Budapest sees violent rioting as police clear streets.
Dee Hull reports that six to nine people are killed and several injured after German cruisers bombarded Hartlepool this morning. The attack lasted about twenty five minutes with two to six ships observed. Forts along the Tees fired back as shells peppered streets, a gas tank burned, and many businesses and homes were wrecked.
The Foreign Relations Committee reported the Nicaraguan treaty for ratification while the Administrations purchase bill moved forward from the commerce panel after Democrats defeated all proposed amendments. Hearings on power site land leasing and Philippine independence continued as migration talks resumed. President Wilson sent several nominations as session adjourned at 5:15 pm.
Secretary Daniels orders the cruiser Tacoma now at Santo Domingo to proceed to Colon to guard against neutrality violations at the Panama Canal. A destroyer or gunboat may be sent to the Pacific entrance once fuller information is received. The navy reports no further neutral violations beyond a dismantled radio on a British collier. Daniels will send a warship to Panama to enforce the radio order and prevent violations. Ambassador Sir Cecil Spring-Rice discussed the proclamation with state department officials.
Brigadier General Hugh Scott chief of staff US Army sails for Naco Arizona with Lt Col Robert Michie to persuade warring factions near the border to halt firing into American territory. If talks fail Washington warns that defensive artillery and troops will be used along the international line.
West Virginia is expected to see fair conditions Thursday and likely Friday. Virginia likewise faces fair skies on Thursday and Friday with little change in temperature.
The official press bureau and censor officials plan a holiday from 2 PM December 24 to 9 PM Christmas night, during which no news will be passed for transmission.
London reports Allied forces push forward along the Western Front with progress in Flanders and the Argonne while contested actions continue in Woevre Alsace and Poland. Berlin and Paris dispatchers describe naval bombardments and variable gains, with German and Austro German forces facing movement constraints near strategic rail lines.
Report from south Poland cites enemy positions taken and claims about 3000 prisoners and four machine guns seized. Folowing the push, Polish forces in cooperation with allies say they are gaining ground.
Heavy firing was heard off the coast of York England this morning as three cruisers loomed from the base. Gunfire lasted about half an hour with flashes seen from Red Cedar promenade. Authorities drove crowds back from the water as ships attacked Tees ay forts while the cannonading subsided. A later note reports Boston hosting the first authorized women and men swimming meet under AAA rules at Revere Beach with events and a handicap race.
Washington December 18 Hearings opened before the senate committee on public lands on the Lane Ferris general leasing bill passed by the house. The measure permits coal oil gas phosphate and other mineral leases on government lands and seeks rapid hearings so the bill can be acted on this session.
The Cunarder Transylvania arriving from Liverpool with 366 passengers suffered a near miss off the north coast of Ireland as two mines collided and exploded near the bow. A steel fragment tore railing, and the blast reportedly lifted the ship’s bow.
The official press bureau reports that West Hartlepool fortress repelled a German attack between eight and nine this morning. The German force withdrew after engagement. A small German vessel fired on Scarborough and Whitby.
Mine rescue car No. 8 arrived in Bluefield for heating repairs after zero weather at Welch and will show moving pictures on mine rescue and first aid. The crew, led by H. D. Mason Jr and W. A. Lynott, will attend an exhibition invited by Col. William Leckie as part of West Virginia coal operators events.
Committees plan noon banquets at the Matz Hotel to raise a guarantee fund for moving Stonewall Jackson College to Bluefield. The plan divides the first quarter of subscriptions to the chamber of commerce and the rest to college trustees, with pledges and free services offered.
A man arriving from Scarborough reports German cruisers fired about fifty shells at Scarborough on December 16. He says three chimney stacks were shattered and fears damage nearer shore will be more serious.
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