16 May 1917
Page 1
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Newspaper
Boston Post
Location
Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Date
May 16, 1917
Page
1
President Wilson opens White House conference with Senate and House agricultural committees urging rapid passage of food control legislation. He stresses prompt action as essential to sustained war effort.
The German offensives along the Lens St Quentin line and near Soissons into Champagne appear to be sporadic counter attacks rather than a sustained spring offensive, as British and French forces fend them off along the front.
The German chancellor says demanding terms from Germany serves no purpose and that the nation stands with the Kaiser. He asserts the people trust the Emperor and his word while criticizing critics of his stance.
The conference remained general with no specific agreements, though several indications emerged. No formal commitments were made, but attendees noted potential directions and areas for future discussion.
A blaze at the New York Navy Yard started near 1 o'clock in the five story receiving building, destroying the structure and causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses. Navy prisoners were moved for safety as marines guarded the dockside area while Rear Admiral Usher and yard officers helped fight the flames.
Firemen halted a major blaze on Purchase street New Bedford involving eleven buildings in a single night. The two story sign painting shop of John K Blair likely sparked the flames causing about 10000 dollars in damage.
Intense weeklong fighting continues around Bullecourt with German assaults repelled by the British and heavy casualties. French lines see artillery exchanges as Germans fail to press Monday’s attacks. Italy launches a renewed offensive along the Isonzo front with gains amid bombardments. Veneizelist troops with French forces make further advances in Macedonia, reporting two works captured on fronts over 1500 yards.
Washington reports from Petrograd say Germany’s intrigue and propaganda have failed to break the Russian provisional government or push for a separate peace. Hope remains that Russia will stick to allied aims and continue democratic rehabilitation with U S aid.
Milford E. Coops learns that his brother Allister Coops age 40 formerly of Somerville died of wounds received in France while serving with Canadian overseas forces. He enlisted several months ago in a Canadian regiment.
Men who represent millions of dollars and are listed among the leaders of capital in the country pledged tonight to work with President Samuel Gompers of the AFL and with the federal government to solve capital and labor problems raised by the world war.
The advisory council on national defense held a full day session where labor leaders, capitalists, and Canadian delegates shared views on wartime problems. Prominent attendees included John D. Rockefeller Jr., Emerson McMillin, Daniel Guggenheim, Theodore Marburg, and Colgate Hoyt, who pledged aid to the nation. Many other notable figures from finance, industry, and transportation joined the invitation-only gathering.
President Wilson asked Congress for broad authority over transportation including power to set freight movement preferences. He argued the authority is imperatively necessary to manage the nation's transport system.
The President seeks wartime authority to direct priority shipments by rail and water. A central transportation authority may be created, with rules to enforce directions and protection from liability for carriers acting under orders. The measure, drafted by AG Gregory, was introduced in the House and soon to reach the Senate.
Frank Ware age 60 killed himself by inhaling gas at his residence 68 Shirley Street Revere last night despondent over unemployment prospects.
National League matches saw Chicago edge Boston 8 1 while Brooklyn beat Cincinnati 6 2 and St Louis prevailed 5 4. American League results included Philadelphia 0 over Chicago 11 and New York 7 over St Louis 4. Eastern League games featured Lawrence 13 Worcester 6 and Hartford 8 Bridgeport 7 with New Haven 8 New London 5.
Petrogad May 15 The Council of Workmen and Soldiers Delegates issued an appeal to the Socialists of Germany and Austria. The appeal urges not to let their governments use troops to crush France and then attack Russia, warning imperial powers threaten international proletariat liberty.
The Petrograd crisis shows the provisional government and the Council of Workers and Soldiers Deputies nearer to a solution, yet disorganization and near anarchy threaten any lasting power concentration.
The council appeals to the army and forms a coalition ministry showing willingness to cooperate with the provisional government. Proletariat representatives ease tensions with the government and oppose a separate peace while supporting a vigorous offensive in the war against German imperialism.
Representatives of primary grain exchanges across the United States met in Chicago and fixed a maximum price for May wheat futures with no buying allowed except to close out. May options on wheat corn and oats were barred except to settle deals. Extension of the embargo to July and September was only a precaution. Milling interests attended as the Chicago New York Toledo Winnipeg Minneapolis Kansas City Omaha and St. Louis exchanges participated.
In Berlin on May 15 Chancellor von Bethmann Hollweg rejected a fixed peace program and proposed that Russia abandon conquest aims in exchange for a lasting friendship. Socialist leader George Ledebour urged a German constitutional committee and a republic as in Russia, while Bethmann Hollweg refused to detail peace terms.
Today’s anniversaries recall a German ambassadorship memorandum to the United States a year earlier warning neutral merchant ships to stop when ordered by German submarines. The note references Italy’s demand for war against Austria in 1915.
Forecasts show fair weather for Boston and vicinity with rising temperatures and light to moderating northerly winds. Northern New England expects fair days with warmer interiors and a warmer Thursday. Southern New England also forecasts fair Wednesday and Thursday with warmer conditions inland.
Fragmentary weather data from Thompson's Spa shows temperatures around 50 to 64 degrees with afternoon readings near 52 to 64 and varying estimates from yesterday and the prior day. The garbled numbers indicate a report of average temperatures and times in the late afternoon.
Washington reports the war army bill likely to become law within days and, before week’s end, War Department plans to raise a force to fight Germany will be set in motion.
Conferees agreed to retain the Roosevelt amendment authorizing the formation of up to four divisions of infantry for service in France. The measure moves to the House tomorrow, then to the Senate, and finally to President Wilson for signature. The administration opposes a volunteer provision to the draft but expects the President may sign if the Roosevelt amendment remains.
Mayor John J. Mullen of Everett declares the police department will operate without a chief, calling the office a burden to taxpayers. Alderman Winfield Hamlin faces a hearing after being cited by the court, while suspended police chief William E. Hill plans a public hearing on his suspension.
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