23 Jan 1918
Page 1
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Newspaper
Bridgeport Telegram
Location
Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States of America
Date
Jan 23, 1918
Page
1
Washington January 22 A proposal from an agent urged declaring an embargo for days on nonessential freight to ensure fuel supply. Director General McAdoo and Administrator Garfield debated, fearing strained transport as snowbound lines and cold weather bite. McAdoo argued railroads could move essential coal and food without embargoes.
The superintendent aims to appoint at least 70 additional patrolmen to widen city coverage after plots were uncovered. Bridgeport with 3 square miles needs about 175 officers, while New York currently has only one patrolman per 1,000 residents. Weather and almanac notes follow, with snow and storm warnings along Atlantic coast and cold, fair forecasts for the next days.
Washington cable from General Pershing to Secretary Baker declares no previous force matched American soldiers in France for duty, discipline, and moral conduct. He cites daily instruction, open-air exercise, simple diet, and prohibition of strong drink, praising allies and mothers alike.
Washington reports measures to curb competition for labor between war industries and government agencies after Virginia truck growers protested farmers losing potato crops. The Labor Department says ads seeking workers are being canceled and real labor needs will be met by the U S Employment Service. Shipyard worker mobilization is transferred to the Shipping Board labor services for a weeks long campaign starting Monday to concentrate effort.
Five men were arrested after a violent street altercation on Road Street yesterday afternoon as a crowd gathered. Police say two initiated the fight with beer bottles and other objects, while three joined in. Suspects include Peter Aleneynowl, Jol Riliskine, Louis Stench, Rine Berk, and Pheydore Stingkh, charged with breach of the peace and related offenses.
A Hague dispatch reports some Nieuw Amsterdam passengers received anonymous warnings not to sail for the United States on the Holland American liner. The warnings resemble those issued prior to the sinking of the Lusitania.
Washington reports an agreement among American British and Canadian governments will compel British subjects in the United States who hold first papers for American citizenship to be liable for draft into British and Canadian armies under forthcoming treaties. The American selective service act already enrolls first paper men in the national army, a provision that figures in these negotiations.
Last night Bridgeport streets were deserted as fuel administration special dispensations closed saloons theaters and billiard parlors. Early violators were warned yet the town faced a near empty main street on the now announced Tuesday status.
Weather disrupted freight movement as light snow halted a campaign to clear freight at Bridgeport yards. Snow prevented delivery and machinery from operating, delaying shipments but quickly easing as the day progressed and sidewalks were cleared.
Senator Chamberlain leads renewed push in Congress to debate bills creating a war cabinet and a director of munitions. Senate leaders plan to refer the war cabinet bill to the military committee as the vehicle for discussion while President Wilson opposes sweeping changes to military power. Democratic senators confer with the President as opposition argues the current system has achieved wartime aims and should not be replaced.
Hartford January meeting urged that boys on farms be kept under military discipline to boost food production. Charles Areat of Orange, cited by Food Administrator Robert Scoville, called for statewide volunteer recruitment and county farmer representatives to drive bumper crops. A general committee was named with farmers from each county to organize talks and spread the message before spring.
Bridgeport residents face a surge of rumors about German plots and bombs targeting munition plants and bridges. The Home Guard was deployed to protect bridges, docks, and shipping after panic in the community. no substantiated threats or complaints have been reported.
Portland authorities report 17 year old Miss Bisther Strickland was found missing from her home for about a week. She was arrested today in South Glastonbury with Sylvester Rivieli and brought back to the city. Rivieli, around 35, disappeared around the same time as the girl left. A warrant had been issued for King on abduction charges. Rivieli was formerly employed by the girl’s family.
Trains moved slowly through a snow storm while eight Home Guard companies were reduced to four awaiting orders. Guards kept watch on bridges and key points after a reported German plot and officials stayed up all night in Hartford, ready for emergency action.
Bridgeport public schools and the board of education offer aid during the fuel shortage. Elmer H. Stavens and Carl Siemon discuss supplying coal on hand to families, but plan to keep children in school. The schools report an eye coal stock sufficient for three weeks and a recent shipment of 100 tons of eggs coal.
New Britain New Britain 22 Outbreaks of glanders follow Home Guard patrols Germany blamed for attempts at destruction Thirty cases found Dr George Crowley deputy commissioner for domestic safety leads epidemic response Water troughs ordered closed screens installed and red flags warn drivers not to let horses drink
The article notes tension in Austria-Hungary despite a calmer surface. It suggests unrest remains smoldering under the surface, with food shortages and war weariness likely fueling renewed discontent. A large general strike disrupted production, though it largely ended, leaving crowds demanding food and end to hostilities. The government pledges peace without annexations or indemnities, a sentiment reportedly shared by the emperor-king.
Ridgefield mourns William J. Cumming a Ridgefield native who died serving with the 3rd Ambulance Company attached to the 10nd Regiment AEF in France. He was a popular local figure, educated at Ridgefield public schools and Norwalk High School, worked in Lividgeport, and was son of Mr and Mrs James Cumming of Main Street. Memorial services will be held at Ridgefield Congregational Church Sunday at 8 pm with Ridgefield Flame Guard participating. private services at his late home.
In Bridgeport the five day Garfield order ends as 30 carloads of soft coal, about 1,000 tons, arrived for local factories. The loss shipment, sent January 8, supports daily New England needs. Hard coal supply remains tight. officials urge full plant closure Mondays and stricter adherence. Dealers allocated 125 pound bags to individuals, causing jams. 68 tons from Bridgeport Gas Light relief went to peddlers. Bakeries gain priority coal access under new plan.
Bridgeport Fuel Committee urges police cooperation to prevent hoarding as coal famine grips the country. Patrolmen would inspect cellars upon coal requests and periodically check that households do not use illicit means to secure fuel while others go without.
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