23 Dec 1916
Page 1
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Newspaper
Elko Independent
Location
Elko, Nevada, United States of America
Date
Dec 23, 1916
Page
1
The county commissioners ordered a modern pump and chemical fire engine from White Motor in San Francisco. Set on an auto truck, it carries a powerful water stream and cost about eight thousand dollars, with total outfitting over ten thousand. Elko citizens gain enhanced protection from fires threatening small buildings and spreading through the town.
Washington December 2 The Land Commission struggles to resolve a stalemate among factions over California off lands valued at 50 to 100 million dollars. Key oil territory reserved for naval use risks exposure if private interests gain control. Government defense scheme seeks to keep oil reserves integrated, while the commission negotiates an amendment to the Oil Lands Leasing Bill to settle the dispute.
New York on December 25 witnessed arrival of Les Davey the Australian fighter aboard the OW tanker Cushing from Chilean ports. The crowd surged as the ship neared dock and Davey stepped ashore amid pomp. Under Tex Rickard management, the Antipodean declared himself fit and ready to fight anyone.
Berlin dispatch reports rapid German advances on both sides of the Danube threaten to cut off Russian retreat as forces press toward Wallachia. Debrudge reportedly seen as nearing clearance. German attacks show no letup.
Mayor John P. Mitchell orders strict enforcement of liquor laws for New Year’s Eve in New York City. Hotels attempting celebrations Sunday night face revoked licenses after 1 a.m. and possible penalties. Police to report any breaches as authorities pledge uniform application of the law.
Robert Lilly a prominent mining figure from Los Angeles is registered at the Mayer Hotel and surveying the local mining scene with interest in the Bullion vicinity.
Field Headquarters Punitive Expedition Mexico reports Christmas plans for eleven thousand troops along the line from Columbus to Chihuahua. Regiments will hold turkey dinners, football and polo matches, and small gatherings. No alcohol will be served. boxes from home with nuts and fruits are awaited. The Christmas Truck Train will transport cheer from Columbus as men face their first Christmas on Mexican soil in seventy years.
In El Paso on December 23, ninety one border guardsmen face a somber Christmas as Villa looms over their post. They must cope with uncertain furloughs and lack of transport home, casting a cloud over a holiday tally of seventy five thousand, with fifteen thousand already released from Federal service.
Tonight at the Bradley Opera House the Mayer Orchestra will perform as ladies enter free while gentlemen pay 50 cents. The event promises lively era music in a classic local venue setting.
A severe East Coast storm across the Atlantic region crippled telephone and telegraph service for two days. A gale with snow and sleet swept the coast last night, impacting all sea traffic as a large portion of shipping was suspended and ships suffered heavy damage or delay.
Expeditionary Force headquarters reports a festive Christmas as guardsmen in Mexico receive thousands of gifts. A six foot tree and vast parcels arrive from headquarters and relatives, with cigars, candy and tobacco among the included items. Every man of ten thousand is said to be remembered.
Emma Gard an elderly Whittier resident faced a burglar who aimed a revolver at her. She remained composed, invited him to sit, and spoke kindly. After a half hour she offered her purse containing twenty dollars. The bandit declined, thanked her, and left, saying he had received a happy Christmas.
A clipped exchange laments modern living costs and contrasts them with times when prices were lower. A speaker reflects on not living in a wealthier era, while another voice probes the ongoing complaint about expensive life. The dialogue hints at nostalgia and social pressure around affordability.
The Elko High School junior class staged a ship themed party for parents and teachers in the school assembly hall. Gordon Griswold captained the event aboard the S S Junior with Ellis McCormick as first officer and Tom Middleton enforcing discipline with cartoons. The deck hosted dancing while misbehaving guests walked the plank, and Cap'n Fred Wilson led the Marine Corps to open the festivities at eight bells. Luncheon followed at midnight as students and attendees dispersed.
The educational survey commission, meeting in Carson, favors abolishing the office of state superintendent of public instruction and having a superintendent named by the state board of education. It urges a constitutional amendment to do away with the office and transfer powers to county boards, while limiting the state head’s authority. The panel also backs resizing the survey board to seven governor appointees and changing the enabling law accordingly.
The arbitration board representing the railroads submitted a report favoring an eight hour day with straight pro rata overtime pay. It proposes a five cent per hour raise for firemen and includes fire line helpers in the rate. The proceeding is under Newland’s act.
Weather report from San Francisco notes unsettled conditions across the coast and a likely wet stormy Christmas. The forecast warns of heavy rain and rough seas affecting travel and holiday plans along the entire canal country.
Halifax reports another large schooner lost in the blizzard sweeping the Atlantic Coast. Identity unknown, but believed all on board perished as rescue chances were nil in open sea. A steamer presumed William Mason was found sunk near Irish Ledge off Yarmouth Nova Scotia, with a man's body seen lashed to rigging.
Dec 25 El Paso dispatch states that Torreon is now conceded to Villa by the de facto government. Villa and General Salazar threaten Chihuahua, placing Villa in position to dominate northern Mexico as Diaz and Robley push the campaign in the south isolating Mexico City. Reports of systematic racing of Torreon surface.
Mr and Mrs J W Ebert visited from Palisade today visiting local merchants and a large ranch owner. Mrs Ebert plans Christmas shopping before returning to Palisade.
J Jd. Kirby admitted burglary yesterday in Elko during the noon hour and will be sentenced this afternoon. The Bite Fac Shop warehouse losses included two sacks of animal skins two sacks totaling thirty one skins. An alert Japanese witness identified the stranger, Undersheriff Lamon traced him to the street, and Kirby was lodged in County Jail. The case marks a stark local crime episode as Kirby seeks mercy from the court.
Mr and Mrs Ben Bangs have taken rooms at the Mayer Hotel and will live there for some time. Their old home is being wrecked and they were obliged to move yesterday. Verdi Lumber Company plans a new three story brick building on the Mayer block site where the Bangs wed for many years.
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