11 May 1918
Page 1
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Newspaper
Monroe News Star
Location
Monroe, Louisiana, United States of America
Date
May 11, 1918
Page
1
Allied artillery shelled German trenches during the night causing damage and disrupting defenses. Reports indicate intensified bombardment aimed at weakening frontline positions and supporting infantry advances on multiple sectors.
Five trains loaded with American troops pass through London for the front. American batteries bombard German lines near Cantigny Iail St Georges and West Mont while patrols stay active. An attempted German raid on American outposts is repelled with the trench dog report aiding confusion about German artillery accuracy.
There has been much air fighting in recent days with the British airmen maintaining their wartime reputation. Scores of battles are recounted with the British prevailing over larger enemy forces.
Heavy artillery backs heavy fighting below Miens Grivnes and Ailly-Raineval. French forces gain ground on the southern Picardy front near Orvillers-Sorrel southeast of Mont Didier as of May 11.
London May 11 reports a questionable authority claims the sunken cruiser Vindictive lies in the neck of the channel entrance, hindering ships and requiring navigation caution. No official confirmation yet.
The Vindictive moved to her lail berth 200 yards inside the piers amid heavy German shore battery fire after the British naval air force bombarded Ostend harbor works. Bombing aircraft kept dropping bombs on the harbor during the raid, starting several fires.
Private Michael J. Prendergast of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers testifies in Chicago that German captors inoculated prisoners with tuberculosis serum and that about 70 percent died from the treatment. He recounts being wounded, captured in 1914, hung by arms for 14 hours, and marched five days without food or water.
In federal court the Franklin State Bank case against Maryland Casualty and U S Fidelity adjourned at noon with cross examination of S Hetherwick incomplete. Hetherwick testified that his father in law Gilbert put up 2500 to cover a supposed discrepancy tied to a February 1917 Winnsboro bank robbery period.
Notice to residents in Monroe warns of a severe coal shortage next winter and promotes the Monroe Gas Company policy to aid tenants with credit to buy gas fixtures now and pay monthly. Savings available for cash purchases. arrangements at the Gas Office in Central Savings Bank building. signed by Geo G. Weaks, vice president.
Farmers previously deferred now must report to fill the current draft quota. White men are specifically called to serve in the mobilization effort.
Ouachita parish draft board reverses deferral for Class 1 registrants engaged in farming and resets eligibility to the top of the liability list. May 25 to 30 call will include 75 white men from Ouachita to Camp Beauregard with no farmer exemption. Negro quota pending.
Washington reports Italy is contributing about 250 000 men to General Fochs reserve army behind the French lines for supreme emergency use. Dispatches say the force is being steadily strengthened as the war effort continues. Island DeSiard Auxiliary newly formed under Monroe Red Cross chapter sees Mrs Grayson Guthrie as president and Mrs Chas W Phillips as secretary treasurer with formal recognition granted at the executive board meeting.
Reports claim vice is flourishing in Monroe after the restricted district closure on March 5. Police records show few arrests for anti vice ordinance violations in recent weeks, while officials deny an inability to address the issue. J A Smith of the Anti Vice Committee says the group remains active and suspects many cases of immorality.
An official committee urged continued public cooperation to break up evil in the city. Mr Smith said those who claimed vice was flourishing should report information to authorities.
Sidney Joffrion was chosen by the City Board of Health Friday to take charge of the sanitary service. The contract pays 1.25 per quarter for single surface closets outside the sewer area and double that for surface closets at rooming houses and hotels, under a new ordinance capping rates at 1.30 and double for hotels. Work to begin about May 15. Joffrion had earlier been an applicant. A T Rochester initially held the contract but declined to take it.
Monroe Chamber of Commerce declares cash prizes for a city wide garden contest open to adults and youths. Prizes include 10 for first, 1 for second in best home gardens and 15 10 for best school or group garden. Rules require contestant labor, a planting log, and no waste. Judging focuses on appearance quality yield and record.
The Associated Press reports more than 1,300,000 men have been drafted or are in France or camp and awaiting orders to deploy before June 1. May contingents rise, with June likely higher. Officials foresee army strength exceeding 3,000,000 within thirteen months, possibly 5,000,000.
The article reports on German military occupation strategy and demands intended to subjugate Russia, outlining aims to restructure governance, force resource extraction, and shift political control in occupied territories. It notes potential implications for Russian leadership and regional stability.
Petrograd Bolshevik council met after a German ambassador delivered an ultimatum aimed at turning Russia into a German colony. Lenin’s remarks at the session were described as extremely pessimistic as Germany seeks military occupation amid wider upheaval.
Amsterdam correspondent reports Germany has dispatched large detachments of Bavarian cavalry from Flanders en route to Ukraine as the Ukraine situation remains disturbed.
Dover reports that the Vindictive was filled with concrete for a new mission to Ostend after returning from Zeebrugge. Admiral Wheyes directed the operation to seal Ostend harbor, with crews stating the raid was a complete success. The bombardment lasted one hour from 1 to 2 am and was heard clearly at Dover.
A 1918 inquiry to Monroe Louisiana city attorneys asks how adopting the Powell bill commission form would affect local taxation and tax exemptions. The petitioning citizens seek an official opinion on tax consequences of changing government structure.
The letter argues that straight commission government under the Powell bill could be adopted without losing parish tax exemptions. It notes support from various attorneys for a commission-manager form and a charter amendment, asserting it would not invalidate current tax exemptions. The appeal requests Hon. L R Powers' opinion and cites Monroe election campaign impact.
Dispatches from Moscow report newspapers claiming a German ambassador ultimatum demanding Russia’s rapid conversion into a German colony. Key points include prisoner question settlement, total halt to troop arming, and disbandment of units raised for occupation of Moscow and other cities.
Work begins on Government Lock and Dam No. 5 on the Ouachita River above Monroe, about 1000 feet above the Sterlington bridge. Engineer Marnpin notes 30 miles by water from Monroe, with completion expected after two to three years. When finished and Dam 4 repaired, the Ouachita system from New Orleans to Feltsenthal will offer year round navigation aiding lumber exports. No start date given for Dam 4 repairs.
French army officers may visit Monroe next week to address the Red Cross war fund drive. Judge BE Randolph of Shreveport, state director, asked Abe Arent about officials and dates. Monroe plans to raise its 16 640 quota by next Saturday with a parade and a potential military band for May 18.
The casualty list shows sixty nine names. Eight killed in action, four died of wounds, four from accident, three from other causes, four wounded severely, four wounded slightly, thirty four prisoners previously reported missing. Private John H. Robinson of Pearl River Louisiana died from disease.
Capitalized Friendship Borglum allegedly negotiated in secret for the formation of a private airplane company. The report notes the maneuvering involved and hints at undisclosed executives and potential investors.
Sworn statements from Army Intelligence files read into the Senate record reveal Gutyon Borglum, a Wilson associate, sought a silent partner role in a private aircraft company to win war contracts. He claimed access to plans through his Air Production Board ties and friendship with President Wilson. Continued on Page Fight.
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