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Newspaper
Polk Progress
Location
Polk, Nebraska, United States of America
Date
Apr 12, 1917
Page
13
Washington reports the cabinet sees the five billion dollar bond issue likely approved in Congress. The war effort grows, with steps toward selective conscription, navy entente cooperation, and food conservation. Officials signal broad support and a unified national mobilization.
Passengers aboard the Cunard liner Ausonia report a six inch stern gun deterred a German submarine 100 miles off Ireland in daylight as the ship crossed the barred zone. Twenty minutes later the same submarine torpedoed and sank a British tramp steamer.
A launch manned by a German-speaking crew carrying more than five hundred gallons of gasoline was captured off the Georgia coast near Atlanta and taken to Fernandina, Florida.
British forces press the western front, capturing Vimy ridge and nearby heights near Arras and St. Quentin. Haig reports over 9,000 prisoners and 16 guns taken. Canadians secure Vimy ridge and repulse German counterattacks as the drive toward Douai advances. King George congratulates Haig on the achievement. Paris reports French advance between Coucy forest and Aisne with heavy artillery duels near Reims.
An explosion at the Eddystone Ammunition plant near Chester Pennsylvania is reported to have killed between 125 and 250 people and injured many more. Fire teams from Philadelphia and Chester fight a blaze as ambulances and police rush to the scene. Most workers were women and girls in the shrapnel loading buildings, with later blasts destroying the 10 F and Old F structures.
After a White House conference with President Wilson, Theodore Roosevelt said he will urge Congress to enact universal military service. He outlined plans to raise a division to fight in France and indicated the president was undecided about backing congressional action.
Russian troops of the northern army in Persia are moving into Mesopotamia from Banch south of the latitude of Mosul. The Turks have been driven from defenses southwest of Khanikin. The southern column that joined with the British has occupied Kizil Rabat, eighty miles northeast of Baghdad.
Reports of a plot to blow up the Capitol reach Washington from New York. Secret service operatives increase guard on the grounds with fifty officers on night duty and a sunset pass requirement for entry.
Four men were arrested in Chicago and detained after federal agents said they were caught in the act trying to destroy the Dubuque Iowa bridge carrying Illinois Central Great Western and Burlington tracks. Authorities declined to reveal how far plans had progressed while investigating a wider alleged plot involving 14 others and railroad and public works targets.
Akron reports one of nine Army dirigible balloons built by a local rubber firm was turned down by government inspectors due to enemy action. A powerful acid caused large holes in the fabric and additional punctures were reported in other areas.
Martial law declared in Guatemala on April 11 after reports of disturbances along the Mexican and Salvadorean frontiers believed caused with German assistance.
The United States and Entente powers outline a first year plan including destroyers fighting submarines in European waters, cruisers patrolling allied possessions from Nova Scotia to Panama, and greater war production. They aim to raise a 1,000,000 man army, expand shipbuilding, rails, and steel for England France and Russia, and establish a Russian aid effort amid German commerce control efforts.
National Agricultural Society held a special Washington meeting on mobilizing food resources. Attendees from across the country heard talks by James Wilson former secretary of agriculture Theodore N. Vail Governor Stuart of Virginia and Senators Meredith Phelan and Watson. The society may urge early graduation for senior agricultural college students freeing about 10 000 trained men for farm work.
Brazil on April 11 recognizes the new government of Russia as the Russian Republic. The move highlights diplomatic outreach with Moscow amid continuing global upheaval.
A disaster at the Eddystone Ammunition Corporation factory in Eddystone Pennsylvania leaves 112 dead and 121 injured as shrapnel housing explodes. Most victims are women and girls, with many bodies charred beyond identification. Fire worsens the scene and officials fear the death toll will rise. President Samuel McLaughlin calls the catastrophe the act of malicious persons.
Washington reports a projected winter wheat crop decline of over 50 million bushels from last year due to war pressures. Official 1917 estimates forecast a total yield near 430 million bushels, down from 481.7 million in the previous year and 673.9 million in 1915, with April 1 condition at 63.4 percent of normal.
Government crop report shows April prices for Nebraska crops doubled to two or three times last year. Wheat 187.90 cents, corn 104, oats 56, potatoes 284, hay 9.80, eggs 24 per dozen. Winter wheat abandonment heavy due to freezing and drying. soil conditions contributed to damage. best results from wheat in southwestern stubble fields.
Earl Caddock of Anita Iowa defeated Joe Stecher of Dodge Nebraska by decision after Stecher refused to wrestle for the third fall. Caddock won the second fall in 1 hour 40 minutes 10 seconds with a full nelson. Stecher won the first fall in 1 hour 22 minutes 5 seconds with a scissors hold and hammerlock. Stecher did not state why he refused to continue the match.
Government reports evidence of German submarines in the Gulf of Mexico prompting many residents to seek insurance against bombardment riots and civil disturbances. Washington announces foreigners who conduct themselves properly will suffer no loss of property or liberty due to a state of war.
At the North Carolina home for Confederate soldiers old soldiers hoisted the Stars and Stripes for the first time. Previously the institution flew only the state flag.
Justice minister Kerensky says if Germany follows Russia and dethrones its emperor, it could open the door to preliminary negotiations. He stated this in an interview touching on political reforms and potential talks.
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