27 Feb 1917
Page 1
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Newspaper
Quincy Whig
Location
Quincy, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Feb 27, 1917
Page
1
Washington reports that guns and mounts sufficient to arm all American merchant ships are stored at navy yards but trained gunners are scarce. Officials say 100 skilled pointers are needed for anti submarine work, and naval militia cannot be used.
London reports a roaring House of Commons reception as Andrew Bonar Law declares Britain has raised over 1.6 billion pounds in the third war loan with more than 5 million subscribers. He had hoped for five percent credit, against bankers’ six percent expectations, noting conversions of 131 million in short-term bills amid mixed opinions on counting them as new money.
The text discusses a stance of armed neutrality and the potential for war depending on infringements on rights. President John Adams is cited as authorized by Congress to defend American ships and lives by armed forces and to raise an army. It notes convoying merchant ships not endorsed by naval authorities and mentions Republican efforts to refine the authority’s language, while Democratic senators fear a filibuster before March 4 that could trigger a special session limited to this issue.
Mayor Mitchell announced a bill to let New York City purchase food and sell it at cost to relieve suffering from high prices. Gov. Whitman downplayed urgency, while officials predicted potato and onion prices would drop due to freight relief. District Attorney Swann blamed farmers for price hikes, noting December pota to prices at $1.17 a bushel. Baltimore meanwhile bought 1,000 bushels of potatoes at $2.50 a bushel for public sale at cost as dealers sought higher prices.
British advance along the Ancre River reaches two miles depth and eleven miles front as German retirement in the Somme area continues to unfold. Outpost fights persist with British patrols, while German forces retreat behind their heaviest guns. News notes progress toward Le Transloy, Serre and Bapaume as air reconnaissance watches movements and damaged villages are repurposed to mend roads.
A compilation of editorials from major papers arguing over President Wilsons call for dictatorial powers. They urge Congress to support immediate action while weighing risks of war with Germany and the need to protect American rights on the seas. Opinions vary on preparedness and the use of armed force.
Washington funds and authority move to arm merchant ships and provide for a $100 million bond issue to pay defense costs. The Flood measure authorizes the president to arm U.S. ships and use necessary means, with $100 million available to 1918 and bonds bearing up to 3 percent interest.
Washington February 27 Publishers from across the United States gathered with the Federal Trade Commission and voted unanimously to cooperate if the commission adopts a plan by newsprint manufacturers to fix paper prices. They pledged to reduce acquisitions if needed to ensure the plan’s success. Francis J. Henry warned any publisher reluctant to hold paper requirements to the minimum would be excluded from the price reduction benefits. More than 100 publishers attended, representing both large and small papers, many sourcing from power mills whose reps signed the proposal. The accord removes doubt the plan will proceed, with a formal announcement expected after manufacturers review it Wednesday. The publishers stressed they will not support any scheme shielding violators of antitrust laws.
John Tucker of Springfield D1 listed as second class passenger on the Laconia. Tucker is identified as a British subject in Cunard office records.
The full text of President Wilson's congressional address delivered Monday will be presented on page five, indicating where readers can find the complete remarks.
A Whig Want Ad notes hundreds in Quincy raise poultry in their back yards and offers contact for buyers with fancy poultry or eggs to dispose of.
London reports Queenstown dispatch states the liner Laconia was torpedoed in calm weather with a second hit after initial contact. 267 survivors were saved from eight boats but loss of life remains disputed, with Mrs Hoy and Miss Hoy among the listed missing and Rev. Joseph Waring of Baltimore among the exhausted rescuers.
Washington Feb 27 senate passed a flood control bill authorizing 345 million for Mississippi River works and 5.6 million for California Sacramento River works. Mississippi to be overseen by the Mississippi River Commission and Sacramento by the California Debris Commission. Caps: 10 million yearly on Mississippi and 1 million yearly on Sacramento. Local interests must provide at least half the amount allotted for Mississippi projects. Senate debate lasted five hours. An amendment seeking interdepartmental flood control study was defeated 32 to 29.
The American freighter Orleans docked at Partuag at 2:30 p.m. The crew will be hosted in Bordeaux with a reception on arrival, a Chamber of Commerce dinner, and a gala theater performance planned for the officers and crew.
Queenstown reports confirm two Americans, Mrs and Miss Hoy of Chicago, among the Laconia victims when the Cunard liner was torpedoed. Sixty-six Americans aboard included six crew, with 75 passengers and 216 crew total. cargo included silver, wheat, cotton, fruit, shell casings, and war supplies as the ship sank after being attacked at night.
President Wilson asked Congress for authority to use U S forces to protect ships and lives against the German submarine menace aiming to place the nation in armed neutrality. A bill empowers him to furnish gun crews to merchantmen and to employ other measures, with a 1000000 bond issue for war insurance to encourage commerce. The move prompts House action and Senate committee review, risking an extra session amid Republican opposition and pacifist Democrats. News of the Cunard liner Laconia loss adds weight to the crisis as Wilson seeks broad authority without blanket permission.
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