07 Dec 1917
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 29 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
The Daily Alaska Empire
Location
Juneau, Alaska, United States of America
Date
Dec 07, 1917
Page
1
Halifax reports 2000 dead after Mont Blanc collision with Soma explode. About 2000 injured, many with flying glass as snow hampers rescue. Millions in damage. city ruined. fires fading as snow aids firefighters. Trains with doctors and supplies arrive from Windsor to Moncton.
Esmond Barry, a postal clerk and eye witness from St Johns, describes the scene after the Halifax disaster. He recalls people dying in flames with bodies injured, a baby crushed under burning debris crying for help, and rescuers unable to reach it. He notes about three hundred dead laid out in the parks.
The third relief Red Cross train departed from New York today bound for Halifax, carrying aid and volunteers to support relief efforts.
In Halifax an increasing number of deaths are reported from hospitals, schools, homes and churches where hundreds of injured are being cared for by townsmen. Entire families were killed in some instances. Blue jackets from an American warship assist provincial rescue work and patrols. The explosion’s force was felt 100 miles away.
A fog bound collision occurred in the narrows leading from Halifax Harbor. The overseas bound vessel rammed another ship as fog limited visibility, causing damage and prompting aid measures from nearby craft.
Victoria B C Dec 1 The damage to the steamship Spokane is more serious than first reported. Divers found that extensive repairs to tank tops and bulkheads are necessary. Cement will be sent from Seattle to Bella Bella at once.
Federal agents seized letters indicating a German military organization for homeland defense in the United States. Otto Julius Merkel, a German writer and securer, was arrested and believed to be the head of the group. Further developments are anticipated.
German wedges near Cambrai force British to evacuate exposed positions including Burton Wood and several villages. Lines shortened to strengthen a defense against counter attack.
Seattle December 7 W C Dawson vice president and general manager of the Seattle Steamship company has been appointed operating agent of the Independent Steamship company and will manage the Portland steamer fleet serving Southeastern Alaska with charge of operations and port management duties.
JASSEY Dec 7 The Rumanians will associate with the Russians in an armistice and hostilities are suspended. Previously they rejected every fraternal proposal. No fighting is occurring on the Austrian or German fronts at present.
Washington dispatch reports President Wilson advocating a 5,000,000 man American army as the base of wartime buildup against Germany. The War Department estimates 3,000,000 for the next fiscal year, and officials believe 5,000,000 can be raised without lowering the draft age.
New York stock quotes show Alaska at 2 percent, China at 42, Nevada at 17, Ray at 2244, and Utah at 87 as of December 7.
Washington December 7 President Wilson nominated Howard E Coffin of Michigan as chairman of the government aircraft board.
The Italian forces retreat under German pressure and yield Monte Fiores and Monte Castello Gomber while Berlin claims a new offensive has captured 15 000 Italians at Monte Sizemol. Austro Russian prisoners are said to be released and repurposed to spread peace propaganda. Fierce fighting persists along the Asiago Plateau near the Bretna river.
Yaquia Indians strike Esperanza in Sonora burning the Richardson Construction office and store. Thirty Americans missing in the area. Across the border at Guerrero opposite Zapata, Diaz followers seize the town with several troops killed as Americans guard the boundary line.
The MAlitak Packing company awarded a $30,000 contract for a cannery tender to J. Johnson of Port Blakely Co to support a cannery on Shelikof Strait in Southwestern Alaska. The project is led by G. Hatcheller Hall of Seattle.
Washington dispatch reports two American aviators wounded while engaging German aircraft on the fronts in France during ongoing air combat.
The Secretary of the Interior states that the 1917 1918 exemption from assess ment work applies to all Alaska mining claims except oil claims and that the 1915 act is repealed where in conflict. He cites section 2324 of the revised statutes as covering Alaska via a 1913 act, dismissing Waskey act concerns and framing Alaska legislation as supplemental to the general mining law.
Now North Bound No boats northbound. Scheduled Sailings Jefferson sails from Seattle Saturday. Alaska sails from unspecified port. Admiral Evans is expected this evening.
Queen Marie of Romania thanks American women via the wife of Ambassador Morris for supplies. An autographed portrait accompanies the note urging continued aid as Romania faces winter shortages of food and clothing and the threat of disaster.
Toronto reports Arthur Polen, a noted British naval critic, said in six months Britain's command of the sea hung in the balance and that Germany’s submarine warfare could have ended the war in six months if it had succeeded.
Fort Worth Texas December 7 eighteen deaths are reported from the base hospital at Camp Bowie most caused by pneumonia. Fifteen meningitis cases are reported.
The remark emphasizes the countdown to Christmas with eighteen days remaining. It notes the approaching holiday season and the urgency of holiday preparations and shopping. Individual names or organizations are not provided in the text.
Following Senate action, the House approved the war resolution against Austria. Socialist Meyer London of New York was the only dissenting vote. The measure was sent to the White House and awaits the President's signature.
Chairman Henry D. Flood of the Foreign Affairs Committee urged the House to pass the resolution at once, asserting it is essential to American welfare. He cited Austria's ruthless submarine warfare sinking ships and killing citizens as acts of war, prompting members to desert the chamber to avoid debate and return to vote.
In a swift session, the Senate passed a war resolution with Austria by 74 to 0 as war with Germany had already been declared. LaFollette left before voting. Gronna Norris Wardman opposed Germany but supported Austria. Meyer London anticipated to oppose in the House.
Senator William J. Stone urged immediate adoption of a war resolution against Austria, arguing Austria’s alliance with Germany and the risk to American troops serving with France and Belgium. The Senate foreign relations committee unanimously approved the resolution to be taken up today, with earlier talk of possible war actions against Bulgaria and Turkey deferred for now.
London report that the House of Commons agreed to disfranchise conscientious objectors for the duration of the war and for five years beyond, extending legal restriction on objector status amid national mobilization.
Indications show most askers in the United States are conforming with the administrator on the newly issued regulations, signaling broad compliance and orderly adoption across the country.
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