19 Jun 1916
Page 1
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Newspaper
The Mobile Item
Location
Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Jun 19, 1916
Page
1
Taxpayers unable to attend a board session on assessments due to unspecified reasons. Officials emphasized transparency and scheduled follow up meetings to address concerns about property values and tax impacts.
Chairman Lyons reports a crowded opening as white and black residents seek relief from assessments. Confusion and limited accommodations marked the Monday hearing, with the lobby and stairway at capacity before the nine o'clock start.
The board's office, a cramped 10 by 30 feet, holds fewer than a dozen chairs leaving many appellants to stand. Members explain sessions require access to tax assessor books and consider moving to a larger venue such as the circuit court room to accommodate the public.
The morning session dealt with complaints from women property owners while men were told to return after noon. Many cases involved negroes seeking information rather than complaints. The $150 furniture exemption caused confusion as some believed their furniture was taxed. once informed that this amount was exempt, they left satisfied with no further protests.
Board members Espalla Lyons and Fowler faced repeated sale offers as property owners argued assessments were unjust. A mobile valued at 300 dollars drew a 20 dollar counter offer. No hearings were held for large owners. attendees were told to return as minor cases are cleared. The board will sit daily 9 to 4 through August first.
Mobile to decide whether to hold the Preparedness Parade after a 5 PM meeting called by Mayor Pat J. Lyons. The general chairman expects full committee attendance to determine parade plans in light of the state troops call.
The Alabama national guard totaling 2,900 will mobilize at the Montgomery fair grounds within thirty six hours. Colonel W. F. Weiss of the second regiment leads the camp as Montgomery troops prepare the site and guard Huntsville and Girard.
The Mexican government in Yucatan proclaims war with Mexico and orders all Americans out. Passengers aboard the Norwegian steamer Nils from Progreso report foreigners being taken to an American gunboat at Progreso as excitement spreads.
The Mobile Chamber of Commerce invites all members and non members to a Monday night gathering at 7 o'clock. The venue will be the Battle House roof garden or dining room depending on attendance. President Bailey will discuss new quarters and ongoing chamber plans.
The Aero Club of America pledged aid to the U S government in the Mexican crisis by supplying aeroplanes and pilots for patrol work. President Alan R Hawley said some National Guard officers in aviation schools could pass aviator tests after short training, and noted about 1000 civilian aviators could be mobilized, with many already in exhibition flying.
Colonel F. M. Maddox of the First Regiment A. N. G. announces orders likely to move to Montgomery within days. He notes rapid arrival of nearby command units and voluntary enlistments, praising the high spirit and cooperation of all staffs and officers.
Military forces from Magile are reported moving to strategic positions this morning as authorities announced coordinated actions. No further details on involved units or locale were provided.
The Mobile battalion First Regiment of Alabama National Guard mobilized at the armory Monday morning with enlistments continuing through noon. Reports say the unit will move to the mobilization camp at Senomer within forty hours and the old guard members led the early arrivals.
The state militia was called into service by President Wilson causing early day activity in Mobile. Shops hotels and public places buzzed with excitement as Mobile company members on Royal street answered questions about troop movements through the area.
The armory reports mobilization orders for the First regiment A N G and three Alabama regiments. Colonel Maddox received the general mobilization orders from Governor Henderson's office in Montgomery by wire on Monday morning.
Colonel Maddox called Mobile companies to arms and urged employers to extend consideration to officers and men called away. He framed duty to respond to the president as a solemn patriotic obligation and asked for prayers and aid from the community.
Robert J. Eldridge was fined $50 and costs of fifty days in jail after arraignment on a prohibition violation. Police raiding squad found prohibited liquor at Eldridge’s place last Tuesday. He gave notice of appeal to the city court, bond set at $200. Milton Stagg requested a continuance until tomorrow and was granted. John Connick also received a continuance and his case will be heard Friday morning with expected plea of guilty. Eugene Jemerson’s case continued to Monday the twenty sixth.
The Chamber of Commerce pressed for mobilization camps for the Alabama guardsmen in Mobile and extension to Georgia and Florida. Earlier efforts dated to April 25 when the secretary discussed with Senators Bankhead and Underwood the war department policy of using state capitals as mobilization points.
The Register reports the mobilization order led the Chamber of Commerce to push locating a Mobile camp to manage Alabama guards near the Louisville and Nashville line. A Mobile site would save the government thousands by avoiding troop moves across the state. The secretary telegraphed the War Department and Alabama’s Congressman Gray and senators urging the Mobile location.
The St Andrew Hotel Company and Lillie Carson surrendered their internal revenue licenses and agreed to quit selling prohibited liquors when arraigned before Judge Berney in the law and equity court. Costs were paid and the cases dismissed. The Wright group case was set for trial Monday June 26.
Jim Mitchell alias eight O Rogers white man fined twenty dollars or ten days by Judge Chamberlain for speeding on Hall s Mill road. A Maxwell left the road near Fulton road crashing into a tree. observers described a near somersault. Mitchell and Sallie Mitchell did not appear. warrants and bond forfeitures were issued.
Navy orders state the Pensacola naval aviation school ship has no connection with the Mexican crisis. The cruiser joins the Atlantic fleet for summer maneuvers after taking aboard six hydroaeroplanes.
President Wilson ordered more than 100000 national guardsmen in 45 states to mobilize for Mexican border service. Militia mustered into federal service and will drill and recruit initially. Later they may be sent to the border, releasing about 30000 regulars for service in Mexico if war develops.
Additional warships move to bustle south and guard Mexican ports. Secretary Daniels dispatches seven destroyers and nine small vessels to join others in Mexican waters. President Wilson seeks stronger forces to defend the border against bandit raids and to deter Carranza’s threats. About 100000 militiamen are mobilized and 60000 troops hold the border as the reply to Carranza’s note is prepared. The stance refuses withdrawal until Mexico curbs bandits and is emphatic.
Unofficial reports indicate national guardsmen nationwide including DC prepare to meet at concentration camps for drilling pending war department orders. Infantry cavalry artillery signal and sanitary troops are mobilized while coast guard militia remains unmobilized. Texas New Mexico and Arizona units are already at the border under a prior call. General Funston will decide dispatch from home states to border points.
Responses from state governors poured into the war department as Secretary Baker reported seventeen states ready to mobilize their National Guard. Messages followed a uniform form confirming mobilization. no timing estimates were given. Some units may receive furlough if not needed for border service, while others will be kept in mobilization camps pending use.
German attacks north of Verdun resume but Crown Prince forces fail to advance. Night assault targeted Hill 321 near Thiaumont farm with another push seen near Dead Man hill. Eastern front fighting along the Styr and Stakhod near Kolki as Germans aid Austrians against the Russian drive for Kovel.
Excited Mobile militia members reported for duty at Armory Hall as the national guard was summoned to defend the United States in Mexico. By Monday morning many had arrived, tearful goodbyes given to families, then took on their roles as part of Uncle Sam’s fighting forces.
Company commanders faced a flood of questions as crowds gathered at the Armory. Young men, many teens, pressed to shoulder arms and join the expedition, unaware of potential danger from armed messengers and Mexican opposition.
Weather forecaster Albert Ashhenberger warned of a 90 degree Tuesday with mild winds as heat grips Mobile and Phoenix tops the day at 104. Sun blistered sailors skip shade while sparrows seek cover and Mormons near Lake City cool with Palmetto fans. Local highs varied with Salt Lake reaching 96 and towns like Modena and Sault Ste Marie near 98.
President Wilson directs a note to Mexico City backing his policy to keep U S armed forces in Mexico. Secretary Lansing signals note dispatch while over 100000 national guardsmen are called to service and mobilization proceeds across states.
From both coasts, naval vessels were ordered to Mexican waters to aid Americans in interior areas. Light transports and shallow-water craft may be deployed if needed. About 5,000 Americans remain in Mexico and are considered to need protection. Eliseo Arredondo, Mexico’s ambassador designate, relayed a government report to Secretary Lansing about a clash near Mazatlan between Americans and Mexican soldiers after a drunken incident involving a Japanese individual. three men were wounded and the others were later eased from the area after the situation was clarified.
Text shows formal request from General Carranza barring American landings amid rising public tension. Admiral Winslow seeks guidance from Annapolis by radio as operations in Mexican waters limit shore liberty. Only sailors essential for supplies may be sent.
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