08 Jan 1918
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 21 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
The Mobile News Item
Location
Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Jan 08, 1918
Page
1
City commissioners in reg ular session pass a resolution abolishing carnival masking of all characters for Mardi Gras. Mayor Pat J. Lyons leads an ordinance repealing the old masking hours and abolishing the vice district, with unanimous consent.
A letter to Mr and Mrs John Law of Palmetto Street reports their son a Mobile soldier severely ill in France with spinal meningitis. The priest who gave last rites notes the soldier wished his mother notified. Date December 1. The family awaits word on his condition and any improvement.
Team captains announced early progress in the YWCA war work drive in Mobile. About one hundred workers gathered at the Battle House with J T Wright directing, aiming to raise at least $2000 in three days while appealing for support citywide.
President lays out fourteen points for world peace including open covenants freedom of the seas and removal of economic barriers. He calls for evacuation of occupied lands and self determination for nations from Belgium to Poland and promises security guarantees for Balkan states and Turkey.
The article reviews wartime peace talks with emphasis on vision from Allied spokesmen and Core powers. It notes the central powers push for territorial claims while liberal states advocate principles for settlement. It questions sincerity of Russian and central empire delegates amid negotiations and possible outcomes.
Mayor Lyons leaders push refunding bonds of 35000 with par and 3 12 percent premium and interest. A fireboat tug inspection deemed unsuitable. Electric lights approved at three street intersections. The city to pay half of a 918.84 judgment against Mobile Light and Railroad Company for damages from a falling tree limb, with costs totaling 82.40.
Homer L. Ferguson president of Newport News Shipbuilding testified to the Senate Commerce Committee that government commandeering of ship construction has stalled progress rather than speed it up. He described the process as not helping expedite naval production and urged reforms.
Byrnes motorman of the street car line was acquitted of reckless driving after a December accident at Texas Street and Regina Avenue with Fire Truck No. 10. Fireman M D Coniff sustained a broken collar bone as the truck allegedly left the tracks and was driven too close to the car.
In Virginia Dr Asa W Soling was found guilty of murdering his brother. The jury deliberated 48 minutes before returning the verdict. Defense motions to set aside the verdict on grounds of misdirection and corporal evidence were noted.
The Baker weekly war review says a major German offensive in the west may be the greatest yet but Britain and France can withstand the shock. It notes sixteen large battles have yielded methodical gains, with delays likely to amass munitions and troops. Italian front French successes bend the Austro German invaders. snow in the Alps hampers transport. The review makes no mention of American troops.
Three members of the Persian parliament Pusat Bey the Turkish grand vizier and others reached Berlin for conferences on the war situation.
Forecast calls for increasing cloudiness and a slight warmup tonight through Wednesday. Rain is expected late tonight or Wednesday in Mississippi with warmer temperatures overall.
Polls open from 9 in the morning until 6 this evening in the Battle House lobby as voters choose eight directors from sixteen nominees led by Gordon Smith Grover A Davis J B Derch and Spencer Talmadge.
Local notice from Robertsdale School in Wirt County reports school adjournment as a teacher leaves for Mobile to enlist in Uncle Sam's naval forces. Russell Wade and other local recruits are noted to be enlisting at the same time.
Port records indicate December as the first full month of activity under new reporting. The report shows shipments and revenue totaling 1,565,307 dollars, reflecting port activity and receipts during the period.
George H. Gray, purchasing agent of the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Company based in Birmingham, arrived in the city to begin work at the U. S. Steel Corporation shipyard. He is accompanied by assistants and other TC I&L officials including J. S. Walker, N. G. Bradford, and F. A. A. Lanyrum.
The News Item showcases Walt Mason as America's leading newspaper poet with his daily verse on the editorial page. The paper touts exclusive access to Mason and lists its other services and the exclusive day report from the Associated Press as part of its feature lineup.
Mobile electric interests move toward court action after the Alabama Public Service Commission declined to interfere with Mobile Electric Company rates. City officials pushed back, directing the dispute to state authorities, while sources in Montgomery confirm the commission decision. Meanwhile a separate London dispatch notes Russian peace delegation reactions and Lloyd George remarks stirring debate on a possible settlement that favors Allied interests.
The 103rd anniversary was celebrated in Jackson Square with patriotic ceremonies. Louisiana marks a legal holiday with markets and banks closed while Nashville reports a Jackson Day reception by the Ladies Heritage Association. Proceeds support soldiers today.
A terse dispatch reports the United States state department confirms that a claim of dangerous Japanese sears or fires was dispelled today. The inquiry found that supplies sufficient for thirty days were on hand, quelling the charge.
A defeated conscription bill triggers reports that Premier Hughes will resign. A new cabinet is to be formed, with expectations of reshuffles and political change following the vote.
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