31 Jan 1918
Page 1
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Newspaper
The Mobile News Item
Location
Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Jan 31, 1918
Page
1
An American trench position in France was attacked in heavy fog at daybreak. Two Americans were killed and four wounded. one missing presumed captured. The raid followed a violent artillery barrage as German and American forces exchanged shellfire and machine-gun fire.
Jan 31 reports 20 dead and 50 injured in Paris after a nighttime raid. One German bomber was shot down. occupants captured. Official Paris note says bombs fell across the city and suburbs, marking the first attack since July. Paris police reportedly prepared gas masks.
Berlin reports 58,000 workers involved as socialist leaders are arrested amid a citywide stoppage. The strike extends from Vulcan shipyard to Blohm & Voss with demands for immediate peace and no annexations or indemnities.
The Mobile police chief states that the force does not require military assistance to crack down on bootleggers and illegal alcohol operations. He cites local control and rapid response as sufficient to restore order.
The mayor and Police Commissioner Pat J. Lyons urged mutual support between police and military to curb bootlegging during a Wednesday night meeting.
Chief O Shaughnessy says he is busy tackling bootlegging in Mobile and has quarantined suspected spots. He notes a January 18 complaint from Fort Morgan commandant warning that bootlegging will drive soldiers away. He has written to Major Connerly and will act to break up bootleggers and blind tigers.
The city debates anti bootlegging strategy as Mayor Lyons urges military aid to root out blind tigers while Chief OShaughnessy resists military involvement, asking only for reports from the public and information on illegal joints. The dispute reflects a clash over how to tackle bootlegging and liquor law violations.
Virginia James, a black woman, waived examination on a murder charge today in recorder's court and was held to the circuit court without bail. Detective Michael Desmond says she choked her day-old child to death at her Hal Mills Road home, five miles from the city. She has admitted guilt.
J Blocker Thornton reported today that much mail to the Mobile post office is addressed to chair men of auxiliary committees like shipboard and railroad service, for which the office has no records. He urged leave of local addresses with the post office if these services have recently begun.
Joseph W. Polk resigns from the Interstate Commerce Commission effective while railroad regulation remains a political issue. The move comes as acts dealing with railroads continue to shape policy and oversight.
A United States employment service report states a countrywide shortage of house servants with no relief in sight. Mobile is among the hardest hit cities due to higher female employment, broader job options for women, and wartime conditions limiting domestic staffing.
Washington January 31 President Wilson addressed a farmers conference at the University of Illinois Urbana urging farmers to support the war effort with supreme sacrifice. He warned of German aims to control Europe and threaten American economic life, calling for united action and readiness to endure hardship.
Secretary Lansing directs Ambassador Francis in Petrograd to report any developments concerning threats tied to Emma Goldman, with the State Department uncertain about the incident’s seriousness and relying on Bolshevik contacts for protection. Officials expect authorities to take needed safety measures.
Amy Shomo was sentenced to four months hard labor by Judge Henry Chamberlain this morning on the charge of stealing automobile parts from the Standard Motor Company. R. J. was the complainant. John Palmer alias John Pugh faced related timber theft charges. the timber was deemed a gift and the case dismissed. Police pressed no charges against Johnson Ardue, Jake Beckham, and Rufus Roberts. other entries reference ordinance penalties and road work.
R M Hobbie Alabama food administrator orders all drug stores delicatessens stands and groceries to halt selling or serving sandwiches bread pies or other wheat flour products during wheatless days proclaimed by the president. The note cites disputes over soft drinks and hot or cold beverages as wheatless conformance.
Local market report notes cotton prices slipping to 30.50 with a drop of 38 points. The report mentions Soleo's as a referenced supplier and indicates shifts in the nearby market terms.
Fragmentary poem-like passage laments hardship and famine linked to war. It contrasts German rationing with American living conditions while referencing working men and national struggle. The text uses vivid imagery of cow beets and straw bread to illustrate deprivation.
The piece contrasts American farmers feeding cattle with German and Austrian hunger. It notes cow beets and straw bread as cattle fodder, questions human sustenance on such fare, and comments on German restraint amid food shortages. The text discusses beet usage, flour from dried stalks, and notes the article continues on another page.
T W Stinson of Gu Miss was held on $300 bond for six months by the recorder after arraignment on charges. He was later arrested on Dauphin Street near Jackson. Stinson denied the charge.
Five men including Fresk Nelson Carl Henrikson and Adolph Gehrig, held on charges of being dangerous and suspicious were released by federal authorities. Their recorder's court cases were continued no date, with Ostrander’s concealed carry case postponed to February 4.
Mr. Kr F Neville of the firm is reported to be improved today after a period of serious illness. No further details are available, but colleagues note his longstanding prominence in Gr.2 operations and the firm’s activities in Arc-2.
Harry Gardiner the Human Fly will perform exhibitions in Mobile on Friday afternoon and Saturday night to raise funds for war efforts. He prepared by practicing on two local buildings the City Bank and another tall structure, drawing large crowds last year with his wall climbs. Gardiner, famed nationwide, aims to boost donations for Fort Morgan and recreation house projects. He previously drew vast applause for his ascent and remains the best known at his craft.
Washington reports a looming fuel shortage across the East as snow and ice hinder coal movement. Forecasts offer little relief with more storms likely. Boston endures frigid temps and heating cuts as authorities prioritize ship dispatches to ease the strain.
Five passenger steamships bound for Spain were suspended from sailing at an Atlantic port on orders from Washington. The War Trade Board halted export licenses to Spain effectively embargoing shipments. Officials cited exchange rate pressures as a factor increasing costs for American merchants in dealings with Spain.
The probate court issued licenses today to Fred Young and Cleo J L Walker of Perry.
Copenhagen reports a state of siege declared at Hamburg Altona and Wandsbeck per the Echo a socialist newspaper. Altona borders Hamburg with 1900 population 61 000 and key industries. Wandsbeck lies three miles north of Hamburg with 1900 population 28 000 noting brewing and distilling there.
The Gulf Coast Fair Association stock sale reaches 9300.15 with 400 worth traded today as committees push the drive. Secretary W F Barry says prospects brighten among Mobile businessmen and the canvass will run to Monday at 10 am aiming for 15000.
A big explosion and gunfire were reported near Friedrichshaven as Allied aviators likely bombed the Zeppelin works at Frederichshaven. The blast created a towering fire and was heard along Lake Constance, with details arriving via telegram from Rosenberg to St Gall.
The Mobile Clearing House Association records a January increase of $401,330.94 over the same month last year. Total January clearings amounted to $6,632 75, while weekly clearings reached $1,200, 437.33, reflecting strong activity.
The Ohio River ice gorge broke again during the night at Cincinnati with little extra damage after three large steamers were sunk and many smaller craft washed downstream. Rivermen expect renewed gorge as colder weather returns today.
General Pershing and General Tasker Bliss attended a session of the supreme war council in Versailles. The meeting opened with Premier Clemenceau and drew a larger crowd than prior sessions, running from 3 p.m. to around the early evening hour.
The Central News reports Socialist leaders demand a special Reichstag session as strikes grow across Germany. A News correspondent notes the interior minister's refusal to meet strike leaders, signaling continued tension on the Swiss frontier and rising unrest.
Fragmentary report indicates a central strike committee has been in session since noon, with solidarity perhaps pledged today. The post notes a statement from a Dr. urging workers in Kru to maintain steady effort, while continued on page.
Mr. R. G. Cobb traffic manager for Sennace the Mobile Chamber of Commerce leaves for Atlanta to attend a conference with eight Alabama railroads seeking a general freight rate increase. The Alabama Public Service Commission hearing is set for March 4 after a postponement and shippers oppose the rise citing traffic conditions.
Purification of the Blessed Virgin Catholic services announced for Saturday across the world. Special prayers and candle blessings noted at St. Matthew's Church with services starting 7:30 am. Sacred Heart devotion scheduled for 6:30 pm and 7:00 am mass times.
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