31 Jul 1917
Page 1
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Newspaper
The Mobile News Item
Location
Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Jul 31, 1917
Page
1
Allied forces in France press the assault with a massive barrage and advance beyond German lines. British and French troops reportedly seize trenches at Dixmude and Boesinghe as air superiority and heavy artillery concentrate against German resistance.
The Kelly-Atkinson Construction Company of Chicago will build a large shipyard in Mobile on Hieronymus docks property on Texas Street. A contract to construct eighteen composite steel and wood ships for the United States Shipping Board Emergency Fleet Corporation is reported, valued near 10 million dollars. Construction will start immediately on the Texas Street site.
Allied forces press on in Flanders and the Lys region with French and British cooperation. Reports say initial objectives met along a broad front and progress continuing as German resistance is challenged.
An official statement says British and French troops on the left flank attacked German forces along a wide front north of eve at 3 50 o'clock this morning and are making satisfactory progress at all points despite stubborn resistance.
An Associated Press report notes artillery and infantry as the Geer force presses a wide front in the Cerny area with state forces active. No further details available in readable text.
Mrs Fels of Philadelphia widow of a single tax advocate announced a gift of 775000 as the cost of living committees open national conference in Wagton. The drive seeks 2500000 to fund a nationwide single tax program and urges a 1 percent land tax and 2 percent on unimproved land while pressing for federal control of public utilities and price regulation.
The senate committee voted to lift the wartime tax bill to a total of 2,008,000,000, boosting corporate income taxes to 6 percent from 4, and personal taxes on high earners. It also adds 1 per gallon on distilled spirits and 25 cents per barrel on beer, estimating substantial new revenues.
A petition circulated in New York hospitals and among doctors requests congress implement a selective draft for American physicians for military service. It seeks exemption for bona fide physicians and would draft those aged 21 to 45, modeled after the army draft. The petition, supported by the Council of National Defense, faults the current reserve officer commission method and urges medical corps mobilization by draft.
Regina Sask July 31 Reports from across the province say wheat yields will average ten to fifteen bushels per acre. Rain is needed as crops burn in places and grains are maturing too fast, raising fears of a 1914 repeat.
The first detachment of a national guard unit departs the Bartanburg South Carolina training camp before week’s end under orders from General O'Ryan of the department of the east. Up to ten companies are expected to advance guard southward.
The Poultry Association plans a meeting tonight to discuss this year’s exhibits and ongoing duties. Members will review responsibilities and coordinate the feature with last year’s layout in mind.
The weather forecast notes generally fair conditions tonight in Alabama with little change expected Wednesday. No significant rainfall or storms are anticipated and temperatures are expected to remain mild.
Weather Bureau notes a continuing heat wave across the United States with Mobile experiencing relief from a delayed shower. City temperatures topped a season record at 96 degrees, with overnight and morning readings around 78 degrees. Forecast calls for generally fair weather tonight and Wednesday with shifting winds.
An impending land sale or option on a large tract near the shipbuilding area is anticipated this evening. James F. Coleman of Coleman Engineering Company is in Mobile, but no definite announcement is expected yet.
A severe heat wave dominates the central valleys middle Atlantic states New England and the lower lake region. Officials expect some relief in the next two days while scattered thundershowers from the Rockies to the upper Midwest may provide temporary cooling.
Officials report 90 degrees at 9:30 am with many prostrations and high heat indexes. Weather Bureau foresees relief as a cool front from the west nears, bringing rain tomorrow afternoon or night to end the heat.
Chicago July 31 tempering north winds promised to break the hot wave that swept the area since Saturday. Official temperature for cues 3 reached 98 degrees making today the hottest day of the year and prostrations were numerous. Twelve deaths were attributed to the heat.
A severe electrical storm struck Montreal after the city’s hottest day in five years. It caused several fires, felled trees, and disrupted telegraph and telephone service across the area.
Federal Judge Frank A. Youmans ruled the standard cotton futures contract used on the New York and New Orleans exchanges violates the cotton futures act by not naming the principal. The decision comes in Thorn & Magginis of New Orleans v. Fred Browne of Fort Smith over a $23,215 transaction.
Associated Press reports potential sympathetic strike by miners harvest hands and lumbermen in the Warren district of Arizona. A telegram from Chicago indicates over a quarter of a million workers may walk out unless deported Industrial Workers of the World members are allowed to return.
Washington July 30 A special flag to float over every house that furnishes a man for the army or navy is urged by a U S senator as a mark of tribute and support in the war effort.
An er was released out right here by the Philadelphia National wire and would start a business in St. Louis, signaling a move into new markets and ventures following the July 30 events.
City board session votes final assessments for Paving Venture No 24 amid protest notes. Commissioner Lyons moves to appropriate 5337.50 to pay interest on paving bonds and cover related expenses.
In Bess Michigan July 30 authorities report IW W locals plan meetings to up the strike in Michigan iron industry. Palace Hall Ironwood wrecked, eight foreigners jailed. Colby Iron-ton Yale mines report early today 200-300 workers striking. Governor Sleeper urged federal intervention citing defense preparations.
In Corunna Spain UB-23 lay at anchor with only its periscope showing after an accident. Its commander and crew refused to explain the cause. UB-22 lies nearby, and both subs are part of a 20 man crew. Madrid later said UB-23 was moved to Ferrol for safety.
President D R Dunlap said he just returned from Gulf works and there is no tie up at the local plant. Labor representatives claimed about 100 men were involved, but the company rejected the charges as unfounded.
Acting mayor Flojo Guerra was killed as he arrived at his home in Cienfuegos. The assassin fired shots, striking Guerra who recently took over city government from Santiago Rey on leave. Police report no clue yet to the assailant.
The McIntosh Land and Livestock Company plans major growth after filing incorporation papers in the local court. Edwin Embich of Indianapolis serves as president with Frank W. Boykin of Mobile as secretary treasurer. The venture aims to acquire 500 cattle and several hundred finely bred hogs, with initial stock already in place.
In Washington July 31 conferees of the administration food control bills failed to reach an agreement in their first session. Some said the Senate would yield on the disputed proviso for the joint committee, while a recess was taken to confer with leaders in both houses. A wheat price fixing board provision remained under reconsideration.
Fisher Brooks, a Black taxi driver, is scheduled for execution by hanging at daylight Friday for the murder of Mrs. Julia May Héss. He will be moved to the condemned cell. officials prepared the death trap and he asked for hot biscuits and syrup the day before his death.
San Francisco July 31. Rolph Jr and Japanese officials announced a planned U S visit by a Japanese mission headed by Viscount Mikugire Ishii former foreign minister. No date for the visit was disclosed.
Physicians treating F Trubee Davison the hydro airplane aviator injured when his craft plunged 400 feet into Long Island Sound last Saturday express optimism for his recovery He is the son of a prominent secretary and associated with the war council letters in the report are garbled but indicate hopeful medical outlook.
Police clash with crowds at Oak Street Beach as bathers refuse to leave. A city ordinance restricted beach hours to 4 am to 8 am, leading to a riot that drew patrol wagons and arrests. Reinforcements arrived but many bathers stayed in the water late.
Charged with disorderly conduct, Potter faced a Recorder's Court appearance and was fined $50 or 60 days. He appealed to the circuit court. Captain Ly Gest, in charge of the naval recruiting office, testified Potter closed on him and pulled down his cap before striking. Potter left with bruises after the incident.
New York July 31 milk prices rise by one cent per quart effective tomorrow in Metropolis. Dealers estimate an added daily cost of about 20000 dollars to consumers, roughly 730000 dollars a year, due to higher dairy farming payments.
New York authorities announce three new motor vehicle laws to reduce accidents. The Cromwell Kelly act requires licensing of all vehicle operators in New York City. The Hewitt anti headlight measure and a trailer law impose licensing and fees on motor truck trailers statewide, ranging from 5 to 30 dollars.
Three men James Cully Emil Strum and Clyde Hough filed for a change of venue in Chicago on July 30 citing public statements by Judge K M Landis on patriotism and slackers as influencing the trial. The defendants are awaiting trial on charges of violating the draft law for refusing to register.
The new plant, led by W Dy Bellingra of the Chamber of Commerce, is expected to payroll over a million dollars yearly and employ about 1,000 men. Officials predict 3,000 to 4,000 additional ripple effects for the local population as six ships per week will be built for the Emergency Fleet Corporation, with vessels about 3500-ton capacity and 240 feet long, using composite wood and steel construction. The Kelly-A Company plans to begin six ships per week, with completion targeted in 1918, as Atlantic and Gulf coast routes favor the Houston area, under senior engineer Frank.
Negotiations to establish a large new plant in Mobile proceed after a 20 hour negotiation session with Kelly and Atkinson Company officials. W M Clemens of the Commerce Department and shipping board officers sign preliminary terms. deal closes next day with signatures. Henry Hall of the First National Bank and local Chamber leaders assist, with final approval pending shipping board consent.
The staff engineers completed their work and prepared to coordinate with other business visitors. Departure noted, with work slated to begin subsequently as plans solidify.
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