01 Jan 1916
Page 1
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Newspaper
Waterloo Evening Courier
Location
Waterloo, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Jan 01, 1916
Page
1
Stark New Year scenes unfold as a great steamer sinks with over 200 dead after torpedoing while vivid electric messages of Rotary Club greetings arc across the nation. Rainy streets, sober prayers, and yawning fate frame a city in mourning and reflection.
A ship disaster report notes the future czar’s pleasure crafts and that only four boats escaped before sinking. Officials give no definite passenger count. The list includes Robert McNeely, U S consul at Aden, and two other American citizens. Seventy-four women and twenty-five children are listed among the survivors or aboard.
Washington moves to draft a new note to Vienna acknowledging Austria's concessions and addressing questions of fact about Austria's responsibility for the Ancona disaster. The demands include punishment of the submarine commander and assurances on future submarine warfare, with reparations promised for American lives lost.
The piece notes Waterloo remains wet on New Year’s Day despite predictions of dryness. It references 1916 weather, a midnight train, and the Ancient Mariner to humorously insist water dominates the town. Shops supposedly closed at 9 pm on December 31.
Des Moines reports that Iowa became legally dry today as the last general assembly approved statutory prohibition. The transition to the dry era was carried out quietly in cities and towns, but expected to face challenges Monday as saloonkeepers in Davenport and Keokuk plan to test legality by selling drinks. Attorney General Cosson will travel to Davenport to represent the state in the legal fight.
In Hot Springs Virginia on January 1, President Wilson and Mrs. Wilson held their first official New Year’s reception during their honeymoon stay at a local hotel. Word of the event drew crowds from the winter colony as lines formed for handshakes with the President and his wife.
A radio message from an unidentified steamer said it had taken the disabled Thessaloniki in tow and was heading to New York. Weather along the coast was thick, the vessel short of steaming water indicating engine trouble, and attempts to contact the ship continued through the night.
A French air squadron returning from reconnaissance dropped a bomb on a Greek camp near Saloniki, wounding one soldier. General Carrafly offered reparations. A separate Teutonic raid reportedly killed a shepherd outside Saloniki, with the camp misidentified as Entente headquarters.
Delegates at the Pan-American Scientific congress heard Director General John Barrett warn that after the European conflict both victor and vanquished may turn hostile to America. He urged the United States and its sister republics to stand together to meet future eventualities and maintain Pan American cooperation.
London reports indicate renewed military activity in Macedonia with German and Austrian troops massing at Monastir. Bulgaria reportedly poised to attack Saloniki while Petrograd confirms heavy fighting on the southern battle front. Austria-Hungary appoints Count Salla Seelc as governor of occupied Serbia. Rulers’ messages stress continued ruthless prosecution of hostilities.
In Blakely Georgia a reported clash between an overseer Henry Gilipva and a Black man led to further fatalities as possemen fatally injured Ed Law and his son Prectour Law. A disaster followed with buildings burned and a tonpa book found on a fatally injured Black person.
Firemen rushed to a chimney blaze near Fourteenth and Blu streets shortly before noon today but found the fire largely out and had little to do. The incident began the new shift with no major damage or injuries reported.
Summary of Waterloo Iowa 1916 progress with sections on municipal improvements banking blocks and residences, hospital lab work, hotel developments, city government, and broad topics from parks to transportation. Includes Industrial Center status and civic clubs, church notices, and local sports and amusements.
The Amsterdam correspondent reports Emperor William's New Year address to the army, navy and colonial troops. He praises loyalty and bravery, vows to achieve victory with God’s help, and denounces enemy attempts to undermine Germany. Amid war, he urges resolve and dedication to homeland greatness. Paris reports President Poincare also urges victory in a straightforward message to French officers and soldiers.
A New Year’s Eve explosion in Los Angeles at East Ninth Street and Elwood Avenue killed two people and wrecked four buildings. Joseph Rossini and his wife, residents of the rear of the structures, were missing as authorities searched debris for clues and notices. Rossini reportedly had received threatening letters.
Laredo Texas January 1 report says fifteen persons instantly died and about a score were injured when detonations destroyed railroad box cars loaded with dynamite and grenades for the Carranza army in Monterey Mexico yesterday at midday.
Washington reports official London dispatches say the British liner Persia was torpedoed and sunk while approaching Alexandria. Most passengers and crew perished. 160 to 161 aboard departed London with others boarding at Marseilles or Gibraltar. American consul Robert L. N. McNeely was aboard. several Americans confirmed as passengers. The ship was en route from London to Bombay and sunk off Crete with no details yet available from Peninsular and Oriental officials.
Washington dispatches describe the sinking of the Persia as a fresh crisis between the United States and Austria Germany following the Arabic and Ancona incidents. Officials await full facts, anticipate diplomatic notes, and stress that humane conduct at sea must be observed. The submarine’s nationality remains unconfirmed, though Austrian links are suspected.
If the paper is not delivered to Four home by six, call 3330. A replacement copy will be sent at 6 36 o'clock to tall 4435.
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