05 Dec 1917
Page 1
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Newspaper
Wilmington Dispatch
Location
Wilmington, North Carolina, United States of America
Date
Dec 05, 1917
Page
1
Formal declaration of war against Austria Hungary expected by Friday with swift action anticipated. Officials state urgency in Congress and allied commitments drive the motion while public sentiment remains cautious.
London newspapers greet President Wilson's war message as a clear call against Austria Hungary and a pledge to defeat German power. They praise the courage of Allied actions as German efforts at Cambrai stall after four days of costly attempts.
The Interstate Commerce Commission urged the government to operate railroads for the war if Congress does not unify transportation. It proposed alternatives including higher rates, a government loan, and suspending anti trust and anti pooling laws for railroads during the war. It warned against reduced efficiency and argued unification would raise transportation efficiency to support the war effort.
Washington December 5 The Austrian war declaration is postponed until next week as Senate and House chairmen seek identical resolutions to expedite action. Leaders hope to debate in both chambers Friday if possible, with absent members delaying vote. The Austria Hungary and Germany declare a state of war and pledge U.S. resources to victory per the resolution text.
Italian headquarters report intense bombardment around Asiago lasting through the night and into today. Austrian forces under Field Marshal Conrad von Hoetzendorf aim to push from the Astico valley toward Vicenza and the open plain, indicating a major offensive rather than a feint.
Boston December 5 John Johnson a Black man faced a Federal Court indictment for Mann Act violations after extradition to West Virginia for assault on a white woman was denied by Governor McCall His wife testified as the government alleged he transported a woman between states for immoral purposes.
Harry Rich, world class trapeze performer, arrives in the city to perform atop the Trust Building roof without a net. The act will be 30 feet high with a strong searchlight, drawing large crowds under the auspices of The Dispatch to raise funds for Our Boys in France. Rich recently performed from the Richmond Hotel roof and just closed a Wilmington engagement. He is expected to move next to Columbia, D. C.
Secretary McAdoo reports for the year ending June 30 1918 deficits of about 9.97 billion dollars would be needed if bonds cover gaps with 5.6 billion more authorized. for 1919 estimated disbursements outpace receipts by about 7.63 billion dollars. He urges greater economy and saving government securities to sustain the war effort and reduce waste.
Concord North Carolina December reports that Gaston Means defense aims to show he was loyal and not a spy. William Burns testified about Means informing on German information and a letter seeking transfer to Washington. Patterson letters reveal fluttering flirtations and costly Asheville stay.
A large British and French aviation unit arrives in Italy and prepares for front action. Canadian and American airmen, long active in Flanders, entertain locals with song festivals as they train for mountainous operations and possible encounters with Austro German forces. The mixed group trains under Italian observers while a German-made piano plays American tunes.
Colonel House and the American mission with General Pershing inspected U S troops in France. He praised the energy and fitness of the men and said US security for a century hinges on their earnestness. The party visited training schools, army HQs, and observed maneuvers with mortars bayonet drills and French 75s before Paris departure.
Austro Hungarian forces mass up to 10 divisions in the Trentino and launch heavy bombardment on the Sette Communi plateau as German reports claim hill positions seized. Italian and Allied troops are massed to reinforce, aiming to blunt further advances toward the Piave and Brenta lines.
Major General F. B. Maurice announced that British troops aided by a Russian force conducted a successful operation in Mesopotamia. The War Office chief of military operations provided the update today from London.
Rome reports enemy forces opened an attack on the Asiago plateau with minor gains that did not weaken the Italian defensive line. Austria-Hungary presses a new effort to break the front as the United States hovers near war with Vienna and Berlin.
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