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This newspaper page contains 28 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Wilmington Dispatch
Location
Wilmington, North Carolina, United States of America
Date
Dec 17, 1917
Page
4
A miscellaneous 1917 column cites Frost Creer and Kohn Inc in New York and Chicago, notes an “13 man of Europe” attack on Asia, discussions on women in Philadelphia fire service, and mentions Prohibition being effective in South Portland while warning of Christmas decor and Red Cross lines. It mixes political opinion and local notices with broad world events.
The piece notes a noiseless Christmas as a wartime consolation with Germany doomed, while the war drags on. It laments US delays in airship and rifle production and warns the next war may require these weapons already built. It credits the Allies with some hits from Russia reports and frames victory as inevitable.
A battered, fragmentary line states the Senate committee investigating war conduct will scrutinize several individuals as it advances its inquiry. The text hints at heavy scrutiny and potential political fallout during the investigation.
Tris notes the United States Navy shipped forty thousand woolen blankets to Halifax’s destitute, but questions if this reach is sufficient to prevent pneumonia among soldiers lacking warmth.
The report notes Congress has been in session twelve days without receiving any Congressional Record. It adds that American troops near Nancy on the Lorraine border could lead allied forces into German territory, with some military critics predicting the spring campaign may begin there.
Report claims a new-issue army officer at Camp Greene insulted a young lady and a private in a Cheriotte ballroom after she introduced the private. If true, he should be convicted of conduct unbecoming a gentleman and an officer of the army.
The piece argues that government priority for war material over civilian goods has clogged railroads. It notes a million plus tons of steel bound for Allies sits at ports, delaying exports. Court to address whether targeted handling could relieve the freight blockade and ease congestion.
The article notes a sharp rise in automobile death rates over six years, drawing serious concern from life insurance executives. It blames reckless driving and inexperience, urging stricter enforcement of speed and right of way laws to reduce fatalities.
Our New Bern correspondent notes the town could be dry at Christmas with doubts of more than two barrels of liquor in the city. Residents fear a single barrel would seem overly wet in a small town.
An exchange view notes Germany may gain peace by freeing many prisoners held in Russian camps. It argues that about 30 soldiers confined in Russian prisons would not be battle ready for some time.
The speaker argues for voluntary food savings now to avoid harsher, involuntary cuts later. It emphasizes choosing proactive restraint over eventual deprivation and warns that inaction will force greater losses.
The Means verdict is not surprising but suggests more trouble ahead for Mr Means as authorities in New York and Chicago may pursue him, with possible action from Uncle Sam looming.
The Congressional directory notes Speaker Clark did not assign Jeanette Rankin to any committee. It also records Rankin as a modest Montana member who lists only herself as “Jeannette Rankin, Republican, of Missoula” and omits her birth date.
The writer urges opposing the three million dollar board plan in primaries. They warn a candidate who abandons anti board views to woo Baptist or any denomination would lose church support and not deserve it.
A columnist notes a gap between upholding army discipline and acting as a snob. Some newly fledged officers appear to confuse authority with arrogance, risking respect and duty.
Residents urged to copy Fayetteville method to boost sales. Merchants display seals on packages and customers take home the bundles, promoting both charity and thrift.
The Asheville Times questions reports that Gaston Means and family run the Concord court. The paper argues the claim is false, noting Judge Cline’s integrity and late ruling barring outside attacks on witnesses or lawyers.
A compact page item recalling Blowing Rock weather as a predictor for Charlotte winters, plus a long list of centenaries of 1918 notable Americans from Civil War and political life. The piece also marks a daily history lesson with past events and a wartime note on December 17, 1917.
A Rocky Mount Telegram note reports a local fund started to buy baseball bats balls and gloves for soldiers in France. A good amount has been raised but organizers say more is needed to reach the goal.
The Duplin Record notes telegraph summary shows 6 296 bales ginned by December 1 1917 in Duplin county from the 1917 crop, counting round as half bales, versus 9 258 bales by December 1 1916, per tabulation.
The Red Cross Society is described as doing more to aid the United States in winning the war with Germany than any other agency. It brings aid to the sick and wounded and eases suffering, with a strong note that without Red Cross the war would be worse.
The New Bern Journal notes Brother Hoover calls for meatless days to conserve limited supplies for soldiers and their allies in the French trenches. Some readers claim to already practice self denial, while Dire Necessity drives the broader public toward stricter food discipline.
Senator Overman of North Carolina seeks a reform inquiry into a caste system in the U S military that permits officers to display class distinctions against privates outside camps. The move exposes perceived snobbery and its roots in selfishness and petty pretensions, in or out of military life.
A Charlotte club dance ends with a private in training at Camp Greens being introduced to a captain who refuses to acknowledge the meeting and insults both the private and his companion. Another tale from Charlotte describes an officer who rejects two privates riding with him, citing class concerns.
Peterson and Rulfs promote a Christmas slip display with details and hours for shoppers.
Prince Joachim youngest son of the Carman Emperor born Forsdam 27 years ago. William Lyon Mackenzie King former Canadian Labour Minister and War Secretary aide born Berlin Ontario 43 years ago. Wilma Gilson Farlow Harvard botany professor born Boston 72 years ago. Rear Admiral Richard Wainwright USN retired born Washington DC 68 years ago. General Maunoury French Marne commander born seven years ago. Ennis T Oakes baseball figure born Homer Louisiana 31 years ago.
The text traces Robert L. Borden as premier of Canada since 1911, noting his Nova Scotia birth in 1854, law career, entry to Parliament in 1896, and rise to leadership after Sir Wilfrid Laurier. It highlights his wartime effort to keep Canada loyal to England.
A verses about a slacker who drinks while service members endure discipline The narrator denounces drinking and laziness while soldiers pledge duty and comradeship The poem contrasts the slacker’s carefree lifestyle with military expectations and sacrifice
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