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Newspaper
Wilmington Dispatch
Location
Wilmington, North Carolina, United States of America
Date
May 02, 1917
Page
1
Postponement of the German Chancellor's public speech was announced, delaying a keynote address expected to cover wartime policy and domestic affairs. Officials cited scheduling adjustments while noting the delay does not alter ongoing government plans.
Washington reports little credence in a near peace by Germany as Allied and American officials scrutinize Teuton inquiries. The British mission plans to stay in Washington ten more days before a possible trip to New York, with experts to follow shipping, munition, and food issues.
A London proclamation from King George calls the public to practice frugality in grain use and reduce bread consumption by at least a quarter of normal levels. The appeal emphasizes conserving wheat soup and other grain by households.
Report from London datelined May 2 says Turkish advances push into Armenian areas as Russians withdraw. War office statements indicate shifting fronts with Turkish forces moving into previously contested zones amid ongoing hostilities.
The city governing board organized this afternoon appointing F F Pillette as city engineer and listing heads for departments. The official canvass of election returns was announced by Chairman Woodward with Mayor Harriss in attendance.
A speaker warns that destruction from submarines is appalling and calls for united action. Secretaries Baker and Daniels address the Council of National Defense outlining the urgent need for concerted policy and national resolve.
President Wilson told the Council of National Defense delegates that the United States must coordinate all energies to vindicate democracy and prove the American government does not live in vain. He said every national force should be directed toward the supreme objective of winning the war.
Secretary Lane told governors at the Council of National Defense that 400000 tons of shipping were sunk last week by German submarines, threatening England and France and alarming the United States. He urged rapid shipbuilding and continued long war readiness, warning morale must rise and that many years of effort lie ahead. Secretaries Baker and Daniels and Judge-Advocate-General Crowder joined, and President Wilson later received them. the main need now is ships.
London May 2 in the House of Commons Sir Edward Carson first lord of the admiralty said suspicions exist that enemy submarine raiders which sink allied and neutral shipping have been slipping out from enemy ports through neutral waters. He added the matter had been under consideration.
Berlin May 2 reports intense combat on the Romanian front. The War Office says a Russian attack north of the Oituz valley was repulsed and German forces inflicted heavy losses.
The American steamer Rockingham was sunk by a German submarine off May 2. Thirteen sailors are missing while 33 survivors were rescued by a patrol vessel and another boat. The Rockingham carried 49 men including several Americans and assets valued at $3,250,000. The ship departed Baltimore April 14 bound for Liverpool. Names include Louis M Beasley J W Simpson and C Carney all water tenders.
Liverpool May 2 Captain Harris of the Vacuum reports 18 crew lost and 8 gunners saved. Frank H. Lesee died of exposure after landing. A Donald C J Fisher and Cc F Luckan were lost, naval guards. Lieutenant Thomas U S A died in the sinking. Survivors listed include James E Williams John Williams George W Parker Oswald H Locke Henry J Musshorn Jr and others.
New York reports 51 more vessels docked in April than March despite German submarine menace. Total arrivals 449 with 121 American ships, tonnage 1,149,740 overall 317,202 American. March had 398 vessels totaling 1,053,272 with 284,732 American.
The House Rivers and Harbors committee resumes review of the War Department appropriations draft. Virginia funds include Norfolk harbor improvements and a Norfolk to Beaufort Inlet waterway. North Carolina covers Northeast Black and Cape Fear rivers and Cape Fear below Wilmington. South Carolina targets Charleston harbor channels Winyah bay Pee Dee and Cooper river depth eight feet.
A bandit hidden in the rear coach of a Chicago and Northwestern train robbed sleeping passengers as it neared Sparta. Brakeman John Hackett jumped from the moving train two miles out and was not seriously hurt. Conductor W F Frenz spotted the robber as the train left Sparta. Sheriff Henry led a 12 man posse to search for the bandit. The amount stolen could not be learned.
News from the Central empires shows growing unrest in Germany and Austria with calls for internal reforms. In France the fighting front remains deadlocked and Paris faces criticism of the war effort as the Reichstag prep peace signals. In England the submarine menace draws criticism of the Admiralty.
The Department of Agriculture urged larger Southern potato acreage using vine cuttings to cut costs. It said planting costs could drop to about four dollars per acre versus forty dollars for Irish potatoes, with seed plentiful and the season extendable into August in the lower South.
Secretary McAdoo proposed Congress expand the government war risk insurance bureau so it can insure the lives of officers and men on merchant ships. Death benefits would range from 1500 to 5000 dollars with proportional injury indemnities, and vessel owners insured with the government would be required to insure their crews.
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