Wartime reflections and notices from a 1917 Wilmington issue
A 1917 Wilmington column blends postal data and prices with a doze of commentary. It cites Mr. Vawter and Heth as garden metaphors, urges daylight saving in gardening, and critiques food speculators and Kaiser plans. The piece riffs on U S war stance and public sentiment with political asides and humorous quips.
Naval Board plans to combat submarine warfare announced
The Naval Consulting Board has sent plans to Washington to counter submarine warfare, with details not disclosed. The report, based on tests and involving electricity, promises a potential path to threaten or deter U boats, aiming to shorten the war and safeguard democracy worldwide.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Naval Consulting Board
Washington
Germany
America
Rockingham
Saunders
Naval Board
the Wizard
Thomas A. Edison
Kiel Canal
Coast resorts to stay bright this summer says war department
War department denies reports that Atlantic coast resorts will be darkened this summer and states no such order is contemplated. Wrightsville Beach will be brighter with more lights and cottages, hotels improving, and a record convention season planned as Wilmington residents head to cozy cottages this week.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
War Department
Atlantic Coast
Wrightsville Beach
Wilmington
Food sharks provoke calls for rough justice
A remark by a man who wants to lynch food sharks signals belief in fitting punishment and a readiness to retaliate, reflecting growing tension and desire for swift retribution.
Professor testifies Vawter misjudged due to lunacy worry
A college professor testifies he believed Vawter was crazy and lacked appreciation for his role. He questions whether Vawter could work with a lunatic to train young men, casting doubt on his fitness for the position.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Vawter
Germany to clarify peace terms in fortnight
Von Bethmann Hollweg states Germany will spell out peace terms within two weeks. The remark raises questions whether Germany awaits Western front outcomes and Russian policy before negotiating. The note ends with a wry aside about Germany having enough biscuits to endure the wait.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
von Bethmann-Hollweg
Germany
Russia
The Difference Between Patriotism and Treason
The piece contrasts genuine patriotism with treasonable impulses sparked by a sinking American ship and public war sentiment. It argues patriotism is a felt resolve to support one side despite costs, while treason remains an internal impulse that conscience cannot hide.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Teutons
England
Colonel Watterson Defies the Ho Henzollerns Call
Colonel Watterson persists in his declaration of to hell with the Ho henzollerns. Many folks appear agreeable yet the suggestion remains hard to follow.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Watterson
Russia’s New Hope and Danger in the Postwar Era
A commentary on Russia’s transition from autocracy to democracy as war ends. It warns that liberty brings power and responsibility, urges unity to avoid reckless chaos, and notes millions returning from exile to a nation reshaped by conflict and dissent.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Russia
Germany
America
Siberia
Republic of Russia
Irony of fate in submarine origins and American invention
The author notes the irony that the land that gave the world the submarine invention also provides the method for its extermination. He highlights American contributions to major war instruments and inventions, praising American ingenuity and noting that many schoolboys can name these feats.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
America
Submarine Merchant Fleet Feasibility Suggested
The speaker argues that a submarine merchant fleet could deliver supplies across the water. If the Deutschland could make two trips amid fierce opposition, then submarines facing only submarines should manage as well.
Hundred Years Ago Today in War Dept Purchase
One hundred years ago today 1917 Craney Island Virginia was acquired by purchase for the War Department. Seventy five years ago today 1842 Amos Eaton noted botanist and first principal of Rensselaer Institute died at Troy New York. May 17 1776 born in Chatham New York.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Craney Island
Virginia
War Department
Amos Eaton
Rensselaer Institute
Troy
N. Y
Chatham
Reform League
Hyde, Park
London
The
Nile
Egypt
White Sox Pitching Changes Draw Criticism
Manager Rowland faces criticism for frequent pitcher changes during games as the White Sox aim to close gaps in the American League standings amid mounting scrutiny from sports observers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Wingo
Guisto
Cueto
Greato
Finco
Rowland
White Sox
Is Your Beach Cottage Ready for Season Ad
Classified ad promotes a Beweeh beach cottage for seasonal readiness visits inviting owners to inspect and prepare their property for summer.
Some Comebacks and Movie Kisses Echo Across Papers
A Fayetteville Observer note jokes about a big league ball game halted by a misheard umpire call while a Wilmington Dispatch quips on trains and tobacco warehouses. An Asheville Times line adds satire on how most movie kisses aren’t truly from the screen.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Fayetteville
Wilmington Dispatch
Asheville
When the bone dry bill goes into effect
The Wilmington Dispatch notes the new liquor law will curb smiling but may spur laughter in jokes. It hints at wordplay with the jawbone of an ass but sees no clear fit in the adage.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Fayetteville
Wilmington Dispatch
Recalls Another Case in Virginia Justice Swift and Sure
The Wilmington Dispatch lauds Virginia for swift trials, noting Henry Clay Beatty and the Allens proceeded without delay while citing the infamous Cluverius case where a silk rope aided execution. The Charlotte Observer relays that justice moves rapidly and without hindrance in the state.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Charlotte Observer
Wilmington Dispatch
Vawter
Virginia
The
Dispatch
Henry Clay Beatty
Allens
Cluverius
The Selfish Talker and the Power of Kindness
The piece argues that happiness comes from serving others not ourselves. It warns that self focus pleases few and harms friendships, urging readers to stop constant self mention. It emphasizes kindness, spoken with generosity rather than keeping score with money or praise.
Birthday tributes mark 6 notable figures' anniversaries
On this day six prominent individuals born in Potsdam, Westphalia, Brownsville, Linn County, and Louisville reach milestone ages. Crown Prince Frederick William, Robert E. Peary, Dr. Abraham Jacobi, Philander C. Knox, William C. Lansdon, and Oscar W. Underwood are celebrated for birth anniversaries ranging from 35 to 87 years.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Frederick William
Verdun
Potsdam
Robert E. Peary
North Pole
United States Navy
Abraham Jacobi
America
Westphalia
Germany
Philander C. Knox
United States
Pennsylvania
Brownsville
William C. Lansdon
Kansas
Linn County
Kan
Oscar W. Underwood
Alabama
Louisville
One Year Ago Today In War May 6 1916 Headlines
A year ago today in the war, Germany sent a peace note to America that England refused. Rumors circulated of a German plan to attack Petrograd with fleet aid and Berlin reported a substantial German gain northwest of Verdun.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
America
England
Petrograd
Berlin
Verdun
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von Bernstorff
Thomas
Wilson
Bill Spivens
France
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Indiana
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Ice
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N. Jacobi Hardware CO
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the Home Savings Bank
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Progressive Railway of the South
Charlotte
Pullman
Orton Building
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Seapy
John UH
West A
Raleigh
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Harrison Solomon
Melissa Solomon
New Hanover County
Court House
Melissa Sollomon
Cape Fear Township
Solomon's Corner
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Island Creek
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Frank Solomon
A. J. Grady
E. L. Sleeper
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City Livery Co
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