17 May 1917
Page 1
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Newspaper
Wilmington Dispatch
Location
Wilmington, North Carolina, United States of America
Date
May 17, 1917
Page
1
A Danish steamship arriving in New York with Cuban sugar recounted a possible submarine and mine off Cape Hatteras on May 15. Debris and a six foot tank were seen, and a spar protruded from the water before submerging as a British vessel neared.
War dispatches report ongoing fierce German efforts to halt the British advance at Arras while British artillery and sapping continue. Italy launches a spring offensive toward Triest with a 15 to 20 mile Isonzo front. The Macedonia front shows British gains, but overall war prospects grow uncertain with rumors of leadership resignations in Russia.
The army bill faced a lengthy Senate debate over whether drafts apply to the existing emergency or the war. Senator Chamberlain called the standoff hair splitting and warned that sending the report back to conference could delay military action for 30 to 60 days. Other senators argued the delay would not halt army expansion and pressed for consent to move forward.
Dallas May 17 The Presbyterian General Assembly begins with election of a moderator as the chief business. More than 3 000 delegates attend as candidates include Dr J Wilbur Chapman Dr Robert Johnson Dr Andrew ls William H Roberts and Dr H G Mencenhall. The session also features a sermon by retiring moderator Dr John A Marquis.
In Petrograd May 17 the cabinet crisis is deemed settled as a coalition government forms. Five socialist representatives join A. F. Kerensky, creating a six-group cabinet with three Social Democrats and three Socialist Populists. Generals arrive for a conference, urging a coalition to restore army discipline, and rumors circle about General Alexieff possibly resigning.
Birmingham Alabama May 17 The 57th General Assembly of the Presbyterian churches in the United States convened with about 550 commissioners from 86 presbyteries across 16 synods. The opening sermon by Rev C W Grafton retired moderator set the tone as 20 standing committees began formation and officers were elected.
The American steamship Hilonian, unarmed, was torpedoed and sunk off Genoa Italy with four crew members lost. The vessel of 2921 tons gross left New York on April 27 carrying cargo under Captain H H Williams and a crew of 39 including 18 Americans.
Elizabeth City May 17 The Diocese of East Carolina Council concludes a year of work and selects Wilmington for its 1918 meeting to be held at St Johns church. The body honors Rev. Edward Wooten and appoints examining chaplains while discussing a new accounting system and a pension fund for clergy.
Petrograd May 16 Paul N Milukoff resigns as foreign minister leaving the cabinet. Tereshchenko becomes foreign minister and A F Kerensky is named minister of war and marine after serving as justice minister.
London May 17 Three or four morning papers comment on Chancellor von Bethmann Hollwegs Reichstag speech. They say his words flatter Russian idealists yet avoid renouncing ambitions of annexations. The premier's full backing of the army chiefs is welcomed. They warn Russian revolutionists risk the German trap and urge Allied nations to send top socialists to Russia to aid the new government.
Washington May 17 Democratic Leader Kitchin announced the Treasury says a $2.245 billion revenue need. He urged support for a Lenroot amendment to raise surtaxes on incomes above $40 000 by 25 percent. insurgents pressed for higher rates in the War Revenue bill as Ways and Means members fought changes.
The British steamship Harpagus of 5,866 tons gross was torpedoed after leaving New York on April 21 bound for Marseilles France. The cablegram from agents J W Elwell and Company confirms the sinking.
President Wilson writes to Representative Poll suggesting a special House committee on woman suffrage could be a prudent public policy. He says no wish to interfere with merits but notes Senate already has such a committee.
Berlin reports from the German war office that in May so far the Germans have taken 2,500 English prisoners and captured 2,700 French soldiers on the western front.
New Orleans May 17 Delegates discuss a motion to adopt a report on consolidating a three board system and a substitute to refer the issue to a special committee for next year. The Woman's Missionary Union reports funds and new societies while a seven member legal panel is authorized to study the Brownlow questions.
Washington reports the United States loaned Russia $1 billion, bringing total to $670 million. The loan is to be used as Russia sees fit under treasury supervision or a government commission. A $45 million credit to Belgium was arranged, to be drawn in six monthly installments of $7.5 million.
The North Carolina Elks convention elected ex Mayor Thomas J. Murphy of Greensboro as president with D D Daughtridge of Rocky Mount and B P Beard of Salisbury as vice presidents and T B Kehoe of New Bern as secretary and treasurer Greensboro secured the next convention Durham won the parade awards while New Bern and Greensboro received other prizes Delegates hint Fred Harper from North Carolina is favored to succeed Righter as grand exalted ruler
A memorial service for Joseph H. Choate former American ambassador at London will be held at St Margarets church Westminster Abbey on Monday. The Archbishop of Canterbury and Cannon Carnegie will conduct the service.
Washington May 17 The Senate faced criticism of government executive departments during the War Budget bill debate but leaders expect the $3 39 000 000 000 appropriation to be rushed to passage. Critics argued the Council of National Defense and its civilian advisory system had usurped authority.
The Commercial Cable Company announced its New York Havana cable was restored and cablegrams to Havana City would be accepted in any code authorized by the U S censor ship.
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