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About Medford mail tribune. (Medford, Or.) 1909-1989 | View Entire Issue (April 14, 1917)
II UnV'crsiVi f Orcflon v . ....... WEATIIEIl Maximum Yesterday. 58; minimum today. 36. FORECAST Toniir.it and Saturday, rain: -.vanner, Forty-seventh Tear. Pally Twelfth Yoar. MEDFOTtD OKW'Qyr, SATURDAY. APRIL 14, 1917 NO. 20 MEDFORD BREAK GERMS IN RETREAT ON WIDE FRONT , ; . , , British Offensive Developing Fast Into Greatest Battle of War En tire Teuton Line From Loos to St. Ouentin Shaken and Broken Through in Many Places Success of Operations Greater Than Ex pected Many Towns Taken. LONDON, April 14. The British offensive has developed in a great push in the most literal sense of the word,' telegraphs Renter's corres pondent at the British army head quars in France. "The success of the operations which began on Monday has been greater than perhaps we re alize and the Germans are being pushed hack from Loos to the south ward. "It taltes an army a long time to get away, however skilfully the retire ment may have been planned and with a vigorous offensive clinging to its skirts in nn effort to avoid de feat, it may be overwhelmed. "German garrisons sneaked out of some villages during the night, but this slipping away cannot oe car ried very far and when they are forced back on the line to which they may have hastily withdrawn and without those guns and stores which they were unable to cary away a de cisive thing may happen." A Bulldog Grip. LONDON-, April 14. The British have taken a bulldog grip on the whole German line from Loos to north of St. Quentin and refuse to bo shak en off. Under what the newspapers call the "Halg plan" first one section of the IHndenburg lino and then another, has been subjected to violent bom bardment, followed by heavy attacks, which have badly shaken, If they have not seriously brol.cn, the front on what the Germans have depended for the defense of tho industrial district of France which has been in their hands for more than two years. Ixns Area Invested. The Lens coal mining area around the town is being closely invested and the German hold on it is hcom ing most precarious. Several more villages and positions southwest of the town fell Into British bauds dur ing tho night together with four eight Inch howitzers and the line hero has been linked up with the positions tak en from the Germans in the battle of Loos. The German slay In St. Quentin Is likewise additional' threatened by the capture by the British of the vil lage of Fayet, a baro mile north west of the town from which point tho British guns comninnd the German lines of communication northward. Again tho British have advanced far ther toward tho Canibriii-St. Quen tin road whilo southeast of Arras they are approaching Qucant, which (Continued or Pago Five.) BOSTON, April 11. Greetings from Madame Catherine Breshkov skayn, "Grandmother of the Russian Revolution," who returned to Petro grad from Siberia, after being in ex ile forty-four years, were received here today by Miss Alice Stone Black--ell, editor of the Woman's Journal. In a cable message sent In reply to one from Miss Blackwell expressing happiness of American friends over her liberation, Madame Breshkovs kaya said: "Greetings from free Russia to the People of the I'nlted States of Amer Am enjoying happiness with all he city and Russia nnd Siberia." BACK FROM SiBBRIA AFTER FORTV-FOUR YEARS FIELD TACTICS FAST REPLACING INCH FIGHTING Trench Warfare Thing of the Past Germans Difficult to Break of the Habit of Digging Themselves In Kir.denburg Line Turned in Many Places Gaps Torn in Defenses. BRITISH HEADQUARTERS IN FRANCE, April J 4. It Is not without difficulty that one comes to a realiza tion that semi-open warfare has re placed the old deep trench fighting of the greater part of the British front. It is difficult even for the fighting men actually to grasp the situation, a situation for. which they have waited so long. Tho Germans possibly feel tho change more than anyone else, for above all things they love their underground comfort. The Germans were the first to transfer fighting to ditches and they are re luctantly giving up that style of war fare. The deep concreted dugouts and tunnels along the old front were the only protection the Germans had against tho ever increasing British gun fire and every time they get an opportunity to pause now they im mediately begin to dig in. They tako to cover as if by second nature. Dugouts Soften Men. Tho British have always contend ed that the German dugouts soften ed the men who congregated in them and could only be kept with difficul ty in the open trenches. So it was easier to break the British of the trench habit than has been the case with the Germans. Open field tactics have been a part of tho training of tho now British army ever since its organization be gan in 1914. There has been some criticism of that system from time to time on the ground that the war would always be fought from trench to trench, but for the last few months tho British army in France has been drilled In open tactics almost daily. The result of these training methods havo been apaprent in the last few- days and will undoubtedly prove still more valuablo in the wider operations which are unquestionably coming. Turning of tho Line, The turning of the top of the Ilin- donburg line, to which attention is now officially called in the commun iques, has been nn achievement of which the full importance has natur- Uly not yet been developed. The Germans, by the way, no longer call this line after Ilindenburg, but know it as the Siegefrcld line. The switch to that lino from Qucant north, which prisoners say Is not yet finished and was not expected to be used except as a last resort, is known as the Wo- tan line, in the extreme south the Ilindenburg line 1h known as the Al brecht line. The complete smashing of the Vimy ridge seems to have somewhat upset the German plans but they are evidently determined to put up the strongest possible defensive fight before falling back again. Gaps In Two l'luccs. The gaps In the German defenses were made in two places. Positions on a front for three miles between the Double Crassicr nnd Glvenchy and another mile on the north flank of tho ilindenburg trench system were captured. Advance posts wero push ed well toward Qucant and Pronvllle, Important points in tho German de fenses. WASHINGTON, April 1 1 Weath er predictions for the week beginning Sunday Issued by the weather bureau today are: Pacific states: Frequent rains are probable In Washington, Oregon and cvtreiiie nor them California. Gen erally t.ir In central ami southern California. Temperature near season normal, E Negotiations in Progress Between German and Russian Socialists to End War Austrian Socialist Leaders on Way to Petrograd Briflsh and French -Welcomed. ' COPENHAGEN, April 14. Peace within two months and u half is pre dicted by the Copenhagen eorrespon dent of the Dnnisk socialist press, which confirms the reports of unof ficial negotiations between Russian and German socialists as against the diplomatic denials 5n tho socialist newspapers hero nnd in, Hcrlin. The first negotiations, says the correspondent, who is a socialist member of the Danish parliament, were broken off, enabling two papers to launch n denial that they were in progress, but they were immediately resumed and are being prosecuted vigorously. The correspondentthon enters into n discussion of pence terms in which he nppenrs to take German socialist expectations and hopes for the government policy. Germany's Terms. "I nm assured from an absolutely trustworthy source," ho says, "that Germany is ready to restore Helgium and Serbia, evacuate France and with Turkey arrange nn ngrecment with Hussia of the free navigation of the Dardanelles. 'An ugreemen', is also possible on the Polish question as tho Russian government knows." AMSTERDAM, April J 4. A Vi enna dispatch says the Austrian par liament will be summoned to meet in the middle of May. The .German newspapers say thai not only is Philip Sceidemann, lender ,nf Ihe majority socialists, oa his way to Stockholm, but Hint he is accom panied by three prominent Gorman socialists, Addler, Eizberirer and llaase. Tiio four men are traveling on special passports and it is believ ed in Berlin socialist circles they will meet envoysof the Russian govern ment with whom they proceed lo Pet rograd, Iditmr Deputations. PETROGRAD," April 1-1. British and French labor deputations scut to extend fraternal greetings to the new Russian government, arrived in Pet rograd at midnight last night. Tile delegations were welcomed by huge crowds carrying red banners in scribed "Unity,'' which were waved while the bands played the "Marseil laise." f; it WASHINGTON', April 14. Secre tary Hnkcr today approved u decis ion of Ihe judge ndvuciilo general which foreshadows raising the strength of the national guard to (illli.lHMI men on n war footing. Following are the slates which have applied for authorization to or ganize new units of national guard: Washington, Ohio, Indiana, Wiscon sin, Vermont, Massachusetts, Con ncclicut, Rhode Island, New York. District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Florida, Iowa, South Dakota, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and I'tah. SENATOR LANE PLANNING EARLY RETURN TO OREGON WASIIrNOTON, April 14 Sena tor Lane, whose condition shows no material change, spent an hour at his office this afternoon. He Is at tempting to straighten out some of his affairs which require personal at tention, but has not yet definitely de cided to leave Washington. The senator's family Is still trying lo persuade him to leave, and lie may decide to return to Oregon Instead of going to California. W THIN MONTHS SAY SOCIALISTS EX-KING OF PORTUGAL HELPS CRIPPLED MEN LEARN TRADES niniTIIIHTO III ""I nil I I A 1 1 St rw f, CAPITALISTS IN TR ILIONSnF B&lfF M FAVOROFTAXIHG 1 X EVf comes t0 Pay War Ben tt cftJwTf v5 son Says America Gave Hlm " I Wife&fe VjS portunity to Make Fortune. Some of I-.nl'iiicls tII(m1 koIiHu is nro here nliown ciiinying th news of tiio run a a lrtivnt. At I'llit, for mcr King .Manuel or l'ortupil. LONDON", April 13. Tho greatest human problem of the centuries is staring England in the faco and a throneleas king is helping her solve it. The problem Is tho crippled sol dier. ( What shall be done with him? The king is Manuel of Portugal. "Curative workshops" aro being established about the country under tho direction of tho dethroned king, acting as representative of tho Hcd Cross. In theso workshops you can see King Manuel bending over a crip pled soldier, aiding him in "liher ing" tho nrlii'ifial fingers on his arti ficial hands, so he can pick tip small tools, or sawing a board for a crip pled lathc-hand, or fetching an awl for a legless workman Manuel of Portugal has aroused England to the necessity of training the crippled veterans so they can sup port themselves and add to tho coun try's Industrial output In time of peace. Government action Is now being demanded by tiio labor party, the kingdom's physicians, by Sir Alfred Keogh, director-general of the nnuy medical services, and by tho statu tory committee on pensions. AVhat is asked is a new department related to the army medical corps, but under distinct management, whoso sole purpose shall bo to learn scientifically what wounded soldiers are best fitted to do, and then teach them to do It. The London Times has added Its voice to tho demand. SHERIDAN S1AY I'OltTLANI). Ore., April 14 Hres Ident Wilson lias granted Thomas It. Sheridan, convicted Kosoburg banker, an ndltlonnl .Id-day respite to allow n further Investigation Into his case, according lo nothe received here to day by wire by I'nlted States Mar shal Montag. Sheridan is under a five year prison sentence for having converted money of bank depositors to his own use. Ilo lost about $.".0, 000, wliicli It was said belonged to Ills depositors r ml. In defense, claim ed the money was Inn nod hlm by them, Wy 7 C - A v A WASHINGTON', April 14 Ol'I'i einl notification Hint tol ivin hud sov crcd diplomatic relations with (ler ninny reached Ihe stale department today in n note I'rom Minister Cal deron. The text of the conimuuica tion may he niude public Inter, LA PAZ, llolivin, April M. The note of the Holiviitn government to the Gorman minister announcintr the severance of diplomatic relations with (icrmuus denounces the nttneks of German submarines on neutral vessels as violations of international law and of The Hague conventions. The note concludes : "Your excellency will understand (lint nllhnugh we regret the breach of diplomatic relations between llolivin and the (ieriniin empire, such rela tions have become insupportable un der .. isting circumstances. In con sequence your excellency will find herewith passports I'or yourself and Ihe members of your legation." HKKST, Trance, April 1 I. Three bodies bearing life belts, one of which was that of a sailor from the Ameri can steamship Aztec, torpedoed by a Cerman submarine on April t with the loss of 2S lives, have been picked up by fishermen, brought ashore and burled. Tho body of an unidentified American, not a sailor, has been found near Itoscoff. TURKS DEFEATED LONDON, April 14 The Turks have sustained another defeat at the hands of the Ililtisli In Mesopotamia. Tho war office announces Lint the Turks are In retreat after a battle in which they suffered heavy losses. EX-GOVERNOR FLETCHER OF SOUTH DAKOTA DEAD roilTLAN'll, April 1 I. - Ji.nifs II. riclehcr. Iir-t lit -i 1 1 fli ti 1 1 1 eovcrri.i.' of South Hiikiiln, died here ln-t nieht. iiL'eil years. Heteher m in the 'nld riih to the Klondike and fur M'Vcinl vcni-H published a new spiipcr at Siilcm, Or, IN ISOPOTnln'lMMflf SAN FRANCISCO, April 14. The patriotic principle that large incomes should boar heavy contribution to the nation's war revenues la today free ly supported by representative capi talists along the Pacific coast. "I am in heriy accord with any measure that will conscript capital and keep tho financial burden from falling on tho mnssos who have the human burdens to boar." SpreekelK' Conviction. Thus did Rudolph Spreckels, San Francisco mflllonniro banker, express the conviction that men of large menus must mutch with heavy finan cial sacrifice the personal service of tho men who will offer their lives in tho fight with Germany. That such contributions should not bo comparatively trifling but must fully measure up to tho country's need was tho unmistakable attitude of many other men of wealth. "I think tho grentor tho income the greater should bo tho war tax by a considerable proportion," was tho way Harry Whitnoy Treat, Seattle capi talist voiced It, "and let the general public bear Its part paying greater duties on imported goods." Tho plan suggested - by E. W Scripps, publisher, to President Wil son, whereby all Incomes over $100,- 000 should bo conscripted to help finance tho war, together with a grad uated lax on smaller Incomes and pay of $:l per day for every fighting ninn Is receiving widespread approval from thoso it would nffoct. Heuson Favors It. "I am heartily In favor of the on script Income plan," said Simon Den son, ni li It 1-ni I i llonn I ro landowner and capitalist of Portland, Ore. "Amorl ca has given mo tho opportunity to nmass a fortune. Now my fortune must bear Its share of the war cost. "Unpatriotic men of wenlth should be compelled to pay. I do not think men of wealth will oppose this plan. I also favor paying soldiers Jll n day." Ilenson's net Income for 1910 was $180,000. Under the conscript plan that would mean ho would contribute JSO.OOO at least. "Tho Scripps Idea Is exactly my own," Is the view of Thndileus S, I.une of Spokane, Wn. "I think it is all right. There Isn growing Hcntl incut that too much of the burden of thlB war shall not be placed on futuro generations. "If wo expect a Inrge army within n short lline, men with largo incomes should show Hint they aro willing to do their part by taking over their sharo of the burden right away." Hush Also favors It. And this from August A. Ilusch nnd Charles Nagel of Ht. Louis, trus tees of the Adolphus Ilusch eslnto: "Without going Into details, we favor a scheme that will, as far possible, collect the necessary taxes as wo go along. This, wo assume, must Include n progressiva Inroiuo tux much more drastic than we now liiivc," AMSTKUDAJr, April II. -The military critic of the Vie-xiM'ho Zci t II II tf of Merlin writes he has received ii ii v letters which prove "the nerves of many renders are Ixl: in n i n lt to llive way." lie dwell on the "illl 1'iiiirnled" excitement whirh he Mutes is f-preiiiliui. uniniie; ilin-o at home and warns the public not to judyc tin .dilution from single cvcnN, but to take events us u whole into coumiI-eraliiiti, War Revenue Authorization Bill Passes House After Extended De bate, in Which Nearly Every One, Republican and Democrat, Speaks in Measure's Behalf Large Loans to Allies, Especially France Fa vored Loans to Be Limited. WASHINGTON, Ajril 14 Tho $7,00(1,01)0,000 war revenue author ization bill was passed Into today by the house. The vote of the houso was unani mous, Speaker Clurk directing that his vote be recorded ns aye. fiepre scutntivo London, New York, social ist, was Hie only member nnswering present. A commit (eo amendment limiting the louuiiu; authority so ns to cease on (lie termination of tho war with Germany was adopted. Another amendment limitinr loans to tho al lies against Germany and declaring specifically Hint the foruign lonn is for national defenso purposes was adopted. May Need More Money. Representative Mann warned con gress the Vliited Stutea might bo culled on to spend vastly more money tlimi proposed today, nnd that the United Stales might havo to rnise great sums to finance the war on its own account, lie opposed nn amend ment by lieprescnlulive Slonn of Ne braska to strike out n section of tho bill Hint permits any series of bonds issued to be converted into bonds bearing higher interest if any should be bonds issued at higher interest by December HI, lit 1 8. The amendment was overwhelmingly rejected. An amendment was added to limit specifically distribution of the pro posed !f:),boi),000,()0l) foreign loan, which tho bill would authorize, to countries actually at war with Ger many and only diiriui; hostilities. ' Republicans KiiiHl't Hill. An amendment by Hepresenlativo Shccklcl'ord lo levy an additional in come tax witii a view to preventing any net income of over if,")0,IIOO annu ally to any person wns ruled out of order on object ion by Democratic Leader Kitehin, , A proposal by Representative Towner of Iowa to cliininalo tho pro posed 0(10, 01111, 1100 loan to allies was eiiiiiinatcd also. Speeches by Republican Leader Mann and Representative Rainey of Illinois, Kitzgernld of New York and Gardner of .Massachusetls, urging lull adoption of the broad features of Ihe iidininistrnlion's plan were ap plauded. Money being the only aid Hint this country can now g-ive tho allies, lieprescnlulive Mnnn declurcd, it should not he denied tllcnl. .Maim for Measure. "We arc not prepared," he said, "In place men in the field. Wo nro not prepared to do much with our navy, not because we have no navy, but bcciitise of luck of an opportun- (Continued on Pago Five) .MAIMtm, April 14. Foreign Min ister (lluicno announced the protest to Germany In regard to the sinking of the Spanish steamei San Vulgen cio wns sent to Ihe Spanish ambas sador In llerlln on Saturday. The gravl of the situation is emphasized by all I ho newspnpers. Tho semi official lilaro Universal says: "The moment is gravo for Spain, which no longer can abstract herself from the reverberations of the ovents transpiring (limit her," t. f le e- a i) d 8-t-