DON’T START OVER THE TRAIL y • i If yik * THE PIONEER ON THE TRAIL
- ~ . (8 a^Bg ^F^k j^1^® st.-<*'y '"'fl Residents along the route of the Seward
Until you have made arrangements to have Eg ff « fl B Vj| IJf ft Jf if WF** P M P £ H fLJI «L~W M ^ Iditarod mail trail can have The Iditarod
The Iditarod Pioneer mailed to your ad- ■ fl fl fl 1 ^^3 8 1 I | 8 §1 I I 8 H i 1 ■ Wb H Pioneer delivered to them weekly doling
dress. It will be a welcome weekly visitor f| t* JB B I 3 8 rsLijr *1 J§L w. W M M wK M m. Jr JH. the life of ihe mail contract tor toe sum of
while you’re on the Outside or in any of - A A ^ '*£“w Send in your mum-. Y„u cannot
t-he mining communities in Alaska. Do it alrortl to be without it
cow. before it slips your mind. _ — -- — ■ ——. - - - - - — -— -- - ---■■- - —
~ 0NE D0LLAR PER M0NTH IDITAROD. ALASKA. SATURDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 16. 1916 2.'. CENTS PEP. COPY
ROUMANIANS RETREAT
DISCOURAGED AND BEATEN
BERLIN, Dec. 14.—The Teutonic forces in Rou
mania are approaching the town of Buzue, in the
fighting to the eastward. The Roumanians are still
retreating before Von Mackensen s forces, and a
division of eight thousand men has been captured.
The Roumanians are making but slight resistance,
and their defensive seems to be completely broken.
Heavy fighting is reported on the Macedonia
front.
Celebrate in Berlin
BERLIN, Dec. 8.—The fall of Bucharest is being
celebrated here. The papers regard it as 01 tilst
importance, and the Austrians believe that the fall
of the Roumanian capital will make for peace. The
Roumanians are disorganized and dispirited.
BERLIN, Dec. 15.—The Germans are making
progress against the Roumanians all along the line.
German Effort to Break French Line
PARIS, Dec. 15.—The Germans, forty thousand
strong, have attacked Lassegny from the point near
est Paris, in an effort to break the French line. The
French were not surprised, and met the assault stub
fcornlv, repulsing the attack.
---«-—
FRENCH AND BRITISH CABINET TROUBLES
FORM INTERESTING FEATURE OF SITUATION
LONDON, Dec. 13.—Premier Lloyd George is
suffering from an attack of influenza, and is unable
to leave his home. He has issued a statement saying
that his predominant ambition is to secure a trium
phant conclusion of the war. The premier has been
the subject of scathing attacks by the old house lead
ers, and there is a probability of a split in the Liberal
party.
The British government has placed a ban on the
private use of all copper, except for current con
tracts.
Riot in French Chamber
PARIS, Dec. 1 3.—Premier Briand has announced
the new French cabinet. Brizon, a Socialist deputy,
caused a riot in the French chamber yesterday when
he accused Frenchmen of giving Constantinople to
the Russians. He threw a glass of water on mem
bers who called him traitor, and the sitting of the
chamber was suspended.
-♦
GERMANY JUSTIFIES BELGIAN DEPORTATIONS
AND EXPLAINS TORPEDOING OF ARABIA
BERLIN, Dec. 14.—The reply of the German gov
ernment to the protest of the United States against
the deportation of Belgians says that unemployment
and economic conditions in Belgium make forcible
deportation necessary. The reply is a general jus
tification of the German policy.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8.—In the report on the
Arabia case Germany admits the sinking of that ves
sel but says that the submarine commander thought
the Arabia was being used as an auxiliary warship.
Protest Submitted
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9.—The American protest
against German deportation of Belgian laborers has
been laid before the German chancellor. The stale
department states that an interview has taken place
but issues only brief comment.
-+
MULTITUDE OF TROUBLES ASSAIL GREECE
BERLIN, Dec. 14 (via Sayville).—A report re
ceived here says that the French and Greeks are
fighting north of Okaturina, sixty miles southwest
of Salonika.
LONDON, Dec. 13.—Advices received by way of
Copenhagen say that King Constantine of Greece
has ordered a general mobilization of troops. The
latest reports to Paris say that Crete has demanded
the dethronement of the king.
-4,
SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN FRENCH COMMAND
PARIS, Dec. 14.—General Nevelle has been ap
pointed commander in chief on the western front
and General Sarrail commander in chief in Mace
donia, both independent of General Joffre, by de
cree of President Poincaire.
-«
GRAND JURIES THROUGHOUT COUNTRY
TO TAKE HAND IN PROBING COST OF LIVING
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9.—Federal grand juries in
all parts of the country will be called to probe the
high cost of living, as the result of a conference held
today between President Wilson and Attorney Gen
eral Gregory. The interstate commerce commission
is considering a mass of information with reference
to the car shortage, which is a big factor in the in
crease in prices.
Seattle Falls in Line
SEATTLE, Dec. 13.—Federal Judge Neterer to
rand jury to probe food prices.
GERMANY MAKES PEACE SUGGESTION
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13.—An identical note to
the United States, Sweden and Switzerland has been
sent by the German government, suggesting peace.
Chancellor Von Bethmann Hollweg communicated
the contents of the note to the reichstag. No terms
are proposed, and advices from London say that
Great Britain does not take the note seriously. A
guarantee of demobilization will be necessary to in
sure peace, it is said.
In Washington, however, the German note is
interpreted as opening a way for President Wilson
to offer his services as mediator.
NOT IN COMPROMISING MOOD
LONDON, Dec. 1 5.—Bonar Law, the Conservative
leader in the house of commons, replying to the Ger
man note in the house today, repeated former Pre
mier Asquith’s declaration, that adequate repara
tion for the past and adequate security for the future
must still be Great Britain’s policy.
Advices from Petrograd are to the effect that the
Russian attitude is unsympathetic, and Tokio reports
that Japan is unresponsive.
PRESIDENT TAKES HOPEFUL VIEW
WASHINGTON, Dec. 14.—President Wilson is
said to believe that the German peace proposal may
lead to the formation of an international league to
enforce permanent peace. He has made no deci
sion as yet as to the course he will pursue. The offi
ciai cablegram from Berlin has not yet been receivec
at Washington. The President today conferrec
with his friend, Colonel House.
FRENCH PREMIER SUSPICIOUS
PARIS, Dec. 14.—-Premier Briand, in an address
to the French chamber of deputies today, discussec
the German peace proposal. He warned France tc
be on the lookout for her enemies.
DESIGNATED A POLITICAL MOVE
LONDON, Dec. 14.—The German peace proposal
is generally condemned here as a political move
Premier Lloyd George will address the house ol
commons next Tuesday on the German chancellor’s
statement to the reichstag.
GERMANY'S ALLY TROUBLED
AMSTERDAM, Dec. 14.—A report has been re
ceived here to the effect that the Austrian cabine1
has resigned because of the peace talk.
MORAL RIGHT TO PROPOSE PEACE
ST. LOUIS, Dec. 1 5.—Senator Stone of M-ssouri
who is chairman of the senate foreign relations com
mittee, in a speech before the League to Enforce
Peace today, upheld the moral right of the American
government to propose peace.
HUGE SHIPMENT OF BULLION
IN CHARGE OF BOB GRIFFIS
LEFT SUNDAY FOR COAST
In charge of the veteran musher, B ib
j Griffis, the gold train, consisting of four
dog teams, each puiling upward of (iOO
1 pounds, left early last Sunday morning for
I Seward, whence the precious freight will
lie shipped to Seattle. Those accompanying
i Mr. Griffis were: W. C. Mitchell, Siegfrid
Wiig and Harry YVhittemore.
The shipment includes the output of the
camp since the close of navigation, and
while no figures are given out by the local
express office, it is probable that its value
exceeds a half million dollars, and that it
is one of the largest, if not the largest, ship
ments of bullion ever sent out from this
listrict over the trail.
Mr. Griffis has been in charge of these
•nnuid trail shipments of bullion for the
1 oast several years. Last year he had three
earns in his charge, and the previous year
but two. The fact that there were in the
closing days of the mining season three
dredges taking out gold in this district, in
addition to the open cut workings, is ac
countable for the heavy shipment.
While this is an exceedingly expensive
nethod of shipping bullion, it is pointed out
hat it is for more expensive to allow the
gold to remain in the bank vaults until
erring. The interest on this large sum
would be considerable in itself, and would
pay for the shipment several times over.
--♦
MILLION DOLLARS SAVED
ON WARSHIP’S CONSTRUCTION
NEW YORK. Nov. 18. When *h»
rivet was driven into the supcr-dreadnaught
Arizona recently her New i ork na>y .uu
builders established a new record in con
struction and cost, and in those two ac
complishments the navy department con
siders that it hes triumphantly vindicated
its action in turning over the construction
of this vessel to its own workmen.
When, by order of Secretary Daniels, die
naval constructors detailed to the New
York yard were directed to furnish esti
mates of the cost of building the Arizona
there instead of at a private yard, the com
paratively low estimate that was given
brought bureau chiefs hurrying from Wash
ington. They doubted if the giant vessel
could be built at the cost estimated, but
the constructors insisted it could, and after
the estimates had been gone over many
times the secretary authorized the begin"
ning of work.
Now the vessel has not only been com
pleted on schedule time to the day, but a
saving of about §1,000,000 has been made.
The hull, built under the direct supervi
sion of Naval Constructor J. E. Bailey, rep
resents a saving of nearly three-quarters of
h million dollars below the originally esti
mated cost; the machinery, built under the
supervision of Lieutenant Commanders Earl
P. Jessop and S. R. H. Doyle, represents
another saving of nearly half a million, but
| out of this must subsequently be subtracted
§185,000 if a Parsons gear proves satisfac
tory to the government and is accepted.
The Arizona and the Pennsylvania, her
sister ship, have the distinction of being the
most powerful superdreadnaughts under the
flag.
MAIL ARRIVED WEDNESDAY
The mail arrived about noon on Wednes
day last, in charge of Henry Martella, the
regular carrier. Henry says that during the
recent severe cold spell the herses used on
the Kuskokwim runs had to be laid up and
dogs took their places. In spite .of the cold
there was little delay, and it is likely that
the carriers will soon catch up with the
old schedule.
-♦
TO TRADE WITH NATIVES
Mrs. L. C. Thornton, Iditarod’s hustling
business woman, left last Thursday for an
; extended tour of the Kuskokwim country.
She is taking a large supply of goods for
the purpose of trading with the natives.
Bill Fchermeier of the Halfway r ladboucc
is acting as dog musher.
GOLD OUTPUT OF DISTRICT
SHOWS A SLIGHT DECREASE
COMPARED WITH LAST YEAR
Geld shipments from Iditarod for the min
ing season of 1916 aggregated $2,056,171.09
[ according to figures compiled from state'
| merits from reliable sources. Of this amount
1 $125,000 was from adjacent districts, in
! eluding the Innoko, Tolstoi and Marshall
S City, The latter camp contributed $80,000
| 'o the total.
| Compared with last year’s total output,
i he 1916 season shows a falling off of
.153.828.91. the figures for the 1915 output
I being S2.210.000.
j The falling off in the output was not un
expected, several reasons contributing to
it. Open cut operations on Otter creek pro
I "uced little this year, whereas in former
! easons they were a big factor. The instal
. laticn of a new dredge on a tributary to
! ‘hat stream was not completed until late
i n the season, and its operations were lim
bed. Other concerns on Otter were en
I aged in extensive preparatory work for
next season’s operations. But the Otter
j hedge apparently had a good season, and
j as idle only when making changes in ma
| hinery.
! On I lat creek the big dredge of the Yu
] ken Gold Company put in a busy season,
and is reported to have handed more dirt
this year than in any season since it com
menced operations. In the closing days of
the season it was said to be in exceptionally
rich ground.
The operstiens at the head of Flat ercek,
on Happy and Chicken creeks, and aim on
Willow, contributed greatly to the output,
and it is likely they will continue to do so
for years to come.
With increased facilities, next season’s
output of the Iditarod district should show
a materitl increase over that for 1916.
ANOTHER PARTY ARRIVES
FROM KUSKOKWIM POINTS
The mild weather and failly good trail?
are causing a great deal of travel at the
present time, and the trail from the Kus
kokwim is being well patronized. Yester
day another party arrived from that sec
tion, consisting of E. W. Parks, Henry
Jung, Fred Bishop and Joe Young.
Mr. Parks is the owner and operator of
the famous Parks quicksilver mine, on the
Kuskokwim. He has been engaged lately
in getting in a season’s supply of wood,
and took advantage of the interim between
the accomplishment of that task and the
strrting of work on a new tunnel on his
property to make a business trip to Iditarod.
Mr. Bishop is the trader at Sleitmute,
and Mr. Y'oung comes from Georgetown.
Mr. Jung also is from Sleitmute.
NEW EIGHT-HOUR LAW
IS ONLY THE BEGINNING
WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 -Senator Sim
mons of North Carolina, member of the
finance committee, said recently that the
eight-hour law is only the beginning of
comprehensive railroad legislation affecting
the roads, the employes and the public.
“We did what was necessary to be done,”
'•said he. “An emergency was upon us. The
strike was averted. Of course, no one re
sponsible for the legislation thought or in
tended it should be the end of legislation
upon this subject. It was only the be
ginning.
“Personally, I have very decided views
upon this subject. Years ago the govern
ment assumed the right to control and reg
ulate the railroads in the exercise of their
constitutional functions under the interstate
commerce clause of the constitution. I have
always thought that in the near future con
trol would have to be largely extended in
frder to secure permanent peace and jus
tice to all concerned. In this view I know
many thoughtful men in the senate and in
the executive branch of the government
concur.”
-•
A Washington dispatch of November 13
says that the case of Diggs and Caminetti,
who were convicted under the Mann act in
San Francisco, is now under consideration
by the United States supreme court, and
the decision is expected soon.
PRIZES AND THEIR DONORS
FOR PiONEERS’ MASK BALL
NEW YEAR’S NIGHT, 1017
Igloo No. 10, Pioneers of Alaska, met last
Wednesday night in A. B. hall, this city,
and transacted important business that had
been pending for some time. Nomination
of officers for the coming year were made.
The next regular meeting will be Wednes
day night. December 20, at A. B. hall,
| Iditarod. This meeting, on the third
Wednesday of the month, ordinarily would
j ie held in Flat, but owing to the fact that
j elec tit. n of officers takes place on that night,
j it will be held in Iditarod.
| After the regular business had been dis
! losed of at last Wednesday's meeting Will
| am Schirmeier of the Halfway roadhouse
i was initiated into the igloo. William was
! oven the time of his life, triiine trumped-up
charges were preferred against him, which
he candidate hotly denied and it is said
hat he made a most eloquent defense,
j The meeting wound up with a Dutch
| lunch, and story-telling was in order until
I he wee sma’ hours of the morning.
The entertainment committee reported
i hat everything was going along smoothly
j a relation to the big mask ball on New
| ear’s night. The merchants of Flat and
j Iditarod have donated generously in the
vay of prizes, which are both expensive and
serviceable. Frank Keenan, who has
harge of the cuisine on that night, is busy
formulating a menu that would please even
the pampered palate of a Bourbon king.
J. W. Farrell is preparing a treat in the
wsy of entertainment. He has secured the
cervices of William Ansley, Jr., who is an
artist of merit in burnt cork work, and also
hopes to get some musical talent inter
ested.
The following is a list of the prizes and
their donors:
Best-costumed Lady— Cut glass fruit dish.
A1 Currie.
Best-costumed uentieman—r;ur nor
-heim shoes. A. J. Weiss.
Best-sustained Character, -lady Cut
glass vase. Christy Anthonison.
Best-sustained Character, Gentleman—
ITSwift’s Premium ham and bacon. Sam'l
Applebaum.
Most Original Character, Lady—Hand
painted cake plate. Tom McMahon.
Most Original Character, Gentleman—
Auto-alarm clock. C. R. Peck.
Best Novelty, Lady—Cut glass sugar and
creamer. Frank Stanley.
Best Novelty, Gentleman— Meerschaum
pipe. Finnegan & Cameron.
Most Unique Costume, Lady—Hand
painted bon-bon dish. Mrs. Young.
Most Unique Costume, Gentleman
Leather collar box. William Ansley.
Best Group (two or more)—Two dozen
Budweiser beer. Northern Commercial
Company.
Second Prize for Group—Two bottles of
wine. Budweiser saloon.
Best Novelty (by two or more ladies) —
Two bottles imported claret. Manuel Gu
larte.
Special feature prizes:
Cut glass bowl. Mrs. L. C. Thornton.
Cut glass cruets. Enquist & McDonald.
Fancy chinchilla vest. H. Boas.
Bottle perfume. Dr. Moore.
Cut glass dish. John Bagoy.
Hand-painted cake plate. Jerry Wynne.
---*
PIONEERS’ MEETING
There will be a regular meeting of Igloo
No. 10, Pioneers of Alaska, at A. B. hall,
Iditarod, next Wednesday night, December
20, and all members are urgently requested
to attend. Election of officers for the en
suing year will be held.
-» —- ■ -—
CALENDARS GOING FAST
The supply of beautiful calendars for 1917
which The Iditarod Pioneer received just
before the close of navigation are "going
like hot cakes” at the Hotel de Gink, but
there ere several of the most attractive and
exclusive designs still to be had. Don’t
tarry too long about it, Mr. Businessman,
or you’ll be too late, and then you’ll be
very sorry that you let the splendid oppor
•unity slip by Call at the office of The
> Pioneer and see the display.
WILSON’S OLD CABINET
REQUESTED TO REMAIN
WASHINGTON, Dec. ! 3.—Vance McCormick,
j chairman of the Democratic national committee,
[ may succeed Baker as secretary of war, according
to a definite announcement made here, which says
; that the entire Wilson cabinet will Le asked to re
; main, with the possible exception of Attorney Gen
] era! Gregory. Baker may succeed Gregory as at
j torney general. It is stated that Secretary of the
j Treasury McAdoo, Postmaster General Burleson,
; Secretary of State Lansing, Secretary of the Navy .
| Daniels and Secretary of Labor Wilson will remain
in the cabinet. Secretary of Agriculture Houston
and Secretary of Commerce Redfieid may retire.
i ALASKA’S FRIEND IN PRESIDENT’S CABINET
SUGGESTS HOME RULE FOR TERRITORY
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8.—Secretary of the In
: terior Lane, in his report just submitted to congress,
urges protection of Alaska’s fish resources from
threatened depletion, and also again urges the aaop
| tion of his “development board” bill, which would
abolish the numerous bureaus having control of
Alaska affairs and provide a larger measure of
home rule for the territory.
Fisheries Bill Net Likely to Pass
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13.—The Alaska fisher.es
: bill is not likely to be acted on at the present session
of congress because of delay and the shortness of
the session. It has been practically killed for the
present, according to indications.
Prohibition and Woman Suffrage
Much bitterness has been m evidence in the de
bate in the lower house upon the majority report
of the judiciary committee, which recommends the
submission of the prohibition amendment to the
. states. The house may adopt the report at this
session, but action by the senate is doubtful. The
Anthony suffrage amendment has been reported to
the house by the committee on resolutions.
■SHINGTON, Dec. 13.—It is announced that
President Wilson will again veto the immigration
bill on account of the literacy test.
A call lias been issued lui a caucus of the D erne
cratic members of congress to map out a legislative
program for the remainder of the present session.
VILLA BOASTS OF COLUMBUS OUTRAGE
AND DECRIES PRESIDENT WILSON’S ACTION
NEW YORK, Dec. 13.—The World yesterday
printed an interview with the Mexican bandit chief.
Villa, in which he boasted of his Columbus raid and
declared it was accomplished with only three hun
dred men. He was very bitter in denouncing Presi
dent Wilson’s recognition of Carranza.
Murder and Pillage at Chihuahua
LOS ANGELES, Dec. I 3.—A letter has been re
ceived here from the wife of an American store
keeper at Chihuahua in which she says that their
store was confiscated by the bandits during their re
cent occupation of the city, and that scores of Mexi
cans and Chinese were slaughtered. She says that
Villa secured one million pesos in loot.
EL PASO, Dec. 8.—Villa’s bandits have murdered
three persons and destroyed several homes near Par
ral. Residences in Chihuahua City were looted.
May Make Changes in Protocol
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13.—The protocol drawn
j up by the joint commission on the Mexican question
will be considered by Carranza. It is likely that he
will suggest changes.
DEATH OF ATTORNEY JOHN A. CARSON,
FORMER PROMINENT FIGURE IN NORTH
SALEM, Ore., Dec. 8.—John A. Carson, attorney
j from 1905 to 1910 for the Alaska interests of the
| Havemeyers and Guggenheims, and who figured
| prominently in the Controller bay controversy, and
j also took an active part in the Ballinger-Pinchot
quarrel, died suddenly here today. Mr. Carson was a
i cousin of Sir Edward Carson, the Irish Unionist
statesman.
TO STIMULATE ALASKA TOURIST TRAFFIC
SEATTLE, Dec. 8.—The Northwestern Tourist
Association met today at the Arctic Club to formu
late plans for a combined campaign of Washington,
Oregon and British Columbia publicity, on a scale
which will mean millions of dollars for Alaska and
the Northwest.
-♦
GERMAN RAIDER ESCAPES BRITISH PATROL
HALIFAX, Dec. 9.—A German raider has passed
the British patrol off the Scotch coast and is now
somewhere in the Atlantic. Vessels of the entente
nations have been warned of the German’s presence.
The identity of the vessel has not teen learned.
PARIS, Dec. 9.—The battleship Suffren has been
finally reported lost in a German undersea attack.