Idita >d Pioneer
' Dqu,ak Pei{ 'mqsth.' IPITAROP, ALASKA, SATURDAY MORNING, JUNE 12,1915._ Two Bits Per Copy
RETREATING RUSSIANS
BATTLING FIERCELY
—
LONDON. June 8.—The fiercest battle of the war as far as the Baltic
is concerned was the fighting for the mastery of the Busyzsa river, pos
session of which changed five times. At nightfall the river was choked
full with the bodies of thousands of dead.
Several German transports have been sunk by Russian submarines
in the Gulf of Riga in an attempt of the Germans to land a large party
in Courland, which was defeated. The Russians lost an auxiliary
cruiser during the engagement, and one bark and a steam trawler have
been sunk off the coast.
Violent cannonading has been heard near Gerthland, according to
dispatches from Stockholm. During the advance on the Rawka front,
when the Germans spread poisonous gases, every living tiring in the
valley suffered. The scenes were appalling.
The Russian Account
PETROGRAD, June 9.—A Russian submarine has sunk the German
steamship Hindenberg and attack the German fleet of ten ships in the
Baltic sea. A second-class German cruiser struck a mine in the Gulf of
Riga and was badly damaged. There has been a brief naval action in
ihe harbor of Riga.
Retiring Russians Inflict Heavy Losses
PETROGRAD, June 8.—The Russian forces in Galicia have been re
formed and are inflicting heavy losses on the Teutons east of Pryzmsyl.
The retiring Russians have been hastily strengthened, and have made a
stand before Lemberg. Germany s employment of asphyxiating gases
in bombs started fires on the Rawka front, and in this manner advan
tages were gained. From Przmysl the enemy continues the offensive
m all directions.
It is assumed that the probable intention of the retiring Russians is
to halt at the lakes of Grodek, south of Lemberg, and from a strong
position there oppose the further advance of the Austrians.
American officials have been permitted to visit the detention camp
in Siberia.
Captives Taken at Przymsl
BERLIN, June 7.—Seven thousand prisoners were captured when
Przymsl fell.
Believed German Advance Has Been Halted
LONDON, June 11.—Russian reinforcements have arrived in the
Baltic, and also in Galicia. The enemy is now on the defensive on
both fronts, and it is the genuine belief that the Russians have halted
the German advance.
Russian Victory on the Dneister
PETROGRAD, June i i .—Capturing many guns and seven thou
sand officers and men, the Russians have achieved a victory on the
Dneister.
AIRSHIP RAIDS ON ENGLISH AND BELGIAN CITIES
German Zeppelin Comes to Grief—Slight Casualties Inflicted by Bombs
Dropped on East Coast of England
LONDON, June 8.—A German Zeppelin was blown to pieces by air
men between Ghent and Brussels. A Zeppelin visited the east coast of
England again last night, and five persons were killed. Hostile airships
also dropped bombs on the east and southeast coasts on last Friday
night. Little damage was inflicted and the casualties were few.
BERLIN, June 5.—A Zeppelin reached Finchley, on the northern out
skirts of London, and sailed over the greater portion of the city. No
bombs wctc dropped.
AMSTERDAM, June 10.—Heavy damage has been inflicted by a
British air raid on Ghent.
LITTLE NEWS FROM WESTERN FRONT
Germans Said to Have Been Repulsed With Severe Losses, and French
Are Slowly Gaining Ground
AMSTERDAM, June 8.—The Germans have suffered severe losses
on the road from Memn to Ypres. The allies finally repulsed the attack.
LONDON, June 8.—The French are making slow but steady gains
north of Arras.
PARIS, June 8.—Sharp engagements have occurred on the western
front. The Germans are slowly retreating. Mr. Asquith, the British
premier, has concluded a visit to the British front.
BULGARIA AND RUMANIA STILL NEUTRAL
Demonstration in Favor of War at Bucharest—Bulgaria Resolves to
Avoid War—Allies’ Inducements Fail
BUCHAREST, June 9.—A huge popular demonstration in favor of j
Roumania entering the war in support of the allies was held here last
night.
SOFIA, June 7.—A communication issued by the Bulgarian govern
ment announces its resolution to adhere to strict neutrality.
VILLA WILLING TO LISTEN TO WILSON’S COUNSEL
Conflicting Statements as to Attitude Carranza Will Assume—Villa’s
Forces Said to Have Been Defeated
EL PASO, June 8.—General Villa has decided to ask General Car
range to agree to designate certain territory as neutral in order to hold
a conference to consider the suggestions made by President Wilson for
peace in Mexico. Villa wishes to avoid intervention.
VERA CRUZ, June 5.—A tone of serene and friendly approval will
pervade the reply of Carranza to President Wilson’s peace suggestion.
He will make an effort to occupy the capital and bring about better
conditions.
GALVESTON, June 10.—It is understood here that Carranza will
not confer with Villa or any other leaders in the effort to secure peace
in Mexico.
VERA CRUZ, June 7.—General Obregon announces the defeat of
Generals Angeles and Villa, and the capture of Leon and all Villa’s artil
Jery trains.
MEXICO CITY, June 6.—On account of the scarcity of feed, scores
of hoTses are dying of starvation.
SECRETARY OF STATE W. J.BRYAN
RETIRES FROM WILSON’S CABINET
WASHINGTON, June 8.—That Secretary of State William J. Bryan had resigned became known late
today, following stormy scenes preceding a session of the cabinet during which the President’s rejoinder to
Germany was discussed. Bryan disagreed with President Wilson and other members of the cabinet as to
the position which the United States should take. He insisted on moderation against the President’s firm
decision to reiterate that the United States expected its rights under international law to be respected.
« Wilson’s “Deep Sense of Personal Loss”
The resignation of Mr. Bryan was received at the White House at 6 o’clock. It came as a sensation
to official Washington late this evening when President Wilson announced that the resignation had been
accepted. He withheld comment.
Mr. Bryan arrived one hour late for the cabinet meeting, very visibly laboring under some strain.
The other cabinet members were unanimously with the President in support of the note to Germany.
It is stated that Counsellor Lansing, as acting secretary of state, will sign the forthcoming note to
Germany.
Late tonight President Wilson stated that he felt a deep personal loss in Bryan’s withdrawal from
the cabinet.
Honest Difference of Opinion
WASHINGTON, June 9.—Mr. Bryan will remain here for some time, according to report. His future
plans are not matured. Lansing is likely to be retained as secretary of state for several months. It is said
the President will make no immediate appointment to fill the vacancy.
Various statesmen speaking of the resignation claim that Bryan was in the right, and that the resigna
tion was simply the result of an honest, frank yet firm difference of opinion between the President and
the secretary of state. Many public men regarded it as unfortunate, coming at a critical period of the
country’s history.
Bryan Ready to Abide Result of His Actions
WASHINGTON, June 11. —William J. Bryan, in a statement to the public, asks the people to hear
him before passing sentence on his resignation. He states the belief that public men must act according
to their sincere convictions, and if wrong, be willin g to bear whatever punishment is decreed, from ostra
cism to execution.
Bryan for “Peace at Any Cost"
WASHINGTON, June 10.—William J. Bryan expects to make a lecture tour to win the people to his
policy or peace at any cost.
Cabinet Solidly With Wilson
The cabinet is solidly behind President Wilson in support of the note to Germany, which will be
printed tomorrow. The note emphasizes the doctrine of protection to Americans wherever they may go.
Creates Sensation in Germany
BERLIN, June 10.—The resignation of Secretary of State Bryan constitutes the biggest item of news
in German newspapers. The military operations for the time being occupy a secondary place. Divergent
views are expressed in interpretation of the significance of the event.
Discussion Discouraged in Germany
AMSTERDAM, June 10.—The German government has requested the press to refrain from present
discussion of Bryan’s resignation, which furnished the news sensation of the day, overshadowing the war
reports.
Lansing Appointed ad interim
WASHINGTON, June 9.—Lansing was formally appointed secretary of state ad interim today. Mr.
Bryan will return to private life. It has been rumored that Secretary of the Navy Daniels had also re
signed, but this is denied by Mr. Tumulty, the President’s secretary.
Franklin K. Lane Also Mentioned
WASHINGTON, June 10.—Secretary of the Interior Franklin k. Lane and Robert Lansing are men
tioned as possible appointees to the position of secretary of state made vacant by the resignation of Mr.
Bryan.
LIVES AND PROPERTY OP AMERICAN CITIZENS
PST BE SAFEGUARDED ON HIGH SEAS, SAYS WILSON
WASHINGTON, June 1 1.—The full text of Pre sident Wilson’s note to Germany is published today.
It vigorously renews his demand made in the previous note and a pointed paragraph says that whatever
contentions the imperial German government may put forth regarding the carnage of contraband on
board the Lusitania, they are irrelevant to the question of the legality of the methods used in sinking pas
senger vessels. Principles of humanity are involved when a passenger vessel is sunk without warning. The
contention of the United States is that something of much greater moment than mere rights and privi
leges of commerce are involved, and the rights of humanity are held to be of world concern.
Regarding the Lusitania, the principal fact to be considered was that the great steamer was primarily
and chiefly conveying passengers. President Wilson very earnestly and very solemnly renews his repre
sentations made in the former note of May 15, and relies upon the principles of humanity, universally rec
ognized, upon international law, and upon the ancient friendship of the German nation.
The gist of the note is that assurances must be given that measures will be adopted to hereafter
safeguard the lives of Americans on ships on the high seas. The alternative in case of refusal is not stated.
American Note Delivered
WASHINGTON, June 10.—The American note has been delivered'to the German government.
Berlin Newspapers Silent as to American Note
BERLIN, June 10.—The Berlin newspapers this morning make no reference to the American note,
the first section of which was cabled today; other sections arrived this evening. The note will be presented
to Foreign Minister Von Jago today.
Germany Denies Violation of Treaty and Makes Startling Claim
WASHINGTON, June 10.—Germany’s latest note deals with the sinking of the American ship Frye,
and makes the far-reaching claim that she has the ri ght to destroy American vessels carrying contraband,
while agreeing to pay damages for the act. In the note, which was received this morning, Germany asks
that the entire matter be taken into the prize court. Germany denies violation of the treaty of 1879.
Believe America Will Be Drawn Into War
LONDON, June 9.—The London press believes America ultimately will be drawn into the war.
Language Used Will Be Plain
WASHINGTON, June 7.—The note to Germany has been delayed on account of the desire of the
President to make its phraseology plain and explicit and its meaning unmasked. It will leave no room for
doubt or tor further argument
Cannot Consent to Sacrifice Rights Fought For
WASHINGTON, June 10.—The reply of the United States to Germany will be given out tonight for
publication in the morning newspapers. It is said to hold that the United States fought for her rights
in 1812, and now being a world power, cannot consent to sacrifice these rights.
Americans Warned to Leave
German cable reports are to the effect that Americans in Germany have been warned to leave.
While it is said there is no cause for alarm, the reply to Germany will leave no loophole for quibbling.
No mention is made regarding a possible break in th e relations between the two countries, but little is
left to the imagination.
Orders to Cavalry Canceled
DOUGLAS, Ariz., June 1 1.—The orders of the Ninth United States cavalry to sail for the Philip
pines in August have been canceled, and they will remain here.
ITALY’S HOSTS MEET
STHBBORN RESISTANCE
ROME, June 10.—The Italian forces have captured Monfalcone, an
important railway center. The king is visiting every front in the war
zone. A Milan dispatch says that a shell exploded within fifty yards
of his majesty, but that he was unharmed. He is living the life of the
ordinary soldier and fraternizing with the men.
Naval detachments have cut the cables unking the continent with the
islands on the Dalmatian coast. On the frontiers new positions have
been taken and held.
A battle is raging at Isonzo. The Italians have crossed the river in
order to strike a blow at Trieste.
COLOGNE, June I 1.—The Cologne Gazette states that the first con
siderable battle between Austria and Italy has been fought at Isonzo,
with results favorable to Austria.
VIENNA, June 9.—Four Italian battalions have been repulsed in a
bloody fight at Lupkow heights. The Austrians are still holding their
i positions at Truncon, despite the desperate attacks of the Italians.
Very little damage was inflicted in an airship raid over Venice yes
terday.
PARIS, June 10.—Three Austrian aeroplanes dropped bombs on
Kraguayevatz. The Austrians have abandoned Fort Possacchio, with
its strong fortifications, to the Italians.
BERNE, June 10.—The Italians aTe shelling Trieste from long range.
GENEVA, June 5.—A large part of Pola has been destroyed by air
ships.
VERONA, June 10.—It is reported that the Austrian government has
offered a reward of $500 for the capture of any Italian Alpine soldier
alive.
LONDON, June 1 1.—All attempts of the Italians to take the Pioken
pass have failed.
CONDITIONS AT THE DARDANELLES
Allies to Strike From Three Sides—Disease Raging—Allied Transport
Sunk, and French Mine-Layer Destroyed
LONDON, June 1 i.—The Russians and British are ready to strike
Constantinople from three strides. British airships have engaed in a
raid on Gallipoli harbor.
PARIS, June 8.—A French mine layer in the Egean sea has been
sunk by striking a mine.
COPENHAGEN, June 8.—The allied troops at Gallipoli have been
i attacked and sustained heavy losses.
ATHENS, June 9.—Smallpox has broken out in Constantinople, and
the hospitals are full. An epidemic of typhoid, caused by impure food
and contaminated water supply, is raging in Asia Minor.
CONSTANTINOPLE, June 9.—An allied transport has been sunk in
the Dardanelles. The fate of those on board has not been learned.
AMSTERDAM, June 1 1.-—Turkish advices state that the allies are
! exhausted at Gallipoli.
UNCONFIRMED PEACE RUMORS
Improbable Story From Holland—Pope Benedict Proposes Peace Con
gress—Jane Addams Active
AMSTERDAM, June 8.—Advices received here state that rumors
are current that Germany and Austria shortly will announce the condi
tions under which they will consider peace proposals. Emphasis is
given by Germany and her allies to the assertion that they are not en
gaged in a war of conquest, but merely seek security for their territory.
ROME, June 8.—It is stated that the Vatican intends to propose to
the warring nations that a peace congress be held, at which Pope Bene
dict himself would preside.
ROME, June 10.—Jane Addams, the noted American sociologist,
who has been visiting the various capitals of Europe to present the reso
lutions of the recent women’s peace congress at The Hague, left for
Belgium today. _
PROGRESS OF THE SUBMARINE WARFARE
Many Vessels Destroyed and Lives Lost—Another British Steamship
Takes Refuge Under American Flag
LONDON, June 5.—German submarines have been unusually active
during the past few' daj s m the North sea, and also in the Bristol chan
nel. Within the past forty-eight hours thirteen vessels have been sent
to the bottom by submarines, the largest one being the Liverpool
steamship Inkum, from New York. Attacks on vessels have been fre
quent, but there has been no loss of life except m the case of the
trawler Victoria, in which four members of the crew and one boy pas
senger fell victims to shells fired by a submarine.
LONDON, June 8.—The Belgian steamship Menapier has been sunk
by a German torpedo off the North Foreland. The captain and his wife
and daughter and thirteen men of the crew lost their lives.
BOSTON, June 10.—The British steamship Colonian arrived from
London today. Commander McDonald says he flew the American flag
for forty hours as a protection against submarines when passing
through the war zone.
LONDON, June 10.—Six British vessels—five trawlers and one col
lier—have been sunk by German submarines during the past twenty
four hours. Also two British torpedo boats have been torpedoed off
the east coast of England. Nearly all the members of both crews
were saved.
SKILLY, June 10.—The American tank steamship Gulflight, which
was torpedoed some weeks ago, and which has been the subject of
controversy between Germany and the United States, has been repaired
and has sailed from this port.
BERLIN, June 8.—The United States ambassador has requested in
formation regarding the torpedoing of the steamship Nebraskan.
COPENHAGEN, June 11.—Since the submarine war started Sweden
has lost six vessels, Norway fifteen torpedoed and twelve lost by mines,
and Denmark four torpedoed and ten lost by mines.
LONDON, June 1 1.—The British steamship Caronne has been tor
pedoed and sunk, and two trawlers have been sunk by Zeppelins in
the North sea.