“ IDITAROD ALASKA SATURDAY MORNING, MARCH 24, 1917 25 cento per copy
ONE DOLLAR PER MONTH _ ILOlrtTVUU, __ ... . ■ .—
EXTRAORDINARY SESSION
OF CONFESS IS CALLED
WASHINGTON, March 21.- President Wilson, recognizing that
the German policy is to make war upon the United States on the
seas, today called congress to assemble in extraordinary session on
April 2 to deal with the situation. The purpose of the session, as
announced in the President’s proclamation, is to receive a com
munication on “grave questions of national policy. The Presi
dent in his address to congress will detail how the Germans have
made war on the United States by their ruthless destruction of
American lives and ships on the high seas, in contravention of all
laws of nations and humanity. Congress is then expected to pass
a resolution declaring that a state of war has existed between the
United States and Germany for some time.
On Monday last it was unofficially admitted that a virtual
state of war existed between the United States and Germany, and
the President was said to be considering several new courses open
M him. The sinking of American vessels Sunday by the Ger
mans was responsible for his proclamation convening congress m
extraordinary session. Secretary Lansing today told newspaper
reporters that the situation was too serious for discussion.
THREE AMERICAN SHIPS SUNK
LONDON, March 19. The sinking of the American steamships
City of Memphis, Illinois and Vigilancia is announced as having
taken place yesterday. Fourteen persons from the Vigilancia are
missing, and some from the City of Memphis also. The crew of
the Illinois were landed. The Memphis was in ballast from Cardiff
for New York. She was sunk by gun tire.
PROPOSED MEDIATION A GERMAN INTRIGUE
WASHINGTON, March 22.—An offer of mediation to prevent
actual warfare between the United States and Germany is ex
pected by the administration, which learned today that a European
neutral nation was contemplating such a move. It was frankly
branded as another effort, backed by Germany, to divide sentiment
in congress in order to embarrass the President.
EXPECT GERMANY TO DECLARE WAR
WASHINGTON, March 22.—The ports of the United States
probably will be opened to warships of the entente navies. Dis
patches from abroad declaring that the German government is ex
acted to declare a state cf war to exist within the next 4S hour.*
have placed an ominous aspect on the situation, as it is taken to
mean that Germany will cieclare war on the United States. Presi
dent Wilson does not favor an actual declaration of war by -he
United States, but merely recognition of the fact that a state of
war exist*.
PREPARATIONS FOR WAR
WASHINGTON, March 20.—Secretary Daniels has ordered
the New York navy yard to complete sixty submarine chasers
within sixty days, and not to exceed eighty days. With the Presi
dent's approval the secretary has also ordered the graduation of
the first and second classes at the Annapolis naval academy. The
first class will go out March 29 to relieve 172 junior officers and
to fill existing vacancies. The second class will be called out on
September 15, furnishing 202 more officers more than a full year
before they would, be available otherwise.
TO CO-OPERATE IN CLEARING SEAS
WASHINGTON, March 20.—The United States, Great Britain
and France will join in guarding the transatlantic lanes against
U-boats if the present government plans materialize. The admin
istration is expected to begin work today on formal negotiations
with those nations.
TO EXTEND INSURANCE FEATURE
WASHLNGTON, March 21.—The government war risk insur
ance bureau, which heretofore has insured only non-contraband,
announced today that it would “broaden the scope of its opera
tions.” Hereafter it will insure practically all forms of contraband
for European countries except arms and munitions.
AMERICAN SHIP TORPEDOED
AMSTERDAM, March 23.—The American steamship Healdton
has been torpedoed and sunk. Three boats were launched. One,
containing eight men. one of whom was badly wounded, was
brought to Terschelling by a torpedo boat. One man died on the
way. Nothing is known of the other boats. It is believed four
teen men were killed by the explosion. Of thirteen Americans on
the Healdton, but six have been accounted for.
Arrerican Consul Reports
WASHINGTON, March 23.—American Consul Mahin, at Am
sterdam, cables to the state department that the Healdton was
sunk by a submarine off Terschelling, Holland. She was torpedoed
without warning and twenty of the crew were drowmed.
Was Standard Oil Vessel
PHILADELPHIA, March 23.—The Healdton was owned by
the Standard Oil Comp any. She sailed from Chester on January
26 with a cargo of refined petroleum for Rotterdam. She was in
command of Captain Christopher, and carried a crew of thirty
eight.
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COUSIN OF KAISER BELIEVED TO BE LOST
BERLIN, March 22.—An aeroplane piloted by Prince Fredench
Karl of Prussia, cousin of the kaiser, has not returned from a
raid over the allied lines. The war office stated today that ihe
fate of the prince is unknown.
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GERMAN FIGURES ON DESTROYED TONNAGE
BERLIN, March 21.—A French battleship of the Danton class
has been sunk by a German submarine in the Mediterranean. Mer
chant ships of a total tonnage of 781,500 were destroyed during
February, the admiralty announced yesterday.
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PUNISHMENT FOR CROOKED BANK OFFICIAL
SEATTLE, March 23.—W. L. Collier, president of the North
ern Bank & Trust Company of this city, which closed its doors
owing its depositors more than a million and a half dollars, con
fessed to the prosecuting attorney that he had embezzled $30,000.
He was then allowed to plead guilty to making false entries, and
was sentenced by Judge Smith to from one to ten years’ imprison
ment in the penitentiary at Walla Walla.
—:-*
MYSTERIOUS ASSAULT ON BRITISH AGENT
SEATTLE, March 23.—Rendered insensible ten days ago by a
mysterious assault at the Frye hotel, where he was a guest, Sidney
W. Stevenson, a British secret service agent and munitions buyer,
regained consciousness last night at the Minor hospital. He carried
$30,000 in cash and travelers’ checks.
——-“♦-—
GERMAN EMBASSY IMPLICATED IN BOMB PLOTS
NEW YORK, March 23.—At the trial of Captain Charles Von
Kliest, a chemist accused of being engaged in making bombs; Karl
Schmidt, former chief engineer of the steamship Friederich der
Grosse; Becker, an electrician, and others, testimony was given to
chow that money for establishing a bomb factory in Hoboken was
furnished direct from officials of the German embassy in Wash
ington.
♦oooooooooooooooo*
A HISTORIC EVENT
o o
O LONDON, March 21. The British O
O imperial conference was inaugurated O
O today, and for the first time colonial O
O statesmen have sat with members Q
O of the government in the council O
O room at the premier's official resi- O
O deuce. ^
O O
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EX-SENATOR ELIHU ROOT
DENOUNCES GERMAN ACTS
NEW YORK, March 23. Ex-Senator
Elihu Root, addressing a great mass meet
ing which was called to urge immediate ac
tion against Germany, charged that the
Teutons were defying civilization and the
teachings of religion. They had set about
with fire and sword to subjugate the inhab
itants of other lands, he said.
CONGRESSMEN WILL NOT COME
WASHINGTON, March 21. The legisla
tion authorizing a delegation of congressmen
to visit Alaska during the coming summer
having failed in the last congress because of
the filibuster, the plan will be abandoned
unless action should be taken at the extra
session.
BRITISH VESSEL SUNK
ST. JOHN, N. B„ March 21—The sink
ing of the British steamship Bray Head by
a submarine is announced by cable from
Belfast. Captain Hoy and seventeen mem
bers of the crew are missing.
TERRITORIAL LEGISLATURE
RECEIVES SOME ADVICE
FROM GOVERNOR STRONG
JUNEAU, March 23.- The biennial mes
sage of the governor of Alaska was delivered
to the legislature last week. It stated that
the growing needs of the schools demanded
$35,000 extra annually for the next two
years, making the total needs from the ter
ritorial treasury for the biennial term
$140,000. The governor recommended that
schools be authorized wherever there are
ten pupils. He also recommended raising
the funds apportioned to each school from
$1,000 to $1,500.
Revision of the election laws and the en
actment of an eight-hour law in accordance
with the plebiscite of last fall were also
urged. He desired that strong memorials
be presented to congress in regard to the
preservation of the fisheries and the care of
Alaska insane. Alaska finances were sound,
he said, and expenditures have been kept
well within the bounds of appropriations.
The balance in the treasury on January 1
was $217,000.
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FOR AMERICAN INTERVENTION
SANTIAGO, Cuba, March 21.—Liberals
formerly high in government ranks have
begun a persistent propaganda in favor of
American intervention.
--♦-—
CANDIDATES FOR GOVERNOR
MAKE THEIR APPEARANCE
WASHINGTON, March 19.—Candidates
for governor of Alaska are multiplying.
Charles F. Whittlesey spent some days here
developing strength for his claim to the ap
pointment, and Charles E. Sulzer has been
prominently spoken of in connection with
the office. Judge Jennings of Juneau and
Judge Bunnell of Fairbanks are reported to
be strong candidates, and John W. Troy has
considerable backing for the position. The
President is reported to be in no hurry to
make the appointment.
--«-—
Mike Lucey and Denny Callahan left Flat
for Tolstoi last Wednesday. _'
SULZER IS WINNER
BY COURT S ORDER
Judge Jennings Issues Writ of Man
date Directing That Certificate
Be Issued to Democrat
JUNEAU, March 23.—Judge Jennings of
the district court this afternoon entered a
default order in th? delegateship mandamus
proceedings. An hour later he issued a per
emptory writ of mandate commanding the
territorial canvassing board to issue a cer
tificate of election to Charles A. Sulzer as
delegate to congress, which was served upon
every member of the board.
A protest has been filed by Valentine in
behalf of Wickersham, which is generally
regarded as„ frivolous and made solely to
prevent Judge Jennings’ strong opinion from
being the last word. The defects alleged
by Valentine would apply to all precincts
in the Second division which failed to regis
ter the voters.
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ALASKA ROADS AND TRAILS
MAY BE UNDER SUPERVISION
OF SECRETARY OF INTERIOR
WASHINGTON, March 19.—Secretary of
War Baker is considering a proposition to
transfer the supervision and management
of roads and trail construction in Alaska to
the department of the interior. He is said
to be inclined to recommend the transfer
either by executive order or by congres
sional action. It is probable that a decision
will be made by the time congress convenes.
-4
ADAMSON EIGHT-HOUR LAW
DECLARED CONSTITUTIONAL
WASHINGTON, March 19.—The United
States supreme court today rendered a de
cision declaring the Adamson eight-hour
law for railroad men constitutional.
Patriotic Railroad Managers
NEW YORK. March 19—The threatened
general railroad strike has been averted.
The railroad managers have, owing to the
national crisis, and especially in view of the
sinking of American ships on Sunday last,
authorized the President's mediators to
make whatever arrangements are necessary.
The men will get virtually everything they
asked for. Under an agreement entered into
later the men are to receive the present pay
for ten hours for only eight hours’ work.
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GILL TRIAL DRAGS ON
SEATTLE, March 17— In the trial of
Mayor Gill anti others for conspiracy today
Sergeant Putnam was recalled to the stand
and testified that Chief Beekingham told
him to “lay off” Ayers’ warehouse.
Evidence was introduced proving that Bil
lingsley had been arrested twenty times pre
vious to the date of the alleged bribe given f
to Gill, but was not arrested once subse- |
quently. The sergeant in charge of the
“dry” squad testified that he notified Gill
that Billingsley was operating extensively, !
but was not instructed to arrest him.
---o
DOUBT HONOR OF GERMANS
- i
PHILADELPHIA, March 18.—Govern
ment officials have been ordered to search
the interned German vessels for munitions
suspected to have been smuggled aboard.
The vessel’s commanders threaten to throw
the investigators overboard. If munitions
are found they will be confiscated, and seri
ous complications will probably ensue. The ;
German steamship officials hitherto have j
been on honor not to load munitions. ^
'>00000000000000004
l WHAT MR. HUGHES SAYS *■
t> NEW YORK, March 21.—Charles O
E. Hughes, late Republican candi- O
O date for the presidency, declared in O
O an interview here today that the O
O German method of attack on the O
O United States is “an onslaught on O
O liberty and civilization itself.’’ O
<0 O
♦00000000000000004
GERMAN SAILORS DROWNED
IN AN ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE
PHILADELPHIA, March 20.—Sailors
from the interned German steamships Prinz
Eitel Freiderich and Kronprinz Wilhelm, at
the navy yard, attempted to escape last
night. All save four were recaptured.
It appears certain that Lieutenant Chorts
and Machinist’s Mate Herman Schroder were
drowned during the attempt to escape.
NEGRO RUNS AMOK
VANCOUVER, B. C.t March 21. The
chief of police was killed today by Robert
Tait, a negro dope fiend whom he had tried
to arrest. Tait, who resisted arrest, was
slain by the police after a long battle, after
killing George Rolph, a 9-year-old boy, and
wounding Detective Cameron.
CHINA TAltf-S A HAND
PEKIN. March 19. -Indications are that
China is preparing to take part in the war
on the side of the entente allies. Chinese
troops have occupied the German conces
sions at Tientsin and Hankow.
--4
AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT
RECOMMENDS UTILIZATION
OF FORESTS OF ALASKA
WASHINGTON, March 29— Secretary of
Agriculture Houston has issued a statement
virtually recommending that the United
States government establish a news print
paper plant in Alaska, utilizing some seventy
billion feet of 6pruce and hemlock timber
in the national forests of that territory.
He estimated that a mill with a capacity j
of one hundred tons of news print paper per !
day can be built in Alaska at a cost of
$2,509,999. He says that experts of the
forest service report that it is entirely prac
ticable to manufacture news print paper in
Alaska and deliver it in New York, through
the Panama canal, at a cost of $35 per ton
er less.
The secretary expresses the belief that
Alaska’s value to the United States as a
source of paper supply will be found to ex
ceed the value of any of her other resources,
including coal, minerals or fisheries.
_A.
RUBY DERBY CAPTURED
BY NATIVE CONTESTANT
RUBY, March 22.—The Ruby Derby,
run last Saturday, was won by George
Jimmy, a native, in 5 hours 23 minutes 34
seconds; Alex Brown was second, his time j
being 5 hours 23 minutes 39 seconds;; Walt
Coyne took third place in 5 hours 28 min
utes 50 seconds. Jimmy shoved the nose of
his sled across the line, but in spite of a vig
orous protest he was awarded the decision.
The route was to Long and return, a dis- j
tance of fifty-eight miles. The track was j
heavy, and glaciers caused trouble to the
contestants. A consolation race has been
arranged for the first week in April for a
purse of $300.
-»
PRINCE RUPERT ASHORE
SEATTLE, March 23.—The steamship
Prince Rupert went ashore this morning on
Glenn island, near Prince Rupert. The pas
sengers were all taken off and removed '.o
Prince Rupert.
STM WINS
IN RECORD TIME
St. Patrick’s Day Dog-Team Race
Provided Excellent Sport for
Holiday-Makers
The St. Patrick’s day dog-team race, un
der the auspices of the local igloo of Pio
neers, not only provided excellent sport for
the holiday crowds, but furnished an exhi
bition of driving probably seldom excelled
in the North. It was a case of intelligent
and experienced driving winning a race with
a team that was generally admitted to be
of rather inferior caliber. The race was
won handily by Sture Stenberg, with a team
bf six dogs, in the remarkably fast time
of 1 hour 41 minutes and 45 seconds, beat
ing all previous records for the course by
2 minutes and 35 seconds. Garrison Costar,
with his five bird dogs, finished strong in
the excellent time of 1 hour and 50 minutes,
and Cyril Wood, with Ira Wood’s five hus
kies, finished third, in 1 hour and 58 min
utes.
The Start
The race was run over the regular course
from Iditarod to Flat, thence to Discovery,
Otter, returning over the same route to
Flat and Iditarod, a distance of approxi
mately twenty-two miies.
The teams started ten minutes apart, Gar
rison Costar leading off at 2 p. m. He was
followed ten minutes later by Sture Sten
berg, and at 2:20 Cyril Wood got away.
Costar got away to a good start, and it was
therefore somewhat of a disappointment
when his time to the Summit was recorded
as 26 minutes. It was evident that in order
to win he must show more speed, and this
[ opinion was confirmed when Stenberg was
reported at the same point in 24:15. Wood
lost considerable time on this section of |
the course, and although he regained con- j
siderable of it later, it practically eliminated
him from the contest.
The Finish
Stenberg continued to gain on the leader
throughout the race, and it was evident
that he was driving hard. Costar kept up
a steady pace, and when he crossed the
finish line at the Northern Commercial Com
pany corner, Iditarod, his dogs were still
fresh and going strong. Stenberg crossed
Ithe line 1 minute and 45 seconds behind his
opponent, having gained 8 minutes and 15
seconds. His dogs were badly winded, how
ever, and it was evident that he had driven
them to the full extent of their ability.
He made the finish with one dog in the
sled. Cyril Wood made the finish at 4:18,
and the probability is that his dogs would
have been equal to a repetition of the dis
tance.
Following is the official record of the
race:
OFFICIAL TIME, ST. PATRICK’S DAY DOG-TEAM RACE, IDITAROD TO DISCOVERY AND RETURN
Iditarod Summit
Costar. 2:00:00 2:26:00
Stenberg .... 2:10:00 2:34:15
Wood.2:20:00 2:54:15
Best time. : 24: 15
Flat Discovery Flat
2:37:30 2:54:00 3:05:30
2:45:00 3:00:30 3:11:30
3:07:30 3:24:00 3:38:00
:10:45 :15:30 :11:00
Summit Iditarod Total Time
3:25:15 3:50:00 1:50:00
3-27:30 3:51:45 1:41:45
3-55:00 4:18:00 1:58:00
:16:00 :24:15
TERRITORY REGAINED
BY FRENCH till BRITONS
LONDON, March 17.—Bapautne has fallen, the British forces
entering the town this morning after severe fighting. The Germans
retreated after setting fire to the town. Other important towns
in the vicinity are also in the hands of the British.
OCCUPY EXTENSIVE FRONT
LONDON, March 19.—'The British continue their rapid »d
vance on the flank of the retiring Germans, and have occupied
the important towns of Nesle, Chaulnes and Peronne. Along a
front forty-five miles long they have entered the German posi
tions to a depth of ten miles in places, and in addition the British
have taken sixty villages, according to tonight’s official reports
MORE VILLAGES IN BRITISH HANDS
LONDON, March 20.—General Haig reports that forty addi
tional villages on the western front have fallen into his hands.
It is officially announced that the retreating Germans poisoned
the wells in the village of Barleaux
FRENCH ALSO PRESS ONWARD
PARIS, March 19.—The French advance guards have entered
the important town of Roye and the French have also occupied
the entire front between Andrechy south to Chaulnes and the Oise
at Ribecourt, comprising the powerfully fortified lines which the
Germans have held for more than tw'o years. Sunday’s advance
was continued today between Avre and the Aisne front along a
front of sixty kilometers. The cavalry have entered Neise. In
the direction of Ham, on the Somme front, the force of the for
ward movement reached a depth of twelve miles.
FLEEING GERMANS CLOSELY PRESSED
PARIS, March 20.—The French war office announces the cap
ture of twenty additional villages. The official report says that
the German line is in full retreat over a section which extends over
almost one-fifth of the vast front from Switzerland to the sea, and
*are closely pressed by the French and British.
MUCH TERRITORY REDEEMED FROM INVADERS
PARIS, March 22.—The total area of French territory liber
ated from the German invaders up to March 21 is 753 square
miles, situated in the departments of Pas de Calais, Oise, Aisne
and Somme, and includes 266 towns and villages, the homes of
181,935 Frenchmen. The Germans are still in possession of 7,126
square miles of French territory.
The French forces report that most of the villages before their
lines near St. Quentin are in flames. French cavalry have ad
vanced to within four miles 'of St. Quentin.
“A SYSTEMATIC RETIREMENT"
BERLIN, March 19.—A systematic retirement of German
troops between Arras and the Oise, on the French front, is an
nounced by the war office today. Peronne, Noyon, Bapaume,
Roye and several other towns have been abandoned by the Ger
mans.
MAKING RAPID GAINS AGAINST THE TURKS
LONDON, March 17.—A portion of the town of Bakuba, on
the right bank of the Diala river, northwest of Bagdad, has been
occupied by the British. The Turks have fallen back on the right
bank of the Tigris.
PETROGRAD, March 17.—The Russians have dislodged the
Turkish forces from the summit of Nariespkian, in northwestern
Persia.
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CZAR AND HIS CONSORT ARE PRISONERS
BUT NEWS IS VAGUE AND CONTRADICTORY
LONDON, March 21.—The Russian de facto government has
ordered the deposed czar and his consort, who already have been
deprived of all liberty, to be brought to Tsarsko-Selo, the summer
home of the imperial family. The Grand Duke Michael has ac
cepted the throne on condition that he is acceptable to the Rus
sian people, according to a statement received here Saturday from
a semi-official Russian news agency.
The Central News says it is informed that the statement that
the Grand Duke Michael has abdicated is incorrect.
The entire Russian Baltic fleet and the fortresses of Viborg and
Sveaborg have joined the revolutionary movement.
Petrograd dispatches tell of many residences burned and civil
ians killed in the street fighting during the progress of the rebel
lion. The exact cause is not entirely clear, but it is believed the
intention was to overthrow the bureaucracy and establish a democ
racy, and to eliminate from any part in the government the hith
erto strong pro-German influences. The consensus of opinion is
that the overthrow of the czar strongly favors the entente, and
that German influence has received its death blow by removing a
bar to greater military activity, which is expected to take place
immediately.
Nicholas signed his abdication of the throne of the Romanoffs
on Thursday last. Dispatches from Russia said the formal signa
ture of the czarina had been sent to Kipiaoff. According to news
paper reports from Russia the abdication was made at Peterhoff,
and throughout the nation a placard announcing the renunciation
had been posted.
TEMPORARY GOVERNMENT BY COMMITTEE
PETROGRAD, March 17.—The abdication of Nicholas may
not serve to save the dynasty, ss it is reported that the mon
archy will be abolished for the time being, Russia being ruled for
three months by a committee of twelve. The new government is
restoring order with amazing rapidity.
Grand Duke Michael himself has abdicated, thus bringing the
Romanoff dynasty to an end. Pending a meeting of the constitu
tional assembly the government is to be vested in a committee of
the duma. The czar, prior to his abdication on behalf of himself
and heir apparent, transferred the supreme command of the armies
to Grand Duke Nicholas.
DEPOSED CZAR IS A PRISONER
STOCKHOLM, March 17.—Czar Nicholas is a prisoner of the
revolutionists in Tauride palace, and Prince Golitzin has commit
ted suicide in prison.
TROUBLE IN FINLAND
LONDON, March 17.—Major General Zein, governor general
of Finland, has been arrested by the commander of the Baltic
fleet on order of the provisional government. Senator Boroviti
noff, vice president of the economy department of the Finnish sen
ate, also has been arrested. Roditcheff, Federal Constitutional
Democratic member of the duma, has been appointed minister for
Finland, and has proceeded to Helsingfors.
MAY LEAD TO SIMILAR REVOLT IN GERMANY
WASHINGTON, March 22.-—The opinion held by government
officials here is that the successful revolution in Russia will hasten
the end of the war and may lead to a similar revolt in Germany.
The rumor was current throughout the United States and Canada
yesterday that a revolt had occurred in Berlin, but it is believed
this report is baseless.
The United States has recognized the de facto government of
Russia.