Pioneer
ONE dollar PER MONTH _IDITAROD, ALASKA, SATURDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 26, 191625 cents per copy
SENSATIONAL EXPLOITS
OP PPM AN SEA HAIDERS
LONDON, Feb. 24.—German sea raiders have
captured the British ship Westburn, and with a prize
crew aboard, and flying the German flag, have ar
rived at Santa Cruz (probab y Santa Cruz, Island of
St. Thomas, a Portuguese possession off the coast of
Africa.—Ed.). They had as prisoners two hundred
passengers taken from other vessels.
Landed Prisoners and Sunk Ships
LONDON, Feb. 25.—The Germans, after landing
the prisoners aboard the estburn at Santa Cruz,
sank the ship in the harbor. The prisoners were
from six other ships, all of which had been sunk.
Portuguese Take Possession of German Ships
LISBON, Feb. 24.—The commander of the naval
division, apparently on his own initiative, has taken
forcible possession of thirty-six German vessels ly
ing in port and hoisted the Portuguese flag.
Portugal’s Position
LISBON, Feb. 25.—The seizure of the German
ships is declared by the Portuguese government not
to be a warlike action, but one taken in the public
interest of the country.
Sunk While Trying to Escape
LONDON, Feb. 24.—The German steamship
Hochure, interned at Madrid, has been sunk while
endeavoring to escape.
Warned of Raiders
NEW YORK. Feb. 24.—An Italian steamship.
which has arrived here received a wireless warning;
at Halifax to look out for German raiders.
Will Be Treated as Warships
NEW YORK. Feb. 24.—The fifth Italian armed
merchantman has arrived here. Germany is un
changed in her determination to treat such ships as
warships after March 1.
RUSSIANS' CONTINUED SUCCESS j
IN THE ASIA MINOR CAMPAIGN
LONDON. Feb. 23.—The Turks are evacuating
the city of Trebizonde, capital of the province of
that name, on the Black sea. The Russians are ad
vancing along the only rouie open to the Turks west
ward to Kharanut.
To Isolate Tcrkish Forces
PETROGRAD. Fbe. 21 .—The Russians are press
ing the advantages gained at Erzerum. driving the
Turks before them, and trying to cut the route to
Bagdad, thus isolating that city from Turkish troops
and supplies.
Japanese on the Scene
COPENHAGEN, Feb. 23.—The Japanese war
fleet has arrived in the Mediterranean.
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REPLY TO AMERICAN PROTESTS
AWAITED WITH MDCH INTEREST
WASHINGTON, Feb. 23.—Secretary of State
Lansing has asked the London foreign office for a
prompt reply to the American note protesting
against the seizure of United States mails, and the
application of the act prohibiting “trading with the
enemy” to American firms.
CZAR NICHOLAS OPENS DUMA IN PERSON
PETROGRAD, Feb. 23.—The presence of Czar
Nicholas at the opening of the duma yesterday is
hailed as the most important event in the political
history of Russia. It is the first formal recognition
of the legislative body by the emperor.
Premier Starmer has notified the duma that the
CZar wishes a speedy dispatch of all bills pending be
fore that body.
LAFOLLETTE’E CANDIDACY AND PLATFORM
MADISON, Wis., Feb. 23.—Senator Lafollette has
announced his candidacy for the presidency. In
making his announcement he states that he favors
the making of arms and war munitions by the gov
ernment and placing an embargo on their shipment.
ALLIES TAKE GREEK RAILROADS
CONSTANTINOPLE, Feb. 21.—Word comes from
Athens that the ministers of the British, French and
Russian governments have informed Premier Skou
loudis that the war council has ordered the military
occupation of all Greek railroads and telegraph sta
tions between Saloniki rnd Southern Greece. Failure
^'the Greek government to submit voluntarily will
,/w-oel the allies to use force.
EX-GOVERNOR FRANCIS
IS AMBASSADOR TO RUSSIA
WASHINGTON, I'eb. 23.—Ex-Governor
David B. Francis of Missouri has been of
fered by President Wilson tlie appointment
as ambassador to Russia, and today he an
nounced his acceptance of the honor.
ALLEGED CONSPIRATOR
TAUNTS NEW YORK POLICE
NEW YORK, Feb. 21 The police have
received a note signed by Crones, the alleged
German conspirator, taunting them with in
efficiency. He states that he is leaving the
city.
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SEATTLE CITY ELECTION
SEATTLE. Feb. 23.— Mayor Hiram Gill
and Councilman Griffiths were nominated
for mayor at the primary elections held in
this city yesterday.
PROMINENT REPUBLICANS
WOULD LEAD FORLORN HOPE
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 25.—Ex-Senator
Theodore Burton has officially announced
his candidacy for the Republican nomina
tion for President.
I)ES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 25.- Senator
Cummings today filed his affidavit of can
didacy for the Republican nomination for
the Presidency.
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SALARY SCANDAL IN CHICAGO
CHICAGO, Feb. 25. The grand jury in
session here is expected to take action on
late disclosures with reference to the salaries
scandal.
Mayor Thompson is accused of levying
graft against the salurics of appointees to
pay obligations incurred prior to the elec
tion. The municipal civil service board has
held up the payroll pending an investiga
tion.
MANY KILLED AND INJURED
IN BAD RAILROAD WRECK
SPOKANE, Feb. 21.—Five persons were j
killed and many others were injured when
the North Coast Limited, the crack train of
the Northern Pacific railroad, was telescoped j
near here last night.
EX-GOVERNOR SULZER
PROPOSES FREAK MEASURE
:
PITTSBURGH, Feb. 23. Ex-Governor j
Sulzer of New York, in a speech delivered
here yesterday, assailed the local option
amendment and advocated the placing of a
tax of a thousand dollars per gallon on
liquors.
DUTCH STEAMSHIP IS VICTIM
ROTTERDAM, Feb. 23. The Dutch
steamship La Flandre has been sunk by
striking a mine.
INCREASED MAIL FACILITIES ARE PROMISED
L9MG-SUFFERIN8 INTERIOR ALASKA RESIDENTS
SEATTLE, Feb. 23.—Postmaster General Burleson yesterday advised the Alaska Bureau of
the Seattle Chamber of Commerce that additional mail service had been authorized for Interior
Alaska.
This action is the result of a systematic campaign carried on b y the residents of the Fairbanks
district, which has been taken np by commercial bodies and business organizations the country
over.
The Alaska Bureau of the Seattle Chambe of Commerce has sent to every member of congress
data on the loss of vessels in Alaska waters, with a view to influencing legislation in behalf of a
thorough survey of Alaskan waters and the providing of aids to navigation.
RECENT ARRIVAL HERE
IS CHARGED WITH LARCENY
The United States marshal’s office in thin
city has received instructions to be on the
lookout for one Charles F. Covey, who is
wanted for the alleged larceny of a team
of dogs and sled. The description given of
the person wanted is said to tally with that
of Jack Spencer, who left here on Tuesday
last for Seward, with William Taylor and
bride as passengers.
Owing to the expense that would be in
curred and the fact that the alleged culprit
can be readily apprehended upon his arrival
at Seward, Deputy Marshal Charles decided
not to follow the party for the purpose of
arresting Spencer, or Covey.
When it became known that Spencer was
wanted for a criminal offense, the friends j
of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor became alarmed, !
and Bob Soutar started out on Friday morn- ;
ing in an endeavor to overtake the party, j
Spencer, or Covey, is said to be an ex- !
soldier, but practically nothing is known j
here as to his antecedents. He arrived here j
a few days ago from the Tolovana country,
and hearing that Mr. Taylor and wife were
on their way Outside, contracted to convey
them to Seward.
TEUTONIC PARTISAN CRAZED
BY CRITICS OF FATHERLAND
—— .. I
SEATTLE, Feb. 25.—Angered at criti- [
cisms of the central powers during a street !
discussion, a foreigner last night ran amok, j
stabbing six persons before he was over- j
powered.
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MEXICAN NEWSPAPER MEN
IN BATTLE WITH MARSHAL
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 19.—Editors of pub- 1
lications encouraging Mexican revolutionary !
movements have been arrested after a battle
with the United States marshal. They are
held to answer to charges of using the
United States mails to incite murder.
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WETS OF WASHINGTON STATE
STRUGGLING DESPERATELY
OLYMPIA, Wash, Feb. 25.—Liquor in
terests of Washington have joined with
those of four other states in a suit now pend
ing in the United States supreme court to
test the right to ship liquors into “dry” ter
ritory. _
TRUCE TO BURY DEAD
PORTLAND, Ore, Feb. 24. A truce, ef
fective for thirty days, has been signed by
rival Chinese tongs, which have been at war.
Seven victims have been put to death in.,
the last two days.
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OKLAHOMA’S ROUGH HOUSE
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla, Feb. 19.—A
riot resulted in the house of delegates yes
terday during a discussion of the election
law. Arthur Gessler, a member, was
knocked unconscious.
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SAILING POSTPONED
LONDON, Feb. 23.—Americans booked
to sail on the French liner Espagne have re
ceived anonymous warnings, and the sailing
has been postponed.
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WOMEN RIOT IN HAMBURG
LONDON, Feb. 23.—Protests against the
government regulation of the sale of butter
has resulted in rioting by women in Ham
burg. ___
SCHWAB SUPERSEDED
NEW YORK, Feb. 19.—Caise Grace was
elected yesterday president of the Bethle
hem Steel Corporation. Charles Schwab re
mains as chairman of the board of directors.
FIRES ACCOMPANY STORM
IN ALASKA COAST CITIES
JUNEAU, Jr.n. 22.- The storm here has
paralyzed business for three days. Yester
day the temperature fell to 16 degrees be
low zero. Much damage has been done and
the suffering is keen. During the high
winds three fires were started, but were
fortunately extinguished before serious dam
age was done.
The storm is not confined to Gastineau
channel alone, but reports received by cable
state that Seward, Valdez and Cordova are
in the throes of a severe blizzard.
The steamship Northwestern, which ar
rived from Cordova yesterday, received a
terrible buffeting, and the statement tvas
made by the pilot of the vessel that but
for the tine seamanship of Captain O'Brien
the vessel would have been lost. She was
covered from stem to stern with a coating
of ice when she reached here.
Bad Fire at Valdez
Y'ALDEZ, Jan. 21.—Schmidt's bakery,
Louie’s cafe and apartments, and A1 White's
hotel were destroyed by fire which started
this morning at 7 o'clock. The tempera
ture was 14 degrees below zero, and the
chemicals were frozen and water was hard
to get. The loss is put at $20,000. The
fire started at Schmidt’s.
Government Dock Burned
SEWARD, Jaii. 21.—The government
dock, recently purchased with the Alaska
Northern railroad, was destroyed last night
by a fire which broke out in the building
nil the west end of the dock, in which the
office was situated. The flames raged in
spite of the exertions of the firemen until
it destroyed that building and reached the
building to the eastward of the approach,
which also was destroyed. In addition to
the loss of the dock, the freight and sup
plies for the steamer Dora, belonging to
the Alaska S-teamship Company, were also
destroyed. These supplies amounted to
about seventy-five tons, and were valued
at aobut §10,000. The engineering com
mission officials estimate the total loss at
between §30,000 and *40,000.
The cause of the fire is unknown, but
it is believed that, owin- to the high wind
prevailing, the stove in the office might
have become overheated.
Some explosions occurred, which are sup
posed to have been due to oil or cartridges,
and the wind fanned the flames so furi
ously that the prevention of a spread was
an impossibility.
Severe Weather at Valdez
VALDEZ, Jan. 22.—Valdez has been ex
periencing the coldest weather known in
ten years. The thermometer registered 14
below zero. The wind blew sharply and
made the weather most disagreeable. In
the interior, along the government road,
the thermometer registered 50 and 60 de
grees below zero, said to be the coldest
weather ever experienced there.
Doesn't Affect Ketchikan
(Ketchikan Progressive-Miner)
Reports from both Seattle and Juneau -
the most important cities nearest Ketchikan
—the most important of them all! ^say
that snow and cold are causing suffering.
A few days ago Seattle reported 14 degrees
above zero, with nine inches of snow.
About the same time Juneau reported much
more snow, with 11 above zero and the
wind blowing forty miles an hour. While
Ketchikan has less than six inches of snow,
the thermometer at 22 degrees above zero,
and the inhabitants shivering from cold
and wondering how the inhabitants of those
important cities can live. Can you beat it?
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ALASKA COAL LAND CASES
REVIVED BY GRAND JURY
CHICAGO, Feb. 23.—The federal grand
jury is investigating the graft charges in
connection with the Alaska coal land fraud
cases. The defendants in these cases were
acquitted three years ago.
CAPTURE AND EXECUTION
OF MEXICAN MURDERERS
EL PASO, Texas, Jan. 18. Colonel
Miguel Bacavalles, a bandit chief, was cap
tured at Palomas by United States cavalry
and Carrauzists, end today paid the penalty
for engineering the murder of seventeen
American mining men recently. He was
shot to death by a firing squad at Juarez.
Bacavalles pleaded his innocence. He
declared that he was not responsible for
the robberies and murders of Villa, and
pleaded in vain for an audience with Gen.
Gaviera, the Carranza commandant of the |
Juarez garrison.
An unconfirmed report has reached here j
that Manuelo Cisnores, a Villa staff officer, '
has been captured and put to death as one
of the bandit leaders.
Another report is current that Villa was
seen at El Carmen a week ago, and that
on that occasion he advised his followers to
kill all foreigners, including Americans, who
“dared to cross their path.”
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BALL GIVEN BY CATHOLICS
CAUSES POLICE ANXIETY
NEW YORK, Feb. 19.—Extraordinary
police pecautions were taken to protect
members of the Knights of Columbus dur
ing the progress of a ball given by them
last night. Sixty detectives were in attend
ance, attired as cooks and waiters. A threat- |
cuing letter had been received by members ,
of the organization.
-A
NORTH COAST LIMITED
IS LOOTED BY BANDITS
SEATTLE, Feb. 25. Two bandits last
night held uy the Northern Pacific’s North
Coast Limited near Seattle, detached the
mail car, and after looting the registered 1
mail, escaped with the engine.
MAY POSTPONE FIGHT
CHICAGO, Feb. 19.—Jess Willard, the
heavyweight pugilistic champion, who is
matched with Moran for a fight on St.
Patrick’s day, is seriously ill. He has been j
ordered to bed by his physician, and the
fight may be postponed.
POISONING* MYSTERY
PITTSBURGH, Feb. 19— Mystery sur
rounds the illness of t,hirty-five guests at a
church supper. One physician claims that
it is the result of ptomaine poisoning, and
another says that arsenical poisoning is the
cause.
FULL PROHIBITION TICKET
TACOMA, Feb. 25.- -The Prohibitionists
of Washington have decided to hold theii
state convention in Seattle on May 9. It
is the intention to place a full ticket in
the field.
EVIDENCE OF ZEPPELIN’S LOSS
LONDON, Feb. 24.—A bottle has been
found containing the last messages of the
commander of a Zeppelin airship wrecked
in the North sea.
BIG FIRE IN PASSAIC
—
PASSAIC, N. J., Feb. 24—Fire last night
destroyed a square block in the business
section of this city. The damage amounts
| to $3,000,000.
TO CONSIDER WAGE SCALE
NEW YORK, Feb. 21.—Representatives
of the coal operators’ and mine workers’ or
ganizations have arived here to consider
wage agreements.
STATESMEN AND LABORERS
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24—Seven mem
bers of President W'ilson's cabinet and four
labor leaders lunched together yesterday.
TERRIBLE BATTLE RASES
ALONS VERDUN FRONT
BERLIN, Feb. 23.—The German forc es have made
important gains in upper Alsace. The British have
lost positions on the Yser canal. Two British armed
biplanes have been brought down at Peronne.
Emperor and Son Act as Inspiration
LONDON, Leb. 25.—The battle around Verdun
continues fiercely. The German soldiers are in
spired by the presence of the kaiser and the crown
prince.
Frightful Slaughter
LONDON, Feb. 25.-—The kaiser has established
headquarters facing Verdun. There have been
fearful losses on both sides as the Teutons have
taken one town after another.
Twenty-five-Mile Front Engaged
PARIS, Feb. 25.—The battle of Verdun contin
ues, extending over a front of twenty-five miles.
Seven German army corps are engaged. I he Ger
mans have occupied two miles of French trenches.
French airships have bombarded the outskirts of
Metz, starting fires.
French Believe It to Be Last Great Effort
PARIS, Feb. 23.—The triple German offensive
which is in progress in Flanders is believed to be the
last great effort to break through the lines of the
allies.
A Zeppelin has been brought down by French guns
on the Meuse.
The Greek cruiser Helle has arrived at Durazzo
to protect Greek interests.
The French steamship Memphis has been sunk by
a submarine at Durazzo.
Aerial Raids on England
LONDON, Feb. 21.—German seaplanes last night
raided the eastern and southeastern coasts of Eng
land. No casualties are reported, though much
property was damaged.
Roumania has passed a law prohibiting the ex
port of wheat, even in cases where contracts have
been made.
The Italians have captured the towns of Callo,
Roncegno and Ronchi.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 25.—President Wilson has
made known his opposition to the resolution which
has been introduced in congress warning American
citizens not to sail aboard armed merchantmen.
Tension is increasing awaiting a response from
Berlin to the latest American request.
In a letter to Senator Stone the President indicates
that he will stand firm on the armed ship contro
versv.
Representative Monde!) of Wyoming has intro
duced a bill to prohibit American citizens from trav
eling on armed ships.
President Insists on American Rights at Sea
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24.—Senator Gore of Okla
homa has introduced a resolution prohibiting Ameri
cans from traveling on armed merchantmen between
neutral nations. President Wilson's expressed op
position to such action has caused great agitation,
and congress is likely to break away from presiden
tial control in this matter.
The Gore resolution has been blocked tempor
arily, and Senator Brandegee of Connecticut will
resume the discussion tomorrow.
The senate has been engaged in a discussion of
the administration’s viewpoint of the submarine
issue with Germany. Senator Story defended Presi
dent Wilson’s attitude.
Important Treaty Ratified
The senate on Saturday last ratified the treaty
with Nicaragua. By the terms of the treaty Nica
ragua cedes a canal route to the United States to a
base on the Gulf of Fonseca for $5,000,000.
In the Interest of Alaska Fisheries
H. G. Strong of Ketchikan, Alaska, is here, labor
ing in the interest of the Alaska halibut industry.
He has evolved a plan by which a duty of 2 cents
per pound will be levied on all halibut and salmon
shipped from the United States through foreign ter
ritory. The proposed law is aimed at Prince Ru
pert, B. C., which, since the completion of the
Grand Trunk railroad, has enjoyed a monopoly of
the transportation of Alaska fisheries products des
tined for the East.
Senators Lodge, Gardner and Poindexter are
friendly toward the proposed measure.
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TO PUT GERMAN TRADE AT DISADVANTAGE
WELLINGTON, N. Z., Feb. 19.—Plans are on foot
to place an extra duty of 50 per cent on German
goods after the war.