VOLUME XIV. VALDEZ, ALASKA, MONDAY, MARCH 2S. 1018 NUMBER 08
GERMAN ADVANCE NOW CHECKED
■ ■ ——1 ' w
Americans Take
No Part in Battle
LONDON, Mar oh 26.—“At North
Peronne,” says an official statement
tonight from the British lines in
France, “the enemy attacks were de
livered with the greatest violence
Against our lines on the river Tor
tllle, a tributary to the Somme. Our
troops on this portion of the line tiave
been withdrawn and are fighting on
new positions. Our troops are holding
their line on the river Somme to Per
onne.’’
Describing the great struggle the
French Havres correspondent says.
“The British retired slowly in good
order, ceding ground foot by foot, to
strong position prepared months ago.
In the later stages of the battle nine
ty-seven German division ware engag
ed. Thus the German command was
' forced to concentrate against the
British front half their forces at their
disposal on the whole western front.
"The losses to the enemy were ter
rible, whole columns of the grey clad
lines melting away under the territic
tire of machine guns, artillery and
rifles. Time after time the German
troops charged the British positions
only to he swept hack in confusion
with appalling losses. The arrival of
Fresh troops forced the British out
of the second and third lines to new
defenses in the rear, where they were
able to hold their lines against all at
tempts to dislodge them.
"Never in the history of the world
has there been such a gigantic strug
gle for supremacy between armed na
tions. The roar of the big guns was
deafening, and the rattle of machine
guns, the whir of the low-flying air
planes, and the crash of exploding
bombs made an inferno that will not
be erased from the minds of the par
ticipants during their lives. Hundreds
of airplanes flew low over the enemy
lines firing with deadly effect upon
the enemy artillerymen, ajid doing
deadly execution with bombs. Many
airplanes engaged in combat high in
the air, ducking and spiraling to gain
a temporary advantage over an ene
my flyer.”
No Americans Fighting
AMERICAN ARMY, March 25.—
No American regiments have as yet
participated with the British in meet
ing the German drive it is stated here
today. The American soldiers on the
Toul front were very indignant when
German official wireless reports re
garding the defeat of the Franco-Am
erican reserve forces were picked up
this morning.
•
German Advance Reported
BRITISH HEADQUARTERS, Mar.
25.—A further advance by the Ger
mans late Sunday afternoon is report
ed at some points on the front.
Clmulney Been Taken
BERLIN, March 25.—The war of
fice reports that between the Somme
and Oise our troops are fighting their
way forward. Chaulney has been tak
en. Our booty in war material is en
ormous. The English in their retire
ment are burning the French towns
and villages. We have bombarded the
fortress at Paris with long range
guns.
A gigantic struggle is iumur
for Mapaume, and battles are in pro
gress at Transloy, Combles and Maur
epas lines. The Somme has been cross
ed at many points in our attack be
tween Peronne and Ham.
Fight Against Great Odds
BRITISH ARMY, France, Mar. 25.
—During the recent fighting on the
western front the Germans used a di
vision for every two thousand yards
of front, there being approximately
one German division against every
battalion of the British troops.
WHEATLESS
nHSlESS
Offensive Continues
PARIS, M&rch 25.—A French of
ficial statement says: "The German
offensive is continuing between Crois
elles and Tergnier with violent fight
ing, In which the Germans are said to
have used twenty-seven divisions. The
English resistance is very effective
and the German losses are very heavy.
The fTghtlng line has been brought
back to about six or seven kilometers
behind the third line, but the utmost
confidence exists that the Invaders
will he checked.”
Attacks liossen
LONDON, March 25.—While the
allies have been temporarily forced
back at some points the utmost con
fidence exists that the German ad
vance has been checked and that the
allied lines will hold their new po
sitions. The assault of yesterday has
been so costly to the enemy that the
temporary advantage gained can hard
ly repay him for his losses, and the
attacks are lessening in violence al
ready.
(ien, Haig Confident
WASHINGTON, I). 0., Mar. 25.—
Gen. Haig is holding the great Ger
man drive of ninety-seven divisions
with only twenty-seven divisions. He
is confident that the German advance
is checked.
Culm and Confident
LONDON, March 25.—“The em
pire stands calm and confident in its
soldiers,” was the message the king
wired General Haig today.
Make Gallant Defense
BRITISH ARMY, March 25.—“So
far the British have used few troops
other than those holding the
front line. These shock troops have
made as gallant a defense as was ever
recorded in the annals of the Britisli
army and as a result they have en
abled the main body of troops to fall
hack deliberately and occupy positions
which had been prepared long before
the German offensive began.”
Germans Driven Ituek
BERLIN, March 25.—The German
forces crossed the Somme River south
of Feronne between the city and Lign
court, but were driven back to the
east bank by counter attacks.
Battle Resumed Today
LONDON, March 25.—Gen. Hai|
rlports today that the first hostile at
tacks this morning were delivered
north of South Bapaume. Gen. Haig
sa}d the battle continues with great
violence to the north and south of
Bapaume. Yesterday evening power
ful attacks were repulsed with heavy
'enemy losses. At only one point did
l they reach the British trenches, where
they were immediately forced to evac
uate. Elsewhere the enemy’s attacks
were stopped by rifle fire with the aid
of machine guns by the British and
he was driven back with great loss.
Baker Confers With George
LONDON, March 26.—Secretary of
War Baker conferred with Lloyd
George an hour this morning, discus
sing the present offensive on the west
front.
Artillery Battle On
• AMERICAN ARMY, France, Mar.
25.—Considerable artillery activity
prevailed on the Toul front during
the night, the American guns heavily
shelling the enemy and doing consid
erable damage.
Ham and Peronne Taken
LONDON, March 26.—American.
French and English regiments which
were rushed up from the southwest
to reinforce the allied counter attacks
were thrown back on Caulney, today’s
official German statement says. Also
Ham and Peronne have fallen into
the German’s hands. The Germans
claim to kave captured 90,000 pris
oners and 600 guns since the huge of*
tensive started.
Wilson Congratulates Haig
WASHINGTON, D. C., Mar. 26.—
President Wilson today cabled Gen.
Haig congratulating him on the won
derful stand made by the British
troops against the German offensive,
and predicting a final allied victory.
Heavy Fighting Continues
PARIS, March 26.—The heaviest
fighting continues today around Ba
paume near Peronne. where the Brit
ish fronts Join. So far every British
counter attack has succeeded.
French Give Aid
PARIS, March 25.—The French
troops went to the assistance of the
sorely pressed British and took over
a sector of the battlefront the war of
fice announces. In the region of Noy
oit and on the right bank of the Oise
heavy fighting with the Germans is in
progress.
French Lines Intact
PARIS. March 25.—An official
statement says that the French front
is still intact.
British Stand at Somme
LONDON, March 25.—The British
troops are still holding the line on the
Somme river to Peronne.
Line Holding Firm
LONDON, March 25.—Despite the
repeated German assaults the British
line is holding firm along the Ba
paume front a dispatch from Gen.
Haig reported late this afternoon. The
enemy is suffering tremendous losses
in an attempt to take the reserve
trenches and have been repulsed as
fast as an offensive is launched.
Cluini Bupaumc Captured
BERLIN, March 25.—The war of
fice today announced the capture of
Bapaume. English divisions freshly
brought up failed to bring a decision
in favor of the enemy. The statement
says that the English troops were de
feated and are streaming westward
near Bapaume. The enemy again were
again defeated and are streaming
northeast of Bapaume. The German
troops broke through and drove the
enemy back by way of Ypres and
Sailly.
Mot fighting is in progress lor pox
■ 'ssioii of Comities. N'eslos was storm
e<l during the evening and strong po
sitions west of the canal were cap
tured, Chaulney has also been captui
ed.
The (ierntiin war office report says
that 45,000 British and French troops,
have heen captured.
The south African diamond output
last year is reported to be 2,902.416
carats, valued at $38,565,090. The
production for 1917 evceeded that of
1916 by 556,086 carats.
The Ferro-Concrete Shipbuilding
Corporation will construct, at Redon
do Beach, California, a concrete ship
300 feet in length, and having a ca
pacity of 3,500 tons.
Mm GUN
HIOJN WOODS
Allied Flyers Uncover Secret of Huge
Gannon Which Has Been Throw
ing Shells Into Paris
BERLIN, March 25.—Paris has
been bombarded by German long
range guns according to an official
communication issued today.
PARIS. March 25.—The German
monster cannon, which has been bom
barding Paris the past twenty four
hours was discovered by allied airmen
today concealed in a wood in St. Go
bain. 76 miles front Paris. The bom
bardment ceased today.
Renew Bombardment.
PARIS, March 25.—Fong range
bombardment of Paris was resumed
tills afternoon but was interrupted af
ter tlie second shot. After two more
shots were fired the bombardment was
again suspended.
The referendum vote taken by the
National 'Chamber of Commerce on
resolutions favoring an economic boy
cott of Germany after the war. un
less she reduces her armaments, re
sulted in 1,204 in favor to 154 against
it. The Merchant's Association of New
York City voted unanimously against
the proposal.
Porto Rico wen "dry" at midnight
of the 2nd. as a result of a popular
vote in July. The act prohibits the im
portation, manufacture, sale, or gift
of intoicating liquors or drugs. A lo
cal law permits the manufacture and
sale of beer containing not more than
2 1-2 per cent of alcohol.
Arrangements have been made by
the Petersburg Packing Company
with the Independent Fisheries ('em
pany for the establishment of a buy
ing agency at Petersburg. Alaska. The
company will operate three halibui
si hnoners.
\Y. I*. Mills ol Sitka, lias purchased
the clam cannery belonging to J. II.
bong and II. T. Trinp. The cannery
will be enlarged and operations will
start as soon as possible.
The Clay Products Company is a
corporation organized to engage in
the business of making bricks and
other clay products at Nenana, Alas
ka. This company has a first-class bed
of clay on ground located near the
railroad. The product will be ship
ped into Fairbanks and other markets
along the railroad.
The stopiach is a greater cause of
poverty than the sword.
TAKING ON BOMBS FOR AN AERIAL RAID
A French aviator taking bomba aboard hla machine to piynaraflon tor a
raid over the military establishment* of the enemy.
SKWARD MAY BOND CITY
TO BUILD LEVEES
WASHINGTON, D. C.. Mar. 23.—
Delegate Sulzer secured permission
from congress Saturday for the town
of Seward to issue bonds to build le
vees and make arrangements to pre
vent a repetition of last summer's
flood, when a glacial stream ran ram
pant through the city doing a great
amount of damage. The city is out of
debt and has about $1600 In the
treasury.
KDITOK 18 DECLARED
DANGEROUSEXTRKME8T
CHICAGO: Declaring that J. A. Mc
Donald. of Seattle, editor of “The In
dustrial Worker,” Is a "dangerous ex
tremist,” Charles F. Clyne, United
States district attorney here, today
opposed a motion for a reduction in
bail In the cases of McDonald. Charles
Achleigh, San Francisco, and A. I).
Kimball, Phoenix, Arlz. The men
were among the 106 members of the
1. W., W. who were Indicted for se
dition and disloyalty. They are held
in jail because unable to raise the
$10,000 bail demanded of each.
Mr. Clyne handed Judge Landis a
letter written by McDonald, in which
the latter said he was amazed that any
member of the I. W. W. should de
sire to become a citizen of the United
Steles. Attorneys for tin' men claimed
that jail life was breaking their
health. Judge Landis took the appli
cation under advisement.
City Preparing to Give Young Men
Rig Send Off—Itoat Expected
About Midniglit
_ j
The citizens of Valdez are prcpar-!
ing to give the <>!> young men who re-1
eently enlisted ai Anchorage and are|
on their way to the States a big send
off when the boat pulls in to the dock
tonight. Several of the volunteers are]
Valdez hoys and i; is requested that 1
every citizen be at the dock to greet I
maim. Morris Olson, Roy Ellis, James
speed on their voyage. Those who are
aboard the Admiral Watson are:
Harry Oher. Robt. Sliarts. Philip
Zharoff, Fabian Miller, K. M. Skudis,
Jens (’. Jensen, Robert J. Logeman,
James P. Cooper, Robert Maey. Jens
Wold, Jens Pedersen, Lars Peter An
derson. Archie P. McLane. John Sam
uel Dorwin, Karl Kunz, Albert Dorh
mann, Morris Olson, Rol EJlis, James
G. Park, Guy P. Kearns, John Keonki.
John Emanuel Gothburg, Joseph P.
Krause, Gudike Jepson, Harold Jorg
enson, John Harkin, Henry G. Dobr
nt&nn, Frank A. Polley, Raymond W.
Roan, Chas. Ray Harrison, Milton A.
Graham, Arthur B. Magnusson. Wil
liam McClure Davidson, Jack Dalton,
jr., Howard Gardner, Allen Lindsay
Peterson, Roy Stone and many others.
B. E. Smith will join the boys from
this port. Jim Cusick left yesterday.
It is the intention of our citizens
to meet the boat and give the boys
a royal send-off. The band will play
while the vessel lands and Mayor Pat
terson or some other prominent
speaker will address the volunteers
iu a brief message of farewell.
Let us all turn out and show that
we appreciate the sacrifice the young
men are making for us.
VALDEZ BOYS ENLIST
WITH ANCHORAGE SQl'AD
Four Valdez patriots enlisted at
Anchorage last week for service in
the Alaska contingent, and will be on
the steamship Admiral Watson en
route for the states tonight. Those en
listing are Harry Ober, Philip Zbar
off, Fabian Miller and Bob Sharts. All
are well known young men. Robert
8harts having formerly been employ
ed la the Prospector for som.6 time.
The receipt* of the Treagury De
partment from the sale of wnr savin*
and thrift stamps, up to February
M. amounted to *70,040,000,
FREE SUB
FOR HOMESTEADERS
l*r»vldm that Surveyor General Shall
Provide Free Surveys for All Set
tlers for Final Proof
WASHINGTON, D. C„ Mar. 25.—
The bill introduced by Delegate Chas.
A. Sulzer providing for free surveys
for homesteaders In Alaska passed the
House Saturday afternoon with a
large majority of the members voting
favorably. The bill provided that the
Surveyor General shall cause a free
survey of all homestead entries where
public land surveys have not been ex
tended after a proper showing that
the homesteaders are in position to
submit acceptable final proof.
The bill is one of the most import
ant for Alaska that has been passed
for some time, allowing persons to
homestead without incurring the
heavy expense of having their lands
surveyed before final proof.
U'HOKK FAMIIA JOINS
LOCAL ItKI) C It OSS
l)r. Jos. Silverman, chairman of the
local lied Cross chapter, received a
letter from Latouche on the steam
hip Alaska, containing four dollars
for membership in the lot :;1 Ked Cross
chapter from Thos. W. lilakney, Mrs.
L. K. lilakney, Delia lilakney. and T.
Kline.
ITALY CLOSES WAK LOAN
HOME: The fifth national war loan
closed yesterday. The subscriptions in
Italy reached 5,000,000.000 lire, with
results in some cities not yet rpeort
ed. Subscriptions from Italians abroad
also are not included. When these re
ports are received it is expected that
the total will be *1,000,000,000 lire.
DAVIDSON IIEAPPOINTED
WASHINGTON: Nominations by
President Wilson included Charles E.
Davidson, of Alaska, surveyor penernl
of Alaska, for reappointment.
ALASKANS AI IE SEEING
SEKVICE WITH I NCI.E SAM
WASHINGTON: George It. Goshavr
formerly deputy I'nited States mar
shal at Nome and afterward occupy
ing a similar position in the Third
Division, has enlisted for service in
the tank army. He was immediately
detailed for training as an officer in
that department. He left for Camp
Meade, near Annapolis, Md., today.
Judge J. J. Finnegan, of Seward,
contemplates similar action.—Em
pire. t _
too 1*KK CENT LOYAL
AT CASTLE ROCK
CASTLE ROCK: Every inhabitant
of Castle Rock, who was physically
lit to get out of doors, saluted the Am
erican flag yeBterday.
The demonstration was arranged
by a committee of citizens following
the report that some of the residents
of the town were disloyal. The stores
and schools were closed and a parade,
led by the mayor and followed by a
band, playing patriotic airs, filed past
a tall flag pole in the public square.
Nobody declined to salute the flag
and members of the committeo. who
had checked up those present, an
nounced that all able-bodied residents
of Castle Rock, big and little, had
been present and attested their alleg
iance.
Jack Dalton, Jr., a son of Jack
Dalton of Cordova is among the vol
unteers en route to the States to
night. Mr. Dalton sr., is an old timer
in the country having been engaged in.
packing for a number of years.
_