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The Gateway
to the
*° th!r Kenai, Knik, Broad Pass
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I * l 111 isriFD DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY LARGEST ALASKAN CIRCLLA I ION
VoK % No t;, SEWARD, THE GATEWAY TO ALASKA, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1914. _ I rn CVnts the Copy
U. S. DISMANTLES BRITISH SHIP FOR SIGNALLING
DESPERATE CONFLICT NOW
RAGING ALONG AN EIGHTY
MILE FRONT NEAR WARSAW
Kaiser Reaches Cologne On \Y ay
Once More to the West
ern Front
FRIGHTFUL BATTLE RAGING
LONDON, Dec. 23.—A frightful bloody battle is now
raging along an eighty mile front in Russian Poland just
to the west of Warsaw between great Russian and Ger
man armies, The chief fighting is proceeding on the banks
of the Bzura, Pawka and Pilica rivers each of which
streams is the scene of the most desperate conflict in the
history of warfare. To add to the horrors of the battle
terrible winter weather prevails and causes intense suf
fering to the soldiers on both sides. Many men have been
frozen and to be wounded in some remote part of the field |
means almost certain death from freezing before help can
be secured. The Russians are better trained by experience
to withstand the climatic ravages but the Germans are
said to be showing extraordinary endurance. Each side
has sustained tremendous losses whose figures will be
found to be appalling if they are ever published. It is real
ly a life and death struggle for in no conflict imaginable
does the final outcome of the war so much depend. The
Germans have forced the Russian lines at some points but
the Russians have strengthened their front and are still
holding their own speaking generally and neither side can
yet be said to have gained a strategic advantage.
KAISER AT COLOGNE
COLOGNE, Dec. 23.—The Emperor William and his
entire staff arrived in this city today on their way to the
western front. The emperor was received with great
demonstrations of welcome which were made doubly
warm by the fact that he has left a bed of sickness to ac
cede to the wishes of his generals to be with the army
over Christmas. The fact that he is going to the west in
stead of the east is taken here to mean that his mind is
easy about the conflict against the Russians.
WILL PAUSE FOR CHRISTMAS
LONDON, Dec. 23.—Notwithstanding the failure of
the plan to have an armistice for Christmas there will be
a lull in the fighting on Christmas Day as the Christmas
sentiment is deep in the hearts of the men. News from all
parts of the great war theater gives full proof that the
rank and file of the armies are most desirous of pausing
in the work of slaughter for that day and the extraordin
ary sight may be witnessed of millions of armed men rest
ing on their arms while the day dedicated as the anniver
sary of the birth of the founder of Christianity rolls over.
Russia, France and Turkey refused the request of Pope
Benedict that an armistice be called for that day. The
reason was probably not that they were unwilling to have
the armistice but that official France has cut itself away
from Rome, Russia recognizes only the czar as head of the
church and Turkey could not recognize a Christian holi
day conscientiously. But what the government failed to
do will probably be done by the soldiers in the ranks.
AMERICAN DISMANTLE BRITISHER
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23.—Although it was declared
that Governor Goethals had made a mistake in accusing
a British ship of sending wireless messages contrary to
the neutrality laws the British naval collier has been dis
covered in the very act. This collier is lying at Balboa
harbor and has been discovered sending wireless code
messages. After the discovery the canal zone police board
ed her and dismantled her so that she is now compelled to
remain during the rest of the war.
FIGHT IN THE WEST
LONDON, Dec. 23.—In France and Belgium the allies
continue on the offensive in more places than they are on:
the defensive and every day is showing slight gains for'
them. It is evident, however, that the general offensive
movement has not been inaugurated or else it has been dis- j
covered that an offensive at the present time has only a
slim chance of succeeding. The generals continue to be
lieve that time is on their side and that if they do not make
apparent gains the very fact that they are holding the
enemy is none the less a real victory.
SAY BRITISH I:
SINNED TWICE
GOVERNOR GOETHALS I>E- 1
GLARED THEIR WIRELESS VIO
LATED NEUTRALITY.
NEW YORK, Dec. 23.—Governor
Goethals of Panama has announced I
ihat his requests for the sending of: a
1 American warships to the canal zone v
were caused by the violation of the c
neutrality laws by the British. He was 'I
requested by United States naval of- a
j ficers to make the decision when they i
reported that on at least two oc- j a
casions British ships had committed a
the breach. The incident is now re- [ s
garded as closed since the dismantling ! s
of the British collier that was caught c
i in the act but it is now evident tl.* c
the occurrence might well have caused v
i a serious state of affairs. Governor u
i Goethals states, by the way that v
l twenty live thousand men are still
J employed in the canal work.
! CHINESE RESUME AN j ■
OLD SACRED CUSTOM, j
' President of Republic Stands Before
Altar of Heaven at Sun
rise Worship.
PEKIN, Dec. 23.—President Quan
Shi Kai at Sunrise appeared before J
the altar of heaven and renewed the j
worship of heaven at the winter sol
stice. The observance has been neg
lected since the Manchu dynasty was b
expelled and in resuming the obser- «
vance the president took upon him- a
self a function which has hitherto al- L
ways been reserved for the emperor of a
China. v
__o
TAKES FEDERAL TROOPS a
FROM STRIKE REGION, t
_ [\
President Finally Decides That Their j c
Presence is no Longer Needed. ^
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23.—Arrange- ^
ments for the withdrawal of the fed
eral troops from the Colorado strike
districts are now being made and the
withdrawal will probably take place
within the next ten du\*>. T-ie ar
rangements were mad; today a* a
conference between thj president, 0
Governor Ammons, Governor-elect p
Carlson and Senator ShafTroth of p
Ii
Colorado.
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We can do it. Jod printing of e\ ery b
description. b
CRACOW
PETROGRAD, Dec. 23.
troops are moving towards C
the east and an important batl
near that fortress. This ann
that the Russians are still mo1
is an admission that a retrea
that neighborhood as the Russ
miles of it several weeks ago.
of a decisive victory are, howe
ties in this country and the po;
ders on the road to Warsaw a
strong that the advance of the
the west will be a matter of th
it is not altogether impossible,
doubtedly progressing west c
there is very little known abou
VIENNA, Dec. 23.—The j
been operating against the S
strong positions where they w
come of the battles against th
the advance some days ago bj
! Galicia large forces were defeat
and are still engaged in the in
the eastward where brilliant
favor of the Austrian-German
feat of the Russians in the eas
Servians will be renewed.
$12,000,000
BREWERY FAILS
DECREASED DEMAND FOR BEER
AND ADVERSE LEGISLATION
THE CAUSE.
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 23.—The
lioster-Columbus breweries company,
a twelve million dollar corporation,1
went into the hands of a receiver to
day on an order of the federal court,
rhe decreased demand for beer and
Adverse legislation in brewery affairs,
particularly prohibition legislation,
ire the causes to which the failure is
Assigned. The voting dry of so many
states and counties in the last year
ihowed an immediate effect on the sal?
>f beer. This failure is regarded as
mly the foro-runner of many others
which are sure to show up quickly one
After the other fyom this time 'for- j
ward. j
PROHIBITION !
IS DEFEATED
NATIONAL HOUSE TURNS DOWN
AMENDMENT BY SMALL
MAJORITY.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23.—The pro
libition resolution introduced yester
lay by Hobson was defeated last night
ilthought it received a majority of
he votes. The votes for it was 197
ind the vote against the resolution
vas 189, giving the resolution a maj
>rity of 9, but as the constitutional
imendment can only be earned by a
wo-third vote the resolution was lost.
Republican Leader Mann and Demo
ratic Leader Underwood fought to
gether against the bill and were
owers of strength to the opposition.
)f the votes cast for the resolution
me hundred and fourteen were dem
icrats, sixty seven were republicans,
deven were progressives and four
vere independent republican. Of the
icgative votes one hundred and forty
•no were democrats, forty six were re
mblicans, one was an independent re
>ublican and one was a progressive,
t is regarded as apparent that the
lecessary two-thirds majority cannot
>e found in the present congress at
east.
AGAIN
-Large bodies of Russian
'racow from the north and
tie is apparently developing
louncement, while showing
ving towards that city, also
t must have taken place in
sian army was within a few
Most of the German claims
jver, denied by the authori
sition of the Russian defen
re said to be in positions so
: enemy on the Vistula from
le most extreme difficulty if
While a great battle is un
>f Warsaw at this moment
it it.
Austrian troops which have
lervians are now holding
dll remain pending the out
le Russians. At the time of
y the Austrian army across
ched from the Servian front
nmense field of operation to
successes are reported in
forces. After a decisive de
t the operations against the
WATCH THOSE
KNOCKING R. R.
SOME LAWYERS SAII) TO BE
BUSY TRYING TO INFLUENCE
CONGRESS.
In the Alaska news column today
can be seen a story from another pa
per which says that Elwood Bruner,
territorial senator from Nome, and J.
L. McGinn, a Fairbanks lawyer, are
now working to prevent the construc
tion of the government railroad. From
other sources the information has
come that very strong influences will
be brought to bear to prevent con
gress from making an appropriation.
To ofTsot these influences nothing is
being done by the people of Alaska
who are practically unanimous in de
siring the construction of the road at
once. The Alaskans may, indeed, be
said to be absolutely unanimous as the
only opponents of the construction
of a government railroad are a few
men like those mentioned who really
believe that the railroad is needed but
being lawyers consider themselves
within their rights in accepting re
tainers in any cause as they would
consider themselves within their
rights in defending the foulest mur
derer that ever drew the breath of
life or choked the breath of life out
of a brother. The story about Bruner
and McGinn is taken from another
paper and cannot be vouched for al
though past actions of the former give
only too much ground for the belief
that it may be true. There is still no
intimation given as to any higher ups
but it is quite likely, judging by pre
sent appearances, that quite a fight
against the railroad will be put up
within the next month unless the
people of Alaska get busy.
MOOSE CHRISTMAS TREE
WILL BE A HUMMER.
Meeting Will Take Place at 7:30 So
That Festivities May Begin Early.
All arrangements have now been
completed for the splendid time which
will be given by the Seward lodge of
the Loyal Order of Moose at its
Christmas Tree on Christmas night.
316 regular meeting of the lodge
iales place just the same but it will
ue called to order at 7:30 o’cbok sharp
to clear the way for the festive time.
T^e entertainment is given only for
members of the lodge and their lady
r» lfctives and children.
CONGRESS ADJOURNS.
Nothing Yet Done About the Alaska
Government Railroad Affair.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23.—Congress
adjourned today until next Tuesday
noon. Nothing was done up to the
time of adjournment in connection
with Alaska railroad matters but aome
of the people interested in northern
affairs seem to expect that the report
of the commissioners will be given to
the president within a very few days.
ALFRED HENRY LEWIS DEAD.
Famous Magazine Writer Passes
Away in the Zenith of His Power.
NEW YORK, Dec. 23.—Alfred
Henry Lewis, the famous magazine
writer, has passed away here after
a short illness and his death has
caused very sincere regrets particu
larly in literary’ circles.
The Commercial club held an im
portant meeting last evening and re
ports progress on some important
masters which have come up for ac
tion.
FRANCE VOTES NEARLY TWO
BILLION DOLLARS TO CARRY
THE WAR TO BITTER END
Berlin Reports Offensive Move
ment of* Allies to Be
Without Result
FRANCE VOTES $1,700,000,000
PARIS, Dec 23.—The chamber of deputies today vot
ed the sum of one billion and seven hundred millions of
dollars to meet the expenses of the government in all mat
ters including the war. The vote was practically unani
mous, the vast majority of the members manifesting
boundless enthusiasm. Several of the deputies present
have been serving as officers and soldiers at the front but
secured leave of absence to be present at the opening of
the parliament. Owing to the occupation of a large part
of France by the Germans the revenues of the government
have fallen tremendously. Added to this there is the loss
of revenue due to the loss in trade. These facts made
necessary the raising of more money than the war alone
might have required. The spirit of the people remains
extraordinarily firm and the hope of driving the invaders
out of the country is indeed fervent and strong.
REPULSE FRENCH
Berlin, Dec. 23.—The official statement made this morn
ing says that the attacks launched yesterday by the al
lies in Belgium were easily repulsed by the Gorman troops.
The French troops are showing greater activity in the vi
cinity of Camp de Chalons and no definite result is men
tioned with respect to the lighting in that quarter . The
French forward movement in the vicinity of Sillerio,
Rheims, Soitain and Perthes has been partly repulsed It
is clear from further reports given out that the allies
have really begun their much advertised attempt to drive
the Germans from France but this attempt has nothing
to show yet in the way of results
GERMANS INVADE ANGOLA
LISBON, Dec. 23.—The Germans have again invaded
Angola, Portuguese West Africa, and the Portuguese gar
rison has retreated to Huilla. The German forces crossed
the border from German West Africa to the south of
Angola and as they appeared in force and as the Portu
guese did not have sufficient forces at hand a retreat for
ho present was deemed advisable. It is said to be the in
tention of the Germans to try to take Angola and the
mouth of the Kongo at the northern extremity of Angola
and so establish a great German territory along the west
coast, part of this territory to be the Belgian Kongo. On
the south of German West Africa is British territory from
which British troops may at any moment invade German
soil unless the rebelling Boers are able to hold them.
WILL NORWAY MIX UP
LONDON, Dec. 23.—Lloyds is charging thirty
gunieas per cent to insure against war between Italy and
the Germans, Austria and Turks within a month. It is
charging fifty guineas to insure against that war within
six months. The publication of these facts is regarded
particularly remarkable not because they suggest the
likelihood of a war on Italy’s part but because a war
between Norway and Great Britain is thought to be even
possible Lloyds is so closely in touch with international
affairs that the prices charged for insurance against such
wars seem to indicate that Italy is still in serious danger
of becoming embroiled While the insurance rate in Nor
way’s case is comparatively light it is taken to indicate
the possibility that serious consequences may come from
the friction which has arisen from interference with Nor
wegian ships.
SWEAR BY HINDENBURG
BERLIN, Dec. 23.—The only announcement made this
morning here about the fighting in the eastern theater is
that the Germans and Russians are still gripping in the
tremendous conflict for the possession of Warsaw. The
most absolute confidence is reposed in the military genius
of Field Marshal Hindenburg who has proven on so many
occasions that he is the master of the leaders of the enemy.
Should he take Warsaw it is not unlikely that he will be
sent to the west to take charge of the operations there as
over-general in an effort to make another attempt on Paris
or the French coast. The people of Germany now look
forward chiefly to the taking of the city of Warsaw and
the Vistula line which will give them so tremendous a
position strategically that great forces can be detached
for the postponed attack on the allies in France and
Flanders. ..—