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THE MORNING STAR, WILMINGTON, N. G. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1916
fTwo.
TO BE L
1 i
Special Attorney .T. A. Ittetforton Snys
Aggressive Action Will be Taken
to Collect "Back Taxes."
! ; '
1 T
ROBERT E. GONZALES
DIES AT THE BORDER
Had Been 111 of Pneumonia for
Only Four Days.
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;Was Serving With MacWnt Gun Com
pany, Second South Carolina In
fantryWas Faragrapner
- on Columbia State.
4 El Paso, Texas, Dec. 20. Sergeant
Robert E. Gonzales, of 'the machine
gun company, Second South Carolina
infantry, eon of W. E. Gonzales, United
States minister to Cuba, died at the.Baz
Hospital, Fort Bliss, of pneumonia, af
ter an illness of four days. Prior to
his enlistment as a private last June,
Gonzales was a paragrapher on the Co.
lumbia State. His writings were ex
tensively copied. He was 2S years old.
'Columbia, S. C, Dec. 20. Robert E.
Gonzales, prior to his enlistment as a
private in the second South Carolina
Regiment, when the National Guard,
was mobilized for Federal service last
June, for a number of years was con
nected with the Columbia State, writ
ing most of the editorial paragraphs.
He was 28 years old and a native of
Columbia. His parents and one sister
survive him.
Minister Gonzales is understood to
b& on his way from Havana to El Paso.
The funeral will be conducted with
military honors.
SIX DEATHS WITHIN TWO
DAYS CAUSED BV PNEUMONIA
Deming, N. M., Dec. 20. ix deaths
kave occurred here during tTie past two
days from pneumonia. These .deaths
followed the "hike" made by the Na
tional Guard brigade encamped here
'during which temperatures dropped
suddenly and caused much sickness
'ftmong the soldiers, according to hospi
tal staff officers.
BRITISH GOVERNMENT WANTS
FUIX CONTROL OVER SHIPPING
rb.fs Is Given as Premier's Statement
That it Will be "Nationalized."
New York, Dec. 20. A desire of the
British government to mobilize under
one general head the entire ocean car
go carrying facilities of the United
Kingdom for the exclusive benefit of
the allied armies and the great civilian
population of the alUed countries is the
reason behind the statement of Premier
Lloyd-George that the shipping of
Great -Britain will be "nationalized."
according to leading British shipping
' men here.
For some time, one of the represen
tative steamship men said today, all
British vessels have had about one
third of their cargo space commandeer
ed for grain. This space, he said, had
been increased and now the New. York
. agent has nly one-third of his ships
. available tb private shippers.
The'same authority added that it was
his belief that under the proposed new
"regulations even more space would be
controlled by the government by regu
lations requiring that all cargo be offi
cially designated. Destination of cargo
will mean that shipping in British bot
- toms of any commodity other than that
necessary for maintenance of army and
civil life will be forbidden.
It is also deemed not unlikely, that
British ships now engaged in trade be
tween neutral countries will be called
"upon to take their place in the line of
Bhxps engaged in carrying supplies to
Great Britain and her allies.
No serious consideration appears o
be given to -the suggestion that British
ehips will be heavier armed than the
defense guns astern already approved
by the United States in connection with
the status as merchant men.
REPLY TO PEACE '
NOTE IS EXPECTED
3 BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Continued From Pae Onaj.
mann-Hollweg, the German Imperial
chancellor, in a secret conference with
the party leaders preceding his an
nouncement of Germany's peace offer
in the reichstag, was given full power
to, conduct peace negotiations without
further consultation even with the par
ty leaders. "The chancellor," says the
dispatch, "refused point blank to give
the leaders any detailed particulars of
: his peace terms, although he stated
bluntly that the terms would not take
any consideration of the various ex-
presesd wishes of the numerous par
ties within the empire. When the lead
ers objected to granting the chancel
lor's demands for full power to nego
tiate, Dr. vn Bethmann-Hollweg
countered with ,the statement that he
would resign forthwith unless hi3 de
xnands were met.
"After a long argument, the leaders
voted'the powers the chancellor wish-
ed, explaining later to followers that
they were compelled to do this owing
to the fear that if Dr. Von Bethmann
Hollweg resigned he would be succeed
'ed by Admiral Von Tirpitz."
BHEPPARD PROHIBITION
BILL IS NOT VOTED ON
(Continued. From Fag:e One).
ut Of the . possesison of the Senate,"
said Senator Reed, "legislative business
then will resolve itself to grabbing and
running. Under" these circumstances,
the man who can grab the most and rv
the - fastest would be the greatest
statesman. If we are proceeding under
Marquis of Queensburg rules, it is time
. we know it." .
Senator Ashurst declared he was not
disturbed by Mr. Reed's attack. He de
clared if Senator Reed'were fair abou1
the prohibition bill he would allow it
r to come to a vote. . .-"
"The saloon lost out in Arizona and
elsewhere," he said, "by such tactics as
these. - It committed suicide when it
. spewed the slime of politics like this on
itself." -
As he. concluded the Arizona senator
walked slowly through the aisle wav
ing the bill over his head and restored
It to the- clerk's desk.
: The debate which followed took on
the nature of a filibuster, .
t get up
at night. : Drink the celebra
ted Shivar Mineral Water. Positively guar
tijteedby money-back offer. , Tastes fine
costs a trifle.' Delivered anywhere by oui
, Wilfiiineton AgentsrElvington's pharmacy
Don
That a more aggressive campaign for
the collection of the $30,000 worth of
back taxes due the county will be inau
gurated at "once, , was the statement
made last uighf'by J. A- McNorton,
Esq., special county attorney for the
collection' of "Back Taxes." Mr. Mc
Norton, who was appointed to the fore,
going position by the Board of County
Commissioners last February, states
that Claude C. Cashwell. Esq., will be
associated with him in this work and
that it is hoped to make a very good
showing in the way of collections with
in the next three months.
Mr. McNorton points out that some of
this $30,000 worth of back taxes runs
as far back as 1870, that it has accumu
lated and accumulated year after year
through the failure of the people to
pay their current obligations to the
county in the way of taxes, and that as
result of the long period during
which the taxeswere allowed to gradu
ally grow larger, the property on which
it is due, has frequently changed hands
several times.
The large aggregate sum is made up
of amounts all the way from the tiny
pittance of 70 cents to $500. Many of
the claims for back taxes against sin
gle individuals amount to up in the
hundreds of dollars, however. ,
No special and sustained effort to col
lect the back taxes was made, Mr. Mc
Norton states, until last February when
the matter was placed in his hands.
Since that time he says he has collect
ed a little more than $4,000, although
the total sum outstanding remains
practically unchanged owing to the fact
that the current taxes for 1915, or the
past year, ending November 30, to an
aggregate amount of about $4,000 were,
permitted to go uncollected.
Suits Started.
Within the past two months, Mr. Mc
Norton has started six or eight suits
against delinquent taxpayers, and at
the last term of court got a judgment
for $490 In one case, four or five suits
are now pending, while more are in
contemplation.
He states that 1. Clayton Grant, Esq.,
representative-elect to the Legislature,
is right in his contention that the back
taxes should be collected, but that the
work in connection with the filing of
the complaints is considerable as it in
volves the hunting up the titles In a
large number of cases where the prop
erty has changed hands. It also in
volves the vefy.laborioua and onerous
operation of., digging: through old and
musty tomes as far back as 1870. -
In conclusion, MrlTMcNbrton .stated
that he and' his-associate are now pre
pared to give the matter practically
their undivided attentton and are deter
mined to collect the entire $30,000 ow
ing the county at the earliest possible
moment.
This announcement will, no doubt, be
a source o gratification to the taxpay
ers of the county who are in the habit
of discharging their obligations to the
county in the way-of taxes promptly,
and if successful will result in cutting
down the size of the bond issues whicH
the county, is seeking to have submitted
to the people in the near future. This
will only be practicable, however, in
the event that a determined effort Is
made by the tax-collecting officials to
collect the current taxes for 1916 as
they fall due.
ACTED ON ORDERS OP
GERMAN GOVERNMENT
(Continued from Pac One.)
Japanese, Crowley's reports showed, the
witness said, had automobile stations
to relay any information they secured.
According to Von Schack, Crowley
asserted also that the Japanese cruiser
Idzumo, cruised off the California coast,
outside the three mile limit, would re
lay to wireless stations in Canada in
formation sent from the portable sta
tions operated oy tne Japanese on
land.
Von Schack testified a protest had
been made to Rear Admiral Pond, then
supervisor of the 12th naval district,
another protest to the State Depart
ment. This was in 1915. The vice con
sul denied that Crowley or any one else
had been hired to .do any dynamiting,
QUEEN s OF SWEDEN ILL
The condition of ; Queen Vic
toria of Sweden has grown steadily
worse in the last week, says a dispatch
from Stockholm to the London" Morning
Post. The report pays the Queen's tem
perature ! "has risen- slightly; thye is
increased catarrh. In the lungs," The
Queen Is the sister of the "Grand puke
of Baden.. he la. 5. Sears old and the
1 - " ' , ' " V I
III give for
ney through these varied, helpful and appropriate holiday stocks, for in them lies the happy -solution
for every problem, large and small. Even with no thought in mind of purchasing we shall be glad to
have you come and see the store in all the beauty of its holiday decorations. So for once and all
you can safely dismiss the question -of the proper gift to make it is certainly here somewhere, and
waiting to solve the question to your utmost pleasure. The store of a thousand gift suggestions is ready for you splendidly ready!
Christmas Sale of Men's Clothing
Hundreds of Suite and Overcoats now reduced for the Holiday Sale. Every
suit strictly all wool and guaranteed to give absolitte'satisf action.
Mert's All Wool Worsted Suits, Venetian lined, at $8.95.
Men's $15.00 All Wool Serge and Worsted Suits; best lining, at $11.50.
Men's $16.50 All Wool Serge, Worsted and Cassimere Suits, at $13.75.
Men's $17.50 Heavy Weight Worsted Suits, at $15.95.
Men's Long Black Thibet Overcoats at $5.95
Men's $12.50 Balmacaan Overcoats, at $9.95
Men's $12.50 Long Black Overcoats, at $9.95
Boys' Suits and Coats, all reduced.
Children's S weeters and Caps
We have just received another shipment from
our early orders, and these Sweaters are now
worth about 75 more than when our order
was placed, so that when we say another ship
ment from our early purchasers at old prices
it spells "Bargain." They won't last long.
Come early. Sweaters, priced 98 and $1.48
Caps ... ... ... ...... ...25 and 48
TEXT OF PRESIDENT'S
NOTES TO BELLIGERENTS
Continued From Page One).
instrumentality. One way will be as
acceptable to him as another if only
the great object he has in mind be at
tained.
Both SIden Have Same Purpose.
He takes the liberty of calling at
tention to the fact that the objects
Which the statesmen of the belliger
ents on both sides have in mind in this
war are virtually the same, as stated
in general terms to their own people
and to the world. Each side desires to
make the rights and privileges of wea
peoples and small states as secure
against aggression or denial in the fu
ture as the rights and privileges of
the great and powerful states now at
war. Each wishes itself to be made
secure in the future, along with all
other nations and peoples, against the
recurrence of wars like' this and
against aggression of selfish interfer
ence of any kind. Each would be jeal
ous of the formation of any more rival
leagues to preserve an uncertain bal
ance of power amidst multiplying sus
picions, but each is ready to consider
the formation of a league of nations
to insure peace and justice throughout
the world. Before that final step can
be taken, however, each deems it ne
cessary first to settle the issues of the
present war upon terms which will
certainly safeguard the Independence,
the territorial integrity and the politi
cal and commercial freedom of the na
tions involved.
Interested In .Lasting' Peace.
In tne measures to be taken to se
cure the future peace or the worm,
the people and government of the Unit
ed States are as vitally and as directly
interested as the governments now at
war. Their interests, moreover, in the
means to be adopted to relieve the
smaller and weaker pei)fA3 of the world
of the peril of wrong and .-Violence is as
quick and ardent as that of any other
people or government. They stand
ready, and even eager; to co-operate
in the accomplishment of these ends,
when the war is over, with every influ
ence and resource at their command.
But the war must first be concluded.
The terms upon which ij is to be con
cluded they are not at liberty to sug
gest; but the President does fel that
t is his right and hi8 duty, to point
out their intimate interest in its con
clusion lesf it should presently be too
late to accomplish the greater things
which- lie . beyond its conclusion, lest
the situation of neutral nations, n6W
exceedingly hard to endure, be ren
dered altogether intolerable, and lest,
more than all, an injury be done civil
isation itself, which can never be
atoned for or repaired.
Feels Suggestion. Is Justified. .
"The President, 'therefore, feels al
together justified in suggesting an immediate-opportunity
for a comparison
of views as- to the terms which must
precede those ultimate arrangements
for the peace of the world, which all
desire and in which the neutral, nations
as well as those at war are ready to
play their full responsible part. If
the contest must' continue to proceed
towards undefined ends by slow attri
tion until the one roup of belligerents
or the other is exhausted, if million
after million of human lives must con
tinue to be offered up until on the one
side or the other there are no more to
offer, if resentments . must be kindled
that can never cool and despairs en
gendered from which there can be no
recovery, hopes of peace and of the
willing corcert of free peoples will be
rendered -vain and idle.
. Entire World Affected.
"The" Hfe of the entire world has
been profoundly" affected. Every part
of the great amlly of mankind has telt
tne oupaen ana xerror t this unprece-
ox arms. No nation i-n
BelkWI
the civilized world can be said in truth
to stand outside its influence or to be
safe against' its disturbing effects. And
yet the concrete objects for which It
is being waged have- never been defi
nitely stated.
"The leaders of the several belliger
ents have, as has been said, stated
those objects in general terms. But,
stated in general termsthey seem the
same on both sides. Never yet have
the authoritative spokesmen of either
side avowed the precise objects which
would, If attained, satisfy them and
their people that the war had been
fought out. The world has been left
to conjecture what definite results,
what actual exchange of guaranties,
what political or territorial changes
or readjustments, what stage of mili
tary success ever would bring the war
to an end.
Might Clear Way for Conference.
"It may be that peace is nearer than
we know; that the terms which the
belligerents on the one side and on the
other would deem .it necessary to insist
upon are not so irreconcilable as some
have feared; that an interchange of
views would clear the. way at least for
conference and, make the permanent
concord of the nations a. hope of the
immediate future, a concert of nations
immediately practicable.'
; Not Proposing Peace.
.."The President is not proposing
peace, he' is nolt evfen offering media
tion. He is merely proposing that
soundings be taken in order that we
may learn the neutral nations with the
belligerents, 'how near the haven of
peace may be' for which all mankind
longs with an intense and Increasing
longing. 'He believes that. the spirit in
which he speaks amf the objects which
he seeks will be understood-by all con
cerned, and he confidently hopes for a
response which will bring a new' light
into the affairs oT-the world."
The note to the Entente group will
be delivered to Great Britain, France,
Italy, Japan, Russia, Belgium, . Monte
negro, Portugal, Rumania and Serbia.
That to, the-Central allies will be deliv
ered" to Germany, Austria-Hungary,
Turkey, and Bulgaria.
It is being delivered to . all neutral
governments for their information.
SUGGESTS AN EXPRESSION
OF VIEWS AT EARLY DATE
' (Con tinned From Page One.)
of -.President Wilson would be accep
table to the Entente powers. "
J3ritisJ Embassy irfcteriy Surprised.
-British embassy officials declared they
were utterly taken by surprise, were
wholly unable to explain it, and em
phatic in their statement that 'no, ex
changes whatever had passed thrbugh
the embassy here as a' preliminary.
The hope, of the Germanic powers
that ..President .WUsoh wtmld intercede
in some Way has iong been well, known
a&a. has been conveyed in various ways
to tne white House.
The' attitude Of
the Entente Allies a expressed In theii
statement, and certainlv until recehtlv
in official .advices to the American gOv
Mills
Infants
Invalids
T
YOU
" Sams Pries)
eepHprlicka Always m Hand
Quick I.TOchi;Hoae or Officiu
you can conjure
up
Christmas will serve to settle
as satisfactorily as a little jour
NAROBIA GUARANTEED
In Black, Brown and Gray. Single pieces or sets, make
practical gifts, and the quality is backed up by our absolute
guarantee of satisfaction . . ..$5.95 to $69.00
Mnams
ernment, has been that a peace offer by
the United States would be considered
almost the next thing to unfriendly.
All that, however, was before the
Germanic allies brought forward their
proposals for discussion of peace. Pres
ident Wilson specifically says in they
notes that he is somewhat embarrassed
in making the suggestion at this parti
cular time "because It may now seem to
have been prompted by a desire to play
a part in connection with the recent
overtures of the Central Powers."
Action IVot Suggested.
To the Central Powers the President
says his action was In no way "suggest
ed" by the Teutonic proposals, while to
the Entente Allies he says his note is
"in no way associated with them." To
both sets of belligerents he says he
would have delayed offering It until
those overtures had been answered but
for the fact that "it also concerns the
question of peace and may thus be con
sidered in connection with other pro
posals which have the same end in
view."
Diplomatists consider It Incredible
that the President would bring forward
such a-proposal at such a time unless
he had reason to, believe it would re
ceive respectful consideration at the
hands of all the fceHlgerehts and above
all would not prejudice the position of
the United States as a possible media
tor. -
The German embassy view, consis
tently hopeful that proposals of the
Central Allies would lead to a discus
sion of peace, was expressed in-this au
thorized statement by Count Bernstorff,
the German ambassador:
. "Nowt" Said he, "I am perfectly con
vinced that .there, will be a conference."
The Nearest Parallel '
The nearest parallel in world history
for President Wilson's actiori was
President Roosevelt's move Jn 1905 to
end the-war between Russia and Japan.
But In that case the President had been
assured twat his proposal Would not be
disagreeable to either , of the belliger
ents and curiously enough It was
thrbugh Emperor William of Germany
that the preliminary sounding crystal -ised
ifito the suggestion that President
Roosevelt t&ke the step's. Befcre that
time President Roosevelt had, conferred
With the Russian and Japanese diplo
matists here, the American ambassador
to Russia had had conversations Witfl
the foreign minister and the American
ambassador, to japan had . conferred
wit the Japanese lforeign minister.
Had Irfmgr Contemplated Stove
"Those officials who wottld-dlscuss the
notes thought it worthy of attention
that the President, after saying his ac
tion had long been in mind,' added:
"The President can only, beg that his
suggestion be considers entirely' On its
own merits and as It It had been, .made
ih other circumstances."
The President looks forward In the
notes to the part the neutrals shall tates
in assuring the future peace Of the
world. He expresses -justification in
''suggesting an immediate opportunity
for a-comparison of J views, as id the
terms which must precede those ulti- j
Mate arrangements for the peace-of theH
world," which all desire, ad in. which
Lthe neutral nations a Well as those at
war are ready to play their full respond
sible part." - . . - . ' ' ,
The objects which the belligerents
have In mind, the President points out,
axe very nearly the samaras' stated in
general ' terms to theirX people and to
the. World, but yet the. Concrete obpevts
of the yar'"have never' been definitely
stated."; '. -.-: :K: ;;. r -;
, Precise bjets .JTever' '" -Stated.
: "Jever yet.".he says "have the au
thoritative statesmen, of either side,
avowed the precise objects . . which
would. If attained, , satisfy theni and.
their people that the war had been
fought' out. The world has been left
to conjecture what definite
fwhat actaat exchange ol sTuafantees,
Christmas Sale, Ladies' Suits and Coats
Ladies' $10.00 Serge Coat Suits, Velvet trimmed, at $6.95.
Ladies' $20.00 Poplin and Gaberdine Suits, Satin lined, at $13.15.
Ladies' $25.00 Broadcloth, Gaberdine and Poplin Suits; Satin lined; Vel.
vet or Fur trimmed, at $16.95.
$27.50 Broadcloth and Velour Coat Suits, at $18.50.
Ladies' $6.00 and $6.50 Long Coats; Plain or Mixed colors, at $4.98,
- Ladies' $10.00 Coats, all the plain and fancy Mixed Shades, at $8.95.
Ladies' $15.00 Coats, now reduced to $12.50
Ladies' $20.00 Coats, now reduced to $16.95
Ladies'. $25.00 Coats, now reduced to $21.50
FURS
Bed Room Slippers
All the best styles and in very conceivable
color. Bed Room Slippers are an old Christ
mas Gift article, but is just as appreciative to
day as ever.
Every mother's son and every mother's
daughter wants them. .
Ladies' Slippers priced....
Men's Slippers, priced . . . .
Children's Slippers, priced .
Co
what political or territorial changes or
readjustments, what stage of military
success even, would bring the war to
an end.
"It may be," continues the note, "that
peace is nearer than we know; that the
terms which the belligerents on the One
side and On the other, woulddeeni It
necessary to insist upon are not so ir
reconcilable as some have feared; that
an inter-change of views would clear
the way at least for conference and
make permanent concord of the nations
a hope of the immediate future, a con
cert of nations immediately practic
able." Probably In Preparation Some Time.
There are indications that President
Wilson began preparation of his note
some time ago, probably even . before
the German proposals came out and
that the offer of the Central Powers
and the succeeding developments made
a more favorable opportunity for its
presentation. '
The fact that the President asks first
only a clarification of terms is taken
as Indicating that he is not expecting
an immediate conclusion.
NTust when the note was finished has
not been disclosed but it is known
that it went to the cables yesterday.
On Monday the higher officials of the
State Department were taken into the
President's confidence and the text was
sent to the public printer to mako
copies for the diplomatic corps. The
Completion of the note on Monday and
its dispatch Tuesday indicate that It
was sent regardless of anything that
Premier Lloyd-George might say. Offi
cials expect the note to be received
with general favor In . Germany but
many, 'believe the real test will come
with its arrival in the Entente coun
tries where many influential persons
have feared and sought to prevent any
American intervention until the mili
tary situation changed.
Would Agree to Mediation.
While German officials thoroughly
understood that President Wilson made
e
PRACTICAL GIFTS
'For a Christmas Gift? We Have a Large Assortment in
s. - . . . , ;
Felt and Leather, for Men, Women and Children.
PETERSON
WILMINGTON'S LARGEST
It
. .85d to $1.75.
$1.50
. .50 to $1.25
it clear that he was not in any sense
offering mediation to the warring gov
ernments, it was declared that should
the negotiations reach .that stage, Ger
many, being anxious to have the peace
of Europe restored, willingly would
agree to such procedure. Neither does
it make any difference to Germany it
is said, whether the conference is com
posed of representatives of all the bel
ligerents, or just the coalitions. So far
as Germany is concerned the view held
here is that she would be perfectly
willing that a committee of three,
formed of a representative of the Cen
tral Powers, a representative of the
Entente and a representative of the
United States, should hold preliminary
discussions. The main idea of. Ger
many and her allies is to get each set
of belligerents into direct personal
communication with the other. The
method is considered of secondary im
portance. The view prevails in German quar
ters that all the1 belligerents will make
some definite statement in reply to the
United States. The very phraseology
of the American communication, it is
felt, calls for replies, far more definite
than mere acknowledgments of receipt
Count von Bernstorff may discuss
the situation with secretary Lansinff
some time tomorrow.
RUSSIAN BELIEVED
VICTIM OF U-BOAT
(Continued from Pagre One.)
it has since sunk, according to unoffi"
cial reports. ,
"The nine survivors froin capsized
boats suffered great hardships from
exposition and difficulty in keeping on
upturned boat before being rescue!
Informed Russian not admiralty char
ter. Affidavits by mail."
' Christmas Slippers at Feterson
Rulfs, for the whole family. dlo.N.Wi
,
AND BEST SHOE ST0EE
o&RULF