RUSSIAN RETREAT UNCHECKED Women Soldiers Unable To Lend Sufficient Strength to Russian Eront to Repel German Advance. Retreating Russians Leave Virtu ally a Free Road for the Foe. From Baltic to Black Sea Only at One Point Has the Old Russian Fight ing Spirit Been Shown. Subma rines Get 21 British Ships. (Wednesday's War Summary.) Even the actual entry of women soldiers into battle on the Eastern front has been insufficient to imbue the ranks of the recalcitrant Rus sians with patriotism. They are still deserting in large numbers in Gali cia, leaving a virtually free road open for fresh advances by the Germans and Austrians. From the Baltic to the Black Sea only at one point along the line in the Southern Carpathians ? have the Russians risen to the occasion and shown some of their old fighting spirit. Here, fighting shoulder to shoulder with their Rumanian allies, they have attacked and captured sev eral villages from the Germans and broken the heavily fortified Teuton line on a wide front. In Galicia, the precipitate retreat of the Russians continues almost ev erywhere from the Carpathian foot hills to the region around Tarnopol, the government apparently not yet having had time to put in force its strong repressive measures which M. Kerensky, the head of the govern ment has promised to apply in order to stay the retreat. Nadvoma, in the fringe of the foot hills, Stanislau and Tarnopol and numerous smaller towns have been taken by the Teutons, who are now approaching the important railroad junction of Buczacz, which lies some 30 miles east of Halicz. The German Emperor was an observer of the bat tle on the Sereth front and saw his men put down the only effort of mo ment that was made to hold them back ? an attack by the Russians be tween Tarnopol and Trembowla. Since the penetration of the German lines on a wide front near Krevo, in which the "Command of Death," com posed of women, took a notable part, despite which large numbers of the Russians ignominiously retreated to their old positions without even the vestige of harassment by the enemy, the Russians have not stirred from their trenches to face the foe. The hostilities on the Aisne front, where for weeks the Germans have wasted men by thousands in ineffect ual attempts to break through Gen eral Petain's front, have ceased and only artillery duels are now in prog ress. Early Wednesday morning was the last attempt of Crown Prince to gain his objective. This was on the Califomie plateau, where an .attack was completely repulsed. The Germans have been successful in winning 200 yards of trenches from the British east of Monchy-Le Preux, which they had bombarded violently for several days past. In the capture of the position the enemy again resorted to the use of liquid fire. Along the front in northern Bel gium the heavy artillery duel con tinues, but as yet there has bern no sign of either the British or the Ger mans starting an infantry attack. British airmen have bombed and caused severe damage to the German submarine base at Zeebrugge and also to the town of Bruges. German submarines or mines last week were responsible for the sinking of 21 British merchant vessels of more than 1,600 tons each and three of less than 1,600 tons. In addition a submarine has sunk the British merchant cruiser Otway with the loss of ten men killed, while a German report says that a Teutonic U-boat has accounted for a British underwa ter craft. SIXTEEN THOUSAND MEN IN NEW ARMY TACTICAL UNITS < Washington, July 24. ? Secretary 1 Baker confirmed today that in pursu- i ance of suggestions growing out of the conferences of American army officers with Generals Joffre and Bridges, tactical units of the national army, will be organized on a basis of 1 about 16,000 men each in place of ' 24,000. i Generals Joffre and Bridges ex- < plained that the smaller and more mo- 1 bile division used in European armies t had proved highly satisfactory. s ITEMS FROM FOLK OAKS. Business Men's Bible Class is Joined by Philathea Class in Delightful Barbecue at Holt's Pond. Party at "Oakview Farm." Other Items of Interest. Four Oaks, July 27. ? Miss Kora Lee Wells, of Elm City, is the guest of Misses Leola Sanders and Esther Creech. Mr. D. C. Lassiter, of Charlotte, N. C., spent Sunday here with friends. Mrs. Wade H. Royal, of Emporia, Va., and Mrs. S. T. Honeycutt, of Benson, spent a few hours with Miss Flora Strickland Tuesday. Miss Leola Sanders spent the week-end with Miss Pearl Adams at Linden, Miss Adams returning with her. Mrs. Paschal, of Lucama, spent Saturday and Sunday here with her daughter, Mrs. W. H. Tucker. Mr. W. E. Barbour made a business trip to Raleigh Tuesday. Mr. G. K. Massengill took Mr. W. H. Tucker to a specialist in Raleigh Monday for treatment. We hope Mr. Tucker will soon be able to return home. Mrs. ii. H. Adams, accompanied by Miss Florence, is visiting Mrs. B. F. Royal at Morehead City. Mr. Futrell, of Emporia, Va., is visiting at the home of Mrs. W. E. Strickland. The Business Men's Class of the Four Oaks Methodist Sunday school of which Mr. B. B. Adams is the pop ular and efficient teacher, enjoyed a delightful barbecue at Holt's Pond, three miles from here, Friday after noon. The class turned out in full force, having over fifty present. The ladies of the Philathea Class of the school were the guests of the men on this enjoyable occasion, and swelled the total number present to nearly 75. The barbecue at Holt's Pond bids fair to become an annual oc casion with the Business Men's Class, they having enjoyed the two already given at that place so much. The Misses Adams entertained in formally at their beautiful country home "Oakview" Tuesday evening, in honor of Misses Lucile Johnson and Ethel Brewer, of Raleigh. An auction sale of the young men was very prof itable. The Automobile Contest was the feature. Winners, Messrs. Adams and Cole and Miss Lucile Johnson. Those enjoying the hospitality of the Misses Adams were: Misses Gladys Adams, Martha Barbour, Sarah Keen, Leola Sanders, Esther Creech, Pearl Adams, Rosalie Wells, Ethel Brewer, and Lucile Johnson; Messrs. Victor and Chester Cole, Lonnie Keen, Wm. Adams, Irvin Ray, Gilbert Creech, Frank Wilson, W. E. Barbour, Wm. Sanders. A beautiful spread on the well known "Uncle David Adams" plan was enjoyed by those present, just prior to the witching hour when the guests departed wishing for an early repetition of the evening. WILSON SIGNS BIG AERO BILL. United States Out for Record in $640,000,000 Air Fleets. No De lay, Coffin Promises. Washington, July 24. ? By a swift stroke of the pen President Wilson at 12:15 to-day signed the $640,000, 000 aviation bill. Destined to make the United States the first power of the world in air craft strength, the measure, which carries the largest single appropria tion ever made by Congress, was passed in record time. It required less than two weeks to get it through both the House and Senate after its introduction in the lower branch. Actual debate in either branch did not consume more than a day. The same speed will characterize the carrying out of the construction programme authorized in the bill, says Howard Coffin, chairman of the aircraft production board of the Council of National Defence. Imme diately after the President signed the measure, Mr. Coffin -asserted that the board was prepared to go ahead at once with the plr.ns authorized. The Draft List. We arc publishing the complete < Draft list numbers in this issue of < Fhe Herald. The younpr men who rejf ster may now find their places in the 1 ?all if they know their serial number. ! in the list the liability number is i riven first and the serial number < second. s SELM.VS KILL NEWS BUDGET. I'rof. E. H. Moser Elected Superin tendent of Selma Graded Schools. City Fathers Itcginning Some Much Needed Street Improvement. The Woodard Drug Company Move Into New Quarters. The Herald's New Correspondent from Selma. In cotton planters. ? News and Ob- i lerver. AT THE CAPITAL OF BANNER. Death of Mrs. N. H. Gibbs, Saturday Nitfht ? Funeral by Her Pastor, Rev. G. W. Rollins. Big Bain on Tuesday Afternoon Causes Many to Wait at White Dak for Freshet to Subside Before Crossing. Bridge Kadly Needed at Thin Point, Many Personal Items of Interest. Benson, July 26. ? Mr. Mit Coats, of Coats, was a visitor to our city Tuesday on business. Mr. W. H. Royal went down to Fremont Tuesday afternoon, return ing that night. Messrs. J. M. Morgan and E. F. Moore were visitors to Smithfield Tuesday. Mr. Braxton Johnson, of Smithfield, was in the city Tuesday and Wednes day. Mr. Willie Ryals, of Princeton, was here for several days this week on business. Miss Mary Cook and Miss Julia Canaday returned the first of the week from Chapel Hill where they have been attending the Summer School. Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Rackley re turned the first of the week from Sampson County, where they have been for the past week visiting rela tives. Mr. Howard Weeks, of Robinson ville, was here Sunday and Monday on a short visit to relatives. Mrs. Joel McCorquodale, of Fal con, was here the first of the week to attend the funeral and burial of her sister, Mrs. N. II. Gibbs. Mr, J. A. Wellons, of Smithfield, was here Tuesday afternoon for a short while on business. Mr. R. P. Todd went up to Nor folk Sunday where he will be for a few days on business matters. Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Boon went up to Raleigh Monday for a few hours, returning that same afternoon. Mrs. R. C. Creech, of Tennessee, is here for a several days' visit to the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Hobbs. Messrs. S. F. Ivey, Paul Lee, J. F. Lee and J. T. Morgan went up to Ral, eigh Monday on business. Mrs. B. I. Tart and little girl, of Four Oaks, and Miss Ellen Lee, of Newton Grove, recently spent a few days with Mr. and Mrs. L. Gilbert. Mrs. R. B. Brady and children re turned Tuesday from a few days visit to relatives in Rocky Mount, Clayton and other cities. Mr. Will Holder, of Rocky Mount, was here for a few days recently with his sister, Mrs. W. D. Boon. Sergeant Willie Clifton, of the 2nd Regiment, at Goldsboro, was here Saturday and Sunday with relatives. Miss Chellie Mae Royal returned the first of the week from Raeford where she made a short visit to rela tives. Miss Lillie Dixon, daughter of Mr. Joe Dixon, of Elevation township, has been spending a few days here at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Dixon. Mrs. W. A. Bingham, of Raleigh, has been here for a few days with Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Royal. Mr. Paul Raynor, of Durham, re cently spent several days here with relatives and friends. Mr. Walter Denning, of Newberry, S. C., has been here for the past ten days with relatives. Mr. W. M. Sanders, of Smithfield, was here the first of the week for a few hours on business matters. Prof. T. T. Lanier returned the first of the week from Chapel Hill where he has been for some time at tending the Summer School. Miss Vallie Hill left Monday for her home at Jonesboro, where she will spend several weeks with rela tives before resuming work here. Mrs. I. P. Roberts, of Wilson, has been here for the past several days visiting relatives and friends. Miss Nettie Anderson, of Hender son, N. C., has been here for the past few days with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Anderson. Prof. Fitzgerald has tendered his resignation as Superintendent of the Benson School which was accepted by the Board of Trustees. His suc cessor has not yet been elected. Quite a large number of Benson ians took in the Water Melon and Baby Fair at Selma this week. Messrs. R. F. Smith, Claud Weeks, George Hodges ar.d other attended Court at Smithfield Tuesday. Mrs. Harris, of Sampson County, nas been here for several days visit- i ng her daughter, Mrs. J. E. Wilson. O. A. Barbour, Jr., son of Mr. and 1 THE PRESIDENT TAKES A HAM) Accepts Resignation of General Goe thals and Asks Chairman Penman to Step Down. Shipping* Hoard to Be Reorganized. President Wilson brought the ship ping board row to an abrupt termina tion Tuesday by eliminating the two principals, William Denman, chair-, man of the board, and Maj. Gen. George W. Goethals, manager of the board's emergency fleet corporation, in charge of construction. The resig nation of General Goethals, ten dered some days ago, was accepted, and Mr. Denman was asked by the President to follow suit that the gov ernment's building program might go forward without embarrassment. Edward N. Hurley, of Chicago, for mer chairman of the federal trade commission, was named by the Presi dent to succeed Mr. Denman to be come chairman of the board, and Bainbrid::c Colby, of New York, was appointed successor to Capt. John R. White, ox Kansas City, another boajd member whose resignation, offered to the President a month ago, also was accepted. Rear Admiral Wash ington L. Capps, chief constructor of the navy, will succeed General Goe thals as manager of the fleet corpor ation, taking immediate charge of the building program. Mr. Denman sent his resignation to the White House immediately af ter receipt of the President's letter requesting it. The President's action manifestly took him by surprise, but his only comment was: "It was the best way to settle this thing. I want to help the President in every way possible, and I never have questioned the wisdom of his decision!.* Who overcomes by force, has ov ercome but half his foe. ? Milton. Mrs. O. A. Barbour, won the second prize of Eight Dollars at the Selma Baby Show Tuesday. Mrs. J. H. Godwin, J. H. Godwin, Jr., and Robert Godwin are spend ing the week with relatives near Clayton. Mr. Rufus Britt, of Deland, Fla., is here spending a few days with rel atives. Mr. and Mrs. J. O. Johnson and children spent yesterday at a family reunion in Harnett County at the home of Parlia Wood. Messrs. A. V. Norris, Chas. Nor ris, J. R. MeLamb and others were in Raleigh yesterday on business mat ters. Mr. Guy Stewart, of Battleboro, and J. P. Lee, of Coats, were in the city today on business. Misses Maud and Claudia Wood are spending a few days with rela tives in Douglass, Ga. Misses Velma and Beatrice Good rich are visiting their brother, Rev. A. L. Goodrich, at Wilmington, N. C. The attention of the board of Road Supervisors of Banner township should be gently called to the fact that a bridge is needed, and badly needed, across White Oak one mile East of Benson. The fact that it is badly needed was demonstrated Tuesday afternoon when more than fifty people waited from two hours to five hours each on the East side of stream before they could cross over after the rain that fell Tuesday af ternoon. The timber out of which to construct the bridge has been on the spot for nearly a year, and there is no reason whatever why the bridge should not be built. It is someone's duty to build this bridge and the law places that duty on the Board of Road Supervisors.' If they are not going to perform their duty then they should let some one hold the job who will do it. This Tuesday af ternoon occurrence is not the first time that people have had to wait for a long time at ?his place after a rain. It is a frequent occurrence. Mrs. N. H. Gibbs, widow of the late N. II. Gibbs, died here Saturday night at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C. W. Hall, after a lingering illness for the past few months. Mrs. Gibbs was a highly respected woman, a member of the Benson Baptist church, and had lived a life that can be pointed to as an example for good liness. She left survivuig several children and grandchilaern and a host of other relatives and friends. Her remains were laid away Sunday afternoon at the Benson Cemetery, the funeral services being conducted by her pastor, Rev. G. W. Rollins. RUSSIAN TROOPS IN RETREAT. Retirement Is Pell Mell Before Aus tro-Germans All Along the Line Except in Rumania. Disaffection Has Made Null Almost All the lirilliant Gains Recently Made Un der the Personal Leadership of Kerensky. Notwithstanding the threat of Premier Kerensky that a policy of "blood and iron" is to be applied without restraint against the sedi tious Russian troops in East Gali cia whose disaffection has made null almost all the brilliant gains they had achieved under his personal lead ership early in the month, the Rus sians continue their retirement, vir tually pell moll, before the German and Austro-Hungarian armies. From the wooded Carpathians to the region of Tarnopol, the forces of General Knorniloff almost everywhere were in disorderly retreat, hardly anywhere making an attempt to hold back the oncoming enemy. -?* Already the losses of the Russians in men killed, wounded or made pris oner and in guns and stores captured are extremely heavy, and these un doubtedly will become greater unless the hoper for stiffening of the mor ale of the Russians is realized soon. Stanislau, the principal junction for commercial activities in the crown land of Galicia and an important grain and manufacturing center, is being evacuated by the Russians, while Podhaytse, Ilalicz and other towns have been taken by the Teu tons. Tarnopol, one of the chief towns in the crownland, is more seriously menaced than ever, if it has not al ready been retaken, by the enemy crossing the river to the south. Including the hostilities in Galicia, the entire eastern front from the Baltic virtually to the Black sea is the scene of big operations but with the Russians standing firmly against the enemy only in the Rumanian theater. As in Galicia, the Russians to the north around the region of Dvinsk and Vilna continue to show signs of disaffection. Although they had at tacked and captured German positions along the Dvinsk-Vilna railway, the Russians could not be induced to press their advantage and retired unhindered by the Germans to their old positions. In the repulse of at tacks with large forces near Krevo, which was recaptured, and south of Smorgon, the Germans cut entire regi ments to pieces with their galling fire of the infantry and machine guns. ? Tuesday's War Summary. ANOTHER LOAN FOR ENGLAND. Parliament Plans for a Loan of Three Billion Two Hundred and Fifty Million for War. Cost to England Now Is $35,000,000 Daily. London, July 24. ? Moving in the house of commons today a vote of credit for $3,250,000,000, the larg est war credit yet asked, and bring ing Great Britain's expenditure to the collossal total of $26,460,000,000, Andrew Bonar Law, chancellor of the exchequer, gave startling figures of the amazing growth of Great Bri tain's financial burden in the world war, and emphasized from the fin ancial viewpoint alone the great im portance of the United States enter ing the war as insuring that tho allies would not be deprived of vic tory through lack of money. The house was astonished to learn that Great Britain's advances to the allies and dominions had already reached the huge total of more than $5,000,000,000. ^ The daily war expenditure, al though it shows a substantial im provement over the figures given on May 9, when Mr. Bonar Law asked for the last war credit, still approach es $35,000,000 daily and cxceeus the budget estimate by $5,000,000 daily. But, comparing the last 77 days with the first 35 days of the fiscal year, the expenditure showed a reduction of million daily. Draft Lists About Ready. The draft lists are now in the hands of the local Exemption Boards and the men who are to be called in the first army will be notified within the next two or three days. The noti fications may go out tomorrow. The men must appear before the boards at once for physical examination.