VOLUME 39 SMITHFIELD, N. C., FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 1020. Number 9. FPU SITUATION GROWING WORSE IN N. CAROLINA. - Disease Reported Springing Up All Over the State.—An Epidemic Is Feared—Over 400 New Cases Re ported Wednesday to State Health Authorities at Raleigh. Raleigh, Jan. 28—Although state board of health officials have not yet declared an epidemic of influenza to exist in North Carolina it took no ex pert tonight to size up the situation as growing yiore serious, from facts obtained at the office of Dr. F. M. Register. Since yesterday afternoon there have been 413 new -cases re ported throughout the state. The dis ease has sprung up in all sections. Calls for help have come from Ca tawba county and the town of Bur lington. 'Doctors and nurses are ask ed for. As yet no cases have been officially reported from Charlotte or Mecklen burg county. Today’s figures showed Raleigh and Winston-Salem reporting 35 cases each. In justice to Raleigh it may be added that these are all the cases so far reported to the county health of ficer, Dr. Percy Ahrons. The same may be true of other sections. Today’s report, issued by the board of health follows: Cities: Winston-Salem, 35; Greens 1 boro, 23; Raleigh, 35; Goldsboro, 2; Counties: Catawba, 150; Cabarrus, 25; Cleveland, 15; Edgecombe, 36; Guilford, 2; Lee, 10; McDowell, 36; Mitchell, 25; Rowan, 15; Washington, 3; Yancy, 2. Catawba, in which the diseaste seems to be nearing an epidemic stage, sent a call for a doctor and two nurses at once. Board of health authorities repeat the request that all communities hold themselves in im mediate readiness to cope with any situation that might arise. The pre valance of the disease is perceptibly and undeniably on the increase, and it looks now as if all anti-“flu” ma chinery will have to be put into ope ration. So far, the western half of the state leads in the number of cases reported. The Buncombe County Medical so ciety tonight recommended that all schools, churches and public gather ings of all kinds be closed on account of the influenza epidemic, which has struck Asheville. The recommenda tion will be acted upon by the city commissioners in the morning when it is certain that the closing order will be enforced. All social gatherings come under the proposed ban.—W. H. Richardson, in Charlotte Observer. Over 100 “Flu” Cases in Rowan. Salisbury, Jan. 28.—Dr. C. A. Arm strong, county health officer, reports that up to Wednesday noon there were 90 cases of influenza in Rowan, outside of Salisbury and 15 cases in the city. The first death from the disease re ported is that of Mrs. G. W. Leigh ton, who died in Salisbury Wednesday ' morning. Many Cases In cnicago. Chicago, 111., Jan. 28.—Influenza in Chicago caused 87 deaths in the last 24 hours, while pneumonia deaths numbered 77, the health department announced tonight. New cases of flu numbered 1,472 and pneumonia cases 400. “The number of influenza cases is gradually lessening,” Deputy Health Commissioner Kohler said. At High Point. High Point, Jan. 28.—Sixty new cases of influenza reported by local physicians today brought the total number of cases in the city to approx imately 200. No deaths, directly at tributed to influenza, have been re ported thus far. There are a number of cases of pneumonia in the city al so. Roanoke “Flu” Center. Roanoke^ Va.„ Jan. 28.—Roanoke gradually is becoming the center of an influenza epidemic, according to officials of the local health depart ment, who announced today that there are 433 cases here to date. Five deaths have occurred from the dis ease since January 22. Bubonic Plague in New Orleans. Bubonic plague in its severest form, the Philadelphia Ledger correspond ent says, has broken out in New Or leans. Officials of the Public Health Service are gravely concerned over the situation. The seriousness of con ditions and the virulent form of the plague are demonstrated by the fact that out of eleven cases among hu man beings five have proved fatal and the mortality of rats is very great. An extensive survey has revealed the preseiRe of a great number of rats carrying the infection, many of them having been found dead as a result of the disease. “Marriage is failure,” said the Cyn ic, with a sneer. “No wonder,” re plied the Philosopher. “Look how many inexperienced people go in for it.”—London Answers. THE NEWS IN BENTONVILLE. Rural Telephone Much Needed—No Physician in Township—Road Force Doing Good Work—Farmers Tak ing Stock in Cotton Warehouse. Rev. Frederick Grimm of Wilson filled his regular appointment at Mill Creek church Sunday. Mr. W. W .Cole of Smithfield was in our burg Saturday on business. Mr. Carl Westbrook returned to Trinity Park Monday after a week’s stay in this section with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. T. Westbrook. Mrs. Bronie Boykin went to Smith field last week to spend a few days with her sister, Mrs. Julia Narron. Rev. J. J. Langston of Nebraska, is spending a few days in this section with his father, Mr. Ira W. Langston. Mr. A. M. Johnson, secretary of the JohnstOn County Cotton Association, delivered an address at Mill Creek school Tuesday night to a large audi ence and the results are several of our farmers bought stock in the cot ton warehouse. Miss Lawley and the motion picture were at Mill Creek last Tuesday night and all enjoyed the pictures much. •We were informed by Miss Lawley that the pictures would be put on at Mill Creek twice a month. The Bentonville road force are do ing some nice work now on the Ben tonville and Smithfield road especial ly the clay hill at Mill Creek. We understand the flu has made its appearance in our section again. We have three cases. It behooves every body now to start the fight before it becomes an epidemic. Let’s get busy and use precaution. Mr. Henry Britt of near Clinton spent the week end in this section with relatives. Miss Louise King of near Four Oaks spent last week in this section with her sister, Mrs. K. L. Rose. While other parts of Johnston county is going forward in many things we would-like to see old Ben tonville move up another notch with one enterprise we people need most, and it seems a rural telephone is most needed just at this age. We have to drive about 4 or 5 miles to get to the nearest phone to call a doctor to this section. It seems for some reason we are not fortunate enough to have a physician residing in Bentonville township, and by none among us and so far to go to call one is our great misfortune. We people made a riffle at the phone proposition through the Board of Trade, but it seems it has about died down. We would appreci ate any suggestions from some of our county leaders that would hurry this grand enterprise to Bentonville. Now let’s come together on this much needed conveinence. World’s Debt 200 Billions. New York, Jan. 26.—The world’s debt was estimated by the National City Bank today at $200,000,000,000, compared with $40,000,000,000 in 1914. Paper currency throughout the world increased 600 per cent since 1914, while the gold reserve behind it increased only 40 per cent, according to statistics compiled by the bank. The face value of paper currency of thirty principal countries, which to talled $7,250,000,000 in 1914, had in creased to $40,000,000,000 at the time of the armistice, and to $50,000,000, 000 in December, 1919, exclusive of $34,000,000,000 issued by the Russian soviet government. * X Germany, Austria-Hungary, Turkey and Bulgaria sThow an advance in note circulation from $1,200,000,000 in 1914 to $12,300,000,000 at the close of the war, and $18,770,000,000 in De cember, 1919, the gold reserve falling from $600,000,000 in 1914 to $327,000, 000 in 1919, the ratio of gold to notes declining from 49.7 per cent in 1914, to 5.5 per cent in November, 1918, and 1.7 per cent in December, 1919. In the eight principal countries of the Allies, paper notes increased from $1,166,000,000 in 1914 to $2,420,000, 000 in 1919, while the gold reserve in creased from $516,000,000 to $1,450, 000,000, a ratio of 44.3 in 1914, and 59.9 in 1919. Gets $67,452.47 in Vocational Training North Carolina state schools will receive a total of $67,452.47 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1920, to carry out a co-operative vocational program in this state, according to a statement of amounts for various states in “The Vocational Summary,” monthly publication of the federal board of vocational training. This amount is divided into three items, the divisions and amounts be ing as follows: for agriculture, $38, 254.42; for trade, industry and home economics, $7,530.30; for teacher training, $21,667.73.—Charlotte Ob server. Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.—Confucius. > MORE CHANGES IN THE CABINET | David F. Houston, Secretary of Agri culture, Made Secretary of the Treasury to Succeed Secretary Glass Who Goes to the Senate— Edward L. Meredith New Secretary Of Agriculture. Wednesday’s daily papers carried the news of two more changes in the President’s Cabinet. Secretary David F. Houston, of St. Louis, who has been Secretary of Agriculture from the beginning of the Wilson adminis tration, has been made Secretary of the Treasury to succeed Carter Glass who has been chosen to the United States Senate to succeed the late Sen ator Martin of Virginia. Edward L. Meredith, of DeMoines, Iowd, has *been selected as successor to Secretary Houston and will preside over the agricultural department. Mr. Meredith has been for several years editor of farm journals and has a large grasp of matters pertaining to agriculture. Secretary Franklin K. Lane, of the Interior Department, has offered his resignation and will retire from his portfolio as soon as his successor is named. These changes will leave only four of the original members of the Cabi net at the beginning of Mr. Wilson’s first term—Mr. Daniels, of the Navy Department; Mr. Wilson, Secretary of Labor; Mr. Houston, who now be comes Secretary of the Treasury; and Mr. Burleson, Postmaster General. There have been two secretaries of state, William Jennings Bryan and Robert Lansing; two secretaries of war, Lindley M. Garrison and Newton D. Baker; three attorney generals, James B. McReynolds, Thomas W. Gregory and A. Mitchell Palmer; two secretaries of commerce, William C. Redfieid and Joshua W. Alexander, and three secretaries of the treasury, William G. McAdoo, Carter Glass and David F. Houston. Mr. Houston, the new Secretary of the Treasury, was bom at Monroe, N. C., February 17, 1866. At the time he was chosen to a cabinet portfolio he was Chancellor of Washington University at St. Louis. SENATE PASSES MEASURE TO AMERICANIZE ALIENS Would Require All Residents Between the Ages of 16 and 21 To Learn to Read and Write. Washington, Jan. 26.—The Senate by a vote of 36 to 14 today passed the Kenyon Americanization bill which would require all residents of the United States of 16 to 21 years of age, not mentally or physically dis qualified, and all alien residents be tween the ages of 16 and 45 who can not speak, read or write English to attend school not less than 200 hours a year. Administration of the bill’s provi sions was placed in the Secretary of Interior working through the Bureau of Education. The measure requires that the sum appropriated among the states in ratio to the number of resi dent illiterates, providing however, that the state appropriate an equal sum for the same purpose. Not less than $5,000 would be allotted to one state in any year. Efforts to transfer the administra tion of the measure to the Secretary of Labor were defeated, just before the final vote was taken. The meas ure had been before the Senate for about a week and during debate sev eral Senators expressed apprehension that the variance in the age limits fix ed for American and for alien illite rates would conflict with existing treaties.—News and Observer. U. S. Trade Balance $4,017,000,000. Washington, Jan. 26.—The excess of American exports over imports in 1919 amounted to $4,017,000,000, a new record, according to a statement issued by the bureau, of foreign and domestic commerce. Exports for 1919 totaled $7,932,000,000, at compared with $6,149,000,000, while imports were valued at $3,904,000,000, against ' $3,031,000,000 in 1918. Imports of gold in 1919 amounted to $77,000,000, compared with $62,000, 000 in 1918, and $552,000,000 in 1917. Exports of gold in 1919 jumped to $368,000,000 from $41,000,000 in 1918. In 1917, they amounted to $372,000, 000. No marked change is noted in the imports or exports of silver, receipts amounting to $89,000,000 and ship ments to $239,000,000. Cyrus Townsend Brady Dead. The Rev. Cyrus Townsend Brady, well known author and Episcopal clergyman died of pneumonia at his home in Yonkers, N. Y., Saturday. He was 61 years old and was twice mar ried. Most of Dr. Brady’s books dealt with adventures on land and sea, ampfi'^which are “The Wings of the -Morning’*' and “The Southerners.” AT THE CAPITAL OF BEULAH. ; Hr. J. H. Kirby Back From Hospital In Baltimore—Hr. E. V. Neighbors Becomes Cashier Bank of Kenly— Hr. Jerome, Former Cashier of Farmers Bank, Goes to Hose Hill. Kenly, Jan. 28.—Rev. C. E. Stevens of Four Oaks filled his appointment Sunday at the Missionary Baptist church. He was the guest of Mr. A. J. Broughton while here. Mr. J. G. High spent Wednesday in Rocky Mount. Miss Grace Jerome from Jackson, spent the week end here with her mother, Mrs. C. P. Jerome. Miss Faye Barnes returned to | Smithfield yesterday after being at home ill for a few days. Mr. Roney High is spending the week in Rocky Mount. Mrs. C. G. Morgan entertained a number of her friends Saturday after noon in honor of her sister, Miss Cherry High of Wilson. Miss Linda Danforth of Peters burg, Va., is on a visit with her sister, Mrs. C. F. Darden. The 20th Century Mothers’ Club will meet with Mrs. G. S. Coleman Thursday afternoon. We are sorry to note Mrs. W. T. Bailey confined to her room with la grippe. Mrs. Mary Chase of Rocky Mount spent the week end with Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Darden. Mr. R. H. Westbrook from Rocky Mount gave an entertainment in the school auditorium Friday night. Mr. L. Z. Woodard and family have moved in their new home recently purchased from Mr. J. R. Sauls. Mr. and Mrs. C. P. Rigler of Smith field, were the guests of Rev. and Mrs. J. E. Holden Monday. Mr. Rig ler entertained Monday night at the parsonage in the interest of the Y. M. C. A. Mr. R. H. Westbrook and Mrs. Mary Chase from Rocky Mount were the guest of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Dar den Sunday. Mr. H. F. Edgerton left for Wil mington Monday on a business trip. Mr. and Mrs, C. B. Tyson and Miss Lolita Underwood of Roseboro were the guests of Dr. and Mrs. R. A. Tur lington Sunday. It will be of interest to the people of the community to learn that Mr. J. H. Kirby has returned from the Mercy Hospital in Baltimore where he has been undergoing treatment for some time. Mr. Willard of Wilmington has ac cepted a position as cashier of the Farmers Bank, filling the position made vacant by T. G. Jerome former cashier. Mr. Jerome is leaving for Rose Hill to enter real estate busi ness there. Mr. E. V. Neighbors is now cashier of the Bank of Kenly, filling the va cancy caused by the resignation of Mr. J. H. Kirby. Indian Marries White Woman. Dr. G. W. Locklear, Indian, of Pern broke, Robeson county, must leave the state in order to live with the white woman whom he married in Atlanta, Ga., says a Lumberton dispatch in the News and Observer. Locklear was indicted by Solicitor S. B. McLean on the charge of forni cation and adultery, the indictment being brought upon the grounds that the laws of North Carolina do not per mit the intermarriage of races. Lock lear pleaded guilty of the charge and prayed for judgment was continued upon payment of the cost, Locklear and his wife to return to the State in which they were married. The father of Lotklear’s wife, who it is said is a prominent attorney of Atlanta, attended the trial and lent his efforts in the doctor's behalf. Locklear married another white wo man in another state several years ago and was later divorced upon the ground of illegal marriage, it is said. This is the first case of its kind to come up in Robeson. INFLUENZA IN ORPHANS HOME Seventy-five Cases Reported at Meth odist Institution at Raleigh. Suspension of school at the Metho dist Orphanage where 75 cases of in fluenza have appeared and reports of 45 new cases throughout the city are the latest developments in the influ enza situation in Raleigh. Reports are still coming in slowly, however, and Dr. Ahrons continues to urge all physicians to report cases promptly. Teachers as well as children at the Methodist Orphanage are sick and matrons have been pressed into ser vice as nurses. All cases so far are mild and patients are getting along nicely under the circumstances. If the disease spreads however, it may be necessary to call in outside help.— News and Observer. Good luck follows good sense, good judgment, good health, a gritty de termination, a lofty ambition, and downright hard work.—Marden. SCHOOL BUILDING FOR SHELBY Citizens May Vote $7o,000 In Bonds For School In South Shelby.—Plan to Build Another in Northern Part Of Town. Shelby, Jan. 27.—Plans are being made to build a new school building, the present one being inadequate to handle the number of children attend ing. The plan is to build another build ing in the southern part of the town for the public school grades and use the present building for the high school department. Following this, the board intends in the next few years to build another building in the northern part of town thu fT'i-f r 11 "" tier..- facili ties. Petitions are being circulated i row. all ainneis pltugn.g tucivuei.es to \ vtc for ;.73,0-:j lc~ '. Senti ment seems to be all together in favor of it: * buil dup; and tin re ii practical ly no doubt of its erection during the coming summer.—Charlotte Observer. PLEASANT CHAPEL ITEMS Death of Mr. Preston Brown—Little Virgia Wall Claimed by Death— Other Items. Mr. and Mrs. Pete Kirby visited Mrs. Charles Fulgbum at Micro last Sunday. Mr. and Mis. A. T. Price attended church at Pine Level last Sunday. Miss Ettie Price spent the week end with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. James Price, at Selma. Mr. Virgain Pace, of Middlesex, spent last week visiting relatives in our section. Mr. Arnold Broadwell, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Broadwell, was carried to a hospital in Raleigh last Saturday where he was operated on Sunday morning. We hope he will soon be well and home again. Our neighborhood was alarmed Monday morning January 19, when the news was spread abroad that the death angel had borne the spirit of little Virgie Wall away the night be fore. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Wall. She was sick about twenty-four hours with diph theria. The interment was made Monday evening January 19, beside her sister who passed away twelve months ago. She leaves a heart broken mother and father, one broth er and a host of relatives and friends to mourn their loss. She was a sweet, dear girl of four years and was beloved by all who knew her. The parents have the sympathy of the community in their bereavement. The death angel visited the home of Mr. and Mrs. Preston Brown last Friday night about midnight and bore the soul of Mr. Preston Brown to realms eternal. He had been af flicted with tuberculosis for about two years but had not been confined to his bed till the past year. He bore his affliction very cheerfully, saying he would like to be restored to health but the Lord’s will, not his be done. He was a member of Carter's Chapel Baptist church. The funeral services were held Saturday afternoon by Rev. Debro Stancil of Bethany at the home in the presence of a large gathering of sorrowing relatives and friends af ter which the remains were laid to rest in the Brown cemetery. He leaves a wife, four children, mother, father, brothers and sisters besides a host of friends to mourn their loss. We, the community, deeply sympathize with the widow and children because their loss is very great. Selma, R. 3, Jan. 27. Mrs. J. B. Faircloth Entertained. Benson, Jan. 27.—An important event in society Thursday afternoon was the reception given by Mrs. J. B. Faircloth at her home complimentary to Mrs. Samuel Poe, Of Norfolk, Va., Mrs. J. B. McDaniels, Mrs. C. C. Can ady and the members of the John Charles McNiell Book Club. A very interesting program had been prepar ed by the club as it was the regular time of meeting. A paper of unusual interest was read by Mrs. W. D. Boone on the lives and works of our Southern writers, followed by some selection in music furnished by the hostess. A delightful salad course was served by Mrs. I. P. Roberts and Mrs. J. B. Faircloth. Ask Congress for A Loan. Washington, Jan. 27—Congress will be asked by President Wilson to au thorize a loan of $150,000,000 to Aus tria, Poland and other European coun tries and Armenia for food relief as requested by Secretary Glass. At the White House today it was said the President had taken “a deep interest” in the proposed loan and that within a few days he would write a letter on the subject to the leaders in Congress. Teacher—Now, Robert, what plants flourish in excessive heat? Bobby— Ice plants.—Wisconsin Sentinel. POWHATAN REACHES PORT AFTER A 10-DAY BATTLE All Well On Board, Captain Randall Reports Immediately On Reaching Halifax Harbor. Halifax, Jan. 27.—The disabled United States army transport Pow hatan was towed into Halifax harbor at 7:30 this evening. Captain Randall,Jier commander, reported that with the exception of three men slightly ill, all was well on board. The safe arrival of the Powhatan with her crew of 150 men, ends a ten day battle with incessant^ storms un der extreme conditions of hardship, which opened on January 18, when the i vc. 1 —i ai r"1', fOO niih’S m 1" H rnt out v/’rclrss appeals lor assistance. She then had on board 271 pasr- ' fro,.s including women and chikhc.i v.l:o sutfctc ! for five .'ay.' bote e weather conditions permitted their transfer at night to the transport ' Northern Pacific. The passengers ar rived safely in New York last Satur day. CLAYTON PERSONAL NOTES. Miss Bessie Jackson Married—Mr. Joe Duncan Hurt From a Fall. Clayton, Jan. 28.—Miss Mabel Ellis spent the week end in Princeton with Mrs. L. M. Edgerton. Messrs Devan Barbour and Clarence Powell of Raleigh spent last Sunday here with friends. Miss Alma Hall is visiting friends at Zebulon this week. Mrs. Sophia Gulley of Nashville is spending some time with her daughter, Mrs. J. I. Godwin. Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Gulley, Misses Rochelle Gulley and Edna Robertson of Nashville spent last Sunday here with relatives and friends. Mrm O. G. Smith spent one day this week in Raleigh. Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Ipock of Clin, ton spent last Sunday here. Mr. Duke Poole has accepted a po sition with the firm of J. G. Barbour & Sons. Miss Westbrook spent the past week end at her home near Kinston. She had as her guest Miss Mildred Harris. Miss Telza Barnes came home from Wakelon and spent the week end here with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Barnes. Mr. Herman Duncan of Wake For est College came home this week to see his father, Mr. Joe Duncan, who a few days before fell from a wagon and hurt his shoulder very badly. Mr. Duncan is getting along fine though now and will soon be back op his job. Mr. Elsie Gattis of Four Oaks spent Sunday here with his mother. Mrs. W. F. Weathers returned a few days ago from Rex Hospital where she had been very ill for a couple of weeks. Mrs. Weathers is doing nicely now and hopes to soon be out again. Miss Bessie Jackson of Gamer who taught in the graded school here in the fall was married at her home yes terday (27th). Several of her friends from here went up to see the marri age. Miss Jackson was very popular during her stay here and has a num ber of friends who wish her much success and happiness. Many Stills Found In South. Atlanta, Ga., Jan. 26.—Nearly 300 illicit stills have been found and de stroyed in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina since the first of the year, D. J. Gantt, fed eral prohibition enforcement officer for the gulf district, announced to day. , More than half the stills were in Georgia. Mr. Gantt pointed out this work had been done without aid of the newly authorized prohibition en forcement organization, which is yet to be established. Monday’s reports alone showed for ty-seven stills destroyed in the gulf district, with twenty-five men arrest ed and two automobiles confiscated. These reports brought the total to nearly 300 stills. Six Burn to Death. The bones of Tom Daniels, his wife and four children, were found in the ruins of a house which was destroyed by fire Sunday night near Lawrence ville, Va. Mrs. Parrish, mother- of Mrs. Daniels, and a 13 year old girl escaped. The origin of the fire is a mystery. Miss Susanna Cocroft In Raleigh. “Woman’s Place in the New Ameri ca” was the subject of a lecture given in Meredith College Wednesday night under the auspices of the Raleigh Wo- * man’s Club by Miss Susanna Cocroft, noted woman physical culturist. She gave North Carolina women credit for being first-in the movement for Unit ed ^States Training Corps.