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VOL. XXVIII.
wmu wins
MIDUSE 282 T0 128
nan3EMONSTRAT4ON GREET-
4ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE
-K HOUSE VOTE.
WEBB WAS LEADER IN FIGHT
Resolution Adopted Is Identical With
That Parsed Last August Except
That It Gives Seven Years Instead
of Six to Ratify.
Washington. Nation-wide prohibi
tion won in the house and only the ad
justment of slight difference in reso
lutions between the house and senata
now stands in the way of submitting
to state legislatures an amendment to
the federal constitution forbidding the
manufacture, sale or importation of in
toxicating liquor for beverage pur
poses in the United States or its terri
tories. The vote in the house, taken after
a day of debate before crowded gal
leries, was 282 to 128, with the parties
dividing almost evenly. The margin
for prohibition was eight votes more
than the two-thirds vote.
Both wets and drys had been pre
dicting victory all day, and it was not
until the last few names had been
called that the anti-prohibition forces
conceded their defeat. When Speaker
Clark announced the result, the victors
were joined by the galleries in such a
demonstration as is rarely permitted
in the house. Former Secretary Bry
an, an interested spectator nearly all
day, appeared on the floor and joined
in receiving congratulations with Rep
resentative Webb, of North Carolina,
who had led the fight.
The resolution adopted by the house
is identical with that passed by the
senate last August, except that it gives
the states seven years instead of six
in which to ratify the amendment.
The Presidents' approval is not re
quired and the state legislatures may
act as soon as they please after Vice
President Marshall and Speaker Clark
have signed the resolution.
Following is the resolution as adopt
ed: "Resolved, by the senate and house
of representatives -that the following
amendment to the constitution be,
and hereby Is, proposed to the states,
to become valid as a part of the con
stitution when ratified by the legisla
tures of the several states as pro
vided by the constitution:
"Article Section 1. After one yeai
from the ratification of this article tha
manufactur, sale or transportation
of intoxicating liquors within, the im
portation thereof into, or the expor
tation thereof from the United States
and all lerritory subject to the juris
diction thereof for beverage purposes
is hereby prohibited.
"Section 2. The Congress and the
several states shall have concurrent
power to enforce this article by' ap
propriate legislation.
"Section 3. This article shall be in
operative unless it shall have been rat
ified as an amendment to the con
stitution by the legislatures of the
several states, as provided in the con
stitution, within seven years from the
date of the submission hereof to the
6tates by the Congress."
GOETHALS MAY RETURN
TO DUTY WITH ARMY.
Has Been Offered Post of Quartermas
ter General.
Washington. In explanation of the
new war council he has created, Sec
retary Baker said It was not in any
way a result of congressional inquwy'
into operations of the war department,
nor was it related in any way to the
inter-allied war conference at Paris.
The secretary was not inclined to
discuss in detail the purposes of the
new council, 1 ut he said it way to
deal with larger problems ofy war
preparations and did not infringe on
the functions of the rnerl staff.
Questions of t' ancJ equipment
', rather than lg t Peracns prob
V ably w" v V 1 JlJl risdiction of
day, D3C. c ,
' eb'unL.JL .uTposed of the se
yfy, the assistant secretary, thf
chief of staff, the provost marshal ger.
eral, the quartermaster general and
the chiefs of artillery and ordnance
Major General Goethals has been p'
fered the post of quartermaster gen
eral to succeed Major General Sharpe
and it Is understood that Brigadier
General John D.. Barrett has been se
lected to succeed Major General Weav
er as chief of artillery. So far as
is known, no successor has bees
chosen for Major General Crozier.
chief of ordnance, who waa.recentlj
Commander of Engineers
- Who Fought at Cambrai
Iff 11' S1
Col. C. II. McKlnstry, who commands
the New York engineers In France,
many of whom pnrtlclpnted Id the
Camhrnl hnttl. fighting side by side
with the advancing British. Some of
the Americans were caught when tho
Germans flanked. They escuped by ly
ing In shell holes, and when the Brit Inn.
drove back the enemy they borrowed
rifles niul fought valiantly. They were
highly commended by the British con
mnmlinu general.
LACK OF GUNS IN GA
ADMITS THAT TROOPS HAD BEEN
SUPPLIED WITH FRENCH MA
CHINE GUNS.
Responsibility Rests on Secretary Ba
ker. Training of New Army Will
Not Be Seriously Retarded on Ac
count of Equipment.
Washington. Leaders of the senate
military committee subjected Major
General Crozier, chief of ordnance, to
three hours of sharp cross-examination,
seeking explanation of delays in
providing the war army with weapons.
At the executive session they will
press questions which the general ob
jected to answering in the open hear
ing. Throughout the examinations Gen
eral Crozier insisted that there had
been and would be no delay in equip
ping soldiers sent abroad. He admit
ted that because of a shortage of ma
chine guns the American troops in
France were supplied with weapons
of French make, and that there was
a lack of both machine guns and rifles
in the training cantonments, but de
clared that the training of troops
would not be seriously retarded.
Responsibility for the machine gun
situation was placed by the general
squarely upon Secretary Baker, who,
he said, had taken a personal interest
in the matter and ordered an investi
gation which resulted in the adoption
in June of a new gun known as the
Browning type. This statement came
when Chairman Chamberlain said he
was not satisfied with the explanation
that the delay had been caused by In
vestigation. "Neither am I satisfied," responded
the witness, "but I am not personally
responsible."' Nearly every member
of the committee joined in the exam
ination and 'questions were fired across
the table as rapidly as the general
could answer.
Chairman Chamberlain took excep
tions to the conclusions drawn frcm
leneral Crozier's testimony that con
fess, by falling to make prompt ap
propriations, and labor troubles, were
largely responsible for the delay. Gen
Crozior said he had not intended
such an interpretation, and that mil
lions of dollars appropriated had not
been expended.
UNITED STATES GUARD
IS NAME SELECTED
Auxiliary Force of Troops Will Num
ber 25,000.
Washington. The United States
guard will be the name of the 25,000
auxiliary force of troops,, authorized
by the war department, to supplement
state and other forces now guarding
war supplies, war Industries and do
ing police duty essential to the con
duct of the war, Including patrol of
water fronts.
Forty battalions will be organized
to relieve regular troops, national
guard or other purely military units of
this guard duty.
President Wilson has signed the or
der for organization of the force and
further orders were going out from
PLYMOUTH, N. 0., FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1917
US NOT GUILTY'
IS VERDICT OF JURY
TRIAL AT CONCORD LASTED
THREE WEEKS AND ATTRACT
ED NATION-WIDE INTEREST.
G. B. MEANS AGAIN FREE
Judge Cline!s Order Prevents Any
Demonstration Taking Place Means
Spends Day at Father's Home and
Visiting Boyhood Scenes.
Concord, N. C. Gaston B. Means,
acquitted of the charge of the murder
of Mrs. Maude A. King, for which he
had been on trial the last three weeks,
spent Sunday a free man with his fam
ily at the home of his father, and going
about the streets of Concord, his boy
hood home, receiving the greetings and
congratulations of friends. "Not guil
ty" was the verdict rendered by the
jury Sunday morning at 10:22 o'clock
before Judge Cline, members of coun
sel, the defendant, his wife and father
and other relatives, and a considerable
number of spectators who had gather
ed in the Cabarrus county court-room.
The jury, having had the case over
night, sent a message by Sheriff Cald
well to Judge Cline at the hotel at 9:30
o'clock asking him to come to the
courthouse. The judge was eating his
breakfast, which he finished, proceed
ing to the courthouse at 10 o'clock. To
the crowd that had gathered, Judge
Cline stated that he did not know
whether or not a verdict had been
reached, but in the event that such
was the case, regardless of its nature
there must not be any demonstration
upon its announcement. He instruct
ed Sheriff Caldwell to arrest any per
son violating this instruction. He gave
positive Instruction also that the jury
men should not be approached after
the verdict was announced before the
jury was dismissed. Judge Cline's in
structions evidently were effective, for
there was absolutely no demonstra
tion. Many Congratulations.
All was quiet and orderly until after
court had adjourned sine die at the
judge's order. Then counsel and
friends crowded about Means to con
gratulate him, he put his arm about
Mrs. Means and the two, with other
relatives and friends proceeded from
the courtroom. , On the way to the
rear door, Mrs. Means encountered .i
sister of the defendant and the two fell
into each other's arms and wept. -
When the jury filed into the court
room. Judge Cline stated that in his
charge Saturday afternoon he had in
advertently referred to the time of
the shooting as "evening," and asked
the jurymen whether or not they had
interpreted his use of this word as an
expression of opinion on his part as
to the fact of the time that Mrs. King
was shot. The jurymen, all in accord,
stated that they had not. Clerk of
the Court Stonstreet then asked the
formal question as to whether a ver
dict had been reached, and Foreman
J. Frank Goodman answered in the
affirmative. Asked by Clerk Stone
street whether they found the defend
ant, who had been asked to stanl
and raise his right hand, guilty or not
guilty of the crime charged.
"Not guilty," said Foreman Good
man. Defendant Released.
Judge Frank Osborne, of counsel for
the defense, then asked Solicitor Cle
ment if he had any further charge
against the defendant and the solicitor
answered "I have not." Judge Os
borne then asked that the defendant
be released from custody, and Judge
Cline said:
"The defendant is released."
WAR MISSION IS HOME
FROM ITS EUROPEAN TRIP
New York. What the American
mission was sent to accomplish in th3
interallied war conference In Paris
"has been successfully and satisfac
torily done." was the message brought.
to the American people by Col. E. M.
House, head of the mission, who re
turned to the United State with four of
his colleagues.
HOT STATEMENT Y MR.
HOOVER AGAINST SPBRECKEL8
Washington. Charges made by
Claus Sprekels, president of the Fed
eral Sugar Refining Company, before
a senate investigating committee that
thA food administration is responsible
. . s A !
for a sup:ar snortage nrew irum ruuu
Administrator Hoover a vigorous at
tack on Mr. Spreckela. An open inti
mation is made by Mr. Hoover that
Mr. Spreckles' testimony was Inspir
ed by the fact that the food admin-
Rises From Clerkship
to Important Position
James L. Wilmeth of Tennessee and
Arkunsas, who has been appointed di
rector of the bureau of engraving and
printing. Uncle Sam's big money fac
tory, Is one of the few men who huve
advanced to an Important government
position through the ranks of govern
ment clerks. He entered the govern
ment service 20 years ugo, assorting
money "orders for $60 a month.
STRONG OFFENSIVE IN WEST
AIDS ITALIANS IN HOLDING POSI
TIONS. REGAIN SOME LOST
TERRITORY,
General Allenby Occupies Jerusalem.
Bolsheviki Forces Reported to Have
Attained Heavy Losses in Fightng
With Cossacks.
The Germans, following their heavy
artillery preparations of recent days,
have attempted to drive a wedge into
the British line west of Cambrai, but
although they used numerically supe
rior forces, their effort brought them
only a minor gain.
The attack, launched between
Bullecourt and Queant, was similar to
that adopted by Crown Prince Rup
precht's troops when they pierced
General Byng's front southwest of
Cambrai nearly two weeks ago and
caused a retirement of the British oh
the salient General Byng previously
had driven toward Cambrai. The
British held tenaciously to their
ground, except at one point, whers
the enemy penetrated a front line
position.
As in their previous attempt to
wreck the Cambrai salient, the Ger
mans lost heavily, the British mow
ing them down with machine gun
and rifle fire in the fighting, which
lasted from dawn until 1 o'clock in
the afternoon.
Notwithstanding their failure, tha
Germans are keeping up an intensive
bombardment of British and French
positions all along the western front
and daily are receiving additional re
inforcements in men and guns from
the eastern theater.
Snow is falling heavily in the
mountains along the northern Italian
front, and optimism prevails among
the Italians that this will aid them
definitely in holding the Aastro-Ger-mans
back from the Italian plain.
Amid the first flurries of the storm on
Tuesday the enemy resumed his at
tack among the hills and was re
warded by the capture of several po
sitions. Later, however, the Italians
In a counter attack regained their lost
terrain, after which the artillery duels
were resumed, but with less strength
than had previously been shown.
The Cossacks, under General Kale
dines, and the Bolshevik! forces are
reported to have" met In at least two
fights, with the counter-revolutionists
the victors In both. The engagements
occurred at Moheliv and at Tama
novka, and the Bolsheviki losses are
declared to have been heavy.
General Allenby, commander of the
British forces in Palestine, has en
tered Jerusalem and taken over con.
trol of the Holy City. The populace
greeted the British commander cor
dially. In a proclamation, he told
the inhabitants that all sacred build
ings and holy places would be protect
ed and maintained. Meanwhile, the
British array continues Its successful
operations in Palestine, having cap
tured several additional qposltions
ALLIES HUE Hi
A STEADY ADVANCE
NEARING GOAL DESPITE SOME
UNTOWARD CIRCUMSTANCES
SAYS LLOYD GEORGE.
DARKEST HOUR IS JUST NOW
Because Russia Has Quit and Gone
Into Revolution and America is Just
Coming In. Every Passing Hour is
Brighter.
London. That steady progress to
wards the desired goal is being made
by the allies, despite some untoward
occurrences, is the firm conviction of
Premier Lloyd George, ie declared.
It is because of this fact, the pre
mier said, that he would regard peace
overtures to Prussia at the moment
when her military spirit was drunk
with boastfulness as a betrayal dT the
trust of himself and his colleages. The
premier's words were:
"It is because I am firmly convinc
ed that despite some untoward events,
despite discouraging appearances wa
are making steady progress toward the
goal that I would regard peace over
tures to Prussia at the very moment
the Prussian military spirit is drunk
with boastfulness as a betrayal of the
great trust with which my colleagues
and myself have been charged."
If Russia persists in her present
policy, the premier pointed out, the
withdrawal by the enemy from the
east of a third of his troops must re
lease hundreds of thousands of men
and masses if material to attack
Great Britain, France and Intaly.
America Is In.
"If the Russian democracy has de
cided to abandon the struggle against
military autocracy the American de
mocracy is taking it up."
Germany's victories were emblaz
oned to the world, the premier said,
but her troubles did not apepar in
bulletins. Something was known of
them however. The deadly grip of the
British navy was having its effect and
the valor of the troops was making
an impression which would tell iu the
end. He said those who during the
past fortnight were organizing a ner
vous breakdown in the nation were
the same as those who recently were
organizing an hysterical shout over
the Flanders victories.
Mr. Lloyd George said he was glad
to understand that Lord Landsowne's
recent letter had been misunderstood
and that Lord Lansdowne was in
sympathy with President Wilson.
"I also," the premier declared,
"agree with President Wilson and do
not desire to force a controversy
where none exists.
"I warn the nation to watch the
ma nwho thinks ther eisahalafw-y
man who thinks there is a half-way
house beHveen victory and defeat,"
the premier admonished. "There are
the men who think you can end the
war now by some sort of what they
call peace by setting up a league of
nations. That is the right policy after
victory; without victory it would be
a farce."
Premier Lloyd George, who was
speaking at the dinner at the Grey's
Inn Benchers, said:
Is Darkest Hour.
"If this is the worst moment, it is
because Russia has stepped out and
America 13 only preparing to come
in. Every hour that passes will see the
gap formed by the retirement of the
Russians filled by the valiant sons
of the groat Republic. Germany
knows it and Austria knows it, hence
the desperate efforts that they are
making to force the Issue before
America is ready.
WAR RESOLUTION IS
UNANIMOUSLY PASSED
Havana. The senate unanimously
adopted a resolution declaring that a
state of war between Cuba and Aus
ti la-Hungary exists. The resolution
was the same as that passed by tho
house.
TWO LIGHTLESS NIGHT
FOR EVERY WEEK ORDERED
City White Ways and Advertising
Signs Must be Darkened Sunday
and Thursday Nights.
Washington Two "llghtless nights
a week were ordered by the fuel ad
ministration. Next Sunday night will
be the first and thereafter Sunday and
Thursday of every week will see the
city white ways and advertising signs
darkened, only necessary street lights
used and only such lights as the law
NO. 25.
ASSIST TAX PAYERS
IKE OUT FORM
TWENTY-FIVE DEPUTIES WILL
MD INCOME TAXPAYERS IN
EASTERN DISTRICT.
! INSTRUCTION FOR DEPUTIES
Before Sending Officials Out School
Will Be Held in Raleigh Fifteen
in Western District.
Raleigh. Revenue Collector Bailey
will place about twenty-five deputies
in the field January 1 to assist tax
payers in the eastern district of North
Carolina in the work of filling out in-'
come tax forms and making the re
turns to the office. The returns must
be made between January 1 and
March 1.
Before sending these officials to help
th 3 payers, Collector Bailey will hold a
school of instruction in his office for
the benefit of the deputies who will be
sent throughout the eastern district
Tn addition to the regular force of field
men, Revenue Agent Vanderford, of
Greensboro, will send fifteen of hia
raiders to assist in this work.
"The government recognizes," Col
lector of Internal Revenue J. W. Bailey
said, "that many persons experience
a good deal of difficulty in filling out
income tax forms. It recognizes, too,
that tax-payers resident at points
! where collector's offices are not easily
accessible, find it hard to get proper
instruction in the law. Next year when
every married person living with wife
or husband and having a net income of
$2,000, and every unmarried person not
the head of a family and havfug a net
income of $1,000 for th year 1917,
must make return of income on the
form prescribed, there will be hun
dreds in every community seeking
light on the law, and help in executing
their returns. My own and every oth
er collection district in the nation will
be divided into districts, with the coun
ty as the unit, and a government offi
cer Informed in the income tax assign
ed to each district. He will spend
hardly less than a week in each coun
ty, and In some counties a longer time,
very likely in the courthouse at the
county-seat town. In cities' where there
are collector's branch offices, he will
be there, and in other cities possiblv
at the city hall. My office will in due
time advise postmasters and bankers
and send out notices to the newspapers
stating when the officer will be in each
county. It will be unnecessary for
prospective tax-payers to ask my of
fice for forms on which to make re
turns. Tha officer who visits their
county will have them. N
"It may be stated as a matter of gen
eral information that 'net income' is
the remainder after subtracting ex
penses from gross income. Personal,
family, or living expense is not ex
pense in the meaning of the law, th
exemption beins allowed to cover such
expenses.
"The new exemptions of $1,000 and
?2.000 will add tens of thousands to
the number of Income taxpayers in
this 'district, inasmuch as practically
every farmer, merchant, tradesman,
professional man and salary worker
and a great many wage-workers will
be required to make return and pay
tax."
Car Men Get Raise.
Wilmington. What is believed to be
the final chapter in the differences be
tween employees and management of
the Tidewater Tower company, the lo
cal street railway concern, which
reached such an acute stage about a
year ago when several companies of
state militia were sent here during
strike of the street car employees, has
been written. The citizens' committee
which wns formed as a board of arbi
tration to act upon tho complaints of
the u" ind the company, has fil?d its
report which allows an increase of one
cent per hour to the motormen and
conductors.
Our money cannot buy bread and
meat in Europe for our allies for there
is little to buy. We must give them
fond REAL food. To do this we must
conserve by substitution.
Arrange for Nitrate of Soda.
Washington, D. C. Secretary Hous
ton told Senator Overman and Repre
sentatives Hood, Houghton and Robin
son, and a party of farmers' union del
egates, hea.ded by W. B. Gibson, of
Iredell county that final arrangements
had been mado with Great Britain,
France and Italy for $10f.000 tons of
nitrate of soda for the farmers of thH
county. The farmers will get the soda
at from $05 to $70 plus the freight,
which may run the total cost to $70 or
JS0 The prices now are from $90 tt
s i
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