St. John's Daily Star, 1918-01-17

              The St. John's Daily Star. Newfoundland VOLUME IV. ($3.00 per Annum) THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 1918. (Price: One Cent) No. 14. AMERICA'S COAL RESTRICTIONS CAUSE STRONG PROTEST Great Britain's Shipping Losses During Last Week Show Decided Decrease— GERMANS ENGINEERED ARREST OF DIAMANDI Roumanians Surrounded Russians—Stops Supvies—Disarms Soldiers Arrests Regimental Committee ITALIAN AMBASSADOR PROTESTS of Moscow Rudn er Invites Support Of i reign Journalists—Regards Bolsheviki Power as Mirage \ M ■ j I 7. 1: o version of the 'lint result in the arrest ■ i Minister Diamini, givt' trograd correspondent of News, s- \ - ihal the Rouman ui ounded a Russian Regi\ ;ih it some Austrians who Sue Russians, thus break : " C nr: '.ions of armistice. The -i! stepped the Russian supricd the Russian soldiers and c regimental committee. :o'1 incident, the correspondc: i:g sis a German Agency, be r .• 'g would suit the Germt! an an excuse to break with over a breach of armistice in- o1 over an important point in the pv negotiations. '' D insisted by thr correspondent i.v: :he visit of the Allied ard Neuf. •' diplomats to Premier Lenine, con• 'iles a de faclo recognition oi the Eolsheviki Government. He says the rvneral tone of th~ conversation at the r 'ing was friendly. : he Italian Ambassador took the op! ■" '.!'i!iy to protest against the looting - wine cc:iar. Lenine replied that i the Ambassador should have telephon| ed to him. M. Rudner, Mayor of Moscow, and ! leader of the Social Revolutionists, in! vited the foreign journalists to meet I him 1 uesday for the purpose of secur; ing support for his party. | 1 he conversations at the meeting, the 1 correspondent of The Daily News says, ! confirm his view that more is to be feared than gained from a replacement of the Bolsheviki by the Social Revolutionists.1 he Social Revolutionist Rudner, said he controled the majority of the constituent assembly and would, if the I assembly meels, immediately appeal to the Allies for an inter-Allied conference with a view to opening negotiations for an immediate democratic peace. The ■ speeches of Premier Lloyd George and President Wilson could be the starting points and a speedy answer to the appeal would be desirable as delay would mean the ruin of the Social Revolu-1 tionists and a serious risk for the Allies.Asked whether if the Bolsheviki retain power and wage a holy war against Germany the Social Revolutionists would support it, M. Rudner is reported to have replied "We regard the Bolsheviki Government as we acted toward the Czar." A POILU'S APPEAL FROM THE .TANK.—Marcel Samett, a French soldier, who has been four times decorated for valor, speaking from the top of the tank in Trafalgar Square', London. TROTZKY ORDERED DIAMANDI'S ARREST Roumanian Minister Released Through Efforts of U. S. Ambassador. pETROGRAD, Jan. 16—The release of M. Diamandi, Roumanian Minister. this afternoon, was the result of an order given by telephone by Premier Lenine to the commandant of the fortress in which the Minister and his staff were confined. Previously futile attempts were made at the prison to force M. Diamandi to sign a document pledging his efforts to procure the release of the Bolsheviki regiment which was surrounded and disarmed by Roumanian troops, and the return of the regiment's arms. The incident occurred simultaneously with the arrest in Roumania of the Bolsheviki committee for striving to cause disaffection in the Roumanian army by preaching internationalism. Diamandi refused the demand, declaring he would do nothing while a prisoner. He asked for immediate release and an apology. Some of the members of the diplomatic corps are inclined to believe the attempt to force Diamandi to sign the document was unknown to Lenine. London, Jan. 16.—A despatch from Petrograd to Reuter's, Ltd., under date of Tuesday, says that an official statement was issued regarding the release of the Roumanian Minister, which read "Lenine and the People's Commissaries only consented to the release of M. Diamandi when the American Ambassador proposed to send in his own name to the Roumanian Government's declaration, protesting against the acts of repression in Roumania against Russian soldiers." After this proposal had been accepted an order was issued for the release of M. Diamandi. Another official statement, according to the correspondent, says that the order for the arrest of Diamandi and staff was given by Foreign Minister Trotzky. AN AUTONOMOUS REPUBLIC. Stockholm, Jan. 16.—The proclamation of Turkestan as an autonomous Republic allied to the Federal Republic of Russia is announced by the Ukraine information bureau. FISHERIES MISSION DISCUSS QUESTIONS Canada And United States Get Together To Consider Question For Fish Conservation Washington, Jan. 17 Canada's Fisheries' Mission headed by ChieT Justice Hazen, called to-day on Secretary Redheld and other members or the American Mission and discussed plans for their conferences which wifl consider the conservation of fish foods in the waters adjacent to the two countries, the depletion of lobsters, and halibut, and salmon will receive special attention. "It is hard to see how Canada ana United States could be better friends," Chief Justice Hazen said, "but we hope our discussions will remove some slight causes for friction due to the different policies pursued by the two Governments. Our task will not be so much the prevention of trouble, however, as the conservation of fish at this time when the utilization of all foods is so necessary. Plans for the hearing at Atlantic and Pacific ports and possibly at Great Lake ports will not be made till the preliminary conferences have been concluded. The visitors will call to-morrow on President Wilson and Secretary of State Lansing. MAY TAKE OVER PLANTS Chicago, January 1 7—The immediate taking over of all packing plants in the United States will be urged upon President Wilson by a delegation representing every craft in the industry, and headed by John Fitzpatrick. President of the Chicago l-ederation of Labor, which departed for Washington today.N.Y. EDITOR RESIGNS New York, Jan. 17—Frank K. Simmonds of the editorial staff of the New York Tribune, who since the outbreak of the war has gained a wide reputation as a military critic, has severed his connection with that paper, it became known to-day. ANOTHER BIG BLAZE Bethlehem, Pa., Jan. 16—Fire of an unknown origin to-day completely gutted the big E. O'Rielly department store here entailing a loss of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. It was partly covered by insurance. AMERICA'S COAL SHORTAGE CRIPPLES MANY INDUSTRIES; MILLIONS OUT OF WORK Manufacturing Plants Shut For Five Days—ldle On Mondays For Ten Weeks—Saloons Are Also Closed RAILROADS DO NOT FURNISH CARS New York Board of Trade and Press Represent To President That Order is Calamitous— Dislocates Industry WASHINGTON, Jan. 17.—American manufacturing enterprises with but few exceptions in all states east of the Mississippi River were ordered by the Government today to suspend operations for five days beginning Friday morning as a war measure for relieving the fuel famine. At the same time as further means of relief, it was said that industry and business generally that requrred heated buildings, will observe as a holiday every Monday for the next ten weeks. This will close down on Mondays not only factories but saloons, stores except for sale of drugs and food, and places of amusements.It was estimated today that the enforcement of the order would save a otal of thirty million tons of bituminous coal which probably is about half the present shortage. The indications -vere that at the end of ten weeks of he Monday holidays a permanent plan of restriction would have been determined on. This plan will limit the use of coal to less-essential industries un- a self-rationing basis. Louisiana and Minnesota, which lie partly on both sides of the Mississippi, were specifically included as a whole in a list of states to which the order applies. The order is expected to go far towards clearing the choked and congested railroad tracks and terminals. It was regarded to-day as likely that Secretary McAdoo. Director General of Railways, might declare an embargo against shipments of the products of plants closed down if necessary to further relieve the roads. The city coal situation is blamed on the unusually severe weather of last week which made it impossible in many instances to move coal at all and which has cut off the fuel supply of the whole city. down industries to conserve fuel sup-* ply seems to give great encouragement to the enemy, great discouragement to our allies, and great interruption to the war preparations of this nation. A telegram has been sent to President Wilson by the publishers of The World, Herald, Evening Post and Brooklyn Eagle, earnestly representing that the order issued by the Fuel Administrator is "calamitous in its character and unnecessary under fast improving conditions." The Telegram says the order will dislocate industry, throw millions out of employment and impoverish families who depend upon daily wages. Chicago, Jan. 17.—Nearly ninfe thousand manufacturing plants will be shut down and 400.000 persons will stop work under Mr. Garfield's orders, it was estimated today. Pittsburg, Penn., Jan. 17.—With at least half of the steel mills closed, half of the blast furnaces banked, and half of the army of seventy thousand men engaged in the steel industry in Pittsburg district in idleness because of the coal situation, the order of Fuel AMministrator Garfield was received wiih a degree of relief by leaders of the steel industry. Railroads to Blame Indianapolis, Jan. 17.—Leaders among the 1500 delegates here from twenty-one coal producing states of the country attending the biennial convention of the United Mine Workers of America, expressed sympathy today for people and business interests of many districts that are suffering from iuel Mr. White bb gkrff wwrd ddl linn Announcement from Washington shutting down manufacturing plants for five days made the miners realize more than ever before the seriousness of the situation and the importance of their work to the committee for the health and prosperity of the people. As serious as the situation is, the miners say they feel they have done all possible under present conditions to relieve the situation. The trouble is with railways, said John P. White, former President of the Miners' Union, who is now associated with National Fuel Administrator Garfield as labor adviser. Mr. White, who is attending the convention as a delegate, said it isn't a question of production. There is plenty of production, but the railroads can't move coal that is mined. There are miners walking the streets in minig towns right now unemployed because the railroads do not furnish cars. There are miles and miles of loaded coal cars on road tracks that are not moving. The trouble is the needs of the country have outgrown the railroads. The railroads have not kept the pace. Mr. Onterbridge Protests. New York, Jan. 17.— E. H. Outerbridge, President of the Chamber of Commerce, State of New York, said today that Dr. Garfield's order to close WORK OF PIRATES ON THE DECREASE Only Six Large Ships Sunk Last Week. —Eight Were Attacked Unsuccessfully.Jan. 16.—Another marked decrease in the sinkings of British merchantmen by mine or submarine in the past week is noted in the report of the Admiralty issued tonight. In this period only six merchant ships of 1600 tons or over were sunk, and two under 1600 tons. Two fishing ships were also sunk. jThe summary of shipping arrivals is as follows: British merchant ships 2106; sailings 2184. Merchant ships unsuccessfuly attacked, eight. ADMIRALTY REPORT Of Ships Damaged by Enemy Action Only Four Could Not Be Salved London, Jan. 17—Of all the British vessels damaged by enemy action between January and October, 1917, it has been found impossible to salve four only, according to the statement made by Thomas J. McNamara, Financial Secretary of the Admiralty, in the House of Commons to-day. Of the remainder repairs to more than half have been actually completed.McNamara explained that the vessels reported weekly as unsuccessfully attacked were not damaged. The vessels damaged by attacks are not included in weekly returns until they become total losses. FRANCE'S MARINE LOSS Paris, Jan. 17—Five French merchantmen of more than 1600 tons, and one under that tonnage were sunk by submarines or mines during the week ending January 12th. Ships entering French ports during the week numbered 793, while those clearing were 751; the vessels were attacked but escaped. FOOD SUPPLIES BURN. Brooklyn His Big Blaze—Was It Work Of An Incendiary? New York, Jan. 16.—Fire in a big five-story warehouse filled with Government food supplies located on the water front of Brooklyn, broke out this forenoon. Four alarms have been turned in. The accumulation of ice is preventing aid from fire boats. 'An hour after the discovery of the blaze it was estimated $500,000 damage had been done. Three ice boats were struggling with ice floes in midstream endeavoring to get near the flame enveloped building. The structure occupied nearly an entire block. Fire Marshal Brophy hurried to the scene after the fourth alarm and began an investigation or reports of incendiarism.ATTEMPTED SUICIDE. Russian Government Agent Became Despondent—Chance of Recovery. New York, Jan. 16.—Despondency over the failure of the financial mission he had undertaken foj/ in country for the former Imperial Government of Russia, together with bad news which he had received from Russia, was responsible for the attempted suicide of Nichole Iseguine, according to a statement issued tonight by Michael Oustinoff, Russian Consul General in this city. Iseguine was found in his apartment with a bullet wound in his breast. It was said at the hospital that he had a slight chance of recovery. PERU'S NEW BANKS Lima, Peru, Jan. 16—Japanese financial interests have arranged to establish a bank here. A Chinese bank also is to be established. ' ARMENIAN'S RIGHTS The Bolsheviki Issues Decree Supporting Their Independence Petrograd, Jan. I 7—An official decree issued to people of Turkish Armenia and signed by Nikolai Lenine and other members of the Bolsheviki says that the Government of the Peasants and Workmen of Russia support the rights of Armenians in Russia and Turkey to the extent of their complete independence and the right to decide their own destiny. CABINET RESIGNS. Support for Military Programme No! Forthcoming. London, Jan. 16.—The resignation of the Hungarian Cabinet on account of failure to obtain necessary support for the military programme, is reported in a Budapest despatch to Copenhagen. Ii is believed Emperor Charles will ask the Hungarian Premier, Dr. Wekerle to remain in office and reconstruct the Cabinet. REPORTS FROM ALL FRONTS. Raids and Artillery Activity.—Haig Says Two Men Missing. London, Jan. 16.—A report from Field Marsha! Haig's headquarters in France tonight says: Early today the enemy raided one of our posts northwest of St. Quentin. iwo of our men are missing. Paris, Jan. 16.—An official issued by the War Office tonight says: There was slight artillery activity along the whole front in the region east of St. Die. An enemy raid on one of our small posts completely failed. Eastern theatre—There was quite spirited action on both sides at the Cerna Bend. Enemy patrols were repulsed on the Serbian front. There was nothing of importance on the rest of the front. Berlin, Jan. 16.—A supplementary report from general headquarters this evening says: On the west slope of Monte-Pertica several attacks delivered by the Italians yesterday afternoon failed. % | SEE OUR NEW | 9 AMERICAN 1 2 FLOOR COVERING, | 2 yards wide, | | $l.OO, 1.20, | | ALSO OUR NEW I g FIBRE SQUARES | | AH Artistically bordered. | | All Sizes to fit any Size Room, = I FIBRE MATS & RUGS | 1 to match same. M | QUITE AN ASSORTMENT g E CARPETS & 1 g CARPET SQUARES | I ALLATTHE VERY LOWEST | | nARKET PRICES. | ( 60WR1NG BROS. LTD. (