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About The North Platte semi-weekly tribune. (North Platte, Neb.) 1895-1922 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 24, 1920)
THE NORTH PLATTE SEMIAVEETCLY TRIBUNE imolmhsbs ilekd SHE IS DELAYED Nebraska Supreme Court Commission R. SHOP WORKERS TO AWAIT CONFERENCE. SECRETARY OF STATE LANSING LEAVES OFFICE. Makes Report on Famous Furlough. Case. McNeny Scores Governor. csbhet USURPED POWER SAYS WILSON President Averc He Had No Right to Assemble Official Family. Dif ferences Long Standing. Washington, I). C. Robert Lansing ended lit m career as secretary (if Btate lflRt Friday after President Wilwm hnd accused liiin of usurping Hie powers of president by cnlllr.g meetings of tlio cabinet during Mr. Wilson's Ulnons. Mr. Lunwlng denied Unit lio had sought or Intended to usurp tlu pre sidential nutliorlty. Ho mltlcil, how ever, tlint ho hollered turn mid still believes that tlm cabinet conferences wore "for the best Interest of tlio re public," tbat tbey wore "proper and necessary" because of tlio president's condition, and that ho would havo been derelict In his duly If ho had fulled (o act as ho did. As tlio record stands, Mr. Lansing tendered his resignation and Mr. Wil son accepted It. The roslgnntlon was offered, however, only nftor tho presi dent, under date of February 7, had written asking If it were true that Mr. Lnnslng hud cnlled cabinet meetings nnd stnllng thnt If such were the case he felt It necessary to say thnt "under our constitutional law nnd practice, as developed hitherto, no one but the president has tho right to summon the heads of tho executive departments Into conference." Mr. LnnslnR nnswored two days later, saying ho hud called the cabinet conferences hecnuso ho and others of the president's official family "felt thnt, In view of the fact thnt We were denied communication with you, It was wiser for us to confer Informnlly together on x x x x x matters as to which action could not bo postponed until your medlcnl advisers permitted you to pass upon them." Tho secretary concluded by saying that If the president believed ho hnd failed In his "loyalty" to lilm nnd If Mr. Wilson no longer hnd confidence. In Mm ho wns ready to "relievo you of nny cmbnrrassmont by placing my re signation In your bnnds." Tlio president replied Hint lio was 'much disappointed by Mr. Lnnslng's letter regarding "tho f-o-cnllod cabinet meetings." Ho said ho found nothing In the secretary's letter "which Justifies your assumption of presidential nutliorlty In such n mutter" and added that ho "must frankly take advantage of your kind suggestion" to resign. "I must say," continued tho presi dent, "that it would relievo mo of cm bnrrassmcnt, Mr. Secretary, tho em barrassment of feeling your reluctance nnd dlvergerico of Judgment, If you would glvo up your present office nnd afford mo an opportunity to select someone elso whoso mind would more willingly go along with mine." Tho differences, between tho presi dent long pre-dnted the first cabinet call by Mr. Lnnslng which was Issued last October 5, seven days after Mr. Wilson returned from his western speaking tour and took to his bed. They began at tho pence conference In Paris, as Mr, Lansing disclosed In his final letter to tho president, nnd had continued since thnt time ono of the chief dlffcrneces being ovor tho government's nttltude townrd Mexico, Frank L. l'olk under secretary of state, has been made secrotnry ad In terim to act until President Wilson ap points a successor to Mr. Lansing. This Is expected to be In tho very nenr future. Secretary Lnnslng Is the third onb Inet officer nppolnted by President Wilson to quit after differences with tho executive. To Pass R. R. BUI Soon. Washington, D. O. While some op position to tho railroad bill as. finally agreed upon in conference has devel oped, sennto and house leaders pro- dieted that tho conference report on the measure would ho promptly ndopted so that the legislation would bo on tho statute hooks before the roads uro returned to private control March 1st. Near Million Cases. Washington, IX C. Between 700,000 nnd 800,000 cases of Influenza exist In tho country, the United States public health service estimates, Allies to Control Straits. Paris. Agreement has been reached by tho supremo allied council to per mlt the BUltnn to maintain hlu court In Constantinople, but Turkey must Eivo guurunteos, especially relative to tho Dardanelles, and must not hnvo an army, according to London udvlcos quoting n statomont by Premier Mil lerand. Further advices from London, confirmatory of tile ubovc, aro to the effect that the allies will maintain vig orous military nnd naval control over tho Straits of tho Dardanelles. Says Lansing Within Rights. St. Joseph, Mo. William Howard Tnfr, ex-president of tho United Stutes, said hero that the public will side with Secretary of State Lansing In the con troversy with President Wilson which resulted In tho resignation of Mr. Lans ing. "I liellevo that Secretary Ijinslng was uctlng altogether within his rights In calling conferences of tlio cabinet members." Mr. Taft said. "1 would not call them cabinet meetings. To my mind "culling such meeting does no'. constitute an assumption of presiden Lincoln, Neb. A report given out by the special commission appointed oy tliO'Stato supremo court to investi gate the roleaso of l?eryl O. Kirk, Ouinlia bandit, from tlio Nebraska pen itentiary last December on n furlough ilgned by Acting Governor B. K. tlusheo of Kimball, declares tho action (vns without authority of law and reconimondeil tho practice be discon tinued. Members of the commission were: A. D. McCandles. Wyinore; .lohn T. Lcdwlth, Lincoln Charles A. Gos. Onnihn ; Joseph L. Frndonburg. Oma ha, and 1 Ionian! McNeny, Hod Cloud. Mr. McNeny wns tho lone member refusing to sign the report, tho Hod Cloud attorney condemning Governor McKelvIo for Kirk's furlough, lie says that the governor's conduct nnd evi dence before tho commission evinces u disposition to regard his duties an gov ernor secondary to other pursuits and occupations. McNeny calls particular attention to the fact that Peterson nnd Devoe, Lin coln attorneys, had first solicited the governor himself to roiease Kirk, and Hint the governor had asked K. M. Johnson of tho board of pardons to make nn Investigation; that Johnson's report, which opposed the release, can not ho found In the governor's office, though Johnson delivered it to tho gov ernor's secrctury, Phil Bross. Tho majority report gives Peterson and Devoo n clean bill. Tt, states mat the procedure leading up to tho re lease Is not legal, although the method has been granted nnd llfty-two fur loughs hnvo been granted In tho last six: administrations. Tho commission nlsrt found that had faith on tho part of tho attorneys did not nppenr In the evidence nnd tho report specifically recommends that ro proceedings bo had against any members of tho bar or officers of the court. WILSON OPPOSES ALLIES. Declares U. S. Will Not Stand for Adriatic Compromise. Paris. A memorandum from Presi dent Wilson was delivered to tho for eign office by Amerlcnn Ambassador Wallace according to tho Temps, In which tho president said he could not approve of Premier Lloyd George's proposed settlement of tho Adriatic question, which has been submitted to tho Jugo-Slnvs. Tho newspaper says that an Identical memorandum was do llvored to tho British foreign ofllce In London. In his memorandum, President Wil son crltlcl7.es Premier Lloyd Georgo's plun as communicated to the Jugo slavs by the supremo council on .Tunuary 20. The president examined the plan, but declares ho cannot approve of Its tenor. Ho particularly opposes the Idea of giving the .Tugo-Slavs the choice between this plan and execution pure and simple of the London pact. The president wishes to bo under stood Unit If tho allied powers settle the Adriatic problem without consult Ingthe United States government, the United States will find It Impossible to concern itson in uiiropciin uiuur. Italian circles In. London nro report ed to be greatly disturbed .over Presi dent Wilson's reported disapproval of the proposed compromise. WOMEN IN POLITICS. No Longer Mere "Auxiliary" Big Con- ventlon Notifies Parties. Chicago Suffragists of Amorlcn, COO strong In convention here, served notlco on the democratic and republic- 'an parties that hereafter they cannot bo considered as a "ladles' nuxumry." They declared they had been "knock ing at tho door" sixty years, and now they were going to bo on the Inside. The outline of tho future policies of the suffrage workers of the country was made by Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt hero at the first congress of the League of Women Voters. The Natlonnl Suffrngo association voted to dissolve, now that Its objects were practically accomplished, and merge Its membership with tho Women Voters' league. Mrs. Catt was named temporary rhuirmtin nr. mo league, ami auuouuoiMi the women were going to be something more than a "mo too" organization In . a .1 tho political world. Sinn Felners Are Vicious. Belfast. A largo body of Sinn Fein ors attacueu me nonce ikutiickn iu Bollatraln, county Monnghtin, employ Ing explosives. They ovorenmo the small garrison, and removed tho arms uml ammunition. Overseas Men Get Raise. Washington, D. O. Soldiers who Imvn ciiirvixl m-orsons since .1 ill v 11. 11)10, will recelvo an Inereuso of 'M per cent on their entire base pay In stead of on the old base pay author Ized during the worW war. Asks Wilson to Explain. Washington, D. O. President Wll son was asked In a resolution ndopted by tho sennto what agreement, If nny he had mado with British authorities regarding the disposition of tho Gor man ships for sale by tho shipping board. The resolution was presented by Senator Brnndogco, republican, f'onnecticut, who told the senate he had heard on what ho considered good au thority that the president hnd entered Into nn understanding us to final dis position of all the Gurmnn vossols I which enmu Into American possession, twmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmsmm "r'23aB 1 Poor people of Viennn gathering wood In n forest that formerly belonged to tho empeor. I! lSungalowa nenr Atlantic City wrecked by the erected in London. NEWS REVIEW OF CURRENT EVENT Director General Hines Refuses to Raise the Wages of the Railway Employees. DISPUTE PASSED TO WILSON Gompers Against Organization of La bor Party Farmers' Representa tives Deny Inherent Right to Strike Renewed Hope for Agreement on Peace Treaty. By EDWARD W. PICKARD. Director General Hlncs nnd the heads of tho railway unions failed to reach an agreement as to wages, and the whole matter wns passed on to President Wilson for his decision of tho flnnl attitude of the government. The possibility of n general railway strike and consequent paralysis of in dustry loomed big, despite the asser tion of the leaders of the four brother hoods that no such move wns being considered yet. Mr. Hlnes, nfter many days of con ference with tho labor chiefs, came to the conclusion thnt, though tho workers may be entitled to more pay under existing living conditions, It Is economically Impossible for the rail way administration to grant the In creases in view of tho fact that feder al control comes to nn end on Mnrch 1. It wns believed in Washington thnt tho president would sustain Mr. Hlncs and appeal to tho railway un ions to submit their demands to the wage adjustment boards provided for In the pending railway legislation. Tho unions, however, do not seem to hnvo any faith in such tribunals, and feel that they will have no chnnco after the roads have been returned to prlvnto ownership. Everyone concerned In the mnttcr directly feels thnt the union chiefs have been very courteous and have shown a genuine desire to avoid serl ous trouble. It Is to bo expected that somr strikes will follow if the pros! dent decides against tho workers, but thero has been no threat of a general strike. Ono such strike alrendy bus been ordered. The maintenance of way employees and shop laborers have been directed to quit work on Febru ary 17. Their president, Allen C, Parker, said, however, that the sub mission of tho controversy to Presi dent Wilson might avert this, as It was at Mr. Wilson's request that the strike plans made last August were held In abeyance while the , government tried to lower the cost of living. Since It mainly fulled in this, said Mr. Parker, ho felt Mr. Wilson would nfford the men the relief they had asked. This may be so, but official statistics do not bear out tho claims of tho main tcnanco of way workers. Since 101.1 their wages hnvo Increased on the av ernge 10(1 per cent, while tho cost of living in tho same time has gone up 83.1 per cent, it is not surprising, how ever, that the workers should Join In tho general grabfest. Since the war began there has been no greater prof i tteer than organised labor, but tho capitalist, big and small, set tho ex ample and led the way In Kansas the maintenance of way men have been ofllclally warned that their contemplated strike will bo In violation of that state's new Indus. trial court law. The congressional conference com mlttee fixed up n clover compromise railway legislation bill and Us speedy acceptance was predicted. Put for midable opposition developed. Repre sentatives Bnrkloy of Kentucky and Sims of Tennessee, both Democratic members of tho conference refused to sign the report and announced they would tight the measure. Bnrkley ob jects to tho provision for u 5 per cent return on earnings with an equal division of excess earnings over 0 per cent between the roads and a govern ment fund for tho benellt of tho weak er lines. Sims makes Ids tight especial ly agalust Iho rate-making provision; destructive storm that raged along thei but he Is opposed to the bill generally for ho Is an advocate of government ownership. Tho union labor leaders wore waiting Until they could study tho compromise bill, but they were expected to Join with the opposition to the measure. The sections dealing with wage adjustments do not please tlicin. Samuel Gompers, who several times lately has felt his throne tottering, has como out strongly against the or ganization of a political labor party und urges that organized labor devote Its effort to the election of members of congress who will be friendly to It. Tho third party plun Is especially favored by tho Plumb plan lenders, but Mr. Gompers warns that It would be fatal to the Interests of organized labor. Ills attack on congress wns decidedly bitter, and called forth sev eral vigorous replies, particularly from Senator Sherman of Illinois und Rep resentative Blnnfon of Texas. Tho antagonism between union la bor and the furmers was accentuated last week when representatives of the Natlonnl grange, tho American Farm Bureau federation, tho Cotton Stntes bonrd, and tho Association of State Farmers' union presidents met In Washington nnd drew up a memorlul to congress denying tlint any group of organized workers possesses un in herent right to strike. Alluding especially to strikes of transportation workers, the memorial says: "Those who believe that labor has nn inherent right to organize a strike believe that such organizations have a right to starve the people of the cities to death, on the ono hnnuV and to de stroy the property of the fanners on the other. "No such right had ever existed and no such right exists now. "No set of men has ever had tho moral or legal right to destroy prop erty or cause suffering by conspiring together. What would be the verdict of tho people If tho farmers of the United States should suddenly decide to go on a strike and refuse to supply tho wants nnd needs of those who are not In a position to produce food and cloth ing for themselves? They would be condemned from ono end of tho coun try to the other nnd tho fact would 1A pointed out that they, as tho owners and tillers of the land, had no right, either moral or legnl, to bring about such a calamity. "If. tho farmers hnve no such rights, those who hnndle their" products have no such rights." Hope springs eternal, and It Is now tho turn of the pence treaty compro misers to hope that their efforts will lie crowned with success in the near future. President Wilson's lntest let ter to Senator Hitchcock on the sub ject, apparently written before Vis count Grey's pronouncement but made public much inter, wns Interpreted as showing a yielding spirit, and the ma neuvering to reach an agreement was renewed. At this , writing hope for enrly ratification rested lnrgely on the report that the mild rcservatlonlsts, Senator Lodge nnd a group of Demo crats had agreed tentatively on a sub stitute for the Lodge reservation on ar ticle ten. This substitute declnres tho United States assumes no obligation to preserve the territorial Integrity or political Independence of any other country, and Senator Hitchcock Indig nantly asserted It was no compromise and thnt Its acceptance would be a complete surrender on the part of the supporters of tho president. Lodge also proposed n series of amendments modifying the lnnguage of his reserva tions. Tho president, It Is stated, has so far recovered his health and strength that he has taken personal direction of the Democratic forces In the present light over tho treaty In the senate. The council of the Lenguo of Na tions opened Its meeting in London on Wednesday, with Arthur J. Balfour In the chair. The nations represented were Belgium, Brazil, Great Britain, France, Greece, Italy, Japan and Spain. Both Mr. Balfour and Leon Bourgeois of France expressed regret that tho United States was not repre sented. To M. Bourgeois was Intrust ed the preparation of plans for the or ganization of the permanent court of International Justice, and other steps Atlantic coast, 3 First skyscraper were taken toward carrying out the purposes of the league. There was nothing new last week to Indicate the course which the allies would pursue In the mnttcr of the ex tradition of Germans accused of war crimes, except an unofficial statement that they would insist on the execu tion of tho trenty clause. Thq Berlin government Insists tlint de livery of tho culprits Is u physical impossibility and also would be. an Incredible vlolntion of the nation's honor. Tlio Intter point may bo disre garded, but the former may hnve some weight. The British, It Is said, aro willing to show leniency, but not so tho French. Thc former crown prince got on the front page with nn offer to tho heuds of the allied governments to surrender himself In place of the 000 whom the allies desire to put on trial a spectacular play to the grand stand which will have no results. Hungary's representatives went to Purls to present their country's an swer to the peace treaty. It was un derstood they would protest especially against the financial clauses, on tho ground that it would be utterly Impos slblo for Hungary to make the pay. ments demanded. As for Austria, starving and freezing, she is still beg ging some millionaires or wealthy na tions to come to her rescue, offering to pledge nil the royal palaces or the en tire country, if necessary. The latest successes reported by the soviet forces of Russia Include the oc cupation of Odessa nfter bloody fight ing. The bolshevlkl also crossed the Sea of Azov from Taganrog and ob talned n foothold on the southern coast between the Dorr and Ycya rivers. On their western borders the peace move ment continues. Tho Letts have now signed nn armistice with the Moscow government. At the opening of the British parliament tho government made it plain tlint Its policy would bo to replace force by n commercial pol icy In guiding Russia back to san ity and that the "ring of lire" to crash bolshevlsm Is a failure. At the same time Lloyd George nnd his collengues said bolshevlsm wns not democracy and civilized methods of government must be ndopted before any nation will make pence with Russia. The Democratic members of con gress, disregarding tne wisnes or President Wilson, formally decided In caucus to oppose any legislation lor universal military training. Mr. Wil son's letter to the caucus not only urged that the mutter be not made a party Issue, at least until the natlonnl convention passed on It, but also made It clear that he heartily favored a proj ect for moderate military training. The resolution against the training legislation wns supported, of course, by such men as Kltchln of North Caro lina nnd was passed by a vote of 100 to 17. Since the VS majority of the lower house has adopted ,tho same at titude there seems to be small hope for universal military training nt present. Representative Kahn and others of its supporters, however, hnvo not yet given up. Approval of the sys tem expressed by tho American Legion may have some Influence on congress. Herbert Hoover and his possible can- dlducy for the presidential nomlnutloni continue to nfford food for speculation. Mr. Hoover hns Issued a long state ment In which he denies that ho Is seeking the White House Job or hns any organization. He repents thut he must vote for the party that stands for the League of Nations if that becomes a partisan Issue, and adds that he does not believe In moru than two great parties. He declines to pledge his vote blindfolded, and does not say that he would accept either tlio Republican or the Democratic nomination If tho platform suited him. Responding to questions from Sena tor Borah, General Wood says: "I be lieve that we should accept the League of Nations ns modified und safeguard ed by the existing Lodge reservations reservations which Americanize it nnd safeguard our traditional policies reservations which leave America absolutely free and unliommeled to follow the will of her own people In ull questions of foreign and domestic policy.' FAVOR SPECIAL TRIBUNAL Brotherhoods Complain Because Gov ernment Lax In Drive Aoalnst Gougcrs of the Public. Washington, D. C. Peaceful settle ment of tho rnllrond wuge controvers.v seemed certain nfter union chief. agreed to lay before their organization President Wilson's proposal for a set tlement. Tho rnllrond union reproson tatives will moot hero February lil! to consider tho president's propositions The strike of the United Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way and Rnlhvii) Shop Laborers, scheduled for Februnrj 17, was called off. Tho telegram to the membership postponing the strike was sent out tc the approximately 0,000 local secretin ies of the brotherhood. In It President Barker briefly reviews events lwullnj, up to the issuance of tlio strike ordei and the sending of the executive com mlttt'O to Washington. Tim union executives who have beer. meeting here, In a letter to President Wilson, announced this course of tie flon und udded that they favored creu tlon of a special tribunal to exnmitu the entire railroad wage problem tint! settle it. They asked Wilson to obtain the as sent of the railroad managers to this proceeding. The attitude of the union officials. while they expressed gratification at the recognition of certain of their principles by President Wilson, Is pre dicted on un apparently general belief uiiiong their membership thut the gov ernment has "not held together In many of Its drives on the high cost ot living specter." Much criticism wns directed at con gress nnd the heads of executive de partments during the recent wuge ne gotiations, lenders said. The general feeling of railroad labor was expressed In this question, asked by a union olllcla' who has carried its grievances through the negotiations: "Are we, as Americans, to udmlt that we cannot control the profiteer?" EXECUTION PUT OFF.. Grammer Wins New Chance for Life By U. S. Court Ruling. Lincoln, Neb. An entering wedge to litigation that may hold the .execu tion of Allen V. Grammer In suspense for a period qf from "two to ten years," was driven hist Saturday when a motion by tlio state of Nebraska to dismiss appeal of habeas corpus pro- ceedlugs was overruled, in the United States circuit court of appeals sitting ut St. Louis. The hearing of tho case has boon docketed for tho May term. Pending Its settlement, electrocution of Gram mer for the murder of Mrs. Lulu Vogr, his mothor-iii-law, set for February 20,. is automatically stayed. . Als.011 P. Cole, condemned to die with Grammer, will likewise benefit by the decision of tho St. Louis court; Gov. S. R. McKolvie has said that re prieves and stays of execution in the case of either man will automatically all'ocl the other. Difficulties Loom Large. Washington. D. C. Indications of (he difficulties that must bo overcome before tho senate can reach u compro mise on article ten of the league of nations covenant wore seen In rejec tion by Senator Hitchcock of a avldoly heralded "compromise" submitted by mild rosorvatlnnlsts. Hitchcock de clared that its acceptance by demo crats would Involve an oven more ab ject surrender than acceptance of tho original Lodge reservation. Probe Poison Olive Deaths. Memphis. Tenn. Federal Investiga tion of tho deaths here within the past live days of seven persons, attributed by physicians to poisoning due to tho eating of ripe olives, was begun with the arrival of an inspector for tlio United States department of agricul ture. All of those who have died wore guests at a luncheon here nt which ripe olives were served. No Peace Agreement. In Sight. Washington, I). C. Peace treaty ne gotiations Mill stood at an Impasse at tho end of last week, with opinion among loaders divided on tho possilill Ulos of an early compromise to lusm- ratification. Acquire Hog Island Property. Wuslilugton, D. C An agreement with tlio American International Ship building company wuss reached by the United States dipping board by which the bot'rd takes title to the land of the Hog Island shipyard at Phlladel:-hlu. Dangerous Radicals Rounded Up. Putorson, N. J. Twenty-nine radi cals, said by secret service agents to Include the most dangerous tei-mrls!.-lu the United States member of tin notorious L'Hra Nuovu group. wliot' creed Is assassination und violence bj Individuals without waiting for "inas.. action" were captured by 100 pl.-Ued agents of the department of Justice In n dramatic' rah) on "rod" headquarter hero. Warrants had been sworn out for thirty-two, but throe escaped tin federal net. tial uuthorlty,"