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DAILY
FORTIETH YEAR.
WARREN I. JOHNSON IS ON TRIAL TODAY
SECOND 10 BE
PUT ON Tfllftl
IN IDE CASE
FORMER RAILROAD DETECTIVE
CHARGED WITH COMPLICITY IN
THS MURDER—SIX JURORS SE
LECTED THIS MORNING.
Six jurors had been chosen for the
trial of Warren I. Johnson, charged
with complicity in the murder of Wal
ter Wade, when Sumter Superior court
adjourned for dinner at 12:30 o’clock
today.
At half-past three o’clock the entire
jury had been completed, those select
ed to try the case being T. M. Jones,
E L. Ratliff, T. L. Carruthers, J. M.
Young, S. H. Turner, O. V. Hogshed,
J R. Britton, G. E. Kinard, B. R. Boyd,
J. A. Daniel, J. A. Mills, Sr. and D. M.
Josey.
Judge W. E. Thomas, of Valdosta, is
presiding over the trial of the case
He is one of the best known jurists
of the state, and made a great repu
tation as a prosecuting attorney when
h e convicted the defendants, fathe
and sons, in the famous Rawlings case
about twelve years ago.
William D. McNeil, of Macon, one of
the ablest lawyers of the state, is
leading counsel for the defense, and is
assisted by Messrs. Wallis & Fort and
I. J Blalock.
Hixon & (Pace and Jule Felton, of
Montezuma, are assisting Solicitor
General John Allen Fort in the prose
cution.
With three hundred jurors and near
ly two hundred witnesses having been
summoned, the courtroom was crowd
ed this morning, every seat and all
standing room being taken.
Warren Johnson was for years a
Macon policeman, then became a spec
ial detective for the Central of Geor
gia railroad, with headquarters in
Americus. He has been in jail ever
since the homicide in August, 1916. His
defense is an alibi, in that he was not
with the party the night Wade was
killed, but was in Macon.
The state claims that Johnson was
on the back seat of the automobile
with Dr. Chapman and Mrs. Yeartie
Howell, and that he urged Dr. Chap
man to shoot Walter Wade, saying, in
effect, “Shoot him! D n him, shoot
him! If you can’t shoot him, give me
the gun!”
Hollis Hurley’s Testimony.
The defense, through Attorney Mc-
Neil, stated that n 0 motion for a con
tinuance would be made if they were
permitted to use the transcript of the
testimony of Hollis Hurley given at
one of the Chapman trials. The state
assented to this, with the-agreed con
dition that it be permitted to offer evi
dence in rebuttal, if desired.
The defense then asked for a state
ment of the persons employing the
counsel to assist in the prosecqtion.
Messrs. Hixon and Felton stated that
they were employed by Mr. J. W. Clop
ton, grandfather of Walter Wade. Mr.
Marion H. Symns was also announced
as one of those assisting in the em
ployment of special counsel.
Mr. McNeil said he was also ad
vised that persons had contributed to
a fund for the prosecution and he ask
ed for those names. They were given
as follows: F. P. Jones, W. S. Morgan,
C. R. Morgan, Roy Wade and J. J.
Hanesley.
Judge Thomas held that any juror
would be disqualiled if of any relation
t 0 any of the state’s attorneys or re
lated to any of the parties contrib
uting to the employment of counsel.
The selection of the jury began at
10:30 o’clock.
TWELVE AMERICANS
TAKEN BY GERMANS
WITH THE AMERICAN ARMY, in
France, March 4.—Those Americans
whom the Germans claim to have cap
tured on the Chemin des Dames prob
ably were the larger part of a patrol
cf thirteen men who went out puon a
raid and haven’t been heard from
since. The enemy obtained no pris
oners from the American trenches.
AMERICUS TIMES-RECORDER
“LIYEST LITTLE DAILY IN GEORGIA."
JUDGEMENT
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UNION SERVICE AT
CENTRAL BAPTIST
The union service at Central Baptist
church Sunday night w-as largely at
tended, and the preacher, Rev. James
B. Lawrence, delivered an address
both Jnt?r?sting and enlightening to
his hearers. His especial-plea was one
for greater concentration of thought
upon matters of religious morals and
for unity of action among establish
ed agencies along religious lines. His
expressed hope that existing denom
inations may soon find it possible to
unite without any of these sacrificing
a vital essential doctrine, in that mys
terious union referred by the Apostle
Paul as existing between him and
Christ, struck a responsive chord, and
the earnest delivery of the message
bi ought the preacher unstinted praise
at the close of the service.
The musical features of the meet
ing were attractive and worthy ot
special mention. Mis§ Ella M. Polk,
director of music in the Americus
schools, presided at the organ, and
vocalists assisting in the program were
Mrs. C. A. Ames, Miss Gertrude Smith,
Mrs. Joe M. Bryan, Miss Melva Clark,
Miss Mitch Payne, Mrs. W. T. Lane,
Si., Mr. C. A. Ames and Mr. J. C. Me
bane Rev. George F. Brown, pastor of
Central Baptist congregation, directed
serbice, while the opening prayer was
delivered by Rev. Leroy Henderson, of
the Presbytrian church, offered the
opening prayer, with the preacher pro
nouncing the benediction. The audi
torium of the church was filled to
overflowing for the service, chairs
being placed in all aisles to furnish
spats for those present.
PEERLESS GETS WORST
OE SMASH WITH BUICK
The Peerless automobile, owned by
Charlie Burke, was badly damaged
yesterday afternoon on the road near
the aviation camp, when it was smash
ed in the rear by a Buick driven by
Mr. Billy Moreland. Mr. Burke had
slowed up suddenly, and Mr. Moreland
who was taken unawares. Though oc
cupants of the two cars were badly
jolted, no one was hurt.
NORWEIGAN LOSSES
AT SEA VERY HEAVY
WASHINGTON, D. C., March 4.
Norway continues to suffer heavily
from German submarines and other
war losses. Twelve vessels, valued at
three million dollars, were sunk dur
ing February, nineteen seamen killed
and two othere missing, according to
a cablegram ot the Norwegian legation
here today.
AMERICUS, GEORGIA. MONDAY AFTERNOON. MARCH 4, 1918
IMEU TROOP?
show superiobity
THOSE WHO WITHSTOOD GERMAN
SHOCK TROOPS ARE REVIEWED
BY -Tww ipu HIGH-
LY CONFIDENT.
PARIS, March 3.
Premier Clemenceau today reviewed
those American troops who repulsed
the German attack Friday. The pre
mier noted a feeling of confidence on
the part of the Americans which, it
possible, had been heightened by the
brilliant result of their first serious
meeting with the enemy, over whom
the Americans thus far have shown
superiority.
FINLAND WILL BE
OCCUPIED SHORTLY
SWEDEN OFFICIALLY NOTIFIED
OF GERMAN PLANS—ISLAND OF
ALAND HAS BEEN TAKEN OVER
BY TEUTONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C., March 4.
Germany’s occupation of Aland Is
land is only preliminary to the occu
-1 ction of Finland.
Official dispatches to the Swedish le
gation here say Germany has inform
ed the Stockholm foreign officee of
the intention to occupy Finland, and
that Sweden has protested. The pro
test also objects to the Aland Islands
being placed in the war zone.
AUTOISTSMUST
GET 1918 TAGS
All owners of automobiles in Sum
ter county have been given until
March 15th by Sheriff Harvey to pro
cure 1918 licenses.
Those not having licenses atfer that
date will be prosecuted in the state
courts.
Published notice to this effect has
been made by the sheriff.
March 12th Date For Hearing.
WASHINGTON, D. C., March 4
Senator Fletcher, of Florida, chair
man of the senate commerce commit
tee, today set March 12th as the date
for hearing representatives of the
Southern Pine Association regarding
the supply of timber availagle for
building wooden ships.
Aland Island* Occupied.
CHRISTIANIA. Norway. March 4.
The Aland island (Russian) were oc-
BIG GERMAN DRIVE
IS GAINING FORCE
WASHINGTON, D. C., March 4.—-
Continued preparatory movements by
the Germans a*ong the western front
are noted today in the war depart
ment’s weekly review of the military
situation. The momentum of the bat
tle is increasing, the statement de
clares, siting three attempts to reach
thp American lines as an example of
what is taking place on a larger scale
along the entire western front. It is
definitely announced that American
t’.oops have taken over a sector north
east of Toule, and that a number of
detached units have been in action in
the Champaign region.
EASTER CANTATA AT
THE FIRST BAPTIST
Mrs. H. O. Jones, organist and chois
director of the First Baptist church,
is arranging an attractive Easter can
tata. Rehersal are now in progress,
with many of the city’ leading vocal
ists taking part.
The cantata will “Life Everlasting,’’
by Petrie. It will be sung on Easter
afternoon at the First Baptist church.
Members of all all the choirs in
Americus will assist. i
The event is being eagerly anticipat
ed by the church-goers and by lovers
of music.
10,000 MECHANICS
FOR THE AVIATION
WASHINGTON, D. C„ March 4.
A call was issued today for ton
thousand mechanics, chauffeurs and
other skilled workmen who are need
ed at once by the aviation section of
the signal corps. It was statted also
that additional inerfemetns must be ob
tained fro mthese same classes in the
near future.
DEATH OF R. J. WHEELER
AT PORTSMOUTH, VA„ SUNDAY
News has reached Americus of teh
death of Mr. R. J. Wheeler, which oc
curred in Portsmouth, Va., Sunday
morning. Mr. Wheeler formerly lived
in Americus, and was a son of Mr. A.
W. Wheeler. He leaves threec hildren.
two daughters and one son; one sis
ter, Mrs. W. F. March, of Americus,
and one brother, J. A. Wheeler, of
Iron City, Ga. He was an employe ot
the Seaboard for many years. The
funeral arrangements were not known
this afternoon. The bereaved family,
have the sypmathy of many friends.
cupied at noon Saturday by the Ger
mans, according to a telegram reced
ed here today.
PBSTDFFIGE HEBE
GREATLYCRDWDED
ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF MAIL COM
ING TO THE AVIATION CAMP
TAKES TRUCK TO CARRY THE
PARCEL POST.
The Americus postoffice is swamped
with work, due to the extra mail com
ing to the workers at the aviation
camp. ,
The parcele post packages today
alone will require a large automobile
truck, and, besides, there are hun
dreds of rotters. The postofflee force
is already doing extra work by reason
of a shortage of men, several having
gone to the war.
Postmaster Davenport is exerting
himself to provide the people of
Americus with their usual first-class
service, but he states that until the
branch postoffice at the aviation camp
I is established his force will be some
what, delayed at times in distributing
the mail However, he has few com
plaints, and those making them were
satisfied as soon as they realized the
unusual conditions existing at the post
office
BBssi»
BEIBS DESTROYED
THIS IS DONE TO PREVENT AN
EXPECTED ADVANCT OF JAPAN.
ESE TROOPS MANY OTHER
STRUCTURES MINED.
WASHINGTON, D. C., March 4.
Russians have begun destroying the
bridges on the Trans-Siberian railroad
between Lake Baikal and the Chinese
frontier.
John F. Stevens, chairman of the
American railway commission to Rus
sia, reported this today to the state
department, and it is feared the ac
tion may prevent Ambassador Fran
cis from reaching Vladisvostock.
It is believed here the destruction of
the bridges has been undertaken to
prevent an expected advance by Jap
anese troops. A large number of other
structures have been mined, Chair
man Stevens reports.
BOLSHEVIK! SIGN
GEBiNJEITIES
THESE ARE IN ADDITION TO THE
MAIN PEACE TREATY’ JUST
WHAT THEY STIPULATE IS NOT
KNOWN.
LONDON, March 4.—Supplementary
treaties between the Central Powers
and the Bolsheviki government of
Russia have been signed at Brest-
Lttovsk, irt addition to the main peace
treaty, according to a telegram from
Brest-Litovsk, via Amsterdam, which
gives no hint concerning the stipula
tions of the treaties.
DEATH OF MRS. HARP
OCCURRED AT LESLIE
LESLIE, Ga., March 4. —Mrs. Clyde
Harp died at 7 o’clock Saturday even
ing. She had been in ill health for
several years, her condition growing
more serious for the past six months.
She was thirty-three years old. Mrs.
Harp had only been a resident of our
town for a few months, but all who
knew her loved her. She w-as the
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Lee, of
Hawkinsville, and is survived by her
mothet*. Other surviving relatibes
ere her husband and five children; one
brother. Mr. Will Lee, of Hawkins
ville, and a sister, Mrs. Wright Gordon,
cf Dublin.
The funeral exercises were held at
Mt Zion Methodist church Sunday af
ternoon at three o’clock, Rev. C. T.
Clark conducting the services.
(IT*
EDITION
FALSE IDEAS ABE
FED TO THE HUNS
GERMAN PRESS PRINTS ARTICLES
DELIBERATELY INTENDED TO
MAKE IT APPEAR UNITED
STATES NOT IN EARNEST.
NEW YORK, March 4.—“ The Ger
man press is carefully and adroitly
continuing 1 to foster the idea among
the German people that America is
not really in earnest about the war,’
declared Dr. A. N. Davis today in dis
cussing the situation in Berlin as he
left it a little more than a month ago.
Dr. Davis, formerly of Piqua, 0., is
the American dentist who lived in the
German capital for fifteen years and
numbered Emperor William among his
patients.
“Every effort is being made to be'
little America —even the highest offi
cials are attempting to convey the
impression that Germany has little to
fear from the United States.
“Practically nothing is printed con
cerning America America except the
president’s addresses on war aims and
the possible basis of a permanent
peace. Even these are treated by the
papers as if the president were speak
ing as a sort of detached person
whose interest was the welfare of the
world, not with the idea that they
represent th e earnest determination
of the American people to see the war
through the successful conclusion.
“Not until Germany begins to feel
the military pressure of the United
States will the people realize the new
conditions that confront them. Then
I predict that the fostered enmity to
ward England will be as nothing to
the hatred that will be poured out by
the inspired pres s against America.
“The American business men who
took advantage of the nine months'
treaty between the United States and
Germany to wind up business affairs
as far as possible, were kept imaer the
closest surveillance by the police at all
times and were not permitted to leave
the city without a special permit. To
go to a race meeting ten miles out of
Berlin it is necessary to apply for a
permit at least a month in advance.
“The thing that has impressed me
most since my return to America is
the freedom we accord to German
subjects over here. It seems to me
as if no restrictions were upon them
whatever.”
"sdmlld"
CAMP SITE NAME
OFFICIALLY DESIGNATED BY
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
AND DEDICATED TO MAJOR RE
CENTLY KILLED.
The official name for the aviation
camp near Americus is “Souther
Field.”
All mail intended for persons at
the camp should be addressed in that
way.
Offiicals of teh two construction
companies have been notified of the
naming of the camp site, with the
information that it is dedicated to the
memory of Major Souther, of the avia
tion branch, who was killed recently
The nam e is pronounced as is spell
ed “Sother.”
IDEAL BOARD IS
KEPT IH OFFICE
NOTICE OF PERMANENT APPOINT
MEAT RECEIVED BY MESSRS.
WALTER MAYNARD. E. A. NESBIT
AND DR. D B. MAYES,
Messrs. Walter Maynard, E. A. Nes
bit and Dr. D. B. Mayes have been ad
vised of their permanent appointment
as the local exemption and registration
board.
On account of their experience in
the work, the government officials
stated that they prefeerred to continue
the same men in office.
NUMBER 54.