Oakland Tribune from Oakland, California • Page 1

VOLtiME LXXXIXTWO CENTS SUNDAY FIVE CENTS OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, MONDAY EVENING, APRIL 15, 1918. 16 I'AGES no. 54.V Uproar Follows Dismissal of Theodore Gier Wfld WIST FAlffil ADM NOTE a Gv is enewe Smash Collier in Picardv Is Stopped issing Peace Views and Publication a i 1 tj. i of Appeal by His Ruler AUSTRIAN FORGER TO QUIT POST Gallant British Troops COLLIER IS GREATEST SEA PUZZLE BULLETIN AMSTERDAM, April 23. 'The full strategic plan has not been accomplished," declares the Frankfurter Zeitung.

"The battle apparently does not produce the desired result." WITH THE BRITISH ARMY IN FRANCE, April 15. The battle about Neuve-Eglise, near the Belgian border, which has been retaken by the Germans, continued to rage this morning with the same intetuW ity that has marked it for days' and the British are smashing the Ger 1 Another assault of Bauleul, four pected momentarily. Hnng About the Resignation The latest reports this forenoon showed that the British line waa be-of Official and Acceptance; ing strongly held as a whole in this northern zone, and in some in stances had been considerably improved by counter strokes. The British last evening followed up their success of 'Saturday, when-they pushed the Germans back from Robecq on the Clarence River. Local counter-attacks delivered oq the German positions, 3000 yards to the east of this town, were completely successful, and the enemy was again forced to fall back somewhat The British in the course of the after DISTRICT ATTORNEY EZRA DECOTO Ezra Decoto, prosecuting attorney and former probation officer, was chosen district attorney of Alameda county this morning by the Board of Supervisors to succeed W.

H. L. Hyncs, resigned. The choice was unanimous, his Induction into office being accomplished oti motion of Supervisor John F. Mulllns, who paid tribute to both Hynes and Decoto In his nominating address.

Rumors that Decoto was to succeed Hynes have been current since the presentation of Hynes' resignation to go into private practice, with Superior Judge William H. Donahue. Decoto himself expressed a willingness to accept the position, provided he went into office "without Political strings. The choice of the board this morning followed conferences between the members when it was agreed to make the matter a unanimous choice. The board resolution wnich selected Decoto as the county's chief prosecutor was as follows: In nominating Decoto to succeed Hynes, Supervisor Mulllns said "In asking the adoption of the resolution appointing Mr.

Ezra Decoto to the Important and very responsi ble position of district attorney of i A' UNANIMOUSLY noon also pushed out-several posts 'Since April 12 we -have taken -iTe" PARIS, April 15. the result of a detailed operation that wvrked otttperfeCtlXw. have taken 1.1 a Score of prisoners in the region Hangard," the French War office announce tl today. J. earcn NEAR RIOT Resolutions Putting Theodore Gier Off of the Development Board.

Give No Reasons; Recent Banquet Is Responsible BONDS OFFERED LOYALLY DEFENDED Rumors of Seditious Utterances at Livermore Party Results in Action Tense Moments As Challenge Flies Colonel Theodore Gier, former staff officer of a State Governor, prominent liquor merchant and member of the Merchants' Exchange, was dismissed from his position as a member of the California Development Commission by the Board of Supervisors today. The session broke up -1n wild disorder when Gier refuse! twice to kiss the American flag when requested by Mrs. E. U. Roussell, Red Cross worker.

Frank Fletcher, chairman of Division Draft Board No. 3 offered to supply bail for Gier if he was arrested by the government for alleged pro-German sentiments. Gier admitted that Fletcher had made the offer and Fletcher confirmed It. "I think that Mr. Gier la a patriotic citizen and Is not being treated right, and I will go on his bond until he Is proved otherwise," said Fletcher.

REASONS FOR DISMISSAL NOT STATED i The resolution which elided Gier from Alumeda county's official life did not state the. reason for which the dismissal was being made. It was openly discussed and admitted, however, by both Gier and members of the board, during the process of a heated debate, that It had to do with a recent banquet party at Cresta Blanca near Liver-more, where Gier and a party of seven friends, two weeks ago, are said to have uttered pro-German sentiments and toasted the Kaiser. Glcr's alleged connection with the case first came to the attention of the Board of Supervisors last Monday when, following rumors of the Liver-more party, Chairman Daniel Murphy of the board announced that tie would make an Investigation and If the evidence sustained the charges would ask for Gler's removal as county commissioner. Murphy's report was in the form ol today'B resolution, which was as follows: "Resolved, That the position now held by Theodore Gier as Alameda County Development Commissioner be and the same Is hereby declared vacant, and be It further "Resolved," That this Board of Supervisors request the California Development Board to declare vacant the position ireld by Mr.

Gier as a representative of Alumeda county on the said board." IS ASKKO TO KISS THE FLAG Following the passage of the resolution, during which Gier was criticized by members of the board, Gier made an explanation of what had taken place. In the middle of his talk he was Interrupted by Mrs. E. U. Roussell, former president of the Elm-hurst Civic Club, and a prominent 1 REFUSAL III (ISS FLAG REITS IN Montdidier and Noyon.

In the Champagne, south of Montelu, as the result of several thrusts, we returned with, prisoners. Enemy assaults from north of the Chemin des Dames to southeast of Corbeny were without success. Intermittent bombardments have occurred elsewhere along the front." i zeppei factories hi cl ciops by Valor of miles west of JNeuve-Eglise, ex .7 north of the canal between the Lawe 150 nrisonera in the sector between LONDON, April 16. 45even attaefca by the Germans In the Merville sector of the northern battle front ''have been repulsed by the British Who Inflicted heavy losses on the enomy.Jt is announced officially. The British have lost Neuve-Eglls.

Southwest of Baiieul the Germans temporarily penetrated the British positions, but were driven out by a counter-attack. The Germans have again 'retaken Neuve-Eglise. "There was severe fighting all day yesterday before Neuve-Eglise," Field Marshal Halg reported today. "After beating off numerous attacks we were compelled in the end to withdraw for a second time from the village." GERMANS DRIVEN BACK WITH SEVERE LOSSES The Germans have been driven back with great loss In fierce fighting northwest of reported. this sector, during the course of the no less than seven attacks were repulsed with heavy he-said.

"Once' the enemy advanced in five waves, under the weight of the at-, tack our line was bent back slightly but a counter-attack competely restored it. t- "Southwest of Ballleul enemy parties temporarly penetrated tyr positions, but a counter-attack our lines," Halg said. "On the northern bank of the lift canal hostile Infantry, attempted. advance, but was -caught under, eur artillery fire and was unable to develop its i "Succemful minor operations east of Robecq last nleht resulted in the. capture of 160 enemy prisoners and several machine guns.

"South of the Somme, in the neighborhood of Hangard-En-Santerre, in heivy fighting early this morning, we Improved our positions and took a number of prisoners. i "There was hostile artillery fire last night In the vicinity of Bucquoy, between Arras and Albert" Postmaster Blown to Bits at Trinidad Eureka, April 15. The postofnee at Trinidad, 25 miles north of Eureka, was wrecked, and Postmaster George blown to atoms by a terriflo dynamite explosion early today. Relatives are searching for fragments or hie body. Scott placed the dynamite bed last night.

Hit rea, son fo doing so was not known, 7 J. Sixty Houses Are Leveled by Storm "FORT April II About sixty houses. Including a two-story brick bulld'ng and. several churches, were demolished by storm at Bovd, thirty miles north Fert Worth; on the Rock Island railway lata Hunday, according to reports Fort Worth by messenger today? KS) one was lnJurJL; Mi or German City Discovers Air Raid Atrocity AMSTERDAM, April 15. A despatch from Karlsruhe to the Frankfurter Zeitung reports the passage by the Chamber of the Grand Duchy of Baden there of a resolution requesting the imperial German government to endeavor to secure a general agreement for the cessation of hostile air raids on places outside the zone of military operations.

Karlsruhe, capital of the Grand Dutchy of Baden, with a population of between 75,000 and 100,000 and situated about fifty miles from the French border, has been several times visited by allied airmen. There was a daylight air' raid by British squadrons on Karlsruhe in January, during which a ton and a quarter of bombs'; was dropped. in oven SAN FRANCISCO, April control of the deep-sea fishing Industry in California was taken over today by Ralph P. Merrltt, federal food commissioner for California. Merrltt was authorized from Washington to Inspect all books and records of licenses which Includes fishermen, wholesalers and retailers under the food control act.

The telegraphic authorization follows: "You and your representatives are hereby authorized by the United States food administration to obtain unaer oain any ana an lniorniaiion concerning the business of anyindl-vidual or concern in California who is licensed by the United States food administration and to require him or them, to submit reports of said business and to inspect books, property and premises, and these licenses are hereby dlrectPd to extend to you and your representatives every facility for your examination and Investigation, and for such reports as you require." WILL BEGIN INVESTIGATION Merrltt tomorrow will bcgin a searching investigation of the fish situation with a view to ascertaining whether the profits of licensees are in excess of the normal pre-war profit. Public hearings will be held during the afternoons of this week. No information-will be given out, how ever, concerning the trade secrets or the firms who will be up for hearing anil the. hooka will be Inspected onlv by Merrltt or his aides. Among the firms whose books will be Investigated are: A.

Paladlnl, the Western California Fish Company, San Francisco International Fish Company, Borzone Fish Company, and others. Paladlnl will testify tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock. The following preliminary statement was Issued by Merrltt after he had made It clear that any cases of profiteering which he might uucover would be followed by Immediate revocation of licenses and other penalties. Merrltt. under the food control law, Is not empowered to fix retail prices, but his probe ls'expected to result In a downward revision ot retail prices, Increased prpductlon and a general (Continued on Page 4, Col.

2) Rich Man Accused of Mutter ins Threats CHICAGO, April 13. ''Bernard Rlngwald, wealthy window I manufacturer, charged with muttering threats against the life of President Wilson, obtained a postponement until April 25, when hit) case' was called before Federal Commissioner Mason today. Relatives of the accused put up $7500 bond to secure his release, Rlngwald having spent Sunday behind the bars. Secret service officials refused to discuss theories that a plot against the life of the President may- be In volved. tiun Birdman Almost Bombs Hun Prisoners HAVRE, April 15.

An enemy air-plan succeeded in passing observation posts without being reported and over the district, says an official nbte issued here. Several bombs we're dropped nc one ot the camps for' German prisoners. innii umiintn lull IIIUUulH nun Orders vfor Further to Find Cyclops, Believed to Be Lost, Issued by the Navy Department; Ally Craft Joinl MAY BE CAPTURED BY TEUTON AGENTS ABOARD Many Theories Are Advanced ior i Mvsterioui Disappear- wance of Vessel on Way From! So. America; May Be Sunk ft ASSOCIATED PRESS. EASED WIHE TO TRIBUNE.

WASHINGTON, April IB. Orders tor greater efforts to find the missing naval collier Cyclops, overdue from South American waters for more than a month, went out today to American ships. In addition allied naval craft on patrol duty In the south are aiding In the search. So far not one word has coma to olaar un th mvnterv of the collier's disappearance. Secretary Daniels said today, however, that he still clung to the hope that the vessel would report as many omer navy ships have done after they had been given up for lost.

Naval officials were no nearer today to a solution of the disappear, aftce thap they were three weeks ago, when anxiety over the safety of the ship first developed. There is absolutely nothing on which to found an explanation. The big carrier has simply vanished from the sea. possible theory was rejected by officials In seeking an explanation. Suggestions heard most frequently were that German agents had boarded the ship In port and captured her from her people at sea; that she had broken In two and gone down In a sudden squall; that she had been overtaken by a submarine and sunk without trace and that an Internal explosion had sent her down.

All of these suggestions had flaws In them, It was said. A theory that she had been cap tured by a group of German agents lYS1 Since the ship failed to appear naval vessels have petroled all coasts! for wreckage or survivors. Nothing has been found. Every vessel known to have been anywhere In the region at the time has been communicated with. None saw or heard anything of the collier, Reports from every source showed nothing towarrant the storm theory, It Is' the mild season of the year in those waters.

The route the Cyclops would have followed was somewhat sheltered. The snip naa aooara an insufficient quantity of coal for a Journey to the 'nearest German port, had she been I 1 Akimeda county, i tun mindful of the I aboard appeared to be the only ex-duty I owe the- people 'of my county I Puliation that would account for the IS' CALLED LIAR BY PREMIER CLEMENCEAU Diplomat Who Has Figured Prominently in MTT.T.F!TIV. AMSTERDAM. April 15. Thousands of people gathered in the streets of Prague, capital of Ikiliemia, on Saturdar.

denounced the Germans and the entente and President Wilson, says a dew pa toll from that city to the Lokal Anielger of Berlin. SV ASSOCIATED FKESS f.5A8ED WIHI TO TKIBVXE. AMSTERDAM, April IB. Count Qzernin, the Austro-Hungdrlan foreign minister, has resigned, according to a despatch from Vienna. Emperor Charles accepted the resignation and entrustd Conut Ciernln with the conduct of foreign affairs until his successor is appointed.

The recent' publication by the French government of the future peace appeal by Emperor Charles of Austria-Hungary in March, 1917, and the efforts of the emperor and the Austro-Hungarian foreign office to explain this letter to the satisfaction of Germany and the German emperor probably were the most Influence in bringing about the resignation of Count Czernln. HAS IlKKN ACTIVE IV PEACK MOVES Since he was appointed foreign miniHter on December 23, 1916, in sue cession to Baron Burian, Count Czernln has been very active in attempting to bring about peace and the moderate tone of his speeches has in sharp contrast with that of the German chancellor's and foreign secretaries. However, his tlon in the forced peace upon Russia, as well as that upon Rumania, did not show that his actions step with his words, i "In the peace offensive" of the present year. Count Czernln in the Austrian Relchrath on January 25 suggested an exchange of views between Austria-Hungary and the United States. He announced also that Austria based her negotiations with Russia on the policy of no annexations or Indemnities, but there always was some doubt whether his pacist maneuvers were honest or were Inspired by Berlin In an effort to bring about a split among the entente allies: Count Czernln on April 4 In an 'address at Vienna declared that Premier Clemenceau had sought peace negotiations with Austria.

The French premier replied that Count Czernln lied. The French and Austrian offices then issued statements explaining the! unofficial negotiations In Switzerland. Early last week, the French government declared that Emperor Charles and Count' Czernln both had Raid that the claim of France to Alsace-Lorraine was Just. This brought a denial from Emperor Charles in the orm oi i emperor win- lam, to whom he reiterated his loyaltv to the German cause and denied that he had said France was justified In wanting Alsace-Lorraine returned. This immediately brought from the French government the publication of a letter from Emperor Charles to his brother-in-law, Princo Rlxtus of Bourbon, which was autographed and which the emperor asked be given to President Polncaire.

SAYS A SACK SHOULD BE HESTOItED In the letter the emperor said that France should have Alsace-Locraine and that Belgium and Serbia should lie restored." also asked that London and Parle be felt out as to prob- able peace terms. German news' papers have attacked both Emperor Charles and his foreign secretary because of this letter and attempts have been made that it was not written by the emperor. It has been reported In Vienna that there was no attempt to (Continued on Pago 3. Col. I to United States la.

Blade lot Trmn-tni. Leave Place of IniporWnce BULLETIN: BY, TJ KITED MESS. LEASED WISE TO TEIBUVE. ZURICH, April Zeppelin factories at Mamzell, near Fred-richshaftn, were totally destroyed by fire Saturday night, it was ascer-tained here today. WITH THE AMERJCAN ARMIES IN FRANCE, April 15.

The Germans are continuing their attacks on the American outposts In the sector northwest of Toul. These attacks are a sequel to the violent assaults on this sector Friday and Saturday, In which the enemy attempted to capture permanently the American advanced positions. Nlneteeen more Germans have been captured in raids by French and American troops. The Americans are entirely repulsing the Germans In their heavy arnaults on this difficult position. ATTACKED ON BANKS OF MEI SE American troops on the right bank of the MeuBe (between St.

Mlhlel and Verduhiyvere attacked by picked detachments from four companies of Germans, following a violent, bom bardment with high explosive ana gas shells, which lflMed from midnight until early this morning. The enemy swarmed. Into the trenches close behind their barrage, Just as the Americans burst from the shelters, wielding bayonets and hurling grenades. The Germans were completely; repulsed, leaving thlrty-foun dead and ten on the American wires. Thirty more Jead Germans were counted in No Man's Land.

A party of twenty-five Americans, surrounded by a superior enemy force outside the trenches, fought their way through the Germans and re--turned to the American lines with prisoners. Kaiser Reported On Front Line Near Lille AMSTERDAM, April 16. The Kaiser was on the front fLIlle (fifteen miles back of the present lines) from Tuesday to Thursday, according to German newspapers received here today. He conversed with soldiers and declared he convinced the army Is desirous of a decisive victory and a "strong German eace." In giving them the best service that lies within my power. HAS PUBLIC IN MIND IN APPOINTMENT.

an elective one and chosen by the ma-1 Jorlty of the voters at the general election; so when it comes within ourl province to choose a man to fill an unexpired term, especially In this, the most Important and to my mind the most exalted office within the gift of the county we should do It only after thoughtful study, care and thorough i Investigation of the chracter, ability, I knowledge and reputation of the man -upon whom are to bestow this great honor the privilege ot serving and representing the public. Decoto has served the public as a deoutv district attorney under Hon Everett J. Brown and Hon, William H. Donahue, both of whom are now superior judges of this state, and William H. L.

Hynes, who now resigns the office of district attorney to take up the private practice of law; and I dare anv man who has knowledge of these men to question their fearless ness, ability, honesty, devotion ana service in aiding to uphold the laws of our glorious state and county. It Is with the service of these men In my mind, gentlemen, that makes me feel the weight of care to be exercised in choosing a successor to Mr. Hynes, one who will bear the same responsibility as the men before htm, and conduct the office in tho same Impartial, fearless and able manner that I present the resolution lust read. I feel that my constituency and I hops that the, people all over Alameda county will endorse our action at the polls on election day by electing Decoto at the primaries." DFCOTO'si RESPONSE NTKLLS OF HIS AIMS. "The office of district attorney is I captured.

Some officers think that if the ship was captured her captors may be holding her out of trade routes waiting for a chance steamer from which to secure coal. The explosion theory is met by the fact that only sufficient ammunition for her few guns was on board. The ship's cargo of manganese ore was not explosive. Secretary Daniels said the department had no word that would Indicate the presence in southern waters of a German raider. The sea 'lanes are busy with shipping, yet no vessel has sighted any suspicious craft.

MOST MYSTERIOUS IN NAVAL ANNALS. It is the absolute silence of the radio' that makes the case ene of the most mysterious In naval annals. That 1 fact alone Inclines officials to the belief that the ship might have been captured by persons aboard, for in no other, way would It have been possible to silence calls for aid. In case of a storm or an attack by ebemy craft, or even if the ship were "torpedoed there would have been time for such calls. One of the, Cyclops' engines was damaged, but It is not believed the engine trouble had anything to do with the 'appearance.

Constructors said the Cyclops was one of the staunchest craft of the auxiliary fleet of the navy. They could not believe (Continued on Page 2, 3) Red Cross and Liberty Bond worker. "Are you an American citizen?" she shouted. "I Gier. "Will you kiss the American flag?" she demanded.

"Sure I will kiss It any time," responded Gier. "Will you kiss -It now?" persisted Mrs. Roussell. No I wish to finish my speech first," Gier replied and turned away. Mrs.

Roussell made no further attempts along this line. But when the supervisorial session was over, she afaln approached Gier In the lobby stid pulling a email American flag from her dress held It out to him. "I ask you again, will you kiss the flag and prove you are a good American?" she demanded. Gier whipped a small leather baok from his pocket and showed a folded American flag on the inside. "I am Just as good an American as anybody In this room," he announced.

"Then kiss this flag!" instated Mrs. Rouswell. "I will not be humiliated before (Continued on Page3, CoU. 2-3) one of the most Important offices of the county of Alameda, because experience has proven that obedience to the law If best obtained by absolute enforcement of the law," said Decoto, "In accepting this office, I do so (Continued on Page 3, Col. 3).