The citizen volume 1, number 29 Prince George, B.C., Saturday, May 27, 1916 Price five cents Disastrous forest fire threatens Willow River At noon today a special train carrying nearly 100 firefighters left for Willow River, where fiercely burning forest fire driven by a high wind threatens the destruction of the town and the large sawmill located near. At 9:30 this morning a messenger arrived on foot from Willow River bringing news of the fire that was raging in his district. A ring of fire practically surrounds the town and every available man is out fighting to save the town. In half an hour district Forster Marvin had marshaled his forces, and every available man was recruited for the work. Shovels, axes and firefighting equipment was quickly mustered, together with food supplies for large force. The grand trunk Pacific with customary promptitude could train at the disposal of the forest service and the relief party was on the way to Willow River in record time. Some idea of the devastating intensity of the fire can be gathered from the fact that in two places the fire had jumped the Fraser River and continued its work of destruction on the opposite side. Lt. Billy Cook may preempt in England (?) Describing the journey from Liverpool to the camp of the 67th battalion western Scots, the official battalion newspaper says: into course we pass through many well-kept farms, the trim and prosperous appearance of which caused Lt. Billy Cook to announce intention of preempting some of the adjacent land at the close of the war. A settler living to the west of Fort George, charged with setting a fire without a permit and with no proper safeguard, appears before magistrate Herne today. 25 men have been fighting this devastating blaze for two days and nights. According to a report from the local forest ranch today the fire is now practically under control. This piece of carelessness on the part of someone will cost the province several hundred dollars. School concert a great success The school children's concert in pageant held in the dreamland theater, was beyond all question the most brilliant, successful and enjoyable entertainment ever produced in this district and the fact that so ambitious and effort was crowned by such unqualified success speaks volumes for the dramatic skill of our young artists, and the patience and unceasing care lavished upon them by the teaching staff, Mrs. Hammond, Brynolson, Milligan, and Mrs. Warner, who had charge of all arrangements. It would be difficult to single out prey is strike that it would be difficult to single out for praise any particular artist as all were so good. We regret that pressure of other important news prevents our giving a more detailed appreciation of the entertainment. There is a strong demand among the large crowd who witnessed the concert at the shall be presented again, and we shall hope to have the pleasure of seeing a repeat performance at no distant date. If you are thinking of planting fruit trees or berry bushes call at the office of the rush transfer Co., near the depot, and inspect stock of apple, pear and cherry trees, also small fruits, recently received in the Washington nurseries. These are all fine and healthy two-year-old trees, which if properly pruned and cared for would probably bear fruit in four years, and there is no reason why such fruit should not do very well in this district. V.N. Bogue, accompanied by Mrs. Bogue, return this week from the coast. Mr. Bogue intend operating his lumber mill very shortly, having closed contracts to supply several prairie firms. Austin Bros., George Street, are shipping two cars of potatoes to Winnipeg this week. Special celebrated 4X Stout on draught at the Prince George Hotel. French again victorious; peace talk at Berlin. Special to the citizen Paris, May 27 French troops have captured the eastern part of the village of Cuminier and German trenches northwest of that place. An attack on the French trenches at Douamont has been repulsed. While the shadow of Verdun again overhangs Paris, the people are confident that the great reserve power of the French army will hold against the Titanic attacks. Paris, May 27 Peace talk is paramount in Germany, being skillfully encouraged by the imperial authorities. Ambassador Gerard today indicates that peace negotiations are not unlikely. General Gallient, former Minister of war in France, is dead. First ball game resulted in draw Baseball fans of the most fastidious tastes were satisfied with the first ball game of the season, on Victoria Day, when Prince and South battled for seven innings to a tie, three runs each. Raynor and Staffeld were the south side battery, and Olson and McLeod for Prince. A schedule for the season is being drawn up and the next game will be one week from tomorrow. There will be no game on Sunday as reported. Following is the line-up of the teams who met Wednesday: Prince. Welch, L. F.; McLeod, C. F.; Stinson, 2B; Simpson, 1B; Harkins, 3B.; Carver, SS; Olson, P.; D. McLeod, C; Daley, RF. South. Donnelly, 1B; McKay, CF; Staffeld, c; O'Flaherty, 3B, Hemphill, 2B; Gross, SS; Johnson, C; Rayner, P; Clarke, LF. Score by innings: Prince 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 South 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 Gosden perjury case goes to a higher court special to the citizen Victoire, May 27 The Gosden perjury case will go up to a higher court, presumably at fall assizes. Gosden was committed for trial this morning, his counsel AWR Moore reserving defense. John Knox returned to town Thursday evening from a perspective and trip through the Salmon River country. Mr. Knox reports finding numerous traces of gold though not in sufficient quantity to tempt the small operator. Great credit is due to the ladies of the women auxiliary of St. Michael's Church for the efficient manner in which their affairs have been conducted during the past year. Beginning the year with $3.50, the organization can now show a balance of over $350 in addition to which the new organ has been paid for and various small accounts settled. The fire peril Once more the many forest fires are blazing merrily along our hills and filling the atmosphere with smoke. We wonder when people will realize that dead grass and undergrowth after a few days hot weather are easier to light than to extinguish; and that it is also much easier to tread out a match or campfire when done with, then after they are spread over half a square mile of timber-more economical too. The worst local fire is on the hill west of the town, where 22 men are busy trying to get it under control. Another is raging in the vicinity of Mudd River, and a small one north of Nechako has been extinguished. Reverend AC Justice preaches his farewell sermon for the local Presbyterian congregation tomorrow evening, and leaves with Mrs. Justice next week for Toronto. His successor here will be Reverend C. H. Daly, of Summerland, who will arrive next week. The large pool hall building owned by Thos. Griffiths in South Fort George is today being razed and will be rebuilt in more modern form on 3rd Ave near George Street. A baptismal service will be held tomorrow afternoon in the Presbyterian Church at 2 p.m.. Parents wishing to present their children for baptism will be welcomed.