Prince George Citizen volume 1, number 67 Prince George, British Columbia, Friday, December 15, 1916 five cents German picked troops annihilated (special to the Citizen) Paris, December 15. 40,000 selected German troops, equipped with abundant artillery, attacked Lassigny last night. An intense bombardment lasting several hours pursued the attack. The enemy reach the French trenches on a front of 300 yards, but were repulsed by the French, who inflicted terrible casualties. Only a few survivors of the attacking column escaped. London, December 15. British troops entered the enemy trenches in the neighborhood of Arras and inflicted casualties. They repulsed attempts to reduce entity of Hullock and captured prisoners. Peace proposals not received with favor by British statesman (special to the Citizen) London, December 15. Premier Lloyd George, addressing the House of Commons, in alluding to the German peace proposals reiterated by former premier Asquith's declaration that the allies will require adequate reparation for the past and adequate security for the future. A new war credit of 400,000,000 pounds was passed. Petrograd, December 15. The Russian government regards the enemy peace proposals as an attempt to court public opinion and encourage the German people. London, December 14. The Westminster Gazette urges that Germany's peace proposals call for a high degree of statesmanship and constructive policy. The German peace proposals are regarded with little favor. There are some indications that the first impulse of irritation may be succeeded by a more conservative view. Austrian Cabinet resigns; Polish ruler is chosen (special to the Citizen) London, December 15. The Austrian government has resigned. The Emperor has asked Alexander Spitzmuller, former Minister of commerce, to form a new cabinet. Archdude Charles Stephen of Austria has been selected as regent of Poland, with the prospect of election as King. Prince George soldiers are equal to the best The following letter addressed to Mayor Gillett will be read with interest and not with a little pride by the citizens. It was written by Lt. Col. Warden, commanding the 102nd Battalion: in the field, France, November 17, 1916 his worship the mayor, Prince George, B.C. My dear Mr. Mayor, I know that you will like to know how your Prince George poisonous battalion have distinguished themselves over here on the battlefields of France. I therefore thought that I would write you a short note to that effect. I have the greatest pleasure in recording the fact that the men of your district are the equal of any that have been sent over from Canada, and that is, as you know, comparing them with the best. They are the most energetic, resourceful and full of initiative --- honorable men who, to use their own homely expression, "play the game" to the finish, men of whom I am very, very proud. I feel is an honor to be in command of the men whom you furnished. It is not every battalion commander's privilege to speak to us of his men, and you will therefore pardon me if I seem to be saying too much of the boys under my command. You will, of course, remember Captain JC Halsey, who acted as my recruiting officer in Prince George last winter. He is now acting as my adjutant after having proved himself to be a most efficient officer in the field. It will give me the greatest pleasure in the future, if I am spared, to visit the upper country of B.C. and hunt up the splendid fellows you've sent me, and I do most sincerely trust that most of them will return home. And when they do you should all show your pride in them by honoring them for the heroes they have proved themselves to be. Yours very truly, J. W. Warden, Lt. Col. OC 102nd Can. laf. Batt. (North B.C.) Romanians continue to give ground (Special to the Citizen) Paris, December 15. Teutonic allies continue progress. The r's are retreating. Russians are still the aggressors in the Carpathians. Heavy artillery fighting is now descending north of Monastir. It is reported from Sofia that 6000 Albanians defeated a force of Italians near Pashnesina, Epirius. The Italians fled. Paris, December 15. Teutons in Romania have crossed the Jablomitza River, and the invaders advance continues unchecked. Teutons bombarded Monastir and the entire Serbian front in that sector. Enemy active on West front (special to the Citizen) Paris, December 15th. Hostile patrols, in an endeavor to enter our trenches east of Armentieres, were repulsed. Enemy artillery heavily bombarded our trenches in the sector of Blauduex and La Maissonette. Barleau was counter shelled by us. In a surprise attack against the group in the Argonne we destroyed it nine works and captured prisoners. Premier Briaud has asked parliament to enact legislation for the further restriction of alcoholic beverages. General Joffre has been appointed commander-in-chief of the French armies. Newspaper merger (special to the Citizen) Ottawa, December 15. The Ottawa Journal and Free Press will amalgamate; the new paper to be called the Journal-Press. RD Ross, the proprietor, is a Conservative. For Belgian relief (special to the Citizen) Edmonton, December 14. The Alberta government gave $1000 yesterday to the Belgian relief fund. The annual meeting of the Board of trade in the council chamber, City Hall, tomorrow Saturday, at 2:30 p.m.. Important business Macdonald will be opposed (Special to the Citizen) Vancouver, December 15th. D. E. McTaggart, president of the liberal Association, will be nominated tomorrow for the by election in opposition to M. A. Macdonald, Attorney General. M. B. Jackson, liberal, of Island constituency, retains his seat on a recount demanded by Captain Foster, conservative. No change resulted in Mr. Jackson's majority of 4. Temperance leaders convene (special to the Citizen) Ottawa, December 15. Temperance leaders representing every province today organized a Dominion prohibition committee with the object of an aggressive campaign for the abolition of liquor throughout Canada. Annual meeting of farmers Institute The annual meeting of the farmers Institute was held last night. A most interesting illustrated address was given by Mr. McCullough, of the B.C. Department of Agriculture, after which the reports of the president and secretary-treasurer were received. The following were elected as the directorate for the coming year: Messrs. Gaskill, Somerton, Moore, McNeil, Towers, Avary, and Jorgensen. At the meeting of the directors, CA Gaskill was elected president, and C. W. Moore, vice president. They are being a tie vote for Secretary, the president having voted as a director, the question whether he had another vote because of the tie was the subject of considerable debate. No decision being reached, the directors decided to submit the question to the Minister of agriculture for decision. Until his replies received a society without a secretary. The two candidates were Messrs. Somerton and Bell. Christmas gifts for all at James' drugstore! For ladies, casseroles, French perfumes, fountain pens, mahogany nut bowls with pick, etc., writing portfolios. For men, pipes and cases, cigars and Christmas wrappers, tobacco pouches, smoking sets. Christmas chocolates fresh from Willard's factory will be here Monday. Canada must practice real economy now (special to the Citizen) Ottawa, December 15. National economy must be practiced in Canada soon, is the opinion of Sir Thomas White, Minister of finance. We must restrict all imports except the necessities of life, and what required for war purposes. We should cease home production of confectionery, jewelry, etc.. Germany's huge casualty list (special to the Citizen) London, December 15. German casualties for November are 166,000. Since the beginning of the war the total is 4 million. Kilty party here tomorrow night The following telegram addressed to Mayor Gillett was received yesterday from government agent McMillan at Prince Rupert: "please wire at once if meeting can be arranged for Colonel Guthrie and Kilty party, Saturday night. Urgent, as they will not be back this way again. Analysis schoolchildren to the NHL parents. They are appearing in every town in Canada and you should certainly not miss this opportunity. All have returned from the front." On receipt of the above, city officials arranged for the Princess theater for the meeting, and it is hoped there will be a large attendance at the gathering tomorrow night. All men are veterans of the war and there will be some interesting addresses. It is also expected that several musical numbers will be given. Everyone should attend. There will be no admission fee. Mr. Alfred Ainge, representing Calgary capitalists, who has been spending several weeks examining properties on Hickson and government creeks, returned to Calgary on yesterday's train. It is rumored that before leaving he obtained an option on several quartz claims on Hickson. Mr. Ainge expressed himself as being greatly surprised at the rich showing of these properties, and predicts a great future for the mining possibilities of all the creeks in this section, both quartz and hydraulicking. Financiers taking stock (special to the Citizen) Ottawa, December 15. Sir Thomas White, Minister of finance, invited members of the Canadian bankers Association to visit Ottawa today to discuss the general situation of dominion and imperial finance in Canada during the coming year. Church ladies score big hit A crowded House greeted the presentation of "an old time meeting of the ladies' aid," staged by the ladies of the Presbyterian congregation in the dreamland theater last Tuesday evening. Those who attended expecting to witness only a mediocre performance were agreeably surprised. The different characters were excellently for trade by the large cast, and it would be superfluous to single out any member for particular mention. The costumes worn by the ladies for the subject of much admiration. Comedy of a refined order was replete throughout the performance. The following ladies to part: Madames Reid, Abbott, Tyler, Nash, Quinn, Bain, Gaskill, Ledger, Warner, Moffatt, Cluff, McInnis, Jamieson, Alan, Braun, who would, Cahoon, Fry, and the Misses Higgins and Hardy. Great credit is due Mrs. Daly, who took the heavy duties of stage manager. Nearly $100 was realized as a result of the performance. The ladies desire, through the Citizen, to thank all those who contributed to the success of the performance in the way of loaned articles, also to Mr. Adams for his untiring zeal and helpful suggestions. Telegraphic briefs (special to the Citizen) Sydney. The Australian government has contracted with the imperial authorities to supply meat and wool for 1917. London, December 15. The steamer Ursula Harlyn, British, has been sunk and nine lives lost. The ladies of the Red Cross are making elaborate preparations for their dance to be held at the Alexander Hotel next Thursday evening. The music will be furnished by Kerr's Orchestra, and nothing is being overlooked that will add to the enjoyment of the occasion. To help the soldier boys (special to the Citizen) Ottawa, December 15. It is the intention to introduce legislation at the approaching session granting free farming land and other assistance to return Canadian soldiers. Reported lost, boat returns (special to the Citizen) Halifax, November 15. The Canadian torpedo boat Grilsey, reported lost, limped into Shelbourne Harbor today. Six of the crew had been washed overboard and lost. The captain declared passing steamers had ignored his distress signals and the wireless failed on account of the flooding of the engine room. The subject of Reverend Mr. Scott's address in the Methodist church Sunday evening will be "a great supper." The male quartette will sing. Sunday school will be held at the usual hour, 11:30 a.m. A Christmas box for Woodrow the Kaiser: in appreciation of your notes, let me present you with the works of the other American writers.