Prince George Citizen volume 1, number 69 Prince George, British Columbia, Friday, December 22, 1916 five cents CNR will contribute 200 miles of steel for prosecution of war (special to the Citizen) Ottawa, December 21. Officers of the grand trunk Pacific, the Canadian Pacific, and the Canadian Northern conferred today with Sir Henry Drayton, chairman of the Railway commission. Sir Donald Mann, on behalf of the CNR, offered 200 miles at his railways steel to relieve the shortage for military purposes in France, and the Canadian Copper Co. tendered a quantity of rails and fastenings for immediate shipment. Smaller railways, dealers and contractors have telegraphed their willingness to surrender any available material. Starvation in Austria (special to the Citizen) Rome, December 22. From responsible sources the serious information has reached the Vatican at the food scarcity in Austria-Hungary practically amounts to famine. Internal conditions are decidedly serious. Acute political complications are threatened, and the antiwar agitation is so widespread the authorities cannot repress it. Liberals are returned (special to the Citizen) Vancouver, December 22. In yesterdays by election Ralph Smith, Minister of mines, and M. A. Macdonald, Attorney General, were reelected. The vote stood Smith, 7296; Macdonald, 5012; McTaggart, 3872. The contest was short but hard-fought. Premier Brewster and five cabinet ministers addressed several meetings, realizing that every effort was necessary to reelect the Attorney General. The Conservatives largely supported McTaggart, the independent liberal and candidate of the "purity squad." Scott's confession, published yesterday, exonerates liberals of wrongdoing in the plugging scandal. President Wilson's peace proposals not favored in England (special to the Citizen) Washington, December 22. President Wilson has appealed to every belligerent nation urging a peace conference. The notes have been dispatched. Advance publications indicate that preparations were made some time ago and the information cable to England before Premier Lloyd George's speech in reply to Germany's peace proposal. London, December 22. President Wilson's suggestions are unwelcome throughout England, and bitter dissent is heard in the most important places. It is understood the Kaiser intends to summon United States ambassador Gerard to discuss American mediation. Washington, December 22. "I am perfectly certain that there will be a peace conference." --- Count von Bernstorff. London, December 22. President Wilson's note was received with startled surprise by Great Britain. Government members frankly admitted they believe the president had no intention of taking steps towards peace or making any move in European affairs. Soldier boys at front have received gifts Work has been received from several of the local boys in France that they have received the parcels of Christmas goods so thoughtfully provided by the local chapter of the daughters of the Empire. In all, 60 parcels were sent. One of the boys writes that he received his parcel while in the trenches and the Christmas pudding looks so inviting that he promptly warmed up in his Billy can and had a glorious feast. In the few weeks the local chapter of the daughters of the Empire has been in existence considerably over $100 has been raised to provide little necessities for the boys who are fighting the Empire's battles in a foreign land. That the ladies' efforts in their behalf are appreciated can be learned from the glowing letters of thanks received. Red Cross dance most enjoyable Ladies of the Red Cross Society are particularly pleased today over the generous patronage accorded them at their dance last evening at the Alexandra Hotel. As a result they have a tidy sum of money to be used in furthering their work. Last evening's event was particularly enjoyable, and the spacious ballroom and corridors of the Alexandra were taxed to capacity to accommodate the large throng of dancers. All report a most enjoyable time. Qu�bec puts tax on banks Qu�bec, December 22. A bill has been introduced and given three readings in legislature providing for a provincial tax on banks of 1/10 of 1% upon the amount of paid up capital. New fire chief chosen last night At a special meeting of the city Council last evening the application of J. W Mackenzie the position of fire chief, made vacant by the resignation of chief London, received the endorsation of the Council and accordingly Mr. Mackenzie will commence his duties on Tuesday next. The new chief is well qualified for his position, having been for five years and member of the Cranbrook Park apartment. He also served six years as water commissioner in the same city. Mr. Mackenzie and his family are now residents of Prince George, he having come here as superintendent for the Vancouver engineering firm installing the recently completed water system. Case decided in favor of city A wire received yesterday from Mayor Gillett at Vancouver states that in the Supreme Court case of Cleveland & Cameron versus city of Prince George a verdict was returned in favor of the city. The above-mentioned firm are civil engineers and brought suit against the city for services alleged to have been given in connection with the installation of the city water system. Five vessels sent to bottom (special to the Citizen) London, December 22. The Norwegian steamers Modig and Falk have been sunk. The crews were landed. The British steamers Liverpool and Bayhald were sunk, the latter probably torpedoed. The Skiffet, a Russian steamer, was sunk by mine, and the crew of 59 lost. Toronto, December 22. Military headquarters provide a heavy fine or imprisonment for parents hereafter permitting children to wear suits resembling soldiers uniforms. Allies' demands of Greeks (special to the Citizen) London, December 22. The Entente to Allies' note to Greece presented today is said to contain the demand for control of telegraphs, railways, post offices, and for the release of Venezelist prisoners, also a prohibition of the meeting of reservists, and an inquiry by a mixed commission into the services at December 1 and 2nd. Russians take the offensive (special to the citizen) Petra rad, December 22. The Russians and Romanians in Dobrudja have ceased to retreat and are engaging in pursuit of the Teutons. Russians have driven the Germans back into their trenches following a violent bombardment of Galicia. To safeguard Canadian root (special to the Citizen) Ottawa, December 22. The Canadian government intends to immediately augment the Canadian fleet patrolling the North Atlantic Eastern Canadian shores on account of German submarines operating in trade routes. Qu�bec, December 22. The treating system as amended provides that a meal must be bought with each glass of liquor by purchasers. For the consumers of liquor there is no restriction regarding a number of classes in the meal is bought with each. To the electors of the city of Prince George Ladies and gentlemen, having announced my candidature for the office of mayor for the year 1917, I feel it my duty to place before you my views on the different questions that affect you as ratepayers. I have been in a position to come in contact with you for the past year and a half, and believe that I understand your opinions on many of the questions that must be faced by the city government for the coming year. It is my belief that no burden should be placed on the shoulders of the resident taxpayer, who we all admit is the backbone of the community; and allow the absent ratepayer, who may be really speculating on your industry, to escape his fair share of such burdens. I do not believe in the piling up of a heavy delinquent tax list while the willing taxpayer is shouldering the entire cost of administration. This is a question that should be settled at the earliest date possible by the Council of 1917. We are passing through a period in our history when economy must be practiced in all departments, and it will be my policy, if returned and supported by your council, to bring about a consolidation of certain offices and thereby relieve the community of a considerable outlay, still maintaining the city government on efficient basis. I am not a believer in the present ward system of government, yet it is in my opinion better that the present ward system should continue until such time as we are able to bury those little differences which have in the past succeeded in dividing the community into factions. If entrusted with the guidance of your affairs, I pledge myself to leave no stone unturned to bring about a more united feeling throughout the city. In the formation of committees each ward should be represented on all important committees, and if elected I shall so govern myself. The time has arrived when all sections of the city should join in the bringing about a better feeling between the railway company and the city government, and I will at all times carry out the wishes of the people as expressed through their representatives on the Council. I believe in the abolition of the present system of financing the scavenging department. That the bylaw regulating the construction of septic tanks shall be so amended that it will be within the reach of all citizens using city water, the present requirements being to my mind too costly. I believe in public ownership of public utilities. The establishment of the eight-hour day on all civic work, and a fair wage to all labor so employed. The enforcement of all bylaws within reason, and the amending of all bylaws not in keeping with present-day conditions. Strict economy in all departments. To use every means to lower the present rate of taxation. Should you see fit to return me on the 11th of January, I shall endeavor, with the cooperation of your council, and the United support of all sections of our city, to bring about a more friendly understanding among the people, and to give to Prince George an economical, impartial and efficient administration. Faithfully yours, H. A. Carney New high court judge W. M. Ferguson, K. C., who has just been appointed a judge of the high court of Ontario. Items from Quesnel Quesnel, December 16. Hunger is making the coyotes very bold this winter. The animals are seen at various places in town, and in broad daylight. It is expected that work on the Cottonwood Bridge will be completed this week. Some of the workman have already returned to town. Rural Dean Elliott returns from Fort George today, and will be accompanied by Mrs. AD Foster and children, who will be guests at the home of Mrs. R. C. Johnston. Cougars seemed to be very plentiful in this district of this winter. One was seen at the ferry across the river Tuesday morning, and the ferry man had a couple of unsuccessful shots at. Another has been seen at tersely, while a third is believed to be roaming the Bush back of the Grandview Ranch, on the Dragon Lake Road. Dispatches last week contained the announcement of the death in action of another of the men from this district who heard the call and enlisted last year in the 54th Kootenay Battalion, in the person of F. V. Knox, who for a number of years was employed at the Australian Ranch. He left for England in September last year, and shortly after arriving there transferred to the 2nd Canadian mounted rifles, leaving immediately for France. He was promoted to Corporal on the field of action. The Citizen wishes you barrels of good fortune and happiness without measure this festive season Ocean liner believed to be lost The anchor liner Caledonia. Lloyds state that this steamer which was in the government service for some time, is believed to be sunk.