Germany Claims an Overwhelming Victory Over Russian Forces in Poland HARRISBURG TELEGRAPH LXXXIII — No. 297 Bill HOI'S BODY TO REIICfI CITHTODW Funeral Will Be Strictly Private at His Mother's Request FIRST WIFE TELLS HER STORY Bertha Holtzman Hohl Says He Left Her Because She Wouldn't Steal Hohl Robbed Post Office At Dayton on August 6 By Associated Press CINCINNATI, Dec. 19. —Frank G. Hohl, the dead automobile bandit, was identified to-day b vtwo money order clerks in the Dayton, Ohio, post office as the man who robbed that office on August ti last, lie obtained *»*7 No trace of the missing $13,100 obtained by llohl in the robbery of the two Cincinnati banks on Thurs day had been found to-day. The Louisville post office authorities have not located the money there as yet. The dead bandit has been further Identified by two saloonkeepers from Covington, Ky„ as the man who recently hel pup their places of business at the point of a gun and obtained small amounts from the cash drawers. N . * The body of Frank G. Hohl, the slain bank bandit, will reach Harris burg late to-night or early to-morrow morn ing from Cincinnati, where he was killed Thursday afternoon after he had robbed two banks. The body will be placed in charge of Undertaker Charles 11. Mauk, Sixth nd ICelkcr streets. The funeral will probably take place Monday and will Vie strictly private. Services will be held at the Mauk chapel. The offi ciating minister will be selected to-day. Burial will be made in Harrisburg Cemetery. "There will be no nubile funeral." said Mrs. Annie Hohl, mother of tlie i dead bandit, to-day. The wishes of Ihe mother will be carried out by Un dertaker Mauk and no person will bo permitted to vie.fr the remains except his immediate family. When the mother learned that the ■nifo refused to have anything to do with the body sbe was at a loss for an explanation. The mother said; "Bertha probably still holds a feel ing against me. When she left with F'unk last August Bertha was cross at me. I have nt heard from Bertha since she left. The story that she got a. letter from me is not true. I did not write her a letter." Release His First Wife A dispatch from Cincinnati states that Bertha Holtzman Hohl, wife of the dead bandit, was released last night after the police found she knew nothing about the robberies or money. Mrs. Hohl told her story to the de tective chief. She said: "My maiden name was Bertha Holtz man. I was born in Harrisburg, Pa. I had known Frank from childhood, lie was always a good boy, but he got into had company. We were married in March, 1911. He had been in the reformatory at Huntingdon. Pa., for stealing railroad brass. I knew it. But it did not make me think any the less of him. 'The next I heard of him he was arrested again. At that time he told me it. was because he had forged the name of another man to his parole mi ners at Huntingdon. T believed him. l.ater I found he had been stealing again. fie served eighteen months in the penitentiary and when he was re leased he and 1 were married. "He was a Rood workman. He worked about the railroad shops and nt the machinist trade and he made a pood living. "Then he got in with another man. The other man was a thief, and soon Crank was in trouble attain, fine day he fame home and told me he would have to leave the city. ITe said he was in some trouble. lie blamed the other man and said that if he would cet away where the other man could not reach him he would he all riprht.. "T went with him to Columbus, "liio. Tie secured work in an automo bile factory in Columbus. "Up was doing nicelv and we wee eeflinK along fine. One day lie told me another man had made a rich haul in s\ jewelry store. He said the otb®r man's wife had assisted him In the robbery. Wanted Her to Steal Bertha,' he said to me. 'I am (jo ins to fret you some fine clothes. Then rCoiitinueii on Paste 9] THE WEATHER For Harrlnlmrn nnd vicinity: Cloud? wentkfr nnd Sun day I prohnhly llsfht rain or NHUW ; ■ older Sunday afternoons loucNt Irmperaturc about IW df- Kt ee*. For Eawtfrn IVanxjlvanlnt (loudy t<»-nli;ht it ml Sunday, prol»nl»|y with rain or NHOH ; colder Sunday afternoons freMli to irtroiiK noutii nn«l NOUlhucNt uindn. River The *u»uehnnnn river nml nil |t« tributaries will continue iccner ully Icebound and nearly station ary. Gencriil Conditions Cloud? weather prevails this morn ing over practically all thr ter ritory ens-l of thr M IMNIS*I|»|>I river and In the SouthnrNtern and Northwestern Stntes nnd to moderately heavy rains nnd suows hiivc fallen over most of thlM territory In the las*t twent}- four hour*. Temperature: S n. in.. IfW. Sum Hlses. TtSM a. m.s sets, l». m. Moititt Flrat quarter, December iM, !o:."i© a. in. lllver StiiKo: V.tt feet above low- / water mark; fror.cn Yesterday's Weather Highest temperature, 28 i.iment •temperature. r». Moan temperature. 10, formal tcuycraturc, J? t PROMOTION TWICE A • YEAR 111 8 GRAOES Board of Directors Eliminates Ninth in City Course Below High School THROUGH IN 12 YEARS NOW Time For Pupil to Graduate Cut Down Year—Bretz Suc ceeds Houtz Semiannual promotions and the es tablishing of an eight instead of o nine grade system were the radical changes In the conduct of Harrlsburg's school government unanimously adopted last evening by the school board In ac cordance with the recommendations of Dr. P. E. Downes, city superinten dent. Tills means that it will require twelve instead of thirteen years for a child to go through school. The proposed changes became effec tive September, 1915, the ninth grade will be eliminated the following June, 1915, and the tirst promotion Febru ary, 1917. The examinations and transfers In February will be Informal md without change of teachers. The changes proposed will not effect the teaching staff as the ninth grade teachers will gradually bo absorbed in the other grades. The grades will be designated as follows: First four, pri mary; second, grammar; third, high school. What promoted pupils cannot b<> taken care of at once in the high schools will be accommodated for a time among the other grades. President, Harry A. Boyer, recently elected on the one hundred and fifty sixth ballot over Adam 1). Houtz, an nounced the committees for the en suing year. There is but one change; Mr. Itoutz is dropped from the chair nanship of the teachers' committee with p. dull thud. Harry M. Bretz, the vice-president, was appointed in his place. The board decided to complete a couple of rooms in the Sliimmel build ing: which the contractor is not re quired to finish. The Lebanon Valley College glee club was granted the use of the Technical high school auditor ium January 7. ' Man Frozen to Death Found in South Street An unidentified man was found frozen 1o death this morning about <>.3o o'clock in S >uth street near the Paxton Flour and Feed Company warehouse. The dead man was found by William Devan. 70S South street. He was about 5 feet 4 inches in height, weighed 135 pounds and was blind in the left eye. He had no money on him and tho only means of identification was a stickpin with a "J" on it. Some stomach medicine was found in one of his pockets. CHARITY OF CAMP FIRE GIRI.S Will Collect Food. Clothing and Toys For Poor Children Special to The Telegraph Camp Hill, Pa., Dec. 19.—Desirous of supplementing the admirable work now being done by the various charita ble organizations in Ilarrisburg, it is the purpose of the Camp Hill Camp Fire girls to collect toys, food and clothing which any resident of Camp Hill may be disposed to Rive. Any one who has clothing which their children have outgrown or do not need, may dispose of it and feel that it is going to help, someone who needs it to keep warm this winter. The | means the Camp Fire girls will have of knowing where they may call for clothing will be through Mrs. L. 11. Dennis, Mrs. A. E. Strode, Mrs. Wil liam M. Dennison and Mrs. George W. Kehr, who will see that the informa tion is imparted to the Camp Fire girls who will call anywhere in Camp 11111 Tuesday, December 22. CHARITABLE WORK OF V. S. IS DISCUSSED IN LETTER By Associated Press London. Dec. 19., 4.15 A. M.— A let ter signed by the Hon. Maude Paunche fote, daughter of the late Lord ,Paunchefote, at one time British am bassador at, Washington, which ap pears in the' Times to-day, discusses the aid that has been extended by the United States to the distressed people in the countries which are at war. The letter suggests that some means should be taken to make known in America before Christmas the deep appreciation felt in the United King dom for the magnificent aid in the shape of Red Cross worlc, provisions for Belgium, presents for orphaned children and help for tho distressed in England and other countries due to the private generosity of the American people. CLEAHY'S FATE WILL BE IX •JI'KY'S HANI) BEFORE NIGHT By Associated Press New City, N. Y.. Dec. 19.—The fate of William W. Cleary, former town clerk of Haverstraw on trial here for the murder of his son-in-law, Eugene M. Newman was expected to be in the hands of the jury this afternoon. All evidence against Cleary was presented before adjournment of court last night. Counsel were to sum up the evidence to-day and the case will be given to the jury when Justice Mor schauser has finished his charge. USE SHIPS AS TRANSPORTS By Associated Press Washington, Dec. 19.—Since the practical completion of the Panama Canal and the lessening demand for cement on the isthmus it has been found possible to dispense with two of which have been transporting cement. The Cristobal sometime ago was turned over to the army transport ser- 1 vice and now the order has gone outj to lay up the steamship Ancon at New! York awaiting disposition. CHRISTMAS GIFTS ARRIVE By Associated Press Berlin. Dec. 18, via London, Dec. 19,1 5.15 A. M.—The American Christmas' gifts for the children of fallen Her man soldiers, arrived to-day. They were accompanied from Naples by representatives of the German for eign office, HARRISBURG, PA., OFFICIALS WHO HELPED C J r " ~ SUNDAY MARKS END OF STOUGH CAMPAIGN Freewill Offering For Evangelist Will Be Lifted at All Serv ices Tomorrow STILL CHANCE TO HIT TRAIL Lecture to Men Big Feature of Last Day; Conversions Total 5,158 The I sst sermon to unconverted souls will be preached to-night at the tabernacle and a large number of trailhitters are expected to take the last chance to Ret into the fold. The bolster s pounds and is 25 years old. His letter continues: | "I would be glad to become ac quainted with a few of your ladies In Pennsylvania l'or the purpose of mat rimony. I would prefer one not over 1 ::0 years of age, one who is nice, and it doesn't matter as to her looks. Those who may bo interested in this overture may write and enclose their photo and reference, etc. Those who ;ire willing to help a trustworthy man in business and Home, Sweet Homo af fairs are welcome to my help." NAVAL COMMITTEE: AT WORK By Associated Press Washington, D. C., Dec. I!).—With the completion of public hearings and with a great mass of testimony before thont individuals of the House naval affairs committee to-day began study of this year's naval appropriation bill. Public bearings were concluded yester day with the testimony of Represen tative Gardner, of Massachusetts, who initiated in Congress the movement for an investigation of the preparedness of the United States for war. FIRE AT L'ARKERS LANDING By Associated Press Parkers Landing, Pa., Dec. 19.—An overheated stove in a livery stable here caused a fire early to-day which destroyed two hotels and a number of business blocks with a loss of $75,000. BANNER ORDERED REMOVED By Associated Press Berkeley, Cal., Dec. 19.—A banner extending across the street leading to the entrance of the University of Cali fornia, adevertising "The Bazar of the Allies," was taken down at the order of Mayor Charles Heywood yesterday as a violation of President Wilson's desire for neutrality. TWO STEAMERS COLLIDE By Associated Press Xew York. Dec. 19.—The steamer Bratsberg, outward bound for Rio Ja neiro collided with the Greek steamer Themistocles, lying at anchor off quar antine to-day. Apparently the Them istocles was undamaged. The mid ship bridge of the Bratsberg was smashed biit after she had stopped and investigated the steamer proceeded on her way. CHARITY DAY IN MISSOURI St. Louis, Dec. 19.—This is charity day in Missouri by proclamation of the governor and all the proceeds aro to be devoted to the relief of the Eu ropean war sufferers. CITf Will REDEEM £192.400 111 BONDS Treasurer Copelin Says Big Wad Will Be Paid Out on January 2 WATER, PAVING AND GRADING Ninety Thousand For Street Work; Remainder Cuts Down Water Debt to $381,000 C'it.v paving, grading and water de partment bonds to the amount of $192,400 will be redeemed by City Treasurer O. M. Copelin on Saturday, January 2. Of this total *102,400 represents a series of the twenty year 4 per cent, bonds of the issue of 1895, floated for the construction of the pumping sta tion and extension of the water sys tem. The amount to be redeemed in January cuts the original water bond ed indebtedness of $483,400 to $381,- 000. The other $90,000 represents paving and grading bonds $87,200 of the paving and $2,500 of the bonds issued for street grading purposes. In addi tion to the nearly $200,000 that the city will have to pay out for the re- I denipUon of these bonds, some addi tional thousands will be required to pay the interest coupons on some pav , Ing and water bonds. All told there will be three hundred and seventy-two SSOO, one hundred and fifty-six S2OO, and one hundred and seventy-seven SIOO paving, and two SSOO, three S2OO and twelve SIOO grading- bonds. Woman Burned to Death at Cumberland County Home Special to The Telegraph Carlisle, Pa.. Dec. 19.—A fatal burn ing accident occurred at the Cumber land County Home near here last evening about 8 o'clock, resulting in the death of Mrs. Mary Crimmins, an inmate. She was 70 years old and has been in the institution a!>out. two years. After supper last evening Mrs. Srimmins went to her room and it is thought lighted her pipe, which she has been accustomed to smoking. In some way her clothing took fire and she attempted to extinguish the flames herself without calling for help. She was unable to do so and the bed cloth ing took lire. Attendants nearby went to her aid, but she was terribly scorch ed, all of her body with the excep tion of one shoe, being burned from her body. Word was sent to the Car lisle tire department and three com panies responded, but their services were not needed, as the tire had been extinguished with very little damage to the building. After suffering all night. Mrs. Crim mins died at 5 o'clock this morning. She formerly lived at Huntsdalc, sev eral miles from here, and the body will be taken to the home of her nephew, Daniel Wagle, where funeral services will be held. State College Boys to Do Charity Work Here The students of State College, who are from Harrisburg, are taking a col lection of money to be used to buy Christmas -gifts of clothing, food and other needed articles for the poor and needy of this city. The amount collected will be entire ly from the college boys and will be given to the Associated Charities of this city probably by next Wednesday. NEUTRALITY NOT VIOLATED By Associated Press Washington, D. C., Dec. 19.—Colonel I Goethals, governor of the canal zone, i according to information to the Rrit ish embassy to-day, which was com municated to the State Department, has found that the British collier which was thought to have violated the neutrality of the Panama canal zone waters by sending a wireless mes sage. actually had no wireless equip ment. SOLDIKRS ARE ARRIVING ! By Associated Press Naco. Ariz., Dec. 19. —The Sixth Brl-| gade of Infantry, reinforcing the • American cavalry troops already here, began to arrive to-day. The first train I with six companies of the Eighteenth Regiment came at dawn. It is ex pected that most of the brigade 'will arrive by night. 14 PAGES GERMAN ATTACKS ON VISTULA RIVER ARE REPULSED BY RUSS Victory of Kaiser's Forces in Poland Is Without Verifica tion; Germans Suffer Near East Prussian Frontier; Allies Claim Gains in Flanders During Past Few Days j It Is indicated by the German war office to-day that the affensive in the I | west now rests with the allies. The Berlin communication speaks of a [series of hostile attacks which it says were repulsed. The French statement, however, assert that further import ant advantages have been won by the allies, who apparently are now mak ing an effort to push back the Ger man line at the sharp angle north of Paris where It. swings eastward. At Albert, it is said that the allies under a heavy fire, pushed through to the entanglements in front of the second line of entrenchments. At sev eral other points, according to the French war office, ground has been won and German trenches have been occupied. In two Instances it is ad mitted that the Germans have made progress. Situation Unsettled The day's official reports fail to clear up the situation in the cast. The German announcement was as indefi nite as before merely stating that In Poland the pursuit of the Russians was continuing and that a Russian cavalry attack on the east Prussian! frontier had been defeated. The German war office announce ment of an overwhelming victory in Poland stflll fails lo bring a response from Petrograd. Merlin is puzzled by the absence of details and is said to be experiencing "a shade of disappoint ment," although still celebrating the reported victory. Pctrograd dispatches say that the new Austrian expedition across the Carpathian mountains into Galieia has been checked, and that the Russian forces near the Sltesian frontier are holding their positions firmly. The Cracow region is described as the real pivot of the operations now developing which would indicate that the Rus sians were content for the present to remain on the defensive in North and Central Poland, while planning an attempt to Invade Germany from the south. Routers lteport Revived London newspapers have revived the f ~ WRIT I.KO M. R/, NK | m C € Judge W. T. Newman. 1 1 ng, Pa., Dec 19.—As a forerunner of better times, ' Commission in granting an increase in freight rates, the Reading rail- ' to-day decided to build five passenger locomo tives at its shops i.n this city. VILLA GARRISON SURRENDERS 1 San Antonio, Tex., Dec. 19.—A dispatch received by the 1 ! local Mexican consul to-day said: "The Villa garrison San Luis Potosi revolted against Villa this morning and 1 surrendered the city to General Samuel De Los Santos, 1 1 who i I ELANGFORD AND McVEY BARRED r Milwaukee, Wis., Dec 19.—The Wisconsin Boxing # Commission to-day ruled against granting a permit to a M 1 local boxing club for a bout between Sam Langford and Sam / McVcy, negro heavyweights, early in January. Permits for C contests in Wisconsin, it is announced, will be confined to t white boxers. # OTTO EISENLOHR I TES C | known I i cigar manufacurer, died a his home here o-day. He was 73 i | years old. I i $15,000 FOR MILITARY OBSERVERS i | Washingon, Dec. 19.—The army appropriation bill, ag- ( | gregating $101,000,000 agreed upon to-day by the House , i Military Committee, carries a special fund of $15,000 for | | United States military observers in Europe. ( | MARRIAGE | V Hnrr.v A. Shornmkcr. Uiflntrntn, anal Pearl Mlnnlch. Shrllavllto. V I l;'.nitcno I ohnuicli. llumnirlN«<»vn mill I'rnrl Vunrmnrlirr, Kutherford. 1 < ln> ton Ufurge Hronn ami liouhn Agut'M I,an<|roth. IV ti brook. X * POSTSCRIPT report that the allies have captured Itoulers, in one of the most furlouslv , contested regions of Flanders. Like the rumored capture of Western: •. however, this report lacks official eon i urination. About all that is known definitely of the situation in the west is that the allies are exerting steady pressure at the German line, JUKI while advancing in some locations havo suffered reverses elsewhere. It is announced in Athens that 100 men, including several German offi cers lost tlielr lives when the Turkish battleship Mesßudieh was sunk by a British submarine. A previous official statement from Constantinople stated that the crew had been saved. Kngland is preparing to express its gratitude for the help of war sufferers extended by the United States by cabl ing a message of thanks at Christmas time. ItOMHS l\ 11,1, TWO SOLDIUItS By Associated Press Berlin, via London, Dec. 1!», 4.07 A. M.—Two of the allies' aeroplanes flew over Saarburg, Lorraine at midnight Thursday and dropped ten bombs which killed a Uhlan corporal and a cavalryman and severely wounded a servant girl. The material damage done in the town was considerable. 1"0 LOST OF TI'HK BATTIJOSHII» German Officers Among Those l.ost as Bcsult of Torpedoing By Associated Press Athens via London, Dec. 19. !).55 A. M. Semiofficial announcement is made here that 100 lives were lost, ln i cludinir some Gorman oiHc->rs. when the Turkish battleship Messudiqh I which was torpedoed by a British suh ■ marine sank in the Dardanelles. The fact that the Turkish battleship Messudieh had been torpedoed by a > British submarine was made public I by the British official bureau on De cember 14. The work was accom i plished by Lieut. Norman B. Holbroolc in charge o fsubmarine 811. He took [Continued on Page 9]