Germans Describe Retreat
BERLIN, Dec. 16.—(To Sayville by wireless.)—The French have captured several German advanced positions northeast of Verdun, it is admitted. The Germans retreated to the second line at Talcuridge, the heights north of Louvrement, and to Cambreuse south of Bexonvaux.
The German penetrated the second British lines southeast of Zilihke. The left wing of the ninth German army in Roumania has reached the Bazau-Rimiscl road after heavy fighting.
Russian Warships Shell Balchek
PETROGRAD, Dec. 16.—A fleet of Russian warships successfully shelled Balchek today, it was announced. In spite of the combined attacks of the enemy battery, seaplanes and submarines, the fleet was not damaged. Four Bulgarian flourmills were destroyed during the engagement.
At the convention of the American Federation of Labor, Edward G. Edmonds introduced a resolution asking Congress to appropriate $8,000,000 for the support of the families of missionaries at the border. Representative Fitzgerald of New York, informed Mr. Edmonds that $8,500,000 more than the sum asked for would be necessary to support the dependent families.
TO SUPPORT SOLDIERS' FAMILIES
MINER A CITED OF MURDER
TACOMA, Dec. 16.—John Piersz, a miner, was acquitted today on  The charge of murdering his wife, after the jury had been out 20 hours. The evidence was circumstantial. The defendant claimed his wife committed suicide following a quarrel, gruesome exhibits were introduced during the trial. WEATHER REPORT PORTLAND, Dec. 16.—Rain west, snow easterly and winds mostly westerly. 