WITH THE ENEMY.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15871, 10 April 1917, Page 7

WITH THE ENEMY.

FORCED REFORMS. KAISER'S SOP TO SOCIALISTS. REWARD FOR WAR SACRIFICES. (By Cable—Prcs3 Association—Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, April 8. The Kaiser has instructed Dr. von Bethmann-Hollweg to draft franchise reforms for Prussia, including a secret election of the Diet and tho democratising of the Upper House. AMSTERDAM, April 8. The German papers publish the Kaiser's lotter instructing the Chancellor to draw up proposals for tho reform of the Prussian Diet. The Kaiser admits that the people's war sacrifices necessitate the abolition of unequal suffrage. THE CONVERTED KAISER. SOCIAL BARRIERS. BROKEN DOWN. (Australian azid N.Z. Cable Association.) COPENHAGEN, April 8. The Kaiser in his letter pays a tribute to the nation's unity during the war and its sacrifices at home and in the field, which he says have broken down the social barriers and opened a new era. Ho commands Dr. von Bethmann Hollweg to prepare immediately definite plans enabling the whole of tno people to co-operate in the political lifo of the country. These plans are to be adopted without delay when the soldiers return, •which he confidently hopes will not be far distant. The measures, he says, must include a direct secret election of deputies. The Kaiser is convinced that tho Prussian Upper House must be more representative of all classes, including the trading interests. RIOTING AT DUSSELDORF. SOLDIERS REFUSE TO FIRE ON PEOPLE. AMSTERDAM, April 8. There was serious rioting in Dusseldorf on Monday. Tho miiitaiy were called out, but many of the soldiers re-

fused to fire on the people, and tlioso refusing were shot by their Two hundred soldiers and civilians were killed. NO MORE PEACE OFFERS. ROME. April S. A semi-official Note declares that Germany will not make any further peace proposals until her enemies admit that they are vanquished. MUNITIONS EXPLOSION AT ESSEN. COPENHAGEN AprU 8. By an • explosion of shells at Essen, thirty-eight persons were seriously injured. CONDITION OF AUSTRIA. WIDESPREAD CORRUPTION AND TREASON. (Unit-cd Scrrico.) LONDON, April 9. The "Daily Mail" states that tho internal condition of Austro-Hnngary is illuminated by tho trial of Dr. Kranz, on charges of corruption and peculation in connexion with army stores. Dr. Kranz was heavily fined. The blow to public confidence was increased by tho arrest of five Prague bankers on a charge of treason. Prince Odescalchi committed suicido owing to imminent charges of corruption. The value of a kronen has fallen by half. THE KAISER'S MANIFESTO. NOT TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received April 10th, 12.30 a.m.) LONDON, April 9. Newspaper comment regarding the Kaiser's manifesto declares that it is a sop to tho Socialistic Cerberus following the Russian revolution, and the necessity for placating public opinion with a view to the new war loan. The newspapers declare that it cannot be taken seriously.