ABOUT THE ENEMY.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16258, 8 July 1918, Page 8

ABOUT THE ENEMY.

GERMANY'S TROUBLES

INCREASING

{By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Australian and IT.Z. Cable Association.)

(Received July 7th,

5.5 p.m.)

AMSTERDAM, July 5

Tho newspaper "Yorwacrts" confesses that there is a danger of Germany's economic resources becoming used up, and admits that the (lack of 60a communication is being increasingly felt. The paper demands an early peace and adds:—"Our enemies may now havo pcace if it is not dishonourable to Germany. The balance of military and economic forces between tho opponents can bo considered at the jKiace conference."

SENSATIONAL DEBATE IN

REICHSTAG

AMSTERDAM, July 5. Thero was a heated uebato in tho Reichstag on the tjiird reading ot tiio Budget. Herr <s>ehiedemann said that Herr von ivunimaun's speech, had not caused surprise. It was well known that it represented the opinion of the Government. , Germany must, for practical reasons, givo the war a defensivo character. Unfortunately, Horr von Kuhlmann had caused tne favourable impression of his speech to disappear. The fact that ho allowed the military to interfere opened up dismal prospects for the nation. '1 he war must bo finished as soon as possible. Tho Socialists could not qo on voting money for this Government. The lives of millions wero at stake. The President called Herr Ledebour to order wncn he declared that the occasion demanded a revolution.

Tho speeches created a sensation in the Reichstag. Dr. von i'aycr, Vicc-Chancellor, in reply, said it was a good thing tho other parties did not thieaivn to i eject the Budget; otherwise the causo of the Fatherland would be imperilled in making a fresh peace declaration in view of tho reception of past statements; but on behalf of the Government ho accepted Herr Schiedemann's demand for an honourable pcaco. Ho denied that there had been military interference with the civil Government. The military could not act independently m war timo. Muttfal agreement was essontial. . Horr Schiedemann agreed to co-opcr-ato with the Government on condition that thero was a clear statement on peace, which would strengthen the contidcnco of tho people in the Government.

ALLEGATIONS OF IMMORALITY.

(Router's Telegrams J (Received July 7th, 5.5 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, July 5

Herr von Kuhlmann's libel action against Hoit Lohan, editor of the "Deutsche Zeiturig" and Herr Duneko, editor of tho "Alledeutsche Blatter, in connexion with their allegations of Herr von Kuhlmann's immorality during his tisit to Bucharest, has opened. Tho Judge asked the accused to settle the matter by a loyal explanation. Herr Lohan said he had no desire to \rash dirty linen in tho sight «of the enemy, but tho articlo had a political aim, namely, von Kuhlmann was politically harmful, therefore if von K-Uhl-mnn would promise to resign shortly ho would b© prepared to assure him that he had no intention of affronting him in his private capacity. Herr Duneko concurred. Tho Judge said that it was impossible for Herr von Kuhlmann to give such a promise. The Court decided to sit in private because giving publicity to the would enuangar the security of the States.

A message on April 25th stated that proceedings had been instituted in Berlin against "Deutsche Zeitung," for stating that during their official visit to Bucharest Herr von Kuhlmann and Count Czernin were guilty of immoral behaviour: Count Czernin. the f'Zeitung" stated, nightly visited a theatre ■whore there were dancing girls, and von Kuhlmann publicly promenaded with a notorious demi-mondaine, thus di&honouring Germany's name. The journal alleged that certain pan-Ger-mans made representations to a lady of high standing, believed to be the Kaiserih, Who immediately took action.

RUMOURS REGARDING AUSTRIAN

EMPRESS.

(Australian ■ and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received July 7th, 11.45 p.m.) , BERNE, Julv 6. Extraordinary rumours are circulating in- Austria regarding the case of the Empress. Some declare that the Imperial couple have fled; others, which the authorities describe. as abominable, refer to the illness of the Empress.

. The Premier, Dr. "Wekerle, protests ttgniiißt these statements, and Bays that they are intended to exhibit .the Empress in a scandalous light. The Royal couple's family life,-he says, is unprecedentedly fair and moral. Telegrams from Austria also indicate a serious spread of epidemio of hunger tjyphus.