THE WAR CLOUD.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1694, 10 March 1913, Page 5

THE WAR CLOUD.

« FRANCE AND THE POWERS. "NOW OR NEVER" POLICY. 1 Br Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright ] (Roc, March 9, 5.5 p.m.) London, March 8. Tho "Spectator" declares that the reawakening of France has aroused universal satisfaction in Great Britain, tempered with some anxiety. The military ardour and magnificent condition of the French Army, it observes, may tempt Franco to engage early in a European struggle. France must recognise that she has Germany at a disadvantage, since Austria has been caught in the Balkan entanglements, and it is doubtful if Italy could run the appalling risk involved in her adhesion to the triplice. Nevertheless, the "Spectator" opines it would be more prudent for influential Frenchmen to realise that such a now-or-liever policy would forfeit the support of Itnssia and Britain, and without Britain the Austro-Gprman fleet might sever French communications with Africa. The "Spectator" believes that peace will be preserved during the present year. FRENCH MILITARY SERVICE BILL. SOCIALIST OBSTRUCTION. Paris, March 7. The Military Service Bill has been introduced in the Chamber of Deputies. Tho preamble attributes its necessity to the decrcase'in the birth-rate. The only exception is in favour of soldiers belonging to families of five or six children, who are reduced to six months' service. The Socialists immediately commenced obstructing, and greeted the measure with shouts of "Down with reaction !" "This is madness!" and denounced the Government as a gang of scoundrels. A great majority of tho Republicans approve the Bill. (Rec. March 9, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, March 8. Besides remaining three years with tho colours the reserve men's term has also been increased to two years. THE GERMAN WAR TAX. London, March 7. The "Daily News" says that nearly tho whole Liberal press in Germany is protesting against the exaggerated military demands, especially the war tax, in peace time. i

It is expected that the tax will be distributed over a long period.

The chief Bavarian Roman Catholic organ fiercely assails the increase.

BERTHA liRUPP'S CONTRIBUTION. Berlin, March 8. Berlin newspapers estimate Bertha ICrupp'9 contribution to the fortune tax at Jc360,000 sterling. Tho "Germania" asserts as a reason for tho German army increase that Turkey being unable to check the Balkan States, Austria is now opon to attacks upon two of hor frontiers, while Italy is in difficulties with Northern ■■ Africa. GERMAN HONEY MAEKET. (Rec. March 9, 5.5 p.m.) London, March 8. The "Times" Berlin correspondent says that the subscriptions for tho 2J million sterling Imperial loon, and the 5 million Prussian Consols are fairly satisfactory; also tho renewal of tho 10 million Prussian Treasury bonds; but the disfavour shown towards the additional 10 million bonds reflects tho condition of'tho money market. A bad impression has been caused by the coming enormous levy upon property. FRANCE AND SPAIN. MOROCCAN CONVENTION. (Rec. March 9, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, March 8. Tho Chamber of Deputies has ratified the Franco-Spanish Moroccan Convention. The newspapers give prominence to Mr. Churchill's visit. The speeches in tho Chamber attributed the Franco-Spanish Convention largely to Britain's influence.