GERMANS TRY RAFTS AND MOTOR-BOATS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2328, 9 December 1914, Page 7

GERMANS TRY RAFTS AND MOTOR-BOATS

FANTASTIC BATTLE I FLANDERS KAISER IN A RAGE '■ — , 7 STORMY INTERVIEW WITH HUNGARIAN V I;/ 'PREMIER PROGRESS OF ALOES ITALY AND THE _ WAR ■ - i 1 A significant silence has descended upon the operations in-Poland. ■ ' Berlin states that the Germans have achieved decisive results near Lodz, while the' message from Petrograd, simply states that fighting is proceeding along, a- 90-mile front. .From the Belgian theatre the .'main items of news refer to the bombardment by the Germans of a sea coast town, 2} miles west of Nieuport; and a determined but fruitless' attempt by the enemy to cross the flooded area near Rams-, capelle by means of rafts towed by motor boats—a fantastic battle •under the searhlights' which flashed from the motor boats of the ■ ' Germans and the shore batteries of-the Belgians. French 75-cen- • timetre gun finished the business. v Artillery fighting continues along the battlefront in France,'the Allies' heavy, guns maintaining their ascendancy. Marked progress has been made at Le Quosnay, south of VJlcnciennes. In Germany the newspapers have published Signor, Salandra's .declaration -of Italy's war policy . Without comment—a silenoe which speaks volumes. The debate :in the Italian Chamber Teveals the unanimous spirit of the country. In Portugal, a Cabinet criais has followed upon an interpellation in the Chamber regarding the mobilisation of the troops, and Ministers have resigned. Ger- / many is gravely concerned- at Portugal's military preparations, fear- ! ing a revulsion of feeling against the Germans in Africa. The Sultan's "Holy War" has fallen decidedly flat, and Germany, w;ho instigated the jehad, is now.seriously alarmed, at the precarious situation :■ of the^Chfistiiin'comm{mities ,: in ! Palestine, fearing a massao're 3 tlie Turks get out of hand. The magnificent physique of the Australians and New Zealanders has created a great impression in Egypt. The ; Turkish cruiser Hamidieh has struck a mine and been placed out of action for the present. In South Africa, the.rebellion, says General Botha, has been crushed, and the spirit of the- rebels has been shattered by the Government's effeotive display of force.