The Dominion. FRIDAY, FEBRUABY 25, 1916. ECONOMIC FACTS AND THEORIES PROGRESS OF THE WAR LOCAL AND GENERAL

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2704, 25 February 1916, Page 4

The Dominion. FRIDAY, FEBRUABY 25, 1916. ECONOMIC FACTS AND THEORIES

PROGRESS OF THE WAR

LOCAL AND GENERAL

New Zealand consignees of goods in the German steamer Roon and tlio Austrian steamer Orsova, interned in the Dutch East Indies, will bo interested in the following cablegrams received by the secretary of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce (Mr. H. D. Vickfry): "Re Roon—Roon approximately 300 tons warehoused awaiting transhipment. (Quantity insufficient in- , ducc Tnsman to Tjilatjap. Now endeavouring arrange transhipment Batavia. If sufficient further documents to hand can bring Roon alongside end March but, considering expense difficulties, prefer you finally collect all documents before again commencing discharging." "Re Orsova—Orsova owners prepared deliver certain goods approved by them against guarantee on Dutch banks for missing copies bills of lading. Particulars tp be mailed in advance, because delivery orders prepared Budapest. Now endeavouring obtain delivery 339 packages, represented by four * complete documents, but 'will only accept handling on our usual agency terms, i per cent, invoico value, plus 5 per cent, disbursements, including freight, Do you agree?" The cablegrams are from Harrisons and Crosslields, who are acting in Java for the. Australasian consignees, tho Java Ships Management i Committee.

The large and interested crowds which have visited the Patriotic Exhibition give some encouragenrnt to the belief that the'p>o,)le e!' ]\'ew Zealand are enter-ug upon U;p war against enemy trade v.lh U'e full determination of winning. Victory depends upon the organised cooperation of the Governments, merchants, and ~copies of the hmpnc, and the working out of mutually acceptable commercial arrangements with our Allies. New Zealand can do a good deal on its own account, but, as Mb. Hekd.man pointed out in his speech at the Town Hall last night, complete success can only Le achieved by joint action my the "part of all tho Stares of tho Umpire. In Britain traditional economic theories are being challenged, and there are unmistakable signs of profound changes in public opinion in regard to the question of trade relations with the Overseas Dominions. A good idea of the strength of, the demand for a fundamental revision ■•{ Britain's trade poliiy is afforded by the' important debate in tho Ecuse of Commons on the of i.l-.c Empire which is reported :n the newspapers which arrived by the latest English mail. The discussion shows that some old shibboleths are being discarded as out of date, and that the dividing line between Freetraders and Tariff Reformers is losing much of its former distinctness. The war has broadened the nation's outlook. People are re-examining long standing social and commercial controversies from new points of view. The Imperial spirit was never more clearly in the ascendant than at the present time, and the demand for the organisation of the Empire both for defence and trade is becoming too strong to be resisted. Pronounced Free-traders arc seeing that the idea of giving Germany the same commercial advantages as those enjoyed by the Overseas Dominions is quite intolerable. The debate in the House of Commons was made memorable by the fact that leading' Free-traders like Sik Alfred Mond, Sin George Croydon Marks, and Mr. Bryce expressed agreement with the declaration of Mr. Hewins and Mr. Chaplin that Britain could not permit the restoration. of the same commercial relations with Germany as existed before tho war. Great things may be expected if public men are able and willing to rise to the greatness pi the occasion, , and throw off the shackles of partisanship and prejudice. An inspiring lead was given by Sir Alfred Mond when he 1 expressed his willingness to consider Mr. Hewins's motion apart from bis prepossessions on fiscal questions, calling upon tho other side to do the same.

Mr. Hewiks moved that tho Bri-tish-Government should consult with the Governments of the Dominions "in order to bring the whole economic strength of 'the Empire into co-operation with our Allies in a policy directed against the enemy." The resolution was carried'without a division. Mb.Hewins stated that steps should be'taken to prevent the Germans from ever again exploiting tho mineral and other resources of the British Empire. Britain is, he said, \n a position now to make herself the centre of such a network of commercial treaties' as Germany has been weaving for many years, and to make it impossible for that network to be taken up again by our onemies. Nothing will so discourage Germany as the knowledge that the British Empire and its Allies are making joint economic preparations for the futuic. Though the President -of the .Board of Trade (Me. Hunoxman) did not make any new disclosure of policy; he made it quite clear that Britain could not at the close of the war permit tho 'outbreak of a fresh economic conflict on the part, of Germany against the Allies. It ought, he said, to be part of our national organisation that we should have within tho Empire all the essential industries. He admitted the necessity of seeking the co-operation of the Dominions. In commenting on the debate, the Spectator remarks:— ,

Free-traders and Tariff Reformers concurred m saying that since Germany had used commerce as an instrument to promote her military ends, we were compelled to reply in kind. This clearly means that, so Jar as Germany is concerned, we must cease to regard commerce as a friendly interchange 'of {foods for the mutual advantage of those who effect the exchange; we must cease to say that we will buy wherever we can get the best price for what we produce. This entails, at every will realise, the temporary abandonment of the two cardinal propositions upon which the I'ree-trade doctrine hinged. But «very Free-trader whose creed is based) upon reason, and not upon fanaticism, has always understood that Free-trade is not an end in itself. If it caii bo proved that Free-trade is" injuring our country in any particular, then, as patriotic citizens, we are necessarily compelled -fa abandon or suspend 'Free-triulD, so far. at any rate, as that particular case is concerned.

This statement of the position, coming from a Free-trade journal of such high standing as the Spectator, is a remarkable proof of: the manner in which the war is changing the old order. Old theories must be altered in order to make ,thom fit new facts. % It is sheer obscurantism to tamper with the facts in order to makothem fit our theories, and preconceived ideas. In so far as the old conception of Free-trade conflicts with the ideal of a united and selfsupporting _ Empire to that extent the conception must be modified. It is satisfactory to find that leadin" Free-traders are ready to reconsider their views in the interests of their country. This reasonable attitude gives encouragement to the hope that the great Empire problems which are now pressing for solution will be grappled with in an unfettered and courageous spirit. Ifc makes us feel that the foundation of the new era which is now opening out before our Empire will be securely laid.

Almost without warning, incipientGerman attacks on the French line north of Verdun have broken into a great blaze of battle- on a long front. One of the later French messages in_ hand declares that the enemy is operating with units of seven different army corps, on a front of 25 miles. An ample motive is thus supplied for'the local attacks in Flanders, Northern France, and elsewhere, in which tlic enemy during the last few weeks has freely expended his strength with oomrjaratlveXy unimportant results

so far as penetration of the Allied lines is concerned. These attacks may now fairly be regarded as feints preliminary to the powerful stroke now being made against the front north of Verdun. It is evident that a battle has opened which is in the class of the great Allied offensive in the Champagne in (September, hut with the Germans this time in the role of attackers.

As yet no very clear view is given of the results of the- German onslaught. Reports in hand are decidedly in conflict. There is a German communique which speaks of an attack on a six-mile front which penetrated to a depth of a mile and three-quarters (whether on the whole or part of the attacking front is not stated), and resulted in the capture of 3000 prisoners and a considerable amount of war material. Available French reports admit no such deep penetration of fe front, and indicate that the chief loss so far sustained is that of the village of Hautnont, which lies 13 miles due north of Verdun. _ The approaches to the village, it is stated, have been retained. Further reports must be awaited to-clear up these doubtful and important details, but, details apart, the French reports aver that the German assault 'on Verdun was foreseen and provided against. Emphasis is laid upon the extremely high losses sustained by the enemy, and it is declared that the French guns are replying to a ceaseless bombardment with a fire no less violent. On what is known and has been assumed of the position reached i:i the Western theatre, a German assault upon Verdun on the scale indicated should represent a policy of desperation. The fortress, as Le Temps remarks, is a big mouthful. Its defences are much stronger than when t>ey withstood the assault of greatly superior German forces iu tno early days of the war, and there is.litfe danger of t-ho attempt which failed then succeeding ' now. It would, of course, be too;much to cxpecf. that such an immensely powerful assault as the Gerrnas 'are said to have developed should make no impression at all on the French front, but at the present stage of Shiir preparations it should be a much Jess serious matter for the Allies to keep their own line in the Western theatre substantially intact than to smash their way through the cnomy's line. ° "" * e 9 Though the Entente Powers have done a good deal during the last few .months t<? improve and streng-hen their position 'in the Balkans, it remains true that future developments in that area must depend 'in no slight degree upon the line of action taken by Rumania and Greece. These two countries are being watched almost as eagerly now, though in widely different circumstances,- as in the days_ when the Serbian Army was fighting for its life against impossible odds. Hopes were entertained at that time that Greece might honour' her obligations to Serbia and neutralise the effect of Bulgaria's treacherous attack. Time would then have been given the Allies to pour, such a force into the Balkans as would have- sufficed to roll back the Austro-Germans advancing south from the- Danube. In moments of optimism it was hoped that developments on these lines might pave tno way for tho early intervention of Rumania. As matters turned, these hopes collapsed like a house of cards, aijd a most convincing demonstration was afforded of the folly of expecting the neutral Balkan States to embark upon a policy of risky adventure. It is only fair to draw a clear distinction between the part played by Rumania and that played by Greece in this stormy chapter of Balkan history. Rumania, by electing to remain neutral, broke no treaty and dishonoured no obligation. Grecce did both, and her default is palliated, if at all, only on the assumption, that she was afraid of being inadequately supported if she took the field against Bulgaria. » * « V

After such an experience it may seem unwise to expect either Greece or llumania to join forces with the \lintenle, but it must be recognised ttiit circumstances have so completely changed as to make it not at all unlikely that Rumania, at least, may find at advisable, or even necessary, to depart from a policy of neutrality. There are a number of messages to-day suggesting in their aggregate effect that both Greece and ■Rumania aro inclining towards the Entente. As regards the first-men-tioned country, an attitude of extreme scepticism is perhaps warranted, but as it stands the news suggests that some sort of understanding exists between Greece and Rumania. It is stated in the same message that King Constantinb received M. Venizelos, and that he granted a long audience to M. Don, the Rumanian Minister, and no doubt it is intended to convey an impression that there is a connection between these interviews—that King Constantine is at once turning to his ex-Prime Minister, who stands for a policy of intervention, and to the Rumanians, with whom he may be expected to act in concert if a policy of intervention is decided upon. Another report speaks of a friendly interview between King Constantinb and General Sarrail, and it is saicl that King Constantinb afterwards told an American correspondent that something had been done towards ■clearing up 'difficulties between Greece and the Allies. The King is reported also to have renewed his former assurance that the Allies need never fear Greek hostility,

There is interesting news also from Rumania. Prominence is given to the fact that King Ferdinand has given an audience to two of the ch'icf Opposition leaders, M. Pii.ipesco and M. Take Jonescu. The latter is well known as an ardent advocate of a policy of enterprise, which means for Rumania intervention on the side of the Allics._ This is possibly a case- of undue importance being attached to an incident of no particular significance, but it is not unlikely that a lirsfc step in Rumania towards a policy of intervention would be a change of Government. The 'present Prime Minister, M. Bkatiano, took office pledged to carry out the agrarian reforms which were postponed by the events of the Balkan War, and have been again set back by the present crisis. Ho is regarded as sympathising much more with the members of the peasant class, whoso hopes are centred in agrarian reform, ;mcl who want no war, than with the educated and upper classes, who dream of national greatness and expansion. Should the war party gain the upper hand in Rumania, it would therefore occasion no surprise of M. Bkatiano should choose rather to retire from office than to go with the tide.

While the reports touched upon obviously point, for what they arc worth, to the likelihood of concerted action by Greece and llumania on the side of the Entente, they constitute somewhat llimsy evidence upon which to base any very definite hopes of that character. But v. hatever may be true as regards Greece, it.is obvious that circumstances are conspiring _ to impress upon llumania the advisability of making common cause with the Allies. Nothing can be plainer than that an Austro-German victory in the war would be a disaster from tho standpoint of llumania. Instead of being the most important member of a group of small nations, she would then be hemmed in and overshadowed. The expansion of Bulgaria alone would constitute a menace to Rumania. It is certain that not even her own Allies would permit Bulgaria to realise tho ambition mentioned to-day, of establishing a greater Albania, comprising Albania and Northern Serbia, as a subsidiary Bulgarian State, but territorial adjustments in the Balkans equally unfavourable to Rumania would have to be looked for if the Central Powers emerged victorious from the war.

Thus to the Irridentist ambitions already held by Rumanian patriots there is added' a still more impelling motive to a policy of enterprise Rumania is called upon to fight lest she should be surrounded and dominated on all sides by neighbours against whom she would be powerless to hold her own. The whole trendof recent events, has- been to identify l\or interests with those of the En--.■;te, and since the Entente is

■ vtidly building up a formidable military power iri the Balkans and in adjacent territory, it is the more likely that Rumania will shape her policy accordingly. No parallel is to be drawn between the present circumstances and those which obtained in Octobor. The Allies are not looking to Rumania, as they vainly looked to Greece, to make good a temporary weakness in thijir organisation. The position i^'rather that they are able to offer Rumania an. opportunity of profitable co-opera-tion. The Allies in any case arc maturing preparations for aggressive action in the Balkans, and th" co-operation of Rumania would be of value, not as lifting them, from weakness to strength, but as opening greatly extended "facilities for action of this character. To the enemy, as matters stand, the Balkan Peninsula represents a strong outwork protecting Hungary against invasion from the south. But it is an outwork which in all likelihood would c|uickly be made untenable' 1 if Rumania entered the war, as much by reason of the strategic position she occupies as because, of the reinforcement she would bring to the Allies. With such.motives and such opportunities for action, it is difficult to believe that Rumania will much longer be content to observe a policy of passive neutrality.

It is notified by the Secretary of the I'ost Office (Mr. "\V., R. Morris) that parcels addressed to members of the Nov,' Zealand Expeditionary. Force should bear outside in the lower lefthand corner on the address side the name and address of the sender. Great delay is experienced in the Base Post Office in dealing with parcels, for want of th«' precaution. The delay not infrequently means the failure to deliver the parcel. He hadn't been seated in the car more than three minutes, when in came a lady, dressed a la mode from the nodding osprey in lier hat to the tip of her dainty white ihoesi She looked dcmandingly at him, and being a mere man he tosb and offered his seat, though he lived three sect-ions away. As she nestled comfortably down, he said: "I bes; your pardonl" "I did not say anything," said tho lady. /'I bog your pardon, I thought you said 'Thanks.'" Then the passengers smiled and the lady looked somothing approaching uncomfortable.

A soldier named Christopher died at Featherston Camp on Wednesday •afternoon while ,uuder an anaesthetic for dentaP extraction.

Information was received in Dunedfn on Monday in a letter written aboard' tho Hospital Ship Jlaheno in mid-ocean, on January 31, that tho vessel had, up to that time had a very rough passage, and the staff had been very sick. The victims of mal-de-mer and all others had very comfortable.quarters, and were being well looked after.

Yesterday, the Wellington Land Board recommended the allotment of land to three returned soldiers who had applied to be settled on farms. It was decided, also, to recommend that a block of about 2300 acres of grazing land at Wamiioru (20 miles south of Masterton) should bo set aside for returned soldiers, and cut up into five farms. The board has applications from- about seven other soldiers who desire to. take np tho rural life.

The remainder of the rolls which have been prepared at the instance of the llecniiting Board for the various recruiting centres, giving the names of all eligible men in their respective districts, were completed yesterday, and will be issued immediately.

Towards tlie end of last month the Hon. Arthur M. Myers, Minister in charge of Munitions and' Supplies, received a telegram from Messrs. Chaytor and Company, of Spring Creek, 'Marlborough, wherein the company signified its willingness to supply 500 sacks of good oaten sheaf chaff to be supplied free on rail, ' Spring Creek, provided the Government would supply sacks. Accordingly, the 'jacks wero immediately sent to tho donors, who in duo course filled them as promised. The chaff so generously given was shipped from Picton in. tho s.s. Waihora, on February 15,_ and the report furnished to the Minister in this (.onnection, states that the chaff inspected, in accordance with custom, prior to shipment, was of thoroughly primo quality.

At the meeting of the' City Council last evening, permission was" granted for the erection of a gallery in Sliortt's Picture Theatre in Willis Street,'subject to strict compliance with the conditions fixed by the Acting-City Engineer.

Councillor SprißKons, of the Waiifranni Borough Council,■ lias given notico that he will move at the >iext meeting of the Finance Committee that the council take into consideration the matter of establishing a municipal bakery.

In reference to the exchange of ti,i«s between the New Zealand and New South Wales railways, and the ceremony in connection therewith, tli.it was recently stated would take place on Saturday, March i, at J'etono, telegraphic advice has been received from Ilornsby (N.S.W.) stating that it was considered desirable to ]wst° peiie the celebration until Airae Day, April 25. In the circumstances, the function has to be held over until that date, as the New .South Wales flag lias not yet arrived, and is stated to be incomplete.

Tilings a soldier wants. Inspect our money halts, buckle or snake belts; our khaki shirts and handksrehiefs, writiiiß outfits, at (teo. Fowlds, Ltd., Manners Street.—Advt.