HOPEFUL OUTLOOK

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3089, 21 May 1917, Page 5

HOPEFUL OUTLOOK

COALITION CABINET FORMED PROGUIATION ISSUED ITALIANS SECURE MONTE SANTO RAID ON ALLIED DRIFTERS AMERICAN TROOPS FOR FRANCE ■ The news from Russia is decidedly cHeerhig, and the situation is mora 'hopeful now than it has teen for many days. The Provisional Government has been reconstructed on a coaSElbn basis, and appears to have the confidence of the people. The generals have had several conferences with the Government on the question of munitions and supplies, and have returned to the front. The new Russian War Minister has issued l an order enjoining deserters from the army and navy to return to their posts, and this in itself is significant. The Italians are making substantial progress ( with their offensive, and are reported to'* have captured Monte Santo, the key of the enemy's defence. The success of the Italians has made the citizens of Trieste apprehensive, and the banks have begun to remove their archives and valuables. • Austrian/ light cruisers and destroyers raided the A Hied drifter line in the Adriatic .Sea ' sfcft fourteen British vessels were sunk. The raiders were chased, and two of the enemy's vessels are reported to have been seriously damaged, while fhe British cruiser Dartmouth was torpedoed by a submarine, but was able to return to port. On the Western front trench raids and minor encounters are reported on the British sector, while 'the French have been called upon to repulse several violent counterattacks. America has decided to s end a division to Franco as soon as practicable. Honduras and Nicaragua, have broken off relations with Germany, and thrown in their lot with the United States. An interesting meeting of international Socialists has been held at Stockholm, and fne president of the meeting declared'that the duty of neutrals was not to work for peace at any price, but for a just and durable peace, based on universal democracy. The engineers' strike at Sheffield has- been settled, and the men ha.ve reeumed work. . ■ '

RUSSIAN POSITION VASTLY IMPROVED COALITION CABINET FORMED GENERALS HOLD CONFERENCE WITH THE .. / ? GOVERNMENT ABOUT MUNITIONS ■ , ■■. (By.Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright). (Eec. May ID, 5.5 p.m.) , ■ ;' v ■ Petrograd, May 18. A Cabiaet has been constituted which includes sir Socialists. ■ Generals Alexieff, Brusiloff, Gurko, D ra ? om i r o ff .' a nd Scherbatscheff attended • several conferences -with the Government on the question of munitions and sup- ■ plies. ■ . ■ ' . -~" ■"'.'.• It is announced that the position is improving. . It is, understood that Generals Brusilof ■ and Gurko have withdrawn their resignations.—Beuter, '. ■ . < • •APPOINTMENT .OF M. KEREN SKI AS WAR MINISTER GIVES ■•-.-• SATISFACTION '„ •', ~■.■_„ . - ' .Petrograd, May 18. Generals Alexieff, Dragorairoff, Gurko, and Brusiloff state that a Coalition Ministry will- restore discipline in. the army, which is enthusiastic over the appointment of M. Kerenski as Minister of War.—Eenter. . '■ SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT IN 1 -THE RUSSIAN ARMY. ',■•»'■■■■" ■ (Eec. May 20, 5.5 p.m.) •■■.:■■.- , ' ■ . ' London, May 19. The "Daily Chronicle'e" ■ Petrograd correspondent says that General Alexieff interviewed M. Kerenski on his appointment as War Minister, which was intensely satisfactory to all ranks. Already there are signe of improvement' in the army. If the Government is invested with undisputed authority, and is unhindered by irresponsible "outsiders, the army would soon be restored to its former strength and organisation.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ANNEXATION AND INDEMNITIES THE VEXED' QUESTION. Petrograd, May 18. : _. Annexations and indemnities continue to be a. vexed question, and brought to a culmination Wednesday's negotiations between the Government and the Soldiers' and Workmen's Council. ' ' The Government suggested a formula .without aggressive policy or punitive contributions. The Government hoped that thereby Russia would be able to hold her own views and war aims, leaving, the Allies'to formulate their own • terms.—Auk-N.Z. Cable Assn.' ■ ■ ' - '■ ■ - ■ : :- ——— PROCLAMATION BY THE 'PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT (Eec, May 20, 5.5 p.m.l ; .■. ■ ■• • . Petrograd, Day 19. The reconstituted Provisional Government has issued- a proclamation in which it says "it would be guided by the spirit of. liberty, equality, and fraternity. It rejects the idea of a separate peace, but aims at a general peace without annexations and indemnities on the basis of the rights of nations to decide their own affairs. It is convinced that the defeat of Eussia and her Allies would ' not only be a calamity, but would also postpone the world-wide peace. It firmly believes that the Russian Army -would not suffer the Germans to destroy their Western Allies, and then throw.themselves on Eiissia.—Eeuter. DESERTERS FROM THE ARMY AND NAVY ORDERED TO REJOIN. • (Kec. Hay 20, 5.5 p.m.) Petrograd, May 13. Jhe Minister for War, M. .Kerenski, has issued an order to the, armies stating that the country is endangered, , and everyone must do his share'in defending , ;? , ! 116513 f ° v resignation' by the High Command who desire to escape responsibility at this grave time would be entertained. . . Deserters from the army and navy are enjoined to rejoin bv May 28 under threat of. severe punishment. ■ ' . The generals commanding the armies have returned to the front, after conferring with the Government.—Renter. ■RUSSIA CAN BE SAVED FROMTHE DISEASE OF INEPTITUDE ■ London, May IS. The Petrograd correspondent of the "Daily Express" states: It appears that OUlj some dramatic stroke, stamped with the vigorous personality of one man, . can save Russia, from the disease of ineptitude and disintegration which ie overtake her, and threatening at any moment to make the Russian Empire a mere episode in the annals of the past. Russia is at death's door. Theagitahon for the publication of Russia's secret treaties is peculiarly significant in view of the Ministerial crisis. M. Plekanoff, in a speech in the Dumu, said: If we publish our secret treaties, we will destroy our obligations to our Allies, evoke theiv enmity, and we may find ourselves allied against our present Allies."— Ans.-N.Z- Cable Assn. RUSSTA WILL WORK OUT HER OWN SALVATION. (Rec. May 20, 5.5 p.m..) London, May JB. "The Times" views the Russian situation optimistically, and urgee tlie Empire to show patience and confidence. The Russian people's determination to be faithful to the Allied cause will work out its own salvation in its own way. The present augunee favour this boini; accomplished. The American loan was * utriking proof of American belief that Russia would wentber llic etorra.— "Tht Times."

REVELATION MADE BY COUNT WITTE. (R«c. May 20, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, May 18. The "Matin" quotes from the "Russko .Teslovo" the revelation made Vv Count Witte to a journalist at the beginning of the war, showing that the Tsar made a secret offensive, and defensive treaty with the Kaiser when France wae embroiled in the Moroccan affair. Count Witto declares he secured the abrogation of the treaty, because it had not been signed by the I'oreigu Ministci'B of tho respective countries.—Aue.-N.'/,. Cable Aesn. DENSE ATTACK REPULSED BY THE RUSSIANS London, May IS. A Russian' official message states: Wβ repulsed a dense attack in the direction of Vladimir-Volynsk and in the region of Shelvov. We also repulsed a Turkish attack in the direction of Ognot (Asia Minor). To the rear of our troops in the direction of Khanikin the Kurds are attacking po6ts and tearing up graves and mutilating the dead.—Aus.-N.JI. Cable Assn. ' REINFORCING THE RUSSIAN FRONTS. (R«c. May 20. 5.5 p.m.) London, May 18. "Nord lind Sud" states that docuni ents found on prisoners show that the enemy is moving forces from Mitava to reinforce other fronts. There are indications that the enemy's supplies of explosives are limited, and are using them sparingly—Aus.-N.Z.. Cable Assn. CONTINUED SUCCESS OF ITALIAN OFFENSIVE ENEMY'S HEAVY LOSSES KEY TO THE WHOLE AUSTRIAN DEFENCE NOW IN ITALIAN HANDS Rome, May 18. The battle against the fortifications eastward of Gorizia has been extended, and is proceeding favourably. The Austrian losses amount to several divisions. Monte Santo is the key to the whole defence, and it may be considered as taken, because the Italians now occupy positions near the summit.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn, • ■ ! (Bee. May 20, 5.5 p.m.) London, May 19. An Italian official message says:—"We captured Hill 652, Monte .Vodice, which is the key of the enemy'sile fence northward of ilpnte Snnto. "We maintained all our positions eastwards of Gorizia against persistent at-tacks."—Aus.-N.H. Cable Assn.-Reuter. FURIOUS ENEMY COUNTER-ATTACKS AT MONTE SANTO. (Rcc. May 20, 5.5 n,m.) London, May 1!). Renter's Undine corespondent reports that the Austrians, reinforced, furiously 1 counter-attacked along the crest of Monte Santo, which repeatedly changed hands, the enemy striving to preserve this last stronghold, from whence thev threaten Gorizia and tho middle Isonzo. 'The Italians, by a series of brilliant drives, are steadily advancing.—K-euter. THE TOLL OF AUSTRIAN PRISONERS RISING. (Rec. May 20, 5.5 p.m.) London, May 19. An Italian official message says-.—"Wβ are fortifying the positions captured eastward of Gorizk. Repeated enemy attacks at various points were broken. The prisoners now total 6432." —Aiie.-N.'/i. Cable Assn.-Beuter. PREPARATIONS FOR THE EVACUATION OF TRIESTE. Rome, May 18. The "Corriere d'ltalia" reports that tho Austrian* have ordered civilians to evacuate the exposed points on the Italian front. ' All the Trieste bauke have been closed, and the Government offices and tho leading businesses are removing tlTeir archives and valuables to Vienna. Many of tho officers captured in tho recent offensive came from the Russian front.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. AUSTRIAN REPORT OF THE MOUNTAIN FIGHTING. * ' (Rec. May 21, 0.5 a.m.) 1 London, May 20. An Austrian official message, after declaring that the Italian massed attacks on Monte Vodice heights on May 18 were repulsed, .admits that the Italians, after a rcaultless week of fighting, extended their bridgehead at Plava two kilometres (about one and a half miles).—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. BRITISH HEAVY ARTILLERY OPERATING ON ITALIAN '. FRONT. The High Commissioner reports:— London, May 18, 5.10 p.m. Tho War Office reports:—"British heavy artillery are co-operating with the Italian army in the offensive in the Julian Alps. Tho report that our gunners materially assisted has been received with enthusiasm." A GREAT AT MILAN. (Ecc. May 20, 5.5 p.m.) ■ Rome, May 19. The British heavy artillery received a great welcome at Milan—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ■ .. ■ v FUTILE GERMAN EFFORT TO RETAKE ROEUX A SHOWER OF GAS SHELLS BAVARIAN DIVISION MOWN DOWN BY THE BRITISH FIRE '

Paris, May IS. In the attempt to retake Roeiu on. Tuesday, the. German batteries showered sTTclls at the rate of sixty a minute for .sixteen hours. A British officer describing the scene says:—"What a butchery it was at tho chemical works! Although the bombardment was lengthy, the actual fighting was short and fierce. The Germans poured shells into our lines as if they had concentrated every sun they were possessed of. On this small sector the number of gas shells was greater than ever. Our men lived in their gas masks for twelve hours. •'A whole German division, mostly Bavarians, came against us, marching shoulder to shoulder. Our machine-guns mowed down the first rank; our rifles accounted for the second and third; but the remainder swept over like an avalanche, leaving many of us eafe and unwou'nded in the rear. "We counter-at-tacked, with a characteristic irresistible series of charges, and our field guns swept tho German, columns in the open ground, while our men in the enemy's rear attacked; and the Germane were surrouuded by a circle of firo until it became a veritable butchery."—Aus.-N.Z. Gable Asm. SMALL INFANTRY ACTION NEAR. GAVRELLE. London, May IS. Correspondents at Headquarters report that tho front is quiet at Bullecourl. Northwards of the Scarpa a small infantry action is in progress near Gavrelle, and is apparently favouring us. The recent rain 'has turned the dust of the battlefield into niud.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. TWO HOSTILE RAIDING PARTIES DRIVEN OFF. The High Commissioner reports:— London, May 18, 1.40 p.m. Sir Douglas Hnig reports. —"Northeast of Armcntieres early in the night: two hostUe raiding parties were driven off with loss. Nothing further special to report." I HOSTILE ARTILLERY ACTIVE ON GAVRELLE-LENS SECTOR. (Rcc. May 20, 5.5 p.m.) London, May 18. Sir Douglas Haig reports:—"Hostile artillery was more active on the Gav"Our artillery successfully engaged German troops on the Arras-Cambrairoad and north-east of Frcsnoy."—Ans.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-l?euter. BRITISH PROGRESS NORTHWARD OF THE SCARPE. The High Commissioner reports:Sir Douglas Haig reports:— "Jjightiug continued to our advantage yesterday iu the western portion of Biilleeourt. „ "After severe fighting, wo are progressing northwards of tbo bcarpe. SUCCESSFUL BRITISH RAID NEAR GOUZEAUCOURT. The High Commissioner reports:— London, Hay 10, 3.10 p.m. Sir Douglas Haig reports:—"North-eastwards of Gouzeaucourt we carried out a successful raid last night, bringing back, prisoners, and a machine-gun. "Eastwards of Loos, north-eastwards of Armentieres, and eastwards of Ypres, hostile raids were repulsed." ACTIVITY OF THE GERMAN ARTILLERY. (U<-c. May 21, 0.5 a.m.) London, Hay 2(1. Sir Douglas Haig reports: 'J'hnro is hostile- artillery activity on the Scurpc and north-east cf Ejehy.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Aesn.-Eouter.

VIOLENT BOMBARDMENT OF THE CALIFORNIA PLATEAU. London, May 18. A French communique states;—" The enemy violently bombarded the California Plateau, in the Chemin des Dames area. Several attacks at tho northeastern end of the plateau were reputed after a lively grenado fight. We maintained all our positions. There was a somewhat intense artillery struggle at night in. the regions of Mout Cornillet ami Mont Haul, in the ChiunpagncJ'— Av.N.Z. Cable Assn.-Eenter. HEAVY ENEMI' ATTACK ON FRENCH FRONT REPULSED. Tlie High Commissioner reports:— London, May 19, 3.10 p.m. French official.—"Yesterday evening, following a violent bombardment westwards of Braye, from the crest: of Chevregney, as far as the Oise Canal, the Germans attacked. Our ban-ages and machine-guns broke the waves of assault, which failed to reach our positions, except at ono point, westwards of the front of attack, where some fractions of the enemy took foot in oui- advanced position. Twenty prisoners were taken." LATEST REPORT FROM THE FRENCH SECTOR. (Rec May 21, 0.5 a.m.) , London, May 20. A French communique says: There has T>een no infantry action. The artillery was sometimes violent at Chemin des Dnmes, Hurtebise, and the California plateau.—Auß.-N.51. o'a.ble Assu.-Reuter. GERMANS CLAIM TO HAVE CAPTURED A TRENCH NEAR BB.AYE. (Bee. Hay 20, 5.5 p.m.) London, May 30. A wirelpss Gentian official message Says:—"There is .intense artillery fire between Acheville and Gavrelle. "English attacks on both sides of the Arras-Douai load, and eastward of Monchj, failed. "Wβ captured a trench near Braye, and repulsed attacks on. the TVmterberg. "Wo brought down aeroplanes yesterday.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Eeuter. LOSS OF BULLECOURT ADMITTED BY THE GERMANS (Rec. May 19, 5.5 p.m.) London, May 18. A wireless German official message says:—"We repulsed, after hand-to-hand fighting, at midnight, an English attack on the Gavrelle-Fresnes Koad. evacuateS Bullecourt ruins undisturbed, the enemy establishing- himself there twenty-four hours later. "We repulsed French attacks near Braye, Craonelle, Oaonne, and northward of Sapigneul. Wβ stormed a trench easstward of the Laroyere Farm. "After six days of artillery fire attacks on both sides of the Makoro failed." —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Eeuter. ' j KAISER AND HINDENBURG DISAGREE ON THE CONDUCT OF OPERATIONS ' London, May IS. Advices from Sweden states that tie Anglo-French offensive has provoked deep emotion in Germany, owing to tho heavy losses. Sharp disagreement over the conduct of tho operations has even arisen between the Kaiser and von .Hin-denburg.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.