EXACTION BATTLE IN EUROPE

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 47, 19 November 1919, Page 7

EXACTION BATTLE IN EUROPE

9 POLLING IN BELGIUM, ITALY AND FRANCE WIN FOR CLEMENCEAUBy Tolejmph-Prese Aeiocliitlon-.OoDyrlrtt London, November 15. Polling takes place to-inorrow for tho General Elections iu France, Italy and Belgium. An exceptionally vigorous effort by the Socialists is the comniott feature in the three countries. The contests in France have resolved themselves into a fierce fight between the Republicans iuid the Extreme Socialist?. Tho latter have declared political war ou tho bourgeoisie, disown the Versailles Treaty, ami repudiate alliance with tho other Parliamentary groups. These have sunk their old fends in order to present a solid front to light what they regard as the Bolshevist menace. Altogether there are three thousand can.didates, and they include many , poilus, and nine generals. The Italian campaign is exceptionally bitter, and is often accompanied "by fighting and bloodshed, particularly in tho North, owing to the Socialists' violence. It is likely that the Belgian Socialists will increase their majority from 38 to 60. The elections are the first under universal suffrage. It is probable the present Coalition Ministry will be maintained. Early results indicate that M.Clemeniccau's Republicans are sweeping the country. They had a substantial majority 'over the Socialists in Alsace. • In the Belgian elections the Socialists f dined a score of seats, but the Catholic, 'arty remains dominant.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. WIN FOE CLEMENCEAU. Paris, November 17. The Clomenceau Party won the elec-tions.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. BOLSHEVIK PROPAGANDA. London, November 15. Advices indicate that the results of the General Elections irKFrance, Italy, and Belgium, now proceeding) are most uncertain, as apart from the war, change; in tho electoral franchise in all cates have been much modified, including the introduction of proportional representation in France and Belgium. There has been intense Bolshevik propaganda in France and Italy, and much disorder and even bloodshed in North Renter. ECONOMIC CRISIS IN FRANCE. FAVOURS REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT. London, November 15. Mr. Ward Price, in an article in tho "Daily Mail," declares that France is suffering from serious economic exhaustion, from which tho Government 6ees no remedy beyond increasing the issue of paper money, threatening nltimate bankruptcy. Increased prices are eating up the sayings of the most frugal classes, producing interminable demands for higher wages. Britain and America are bitterly reproached, owing to their failure tto securo for France financial reparation from Germany. The situation dangerously favours the growing revolutionary spirit, not only wnong the workers, but the hitherto conservative poor. Louguet is openly promoting Bolshevism and class war, aiid is organising a Red Guard with the view .to recourse to armed force. Other Socialist lenders boldly declare that if the elections favour ■ the bourgeoisie, bloodshed is inevitable.—Aus.-N.Z. Cabjo Assn.