A TERRIBLE INDICTMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 April 1917, Page 2

A TERRIBLE INDICTMENT.

A Fearful Report. Treatment of Wounded. [LONDON TIMES SEP VICE.—-COPYRIGHT.] .London, April 11 A Berne correspondent states revelations of the systematic brutality of German women Red Ciosaers, towards British wounded, have been made by scores of soldiers of all ranks, released from German prison camps. During a long journey through Germany it was a common amusement for these women to tempt the wounded, who were at the last extremity of hunger aud thirst, by holding food and drink before them, and then snatch it away. Many bogging for drink had coffee water soup tendered and at the last moment the “gentle' 1 nurse would spit into it, Frequently the wounded men had to driDk defiled stuff, while the women laughed. Another commca entertainment was to offer a glass of water and theo pour it slowly on the ground. Cas6s of physical maltreatment of woundeds by German nurses were equally common, They not only refused to attend to the wan*s, but regularly insulted and spat upon the wouodede, and even struck or kicked the bandaged limbs in order to increase the pain. The correspondent adds that the truth is that the German Red Cross ia merely a branch of militarism. It has prostituted the sacred sign, shamed ita name, and forfeited ail right to be regarded as an organisation of hamanity.

Due to Plotters

(Australia & N.Z. Cable Association,) New You, April 12 Officials of the Eddystone ammunition works are certain plotters caused the explos ; on. The police believe that whoever were responsible were killed in the conflagration. V"i i ■■ America’s Aid - Washington, April lx Tbe Government plans the compulsory control of lake and coastal shipping with the object of adding to the Trans-Atlantic war supply services for the Allies’ benefit. A PEACE SHOVEAfter the War(Australian & N.Z. Gable Association and Reuter.) (Received April 13, at 9.35 a.m.) London, April 12 Lord Bryce has uufolded a scheme for a League of Nations to prevent war, drawn up two years ago. It is bolder than America’s plan, advooited by Mr Taft, and approved by Mr W.lson. ihe English scheme suggests a judicial tribunal uni cjucilia.ion tribunal, to which disputes shall be submitted and tha matter of dealiug with questions unsuitable for legal handling. Tee schems contemplates, although it does not definitely enjoin, the use of common force to effect its decisions. Lord B'yce in a preparatory note hopes the scheme will pave the way for post-war discussion aDd help to deter aggressive Governments from war, aud make war less probable. Tbe signatories will be required not to declare war or prepare for hostilities vntil a definite period after the tribunal announces ita award?, otherwise the League wiil collectively act against tbß aggressor.

Voluntary Recruiting,

New York, April 11

It is admitted that there is voluntary recruiting by Roosevelt but others are lobbying in favor of conscription. A Welcome. New York, April 11 The New York Herald’s Tokio correspondent saya the Emperor has sent a message to Mr Wilson welcoming the United States joining the Allies, to uphold the sacred liberties of mankind. May the step serve to cement and consecrate a lasting friendship of our two nations. Liner Mined. j London, April 11 The American liner New York of 10798 tons «ves mined during a blizzard The rescue of sixty passengers was difficult huge Bsa6 washing the vessel and Ibe launching of the boatß was perilous. Captain Roberta orders were carried out with military precision and everyone safely reached the boats from the liuet’s lower dock. The New York was armed fore and aft, with naval gunners. The passengers had just finished dinner when there was a terrifio explosion on the port side. There was some excitement especially with the women but they were soon calmed by the officers. The passengers were half an hour in the boats before the rescue vessels arrived. Big Shipping Losses. Brisbane, April 13 Addressing a conference on ths difficulty of marketing maize, Mr Hughes said the siuppiug losses were 600,000 tons per month faster than could be restored.