AMERICA'S CONTINGENT,

Hokitika Guardian, 21 May 1917, Page 2

AMERICA'S CONTINGENT,

For tha Front. (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter.) (Received May 21, at 8 40 a.m) Washington, May 20 General Pershing’s command of twenty-five thousand is exclusively regulars, probably including those who have been service in Mexico. Albo 2,500 marines who recently saw active service on Hayti and Cuba. America’s Army. LONDON, May 18. The first United States’ contingent with a medical unit has arrived in Britain. WASHINGTON, May 18. Both Houses passed the Army Bill. Mr. McAdoo estimates that the war will cost America 16,493,000 dollars daily for the first year, including two and a-half billio’n dollars for military establishments during 1918. WASHINGTON, May 19. President Wilson when signing the Bill refusing ex-President Roosevelt pel-mission to raise volunteers said Hi would seriously interfere with the carrying out of the chief and .most immediate and important purposes contemplated by the legislation, and practically nothing to the strength' of the Allied armies;He‘would be glad to send an ex-presi-dent who had rendered most conspicm ous public services, but this was no time to pay compliments. The business in hand was Wo dramatic, hut of a practical and scientific definite css. . WASHINGTON, May lit. The War Dep'aritmdat ' announces that one division will be despatched to France as soon as practicable under General Qjershing.

Russian Report LONDON, May IS. Wireless Russian Official: We repulsed a dense attack in the direction of Vladimir Volynsk and in the region of Ognot. In the rear of our troops, in the direction of Kbanikin, Kurds are attacking the passes and tearing up graves and mutilating the dead.

tfaig’s Report (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter), London, May 18 General Haig reports we drove off last night two raids north-east of Armentieres. French Report London, May 'lB A French communique says the enemy violently bombarded California Plateau in Chemin des Dames. Several attacks at the north-eastern end of the plateau were repulsed, after the liveliest of grenade fighting. We maintained ail positions. There was a somewhat intense artillery struggle at night in the regions of Mont Corniilet and Monthaut in Champagne.

Rotten Luck " London, May 16 Captain Clive DurdeD, of the Australian Medical Ssraioe, died of injuries due to being run overby a train at Victoria Station. It was stated at the inquest that the deceased remarked after the accident, “ Isn’t it rotten luck after months in France, that this silly thing should happen ? I fainted because 1 felt weak and ill. A verdict of accident death was returned.

A Police Raid (Received May 21, at 9.10 a.m.) London May 20 The police and military raided the East End gambling houses seeking military shirkers and absentees. There were several free fights, and 300, including many aliens, were taken to the police station. * Admirals Promoted. London, May 20 Vice-Admiral Stardee has been promoted Admiral, aod De Robeck a Vicß-Admirah Excess Duties London, May 20 The Finance Bill provides in regard to colonial excess profits duties, that where the duties are chargeable in both countries, only the higher duties shall be made. New Merchantmen London, May 20 In the Lords, Lord Lytton stated that some standardised merchantmen would be ready in July". German Politics. Berne, May 20 Erzeberger, speaking at Dasseldorf, said the Obutre Party will cever agree to the introduction of the Parliamentary system in Get many. It was undesirable that the Reichstag should control the Chancellor and Ministers, make treaties and alliances, and control the declaration of war. These mast be left in the hands of the Emperor and Bundesroth. There was no need for Germany to ape democratic countries. Finding the Truth. Berne, May 20 Count Reventlow, in an article, says s that unless Germany obtains indemnities, all the w*r loan guarantees "are illusory and it will be impossible for Germany to pay the enormous costa of the war.