GERMAN NAVAL MUTINY

Hokitika Guardian, 15 October 1917, Page 2

GERMAN NAVAL MUTINY

AMERICAN OPINION. WASHINGTON, Oct. 12. It is believed that the mutiny in the German Navy was more serious than was announced. It indicates that the morale is cracking under the strain of tho U. boat’s failure, and the nonrealisation of Admiral von Tirpitz’a boast*. The Kaiser will now hesitate to send out his fleet. His recent grandiloq.uent praises of the naval men will seem ironical. Some officials believe Admiral von Capelle’s reference to Russian Revolutionary ideas is an intimation that President Wilson has driven a wedge distinguishing between Kaiserism and the German people. NEW YORK, Oct 12. The Volks Zeitung which was recently deprived of mailing privileges joyfully hails the mutiny as the first gleaning of the approaching dawn, uplighting the international sky. It predicts a further, and more important revolt. X

GERMAN CRISIS. AMSTERDAM, Oct. 13. ~ The German crisis continues in full blast. The newspapers are demanding Michaelis’s resignation. Admiral von Capelle is evidently offered as a scapegoat. It is announced that he gave the Reichstag manj- more details of the mutiny than Michaelis intended or approved. Liberal Socialist newspapers, however, are not satisfied with von Capelle’a resignation, hut reiterate that Michaelis must go. THE GERMAN MUTINY. / HOW THE TROUBLE STARTED. TAUSTRALIAN A N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] LONDON, October 12.

A cable oommuniqatiion from the

[Daily Chronicle's Amsterdam . correspondent says the German Fleet trouble began when the crews of several vessels showed a nervous tension traceable to reservists’s agitation. It started aboard the Westfalen «tuu spread to other vessels. One of the Westfalen’s crew refused to obey an order and was arrested A deputation demanded his release, and declared that several battleships’ crews had formed sailors’ council’s on the lines of the Russian Soldiers and Workmen’s Councils. The men refused to obey the captain, locked him up and took possession of the ship. A strong mißtarv force came aboard, and the 1 mutineers surrendered. Investigation showed that three hundred were involved. Thirty were sentenced to death, and three executed. The lax-cer revealed secrets of the plot, while Admiral Capelle only revealed unimportant details

A similar incident on another battleship took place at sea. The sailors seized the ship, but were prevented from making a neutral port Accompanying warships threatened to fire unless ahe returned with them. Two men concerned were shot. Prompt notion was taken <m other ship#. Several battleships lay at' Wilhelmshaven without erkw?-.. JR SATI//RS DECLINE RERVTOE.fi r.ONDO, Oct. 13. It is reliably learned that'there is a strong and growing disinclination -by the Gorman seamen to service in submarines. Rovornl Germans were reon tly shot for refusing service. The shootings are quite apart from the mutjiny at Wilhelmshavon occurring prior thereto. VON capelle RESIGNS. AMSTERDAM, Oct. 13. Admiral Von Capell* has resigned.