AMERICAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 March 1923, Page 2

AMERICAN ITEMS.

AUtHT.AI.IAN AM) N.Z. CAIII.IS ASSOCIATION. TIfANS-POl.Alf FLIGHT. XKW YORK. March ILL The “New York Times" correspondent at Nome, in Alaska, says: Captain Amundsen has announced that, lie will start his aeroplane (light from Waittwriglit, on the north coast of Alaska, across the North Pole, to Spitzhergen, on .lime ‘2oth., or as near thereafter as the weatlu r permits. Since the exact moment to hop off is yet undetermined, an extensive bonfire signal system will he arranged, by which the Mart will he flashed to Spitzhergen: ami extraordinary provisions for rescue, in the event of disaster, will he made as tar norili a-, possible. POLITICAL Pi, ISONKUS. XKW YORK. March 11. Senator Rorah. in a stirring speech, asking an amnesty far political prisoners. declared that the I'nited Statewas the only country in the world which i< still holding incarcerated men. whose only oll'eiice was to speak or write against the i'nited States’ participation in the war. lie pointed out that the espionage law had been long repealed, hnt 53 men were still in the federal prisoners for violating it. not In acts of violence, hut by expressions of dissension. The speaker also attacked anv law which at any time prevented freedom of speech or criticism of a Government.

f.S.A. NAVY. XKW YORK. March 12. Tile “World’s" Washington correspondent says:—The L.R.A. Na\v Department will ask Congress lor an appropriation for the construction of six and possibly eight, last: cruisers of ten thousand tons each, carrying 8-inch irons: also for three mine-laying and tlnee scout submarines of 2-iOO tons, in order to round out the Navy, under the 5-5-3 treaty ratio. Major Roosevelt declares that although the Naval General Bond has stressed the necessity for sixteen such cruisers, and twelve each of these subniarins, in order to give the 1 nited States a parity in auxiliary craft which Britain and Japan, the Navy Department would only ask an appropriation for a small part of this programme at next Congress.