In the West.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 10, 13 January 1915, Page 5

In the West.

THE MERCIER SENSATION. , United Tress Association j Amsterdam, January 12. ( The Telegraaf says a German proclamation threatens severe punishment of anyone in possession of a copy of Cardinal Mercier’s pastoral. CARDINAL MERCIER DETAINED IN THE PALACE. j POPE’S DEMAND FOR REPARATION. (Received 8.45 a.m.) Rome, January 12. The Tribuna states that Cardinal Mercier is not imprisoned, but is detained in the Palace at Malines by soldiers. The Pope has asked Germany for reparation in the case, and also for confiscating the pastoral. KING ALBERT’S MESSAGE TO THE POPE. “IMPRESCRIPTIBLE RIGHTS OF A JUST CAUSE.” (Received 9 a.m.) Havre, January 12. King Albert has sent a message to the Pope expressing admiration of Cardinal Mercier’s courage in not fearing to proclaim the truth and affirm the imprescriptible rights of a just cause according to the universal conscience.

PRIESTS LOYAL TO THEIR CARDINAL.

(Received 10.5 a.m.) Amsterdam, January 12. Catholic organs state that many priests in the Malines diocese refused to obey the German interdict on Cardinal Mercier’s pastoral, declaring that they would obey Mercier alone.

THE BRILLIANT FRENCH. ATTACK ON REINFORCEMENTS. Paris, January 12. Prior to the capture of Perthes, a brilliant attack was made on German reinforcements coming from Grand Pro to prepare fresh positions behind whore the Germans were being heavily pressed. A battalion of Alpine Chasseurs and a mountain battery stumbled on the enemy’s outposts, who were bayonetted or captured without a shot, and the march continued on the enemy’s encampment in a hollow. Searchlights, were turned on the unsuspecting Germans, and the Chasseurs fcharged with the bayonet. A lucky shot from a French gun fell on the German batteries, and blew up a quantity of ammunition and discomfited the enemy, who were considerably superior. The French withdrew and,regained their lines.

THRILLING AIRWORK. TWO BELGIANS V. SEVEN GERMANS. BATTLE LASTS FOR 45 MINUTES. Dunkirk, January 12. After the Germans dropped bombs, two Belgian airmen attacked seven German aeroplanes. A thrilling encounter ensued. The Belgians rose to a height ot 7000 feet, and outmanoeuvred the enemy. They used mitrailleuses against them. The battle lasted for 45 minutes. Five of the Germans tied, but the others rose until the final phases were being fought at an altitude of 9000 feet. Suddenly one of the Gormans crashed to the earth and was killed, and the seventh lied in the direction of Calais, where they dropped bombs without doing damage. Aircraft drove them off.

FRENCH PROGRESS REPORT. (Received 9.20 a.m.) Pans, January 12. A communique states: There has been violent cannonading from the sea to the Uise, ana very lively ngnting round tne treuenes uortn o t boissous which wo captured on rnuay. uu Sunday several German attacks were repulsed, and we captured moie trendies. There nave ueen artillery duels it'oiii boissous to Rheims ana also at do Liam, xnere wms a desperate struggle at a redoubt at ueausejour. Tne uatjmy established a trench inside the lortiacatious oi a men we still uoid the salient ,aud the struggle continues. Wo repulsed German attacks on Cousenvoyo and the lac jjoucuol wood.-), which are on tne nieuoe liciguts. we surprised and routed a German company pillaging bt. hauteur, near enrey sur Vesouzo. bnowstorms contn.ue m tne Vosges in Alsace.

APPRECIATION OF THE BRITISH. 'I'IMKV AND OYONEY OUN biSKVIOJUS. (Received 8.1) a.m.) Paris, January 12. The reports of Lord Haldane’s declaration of the Government attitude on the obligatory service lias caused the greatest satisfaction, indicating that Britain is resolved to light to the last man. The French all recognised the loyalty of the British efforts, but few apreciate their effectiveness. It is widely believed only 100,000 British are fighting. p ESCAPED BRITISHER’S TALE OF GERMAN TREATMENT. (Received 0 a.m.) Loudon, January 12, Major C. B. Vandolur, of the Calndians, who escaped from the prisoners’

camp in Germany, states that while not complaining of the food or accorn- ' modation, British officers were subject to the grossest insults and humiliations at the hands of their captors. THE IMPORTANCE OF PERTHES. | (Received 9 a.m.) Paris, January 12.

The proximity of Perthes to the Bazaucourt-Apremont railway renders its capture important, as it endangers the German supply lines between Rheims and Verdun. I GERMAN FORCES CONCENTRATE IN LORRAINE. Amsterdam, January 12. (Received 10.5 a.m. ) | Strong German forces have been concentrated at Spincourt and Briey, and it is estimated that 12,000 are concentrated at Metz.