Great Britain

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 38, 16 February 1915, Page 5

Great Britain

Allies Silver Cannon-ball. ENORMOUS EXPENDITURE. MILLION, MERE BAGATELLE BRITAIN STANDS THE BRUNT. FRANCE AND RUSSIA DOING THEIR SHARE. (Received 12.33 p.m.) London, February 15. Mr Lloyd George, in the House of Commons, said the Allies expenditure to the end of 1915 -would he two thousand millions. Britain would probably spend 100 to 150 millions move than France or Russia, but France bore the greatest strain proportional to her resources. Britain would be able to finance the war for five years out of the proceeds of her investments abroad, and / France for about 21, yeaiS, with something to spare. Russia, though prodigonsly rich in resources, was a borrowing country; therefore Britain and France had given guarantees to help to prosecute the war.

DURATION OF THE WAR.

OPTIMISM PREVAILING IN ENC'

LAND. (Received 9.5 a.m.) London, February 15

A wave of optimism is spreading over England regarding the duration of the war. A few months ago the prevailing opinion was based on Lord Kitchener’s estimate of three years. Nowadays, all sections of the people speak of a finish by the autumn. The Daily Mail and Leader warns the people against optimism, and maintains that, far from there being a financial and economic collapse in Germany, Berlin is probably making a deliberate effort to readjust its ideas from a short to a long war. On the other hand, the big banking authorities hold that an economic war will inevitably follow the military war, and as our markets will in future be closed to Germany in favor of the trade of France, Belgium and Holland, this would mean to Germany an annual lo*ss of sixty-five million sterling. THE GERMAN BLOCKADE. ITS EFFICACY DOUBTED IN BRITAIN AND AMERICA. GERMANY SAYS IT IS NO BLUFF. (Reeeiyed 9.5 a.m.) London, February 15. Copenhagen reports that the British and American disbelief in the efficacy of the blockade of British coasts greatly angered Germany. The word “bluff,” as applied to the blockade threat, particularly annoys the German Admiralty. Herr Enzeberger, a member of the Reichstag, has written to the Press, in which he says that the blockade threat is no bluff. The Admiralty and Mercantile Marine is confident the blockade will he made fully successful. However, it is not desired to antagonise neutrals, and no obstacles would be placed in the way of grain transports to the Belgian population

to tlio devastated districts of Poland, oi- in the way of copper shipments to Sweden. INDIA’S VICEROY VISITS PERSIA United Press Association. (Received 9.20 a.m.) Delhi, February 15. From the Persian Gulf, it is understood the visit was a great success. It enabled Viceroy Hardinge to gauge the situation and obtain local knowledge which will prove extremely useful in dealing with the numerous military problems which must come up for consideration'. The visit inspired confidence in well-disposed inhabitants, and at the same time afforded the Viceroy a chance of personally congratulating the troops of Shatelawah and Muscat on their gallantry and efficiency, and the commanders on their conduct of operations. MISCELLANEOUS.

Times and Sydney Sun Service London, February 15

Many wealthy women in Edinburgh are offering to replace the tramguards, giving the wages to soldiers’ and sailors’ wives. . United Press Association.

The casualty list of December 20th includes 4,09 of the Royal Irish miss-

The railwaymon’s agreement gives 3s weekly to employees receiving under 30s weekly, and 2s to those above. The Scottish companies, Great Northern, District, and Tubes Companies refused to agree, and the leaders of the raihvaymeu threaten trouble. There is a serious congestion of wool at the ports of London and Liverpool, the railway companies being unable to deliver at Bradford where the manufacturers are sending their own waggons and men to the station to collect wool and prevent the idling of their machines.

(Received 10.5 a.m.) London, February 15

All tbe railway companies except the Scottish have agreed to increase wages.