Great Britain

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 93, 22 April 1915, Page 5

Great Britain

A CANARD WITH A PURPOSE. Times and Sydney Sun Service. (Received 8.0 a.m.) London, April 21. Wolffs’ Agency announce that Sir Edward L rev spent several days at The Hague and is now at Copenhagen. The canard is intended to induce the Germans to believe that Sir Edward (trey is secretly negotiating with Neutrals for peace. WAR’S SOCIAL PROBLEM. Times and Sydney Sun Service. (Received 8.0 a.m.) London. April 21. The Times’ legal correspondent urges the framing of legislation providing lor allowances to the children of unmarried mothers, especially of the refugees who experienced the unspeakable ordeal of German brutality, and that the account bo subsequently presented to Germany. SPEECH BY THE PREMIER. ADVICE TO MUNITION-WORKERS. THE NEED FOR HOME PATRIOTISM. United Pbum • Apkooiattott London, April 21. Ur Asquith addressed five thousand munition makers at the Palace rlheatre, Newcastle, and was given an enthusiastic reception. Ho said he desired to speak through them to the workmen of the whole of the North East Coast. In no area of the British Empire, not even in Flanders and Franco, were our national fortunes more intimately bound up with the energies and patriotism of those who were now called to render their best services to the States. There was not the least ground or apology for a panic. We were now in the ninth month of the war, the most momentous in the world’s history. The material forces arrayed were of unexampled extent, but vast as they were, they were not disproportionate to the moral issues involved. Continuing, Mr Asquith said that, foreseeing that this war had worldshaking possibilities, the Government did its utmost to prevent its outbreak and narrow its dimensions when certain that wo were confronted by an insensate ambition of a nature calculated on designs of power which set the public law of Europe at defiance and menaced the free development of all that was hopeful and progressive in its constituent States. This country realised the magnitude and gravity of the part which the people of our islands and the Empire were called upon to play. There were no signs in any quarter of the King’s dominions of a flagging in the national spirit. The demand for men and material was so vast that it might be said the whole nation was partaking in the war. In the coal trade 217,000 miners had enlisted—a splendid record. This caused an influx of 70,000 from other trades, who stepped into the gap, hut the diminution in the coal output amounted to twelve per cent, of the normal, while the demand due to the war had arisen above the normal. He urged the utmost effort being put forth on the part of the remaining miners, whose services would be as fruitful to the country as if they were in the trenches. Sacrifices were called for from employer, worker, and taxpayer alike. He believed that all were willing to contribute to the burden of the war. The sacrifices required were limitation of profits, temporary suspension of restrictive rules, and provision for reasonable compensation in cases of injury or loss.

Mr Asquith, continuing, said no man was wortny of the name of a Britisher who was not taking part. There were very few houses not spontaneously coiitnoutiug their best manhood to the army and navy. “We have obtained the huest and largest body of men who have ever followed the colors. 11ns spirit of self-sacrifice has enabled us to make the casualties good. Tiie same spirit is required in other important departments of the war. This is a war not only of men, but of material, ihe miner, the shipbuilder, the engineer, the*iron and textile worker, the railwayman, and the docker are called on to maintain the supply of munitions without compulsion, enough, if necessary, compulsion will be resorted to. I’he Government wish to avoid compulsion, but there must be a mutuality m sacrifice between masters, men, and taxpayers.”

Mr Asquith went on to say he was not there to impute remissness. Ho ciui not believe there was nay army or navv which had ever entered a campaign better maintained or equipped. There was not a word of truth in the statement published that our work was being crippled by lack of ammunition. Ifjtrce it would discourage our Allies and encourage our enemies. It was untrue that there had been a general slackness on the part of the employers and workmen. The situation was due to the unprecedented scale ol the .ammunition expended on both sides, the shortage of skilled labor, the multiplication of plant and machinery, and the success of recruiting. .Mr Asquith continued: “As to profit, all were agreed that those supplying munitions would not he entitled to undue profit. Trades unions might he sure that they would not bo prejudicing their interests by temporarily waiving or suspending the rules. He wanted to make it clear that firms suffering by the transfer of labor, or their inability to carry out civil contracts, should receive prompt and adequate compensation. The first deficiicncy to he made good was the skilled labor for munition factories, and the next to utilise the works devoted to other purposes for the manufacture of munitions. He reminded them ol

their promise Unit master and man “would deliver the goods." That was all the Government asked. Those remaining at home and supplying the country’s needs might show their heroism and he as patriotic as those hazarding their lives in the tiring line. EXPLOSION AT WOOLWICH ARSENAL. (Received S) a.m.) •London, April 21. An explosion occurred at Woolwich Arsenal, the cause being unknown. Three persons- were seriously injured. THE SINGAPORE RIOTS. (Received 10.30 a.m.) London, April 21. Mr Hareourt (Colonial Secretary), in the House of Commons, stated that jthirty-live British subjects were killed at the; Singapore riots. [colonial institute luncheon “A MATTER OF NECESSITY." SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S AGENTGENERAL. (Received 9 a.m.) London, April 21. Karl Grey presided at a luncheon given under the auspices of the Colonial Institute, when there, were present •, The Hon. W. F. Young (AgentGeneral for South Australia), Sir George Reid (Commonwealth High Commissioner), .Messrs Morison and Jenkins and many business men and hankers. The Hon. -Air Young said the war fund of Smith Australia was in an exceedingly strong financial position. They had over forty millions in gold, and had been able, despite the drought, and the disturbance in the wool, lead, and zinc markets, to continue the normal development ol their resources. South Australia’s exportation of primary products made her position easier than the British manufacturers, who would have to fight the battle of commerce in the world’s dislocated markets long after peace. He welcomed the Hon. Mr Harcourt’s promise to consult the Dominions regarding a peace in the Empire. They were hound to give Germany a hiding, not in a spirit of vindictiveness, but as a matter of necessity. Lord Islington (ex-Governor of New Zealand) on behalf of the Government, welcomed Mr Young as Agent-General for South Australia. MISCELLANEOUS. ..London, April 21. Barber, a Victoria Cross hero, was killed in. action a few days ago, after receiving the honor. Owing to the difficulty of finding transport to The Hague, the Home Office refused passports to 180 English delegates to the Women’s Congress, but finally granted twenty-four permits. The Home Office also considered it undesirable to hold a political meeting so close to the seat of war.

Treasury bills at the fixed rate to the extent of 9.J- millions have been purchased for the week. The Evening News’ correspondent personally interviewed Panasuk at Potrograd, who was tortured by the Germans, a nurse exposing a mutilated ear to show the extent of savagery. His nose was also twisted by a blow from an officer’s fist. Professor Arnold Meyer, in a pamphlet, says: “If England did not wish a world-war, why didn’t she prevent it? She lacked a deep sense of her responsibility, followed by a policy of gigantic frivolity.”

The German general staff has issued a document at both theatres giving the hours of sunshine and moonshine at Paris, Warsaw, and London so as to help airmen in the event of early bombardments or occupation.