In the West.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 5, 6 May 1915, Page 7

In the West.

THE RECENT GERMAN SUCj CESSES. Unttftv Phtos A*«orx*TTfm. (Received 9 a.in.) Loudon, May o. Military critics opine that the Oilman assertions oi successes in the east and west are intended to influence Italy at a critical moment. GERMAN FINANCE. I (Received 9 a.m. London, May 5. I Mr Lloyd George, in his Budget speech, declared that Germany’s methods oi financing the war hy issuing 'paper-selling securities would be fatal in the long run. The Evening Standard states .that the German note circulation is only half covered hy coin and bullion. Ihe value of hundred marks has fallen to eighty-five, and even touched seventyheight in Holland. Many Danish banks are refusing them altogether. I GERMANS GRIMLY FIGHT ON. Times and Sydney Sun Service. (Received 8.0 a.m.) London, May 5. A correspondent in the north of France reports that despite appalling losses, the Germans have not relinquished the offensive, but are grimly struggling for possesion ol the Calais road. OFFICIAL NEWS. HIGH COMMISSIONER REPORTS. Per Press 'Association. Wellington, May 3. The High Commissioner reports, under date London, May ■(, 4 a.m.; West of Niemen on Sunday fighting continued along the upper course of the river to Szeszuppe. On Saturday evening a German battalion attacked the village of Bosnia, near Osowiec, and were dispersed by the fire ol the fortress. At the Bznra important skirmishes took place at the rear of the village of Nestrezewik. In Galicia, beginning on Saturday evening, a battle characterised by the greatest desperation was developing on a front from the lower Neida to the Carpath- I ians in the region of GladychefL On the left hank of the Vistula during Saturday night the enemy delivered a series of attacks, but were repulsed. In the region of .Tarnow and southwards the artillery fire was most violent and there were isolated desperate engagements. In the direction of Strvj and south-east of Holowieeko the Russians captured Mount Matnvka, taking 500 prisonrs. including 10 officers. On the Dneistor, on Saturday, near Zalesezin, the enemy made two barren attempts.

Berlin claims to have penetrated tlie Russian front at numerous points in Galicia and to have pushed ' back the Russians, hut the statement is unconfirmed.

Germany admits that .she lost 12.000 men in the Vpres fight. Sir John French states that a German attack on Hill 60 on Saturday was repulsed, and night attacks on Sunday and Monday wore also repulsed, There are indications that the enemy is preparing another effort in Flanders. Heavy reinforcements are arriving, including artillery and

cavalry. The enemy is still using poisonous gases preceding attacks.

The Russian fleet bombarded the Bosphorus forts. The British disembarkation continues at two points, and the Allies have destroyed all the forts protecting Maidos. Turkey is calling all additional men to the colors and there is great concentration of troops and guns at Keshan, north of the Gulf of Sams.

The High Commissioner reports, under date London, May 5, 12.35 a.in. ; Sir John French reports readjustment of the ground duo teethe unexpected use of asphyxiating gases. The enemy successfully completed a new line running west of Zonnebeke. Paris reports that in the Champagne district, near Beausejour, three successive German attacks were repulsed with heavy losses. In the Khos and Oilman region of western Persia the Russians, after three days’ fighting, completely defeated the Turks, who left upwards of 3500 dead on the battle-field. Pursuit of the enemy continues. MICELLANEOUS. Paris, May 5. Official: Our progress continues in toho region of Streenstraate. Three success German attacks near Beausejour were repulsed with heavy loss to ethe enemy. We advanced on Baga-

telle and found numerous German dead.

Unless the Gormans relinquish the use of gas, the French will retaliate with hand grenades containing chemicals which will paralyse the men in several minutes. Journalists witnessed the 1 tests of thi' new invention.

The German attack on the French at Steenstrate on Sunday was preceded by gas under cover of dense yellow vapor. The Germans advanced, but the wind dispersed the fumes and left the enemy exposed to fifteen machineguns. which mowed down the first ranks like wheat. The advance was arrested and the enemy broke and fled. Shrapnel, machine-guns and rifles did terrible execution. As they ran the Germans left two thousand dead and dying in the field. London, May 5. Sir John. French reports that the loss of ground resulting from the use of gas last week necessitated a readjustment of the line in front of Ypros. This was successfully completed on Monday night. The new line runs to j the west. A Canadian soldier who was at Ypros states that all his comrades were intensely strung as the Germans approached. When the chance came they used their rifles anyhow, as clubs or bayonets. On the St. Julicn road there was a scene of confusion with dead and dying horses. The Canadians fought bitterly as, they t -retired along the road.

Xear by was a battery, believed to be that of the 10th Montreals, firing into tlie advancing Germans' at a range of 150 yards. The -shrapnel simply drove holes into the closely formed ranks. Hundreds of Germans were going down every round.

The Star declares that the Canadian recording officer is a new brand or “Eyewitness,” and regrets that the gallant British regiments were not blessed with such chroniclers in the days of Mons and Le Gateau. The story of this fiercer furnace not only breathes of the regiments which fought and died, but proclaims the names of the colonels and majors who died like a Hereward did, in a ring of foes. When will their glory fade? Not so long as a patch of British earth is trodden by British feet. The Canadians. won a more immortal glory. There is no soothing syrup in the Canadian story, no “piffle” and puerile optimism, no glossing over of dark and desperate agony, in which the Canadian courage stock like a rook of granite. Amsterdam, May 5. The Telegraaf says the bombardment of Ypres latterly has been terrible. The inhabitants have shown the greatest courage but many are now departing.