In the West.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 7, 8 May 1915, Page 5

In the West.

POISONOUS CASES. NEW AND PREMEDITATED CRIME. Times and Sydney Sun Service. (Heceived 8 a.m.) London, May 7. The Press Bureau states: The Belgian Commission reports that the Germans used forinol, nitrous vapours, chloride (sulphurous and hydrate) and other undetermined gases. They appeared in a low-lying cloud, dark and greenish and turning yellow, and rising to a height of a hundred metres. The men were seized with vomiting, spitting blood, while their eyes and mouths were sore, and they were stricken with stupor. For upwards of three hours the Germans were experimenting with asphyxiation on dogs at Hasselt. Thousands of respirators have been provided. The prisoners informed the Commission that immense quantities of gas bombs were distributed in the trench front. The Commission thinks it is right they should lay before the world's conscience this new and premeditated crime. "MOST AWFUL FORM OF SCIENTIFIC TORTURE." (Received 8.20 a.m.) London, May 17. A correspondent who visited the gas victims found the patients propped up, with their faces, arms, and hands a shiny grey-black colour, their mouths open, and with lead-glazed eyes. All were swaying backwards and forwards, struggling for breath, presenting an appalling sight. Practically nothing can be done beyond giving emetics. The gas fills the lungs with watery, frothy matter, gradually increasing until the lungs are filled, and the victims die of suffocation in a day or two. Hundreds died in the trenches, and half those reaching the hospital succumb. Without doubt, it is the most awful form of scientific torture. THE CANADIANS" LOSS. (Received 8.40 a.m.) London, May 7. . The Canadian inister of Militia said he could find no cause for discouragement in the Canadians' heavy loss, and would point out that by the Germans' own admissions they lost 12,000 killed in the battle, of which the Canadians were probably their only opponents. FRENCH PROGRESS REPORT. (Received 9.10 a.m.) London, May 7. The French Embassy, in a communique, states: A German attack at Bagatelle completely failed. A violent artillery duel is taking place northwards of Ypres, in the neighbourhood of Yanquois. The official statement of the fortnight's operations declares that the German offensive in the western theatre, which was intended to impress neutrals, was completely broken and they endured sanguinary losses. The enemy's three new divisions at Des Espai'ges were literally decimated. Their losses in Belgium, Meuse, Woevre and the Vosges exceed 35,000. They nowhere captured any important positions. KILLED IN ACTION. (Received 9 .% a.m.) Loudon, May 7 R. W. Poulton, footbnliei, has been killed in action. BELGIAN RED CROSS SUPPRESS*-: D. USE OF ALCOHOL IN FRANCE. (Received 930 a.m.) Paris, May 7. , Von Hissing has suppressed the Belgian Red Cross, and confiscated its funds, because it refused to cooperate with the German authorities i» proposed social works in Belgium. The Petit Parisien says the. Government is introducing a Bill prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and transport of all forms of alcohol. EXPENSE OF THE WAR. United Puess Association. Paris, May 0\ M. Ribat, the Finance Minister of France, has drawn up a Hill raising the national debenture bond issue to 6,000,000,000 francs (£210,000,000). The Hill also seeks powers to issue bonds of 1.000,000,000 francs (£42.100,000). which have been discounted in England in payment of French purchases there under an arrangement with Mr Lloyd George. HICH COMMISSIONER'S REPORT. The High Commissioner reports from London. 7th May (1.45 p.m.): On Thursday evening the German attack at Bagatelle completely failed. On the remainder of the front, notably north-of Ypres and in the neighbourhood of Vanquois, there were violent 'artillery duels.