THE WAR.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 55, 3 November 1915, Page 7

THE WAR.

GENERAL ITEMS. CJMHSD PeESH ASBOOIATIOH. London, November I. The limes' naval correspondent, describing .1 visit to the Grand Fleet, says it is in instant readiness. It is positively true that there is no part or the .North Soa but what is constantly swept, and no German vessel of any size or importance has been outside the minefields since January 21. The Daily Mail says that General J off re cut red tape, and came to London because he wanted to know exactly our intentions in Serbia. He performed » difficult task in extracting a definite statement from Cabinet, and his very plain remarks came as a shock to Downing Street, but proved an invaluablo tonic.

The Times, in a leader on General Joffre's visit, says it gives promise of closer co-ordination between the Anglo-French armies. We have arrived at a definite understanding about the Balkans. The Anglo-French Governments are in full accordance on the main principles of a joint policy and concerted measures, and of the necessity for giving rapid and direct help to Serbia. A correspondent at Venice says that the art treasures are elaborately safeguarded from air raids. Famous churches are covered with sandbags and masonry, and the Palace of the Doges resembles a fortress. One hotel is open, but the others' have been turned into hospitals.

Mr llunciman, interviewed at .New York, emphatically denied the criticisms of a section of the American Press that England is nearly bankrupt, and that labor was adverse to the war. He said it wa shard to find "statements further from the truth. There was the fewest possible labor troubles now than for twenty years past, and the Laborites were co-oper-ating whole-heartedly. London was still the free gold market of the world, and the Empire was prepared to meet all liabilities on a free gold basis'. Germany was refusing to pay notes in gold, and was otherwise at a financial standstill, absorbing her national wealth by war loans. Athens, November 1. Constantinople reports that the first division of Turkish reserves has been removed from the Dardanelles to Thraein.

It is stated that a German steamer, coal laden, iu haste to enter the Golden Horn to escape a British submarine, collided with and completely destroyed the Babata bridge. Rotterdam,, November 2. A reign of terror exists iu Belgium. There is an endless series of executions imprisonments, and lines. There is great anxiety a B to the fate of Count Hemtirme, .sentenced to death at Ghent, and it is feared that he has already been shot. Half the population of Malines are destitute. Copenhagen, November 1. Herr Winning, general secretary of the German Socialist Party, in an article that was prohibited in Germany, stated that the food situation is so grave that it i s no less a human than a national duty to speak out. whatever impression may be created in enemy countries. If something is not done immediately it will be impossible to prevent catastrophes. London, November 1. A Times' correspondent at Paris states that M. Briand declares emphatically that the change in Ministry is no sign of a change in policy, which, summed up in a word, is "Victory," adding, "La paix par la victoire" (peace by victory)must be the motto of the French Ministry. By peace he meant the restoration of the right of every country to lead its own life, to cultivate its own civilisation, and not to infringe a neighbour's rights. By victory he meant the crushing of German militarism. Paris, November 2. In connection with the AH Saints' Hay pilgrimages to soldiers' graves,

two hundred thousand people visited the Parisian cemeteries .yesterday, and larger crowds to-day. Special attention was given to British graves, many of which were completely hidden by flowers. M. Briand bent messages to' the Allies' Foreign Ministers, and similarly Sir B. Grey and all of them replied reaffirming unity of purpose and the 'determination to win. | Signer Sulandra was especially tordial, and said that Italy was proud t<> 'share in the light for the world's liberty, and to co-operate with Fiance in defending Latin civilisation. Petrograd, November 2. Unexpected results have arisen from the prohibition of Vodka. A majority of the peasants are at a loss to know how to spend their tinio and superfluous cash, and there have been cases jof suicide owing to the empty lustreless life. Teetotallers are fully alive to the danger of providing libraries, lectures, and cinemas, but otherwise tho reform is entirely satisfactory. The villagers are rolling in money and food, and are purchasing largely dairying and farming utensils.