America.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 15, 21 December 1915, Page 5

America.

THE AUSTRIAN SITUATION. "EXTREME SERIOUSNESS.” United Pbebs Association. (Received 8.15 a.m.) New York, December 20. The Herald states that there is evidence from every word and action of the State Department that the situation in relation to Austria is one of extreme seriousness. Press statements are to the effect that practically every Austrian diplomatic agent in the United States had been discredited and involved in the alleged plots. STORY OF ARMENIANS IN DIS-

TRESS.

(Received 8.15 a.m.) New York, December 20. j The pastor of the Armenian Church at Zeitoun gives a thrilling account 'of the escape of the Armenians during September. When banished from the villages they fled to the heights at 'Mousadagb. The refugees consisted of 2000 women and girls, 427 babies, 628 young boys and 1054 men, half of the latter being armed with old-fashioned [rifles. Trenches were constructed, together with rgmparts among the ’rocks. The Turks were well armejd 'and crept within four hundred yards [of the Armenians, who, during the night time sortied and attacked the 'enemy with the courage of despau. 'The 'Turks were surprised and retreated. Later, fifteen thousand resumed the seige. and the Armenians rolled boulders down the mountain’s _side, disastrously for the Turks. Mbusadagh descents precipitately to the sea on one side, anti hoisting an immense flag bearing the words “Christians in distress! Rescue!” they anxiouslj watched for the passing of a vessel. After warding off the Turks for fiftythree days, the warship Guichen saw the signal and wirelessed further ships, and all the Armenians were resjcued.

New York, December 20

Although he is honeymooning, President Wilson is! keeping in touch with Mr Lansing by telegraph and wireless regarding the Austrian Note.

ENEMY v PLOTS ’ UNEARTHED. CONFESSION OF A SUSPECT. • .$( I 4* 1 1 £ ' T . (Received 12.25 p.m.) New York, December 20. Frederick Metzler, a pro-German spspect, who was afrested in connection with the anti-Ally plots, confessed Koenig, a director of the HamburgAmerika line, managed an agency for fomenting schemes to destroy munition works. Twenty-five men were employed, all reporting to Captain von Papen. Metzler declared that George Fuches, a German agent, was dippatched by Koenijg to destroy the Welland Canal in Canada, but the plot was discovered in time.