ITALIAN CRISIS

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 212, 22 May 1915, Page 5

ITALIAN CRISIS

WAR* DEFINITELY DECLARED ON THE SIDE OF THE ALLIES •————!■•* '-■..- ', -* v.yj % ... UNBOUNDED ENTHUSIASM THROUGHOUT ITALLY RUSSIA'S HEROIC STAND IN CARPATHIANS V IN THE DARDANELLES CALLIPOLI DAMAGED AND ENDANGERED

ITALY DECLARES WAR

A FUTILE HOPE. AUSTRIAN PRESS MODERATE. . VIENNA, May 21. The Press is moderate, clinging to the hope that war will yet be averted. IN THE CARPATHIANS. THE ENEMY'S IMMENSE LOSSES. ONE FOURTH TOTAL STRENGTH (Reed. 8,55 a.m) PETROGRAD, May 21 The enemy's losses in the Carpathians in three weeks, including forty thousand prisoners, is officially estimated at one fourth their total strength. Although th e enemy lost only twenty guns, several hundred were abandoned in the old lines. HIGH COMMISSIONER'S REPORT.. RUSSIANS HOLDING OUT. MANY SUCCESSES ACHIEVED. The High Commissioner reports under date London, May 21st, 11.50 a.m.

L SIDES WITH ALLIES, )Y- NEWS CONFIRMED 1 {Press Assn.— (Reed. 10.55 a.m.) MELBOURNE, This Day. In tlie House, Premier Andrew Fisher stated that he was- able to confirm the news that Italy had declared war, *nd jhad definitely ranged herself on the side of the Allies The announcement' was received vith cheers. ■/ -^^ t '& GERMAN-AUSTRO AMBASSADORS LEAVE THE VATICAN, V£y, (Reed. 8.55 a.m) ROME, May 21.. i A Royal Decree issued suspends dipldtoatic immunity for Austrian and German Ambassadors to the Vatican, vfhd leave to-morrow. ITALY UNANIMOUS. SOCIALISTS SUPPORT GOVERNMENT. (Reed. 10.20 a.m.) I ROME, May 21. » A Greek cargo of 2000 tons of ric«, destined for Germany, was seized. - At Naples prior to the vote, Socialist leaders declared they were not opposed to the Government because Italy was facing a defensive war. There is tumultuous .throughout Italy A new levy is being made in Trieste on all men between the ages of 17 and 60 on the pretext of removing everybody that was likely to assist the Italians Fifty thousand people in the vicinity of Pola have been forced to leave their homes and have been sent to concentration camps in Carniola and Croatia. Labourers are working day and night on fortifications in Trentino and large reinforcements are constantly arriving on the frontier.. The "Messagero," from Switzerland, advifcs that Switzerland is mobilising 400,000 men to safeguard her neutrality. '

On Tuesday a battls on the left bank of the Vistula, south of Pilitiza, and on the whole Galician front, continued constantly with increasing intensity. New German elements were revealed on this front for the first time. On the left of the Vistula, west of llja, Opatow, Koprivnica and in the region of the confluence of the San with the Vistula, as far as the environs of Misko, the Russians pressed the enemy successfully and prisoners were taken exceeding 4000. The great hostile forces which crossed the San after an obstinate fight, succeeded in spreading over the sector of Jaroslav, Pradawa and Seniawa in the region of Przemysl. At Jaroslav the Russians pressed the enemy somewhat on both banks of the San. There were detachments of enemy aeroplanes dropping bombs at Przemysl, against which place the enemy has attempted no other action. South of Przemysl the enemy attacks were conducted with particular intensity. In the sector of Lupknow and Iwessi at the River Strwiacz the enemy succeeded, at the cost ot enormous sacrifices, in capturing several Russian advanced trenches. On the front at B-rOjhobycz and Dolina, the Russians continued to repulse tremendous attacks, and to inflict immense losses on the enemy west of Kolomea Fighting on both banks of the Pruth on Tuesday night continued to Russian advantage. !In the Shavli region . the Russians continue to push the enemy back on a wide front, and have captured hundreds more prisoners. The enemy is offering very stubborn resistance at the village of Kurchany, where fighting continued on Wednesday.

An Austrian sailor was sentenced to death for firing at Admiral Hans and inciting his comrades to join the Italians. < V GERMANY GAINING TIME. m ITALY TEMPORISING. , ' . ; (Reed 9 a.m.) ROME, May 21. Bulow and Macchio are adopting a dilatory attitude in order to enable Germany and Austria to complete their military preparations. Italy, however, has decided to temporise. < < It is anticipated that after to-day's meeting of the Senate ratifies the Chamber's vote such measures 'will be adopted that Germany and Austria will be forced to ask for explanation. A NEW MOTTO. r ITALY." ' - feAISER RETURNS TO BERLIN : - (Recd.,10.20 a.m.) . : MK : : * c '*i :- BERLIN, May 21. Public-indignation iV increasing and tlie h»w motto with, newspapers .is '::"■ '''■>■■ - - : l'~-' ■ It i« announced.that the,Kaiser will return to Berlin, where he is expected to make an appeal to the nation, dejouncing Italy's alleged treachery

THE WEEK'S SHIPPING. TWO VESSELS SUNK. The High Commissioner reports, under date London, May 21st, 1.30 a.m. The arrivals and sailings of steamships in and from the United Kingdom for the week ended May 19th were 1438 Two merchant vessels sunk, of a gross tonnage of 8173 tons.- Fishing vessels lost, 4. THE KAISER'S ESCAPE. LONDON, May 21. Geneva reports that the Kaiser and staff -were -watching operations on the river, , San. when a ; shell hurst among the-Btaff's automobiles 509 yards away, destroying several, including the .Kalaer'a, wkcae chauffeur was killed. The Kaiser left the ear a few minutes previously .

AT THE DARDANELLES. VIOLENT BATTLE RAGING. ON--THE PENINSULA NECK. (Reed 0 a,m.) LONDON, May 21. Advices from the Dardanelles state that the Allies are engaged in a violent battle near the neck of the Peninsula, under the protection of the Queen Elizabeth's guns. The Goeben, iu the Sea of Marmora, supported the Turks. Another 500 prisoners were conveyed to Tenedos. ASIATIC TOWNS BOMBARDED. GALLIPOLI SERIOUSLY DAMAGED (Reed 9 a.m.) ATHENS, May 21. There was a lively bombardment of the Straits on Thursday. It was particularly driected on encampments on Asiatic Coast towns Gallipoli has been seriously damaged, ALLIES' SUCCESSES, (IN NORTH FRANCE. (Reed 9 a.m.) LONDON, May 21. The French Embassy in a communique says the Germans gained a foothold in the French trenches northward of Ypres and eastward of th e Yser Canal, but an immediate counter attack drove them back, enabling the French to occupy some ground beyond their original position. They also took 120 prisoners. i The British made some progress northward of La Bassee. THE SUPPLY OF MUNITIONS, I NEWSPAPERS' COMMENT. ON LORD KITCHENER (Reed. 8.50 a.m.) LONDON, May 21.

The Manchester "Guardian" 1 and other papers complain that Lord Kitchener is refusing to advis e the supply of explosive shells, he preferring shrapnel as a result of his Boer experience. THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT. LABOURITE IN THE MINISTRY. (Reed 9 a.m.) LONDON, May 21. Arthur Henderson (Labour) has accepted the portfolio of th e Local Government Board. AIRMAN'S LUCKY SHOT. (Reed 9 a.m.) DUNKIRK, May 21 A French airman destroyed a bridge ever the Scarpe at Donaai, stopping the traffic behind the German front THE DAY WILL COME. .•" " LONDON, May 21. In -'the House of Commons, Lord Lonsdale asked what action the Government was talcing in regard to the murder of British prisoners by Prince Ruppreeht of Bavaia. Sir Edward Grey said the successful prosecution of the war was the most effective action. ANOTHER ATTEMPTED OUTRAGE. NEW YORK, May 21. The oil tank steamer Cushing has arrived. The captain reports that a German aeroplane dropped three bombs in a deliberate attempt to sink the vessel in order to murder a member of the crew, GERMANS' POISONOUS GAS. BERNE, May 21. Travellers from Alsace declare that the Germans are installing pipe-lines connected with generating stations some distance behind the front to emit vast volumes of poisonous gas when the French advance. There is a similar arangement on the Austrian frontier, where the entire region is tunnelled and pipes laid. AUSTRIAN 21-INCH MORTARS. USED AGAINST RUSSIANS. PARIS, May 21. According to the Vossischc Zeitang, the Austrians used a new battery of 52 centimetre mortars at Tarnow. The first shot entirely destroyed a large tower at a distance of 11 miles. The shell weighs a quarter of a ton more than the German 17-inch mortar shells. NEW ZEALANDER KILLED AT YPRES. LONDON, May 21. Lieutenant Sayle, who served in the Sixth New Zealand Contingent in the South African war, was killed at Ypres. REPORTED'-.CAPTURE OF RIGA. • COPENHAGEN, May 21. There are Swedish rumours of a great naval battle between German and Russian vessels in connection with the German landing at Riga, also that the Germans have captured Riga,

THE ROLL OP HONOUR. THE LATEST CASUALTY LIST; The following report of casualties in. the New Zealand Casualty List .has beea received by the Government:—: KILLED IN ACTION. j HOWITZER BATTERY. i Sergt. J Allen DIED OF WOUNDS. AUCKLAND BATTALION. Private W, Carlton OTAGO BATTALION. Private H. V Petersen WELLINGTON BATTALION. Private A. Kewley Private J. McArthur WOUNDED. WELLINGTON BATTALION. of those who have been warned to be DANGEROUSLY ILL. AUCKLAND BATTALION. Bugler P. T. Stokes HEROIC RUSSIANS. GREAT LOSSES ON BOTH SIDES, PETROGRAD, May 21. The Russians at the San are main- i taining an heroic resistance under a terrible storm. The Germans are advancing in a packed, close phalanx of 15,000 men, upon whom the Russian artillery is inflicting heavy losses. The Germans are sweeping every yard with forty batteries, 'whereof half are guns of large calibre. The first three days of the battle of Dunajee entailed 60,000 German casualties and 26,008 Russian casualties. WARSHIPS IN GULF OF SMYRNA. CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE DONE ATHENS, May 21. The warships bombarded the encampments at Smyrna Gulf. A British destroyer bombarded, destroying the palace, barracks, and telegraphic apparatus at Karalonmont. The Turks fired at the destroyer, but did no harm. I DISCIPLINE BRITAIN. OTHER THINGS BEFORE CONSCRIPTION. LONDON,, May 21. Mr Craik asked would the Government apply a scheme for the disciplined organisation of the full resources of the. country, utilising each citizen in the public interest. Mr Lloyd George sail Its -wild lake every step necessary for the'effective organisation of the military and Indus trial resources. Mr. Tennant, replying, said ho was not authorised to announce a definite policy, but. promised to report to L.ird Kitchener the opinions expressed and see whether it was desirable to"inaugurate a policy of conscription. He honestly believed that the country vyjis reluctant to embark on conscription. —- ■ THE WESTERN CAMPAIGN. GENERAL SUCCESS REPORTED. . PARIS, May 21. Official: Sharp artillery duels occurred between Nieuport and Arras. Two German aviators were brought down, one by the British and the other by us. We progressed by mining operations at Beausejour as far as th.o enemy's trenches. We repulsed an attack on Bagatelle and carried further trenches at Bois d'Ailly. GERMANY AND AMERICA. ON DELICATE GROUND. LONDON, May 21. The American Embassy in Berlin has taken a 'census of Americans in Germany, and Mr. Gerard has warned Americans to leave immediately, if possible. Many are already preparing to leave. A SUFFRAGETTE LEADER. URGES THE' MOBILISATION OF ALL MEN AND WOMEN. (Reed 9 a.m.) LONDON, May 21. Mrs Pankhurst at a recruiting meeting at Hull, said she hoped th e Government would declare martial law and mobolise men and women in the country's service. GERMANY'S OBJECT. WILL NOT BE DELAYED. BY AMERICAN NOTE. (Reed 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, May 21.« The Neuve Correspondent' organ of the 1 Minister of the Interior, states that Germany's object is to deliver a death - stroke t<i England's trade, because she- seeks to starve fifty millions of women and children. Germany's oljaci will not b e forsaken because of tin 3 American Noter,

"LONG LIVE ITALY!'' UNBOUNDED ENTHUSIASM. SALANDRA APPEALS TO PATRIOTISM." ROME, May 21. Thousands assembled in the vicinity of the Chamber. Many businesses closed „and the Austro-German Embassies were strongly guarded. The Government has assumed control of all the railways, and suspended navigation in the northern Adriatic owing to the preseneo of numerous Austro-German submarines. Signor Salandra, in introducing the Bill to provide for national war, said Italy, prior to the war, out of lovo for peace, suffered every humiliation si Austria's hands. Aufitria violated the whole spirit of the Triplice Treaty, plunging the world into a terrible war. Her action was directly against Italian interests and destroyed the equilibrium which the Triplice was designed to maintain. The Government for many months had sought a compromise which would restore the Alliance's raisor. d'etre. Signor Salandra made a fervent Hud impassioned appeal to ..13 patriots and classes to recousile dissensions in the face of necessity surpassing all others, the greatness of Italy. He asked all to unite for the desired object. "Long live the King! Long live Italy!" There was a tremendous outburst of cheering. The Bill was carried by 367 to 54. The Socialists and a few Giolittians voted in the minority. The result is regarded as a sweeping Government victory. The Chamber adopted ilc Government Bill by 47 to 74. CONDUCT OF WAR THE GOVERNMENT CRITICISED (Reed 10.15 a.m.) LONDON, May 21. The Manchester "Guardian" states that the Liberals began the war well, but since there has been weakness and vacillation, particularly in handling the liquor question. The Government is blameworthy because it did not use manufacturing resources to the full. Leading business men ought to have been organsied long ago. Kitchener must remain atd the Cabinet re-organ-isation must result in an increase of military energy. Other critics of Lord Kitchener urge his remaining in office, but that he be relieved of producing munitions. The consensus of opinion is that Lord Fisher must remain at the Admiralty Members of th e Stock Exchange passed a resolution expressing entire confidence in Lord Kitchener. THE GERP/IAN CROWN PRINCE. FLAUNTS HIS PROFLIGACY. A FAMILY RUPTURE. . :"] i (Reed 10.15 a.m,) LONDON, May 21. The "Evening News" says that neu- ' trals from Berlin state that the Crown Prince's behaviour is causing general unpopularity. His movements are' not chronicled in the newspapers since March. Previously he was applauded daily. The Crown Prince in the early part of the campaign was associated with a Berlin danseuse, and one day he was snapshotted at a window with the woman sitting on his knee in j deshabille. Someone handed a copy to the Crown Princess, who immediately visited the Kaiser and complained of the flaunting of profiigating in public. The Kaiser implored her to defer rupture till the end of the war. The irate Princess refused, arid another report states that she left Berlin. The Kaiser's letter rebuking his son was received with disrespect. A REWARD RAISED. FOR NEWS OF SUBMARINES. IN THE MEDITERRANEAN. (Reed 9 a.m.) ATHENS, May 21. Newspapers announce that the British reward for information leading to the destruction of German submarines has been raised to £2OOO. SUBMARINE CREWS DECORATED. FOR SERVICE IN TURKEY SINKING TURKISH SHIP. The High Commisioner reports, under date noLdon, May 21st, 7.35 a.m. The Victoria Cross has been awarded to the Commander of Submarine El 5, and the Distinguished Service Cross to two other officers and the Distinguished Service medal to every member of the crew, for operations in the Dardanelles and the sinking of gunboats and transports.

BELGIAN ATBOCITIES* A . WHAT THE GERMAN SOLDIERS' The eleventh and twelfth report* «!• the Belgian Conimisieon of Inquiry; into the German atrocities sketch S» horrible picture of the usual precede?? of the invaders whea they entered •&■ Belgian town. "Whea an has fired on ft regiment," it quotes, from the saving of a soldier at Losvain, "the place belongs to the soldiers of the regiment." And murder, rape, and robbery follow, with incendiarism on top of all. "The soldiers," says the second ed the two reports, summing up the evi» denee so far submitted to it, "ecsameneo to fire shots in the streets re# on the dwellings, sometimes at ?sr--dom, sometimes against the unforinrates who seek to escape. They drive in the doors of the houses with iiij? butt ends of their inuskets, and then follows pillage, which begins generally by the absorption of the contents *>£ the cellars. On this last point the officers emulate the soldiers, and there is scarcely a room in the market tcw»-, whose door, after tho departure of thp invaders has not been found strews, with broken bottles. The soldiers laj> violent hands on everything of value*** jewels, silver, linen, clothing, bedding, money, bank-notes, and even title deeds. Clocks and pianos, work? of art, and furniture of value are piled av in waggons and vans for transport to Germany. Letters and note-books el the campaign that have been found vz> a prisoner have boasted of the booty of which hiß fellow-soldiers had possessed themselves. " SYSTEMATIC OUTRAGE. "It must bo noted that these opwrec-' tions were carried out systematically:, and by order. "After plunder follows incendiarism, whieh seems often to have for sts object the effaeement of traces of t£o depredations. It is kindled systems tl- . cally, street, by street, by the aid of: petrol pumps, grenades, and roeketE. The Germans shoot at any civilian*) who try to fight the fire, and, as act. Dinant, Herent, Lou vain, Liege. ac 3. Sempts, they thrust into tbe flame? a::j who attempt to escape from their burning roofs. At the same time, arbitrary arrests are carried out. They choose from amongst tho notables —bishops, burgomasters, sheriffs, parish pii-'sis teachers, etc. —hostages who mnt-1 answer with their lives, not alor.-.- for aggressions by force cf arni3 committheir fellow-citizens, but also for acts attributablo to the military. But the seizing of hostages dor-r; not stop the massacre of the residents : who have incurred the suspicion or aroused the anger of a. soldier. The women and children are. not spared. Those wis remain of tho male population, tlteix hands tied behind their backs, are rhhen by musket blows into a church or some other building, where thoy suiffer untold indignities. Finally they are hunted off like a herd of cattle, perhaps to act the part of a living shield at the head of a column exposed to the fire of the enemy. The women, when they are not expelled in a body, are left with their children in devastated dwellings, but exposed to the infamous outrages of which we have heard too often. Immediately order is re-estab-lished the first care of the ' military, authorities will be to gloss over, or rather to misrepresent, the incident, and they will invent a legend of an attack by the civilians.'" NO BELGIAN AGGRESSIONS. As to the assertions that the barbarities of the German troops were committed by way of reprisal, the commission explains the pains taken by the Belgian authorities everywhere thai the civic populace should not in airy way oppose the invaders. "It is possible," it adds, "that in spite of'these warnings and these counsels acts o.f resistance nacl even of armed aggressions happened in some quarters witiout preliminary planning. But the Commission of Inquiry, after minute examination, has not succeeded in discovering a single*case implicating direct participation to the hostiliti-JS which are attributed to the civil populace." The facts by whieh the commission 'r conclusions are supported "are testified to by worthy witnesses, who have seen for themselves, and have signed their evidence. As a number amongst them live in the regions still oeeu] ied by the invaders, it will be understood that we do not prematurely publisll their names. But we do not fear and even we appeal with all our desire - the appointment of an international com* mission, whieh will take up again cu;r inquiry on wider grounds, in offf; ::;£ to witnesses all guarantees for pfr;.: ■■::■ al safety. It will then be seen v.v.r. the Belgians have suffered for having wished to remain faithful to r:.:.-r pledges." '