COMPULSORY SERVICE BILL

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 6, 8 January 1916, Page 5

COMPULSORY SERVICE BILL

! GREECE’S DILEMMA.

-NERVOUSNESS IN ATHENS,

ROME, Jan. 7,

There is great nervousness in Ath-I sns. The Hestia announces the name-* liate occupation of Corfu, Cephalonii. jEpirus, and Chios by the Eiweute. | *=— i RUSSIA’S BIG THRUMS®. ?

MACKENSEN’S HaVN'BS iFULL

TRYING TO STOP 'THU ’ROT,

LONDON, January 7. \

The situation on -the Swsrfh dan fron is of the utmost -military; ind political importance. The fall) 'df Jzernowitz, the capital -of "Buko-, vina province, has impressed the. vhole of the Balkans, 'psrtieularty' Roumania, and deprived the enemy -of in' railway, and menacing; ;hd Tine of Koloxnea.

• I* ■ ,- The Russians are rapidly Mlowhrg up-their success and are driving 'in-a, wedge. There are desperate Mtfles. on a- 200-mile front. Maeksnsen Ts I unable to think of Salonika while 3ve ; is fighting desperately to resist the! Russians.

Bucharest states that Russia is colossally pouring in troops, and the Czar is personally commanding. The 'Austro-Germans are flinging in reinforcements, withdrawing troops from the Balkans and Italy. RUSSIANS PROGRESSING*. • § The ’High Commissioner reports: LONDON, January 6. Betrograd • reports that north-east of Charnovitzi 'fighting continues. Over a thousand -of the enemy have been taken prisoners, and four machineguns* captured.

■URTHBR SUCCESSES REPORTED

fPETROGRAD, Jan. 7

A communique says: We occupied the cemetery -at Czartorysk, driving back the enemy -and making further progress. We -also established our Czernowitz. render czernowitz untenABLE. RAILWAY EFFECTUALLY BOMBED PETROGRAD, Januay 6. Advices show that Czernowitz was made untenable owing to the Russian successes. Austria admits that portion of Czernowitz has been evacuated. Russian airmen were daily bombing the town, and their successes deprived the enemy of the Czernowitz-Zaleszc-zyki railway, running northward from Czernowitz to the River Dniester. North-east of Czernowitz fighting continues, and over one thousand prisoners and four machine-guns were taken.

A Russian communique states that the Russians seized further positions in Bukowina .north-eastwards of Czer■nowitz. The enemy suffered heavy losses. ' ■ - THE ITALIAN FRONT. REPULSED AT (Reed. 8.45 turn.) ROME,. January 7. ' A communique states. Repeated atitempts to approach our lines at Tolmino bridgehead were speedily repulsed. The enemy artillery empiaeewere destroyed.

Massed its first readinc BY OVERWHELMING MAJORITY RUSSIAN SUCCESSES mmSSI rgumania profoundly impressed MACKEHBEN KEPT BUSY AUSTRO-GERMANB 1H GREECE f GREEKS EVIUGH PERTURBED

GERMANS <CLAIM If ALLURE j

OF ALLIED AIR ATTACK

THEY ADMIT WITHDRAWAL !'■ i 1 i ON RKSA-DWNSK FRONT. I * AMSTERDAM, January 6. t A Berlin'official message states: —■■■ \ “A French’-hand-grenade attack north. ■ of'Lamesnil was'easily repulsed. The' Rallied -artilleryTrave ’been uninterruptedly shelling Lens, north of Arras. An allied aerial attack at Douai "failed, and two British aeroplanes ■were shdtTJown. "On the Riga-Dvinsk front 'a German reconnoitring detachment with-di-rew'before a superior force.. '"At 'Volhynia The Germans dislodged -the 'defenders from -one advanced Hussian position.” IN 'CENTRAL AFRICA. i 'GERMAN ARMED STEAMER 'CAPTURED. ‘ The High 'Commissioner reports: \ LONDON, January o. The commander of the- naval expodi- ; tipn to Lake Tanganyika states that ■on December 20th the German armed | steamer Ivingani was attacked and i forced to surrender within ten miu- ■ utes. ATI the German officers were | killed, THE BARALONG INCIDENT. THE BLOT ON THE ’SCUTCHEON. NEW YORK, January 7. Newspapers comment that the British Note on the Baralong case does not deny the charges contained in the affidavits of Americans on board the Nicosian. They point out that the broad -hints contained in the German Note are apparently intended to convey a threat that Germany would consider the punishment of the alleged perpetrators by the British Government as a full excuse for the reprisals. The papers also publish a London message declaring that it is believed the next step is_ expected to take the form of shooting a number of British prisoners, officers and men, equalling the number of those lost on the submarine which the Baralong sank.

AT THE DARDANELLES. A TURKISH CLAIM. ■ , ATHENS, Jan. 7. Triumphant communiques from Constantinople declare that the enemy had been driven into the sea and >lie Sultan congratulated Yon Sanders, SUVLA BAY. A PERTINENT QUESTION. LONDON. January 7. The Timgs comments on the paralysis which overtook the Government after the refusal of Sir lan Hamilton ’s request for more men. The. actual abandonment was delayed four months, giving point to Sir Edward Carson's declaration that the Government couM not make up their minds. The Suvla lauding was in many respects deplorable, but, when everybody else has been amply and deservedly blamed, the llnal question will be: “'Why did Sir lan Hamilton, who was on the spot, and knew the right course to follow, meekly efface himself at the critical numcrur'

COMPULSORY SERVICE BILL,

FIRST READING CARRIED,

FAVOUR

BY 40S TO 105

(Press Association Extraordinary). LONDON, January 7. The Compulsory Service Bill first reading was carried by 403 to 105.

TDK DISCUSSION

LONDON, January ’j.

Mr. J. Campbell, speaking op Sir, E. Carsba’s behalf, protested against 'lrelaii'cTs exclusion, which was aa in-j justice and a slur. The Empire's xUiTTi- 1 cuTfy was Ireland’s opportunity. If, the '-Nationalists could have recon-1 cited their pdhJcal ambition's wdfh. the decision to throw in their lot ’with , their fellow-shbjects in Britain, -con-: renting to Ireland’s inclusion In Th e I Bill, 'they would have done-more for, the realisation of their hopes and, ideals than "had been done (during the last, twenty years.

Mr. Balfour said the debate had disclosed an unalterable determination to'advance the interests of the Empire. The Allies feared that division would do harm within and without Britain, but impartial critics realised that never was a more united front shewn. He repudiated the suggestion that it was the thin edge of the wedge for future conscription; 'it was intended for the present occasion only. The exclusion cf Ireland was not an insult, as Ireland was'outside Mr. Asquith’s pledge. Every member of the Government believed that the Bill wa s a military necessity. There was a danger that in future wc might he inclined to rely too much on the belief that we could call out armies from the ground, 'by the wave of a wand. Recent -achievements might delude usdnto the'false security that a similar miracle would be again possible. The opponents of the Bill would convey to our enemies and foreign Powers that we were a divided nation.

Sir S. Samuel, during the debate on the Bill, said the fact that six millions had volunteered was the greatest vindiration of democracy in history, hut he must support the Bill against his conviction, because of hard facts. Mr. Runciman had estimated that a million more could he spared from industrial life; therefore they ought to be sent.

Mr. J. Robertson said that Mr. Asquith, in giving the pledge, spoke on behalf of the House of Commons, who acquiesced; therefore they shared the responsibility. There was no reason to fear that it would result in universal conscription.

Mr. Alden did not believe the Bill would raise the men necessary to decide the war. There was a possibility that it would alienate the support of a million munitions and transport workers and miners, upon whom the nation was dependent.

Colonel Ward said that a third of the Labour men were either in the trenches or preparing to go there; consequently it was impossible to say the Labour Conference represented oninion of the majority of trade unions. IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS. LONDON, January 7. In the House of Lords, Earl Crewe, discussing’ the Parliament and Registration Bill, said it was based on the principle that the majority of the people did not want a general election. Some members of the House of Commons were demanding a more strictly National Government, but an election would not be useful; it would be merely an opportunity to welter in personalities directed against -individuals.

Lord St. Aldwyn commented that the Parliament Act created an absurd situation for the House of Lords was 'ow able to determine the life of the House of Commons., Viscount Bryce pointed out that the Bill came as an agreed measure. It, would be unfortunate if it were thrown back into the cauldron of agitation and party differences.. Lord Dansdowne said that nobody could possibly desire that an election -hould be forced on a reluctant country. The House of Lords would not. stand in the way when the time came that the people desired a change of Government. The Plural Voting Bill was dead. It would be Impossible to introduce that contentious measure immediately after the conclusion of peace. -

SIR GEORGE REID’S OPINION

LONDON, January 7.

The “Daily Chronicle 1 ’ publishes an interview with Sir George Reid, who says that Lord Kitchener 'and Messrs Asquith's and B'onar Law’s assurances that compulsion will be necescsary to bring the war to a successful conclusion is good enough for Australians, if not for ethers. The “Chronicle” said Sir George Reid would be welcomed to AYestminster as a great JmpcriaUH.

BILL MUST PASS.

OVEr.CWHSa.MING MAJORITY IN

/Time* Und Sydney Sun Cables)

LONDON, January 7,

The "Times” Parliamentary corres’pond'esit says the division will show an overwhelming majority for the Compulsion Bill. The Nationalists are the only party coXßml'tted to- opnose it. Labour is divided. Discontented Liberals make la 'deal of noise, j btft carry no guns. A No-Compulsion i meeting arranged fox Wednesday was ■ a disappointment, f Oniy a dozen members attended. The minority of Thursday’s division may muster a hundred votes. The nirmi.be r of exemptions is surprising. Even if the Bill be passed this week it will be six weeks 1 before actual compulsion applies.

THE LABOUR CONGRESS,

MARKET) BY ACfRTMCTNTOrS SCENES.

LONDON, January 7

The London Labour Congress, which was marked by acrimonious scenes, was’•held in the Great Central

Hall, which was crowded with a thousand delegates, representing four hundred unions. The result of the vote is being nwaited with anxiety by the House of 'Commons.

At the conclusion of the Congress the Parliamentary Labour Party met privately mud discussed the result of the railwaymtn’s amendment. It 4 s felt that the view taken of Mr. Henderson ; s speech 'is likely to be serious. There was a great sensation when it was announced that Messrs Roberts (Junior Lord of the Treasury). Brace, and Henderson had resigned. In the course of his speech at the Congress, Mr. Henderson said we liM reached a crisis in file history of flic nation, 'and a greater crisis in the his tory of our own movement. There were people in the audience win would like to see us win the waThey were ant'i-wafites. Lord Kiteh,ener wanted by the spring 30,000 recruits a week, also 30,000 a week till the end of tlie year, or a total of r million and a half. ‘Would the conference place its opinion against Lord Kitchener’s? Mr. Henderson added:, I would rather that there should bo a by-election than oppose the Bill.

Mr. jSuowdou: Come "to my coustitu eney and fight the issue.

After many Interruptions and a •hehtecP exchange, Mr. Henderson said: Is there a man who dare vote re l ing half a million unattested unmarried nicn? Had I left my colleagues in the Cabinet it would have mean! breaking the coalition. Mr. Thomas said a general election would be a crime against those scrying in the trenches, and Labour. If an election were forced, would we admit that only labour could be conscripted, and not wealth? Conscription was not wanted to win the war. but for ulterior ends. Mr. Henderson, M.P.,* said there was behind the Bill a conspiracy intermixed with personal ambition.

NATIONAL SERVICE RESOLD TION DEFEATED.

LONDON, January 7.

The Labour Conference’s amendment ' favouring National' Service during the war was negatived by 1,580,000. Mr. Bellamy (the railwaymen’s delegate) said: Probably some will ask—■* I How will you oppose compulsion? Are you going to strike?” His answ'er was: “Wait and see.”

Mr. Havelock Wilson said that if Mr. Asquith’s pledge had not been given/ 'recruiting would have been less satisfactory. If the pledge was not carried out there would be grave dissension in the - country. He believed that the single men who had not attested belonged to the middle classes. The proceedings at the Congress were- punctuated by uproar.

GAS - MAKING PLANT DESTROYED. PARIS, January 7. Ac communique says: During an intense bombardment in tic Champagne w 0 destroyed an entire gas-maidng installation.’ Several reservoirs were exploded. ■: . ' - ~ GERMAN TRENCHES DESTROYED. PARTS. January 7. A communique says: Ye bombarded ami destroyed German trenches in the Champagne. DANISH SHIPPING, ENORMOUS PROFITS EARNED, (Reed. 12.55 p.m.) A Banish financial organ states that Danish shipping’ companies during 1515, earned thrice .the revenue earned in 1014. The total estimated profit was J3O million kroner, which exo cds rue toO.-il capital ot the com-pgr-FS '.‘iv: r:ed- ■ ■■ C /■ ■ - ......

SIR lAN HAMILTON'S REPORT.

A CONTINUATION

ANOTHER GRAND ATTACK

,“The 'troops were full of fight, so I decided upon essaying another grand attarck with General Johnston’s, Cox’s an-d Baldwin’s columns on the Chunuk Bair ridge, and Hill Q was heavily shelled from dawn on the 9th until the whole ridge was a mass of flames and smoke, whence huge clouds of dust drifted slowly in strange patterns skywards. General Baldwin was commanding the 38th Brigade of the new army, and this was massed behind the trenches of the New Zealand BVigade. General Baldwin lost his way through no fault of his own.

THROWN BACK THROUGH FAILURE.

‘‘When the Ghurkas attacked Sari Bair General Baldwin’s column was a long way off, and instead of giving General Balfhvin’s support the Turks counter-charged the Ghurkas and Lancashires, who saw the promised land, but were forced to fall back ever the crest.

DAUNTLESS AUSTRALASIANS. “Other battalions of the new army

attacked with fine audacity, but the Turk s were now lining the whole crest in overwhelming numbers. The enemy, much encouraged, turned their attention to the New Zealand troops and the other battalions holding the south-west of Chunuk Bair. Their constant attacks ,urged with fanatical persistence, were met with sterner resolution, and, although our troops were greatly exhausted, at the end of the day they still kept their footing on the summit, which covered the Narrows themselves and the roads leading to Bulair and Constantinople. Eight hundred men held the crest of Chunuk Bair in slight trenches hastily dug, but the fatigue of the New Zealanders and the fire of the enemy prevented solid work, the trenches being only a few inches deep and unprotected from fire. “The First Australian Brigade were now reduced from two thousand to one thousand. The total casualties to the evening of the ninth were 8,500. The troops, however, were still in extraordinarily good heart, and nothing could damp the keenness of the New Zealanders. The new army of, Chunuk Bair was relieved after a night and a-half. They were dead with fatigue, and Chunuk Bair which they had so magnificently held, was handed to the Sixth North Lancashires and the Fifth Wiltshires. SLAUGHTER ON BOTH SIDES. “The Turks delivered a grand assault at daybreak on the 10th, and the North Lancashires were simply overwhelmed in the shallow trenches by sheer weight of numbers, whilst the Wilts, who fought in the open, were literally almost annihilated. The assaulting column consisted of a full division, plus three battalions, and it swept over the crest and swarmed over General Baldwin’s column, which only extricated itself after the heaviest losses. Now it was our turn. The worships, and New' Zealand and Australian artillery got the chance of a lifetime, and an iron rain fell on the successive solid lines of the Turks, while ten machine guns of the New' Zealand infantry played with their serried ranks at close range until the barrels were red-hot. Only a handful of the enemy straggled back to their own side of Chunuk B’air. By the evening of *ths ]l\oth Generali Birdwcod’s casualties were twelve thousand, including the largest proportion of his officers. The grand coup had failed to come off, as the Narrows were beyond field-gun- range.”

ASTONISHING WORK OF COLO NIALS.

It wa s not General Birdwood’s fault or the fault of any of the officers and men under his. command. ' General Birdwood has dene all that mortal man could. General Godley also handled his two divisions with conspicuous ability. His troops faced death with joyous alacrity, as if it were some form of exciting recreation, which even astonished an old campaigner like myself. The operations at Suvla Bay were entrusted to Lieutenant-General Stopford, He believed that the Turks were defending it with less than 4.000 The Eleventh Division was ferried across from Imbros, disembarking half an hour after the attack on the northern flank at Anzac. I hoped the Chocolate H.tlls iwould be captured by daybreak, for the surprise of the lurks was complete. The weather was at. its hottest, and the new troops suffered much from lack of water, 'and partly owing to- the enemy’s fire and partly owing to want of that “nous” Avhich' is second nature to an old campaigner, they hung fire. General Stopferd, recollecting that vast issues were hanging on the success of forestalling the enemy, urged the divisional commander to push. on. They believed that they themselves were unable To move owing to the men being exhausted after the lighting of .the seventh at Suv’i'a. The commanders overlooked the fact that the half-tte-

feated Turks were equally exhausted. The advance was the simplest and

swiftest method of solving the water trouble, and 'all other difficulties, but the divisional commanders’ objections overbore General Stopford’s resolution. He told them that he did not h them to make frontal attacks on entrenched positions. He desired them, to turn away from trenches where possible. This instruction was at the foot of our failure. To make use of the priceless daylight hours of August 8, driving power was required—even a certain ruthlessness to brush aside pleag for respite for the tired troops. The one fatal error was the inertia which prevailed. I went to Suvla when I found the battle going wrong, (and ordered up my general reserve at Suvla, hoping to enable General Stopford to secure commanding ground over* the bay. Finally I appointed MajorGeneral de Lisle in General Stopford’s place. OUTNUMBERED THREE TO OjNE. When the fighting ended, .General Birdwocd was commanding 25,000 rifles, and General Davies at Helles 23,000, in addition to 17,000 French. The Turks had 110,000, with ail the advantage of ground. 1 therefore sent your Lordship a long cable asking for 50,000 fresh rifles in the British divisions, and also 45,000 under the establishment. If reinforcements were sent immediately it seemed a certainty, humanly speaking, that we could still clear the passage for the fleet to Constantinople. It may be judged bow deep was the disappointment when ,we learnt that essential reinforcements and munitions could not be sent, the reason given preventing further insistence. UNBIASSED OPINION WANTED. Your Lordship cabled on October 11 % asking for the estimate of the losses involved in the evacuation of the peninsula. I replied on the 12th that such, a step seemed to me unthinkable, and received a cable on the 16th recalling me to London, as the Government desired a fresh, unbiassed opinion on the question of early evacaution, so I farewelled with special God’s speed, the campaigners who served me right through from the terrible yet most glorious early days—the incomparable Twenty-ninth Division of young veterans, the naval division, the ever-vic-torious Australians and New Zealand-

ers, the stout East Lancashires, and my brave fellow countrymen from the lowlands of Scotland. (Signed) lAN HAMILTON.'