AUSTRIAN OUTRAGES.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 50, 29 February 1916, Page 7

AUSTRIAN OUTRAGES.

Grave revelations have been made concerning the reign of terror at Gorina- and the summary execeution of two Americans in that town by the Austrian authorities (says a “Daily Telegraph’’ message from Milan). The Americans were members and 'shareholders of a banking firm, which before the war had begun operations in Gorizia. They stoppled payment of certain bills, and when summoned by the Austrian authorities to resume payment, declined to do so. The auJ thoritie s then accused them of having J received letters from America which contained expressions of hate or disparaging reflections in regard to Austria, and they were also accused of being openly hostile to Austrian interests. These charges were trumped up for the occasion to compel the bankers to yield, but they persisted in their refusal. This was considered proof against them that they were spies, and before they could be warned they were brought, before a courtmartial, condemned to death, and executed, and all their valuables and bank deposits were confiscated. These facts seem so far to have been carefully concealed from the American diplomatic representatives in Austria.