HOPING TO AVERT WAR

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 12 February 1917, Page 5

HOPING TO AVERT WAR

AMIGA’S FORBEARANCE, Hty.AND’S REPLY TO GERMANY GERMAN SUBMARINE CAMPAIGN ■ DISAPPOINTING BRITISH NAVY fill DEAL WITH SUBS. UNIVERSAL SERVICE FOB AMERICA

SSIERICA AND GERMANY.

ARGENTINA’S PROPOSAL

HOW TO AVERT WAR.

CONFERENCE AT MADRID

WASHINGTON, Feb 10.

BUENOS AIRES. Feb. 9,

Germany has approached President iWilson, through Switzerland, suggesting that Berlin and Washington get together to discuss means of preventing war, which Germany makes it clear she wishes to avert.

Senor R-omula Naon. the Argentine Ambassador to the United States, has been instructed to propose an international conference at Madrid, for the purpose of averting wan between the United States and Germany.

GERARD’S PROTEST

GERMANS NOT WORRYING

LONDON, Feb 10,

AGAINST CUTTING OFF TELEPHONE.

German newspapers declare that in view of European neutrals’ attitude, the rupture with America is of no consequence.

Received 9,

THE HAGUE. Feb. 11

MR. GERARD'S DETENTION,

Ambassador Gerard has formally protested against the German Government cutting off the Embassy telephone ten minutes after his asking for his passpassports.

LONDON, Feb 11

Washington, through Switzerland, demanded of Germany why Mr. Gerard (United States Ambassador) was detained. It is understood Britain informed the United States that she is granting safe conduct to Bernstorff, but cannot he responsible for anything due to Germany’s disregard of international law.

GERMANY AND THE NEUTRAL POWERS.

CHILI’S SPIRITED REPLY TO GERMANY.

LONDON, Feb. 10,

AMSTERDAM, Feb 10

Chili, in her reply to the German submarine note, refused to acquiesce in the German measures because they were opposed to the ancient privileges of non-combatants, and mean a deviation from Chili’s strict neutrality. Chili holds herself at liberty to claim respect for all rights in case of Gorman violation thereof.

Von Stumm, explaining the position of Africans in Germany, said Germany had not received reports from Bernstorff concerning the treatment or representatives and subjects in America. Bernstorff was unable even to announce his dismissal, all communication being apparently stopped. Germany was compelled to adopt the same measures. If it was true that America had confiscated German ships or interned the crews, this violated the treaty between Prussia and America in 1819. Von Stumm asserts that the only cause of delaying Mr. Gerard’s departure was the necessity for making out a hundred passports. He also stated that Mr. Gerard had not completed his preparations. Germany, through Switzerland, is negotiating with America to save the subjects of both countries from harsh treatment.

THE SUNKEN RELIEF SHIP

COPENHAGEN, Feb. 10

Inspired statements in the German press solemnly refuse to consider the possibility of the Larkskruse being torpedoed in defiance of Germany’s promises. If the ship was properly marked it could not have boon torpedoed. It must therefore have been mined.

PROPOSED UNIVERSAL SERVICE FOR AMERICA.

Received 9.10

AMSTERDAM, Feb 10

WASHINGTON, Feb. 11

Mr. Gerard, accompanied by 200 others, will leave Berlin to-night under military escort. The Kaiser sent an equerry to accompany Mr. Gerard to Basle.

The General Army Staff is drafting a universal service hill, providing for the enrolment and drilling of half a million nineteen-year-olds annually.

LONDON, Feb 10,

THE ITALIAN CAMPAIGN

The “Cologne Gazette” states that it has been, arranged that American correspondents shall remain unless war is declared. The Germans consider it desirable that Americans should receive news which has not feepn subjected to English control. 'The “Petit Parisien’s” Zurich correspondent states that financial circles confirm that the German authorities have ordered banks to make it difficult for Americans to withdraw money. Many are almost unable to buy food.

LONDON, Feb 10

Admiralty per wireless: An Austrian official message claims that in the region of Gorizia the Austrians gained a rooting in several trenches, inflicted severe losses, and prisonered 665.

Received 11.50

LONDON, Feb 11

An Italian official message states: On Friday night the enemy strongly attacked eastward of Gorizia, and were nearly everywhere repulsed. IN MESOPOTAMIA. IMPORTANT BRITISH SUCCESSES. LONDON, Feb 10. Mesopotamia official: The positions gained on the 2nd have been consolidated.

The Deutsche Bank refused to make Mr. Gerard a loan, WASHINGTON, Feb 9.

Mr. Lansing issues an announcement that he declined to believe that Mr. Gerard has been detained in Berlin by the German Government on any pretxt whatever. No Americans are reported to have arrived at Copenhagen from Germany this week.

Our artillery several times bombarded the liquorice factory, which is strongly held. We secured a consolidated portion of the new front line west of the factory, and further westward we secured and consolidated trenches on a frontage of 1200 yards. IN THE AIR. aerial activity. LONDON, Feb. 10. A French communique says: German aeroplanes bombed Dunkirk, ’Amiens and Nancy. Two were killed. The Admiralty ■ report: Naval aeroplanes attacked an aerodrome at Ohr ! «- telles on Friday. Mar their objective.

SWEDEN’S ATTITUDE

STRICT NEUTRALIY. STOCKHOLM, Feb 9. Sweden’s reply to Mr. Wilson emphasises that she has consistently observed strict neutrality, and regrets that the United States has not adhered to the proposals of Sweden, which led the Scandinavian Kingdoms to adopt a system of common measures towards belligerents, with the view of maintaining international law. The ujAthods chosen by America to shorten' the war were absolutely opposed to the policy of neutrality followed by Sweden, which was not disposed to change her attitude.

ON THE SEA.,

BRITISH DESTROYER SUNK. » LONDON, Fob. 'lO. The Admiralty report: A British destroyer of the older type, while patrolling the Channel, was mined and sank. All the otdeers were lost. There were five survivors. NORWEGIAN VESSELS SUNK. LONDON, Feb. 10. Latest sinkings include the Norwegian sailer Sforskog (2191 tons) and the Ida’s crew landed. The chief mate and steward were killed by submarine an dsteward were killed by submarine gunfire, which commenced without warning and continued until the steamer sank The Norwegian steamer Hannalarscn (1311 tons) was sunk. Nineteen of the crew landed. The captain and the chief engineer were made prisonrs. Twenty-five of the Ycdamre’s crew were lost. The survivors landed. THE MENACE WILL BE DEFEATED . LONDON, Feb. 10. Mr Prettyman, speaking at Chelmsford,. said a serious submarine menace at the beginning of the war was defeated. The present serious menace would have the same fate. He hoped that nobody would think the Admiralty had the slightest fear or doubt as to its ability to defeat the onslaught.

THE GERMAN RAIDER

REPORTED SINKING BY -BRITISH

SQUADRON

RIO JANEIRO, Feb. 10

There are persistent reports that the German raider was sunk during an engagement with a British squadron. Pernambuco reports that a British cruiser which was searching for raiders arrived for repairs after repelling ti submarine attack. The extent of the damage is unknown, but tiro cruiser bears no evidences of an engagement.

GERMANY’S SUBMARINE CAMPAIGN DISAPPOINTING.

Received 10.15. LONDON. Feb 11

Newspapers consider the first week’s submarine frightfulness disap pointing

in Germany’s proclaimed object of starving Britain. Small vessels constitute a large portion of the victims. It is impossible to stop Britain's overseas trade unless the submarine records improve. Torpedoing is likely soon to decrease as the Admiralty’s anti-submarine tactics are improved and extended. The merchant service is not dismayed, and torpedoed sailors are signing on for now voyages.

HOLLAND’S VIGOROUS PROTEST,

HOLD GERMANY RESPONSIBLE

A NEW TYPE OF SUBMARINE

Received 10.15. THE HAGUE. Feb 13

Received 9.10. AMSTERDAM, Feb. 11

A White Book, giving correspondence with Austro-Germnny. was presented to tiic Dutch Parliament. I' shows that Holland strongly protests against submarine ruthlessness, and the Government considers ihe destruction of neutral ships a violation of international equally with human law when submarines fail to safeguard life and will hold the German Government responsible for the destruction of Dutch vessels in the prescribed zone.

The Telcgraaf states that the German submarines are how invisible, and receive supplies from floating steel reservoirs sent from Zccbrugge.

GERMAN NAVAL ANXIETY

THE OIL FUEL PROBLEM

AMSTERDAM, Feb 9,

The German newspapers show extravagant joy over the submarine war. Naval circles, however, do not conceal their anxiety at England’s new defensive measures.

The rapid exhaustion of liquid fuel demands that everything shall be done to restore the Roumanian wells and to prevent the frequent attempts against the few wells still remaining.

URUGUAY’S REPLY

MONTE VIDEO, Feb 9. The Government has replied to the

German Note, rejecting the doctrine of unrestricted submarining.

AUSTRIA’S NOTE TO BRAZIL

RIO JANEIRO, Feb 9

Brazil has received a Note from Austria identical to that received from Germany regarding submarining. She •has replied in exact terms to the replydespatched to Berlin.

MORE SINKINGS

SOME VESSELS SUNK WITHOUT WARNING.

LONDON, Feb. 10. Two of the Crown Point’s engineers and throe firemen were killed.

. Further sinkings reported are the Spanish steamer Nueva Montana (2010 tons); the Norwegian steamer Odin (1105 tons) and the Solbakkon (2.T16 tons); and the Swedish vessel Yaering (4000 tons). The Odin was sunk without warning. Two of the engineers were killed. One of the Solbakkon 7 s crew was killed and another perished of cold. The captain and fourteen of the crew are missing.

Sinkings include the British vessel Bullington (2610 tons). The crew landed.

The British India Company’s Montola (6S2S tons) bound to Calcutta, was sunk. The passengers and crew were saved except seven Lascars.

Sinkings: The British steamer Beechtree (1277 tons), and the Japanese Prince (4875 tons). The crow of Ihe Bccchtrce wore landed.

The Norwegian steamer Illavoro (2732 tons) and the Havgarde (12v0 tons) were sunk. The captain of the Illavoro landed. Twelve are missing. LONDON, Feb. 10.

The sinkings during the three days totaltotal 83,994 tons, compared with 00,000 during the previous week. The nation is undisturbed, being confident of ultimate victory.

GERMAN BOA-3T3

LONDON, Feb. 10. Admiral von Selieor telegraphed to the "None Frcle Presse’": “As the peace offer was rejected, wo must break the British sea tyranny. Wo shall .succeed. ’’ MocHnsea telegraphed to Leipzig •». ; “if ffe v.hole world is at ’service l . must remain

SUBMARINE BASS AT PANAMA

"Received 9.10. WASHINGTON, Feb. 11 Received 9.10.

The immediate creation of a submarine base at the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal is recommended in Congress. The Secretary to the Navy has asked for one and a half million dollars for the purpose.

THE HUNS’ INHUMANITY.

Eeceivcd 9.10. MADRID, Fob. 11. A trawler picked up a boat with three Englishmen and a negro, part of the crew of the torpedoed steamer Dauntless. They were five days without food, and were in a terrible condition. They were sent to the hospital. JAPANESE STEAMER SUNK. Received 10.15. NEWPORT NEWS, Feb 11. The British Vice-Consul states that the Japanese steamer Priua, reported sunk, had on board twenty white American muleteers. A THREAT FROM CHINA. Received 10.15. PEKING-, Feb 11. China has announced that she will break off relations with Germany if the ruthless submarine campaign is pursued. ANOTHER LINER SUNK.

Received 10.30.

NEW YORK, Feb 11

The American Consul at Queenstown reports that the Manitoba was torpedoed without warning on the eighth February, south-west of Fastnet. She had 165 of a crew and 109 passengers. The only American on board was the ship’s surgeon. All were saved, except a few Lascars. AUSTRIA’S MAN POWER. CALLING UP EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLDS. Received 9.10. BERNE, Feb. 13. All Austro-Hungarians born in 1599 have been called up for medical examination and classification. IN EGYPT. SENUSSI FORCES BADLY DEFEATED. LONDON, Feb 10. The War Office reports that operations against the main forces of Sayed Ahmed, the Senussi leader in the west ern desert, were successfully concluded. We attacked the enemy and destroyed a large quantity of ammunition. The enemy fled. We captured an enemy convoy in the Munasib Pass, and ambushed the leading party of the flying enemy. Sayed Ahmed, at the head of the main body, was forced to strike southwards into a waterless desert. Those operations constitute a severe blow to the Senussi, whose main body was surprised, defeated, and forced to retire into the desert, their casualties reaching 200 killed and wounded, including several Turkish officers. We captured large quantities of stores and ammunition.

ON THE WESTERN FRONT. SUCCESSFUL BRITISH RAIDS. LONDON. Fob. 10. Sir Douglas Haig reports: We made successful raids east of Verm*llos and south-east of Ypres. Many dug-outs were captured. The enemy’s attempt to approach our lines south of Armentieres was caught by our barrage and easily repulsed. Our artillery caused two explosions in the enemy’s lines. PROGRESS REPORTED. LONDON, Feb. 10. Sir Douglas Haig reports: Enemy attacks on now positions cast of SaillySailliscl were everywhere unsuccessful. We reported raids south-east of Ncuvillo St. Vaast, east of Vermclles and southwards of Ncuve Chapcllc. We entered lines oast of Neuve Chapclle and destroyed emplacements.

We successfully raided Givenchy. PARIS, Feb. 10. A successful coup do main was effected east of Ehcims. We effectively bombarded the sector at Hill 304. Wo effected a coup do main west of Aubexivc and in the sectors of Bo-zanges-Parroy. There was violent artillery fire on both banks of the Meuse. There wore numerous aeroplane bombardments mid air fights. Received 11.50. LONDON, Feb 11. A French communique states: We penetrated the enemy’s lines in the Forest of Apremont, and took some prisoners. The Germans attempted a coup-de-main in Argonne and Lorraine but failed. A GERMAN REPORT. LONDON, Fen 10. Berlin official; —We repulsed a British detachment south of Sailly. We checked a French attack at Hill 304 and a French attack on Poiyre Hill failed.

BRITISH FOOD PROBLEM. EQUALITY OF SACRIFICES URGED. Received 9.30. LONDON, Feb 11. Mr. Prothero, speaking at Preston, said cereals and potatoes should be raised in the biggest possible quantities. Regarding wheat at 7/ a quarter, had he a free hand he would tell the farmers they would receive a minimum of 50/, leaving the remainder to the play of the market. “I want tc get the whole Empire in key thereto,” he said. “Farmers in Britain should sacrifice some prospects of their war profits; India had sacrificed profits to feed us, and Australia had done the same. We hoped in 1916 that Canada would do likewise; but we were too late, as usual, because the farmer was beginning to get high profits at Chicago. A Canadian farmer said to me, ‘how can you ask us to take less for your sakes in England when the farmers of England are taking every penny of the war profits?’ We should he able to pay our farmers cheerfully if they accepted the sacrifice of possible profits to do and do the same. Let us all be in it, and out to win the war.”

The Germans penetrated French lines near Vaux. North of Saint Mihiel we destroyed dug-outs and their inmates. Received 11.50. LONDON, Feb 11. A German official says:—The English attacked north-east of Beaumont, eastward of Grandecourt, and northward of Courcellette. A company penetrated in the direction of B'eauccurt, but were repulsed everywhere. Hand 10-hand fighting at Sailly Wood, and on both sides of the Moselle they were repulsed. THE ABANDONMENT OF GRANDECOURT. BRITISH ALLOWED TO WALK IN. LONDON, Feb. 10. Mr Gibbs says the German abandonment of Grandecourt, enabling us to walk in unopposed, proves that the German command prefers at this stage to save casualties rather than hold the ground regardless of cost. This is a now phase. A year ago pride would not lot him. Grandecourt, after the capture of Bcaucourt and BcaumontHamel, had become a place of misery for the Germans. The position was still worse after Sunday, as a result of the British advance. The Germans probably then began their withdrawal to a stronger and higher position south of Miranmont, where they are digging with groat industry. One trench barred the way to Grandecourt. The British on Tuesday trudged stealthily across the snow and found a few Germans, much litter and a number of dead. They decided to push on. The enemy’s massed gnus rained explosives over the whole of the Contal-Maison-Pozieres country. None knew if Grandecourt was occupied, therefore our artillery cut up a great barrage. The enemy s guns responded heavily, but did not chock the advance. There was no fighting in the village, which was in mins. The British quietly took possession. Grandecourt. was honeycombed with deep dugouts filled with store sand rations.

The seizure of Baillcscourt Farm happened on Wednesday night in the bright light of a full moon. The Germans apparently did not anticipate an attack and were caught in their dugouts, which were in ruins. There was no resistance. It was chiefly a matter of dodging shell-fire and walking into the abandoned position. These captures are important, interesting and significant. They hint that the new Gorman methods seem to conist of falling back here and there to defences before Bapaume, which they have been strengthening untiringly since the Somme battle opened. They arc, perhaps, anxious to quit the lowlying ground before the thaw. BELGIAN RELIEF. IN THE EVENT OF WAR. ROME, Fob. 0. The Vatican has learned semiofficially that Holland, Switzerland and Scandinavia have agreed to continue Belgian relief work in the event of war between America and Germany.

NO DISPOSITION TOR ECONOMY SHOWN. Received 10.15. (Strong complaints are being made that West End restaurants, especially clubs, are .not making any efforts to reduce food consumption, as menus are virtually unchanged. Newspapers are renewing the agitation to have one, or even, two, meatless days weekly. The lower and middle classes are showing a better disposition to observe Lord Davenport ’§ suggestions. “ENGLAND WILL BE STARVED." BERNE, Feb 10. Travellers from Germany state that a universal article of faith is that England will be reduced to starvation in three or four months and that Germany needs only to hold out for that period. It is admitted that it would be possible for America to save England by escorting food convoys if time permitted, but it is too late now. Apparently the people in Germany have been carefully taught this creed. BRITISH LIQUOR PROBLEM. LONDON, Feb. 11. The Convocation of Canterbury passed a resolution favouring State purchase of the liquor trade. The Doan of Hereford suggested a beerless day.

Canon Aitken said that State purchase would enable a reduction to bo made in the strength of beer. If beer was of the same strength a s German lager, intemperance would increase. The Dean of Canterbury opposed the motion, saying that alcohol was necessary for many people. Prohibition would result iu the loss of a large amount of mental energy. Ho deplored the effect of stopping the supply of spirits to soldiers. The health of theFrench troops was benefited by their, wines. BRITISH WAR LOAN. Received 9.10. LONDON, Fob. 11. The War Loan campaign throughout the country is being conducted vigorously and enthusiastically. The masses from the poorest upwards, are responding splendidly. Industrial firms are subscribing largely, and are helping workers in every conceivable way to subscribe moieties of their wages. Admiral Reginald Bacon wrote to the War Loan mooting at Greenwich: Don 't worry overmuch about submarines; the navy will give them all the worry they want. The splendid pluck of the merchant seamen will upset the German calculations at the end of the war as badly as did the “contemptible little array'' at the beginning. COUNCIL OF ADULT SUFFRAGE MEETS. Received 9. LONDON, Fob. 11. The National Council of Adult Suffrage held a great meeting in London. Whilst welcoming the resolutions the speakers said the conference was a step in the right direction,, and urged the Government to introduce a simple, generous franchise of adult men and women. Among others present was Mr Appleton (Secretary General of the Federation of Trades Unions and labour adviser to Mr Neville Chamberlain). Mr Wardle, M.P., Mr Williams (National Trausportaters Federation). Mr Garvin wrote that ho was a convert since the war, which has shown the progressive strength and vitality of both sexes. Sir J. Simon agreed, and hoped the reform would be carried out in an orderly constitutional manner with a view to obtaining the State's acceptance of the principle of women suffrage. Once Parliament removed the barrier there was nothing to prevent water finding its level. It was resolved that if is essential to include the wage-c ruing, also urgeearners’ wives.

COTTON GROWING WITHIN THE iiiiVijt . Received 10.15. LONDON, Fob. 1 A deputation of representatives of the cotton trade waited on Mr Roberts, of the Board or Trade, ana urged the development of cotton-growing in suitable parts of the Empire; also the appointment of a departmental cominivrcc to consider the' question. Mr Tom Garnet emphasised tiro cotton growing possibilities cf Queensland and South Africa. Reports said tiie time was opportune for a careful survey of the question. An opportunity would possibly be afforded at the coming Imperial Conference to discuss the matter. A DISASTROUS FIRE. MUNITIONS WORKS DESTROYED. Received 10.15. NEW YORK, Feb 11. The machine shop of the Union. General Switch Company, the largest plant of manufacturing switch signals in the United States, and recently engaged on European munition orders, was destroyed by fire. The damage is estimated at eight hundred thousand sterling. The cause is believed to be spontaneous combusition. Frozen pipes prevented the water simply for half an hour. Two thousand shells were destroyed. VARIOUS FRONTS. Received 11.40. LONDON, Feb 11. A German official report states: We repulsed and are pursuing the Russians northwards of Narocz Lake and south-eastwards of Zloczow. A French thrust north-west of Monastir and a British attack south-east cf Lake Doiran failed. A Russian official message states: Germans dressed in white oi’eralls penetrated trenches northwards of Stanislovoo, but were driven out. We sank three schooners corn-laden on the Anatolian coast. INCIDENTS GF THE WAR. /■Received 9.10. ; ■>? ' * PARIS, Fob. 11. A decree has just been issued prohibiting the making of fancy bread and tlm gale of newly-baked bread. AMSTERDAM, Feb. 11. Two hundred factories in Holland have closed, and others are on halftime, owing to the shortage of coal. LONDON, Feb. 10. The Public Trustee is inviting British tenders for the purchase of Siemens Brothers’ company, electrical manufacturers. CHRISTIANIA, Feb. 9. The Norwegian Government is negotiating for a postal service to England through Holland, thus accepting Germany's conditions. A mail steamer'will be daily allowed to enter a British port. PETEOGEAD, Feb. 10. The treasurer, in addressing editors, said the revenue exceeded the estimates by eight h a need million roubles. The savings banks numbered 12,000, compared with 8000 before the war. Many depositors had transferred part- of their savings to the war loan, which was extremely successful. LONDON, Fob. 11. Mr Bonar Law, speaking at Liverpool. said it was wonderful how the party spirit had disappeared. Not the least pleasing thing was the part Labour had played in the Commons. One of the greatest social reforms in the future would be the fairer distribution of wealth without drying up the sources of wealth. The nation could look hack on the past thirty months with pride, and look forward with confidence. LONDON, Feb. 10. In connection with the economy campaign Harrow and Eton are placed on. war rations. Tnokshops are not allowed to sell cakes, pastry, or other articles j which would enable boys to exceed. Lord Dcvonport’s allowance, although purchases of jam and sweets are allowed. Eton boys, including the Princes Henry and Leopold of Belgium, have been ordered to limit their expenditure on new clothes. PARIS, Feb. 0. The Government has decided that the price of newspapers shall be fixed on the basis of size. Those sold at five centimes will be restricted to two pages on Mondays and Thursdays and four pages on other days. BEENE, Feb. 9. All Austrian civilians between the ages of 20 and 45, except miners, are being re-examined f° r military service for the fourth time. BEENE, Feb. 9. The intense cold in Germany is greatly aggravated by the coal shortage. The temperature is IS degrees below zero at Leipzig. All places of amusement in Saxony have been closed to save fuel. All the Berlin schools have bee*, closed for lack of coal.