THE SUBMARINE CAMPAIGN

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 16 February 1917, Page 5

THE SUBMARINE CAMPAIGN

THE KAISER ELOQUENT.

A GBANDILOQUENT INTERVIEW.

Received 10.20. NEW YORK, Feb. 15.

The World's Berlin correspondent states that during a visit to Vienna the Kaiser was interviewed by the playwright, Hans Mueller, who quotes him as saying: "Look at European neutrals; read the Swedish answer, written as if for all eternity. Now neutrals 'know right well how they must estimate our strength; likewise our will to demand peace for the first time in certain sense. The will of small neutral states stands against the Anglo-Saxon world, and Napoleon's continental blockade, from a phantom., is becoming a reality, which will hit England harder than everything else heretofore. The goal is set, and things are going ahead." This step had been taken, for now the world knows who all these are who impose continued miseries on humanity, and does not forget it is the Entente which protects the murderers of the Archduke Ferdinand. On our Side are right and morality,, and to help these to triumph must every shining weapon be welcome to us." The Kaiser discussed drama as the representative tm'kultur, and hoped poets would continue to draw on Germany's past, and added: From his earliest youth few figures had followed hiin such as king of the Visigoths, ICaiser Friedrich II and Emperor Charles V. The Kaiser said to Muellen: "Who knows if Charles and Luther had come together where the German nation would be to-day. ? ' j

ENEMY'S FOOD SHORTAGE. BEMAIN IN BED TO SAVE FOOD. Eeccived .9.5. VIENNA, Feb. 15< Newspapers announce that the first consignment of Roumanian grain has arrived in Hungary. The Government announces that it is impossible to give any to the civil population. Bitter complaints are made about the Government yielding to German orders on the food question and allowing so much grain to go to Germany. It is stated that food is so short that the lower and middle classes may have to remain in bed the better part Gf the day in order to save food, clothes and shoes, and to prevent a collapse from starvation. PROHIBITION OF DRINK. Received 9.15. LONDON, Feb. 15. Defending the Empire in the House ©fWCommons, Sir G. Cave, answering suggestions regarding prohibition, said that if to carry on the war it became necessary to ask soldiers., sailors, and the nation to give up drink, there must be grounds for the sacrifice. We could not convince soldiers shivering in the trenehes that the best thing was a glass of water, except on the grounds of national interest. The Government Tvas prepared to go any length necessary for victory, but must deal with the facts of the case. The Government intended to ask the House for. power to impose further restrictions in the manufacture of drink if necessary.

IN THE AIR. BAIDS ON DUNKIRK AND NANCY. Received 10.5. LONDON, Feb. 15. A French official message states: CJeranan aeroplanes bombed Dunkirk, "killing and wounding civilians; also bombed Nancy the morning after. Our air squadrons bombarded two aerodromes, six stations and factories. ~. . ZEEBRUGGE RAIDED. ; , . Received 9.15 JL AMSTERDAM, Feb 15. Aeroplane raiders destroyed railway junctions at Bruges, and damaged three torpedoers at Zeebrugge. They also raided a seerm submarine base moar Zecbrugge.

EVERYTHING STAKEC ON ITS SUCCESS DESPERATE HUNGEH IN GERMAN INSULT TO AMERICAN FLAG ii i ' ■ ' niinuiiiiMljinlll COLONEL REPiNOTON'S OPINION ENGLAND MAY BE INVADED

GERMAN SUBMARINE CAMPAIGN. EVERYTHING STAKED ON SUBMARINES. CONDITIONS IN GERMANY GROWING WORSE. Received 5.45. NEW YORK,, Feb. 15 A Berlin correspondent now at Berne, states the Germans are staking all on the asumption that the submarines are able to paralyse the Entente's Avar industries. They do not believe that America will be able to help the Allies much'- because she is so isolated. Germany intends to send submarines into American waters. Food conditions in Germany arc growing steadily worse. There is endless in Berlin. Food cards are stolen, ' and magistrates' friends get extra cards for food, and dealers interchange wares. The police are powerless, because influential people are the biggest offenders. The recent cold froze and spoilt large supplies. There is the greatest difficulty in means of transportation, which are used up for army purposes. Thousands of schools,, business houses, and apartments are closed. Meanwhile Hindeiiburg is coldly calculating on the possibilities of a military victory before it is necessary to again face the Socialists and other peace a git a tors.

ADMIRAL JELLICOE'S SPEECH. Received 9. LONDON,, Feb. 15. Admiral Jellicoc, in a speech in the city, alluded to the Imperial navy, including the men from overseas dominions, also men in the mercantile marine, and said no words of gratitude to them were too great. The navy represented all the world's seas. The Grand Fleet cherishes the hope that some day it will moot the enemy fleet when it comes out. The mercantile marine has little opportunity to fight an invisible enemy. Regarding the submarine campaign, he said: We can only say that the people can help the navy by the strictest economy in consumption and the greatest output production.

BRITISH POLITICS THE NEW GOVERNMENT. AN AMERICAN REPORT. NEW YORK, Feb. 14. The New York World's London correspondent finds the House of Commons curiously impressed by the new Government's achievements. There are no evidences of the expected " ginger.'' Some membens are of opinion that nothing lias been changed but the Ministers, and there are evidences of criticism of Lloyd George by papers which were formerly friendly to him. ARMED MERCHANTMEN. LONDON, Feb. 14. Lord Curzon, speaking in the House of Lords, said that the proportion of armed ships whicli had escaped submarines was. as three to one compared with unarmed craft. The number of merchantmen now armed was fifty per cent, greater than the number armed at the beginning of December and included 75 per cent, of the merchantmen euanged in naval and military service.

The Government was proceeding in the direction of the almost universal requisition of the new standard ships being built. As Lord Beresford advocated half-a-million tons carrying capacity had been added by deck loading.

BRITISH BY-ELECTION. PACIFIST BEATEN. LONDON, Feb. 14. The by-election for the Rossendale division of Larcashire resulted: — Sir J. McLean 6019 Taylor (peace candidate) .. ISO2 Taylor was absent from the contest, being in the custody of the military authorities.

A.MESICA AND GERMANY. AMERICAN SCHOONER SUNK. WHAT WILL AMERICA DO? WASHINGTON. Feb. 14. The Department of State learns that the American four-masted schooner Lyman M. Law (1300 tons), with a crew including nine Americans, has becm sunk by a submarine in the Mediterranean. The crew are reported to have been saved. AUSTRIAN PIRATES' WORK. WASHINGTON, Feb. 14. The Lyman M. Law, which was a wooden vessel, was set on fire by an Austrian submarine, which placed a Oomb in the hold after the crew had taken to the boats. The submarine *cw no flag. The crew reached Cag'iara. in Sardinia, safely. BERLIN'S ATTITUDE. NEW YORK, Feb. 14. Messages from Berlin deny that Germany has invited suggestions for the avoidance of war with America. One message states that there will not be any modification of the submarine programme. INSULT TO AMERICAN FLAG. Received 10.20. LONDON, Feb. 15.

It is stated that the British Admiralty has substituted Halifax for Kirkwail as a port of call for neutral shipj from America.

Companies are preparing to resume sailings.

WASHINGTON. Feb. 15

The State Department has received confirmation that the Brand Whitloek was compelled to lower the American flag at Brussels, but the circumstances are not known.

LOSING FAITH IN SUBMARINING

Received 9. LONDON, Feb. 15

The Daily Telegraph's Copenhagen conrespondent says Germany realises the whole humanitarian world is against submarining. Hollweg and Zimmerman favour an amelioration of submarine warfare, and resumption of relations with America. Tirpitz and party are rapidly losing power, and it may be taken as a certainty they won't deliberately provoke war. The "Daiyl Telegraph" states that Austria-Hungary is making efforts to avoid a rupture with America, hoping she will be the means of peace intervention. Hope has dwindled as to the success of submarining. People have reached a dull, sullen conviction that something must be done to end the war.

NEW YORK, Feb. 15

Bernstorff, in an interview, said the neutrality of the United (States was dictated by a tradesman's sympathies where he docs business. He shipped goods to the Allies because they have command of the sous. If conditions were reversed he would have shipped Lhem to us. i have had my play in politics, and enjoyed Myself. I have no plans for the future,, and may return to America to.attend the peace conference.

DESPERATE FEAR OF HUNGER.

Received 9.30. LONDON, Feb 15

The Daily Chronicle's Amsterdam correspondent states that an American, who has just left Germany, where he has resided throughout the war, says after the Kiel and Leipzig riots, the soldiers refused to fire on the rioters. This is considered a dangerous symptom. Farmers are still holding stocks in expectation of a rise in prices, and any attempt to compel the surrender of hidden stocks may cause internal dissension. It is expected there will be a crisis at the end of March or early in May, when the mass es are reduced to worse conditions. Further endurance Is possible if soldiers are forced to yield "stores to feed civilians. No fear is yet entertained of a military defeat, but there is a desperate fear that hunger may force capitulation on the West front. We have a difficult job during the three months in "wSich the Russians are able to do comparatively little. The German efforts represent a maximum endeavour, after whicli drafts will not be obtainable. Repington insists on the necessity of maintaining strong forces, owing to Hindenburg's temptation to sacrifice the fleet in securing temporary command of the Channel to invade England.

EEVOLT IN CUBA. U.SA. MAY INTERVENE.' NEW YORK, Feb. 14. A serious election revolt is in progress in Cuba, and many clashes with the troops have occurred. President Menoeal has accepted an offer of rifles and ammunition from the United States. The Washington Government lis considering whether it will intervene.

ON THE WESTERN FRONT. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE WESTERN FRONT. PARIS, Feb 14. Sir Douglas Haig, in his interview with war correspondents, said: "Do not forget that the West front is and will remain the principal front, whereon I am convinced the decision of the war will take place. Hence we are making it defensively the best. Trench warfare must give way to a war of movement, which alone will procure the advantages we count upon. An incomplete or haltingpeace would leave Germany able to take a terrible revenge in the near future. After having attacked England she would be again on the French frontier, greedier than ever for blood and conquest." SIR DOUGLAS HAIGfS CONFIDENCE.

PARIS, Feb 14. French Avar correspondents interviewed Sir Douglas Haig. Asked whether a great offensive was imminent, Sir Douglas Haig replied. It matters little who commences. If the Germans begin" attempting at points in the north or south which they consider most favourable, we are ready. Their folly will cost them dear. We possess trained armies and cavalry in full working order, so that defeat may Tse turned into a rout, preventing the possibility of the Germans, even far in the rear, entrenching. We most certainly shall break the German front severely and at many points. The Germans have the advantage of a powerful network of railways behind their front, which are helpful in defence against first attacks. Our great offensive may be limited at some points, and indef inite, but we will strike without re'spite until the German armies are totally destroyed." Asked regarding the prospects in 1917, Sir Douglas Haig said: This year will see upon the battlefield a decisive event in the war. namely, showing Germany beaten from a military point of view. It will possibly also see the peace we all desire and which we are doing everything in our power to achieve. It is a peace that can only come with absolute victory attained by the force of our arms. The Allies must not allow themselves to be deceived by German.} fe suggestions or threats. Germany, In offering peace, only thinks of preparations for the next war. If we unfortunately yielded to such perfidious appeals, the tragedy would recommence in three years. The soldiers understand that. I have entire confidence in my theory. Their morale is above suspicion. Regarding peace, we are all square-jawed in meaning, and have the indomitable will to fight until the end. Our two

most serious pre-occupations at the present time are railways and artillery. The war not merely calls ror armies. We have had to construct during the last few months at the rear of our lines over 350 kilometres of railways. We recently showed some managers of the greatest English railways what had been done and what was still required. They understood the urgency and extent of the task. Regarding munitions, we have reached the maximum and we can now supply our allies in excess of their needs, but we must have more artillery, especially "heavies." We must not merely equal the enemy, but we must overyhelm him with the whole of our strength.

SIGNIFICANT TROOP MOVEMENT LONDON, Feb 14. Troop movements in Germany are in full swing. Restrictions of ordinary railway services are increasing, and the entire suspension of the ordinary passenger traffic is contemplated. The railway schedules indicate that the German general's taff expects the opening of the 1917 campaign towards the end of February. The submarine campaign was intended to interfere with the Allies' troop transports. ARTILLERY ACTIVITY IN CHAMPAGNE. FRENCH SUCCESS. Received 10.5. LONDON.; Feb. 15. A French official msesagc states: We made a successful coup de main at Prosser's Sector, east of Rheims. There is reciprocal artillery activity in the Champague, and on the loft of the Meuse. OUR MINISTERS AT HOME. Received 9.15 LONDON, Feb. 15. Mr MusKey opened a temperance club at Poplar, financed by an anonymous benefactor,, in memorial, at East Enders.

ON THE SEA.^ SUBMARINE FRIGHTFULNESS. EFFICACY OF ANTI-SUBMARINE MEASURES. PARIS, Feb. 14. Marcel Hutin stales he lias received figures from a well-informed source indicating the efficacy of the anti-sub-marine measures, dispelling all fears for the future. He adds: One hundred and twelve French and neutral vessels arrived at one French port on Monday. PARIS, Feb. 14. Marcel Hutin says that Germany is so hard put to it to explain the submarine fiasco that she has issued an announcement about the extension of neutrals' time. The Kaiser's visit to Vienna was due to Empcron Charles' obdurate independence. The Kaiser before his departure made the Emperor Charles a field-marshal and endeavoured to reach a compromise on the Polish question, but found the Emperor mainly concerned in opposing any action which would inflame the United States. AMSTERDAM, Feb. 14. An official message from Berlin now says that Germany, through Switzerland, expresses every readiness to negotiate on condition that the blockade stipulations be maintained unreservedly. Th e only possible subject for negotiation is the passenger traffic. The message adds: Even if relations with America were resumed the blockade would be adhered to without abatement. Germany will not withdraw a single step in the submarine warfare against her enemies' entire overseas transport. A German semi-official message states that neutral shipping en route to the war zones will not be protected from the most intense form of submarining, though convoyed by warships. The latx ter will not be attacked by submarines, but will be exposed to their own risks and dangers from minefields. LONDON,, Feb. 35. The British steamer F. D. Lambert was submarined, as also were two trawlers.

SHALL AMERICAN LINERS BE ARMED . WASHINGTON, Feb. 11. The Cabinet is still considering the question of arming American liners. There are indications of a division of opinion concerning the matter. SEARCHING NEUTRALS. Received 10.5. LONDON, Feb. 15. Lord Peel's Committee, regarding the bringing of the neutral vessels to British ports for search,'reports that they have not received complaints from neutral owners. Even in exceptional cases the search rarely exceeds twenty-four hours, which includes examining bills of lading, preparing an analysis of the . whole cargo, and telegraphing the facts to the Admiralty, Foreign Office, and the Board of Customs. The committee states that the ruling consideration throughout is a desire to impose as little inconvenience as possible. The committee recommends neutrals to expand th 0 system of agreements. RUSSIA'S INTERNAL TROUBLES. RUSSIAN DISLOYALISTS PETROGRAD, Feb. 14. The arrest of members of the Munitions Committee is attributed to M. Protopopoff the Interior) who has already announced that he believes that all the public bodies of Russia are animated by revolutionary ideas'. It is understood that the majority of Ministers, including Prince Golitzin, the Premier, were'unsympathetic towards the officially recognised representatives of Labour. M. Protopopoff, being in a minority, institute"?! a midnight raid to test the loyalty of Labour delegates, and discovered incriminating documents indicating a secret organisation, which was then directing strikes. A policy of repression of Labour is likely to interfere with tn*e distribution of food, in which the unions have been co-operating with the authorities.

There are indications that M. Protopopoff is introducing a censorship of all newspapers. COLONEL REPINGTON'S VIEWS. Eeceived 9.30. LONDON,, Feb. 15. ■Colonel Eepington forecasts outbursts of furious Gorman offensives on land and sea. They prepared in 1917 a campaign for early and thoroughly sweeping up men in occupied regions ami enforcing industrial conscription, forming fifty-six new divisions. If these are concentrated on the West, front we have a difficult job during the three months iu which the Russians are able to do comparatively little. The Germans' efforts represent a maximum endeavour, after which drafts will not bo obtainable. Colonel Eepington insists on. the necessity of maintaining hong home forces, owing to Hindenbwg's temptation to saciifite the fleet i;i securing a temporary command of the Channel to invade England.

HONOURS FOR NEW ZEALANDERS. Received 10.30. LONDON, Feb. 15. The Gazette announces that the nura her of medals, anJ decorations awarded by the Allies is increasing. Th. 3 following New Zcalanders have been honoured. The Czar lias conferred tlu older of St. .Stanislaus, third class, on Colonel W. 11. Cunningham; Cross of St. George, third class, on one New Zealander; medals of St. George on five New Zealanders. The King of Servia lias awarded the order of the White Eagle,, third class to Chagton; fourth class to Lieut.-Cols. W. Mildrum, G. E. Pridham: four New Zealanders; the order of Kara George, fourth class to Lieut.-Col Mitchell: Cross of Kara George to fourteen others.

The King has given unrestricted free dom to wear war decorations.