AMERICAN SITUATION

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 8 March 1917, Page 5

AMERICAN SITUATION

THE ARMED NEUTRALITY BILL GLOATING OVER WILSON’S DEFEAT IRON GROSS PRESENTED TO A SENATOR PRESSING THE GERMANS BACK mi. ■ ■■■« SUBSTANTIAL BRITISH GAINS

ON THE WESTERN FRONT. GERMAN DIVISIONS DOUBLED. Received 9.10. LONDON, March 7. A correspondent at Headquarters ■says t-he British are confronted with double the number of German divisions as compared with a year ago, including what remains of the flower of the German Corps. APPALLING GERMAN LOSSES. Received 9.10. - LONDON, March 7. An eye-witness describing the evacuated ground in the Bapaume region, declares it is impossible to doubt that the reason for the retreat is simply the loss of life was too terrible. Our gun fire was unendurable an3fhe horrors on the field were indescribable. He can vouch that our losses were nothing remotely resembling those of the Germans.

THE RUSSIAN CAMPAIGN OPERATIONS IN PERSIA LONDON, March 6. A Russian official communique says: In the Caucasus we are pursuing the Turks, who are Bidjarsonne region of North-western Persia we occupied the villages of Husseitabad and Chariak. We attacked the summit of Asadabad, in the direction of Hamadan. South-eastward of Abzclaken we are pursuing the Turks towards Dovletabad. One of our airships bombed Baronovitchi an impqrtant railway junction midway between Vilva and Pinsk. THE GERMAN STORY

ATTACKED EAST AND WEST

A German official message says: — Violent artillery fighting is proceeding on the right bank of the Somme. We repulsed British attacks cast of Bouchavesne and also Russian attacks south of Brezany and in the southern wooded Carpathians. RUSSIAN GENERAL ADVANCE PREDICTED LONDON, March 6. The Berliner Tageblatt insists that there are colossal military preparations that immense quantities of guns and munitions are concentrated on the Russian front. The paper is convinced that all the Ruslan armies will open a simultaneous offensive shortly. It believes the Germans and Austrians on the eastern front arc very sorely tried. MESOPOTAMIA. HARRYING THE TURKS

valuable progress reported «••• __ * V LONDON, March 6. - Sir Douglas Haig says: ,We made furWer progress north-westward of Irles and northward 'of Puisseux on Mont. ratified trenches eastward of Bouchavesnes and later omv artillery dispersed the enemy who were massing for counter-attacks on the trenches which we recently captured there. FRENCH DOING GOOD WORK. . LONDON, March «. French communique': Between the Oise and the Aisne destructive fire wrecked the enemy organisations north-west of Maulinsoutouvent and demolished casemates and dug-outs north of Autreches. There wer e violent artillery actions north of the Meuse along the Cham- . hrates-Bezon front, but no infantryactions.

LONDON, March 6,

The High Commissioner reports:— Mesopotamia official: On Monday our cavalry engaged the Turkish rearguard at Lajjj, nine miles south-east of Ctesiphon.

Enemy booty is strewn for eighty miles across the country. It is impossible to give accurate figures, but 38 guns have been salvaged from the river. Ou,r aircraft dropped a ton of explosives on troops and railway trains. Egypt official: The Turks abandoned before our advanced guard a very strong position in the neighbourhood of Shiekhnurkn, after spending two months in constructing a formidable system of defence. THE POPE AND THE WAR A SPECIAL CONSISTORY SUMMONED.

VERDUN FIGHT. A PROBABLE RESUMPTION. PARIS, March 6. Commentators expectant of operations at Verdun, ask whether the Crown Prince is resuming the offensive. They claim that the counterattack restored the French line at Caurrieres Wood. Marcel Hutin states that tne French seventy-fives and machine guns secured extraordinary slaughter throughout the action. THE ATROCIOUS HUN. REFINEMENT OF CRUELTY TO WOUNDED PRISONERS. Received 9.10. PARIS, March 7. A French doctor, named Crisson, who was a psisoner in Germany for 21 months, employed in organising a hospital for sick and wounded, tells an awful story of German cruelty to invalided captives, who were sent from the front packed in cattle trucks, naked, except for a blanker. As the camp was shelterless, they dug holes in the ground with plates to keep out the cold. Subsequently huts were constructed but the food was so bad and scarce that the men became in a

Received 9.10,

LONDON, March 7

The Daily Telegraph’s Milan correspondent states that the Pope has summoned a special Consistory before Easter, which is believed to have a political object. The Pope is expected to make an important announcement on the war, particularly the iniquitous submarine campaign now being waged with such barbarity, especially against neutrals.

NATIONAL SERVICE. A NATIONAL RALLY. Received 9.10. LONDON, March 7. Th e National Service organisers are arranging a special rally before voluntaryism closes at the eiid of March. There will be special exhortations from all pulpits. IMPERIAL CONFERENCE AUSTRALIA’S REPRESENTATIVE Received 10.5

shocking state owing to hunger and .f” disease. Some German doctors frequently used Russian prisoners for the purpose of experimental amputations. Dr. Crisson protested, where-

cm he was confined in a room so srtgll that he had to remain seated, vmnfe the barred windows were only opened once in three days. Another Tefihement of cruelty was in forcing healthy men to sleep in rooms full of typhus cases.

MELBOURNE, March 7

In the House of Representatives Mr Cook said no public servant, no matter how highly placed would be considered as a representative of Australia at the Imperial Conference.

AMERICAN AFFAIRS. > THE SENATORIAL STONEWALL ON ARMED NEUTRALITY BILL. WASHINGTON, Mar.cli (J As a result of the intensity of public anger against filibustering Senators they are explaining that It was not intended to kill the Armed Neutrality proposal. Senator Lodge reintroduced the Bill and ruled out a point of order designed to prevent its reconsideration. AUSTRIA’S REPLY. TO AMERICAN PROTEST. AMSTERDAM, March 6. Austria’s reply to .President Wilson alleges that British violations of international law were the starting point of the unrestricted submarine policy, which Austro-Hungary endorsed. THE PRESIDENT’S INAUGURATION. ROYAL CONGRATULATIONS.

Received 10.25.,

WASHINGTON, March 7.

The Japanese Emperor has sent the following message to President Wilson: —“On the occasion of your inauguration I offer sincere congratulations and express an ardent wish thiSv your administration will be attendee by brilliant successes in the future; that the United States will grow more and more prosperous.” .

NEW YORK, March 7

King Nicholas of Montenegro sent a message to America through the New York Times. He says: ‘“At the moment when a great struggle against a common enemy is about to burst out with fury, I greet the United States. I recall the sufferings of my small nation, bearing silence; but we have ardent faith in the speedy resurrection of my country, and its reconstitution as an independent free State. I am confident God will not allow victory to desert us-to crown the diabolical work of onr eflemifesi I believe' your powerful, liberty-loving nation will lend, my country sympathy and comfort like a strong brother towards a younger and weaker. The President’s actions” has" greatly revived my hope and faith in the final triumph of justice.”

AMENDING THE LAW.

Received 11 a.m

WASHINGTON, March 7.

The Senate Rules Committee has agreed to a two-thirds closure rule, by which two-thirds of the Senate may limit the debate to a one-hour speech from each Senator. The rule now goes to the party caucuses. GERMANS GLOAT OVER WILSON’S DEFEAT. Received 9.10. AMSTERDAM, March 7. German newspapers gleefully refer to President Wilson’s defeat, and praise the so-called genuinely neutral Senators. They-state there is little hope that Wilson will secure the desired power from the new Senate.

TO PREVENT FILIBUSTERING.

Received 12.5,

WASHINGTON, March 7.

The Democrats and Republicans in the Senate met In jointly appointed a committee to draw up a scheme to prevent filibustering. Mr. Daniels has ordered the naval building programme to be. completed in half the time originally allotted. NEW YORK, March 7.

Prive, of the Minnesota'National Guard, got five years’ imprisonment for furnishing military information to Germany.

GERMANY AND THE NEUTRAL POWERS. CHINA’S POSITION A CONDITIONAL ARRANGEMENT. LONDON, March 6. In connection with the Pekin situation it is learned that the Allies are closely co-operating in advising China Conversations are proceeding in connection with financial assitance in the event of a break with Germany. This will probably tak e the form of a postponement of the Boxer indemnity and revision of the Customs tariff. The leading people of China favour severance of relations, but technical difficulties are in the way, which the President desires overcome before assenting. Cabinet has resigned, and several Ministers have departed for* Tientsin/ Efforts a,re being made to effect a reconciliation. FINANCIAL. BRITISH REVENUE RETURNS. Received 9.10. LONDON, March 7. The Treasury returns for eleven months indicate that the yevenue estimate for the year of £500,000,000 will be exceeded by £30,000,000.

0 N THE SEA.

THE APPAM TO BE RETURNED, WASHINGTON, March Q ' The Supreme Court unanimously sustained the Brtish owners ’ suit to regain possession of the Appam, which was captured by the German raider Moewe and sent to Newport News w r ith a prize crew aboard. GERMAN FLEET TO COME OUT. Received 12.10. ROME, March t. The Couriere ,de Italia learns from a German source that Germany in tends to follow up the submarine campaign by sending out the whole fleet to engage in a decisive battle THE DESTROYER SHARK AT THE BATTLE OF JUTLAND A NAVAL HERO Received 10.5

LONDON, March 7

A full account of the actions of the destroyer Shark at the Battle of Jutland is told by the survivors. It shows that when the Shark was nearing her end ton German destroyers and light cruisers came up and opened fire at 600 yards. When Captain Jones’ leg was blown off two seamen ran up with wood and rope to stop the bleeding. Jones asked them to leave him. They replied "We must do it for. your good, sir. ” While the seamen adjusted a torniquet, Jones sat on deck, and suddenly asked: "What’s wrong with the ensign?’’ The seamen replied: "It’s shot away, sir.’’ Jones replied “Hoist another. ’ ’ Th e midshipmen and seamen obeyed. The captain remarked: "That’s good,’’ and seemed to be content thereafter. When the Shark sank the survivors found a raft, and hauled Jones aboard

POLITICAL CRISIS IN SWEDEN. CABINET RESIGNED. ■ Received 9.10. STOCKHOLM, March 7. Following a series of vigorous attacks on the Premier, . since January, the Cabinet resigned. The last incident was the reduction by, the Government of the grant for the defence of neutrality. The constitution, of the new T Cabinet is uncertain, and the JKing is being appealed to. BRITISH FOOD PROBLEM DIRECTOR OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLES.

LONDON, March 6

Press Bureau. —Mr. John W. Dennis has been appointed Director of the potatoes, vegetables, and fruit sevtipns of the Ministry. ' He will receive a salary... -n .. PRICE OF BUTTER.

DISCUSSED IN THE COMMONS

LONDON, Marca. 6

In the House of Commons, Mr. Will Thorne asked whether th e Government is paying 9|d for New Zealand cheese, though the Dairy Association in August offered the entire output at Bid, which the Government refused. Whether the Government is aware that th e difference represents a loss of £350,000, and that as a consequence Canadian has risen to 156 s and English to 1605., while the New Zealand price is 102 s? Whether the Government intends to take action, because Canadian and English manufacturers are getting £SO per ton more?

Mr. Roberts replied that the facts were generally as stated. ,r rh e price asked in August was so much in excess of that in 1915 that the War Office felt it would not be justified in accepting it without further negotiations. The purchase of colonial cheese for the army and for civilians was now in the hands of the Board of Trade who are dealing with the matter and collaborating with the Colonial Governments. The Board hoped its action would substantially reduce the prices, which were mainly due to the small quantities on the market.

BRITISH POLITICS

THE WAR CABINET, AUSTRALIA’S VACANT CHAIR. LONDON, March 6. Canadian and New Zealand delegates attended a two hours’ sitting of the War Cabinet. Mr. Lloyd George presided. It is understood the Hon Walter Long will preside at any outside conferences with overseas delegates. Now that it is certain Mr. Hughes and others are not coming, 11 -s expected that the special War Cabinet will hold its first full session on Monday week.

TO KILL THE PREMIER PLOTTERS ON TRIAL. A DESPERATE GANG. 'HATRED OF BRITAIN. LONDON, March 6. The trial of the plotters against Mr Lloyd George was opened at the Old Bailey today, before Mr. Justice Low, and will probably last se\ eral days. All pleaded “Not guilty.” Sir F. E. Smith, Attorney-General, submitted that the prisoners were a desperate body of people, bitterly hostile to this country. They sheltered fugitives from the army, and had done their best to injure Britain in the war crisis. Discussing the motive leading people of middle class and .of good edu cation to such moral degeneracy, Sir Frederic Smith said that the jury would probably infer, firstly, that the prisoners had an intense and unreasoning hatred of the country which was shocking; secondly hatred of measures necessitated by the -war, and a profound dislike of compulsion; thirdly, hatred of the statesman wliose duty it was to recommend such measures.

RUSSIAN POLITICS. CONFLICT BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND NATION. Received 12.5. LONDON, March 7.- v The Daily Telegraph’s Petrograd correspondent says tfce 'Council .of Empire unanimously adopted ,an interpellation, asking for a statement of the Government’s proposals to check disorganisation, transport, guarantee of food, fuel, raw materials, etc., for the army and the people. M. Quickoff, President of the War Industries Committee declared the isolation of the Government from the nation was the fundamental cause of all the present troubles. THE ITALIAN CAMPAIGN.

ITALIANS HOLD THEIR GROUND. LONDON, March 6. 'An Italian official message reports: We repulsed repeated attacks on Mt. Costabella with heavy losses and renewed our attacks south-east of Vertoeba, on the Julian Alps front.

IRISH AFFAIRS.

LONDON, March 6

The Labour Party’s executive passed a resolution urging that a united effort ought to be made to effect a settlement of the Irish question in the interests of both countries.

MELBOURNE, March 7,

The Senate is debating a motion to address the King in favour ,of granting Home Rule to Ireland. A UNIQUE PROPOSAL. Received 11.30. LONDON, March 7. In Parliament Mr. Asquith proposed that Colonial statesmen adjust the Irish question subject to Parliament’s approval. WOOL REQUIREMENTS

Received 10.5

Mr Forster states that Shipping Controller proposes to facilitate wool imports for military and export purposes, but not for unessential home consumption. It is expected the tonnage needed for Australian food will appreciably reduce the wool shipments. He pointed out that other raw materials, for example timber, and jute, had already suffered similarly.

GAINS ON WEST FRONT Received 12,5. LONDON, March 7. A French communique states: We, by a coup de main at between the Oise and the Aisne brought back prisoners. The enemy attempted a coup de main north-east or Fleury and Bois Bouchet. Our barrage stopped him, 'and inflicted -heavy losses. BELGIUM’S FUTURE. AMSTERDAM, March 6. Prominent Flemish political leaders in Holland have repudiated the traitorous deputation to Count Hollweg. It is declared that when Flanders is free, the so-called council of Flanders will cease to exist. Dependence on Germany would be equivalent to the loss of language and economy and hereditary freedom. The Berlin declaration would merely unify closer the Belgians and Flemish.

SHIPPING LEAKAGES Received 1.10 COPENHAGEN, March 7. In order to prevent leakages to Germany regarding the departures of food ships to England, the Government has prohibited the publication of shipping movements.

INCIDENTS OF THE WAR. PURGING THE TITLES LIST LONDON, March. 6. In the House of Lords Sit ; Robert j Finlay (Lard Chancellor) introduced a j Bill depriving enemy princes of Bri- i tlsh titles. ' | BERNSTOEFF 'S HIRED ASSASSINS | ' i NEW YORK, March 6 The police believed that Chakiabcrty j and Skunner (arrested in connection ! with the proposed attempt on President Wilson’s life were instructed by Count Bernstorff before his departure. DOUBLE INCOME TAX LONDON. March (5. Lort Stramspeys drew attention to the hardships' and injustice the Dominions suffered by doubc income tax. Lord Denman supported the contention. Lord Hylton, replying, said the Treasury would shortly reconsider, the whole matter. He admitted that there was a practical hardship, but the same taxes were imposed in countries. If the hardship was removed the Exchequer must suffer. The colonies in this matter wanted to have the best of both worlds. It . must be remembered that the development of the Dominions had been secured in the first instance by British capital. Therefore the Dominions should consider the question of making some compromise. If taxation of colonial investments was cut off, it would be th e abandonment of the principle of income tax in Britain for main year*.

A GIGANTIC IRON CROSS Received 1.30 NEW YORK, March 6 Thomas Collins, a local blacksmith, of Bilixi, Mississippi, forged an iron cross weighing forty pounds, and despatched it to Senator. Yardman, with the inscription A Lest the Kaiser forgets,!” Yardman aided the anti-armed neutrality measure.

SHORTAGE OF COAL IN BELGIUM ' Received 110 LONDON, March 7. The Germans have 'Ordered all factories in Belgium to close owing to lack of coal, and difficulties of transport'. The majority of the Belgians will be out of employment, and the outlook is desperate. A SERIOUS FIRE Received 1.10 LONDON, March 7. A fire at Hasolt destroyed twenty thousand kilobrammes of coffee belonging to the Belgian Relief Committee. THE PRESS IN INDIA Received 1.10 CALCUTTA, March . The Viceroy has refused to repeal the Press Act, which is still necessary to prevent sedition

THE PRINCE OF WALES. LONDON, March. 6. In the House of Commons, Mr. Bonar Law announced that the Prince of Wales had resigned tne chairmanship of the Pensions Committee, which the Pensions Minister was now controlling. He paid a trib-' ute to the Prince’s zeal for the welfare of the soldiers and sailors, saying his Highness had given great promise for the part he would play In public affairs with increasing years. Mr. Asquith associated himself in the tribute. EXTREME COLD IN GERMANY. COPENHAGEN, March 6. Extreme cold has been experienced, in Scandinavia and Germany during the past few days. Twelve degrees of frost were registered in Berlin and seventeen degrees in Koenigsberg. Eight persons were frozen to death in East Prussia. Owing to shortage of miners and transport difficulties, several German towns are completely without coal. Violent snowstorms are preventing operations On the east front.