AMERICA'S DECISION

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 2 April 1917, Page 5

AMERICA'S DECISION

IMPORTANT BRITISH CAPTURES MOIE VILLAGES TAKEN 1 GERMAN RETREAT WILL STOP AT THE RHINE DEMOCRATIC REFORMS IN RUSSIA GERMANY'S UNSETTLED CONDITION

m THE WESTERN FRONT. BRITISH STILL ADVANCING. MORE VILLAGES CAPTURED. LONDON, Marcli 31. Sir Douglas Haig reports: We occupied the villages of Ruyauleourt, Sorrel le Grand and Fins. We gained ground, after sharp fighting, in the neighbourhood of Heudicourt. W e drove off an attack south of Neuyille sour Jonval, inflicting loss. We raided lines two points east of Neuville St. Vaast. Our heavy artillery obtained several hits on German trains eastward of Vermellcs. PUSHING TOWARD ST. QUENTIN. LONDON, March ;51. Sir Douglas Haig reports: We captured Heudccourt and progressed considerably eastwards of the village. We also took possession of Martevillc Vermand and Soyecourt. Our artillery forced the enemy to retire from St. Malic, which we occupied. V>> captured the villages of Jencourt snr Villy and Sesbecourt.

WHERE THE GERMAN RETREAT WILL END. AT THE RHINE. Received 9 a.m. WASHINGTON, April 1. The Providence Journal states that it has received information that the actual views of the British - and French commanders are that the Germans intend retreating to the Rhine. THE HINDENBURG LINE. CAN THE GERMANS HOLD IT ? LONDON, March 30. Mr Simms, United Press correspondent, says the British officers believed the Germans are uncertain of their ability to hold the Hindenburg line. ~ THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION. BETRAYAL OF RUSSIAN SOLDIERS STONES AND CUDGELS TO FIGHT WITH. Received 10.25. LONDON, April 1. The Sunday Times' Petrograd correspondent states in General Russky's armies, holding the key to Petrograc, the regiments in the front trenches had for weeks only stones with which to reply to the German grenades. Liberal newspapers circulated in the trenches opened their eyes to the retribution upon the bureaucrats responsible. Meanwhile the revolution will substitute grenades and the best modern weapons for stones and cudgels. OUTLOOK IMPROVING DAILY. PETROGRAD, March 31. The outlook is daily becoming more hopeful. Soldiers and deputies in Moscow refuse to partake in any demonstrations unless it is guaranteed that no banners will be inscribed "Down with the war." Regiments are recovering perfect discipline. Although the soldiers, rejoicing in their new citizenship, refuse to salute officers in the street, they preserve perfect formality on parade.

We captured posts in the neghbourof Otibnstsymcin and Henin sus Sojeul after killing or capturing the gjtvhole garrison. A'-" " , THE GERMAN RETREAT. W3AT SIR WM. ROBERTSON SAYS. LONDON, March 31. Mr. Stewart, speaking at Leichesten, eaid Sir William Robertson had authorised him to say that the German retreat was entirely involuntary. The contrary assertion was not only inconsistent with manifest facts, but was singularly unjust to the valour and daring of our gallant troops. A BELGIAN SUCCESS. LONDON, March 31. Wireless Belgian Official. —A Belgian detachment penetrated the first line on Steenstraat ridge ofter a lively fight. There were severe enemy losses and some prisoners. Steensthaat is north of Ypres). THE FRENCH OFFENSIVE. IMPORTANT PROGRESS. LONDON, March 31. A French communique says: North of the Somme, between the Somme and the Oise, there was reciprocal vigorous dbillery fir-e on first lines. >NoTth-east of Soissons we progressed in the Veregny-Margal sector. A viborous counter-attack west of Maison de Champagne enabled us to eject the enemy from trenches wherein he obtained a footing on the 28th. SUCCESSFUL ATTACKS AT DIFFERENT POINTS. LONDON, March 31. - A French communique says: South of the Ailette we successfully attacked the enemy's position at different points on the front, Neuville-sur-Wargival to Vregny, advancing considerably and brilliantly carrying the important point d'Apuis despite electric defence. Our machine gun fire and barrage smashed attacks with very serious enemy losses. JjjjLve violent night counter-attacks agfcist the p&dtion we recaptured yesterday "west de Champagne failed. W^i IN FLANDERS. BRITISH RAIDS. LONDON, March 31. We successfully raided north east of fard Of Ypres„ destroying dugouts and _ feuvUle St. Vaast and Loos and north- | taking some prisoners. We repulsed a hostile raid in the •neighbourhood of Neuville St. Vaast.

POLAND'S FUTURE,

PETROGRAD, March 30

The Government has issued a proclamation that the Poles themselves will determine the form of their new Government at the constituent assembly based on universal suffrage.

RADICAL CHANGES INITIATED.

AN LXDEPENDENT POLAND.

Received 10.55

PETROGRAD, April 1

The Government has decreed that Crown properties, including more than a million square miles, must be cultivated. Certain lands, forests, and Siberian gold mines revert to the nation. Grand Dukes will no longer be paid grants.

The Government has issued a manifesto guaranteeing an independent Poland, comprising all those provinr.es where a majority speak Polis-h. A constituent assembly, elected on universal suffrage,, will settle the form of government. The new State will be entirely independent of Russia, except militarily. The manifesto urges all Poles to fight the German oppression. COPENHAGEN, Apr.il 1.

Miliukoff states the Finnish Diet meets on Thursday in order to decide Finland's form of Government.'

GERMAN INTERNAL AFFAIRS REICHSTAG SENSATION. SOCIALIST OPPOSITION. TO CONTINUANCE OF WAR. .FUST PEACE MUST BE REACHED

ON THE. SEA.

THE ATLANTIC RAIDERS. Received 9 a.m. ' RIO JANEIRO, April 1. Survivors from victims of raided vessels state they encountered the raiders in mid-Atlantic, in a direct line with the mouth of the Amazon. The commander said only th e Kaiser and Crown Prince knew of the expedition. The cargoes consisted largely of sugar and nitrates. NEUTRALS AND ARMED MERCHANTMEN. Received 9 a.m. WASHINGTON, April 1. Neutral replies to the United States overtures regarding the entrance of armed American merchantmen into neutral harbours indicate that neutrals intend to adopt'the American attitude, viz., to decide, in each instance such entrances upon its merits.

'ONSESSIONS BY GOVERNMENT.

AMSTERDAM, March 30

Both Socialist groups in the Reichstag opposed the Supplementary Estimates

on Thursday. Hcrr Bernstein, the Socialist leader, said: "Excprienco justifies distrust of the Government's policy Neutrals hate us. America was forced to side with the Allies. Events in Russia, show that social democracy can Achieve peace and a loving ideal. A just peace must be readied as soon as possible. The Socialist vote caused a sensation in the Reichstag. This is the first time the whole party has opposed the ioverament, and means the systematic opposition of all Socialists in the country to the continuance of the war. This may result in a serious political crisis. The Government is making concessions all round,; promising franchise return for the Socialists' withdrawal of their opposition. The debate on the anti-Jesuit; Bill in .he Upper House ><r the Prussian Diet showed strong junior opposition to electoral reform.

TWO AMERICANS KILLED.

Received 10.25

WASHINGTON, April 1

The State Department has received advices t-hat two Americans have b«en killed on torpedoed ships.

A SOP TO SOCIALISM.

Received 9.5,

AMSTERDAM, April 1. The Reichstag has appointed a committee to consider constitutional questions, including Socialist's demands regarding Franchise, which is regarded as i sop to Socialists. THE GERMAN WAR LOAN. COMPELLING BANKS TO SUBSCRIBE. Received 10.25. AMSTERDAM, April 1. The German Government is enquiring into the extent of every German bank balance with a view to compelling it to subscribe one-third thereof to the war loan. GERMAN TROOPS DISSATISFIED. RUMBLINGS OF REVOLUTION. LONDON, March 31. Liberated French civilians report that the Kaiser's troops are greatly dissatisfied with domestic affairs, describing the conditions in the interior of Germany as similar to those preceding the Russian revolution. They said they were treated like dogs by their officers,, while the people at home were treated" like cattle. DOWN WITH KAIBERISM. NO PEACE WITH HOHENZOLLERNS Received 9.5. PARIS, April 1. Several newspapers urge the Allies to declare there will be no peace with the Hohenzollerns. The declaration of the suppression of Kaiserism as a conl dition of peace would cause Germany to examine the situation in a new spirit. AMERICAN AFFAIRS. CONGRESS WILL CARRY OUT PRESIDENT'S WISHES.

Received 9 a.m.

WASHINGTON, April 1.

The New York Times' Washington correspondent states that President Wilson has definitely cast a decision for war, and Congress will carry out the President's w r ishes. IN EGYPT. THE GAZA FIGHT. GERMANS' IMAGINATIVE REPORT LONDON, March 31. A Turkish communique gives an imaginative description of the fighting on the 26th and 27th at Gaza. After claiming a brilliant victory, the communique states: The British left numbers of dead and then retired, pursued by us.

THE KING'S CONGRATULATIONS

LONDON, March 31

The Press Bureau says: The King in a message to General Sir Archibald Murray, says: The good news of the latest success was received by us at Home with the greatest satisfaction. We are proud of the achievements of your force and the assistance given by the Allies. Convey to all ranks our hearty congratulations and confidence-' in their further effort.

NORTH SEyA DANGER ZONE. THE NEW LIMITS. LONDON, March 31. The London Gazette announces that the extension of the North Sea mined area will follow the limit of Dutch territorial waters. GERMANY'S OFFICIAL CLAIM. AMSTERDAM, March 31. Admiral Von Capelle (Von Tirpitz's successor) claims that 781,000 tone were sunk in February. Fewer submarines were lost than was anticipated. THE TORPEDOED ALIVWiCK CASTLE. LONDON, March 31. The Union Castle Company announces that three boats from the Alnwick Castle are missing. OTAKI'S HEROIC CAPTAIN. THE IRONY OF FATE. LONDON, March 31. Captain Archibald Smith, the master of the Otaki, who was killed while fighting the Moewe, would Have taken the position of Marine Superintendent of the New Zealand Shipping Company in New Zealand on the completion of the outward voyage.

ACTION OFF LOWESTOFT.

ENEMY ELUDES BRITISH PATROLS. LONDON, March 31. Th e Admiralty reports: During tht night of the 28th-29th firing- was observed off the shore from Lowestoft. Patrols went at full speed to the but nothing was observed of the enemy, who made off. A Berlin official says: On the night of the 28th-29th, parts of our naval forces cruised in the barred zone on the south coast of England beyond armed British steamers. The Mascotte was encountered sight miles east of Lowestoft and sunk by gunfire. Neither enemy fighting forces nor merchantmen were sighted. Seven men on the Mascotte were made prisoners. The Admiralty points out that the only British Mascotte is unarmed. The above presumably refers to the patrol trawler Mascot. RUSSIA'S INTERNAL AFFAIRS GERMAN INTRIGUING. ORGANISING A COUTER-REVOLU-TION. Received 10.25. BERNE, April 1. According to information from the Gorman Socialist minority, Herr Suldekom and four leading members of the Socialist Majority, after an interview with Count Bethmann-Hollweg, have gone to Stockholm to get into touch with Russian pacifists, directly or indirectly.

Advices from the same source state the German Government has sent toi Stockholm two influential Germans,, born in the Eussian Baltic Provinces, to offer to adherents to the old regime in Eussia, financial and other support for the purpose of a counter-revolution with a view to reviving the autocracy.

MESOPOTAMIA. THE TURKS HEAVILY PUNISHED GOOD PROGRESS BY ANGLO-RUS-SIANS. LONDON, March 31. Mesopotamia:! Official. —Our troops, since March 19th, operating northward of Bagdad, have been actively engaged in pushing the enemy back and consolidating positions. Our troops, also the Russians who arc converging on Khanikin, encountered considerable difficulties, we. owing to having to bridge a number of canals and rivers, and the Russians through snow, the retreating Turks' devastation and the formidable Paita Pass position. Our troops encountered considerable forces in this di-

rection and strenuous resistance, but inflicted severe losses. They captured prisoners, food stuffs, and supplies. We occupied Shahroban on the 23rd inst. after' lively fighting, and heavily punished the enemy in the Diala river region at Cabelhamrin and Kizilrobat. On the 23rd we occupied Deltwah and Sindiyah, and rich productive areas 35 miles north of Bagdad. Here the remnants of the army which was defeated at Kut confronts us. We occupied Fallujah, 36 miles to the westward of Bagdad,, on the 19th, the Turks offering little opposition and retreating to Hit, on the Euphrates. INCIDENTS OF THE WAR. BACK TO THE TRENCHES. DISCHARGED WOUNDEDS RECALLED. LONDON, March 31. There is considerable feeling among the public, against bringing back to the firing lin e silver badged men who were discharged from the army owing to wounds. Many consider that the age should be raised before wounded men are re-enlisted.

Mr. MacPherson, in the House of Commons, stated that half a million were discharged during the first eighteen months of the war. It was estimated that at least 60.000 were now fit for service. Messrs Pyecroft, Charles Seel'y, McKenna, and Churchill are among the Commoners who are actively agitating the matter. GERMAN PEACE FEELERS. CENTRAL EMPIRE'S POSITION. AMSTERDAM, March 35. The Austrian Foreign Minister, interviewed by the semi-official Fremdenblatt, stated: The Central Empires are ready to negotiate a peace honourable to our enemies as well as ourselves. Moreover, if the negotiations fail, the war can continue. Coming after numerous reports of new Austro-German peace moves, this declaration is regarded as most significant. GERMAN POLITICS. THE MEXICO-JAPAN PLOT. HERB ZIMMERMAN DEFENDS HIS ACTION. • AMSTERDAM, March 31. Herr Zimmerman, in the Reichstag, justifies the attempt to embroil Mexico and Japan with America. He did not know how his instructions got into the hands of the American authorities. This had been investigated, but they tame into the hands of the United States in some objectionable way. The American Government, by addressing neutrals, , tried to set the entire world against us. It cannot deny us the right to seek allies when itself had practicaly declared war. The relations between Germany and Mexico, since the time of Diaz, had been extremey friendly and trustful. The relations between Japan and Mexico are of long standing, the primitive Mexicans being of the like race. In seeking an alliance with Mexico and Japan, I was guided by the consideration that our brave troops already have to fight a superior enemy force." GENERAL CABLES DEVELOPMENT OF MINERALS. Received 10.25. LONDON, April 1. A new branch Ministry of Munitions has been established, with Mr. Lionel Phillips as Controller, to deal with the examination and development of mineral properties in the United Kingdom, with the exception of coal and iron. It is likely to have a specially valuable purpose in connection with the war. An advisory committee of nine will assist the Controller. LABOUR TROUBLES. THE BARROW STRIKE. Received 10.25. LONDON, April 1. Barrow engineers are balloting today on the proposals to resume tomorrow, concurrently with a composite conference to settle the grievances. ; i/": ;! i,?H ftMfiMjjVf']"

GERMAN LIE EXPOSED. NEED FOR ENCOURAGING? GERMAN PEOPLE. LONDON, March 31. Mr. Philip Gibbs, at headquarters, says: Th e Kaiser, who was recently on the BfJkan front, ordered villages like Roisel and Laquiecourt not to be abandoned without fighting, hence, probably, the false statement in a German communique that a 1000 British dead were counted at Laquiecourt. In reality, our casualties there were very few. Not a single corpse was left on the ground. The German report is therefore significant, as showing the necessity for encouraging the German people and troops. THE AFRICAN CAMPAIGN. BRITISH RULE IN OPERATION. LONDON, March 31. The War Office reports: The rainy season suspended extensive operations in East Africa. The opportunity has been taken to reorganise the forces, exchange, and relieve units, perfect transport, and reconstruct railways. The i whole of the German territory north of the central railway is being civilly administered, ind has rapidly settled down. A small party of wandering Germaus were captured on the slopes of Kilimanjaro on the 25th inst. The principal Ge "- man force remains south cf Rufij, with outposts which are in contact with our columns.

Therp is more activity in the western area, who.e Ger*nxi crluruns, going southward, engaged Rhodesians and Nyassalandcrs nort 1 and northciust <f Lake Nytissa. NATIONAL SERVICE. BRITAIN IN" PERIL. LONDON, March 31. The Right Hon. Hayes Fisher, at Hull, said: It is no exaggeration to •Jay that Britain is in deadly peril at the present moment. There must he National Service for everybody. We did not mean to stand more, than three years' war. We united to knock out the enemy in 1917 and were beginning to do it. It is necessary to have (apart from women) 300,000 more men for shipbuilding, munitions, trans port and agriculture. ,