AMERICA

Taihape Daily Times, 9 July 1918, Page 5

AMERICA

EX-MAYOR OF NEW YORK

KILLED,

Received 9.5 a.m. NEW YORK, July S,

Despatches received state that Major Mitchell, ex-Mayor of New York, has been killed at Fort Charles. He fell while flying a Scot machine.

WRECK OP STEAMER.

NEW YORK, July 7.

The excursion steamer Columbia, while descending the Illinois River near Pearia, 140 miles south-west of Chicago, was wrecked. The vessel was crowded with holi-day-makers at the time, and she sank so rapidly that there was no opportunity to reach the bank and disembark the passengers, the majority of whom were left struggling in deep water.

Some managed to reach the bank in safety, but 100 were drowned. HEARTRENDING SCENES. WOMEN AND CHILDREN DROWNED IN THE FOG. Received 9.5 a.m. NEW YORK, July 8. The Illinois Rixer excursion steamer Columbia had 563 passengers and 30 of a crew when she capsized. It is estimated 75 perished. In a dense fog the vessel struck a sunken log in the rjver, «.nd commenced to sink immediately, and then capsized. She was a three-decker, and excursionists were dancing and singing. When the accident occurred a panic ensued, many women and children were push,cd overboard, and many jumped. There was no time to use the lifebelts or boats. The shrieks of the survivors were heard on shore, and row-boats were launched and went to the rescue. MUNRO DOCTRINE FOR THE PACIFIC. ITS PRINCIPLES DEFINED.

INTERESTING STATEMENT BY SENATOR SALISBURY. Received 9 a.m. WASHINGTON, July 8. Great interest is' taken . in : Senator Salisbury’s resolution, cabled on sth inst.

Congressmen regard it as a first stop in the active co-operation of America and Australia towards carrying out Mr Hughes’ suggestion of a Monroe Doctrine for the Pacific. Several Senators favour the resolution. Senator Salisbury, interviewed hy representative of the Australian Press Association, said: “I approve of Mr Hughes’ policy under which the Central Powers would be told to keep their hands off the southern Pacific. Under my resolution Australia would control the Southern Pacific Islands in conjunction with Britain, thus pro-.

venting the possibility of Germany establishing a submarine or naval base on any island there. Wo must remember it is possible that Germany may overrun Holland before the war ends. What then would be the position of Holland’s Pacific possessions? Concerted action by Britain,- United States and Japan should prevent Germany isocujring the control of any Pacific Islands. My resolution means that modern piracy must be excluded from the Pacific and not only from participation in the Pacific bradc, until her peoples show they have renounced militarism. The action which I propose is of the greatest importance to Australia. It means the removal of the menace of German occupation in any position of New

Guinea. We must see that Germany is not allowed to establish a naval base in that or other Pacific Islands, otherwise Australia would be compelled to adopt protective measures, which would entail a heavier financial burden than her population of five millions is able to bear. My aim is to keep Germany out of the Pacific for ever.’' Salisbury, who is President pro tern of the Senate, is hopeful the resolution will be passed. HUNS MUST BE EXCLUDED. WASHINGTON, July 7. The New York “Herald” says, in reference to Senator Saulsbury’s resolution: “Some people on this island shiver when the word ‘alliance’ is spoken, but the majority of Americans believe in handling international affairs with sound sense. Unless the Pacific is to become the theatre of future wars, the Huns must be prevented from getting a foothold on its shores. Germany re-established in the Pacific would he a constant danger to Australasia.”