Startling Rumours.

Taihape Daily Times, 17 October 1918, Page 5

Startling Rumours.

Germany Capitulates. Kaiser Abdicates, (Press Association Extraordinary.) Received 11.45 a.m. LONDON, this day. ' The following Reuter message dated 16th, at 5.15 p.m. has been received Rotterdam “Courant” 1 announces that Germany has capltu- ’ lated and the Kaiser abdicated.” <■ The second Reuter message from London, via Vancpuyer, says: The Pnreignr Office.,is without confirmation ! of the reports of the "Kaiser’s abdicaL tion, but well-informed circles are not L disposed to reject it. 1 PERSISTENT REPORTS. ’ GERMANY ACCEPTS WILSON’S ; , TERMS. L ' THE KAISER TO ABDICATE. Received Noon. ’ . LONDON, Oct 16. It is reported that in replying Germany has acepfed President Wilson’s ’ general conditions. * NEW YORK, Oct 1». The French Press reports that rumours are current that the Kaiser will abdicate in favour of his grandson. MORE ' RUMOURS. Received 12.45 p.m. NEW YORK, Oct 16. The United Press London corrcspondent states there are .unconfirmed reports that Berlin has accepted Wilson’s conditions safeguarding tHe O’erman people. _, PANIC ON BERLIN STOCK EXCHANGE. GERMAN SUPREME COMMAND * To MEET. Received 10.10 a.m. AMSTERDAM, Oct 16. There is a panic on the Berlin Stock Exchange as a result of President Wilson’s reply. ' It is announced that the German Supreme Command meets during the week-end to deliberate on the mobilisation of national strength ; and the raising of the military age. WILSON’S REPLY.,,' ‘ ...» ’ J ■’ THE DECIDING VOICES. LONDON, October 15. It is understood Foch and ' the British naval authorities have a decisive voice in settling the terms if an (arm- i istiee become expedient. 1 UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER WASHINGTON, Oct 15 The Allies ’ military officials interpret President Wilson’s reply as unconditional surrender by Germany. President Wilson will leave unanswered the Turkish and Austrian peace Notes until a further move is made on Germany’s part. AMERICAN PRESS IN ACCORD. NEW YORK, October 15. | General press comment throughout | the country enthusiastically supports I President Wilson’s Note and emphasises that the answer means the down- j fall of Eaiscrism and unconditional j surrender. The exception is that section of the Press which endorses Mr. I Roosevelt’s protest against any debate j with a criminal. j The New York Times commenting i on President Wilson’s Note, says. The j President’s answer to Germany will stir the blood of the American people to command their instant assent. It is ah American answer given by a great American, and voices the deep conviction of the whole American people. I It is a marvel, unmatched in the chronicles of men, that this unassuming I, gentleman, who never wore a sword in | his life, should write the word that topples from his ancient throne in a far-off land the world’s greatest military despot. An American pen Has for ever stilled the rattling of the terrible German sabre. We feel sure the President has not reached bis momentous [ conclusion without a full understanding with the Powers associated with us. BATTLE WILL GO ON. END OF THE PEACE TALK. WASHINGTON, Oct IS. Ex-President Taft, interviewed con- i cerning President Wilson’s answer, ; said: “Americans will read the President’s reply to the German Note i with a deep sigh of relief. The Presi- i dent declines an armistice while brn- ; tality is going on, and cites his Fourth of July speech, which makes the do struction of the HohenzoTlerns a c---dition precedent to granting peace to ' '

the Germans? ~ Thus peace by negotiation, which was threatened, is far removed. The '“All Highest” must throw off the mask, and the battle will go on. The Throne of the Hohenzollerns is forfeit, and we should be profoundly thankful. THE PEACE PROPOSALS. BONAR LAW’S GUARDED REPLY. Received 10.35 a.m. LONDON, Oct 16. Mr Bonar Law, in the House of Common's, replying to Mr. Houston, said it was undesirable to discuss piecemeal the condition on which alone an armistice can he granted to Germany. Replying to Mr. Runciman, he said he could not disclose the Ger-man-American communications until a definite decision has been taken. CANADIAN OPINION. NEW YORK, October 15. The Canadian Press is dubious as to the result of President Wilson’s Note. It would have preferred an outspoken declaration demanding unconditional surrender. Sir Wm, Hughes says Germany is simply inviting the Allies to walk into her parlour. Any question of an armistice ought to be directly referred to Foeh. Sir George Foster says: The last Note has relieved irritation at the prospect of diplomacy losing what arms have gained. KNOW WHAT THE END WILL BE. A GERMAN PROPHECY. AMSTERDAM, Got 15. The German Conservative party manifesto denounces the suggested evacuation of Prance and Belgium, and adds that Germany will be defended to the bitter end.