News From England

Taranaki Daily News, 21 July 1915, Page 5

News From England

BEFORE THE WAR. HUMORED NEGOTIATIONS. A GERMAN NEWSPAPERS STORY. Received July 20, 8.3 p.m. Amsterdam, July 20. A. semi-official article ia the Norddeutscher Allcgmcinc Zeituug di tails negotiations for an Anglo-German rapprochement in .1912, wherein Lord Haldane took a prominent part The German Government desired a reciprocal itreaty of neutrality. Germany's fir-t formula ran that should one of tne contracting .parties be engaged in Vilr l " e other shall ;adopt at least a benevolent, neutrality and exert .every ei'ioil to 10-4»lise 4»lise it.' Britain considered the proposal went too far, and counter-proposed that "Britain shall make no unprovoked attack upon Germany, and shall refrain from an aggressive .policy/' adding a declaration that '.'an attaek on Germany, forms the object of no treaty, nor is ft the aim of any .combination whereto Britain belongs) nor will Ilritain he a party to any such agreement.' Germany .considered these assurances already Insisted in her relations between civilised States, and counter-proposed the following formula: "Should one of the contracting parties be involved in war, ■and it .cannot be said that that Power is the aggressor, then the other will observe at least benevolent neutrality *nd strive to localise the conflict." ■Sit Edward Grey reiterated his offer and promise not to participate in an unprovoked attaek. Germanv finally made further negotiations dependent upon assent to the following clause: "Britain will uaturally preserve a benevolent neutrality in the event of war I>eing forced upon Germany.'' Sir Edward Grey declined the formula, fearing it would endanger the existing •friendly relations between Ilritain and other Powers. THE WAR LOAN.

DISAGREEABLE IMPRESSION IN GERMANY. '. Received July 20, 5.5 p.m. London, July 10. * German newspapers indicate the disagreeable impression caused by the brilliant success of the British war loan. They do not mention the likelihood of a protracted war, which idea is unpopular, and this gives credence to the statement that the war will be over in October was actually the Kaiser's.

LIQUOR RESTRICTIONS. ORDER OF THE CONTROL BOARD. j (Times and Sydney Sun Services.) ; Received July 20, 8.5 p.m. London. July 10. The Central Control of Liquor Traffic Board, which is empowered to apply such drastic restrictions as are deemed necessarv, has issued its first order, ut Xewhaven. restricting the licensing hour* by 4J hours daily. They are to be from'noon to 5.30, and from 0 o'clock to S with four hours on Sundays. The strength of spirits is reduced. Shouting and credit is prohibited, un-bnna fide travellers and persons breaking the provisions of the order are liable to M months' imprisonment, and also a fine of one hundred pounds.

Mil. BORDEX TO RE lIOXORED. Received July 20, 5.5 p.m. London. July 10. ' Sir Robert Borden is receiving the freedom of London on -Inly 2!). The entire Cabinet will attend. CASUALTY LIST. !g,; London, Julv 19. ' The casualtv list issued at the end of the week shows a loss of 59 officcrti and 1435 men. UXIOX Of DEMOCRATIC PROGRESS. ,ri London. July 19. In reply to questions whether the organisation styled "The Union of Demo- • cratic Control" was earry.ng out an anti-recruiting campaijm, and also aimin- at stopping the war and compelling a We favorable to the enemy, and whether he had any reason to W»« that its expenses were defrayed by Germany Sir Edward Carson sam the oration did not interfere w.th recruiting. Its avowed object was to secure a peace settlement on a permanent hash The Government had no information as to who was financing it, except members by their subscnpt.ons.

FALL IX BIRTH-RATE. Tendon, July W. There is a persistent decline in the iramber of babies 'bom in Britain. IB; X provinces there arc 1500 fewer vroektj compared with 1012, and London . averaging 28!) less weekly, wh.le the ae»Uis are 80 more. . *or Children'* H** ln « It**' Qrett Cure. 1/6,8,«

A SPELTER SCANDAL. NO NEED FOR HIGH PRICES. Received July 20, 11.55 p.m. London, July 20. The Financial News, in a leader headed '-'A Spelter Scandal," says that Frankfort firms, through puppets in Britain and elsewhere, still control the t'.uket. There is no valid reason for the high. prices of lead and spelter. While th? British price of spelter is about one hundred ,pouniis, our enemies- pay lew» than fo-.ty pounds. The New, demands the .Government to commandeer all metals. A CHEERFUL PRISONER, THE CASE OF PRIVATE LONSDALE. Received July '2O, 11.55- pju. London, July 20. Private Lonsdale, who was sentenced to death for striking his German guards, writes to his wife that liis.sentence has been commuted to fifteen years' ii.i.-pri-<onment. The letter end*: "Cheer up; it's only 770 Sundays."