UNITED STATES.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 April 1917, Page 5

UNITED STATES.

GREATEST LOAN IN HISTORY.

'MR BALFOUR'S VISIT TO AMERICA. TO BRING ABOUT A BETTER UNDER, STANDING. Received April 13, 2 a.m. Washington, April ' 12. There is the ;>reatcst interest- in Mr. Balfour's projected visit, which is designed to bring about a better underOfficials are pleased thai, such an eminIXliciaU are pleased that such eminent wit. statesman lias been chosen for the task. It is conside-red owing to Americans' attitude, towards the Alliance, Mr. Jialfour will handle a delicate subject- diplomatically. The mission is but the beginning of a series of conferences with the Allies. Some of the newspapers suggest that Mr. Balfour may discuss the question of America agreeing not to make a separate peace. WAR W ~M MEXICO. A DISTINCT POSSIBILITY. Received April 13, 1-2,50 a.m. Washington, April 12. The Slate Department regards war with Mexico as a distinct possibility. It has learnt that Oarranza is planning an embargo on Tumpieo oil, which will constitute a hostile act. [Britain draws the hulk of her oil supplies from Tammco. -Some time ago larranza threatened to place a stilTer duty on the output 1 , which Britain resisted.J CUBA'S OVERSEA' ARMY. Received April 13. 12.50 a.m Washington, April 12. The Cuban Government has authorised an army of 10, OIK) to co-operate with the United States. EDDYSTONE EXPLOSION* THE DEATH ROLL. AWFUL AND AGONISING SCENES.

Washington, April 11. The death roll in the Eddvstone explosion is li">, the majority of them girls, and there are 150 injured. There were agonising scenes at the morgues while relatives were trying to identify the dead, who were unrecognisable. Scores were blown to pieces. In addition to dynamite, 10,000 shrapnel shells exploded. It is believed the explosion was the work of spies. Suspect*, including a Oiennan sailor, have been arrested. The officials , are certain it was not an accident. There were awful scenes as girls with their clothes ablaze were blown, high in the air. Only mangled remains were rscovered. Women's bodies "were found in heaps inside the building. The occurrence has caused nation-wide horror and anger. • _ New York, April 11. The officials of the Eddystone ammunition works say that certain plotters caused the explosion, andi the police believe that whoever were responsible were killed in the conflagration. VOLUNTARY RECRUITING. RESULTS DISAPPOINTING. Received April 12, 5.5 p.m. * New York, April 11. ! It is admitted that the voluntary re* I cruiting has been disappointing. Colonel Roosevelt and others are lob" bying in favor of conscription. I

JAPAN'S CONGRATULATIONS. - MESSAGE FROM EMPEROR. New York, April 11. The New York Herald's Tokio correspondent says that the Emperor of .lapan has sent a message to President Wilson, welcoming the United States joining the Allies to uphold the sacred liberties of mankind. The message says: "May your step serve to cement and consecrate the lasting friendship of our two nations." REJECTED MEN. A DRASTIC PROPOSAL. Washington, April 11. The Agricultural Conference at St. Tjouis recommends that men rejected for the army and navy be conscripted as farmers under military organisation and sent wherever a shortage of agriculturalists prevails. GUARDING MERCHANTMEN. t ; _ NAVAL CONFERENCE ' 1 f Washington, [April IJ. A Series of naval conferences is now proceeding between representatives of America and th> Allies vrith t'\s view of guavcUng shiprr to Aijjed 'fcmtries.

TO AID THE ENTENTE, Washington, April 11. In the House of Representatives Mr. Kitchen introduced the Government Bill, authorising £1,000,000,000 bond issue, and also £400,000,000 Treasury certificates. The Bill for this, the greatest loan in history, provides specifically to aid the Entente. The cost of lUe flotation of the loan h estimated at twelve millioa