THE GERMAN RAID.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15158, 23 December 1914, Page 7

THE GERMAN RAID.

NAVAL MEN'S STORY.

ARE THE GERMANS STILL AT SEA ?

LONDON", December 21. Naval men* who chased the raiders M.nto that, their oscapo was duo to the mist. Directly the destroyer flotilla gob on their track tlio enemy scuttled off.

Tho small eruisor with the flotilla i-avcd tho situation. I- was no match for he weightier opponents, and tho fact that camo tveil out of t>ho encounter was duo to tho Germans' poor gunnery. Three German ships raine'l shells on tbo flotilla, but I little damage- ivas dono. ("Tituei" anH "Sydney Sub" Semce«.) I JO'S DO'S, December 21. Tho naval correspondent, of '"The Times" stresses t'ho difficulty of comI bating raids over short distances mado by bottle-cruisers of tho highest speed. A squadron so constituted might remain at eca for somo time longer, and it is uncertain whether tho German squadron is stiH in tho North Soa, in which case it might contrive to evade tho British battle-cruisers, favoured by thick weather, and attempt, to do moro damage before it. returns to port. EFFECT ON AMERICANS. LONDON.. December 22. Tho New York correspondent, of "Tho Times" states that' ihe naval raid on the undefended Yorkshire towns and tbo enthusiasm over the murder of non-combatants it' evoked in Berlin, liavo not assisted tho German cause- in America. On the contrary, they have deepened ihe conviction that a victory for .the Kaiser would bo a victory of scientific barbarism over civilisation. HULL-COPENHAGEN ROUTE UNSAFE. LONDON. December 21. Sailings between Hull arid Copenhagen have been suspended owing to tho mines sown on tho East Coast by tho raiding German squadron. Tho Admiralty continues mine-sweeping, and announce* that a comparatively ]

UNITED STATIC AND NEUTRALITY. A BILT, TO RESTRICT CONTRABAND. LONDON. December -Ji. Thn "Manchosto - Guardian" states that the United States Government has drafted a Bill providing lines and imprisonment for tho.v violating neutrality. Hitherto the authorities liavo hoen unaWc to nrevseruto American shipowners for ee.ndins coal and provisions to German warship. Cargoes of cotton destined for Germany -were also found to contain copper ami o'.hcr contraband. Such vioia-ions have rendered the United States liable to heavy damages to Great Britain and her Allies. Tho Bill will enable the Government to examine vessels leaving American ports, and ascertain that they only carry what their manifesto states, thus largely dispensing with the present surveillance by Allied warships. ''WILFUL MURDER."" '"Times" and "Sydney Sun" Services.) (Received December '22nd. 5.20 p.m.) LONDON. December 22. At tho inquest of tho Scarborough victims the jury wished to return a verdict of wilful murder, but. the Coroner pointed out that this would necessitate the prosecution of tho Commanders of tho warships, which was impossible.