CONSCRIPTION CAMPAIGN.

Evening Star, Issue 15907, 13 September 1915, Page 3

CONSCRIPTION CAMPAIGN.

UNABATEO ARDOR. LONDON. September 11. It is -understood that 20 members of the Unionist party and 20 Liberal M.P.s have memorialised' Mr Asquith in favor of national service. September 12. The ' Observer,' remarking that the majority of the Cabinet Committee of Inquiry has reported in favor of national service, suggests that if the Government as a whole do not support that view, the rule of collective responsibility should >'be relaxed, and every member would then bear his own moral responsibility. Expressing its personal conviction, the 'Observer- also says: "A great citizen army is in the field or about to take, the field. However varied in the past the political opinions of members have been, they are becoming almost unanimously in favor of national service. This is required far lec-s for its immediate military advantage as for its effect upon the whole industrial organisation for the Avar. Mr Lloyd George's personal convictions since his experiences and inquiries in France are decisively on the side, of national service." RAMSAY MACDOHALD. SNUB FROM THE SOCIALISTS. LONDON, September 10. Mr Hodge, M.P., presiding over a meeting of the Socialist National Defence .Committee at Bristol, referred to the intrigues of pacifists. He regretted the action of Mr Ramsay Mac Donald and others. If this vveTe continued, the trade unionists must clear them out from the Labor party. A resolution was carried repudiating the intrigues as disloyal alike to the workers and the nation. N.S.W. LABORSTES AGAINST CONSCRIPTION. SYDNEY, September 12. Trade union, leaden; strongly oopose the Universal Service League's proposals, maintaining that the British Government should initiate conscription if it were needed. They express surprise at the Dominions attempting what Britain was not prepared to do. Conscription would result in the stagnation of industry and disorganisation of the labor market. There should be conscription of wealth before conscription of the workers. PENSIONS FOR DEPENDENTS. LONDON, September 11. The Naval and Military Pensions Committee recommend considerable advances in the pensions to disabled officers and officers' widows, orphans, and dependents. The new scale applies to the present war only. The rates for widows of navy- lieutenants and sub-lieutenants and army lieutenants and second lieutenants have been raised to the existing rates for army captains, and the pensions for disabled'junior officers in both sen-ices have been increased according to the degree of disability. THE FINANCIAL BURDEN. AN APT SIMILE. . LONDON, September 10. The committee of the British Association, reporting on the financial effects of the war, state that Germany's pre-war debt was £1,000,000.000, and that there is likely to be an additional £1,500,000,000. 'The British would emerge in a better position than the other belligerents, but they would be at a disadvantage compared with the United States. The latter would have the cream, Britain the milk, and the other belligerents the skimmed milk. ANGLO-AMERICAN FINANCE, THE COMMISSION'S ERRAND. TO RAISE 5 PER CENT. LOANON BEHALF OF ALLIES. LONDON, September 11. The 'Daily Telegraph'*' New York correspondent states that "Mr J. P. Morgan invited prominent financiers, including bank trust presidents, to a three hours' conference with Lord Reading's Commission, to discuss the question of a loan uitb. the United States. The bankers were approached, with, tentative plans for a 500,000,000d0l credit, endorsed by Britain', France, and Russia, to bear 5 per cent. interest, and be partly secured by American bonds and stocks'. NEW YORK, September 12. The Allied Financial Commission havo already secured promises of a loan of £150,000,000. It is understood thai, the Commission require every dollar the Americans caa lend, and hope to raise £200,000,000. Italy will also participate. The delegates include the- Canadian Pinance Minister.

GERMANY AND AMERICA. THE ARABIC CASE. BERNSTORFF'S ANSWER. AMSTERDAM, September 10. The German Note regarding the Arabic, after explaining how the submarine commander behaved towards the Arabic and the latter trying to Tarn her, states : " Another British liner fired on the submarine in the.lrish 'Sea on August 14. Germany is extremely sorry at the less of lives, especially American, but cannot recognise her obligations to compensate the enemy. If the submarine's commander made a. mistake in believing that the Arabic was aggressive, he offers to submit the case to The Hague Tribunal if an agreement is not reached, but The Hague decision shall not possess significance regarding r the general permissibility of German submarine warfare in international law." A PATIENT POWER. " EXHAUSTING " THE INEXHAUSTIBLE. WASHINGTON, September 11. Official circles consider that the Arabic reply is disappointing, because Count Bernstorff promised full satisfaction if it were proved that the Arabic was torpedoed. America will probably agree to submit the question of indemnity to The Hague Tribunal. President Wilson devoted several hours to the cnnfckltTation of the German repily. The American rejoinder will be sent promptly. America is pursuing her own investigations into the sinking, irrespective of the submarine commander's version. Most of the newspapers anticipate that Mr Wilson will merely send another Note, but the ( New York World' declares that Mr Wilson's patience is exhausted, and he has almost come to the conclusion that sterner action is necessary. NEW YORK. September 11. T!ie mnming papers are unanimous that Germany's excuse for sinking the Arabic is ow-T-nimsv for acceptance. The 'World' deol.ires that it is another sinister symptom of German insincerity. The Note retracts Count Bernstorff's pledge, and gives it the status of a scrap of paper. Count Bernstorff's pledge is the diplomacy of a "shyster" lawyer. The 'T'ibune' says: "We must put an end to the murder of our citizens on the high seas.'' The Philadelphia 'Press' says that Germany's suggestions that the "Arabic should be submitted to arbitration and its rcoeptanoe of the. submarine comma 'ider's excuse are insolences which no self-respecting Government should endure. ACTION TALKED OF. LONDON, September 10. The 'Daily Chronicle's' New York correspondent states that it is believed that President Wilson will convene a special meeting of Congress with a view to taking drast : c measures to compel German submarines to conform to the dictates of humanity. It is realised that the submarines need only declare that they feared attack it order to justify them in murdering non-combat;.nts. Germany's refusal to pay an indemnity is regarded as an added defiant, making the continuance of friendly relations 'almost impossible. SKIPPING COMPANY'S DEFIANCE. NEW YORK, September 11. The Federal Court fined the HamburgAmerika Shipping Company 700 dollars for contempt o'f court in refusing to answer a question whether, at the beginning of the war, their steamers were loaded and despatched * f<-om American ports as colliers for German cruisers. ALIEN MUNITION WORKERS. DUMBA-BERNSTORFF INTRIGUES. NEW YORK, September 11. The State Department is investigating the cases against Von Paperi, a German military attache, and Von Nuber, an Austrian Cousin. It is generally understood that Von Papen sent a private letter to his wife through Mr Archibald (a Press correspondent), referring sliahtingly to American officials. Mr Lansing regards the act of communication through Mr Archibald as an abuse of the American passport. M. Dumba's letter contained an enclosure relating to Von Nuber's negotiations for munitions and strikes. The autluiiti.\s are awaiting documents from Loudon before an announcement on Count JiernstorfTs case, which docs not appear k'-f r.tical with that of M. Dumba. It is believed that Count BernstorS mcrelv "entrusted Mr Archibald with a copy of a statement from Mr Lansing. The authorities are also considering the matter of a prosecution against Mr Archibald for conspiracy. Count Bernstorff has issued a statement that he never gave Mr Archibald a single paper or anything else, chiefly because he did not think it safe. The American Press comments sarcastically upon Count Bernstorff's reasons for oliseiving diplomatic propriety that apparently only safety regulates his conduct. The newspapers approve of M. Dumba's dismissal, pointing out that it puts the lid on the Teutonic propaganda. VIENNA ON HER DIGNITY. GENEVA, September 12. 1 he Vienna newspapers are indignant at President Wilson demanding M. Dumba's recall. They angrily comment upon America's policy towards the war, and some affirm that M Dumba acted within the scope of his duties. The Cabinet intends to accept his recall, as there is no alternative, but will not appoint a successor until the end of the war, and will entrust the Embassy to the Charge d'Affaires. The 'Zeit's' issue was confiscated, the paper advocating the breaking off of relations with America The American Embassy has been specially guarded to prevent possible disturbances by the mob. BUBMMARINE VICTIMS. LONDON, September 11. The British steamer Cornubia (1.736 tons) was sunk by a submarine. The crew were saved. PARIS, September 11. The cargo steamers Villemoes (775 tons), Magne (1,191 tons), and Andes (169 tons) were sunk by submarines. Sixteen of the Villemoes's crew have landed, and the crew of the Andes were saved. RETRIBUTION SLOW. PARIS, September 12. M. Lanessan, ex-Minister of Marine, in an article in the 'Petit Parisien,' says the hour is approaching when the flee'ts of the Quadruple Entente will be able to intervene in the war usefully. The Germans then may regret using up their submarines in the criminal and sterile task, for torpedoes are specially useful against battleships engaged in a furious combat. GERMAN CORN BURNED. ROTTERDAM, September 11. A fire at the Hamburg railway station destroyed thousands of tons of corn. ITALIAN INVENTION. London 'Times' and Sydnoy 'Sun Service*. LONDON, September 10. Padre Alfani, director of the Florence Observatory, has invented an aerial rangefinder, which permits of bomb-throwing with mathematical certainty, and hitting the target at any speed from airy height.

JAPAN'S READINESS. ROME, September 11. Signor Bianco, an Italian Deputy, states that Mr Hayashi, Ambassador, informed him that if the Entente requested Japan to send a' large army to Europe she would accept the invitation with'ardor and alacrity. NO PRIVATE STILLS. London 'Times' and Sydney 'Sun* Serfloti LONDON, September 10. The French Government have suppressed an old privilege of the peasant class—the right to distil for private consumption. Enormous advantage has hitherto been taken of the privilege. Fully a million peasants are distilling brandy and other spirituous liquors from the fruit crop. A reduction of the number of public-houses is also contemplated. THE D.S.O. SOME COLONIALS INCLUDED. LONDON, September 12. Distinguished Service Orders have been issued as follows: Commander Cecil P. Talbot, for submarining a, destroyer off the German coast on July 26. Commander John D. , Waterlow, for mine-sweeping in the Dardanelles on March 13 and 14, through a powerfullyilluminated area, under fire from four forts' and numerous light guns. Lieutenant-commander Edgar Cookson (severely wounded), for reconnoitring a creek on the Euphrates on May 9. His wound was temporarily dressed, and he resumed command, and extricated the launch from a perilous position under heavy rifle fire. Lieutenant-commanders G. Herbert, C. C. Dodson, and Archibald Cochrane, for submarining shipping in the Sea of Marmora, blocking the railway line at Kava Burnu, shelling a troop train, and blowing up three ammunition cars. Captain Ernest Sketchley, who, with Lance-corporal J. Way, showed great courage and powers of personal leadership, rallied the men south of Achi Baba on July 13, and retook trenches. Lieutenant Mark Singleton, commander of a launch, for intercepting to secure the surrender early in June of 250 Turkish troops, largely contributing to the capture of Amara. SYDNEY, September 12. Distinguished Service Orders have been issued to— Flight-lieutenant Bigworth, who destroyed a submarine single-handed. Manoeuvring for position under a heavy fire from the shore batteries and from a submarine, he displayed great coolness, and descended to a height of 500 ft, and secured a good line for dropping bombs with full effect. Surgeon Basil Playne, for conspicuous bravery, was several times mentioned for gallant deeds under heavy fire near Gaba Tepe. Eighteen Distinguished Service Crosses include Naval Reserve Sub-lieutenant Frederick Parslow, of the Anglo-Califor-' nian. On July 11 his vessel was subjected to heavy gun fire, but he steered his ship throughout the action, and maintained his post after his father (the captain) had been killed by a shell, until a patrol boat arrived and drove off the submarine. Chief Engineer James Crawford, of the Anglo-Calif ornian, was largely instrumental in the escape of the vessel, maintaining a maximum speed, despite a shortage of firemen. Acting-lieutenant Alan Alcock, who, with Lieutenant Empson and a platoon of 60 men, defended an isolated trench at Gaba Tepe against overwhelming odds for four nights and three days. Lieutenant Empson (who was killed), for conspicuous gallantry. "_ > AUSTRALIAN CASUALTIES. SEVENTY-SIXTH LIST. SYDNEY, September 11. Killed in Action.—A hundred and thirty men, including Sergeant J. Barden. Died of Wounds.—One officer and 24 men. Died Through Illness. —One officer and four men. Wounded.—Five officers' and 470 men, including Privates A. W. Rtid (in a hosptal at Alexandria), J. H. Coulson and 0. R. Duke (both for the third occasion), G. H. Logan and J. Stewart (both for the second occasion), Sergeant A. W. Lerry, Lance-corporal R. J. Ellis, Gunners J. G. Mackinnon, T. E. L. More, and Private S. G. Finnerty. 111. —One officer and 58 men. Missing.—A hundred and sixty-five men. Private E. Rollins, previously reported wounded, is in the hospital at Heliopolis. All those named are New Zealanders. BIG TOTALS. SYDNEY, September 12. Yesterday's casualty list, brings the totals to—Killed," 260 officers and 3.62-9 men; wounded, 563 officers and 12,870 men; missing, 44 oiti.-ers and 1.231 men. PERSONAL. Private C. W. Macfarlane (died of wounds at the Dardanelles on the 17th August, 1915) was the third son of Louis and Jessie Macfarlane, of Grange street. He was born in Dunedin on September 4, 1889, and was therefore in his 26th year. He was educated at the Macandrew Road and Normal Schools, and was employed for the last six years with the firm of Reid and Gray, until joining the Third Reinforcements. His younger brother has also gone to the front. Private Thomas Smith Mitchell (who was reported missing, and is now believed to be killed) is the eldest son of Mr James Mitchell, 729 a George street. He was born at Dunedin, and is 27 years of age. He was educated at the George Street School. His first occupation was with his father in the grocery business, but for the last seven years he had been in the Wanganui district, and was recently employed at the Castle Cliff Freezing Works. He was a member of the Third Expeditionary Force, but on arrival at Egypt was transferred into the main bedy. His younger brother, Private Cecil Mitchell, is at the front in the 3rd Australian Brigade. NEW ZEALAND SCOTTISH REGIMENT. A conference of Scottish societies is to be held at Palmerston North, on Friday, September 24, to consider a suggestion that a kilted regiment should be formed in New Zealand and offered for service abroad. THE NEW ZEALANDERS. LONDON PAPER'S TRIBUTE, In the glorious record of the services rendered by the daughter-Dominions to the British Empire in the great war, there is danger of the fine work of one colony being overlooked (says the London ' Daily Express'). This is New Zealand, who early in the war conquered German Samoa—the first time in the history of the Empire that a force from one of the Overseas Dominions had sailed the seas and taken possession of a. foreign territory. It was New Zealand, again, who contributed the famous cruiser of that name, who was engaged in the historic "Battle of Sunday Morning," when the Blucher was sent to the bottom of the North Sea, As if this was not enough, the New Zealand Forces have helped to garrison Egypt, to guard the Suez Canal, and repel a Turkish Invasion, and last, but by no means least, have played a truly magnificent part in the offensive operations in the Dardanelles. ' The ' Daily Express' uttderstainds that captured Turco-German officers nave freely boasted that had they possessed the slightest inkling of the tenacity and resource of the gallant New Zealanders, these men from under the Southern Cros3 would not have been permitted to effect a landing on the Galhpoli Peninsular-a landing which the enemy fondly believed would prove a death-trap" for tie New Zealand aavariffra.

WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION. _ The Port Chalmers Women's Association met as usual on Thursday afternoon and evening, when a great deal of useful work was done. A splendid case of hospital equipment was shipped yesterday, to Egypt per a troopsliip. ' Our thanks are due to Mr M'Laehlan for his help in this matter. The' case contains pyjamas, bed-shirts, bed-socks, scarves, facecloths, and old linen. Some 85 pairs of socks and 20 balaclavas were handed in this week, and these will be forwarded to the Dunedin Women's Association Little Lena Brown was anxious to help the wounded soldiers, so she made a cushion and disposed of it for Is 9d. Money received : —Lady Liverpool's appeal for waistcoats : Mrs Borrie £l. Wool fund : Mrs Gardner £l, Mrs D. M'Callum 15s, Miss M'Callum 10s, Standard 111., District High School (per Miss M'Callum) £l, D. H. School os, Mrs Borrie £l, Mrs Smith, sen., Mount street 2s. Wounded soldiers' fund : Lena Brown Is 9d. Socks : Mrs Spence, Mrs Christiansen, Mrs Shanks, Miss Bell. Mrs T. Clark, Mrs .Basire, sen., Mrs T. Basire, Miss E. Basire, Mrs D. Anderson, Mrs F. Holden. Mrs Long, Mrs M'Kinlay, Miss M'Kinlay. Miss M.lnelaus, Mrs M'Donald, Pupils D.H. School, Mrs M'Lean, Mrs Marshall, Mrs Da Costa, Sawyer's Bay Women. REV. C. J. BUSH-KING. The Rev. Canon Curzoin-Siggers has received a cable from the-Rev. C. J. BushKing saving that he is quite well again, and has returned to duty at the front. Letters, etc., for Mr Bush-King should be addressed care of the Rv. E. Reran, All Saints' .Church, Cairo.