THE GREAT WAR.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume IV, Issue 203, 12 August 1914, Page 5

THE GREAT WAR.

British Expeditionary Force.

Juncture with the Belgians Gallant Defenders of Liege.

Will Forts Withstand Siege Guns?

British Experts Pessimistic.

Sydney, Aug. 11. An Independent Cable Association message says that official reports from Brussels state that a junctidn has been effected between British, Belgium and French troops across the German line of advance.

(Received 12, 9.10 a.m.) London, Aug. 11.

Unconfirmed reports state that the small forts at Liege have been captured, and one fort was apparently silent, but when the German infantry advanced it was received with a hail of bpllets and driven back.

.While the men in the front ranks used cutters to remove the barbed wire entanglements guarding the approach to the forts, others laid down. The forts rained grape shot, and the sharpshooters picked the cutters oft'. (Received 12, 9.25 a.m.) Experts consider that the Liege forts are unlikely to withstand the siege guns. Lord Sydenham opines that a few hours’ bombardment with 8501 b projectiles will reduce them to a shapeless mass. The Germans have reached Houffalize, on the river Ourthe, a tributary of the Meuse at Liege.

THE ASSAULT ON THE FORTS.

FURTHER DETAILS OF THE BATTLE

BELGIANS FIGHT LIKE DEMONS

g ' London, Aug. 11. Mr. William Maxwell, the “Daily Telegraph’s” Liege correspondent, says that heavy cannonading began at 11.30 on Wednesday night by the full moon. . The German attack was directed against Fleron and Boncelles. The artillery practice was perfect, shell after shell exploding fairlv on the ramparts, ft was impossible to judge of the effect of the Belgians’ return fire, as the German gun positions were admirably concealed. . Apparently no siege guns were usee. Ine Germans used a high explosive shell with extraordinary vrudness. 'At 3 in the morning the infantry lire commenced in the yroods west of the river Ourthe, between Embourg and Boncelles, held by the ninth and fourteenth Belgian Infantry regiments, the ninth bearing the brunt of the attacks which were repulsed along the line. At daybreak one could see the Germans in close order, lhe engagement reached its fiercest stage at .5 a.m., when the fort Fleron was silenced. It was afterwards said that the German fire 'had smashed much of the mechanism ot the disappearing gun carriages. Small parties of German cavalry were seen at intervals between the infantry battalions, but made no attempt at a cavalry attack. Towards 8 a.m. there was a lull in the attack, which was . checked all along the line. Battalion after battalion was ' thrown back by the Belgians, whose ninth regiment fought, like demons. It is doubtful how many Germans are remaining in Liege. One report says 120,000. buj probably only a tew hundreds are left to control the citizens, as it would be madness to put a large force within a circle of uncaptured forts. The Belgians did not shell the Germans, not desiring to risk the destruction of the city. The German troops outside are recovering their spirits and strength and re-victualling. An almost continuous bombardment of the forts continues.

forts command principal roads.

MEAGRE DETAILS FROM WAR CENTRES

GERMAN PREPARATIONS FOR AN ADVANCE

Brussels, Aug. 11 (morning). The Belgian general staff points cut that the Liege forts command three of the principal roads whereby the Germans can advance, making it impossible for them to receive supplies, ammunition or armaments.

German cavalry in some strength have crossed the Meuse and reached Tongres, about 15 miles north of Liege.

Details from all war centres are meagre. Reconnaisances in force have temporarily ceased. The French advance in Alsace has apparently proved that there were no great preparations for a German advance near Belfort. Experts conclude that the massed German armies, possibly twelve army corps, aggregating 600,000 men, are preparing to advance between Liege and Thionville, the remainder probably by Corraine. The Belgian War Office claims that the situation is satisfactory. The French armies in Belgium are advancing methodically. The commander of one fort at Liege reports that the works are intact, and the men in splendid spirits. Evidence of the unpreparedness of the German attack is accumulating. German prisoners in Belgium state that new boots were served out, and their feet have been cut to pieces in consequence of the high heavy boots being unsuitable for quick marching. The French doctors state that the French bullets are causing much more serious wounds than the German. , There are many stories of German cruelties to noncombatants, but there is apparently little basis tor them in fact. Through the illegal execution of French subjects, the French troops have taken seven of the most notable citizens ol Montreuxvieux as hostages.

The first brigade of cavalry left Charleroi on Tuesday, 1500 strong. Only 490 are known to remain. For fifty-two hours the brigade held 8000 Germans at bay. Ihe Germans fought on empty stomachs, while the cavalry brigade was supplied with wine and food by boy scouts. Ihe loss ot Belgian officers is out of all proportion to the loss of rank and hie. This is due to their distinguishing headgear, which is now Jbeing remedied.

Rival Armies on French Frontier.

French Retire from Mulhausen.

Vosges Passes Captured by our Ally.

Paris, Apg. 10. It is officially stated that the troops continue to hold Ferney and Altkirch. Before them is the forest of Hart, which is stronHv held. There have been numerous skirmishes along the whole front. Both Germans and French killed and wounded are at Altkirch. It is reported that the troops at Mulhausen occupied Colmar. ■ An armoured train is repairing the railway between Belfort i ' and Mulhausen.

’ fhe French on Saturday night captured the passes Bon- ' homme and Ste. Marie through the Vosges. They also hold the summits commanding the St. Maricux mines.

Paris, Aug. I I. It is officially announced that.the. Germans compelled the. french to withdraw from Mulhausen to high ground in the neighbourhood. While the villagers were in church at Affileville, a frontier village, the Uhlans with petroleum set fire to their houses and destroyed the village. A similar outrage is reported in Limburg Province.

BRITISH VOLUNTEERS. HEARTY RESPONSE TO THE CALL. KITCHENER GETS HIS 100,000 MLN. London, Aug. 10. Three thousand are eaiistnig daily in the expeditionary force. It is expected that Lord Kitchener’s 100,uoo men will be obtained much sooner than was anticipated. ihe percentage of unfit has fallen from 3u to well under 20 per cent owing to the excellent ciass enlisting.

Air. Asquith, in the Douse of Commons said that Lord Kitchener was anxious to give every help in the organisation and equipment of the Irish volunteers, lhe Government had shown its confidence in the. patriotism of the Irish by countermanding the despatch of the English. Territorials to Ireland who under the mobilisation scheme would have gone. Mr. Asquith added that Lord Kitchener’s chief difficulty was to find officers and non-coms for the second army of 100,000. Air. Asquith also announced separation allowances would be paid to soldiers who married off the strength, also pensions if killed. The Vvar Office’s re-, fusal to recognise such wives caused many hardships in the Boer War. Sir hundred members of the Cambridge University officers corps, including twenty blues, have applied for commissions in the special reserve and Territorials. The Government has recognised the Boy Scouts as a non-military body of public service. A conference of London business men decided to organise a fifth line of defence utilising their spare time. The Londoners will learn the rudiments of drill and the use of arms on the principle of the Irish volunteers. All classes are responding to the call for enrolment as special constables. In consequence of their excellent soiwice in patrolling roads, guarding cables and telegraphs and assisting the coastguard the War Office will probably give the Boy Scouts official recognition. (Received 12, 9.15 a.m.) London, Aug. 11Five hundred have already enlisted in the English Foreign Legion, including three Russian princes and several Italian officers.

Danish residents are organising a corps.

BISHOP INGRAM’S EXAMPLE

(Received 12, 9 a.m.) London, Aug. 11. Dr. Ingram, Bishop of London, has enrolled for active service.

SPECIAL CONSTABLES ENROLLED.

(Received 12, 10.25 a.m.) London, Aug. 11.

Seven thousand men have been enrolled as special constables in London.

MINISTERIAL CHANGES

LORD ISLINGTON AT COLONIAL OFFICE. Lord Islington has replaced Lord Emmot at the Colonial Office. Air. Christopher Addison has replaced Mr. Runciman. GERMAN SPIES. MANY ARRESTS. London, Aug. 11. A woman believed to be a German spy, was arrested at the Alillhduse gunpowder works at Dunoon. The police occupied Croydon Hall, near Dunst-er, which is in the occupation of Count Hochberg, a member of the Pless family. The property is valued at £lOO.OOO and contains many art treasures. When war was declared Count Hochberg told his servants that they might never see him again and disappeared. A steamer picked up and arrested four Germans in a row boat on the Mersey endeavouring to elude arrest.

Some 219 German reservists at Folkestone en route for Flushing were arrested by the Irish Fusiliers. They appeared delighted that their journey was interrupted. Sixty German reservists embarking at Folkestone were arrested today. RAILWAY SENTRY” SHOT. (Received 12, 9.10 a.in.) London, Aug. 11. A concealed man fatally shot the sentry of the railway at Redhill and escaped. SUSPICIOUS EXPLOSION. (Received 12, 9.10 a.m.) London, Aug. 11. Two explosions occurred in a German baker’s shop at East ham. Seven were injured, including three firemen. GERMAN PLAN OF CAMPAIGN. FRUSTRATED BY BELGIUM. London. Aug. 11. The “Daily Chronicle” says that Germany detailed three armies to smash France. The northern army co-operating with the Ardennes army was to he flung against the French left, while the third army held the French right in cheek. The Belgians upset this. THE TIME TABLE UPSET. A WEEK OVERDUE ALREADY. (Received 12, 10.0 a.m.) Brussels, Aug. 11. A Uhlan was captured in pos session of German plans, whereby the Germans were to have reached Brussels on the 3rd instant and Lille on the sth instant. PATRIOTIC FUNDS. London, Aug. 10 (evening). The Prince of Wales’ fund has reached half a million, including Sir James Caird £12,000. Sir Robert Lucas Tooth subscribed £lO,OOO to the Countess of Dudley’s fund ,of which he acts as chairman. THE GIRLS THEY LEFT BEHIND them: “times” AND ‘‘SYDNEY SUN" SEHVTCEB. (Received 12, 9.0 a.m.) London, Aug, 11.

A fund lias been opened to assist the wives of the departed''French reservists. Hundreds of women are tearfully pleading to compatriots for assistance to pay rent and secure bread and milk for their children. MANSIONS CONVERTED INTO HOSPITALS. London. Aug, 10. Earls Spencer and Stradbroke and others are offering, their houses, and some Scottish castles as hospitals.

Mr. Harcourt has given Nuneham Park as a convalescent hospital, connecting with the base hospital for wounded soldiers. The Crystal Palace has been offered to the War Office as a temporary hospital. (Received 12, 10.25 a.m.) London, Aug. 11. Sir Ronald Munro Ferguson has offered Raith House, Kircaldy, as a hospital. Lady Islington has .offered her London residence as a hospital for New Zealanders if required. She also stated that she is willing to assist in hospital work. (Received 12, 1.15 p.m.) London, Aug. 11.' Lady North cote has offered Eastwell Park as a convalescent home for officers. London, Aug 11. The patriotic fund in England and Wales has reached £650,000. (Received 12, 9 a.m.) London, Aug. 11. Sir H. Berbohm Tree is reviving Drake at His Majesty’s Theatre, the proceeds to go to the war funds. OUR EASTERN ALLY. WAR AGAINST GERMANY. ULTIMATUM HOURLY EXPECTED. London, Aug. 10. The Japanese Embassy considers the report that an ultimatum has been issued is false. Tok-io, Aug. 10. The ‘’Asahi Smibun,” after quoting the first '’article of the AngloJapanese Alliance, says: “The question of the interpretation of this article, and British territory in the’ Orient being already in jeopardy, the time has arrived for Japan to act. But apart from our obligations it is imperative that we should realise that the crisis is already here.” Prolonged councils of the Cabinet and Elder Statesmen have excited public opinion. The newspapers strongly advocate war and are impatient that Japan is apparently playing a subordinate part. CHINA’S APPEAL. (Received 12, 10.25 a.m.) Peking, Aug. 10. China has requested the United States and Japan tp co-operate to prevent hostilities in Chinese waters and territories.

JAPAN WILL SEIZE TSJNGTAU

(Received 12, 9,10 a.m.) London, Aug. 11

Reuter’s Peking correspondent says there are convincing indications that Japan will shortly declare war on Germany and seize Tsingtau.

The representative of the “Sydney Morning Herald” detailed to interview the Consuls of the various nations, in his report remarks that there was no news or opinions of any sort at the consulates of AustriaHungary, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, or Denmark. But the visit to the Japanese Consul-General was not so bereft of ideas. Of course, there was the “we have no news, have you any ?” answer to the opening question of the interviewer. When a passing reference was made, by the pressman to the Anglo-Japan-ese alliance, however, it- was noticed at once that the eyes of the Consul glistened with the light cf appreciation.

“You must understand,” he said, “that Japan has no interest in the present situation. But Japan will not hesitate to perform her obligations under the treaty with England. Every principle and every letter of that treaty will be carried out it the circumstances foreshadowed by the treaty ever obtain.” It was interesting to watch the facial animation, and not the supreme confidence of Japan’s consular representative in Sydney when the mere possibility of England calling for the performance of the Anglo-Japanese alliance obligations was mentioned. LONDON NEWS ITEMS. London, Aug. 10. Six ships conveying 8000 stranded Americans sailed tor New Xork. Some 15,000 English and American tourists are stranded in Switzerland. The French Government is sending special trains to convey them across 1 rance. To-day Mr. McKenna remitted the sentences of all iSuffrage.ttes also on prisoners connected with recent strikes. In announcing the remission he said that the King was confident that the prisoners of both classes would not stain their causes ov further crimes. ‘The Bishop of London during the intercession service suggested that nobody ought to exceed two meals dailv. The shipbuilders and repairers at Newcastle have arranged to transfer men from merchant to naval work on the Tyne and are prepared to undertake any repairs in any emergency. The Welsh miners decided to assist the Government to their utmost. The House of Commons adjourned till 25th instant. Mr. Asquith hoped that thev could then wind up the session m a way which would meet with general aeqiiiescense. Mr. Bonar Law said he would, gladl.v help, and would do his best io prevent controversial debate which would be a national calamity. Most Germans long resident tn Great Britain unanimously express bitterness at the Kaiser’s war spirit and friendliness towards England. The majority of Germans remaining in Great Britain are peaceful and innocent. (Received 12. 9-10 a.m.) The Postmaster-General -circulates telegrams on Sundays and war digests at the end pf" the bureau message. IN PARIS. A PATHETIC INCIDENT. ’ Paris, Aug. IL A pathetic incident occurred in Paris, when a great crowd, including many 1870 veterans, removed the crepe wherewith the Strasburg statue has been swathed for forty years. The ceremony was one of the utmost dignity. The crowd though its applause was subdued was mtensely moved. SHOPKEEPERS’ HUMOUR. Paris, Aug. 10. Martial law has resulted , in a humourous and pretentious display of patriotic signs upon closed shops, stating that the, proprietors and assistants have joined the colours. Some are foreigners, thus hoping to secure immunity from damage by patriotic mobs,