UNITED STATES.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VII, Issue 202, 20 June 1917, Page 5

UNITED STATES.

Production and Markets. Government Control Essential. Northcliffe’s Organisation Work. [PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT. ] [AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION] (Received 20, 9.5 a.m.) New York, June iS. Lord Northcliffe has returned to New York, and has started work in earnest. The day is filled by conferences, and his staff is working at high pressure. Lord Northcliffe is urging the Government to control the production of various articles in order to facilitate his task. He points out that within a few days of the outbreak of war the German Government had taken charge of factories, railroads and supplies. The American Government must take action in order to prevent soaring prices in cotton and grain, and prevent the manipulation of the steel and other markets and activities. Otherwise it will be most difficult to accomplish good results. (Received 20, 8.50 a.m.) New York, June 19. Lord Northcliffe, in an interview, said:—“ I am conscious of the gigantic task of organisation wherein I am engaged. Much has been said regarding American loans to Britain. We are spending all the money here at the rate of more than 50,000,000 dollars weekly. One day last week we placed a single contract amounting to 40,000,000 dollars.” BELGIUM SHALL COME INTO HER OWN AGAIN. WILSON’S PLEDGE TO THE COMMISSION. (Received 20, 8.50 a.m.) Washington, June 19. President Wilson, in welcoming the Belgian Commission, said:—‘‘Americans glory in the unflinching heroism of the Belgian people and their sovereign.. I welcome the opportunity of expressing our solemn determination that on the inevitable day of victory Belgium shall be restored to her place so richly won among the self-respecting nations of the earth.”

ANOTHER ENEMY FOR GERMANY. (Received 20, 8.50 a.m.) Washington, June 19. It is announced that Hayti has severed relations with Germany. THE GANDY POISONERS. (Received 20, 8.50 a.m.) New York, June 19. The Rev. Byssche, who has returned from France, said:—“ I have proof that the Germans manufactured and distributed poisoned candy to soldiers in France and Belgium. I have seen the candy and its effects on children and troops.”

The U-Boat Blockade THE TRANSPORT CAMERONIAN SUNK IN THE MEDITERRANEAN. [AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASS'N.] London, June 19. An enemy submarine sank the British transport Cameronian on June 2nd in the Eastern Mediterranean. There was a small number of troops aboard; 52 of the troops and 11 of the crew, including the captain, ,are missing. [There is room for doubt as to whether there is an error in dates and the Cameronian, the transport mentioned above, is identical with the transport Cameronia, which, according to a cable on May 21st, was sunk in the Eastern Mediterranean on May 15th. The latter vessel was an Anchor liner of 10,963 tons. Eleven of her crew and 129 troops were reported to be missing.] WAR ON THE RED CROSS. SURVIVORS OF THE DOVER CASTLE. [AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASS’N. ] London, June 19. The survivors of the hospital ship Dover Castle, which was sunk in the Mediterranean on May 29, have arrived. They state that the loss occurred on a beautiful calm night.

The first warning was the explosion, which ripped a great hole, killing six in the stokehold. A comrade dragged out another fireman with a broken jaw and shoulder and bruises and cuts from head to foot. < The officers and doctors with the j utmost courage directed the rescue | work. There were 600 wounded men aboard, many armless, hobbling and swathed in bandages. It was a great relief when it was announced that all had been transferred. There j were no nurses aboard the ship. | Her nose dived after the second torpedo. NORWAY’S GREAT LOSSES. MILLION TONS AND 700 LIVES. Copenhagen, June 19. During the war the Germans’ submarines have sunk 562 Norwegian ships of a total tonnage of 800,000, while 581 men and women have been killed. Furthermore, the fate of many ships is unknown. It is estimated that the merchant fleet has altogether lost about a million tons and 600 or 700 lives. Aerial Warfare. QUESTION OF REPRISAL. STATEMENT BY BONAR LAW. London, June 19. Replying to questions as to reprisals for the air raids, Mr. Bonar Law in the House of Commons said it would be a mistake to assume

| that air raiding was confined to the i enemy. Our air forces in France haff I raided German communications and other military objectives behind the lines, and with the increase in our forces and the improvements of our machines raiding at longer range was becoming more frequent. The Government- was consulting the military authorities and Sir Douglas Haig regarding the most effective methods of meeting the situation.

Regarding reprisals the Govern ment had a perfectly open mind in the sense that they intended to take steps not merely for damaging the enemy but for the prevention of raids like those recently carried out. Britain. IRISH HOME RULE. THE CONVENTION. SINN FEINERS HAVE NO STATUS. [AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASS’N.] (Received 20, 8.45 a.m.) London, June 19. Mr. Bonar Law said that the Sinn Fein movement was not organised i sufficiently to enable anybody to speak authoritatively on ite behalf. The Government did not think that the holding of the Irish Convention should be dependent on the assent or dissent of individuals. PRICE OF N.Z. LAMB. [AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLB ABS'N I London, June 19. i Mr. Roberts (Secretary to the Board of Trade), interrogated in the House of Commons, said that New Zealand lamb was landed in Britain at 8d per lb and sold to the retailer at 10|d. The Food Minister was, considering retail meat prices. SHEDDING THEIR GERMAN NAMES. [high commissioner’s message.) (Received 20, 1.30 p.m.) London, June 19. The King deems it desirable in the conditions evolved from the present war that the Princes in his family and the whole of his subjects bear- 1 ing German names should respectively relinquish their titles and adopt British surnames. Consequently the Duke of Teck and Prince Louis Alexander of Battenburg are created marquisses and Prince Alexander of Teck an earl. LONDON NEWS ITEMS. [AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASS'N.T The Controller of Shipping warns those arranging to charter British vessels after the war. He is unable to give an assurance' that national requirements will permit it. Count Plunkett has been released from gaol. In the House of Commons Mr. Bonar Lav - said that the War Cabinet in order to avail themselves of the special military knowledge and experience of General Smuts had invited him to attend meetings during his stay in England.

America. SOME DELAYED MESSAGES. New York, June 12. The ringing of the cracked 1776 “Liberty Bell” for the first time for 41 years at noon on Thursday started the final 24 hours “drive” to complete the “Liberty” War Loan of £400,000,000. The bells all over the nation will join in when the signal is flashed from Washington that the success of the loan is assured. A “round up” of persons responsible for false rumours of a disaster to the British and United fleets has started. Many arrests are expected. \ The first units of the American regular division, which is bqnnd for France, arrived in London on June 12th. They were quartered in the Tower of London, and spent a few days in sight-seeing. The Produce Exchange has commenced a campaign in favour of “corn bread for breakfast” during the war, and so increase the wheat for the Allies. The Department of Commerce urges that whale, porpoise, and dolphin meat, as a war-time food, would increase the food available for the Allies. In the course of a speech at Philadelphia Mr. Theodore Roosevelt declared that the United States had utterly failed to prepare for war, and it was now endeavouring, with infinite confusion, hurry and blundering, to repair the damage wrought by a foolish refusal to face facts. They must give permanence to their military strength, and also prepare for the tasks of peace. Thus America would gain, even though compelled to prepare at the dictation of the Prussian taskmaster in the spiked helmet. “We have nominally come to the help of the Entente. We really owe even our ability to tardily prepare to the fleets and armies of the war-worn Allies.” I

The New York newspaper "Evening Telegram’’ states that three arrests took place as the result of a discovery or a wireless plant on the roof of a Broadway theatre. The Chicago "Herald’s” Washington correspondent says that the United States is to construct and operate an air fleet beyond the wildest flights of imagination. A sum of £100,000,000 has been requested from Congress immediately, and within a year another £lOO,000,000 may be asked for. This is to purchase 10,000 aeroplanes. It is reported from Washington that representatives of organised Labour, headed by Mr. Samuel Gompers (president of the American Federation of Labour), called at White House, and informed President Wilson that there was a great danger of unrest among workmen if food legislation were delayed. They urged the President to go before Congress. It is generally believed he will do so if the bill is delayed. A despatch from the American Minister at Christiania, states that Norway is sending a mission to the United States, headed by the explorer, Freidthjof. 1 It is learned that Russia has ordered from America 500 locomotives and 10,000 cars, which America is endeavouring to arrange to ship. Central Powers. THE DIMINISHING MARK. GERMAN LAMENTATIONS, [AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLB ASSN.) (Received 20, 8.45 a.m.) Amsterdam, June 19. The "Vorwaets” laments the depreciation of the German mark, a hundred of which are now only worth sixty five Swiss francs, or thirty-four Dutch florins.

' The paper comments : “The United States’ entry into the war has made an extraordinary impression on neutral countries. An improvement is impossible as long as Germany wages war against a league aiming at her destruction” AUSTRIA’S ENORMOUS DEFICIT. | 1“ THE TIMES ”! 1 London, June 10. Tn introducing the Austrian Budget the Finance Minister with-held the figures on the ground that the enormous deficit would create a painful impression. The extra-ordinary figureless Budget was cordially received. [AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASS’N.I Buda Pest, June 19. Official: Prince Esterhazy’s Cabinet at its first meeting abolished the political censorship. THE STEINFELD EXPLOSION (AUSTRALIAN AND N.P- OABTW ASSN 1 Amsterdam, June 19. A Vienna official messages states that a hundred were injured by the munitions explosion at St-cinfeid, & suburb of Vienna. Macedonia. BRITISH WITHDRAWAL ON THE STRUMA. (AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASb’M.J (Received 20, 9.20 a.m.) London, June 19. According to the enemy com- ! muniques the British, after burning ithe villages, have abandoned their advanced positions in the unhealthy Struma Valley, including Kiupri and Prosenio, on the main Doiran-Serea railway, which has doubtless been destroyed at these points, and also i Barakli Djuma, which is of some strategic importance, standing at the entrance to the Rupel Pass. The British, however, still hold the east bank of the Struma and some of the country beyond. THE ENEMY REPORT. [“ADMIRALTY PER WIRELESS PRESS.”] London, June 19. A German wireless report states that the Bulgarians repulsed several , British attacks south-westward of Lake Doiran. • Empire Outposts. CANADA. THE CONSCRIPTION BILL. [AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASS’N.] (Received 20, 8.50 a.m.) ‘ Ottawa, June 19. 1 On the second reading of the Con- ; l scription Bill, Sir Robert Borden 1 said that 1,500,000 men were avail,l able for military service, of whom 1 1760,000 were single men between the ages of 20 and 34. The men available would be 600,000. No new r i principle was involved. The Cana* ’ dian Militia Act covered the precise ;! ground, except that it involved bal--3; loting. The present method whs 3 fairer to economic welfare.

Neutral Nations. Greece PRO-GERMANS TO BE BANISHED [AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASS’N.] London, June 19. In the House of Commons Lord Robert Cecil said that the protecting Powers did not intend to allow King Constantine or his family to remain in Greece, and were taking steps to eject Herr Streit, and M. Gounaris, Colonel Metaxis, General Dousmarois and other pro-Gennan intriguers. King Constantine’s domicile was under discussion. Thei e are conflicting reports about King Constantine. Rome messages declare that he is resting at Messina. Diplomatic circles announce that the Allies are, not interfering with his choice of domicile. Paris learns that he is going to Baden. THE NEW KING'S ATTITUDE [AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ARS’N.] (Received 20, 9.15 a.m.) New York, June 10. The “New York Sun’s” London correspondent states that King Alexander’s proclamation pledges him to carry out “the brilliant policy of my revered father.” There is universal feeling amongst the Allies that if he follows ln» father’s lead he should instantly be ejected.

OCCUPATION OF THESSALY. [AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASS’N.] London, June 19. A French communique states:— The British air service successfully bombarded the Tumba railway station and several munition dumps. Our troops’ movements in Thessaly continue. The Allies in the communes in the neighbourhood of Larissa and Volo spontaneously supported the Venezelist Government in stalling new civil authorities. ■ ITALY THE IMPEDIMENT. WHY SETTLEMENT WAS DELAYED. (Delayed Cables). London, June 11. The Paris correspondent of the "Daily Chronicle,” telegraphing on Tuesday night says there are many hints of important impending events in Greece, Notable preliminaries are the Italian proclamation of a frotect orate over Albania, and the talian occupation of Epirus (northwest Greece). These are regarded as measures being taken by Italy to provide herself with guarantee*. Having obtained these, Italy now will no longer impede a decisive settlement, of the Greek situation. The "Matin' 1 says that no Court will longer support Constantine who cannot disguise from himself that the hour is approaching when he must settleac'counts. The only suitable successor, under the scheme of a limited Regency is Alexander, Constantine’s second son. Other newspapers more openly declare that Britain, France, ana Russia are favourable to Constan* tine’s deposition, in which Italy ia expected to concur. They predict that M. Venizelos will make an early return to Athens.

By the Protocol of London, 1830, Greece was declared a kingdom upder the joint protection of Britain, France, and Russia. These three Powers are still entitled to interfere in Greek affairs in order to ensure

the safety of the Constitution and the maintenance of order. The first king was Prince Otto of Bavaria, who was crowned in 1833, and expelled from the kingdom in 1562. Then the Grecian National -Assembly, under the supervision of the 'protecting Powers, elected as their king the second son of the King of Denmark. He reigned as George I. until 1913, when he was assassinated and his eldest son, Constantine, ascended the throne. C onstantine, who is now 49 years old. married Sophia of Prussia', sister of the German Emperor. Greece has been very snort of food, and there has been much alarm recently in the Vemzelist provinces lest tne pro-German Athens Government would seize the ripening crops in Thessaly, and refuse the pro-Venizelos sections of the population any share in the grain. EXCITEMENT AT ATHENS. London, June 12. There is considerable excitement at Athens over the arrival of General Jonnart, who has been for 30 vears the Governor-General of Algeria, and w*as at one time the French Foreign Minister. He arrived on a French warship, . and it is understood he has come with plenipotentiary powers to act for the Allies, with the title of High Commissioner for the Protecting Poweits. The French Minister is already departing on leave, and the Russian and British Ministers will probably follow, if General Jonnart finds military action the only solution of the Greek problem. General Jonnart’s arrival, coupled with the Italian occupation of Yanina, (in Northern Greece), induces fhe belief that Greece is nearing the end of her tether. Nearly all prominent Venizelists have quitted the capital, and the remainder are leaving without delay. The excitement at Athens increased on the information that several Allied destroyers and two vessels resembling transports were cruising in the Gulf of Corinth. M Gournaris is said to have actually asserted to pro-German satellites that the Allies had landed at Itea, but there is no confirmation of this report. M. Dousmanis and other Germanophiles are elaborating plans of resistance, but how much is bluff remains to be seen. Meanwhile General Jonnart has proceeded to Salonika, to interview M. Venizelos and General Sarrail regarding the exigences of the situation. The view is strongly held in Entente circles that events are marching rapidly and thaC perhaps highly-placed personalities will be involved. Lord Robert Cecil (Lnder-Secre-taty for Foreign Affairs) stated in the House of Commons that steps were being taken to control the harvest in Thessaly.

SPAIN. GRAVE NEWS FROM MADRID. CONFLICTS AND STRIKES. [AUSTRALIAN AND N.f. CABT.I ASS’NI London, June 19. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Rome correspondent says that the Vatican has received the gravest news from Spain. The disturbances among the military- have shaken the central authority. Conflicts between the Germanophiles and interventionists complicate the situation. A new general strike and a fresh crisis are imminent. SWEDEN. HUGE FOREST FIRE. * [aVSTBALLAN and n.z. cable ass’n.J Gothenburg, June 19. A fire destroyed great areas of woods in western Sweden. It is raging on a fourteen miles front, and already millions of damage has been done. Soldiers are assisting thousands of civilians to extinguish it. --

VESSELS MAY LEAVE THE BALTIC. London, June 19. It is announced that an arrangement has been concluded with Sweden to allow vessels freely to leave the Baltic. CHINA. A MISUNDERSTANDING REMOVED. WAR ON GERMANY EXPECTED. [austbauan and n.z. cable ASS’N.I (Received 20, 9.15 a.m.) Washington, June 19. Japan in a note to America states that the differences regarding America’s note to China, were due to a misunderstanding, and that the incident is considered closed. United States officials expect China to declare war on Germany. BRITAIN’S REPLY TO AMERICA (AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASS’N. | Washington, June 19. England’s refusal of the United States’ request for a joint AngloAmerican Note to China has arrived. Mr. Lansing has not published the text.