RUSSIA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume L, Issue 175, 8 October 1917, Page 5

RUSSIA

NOTICE BY RAILWAYMAN CURTAILMENT OF TRAFFIC. (Reuter's Telegrams.) (Rec. Oct. 8, 8.55 a.m.> PETROGRAD, Oct. 7 . Railwaymen, in ( view of the Government's slowness in dealing with the demand for increased wages, have caused a cessation of all traffic, excepting munition and military- trains, despite M. Kerensky's appeal not to .increase the misfortunes of the country.

RUSSIAN COALITION

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Rec. Oct. 8, 8.55 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Oct. 7. The Russian Embassy believes that the Coalition offers every assurance that it will be effective, and that policies will be carried out embracing Keren : sky's determined programme for the restoration of the army's fighting power.

M. KERENSKY

HOPES RUSSIA WILD BE LIBER-

ATED BEFORE HE DIES. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association-* (Rec. Oct. 8, 8.65 a.m.) ~ NEW YORK, Oct. 7. M. Kerensky writes to a friend that his consumption is .progressing better than the Russian revolution. He hopes Russia will be liberated before he dies, and will develop real democracy from the present anarchv. (Rec. Oct. 8, 2.15 p.m.) - LONDON, Oct. 7. A Russian -official message states: — We captured a height and also half the vilage of Vaskoutchy, north-west of the Sereth. We repulsed counter attacks. Subsequently the enemy artillery forced us to abandon the village;. We took prisoner' 762 ■ GERMAN COMMUNIQUE. (Rec. Oct. 8, t.20 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 7. A German official message states : There is continuous destructive fire between Poelcapelle and Tiandhoorde. Photographs show great destruction at Dunkirk, consequent on our air raids. We drove the enemy out of Vascoutcy.

MESOPOTAMIA

BRITISH CAPTURES AT RAMADIE

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association and Reutar.) (Official.) LONDON, Oct. 6. Details of the captures at Ramadie show that 145 omcer3, 312 ft men unwoiihded, .and 190 wounded were taken, and also parts of five engines, several niiles of track, two steam launches, 1061 rifles ,and much ammunition and material.

THE MACEDONIAN FRONT

A GERMAN COMMXTNIQUE. (A'Jist'-alian and N.Z. Oable Association and Reuter.} LONDON, Oct. 5. A German communique says: "The Bulgarians repulsed the English eastward of La.ke iDoiran."

GREECE

EX-PREMIER ARRESTED. (Australian and N.Z Ha hip Association ATHENS, Oct. 6. M. Lambros, the ex-Premier, was arrested for disobeying, a summons to appear before the Investigation Commission.

THE TURMEL AFFAIR

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association..} (Rec. Oct. 8, 12.20 p.m.) PARIS, Oct. 7. After evidence the Magistrate ordered Tunnel's arrest. The prosecutor showed that Turmel had given a contradictory explanation re £IOOO in Swiss bank notes found in his cupboard at the Chamber of 3>eputies. It is understood that he will be charged with trading with the enemy.

© • HOLLAND AND BRITAIN

and' N.Z. Cable. Association.) (Rec, Oct. 8, 12,20 p.m.) (Official.) THE HAGUE, Oct. 7. . iiolland has agreed, under protest, to refer to the British Prize Court, the question of 'Britain's "capture of four German steamers on the Dutch coast. Britain tendered an apology for the abflllinff of three stranded steamers. Holland has asked Jot an indemnity.

GERMAN COLONIES

THEY WILL NEVER BE RETURNED. BRITISH COLONIAL SENTIMENT. AN AMERICAN REVIEW OF THE «* POSITION. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Rec. Oct, 8, 9.10 a.m.) NEW YORK, Oct. 7. Mr Frank Sinimohds, in the Tribune, heads a lengthy review of the German colonies with Mr Holman's statement that Australia will never allow Germany to regain a footing in New Guinea. Mr Holman declared : "There is no visible reason against New Guinea remaining in eur hands." Mr Mr Simmonds studiously traces Germany's machinations in South Africa, and says: "The decision of Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa regarding German colonies is final and has been made." Germany, knowing the doom of the Mittel Europa scheme, is again turning eyes in the direction of Mittel Africa; but South Africa must have a say in that question. There is no chance of the restoration of the German colonies, not because of British, but because of Colonial sentiment. Germany never approved of the British genius in dealing with the colonies, and reckoned on the disaffection of British colonies all the world over. Oe rman y believed the war would see a loosening of the Empire's bonds, but it 'was plain the bonds had strengthened before the war's first anniversary. Mr Simmonds praises the Australians, and says: "The Anzacs' story was already a part of history when the South Africans began the invasion of East Africa after whipping German rule out of South Africa.'*

THE BLOCKADE

EMBARGO DECLARED BY CUBA

rAoMralian and N.Z. Cable Association.) HAVANA, Oct. 6. The Cuban President has declared an embargo against neutrals on the same lines as the United States. He has cancelled the exequaturs of the Austrian Consuls. GERMAN RETALIATION. {Rec. Oct. 8. 12.20 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, Oct. 7. Germany, under the new agreement, supplies Holland with two hundred thousand tons of German and fiftythousand tons of Belgian coal monthly. (The new prohibition upon exports from Britain to .Sweden and Holland has been imposed in conjunction with the United States, as a further check upon the trade which neutral merchants are still able to do with Ger"many. The case of Holland is typical The Dutch people have been put on ■rations and the food situation is described as perilous, but supplies, still cross the German frontier. Holland's i own economists have thrown upon her ! relations with Germany . the entire blame for this state of affairs': Dutch merchants have not only diverted supplies from Allied customers; they have hurried into Germany food belonging rightly to their fellow-countrymen. During the # first nine months of 1916 Holland sold to Germany between | £23,000,000 and £25,000,000 worth of I commodities above what she received iin exchange. The result was the inrush tof a flod of German money, not in i specie but in paper, while the granaries i and storehouses in Holland were depleti ed. Holland produces far more potatoes than she can consume. Yet for more than a year the Dutch people have been rationed in regard to potatoes. In one month, when eggs were practically .unprocurable for home consumption, not less than 622 tons were exported to Germany. That Holland should sell surplus food to Germany is in itself sufficiently indicative of a lack of appreciation of her own ultimate good, but that she should continue to supply commodities which are urgently required at home is a policy tenfold more perilous. Replying to an American suggestion regarding the severance of diplomatic relations with Germany Holland said in effect that she was too close to her undesirable neighbour to be able to desert a neutral attitude.) INSURANCE RATE'S REDUCED. i(Rec. Oct.. 8, 8.55 a.m.) ■ WASHINGTON,, Oct. 7. The War Insurance 'Bureau has reduced rates 23 per cent., based on reports that the ,U-boat campaign is not largelv successful. There are indications that a new device will further reduce ravages.

AIR RAIDS

GERMANS AND REPRISALS. PRECAUTIONS IN RHINE DISTRICTS. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) .AMSTERDAM, Oct. 5. A Zeppelin this week patrolled the Rhenish towns. The people are exercised in air raid drill. They are ordered' to extinguish lights and go to refuge shelters on the appearance of Zeppelins.

THE CEHTRAI POWERS

A COMING SURPRISE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Associates-) NEW YORK, Oct. 6. The Now York Times Amsterdam correspondent says there are persistent rumours at Berlin and Vienna that the nea.r future holds a surprise. Something is happening behind the scenes.

PRUSSIA

POLITICAL REFORM PROPOSALS. AN UNSUSTALNED PROMISE. (Anatralian and N.J^*-^" The German Government's proposal to reform the Prussian House of Lords makes the following allocation of seats, which is astounding, in view of the previous announcement that the Government was willing to democratise parliamentary institutions: Agriculture, 43; commerce and industry, 48; trade, 12;. labour, 24 education, 16; clergy, 17, municipalities, 36 ; rural committees, 36 ; landowners, 24; burgomasters of large towns. 20. _ . ~, The 'Kaiser, as King of Prussia, will nominate a further 120 members of whom 24 will be pr.mces and membeis of reigning houses.

THEARGENTINC

PLIGHT OF COUNT LUXBURG. (Ueuter's Telegrams.) BUENOS AIRES, Oct. 6. Count Luxburg was secretly spirited out o* the Argentine by the police. He reached Monte Video, where he boarded a Spanish steamer. A .Spanish safe conduct protects his person, but not was the only alternative to 'the Argentine having demanded his immediate departure.

1 TO ENSURE PEACE'

BUYING AN ENEMY COUNTRY,

BERNSTORFF AGAIN IN EVIDENCE. (Australian aaid N.Z. Cable Association. (R«c. Oct. 8. 8.55 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Oct. 7. The State Department has published a series of telegrams showing that Count Bernstorff asked Von Jagow for 1,700,i,w dollars for an unnamed man, who guaranteed political action in one enemv country, ensuring peace. Von Jagow agreed" to the loan, but only if the action was in the direction of peace, and was really serious, adding that if the enemy country was Russia he woulf' drop "the project, as the sum was too and would have no serious effect there. He spoke- similarly of Italy. where it would not be worth while to spend so much money.' Bernstorfi's next message recommended the holding of 9,000,000 marks at the disposal of Hugo Schzdt, as the affair was most promising Later he advised th e Foreign Office that the intermediary requested that influence be exercised upon the German nress in regard to changes in the political situation in France in order that the thing may not be spoiled by German approval. Von Jagow, some time later, telegraphed to Bernstorff asking if there was "any more news of 18010 Pasha o» your side." AVOUR, (Rec. Oct. 8, 8.35 a.m.) AMSTERDAM, Oct. 7. The Vorwaerts states that the Socialist gettings throughout 'Germany favour peace by negotiations.

BULGARIA AND PEACE

REPORTED OFFER TO ROUMANIA. (Rec. Oct. 8, 8.35 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 7. The Morning Post's Jassy correspondent states that Bulgarian emmissiaries in Switzerland made proposals for a separate peace with Roumania, offering to restore the Dobrudja and guaranteeing not to make demands at Roumania's expense at the final peace settlement. Bulgaria is also making overtures in other directions.

CANADA

FINANCE AND SHIPBUILDING. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association OTTAWA, Oct. 5. A conference has been opened, at which Lord Reading, Mr Hardman, Sir William Lever, Lord Northcliffe, and representatives of the Canadian Government are present;. The object is to arrange for Canada to extend larger credits to Britain and France for war purchases, and also the regulation of sterling exchange' and the development of Canadian shipbuilding in view of the submarine menace. It is understood expansion of the shipbuilding programme in Canada and the United States is contemplated OANAD'IAN ASSOCIATION. , FORMED IN LONDON. '' (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.; (Rec. Oct. 8, 8-35 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 7. A Canadian Association has been form* ed in London for the purpose of expressing Canadian opinion on questions affecting Canada.

UNITED STATES CONGRESS .

CLOSE OF THE WAR SESSION." v Australia* and NVZ. CabJe Association.' (Rec. Oct. 8, 8.55 a.m.) . WASHINGTON, Oct. 7. The special war session of the 66th Congress, on§ ox the most important in United" States' history, ended this afternoon." President Wilson is considering whether the War Trade Council shall take over ihe entire control of foreign commerce.

PERU AND GERMANY

RELATIONS.TO: BE SEVERED. (Renter's Telegrams.) LONIDO.xv, Oct. 6. The Peruvian Government. almost unanimously voted for a severance of diplomatic relatios with Germany.

SOUTH AMERICA

TWO STATES SEVfiR RELATIONS ■ " ' WITH GERMANY LAuatrallan and N.Z. Cable Association (Rec. Oct. 85 9.10 a.m.) LIMA, Oct. 7. Relations between Germany and Peru have been formally severed. MONTE VIDEO, Oct. 7. The Uruguayan Legislatur is about to break off relations with Germany.

SWEDEN

fAustralia© and N.Z. Cable Aieociatkax.) (Rec. Oct. 8, 8.55 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Oct. 7. Baron Akerhielm, 'Counsellor at the Swedish Legation, has despatched a courier to Sweden. It is believed the mission is most important.

EAST AFRICA

PURSUIT OF THE -ENEMY. (Australian and N.Z. Gable Association and Renter.) LONDON, Oct. 5. An East Africa official message says : The enemy are retreating in the Mbemlcuru Vall&y towards Nagano. We are following. The enemy forces in German East Africa have been confined to certain portions of the country since the drive last year, which cut the central railway running from Dar-es-Salaam, on the coast, to Eji.i.i on Lake Tanganyika. A considerable portion ot the German force has been sheltering for many months in the Valley, /of. the Ru'fiji River, where the difficult nature of the country,'largely composed of salt marshes, has been a protection. The position, however, is malarial, especially at the time of the October rains, and likely to have a prejudicial effect upon the troops confined there. A point to. which the "Snemy.. troops have been retreating for some time is JVLahenge, in the centre of the Mahenge Plateau, approximately 160 miles inland from the port of Kilwa.

AUSTRALIA

MEMBER QE PARLIAMENT KILLED IN ACTION. [Pi.ee. 8.65 a.m.) PERTH, This D-ay. . Liettt. Stubbs, who was elected unopposed last week as the official Labour member for Subiaco in th fi State Assembly, has beer, killed in action in J Franc*. I

THE REIGH&TAG

DISORDERLY SCENES. ATTACK ON NEW FATHERLANtP PARTY. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association (Rec. Oct. 8, 8.55 a.m.} AMSTERDAM, Oct. 7. Scenes of disorder occurred in the Reichstag during the debate on ah interpellation by the Socialist Handsborg, concerning Von Tirpitz's New Father land x-arty. H e declared that the new party was a Pan-German institution, whose leaders used war profits to buy news] apers for the purpose of influencing public opinion, with the object of securing bigger dividends. He accused the War Minister, Von Stein, of supporting the party's agitation against the Reichstag's peace resolution, and called upon the Chancellor to repudiate the Pan-German agitation. Landsberg described how clergymen and officials intimidated civilians," how officers carried on a propaganda in the army on behalf of the Fatherland Party. Von Stein replied that political agitation in the army was prohibited. He added that th e army hungered for' intellectual nutriment and soldiers must ~e enligntened. regarding the enemy'* lies and difficulties at home. Therefore the army command provided lectures, plays and newspapers, because the will to victory must be maintained. Dr. nelfferich explained that TDr Michaelis was absent, because he was | burdened by work. The. Socialists wanted the Chancellor to excommunicate the Party. This led to interruptions. Dr. Helfferich exclaimed: "That's not true. I will waste no further words if you have not confidence in the leaders of the army and Government." Shouts of "No" drowned Ihe remainder of the sentence. " Dr. Helfferich, after a pause, said •tnere was„ no object in his continuing the speech. He resumed his seat, and the debate was adjourned.

WAA REVIEWED

SPEECH BY GENERAL SMUTS . | GERMANS A'DREADY BEATEN. , GREATEST MISTAKES IN HISTORY MADE. ana N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, Oct. 5. General Smuts, speaking at a luncheon tendered him by the presidents of the Chambers of Commerce, reviewed the war situation. He said the Ger- , mans were already beaten, and their rulers knew it. had cliallenged the world on military ground's, and had calculated on certain success. They made the greatest mistake in his- , tory. This war wa s far more than a military war, and its decision would depend upon political economy and other non-military factors. Our military predominance "on the Western front wa3 no longer in question. Referring to K-ussia General Smuts said he was not sure that from the point of view of far-sighted policy Germany's attack on Russia -was not the most fatal of the German blunders. ■She was striking a .nation who, like herself, was an autocTat, but who had received new consciousness from the terrible sufferings arising out of the war. Russia was like a woman labouring in childbirth. Germany was choosing this moment to strike her down, and the spirit of history -would never forgive her. The liberty which was being painfully born in Russia would arise and vindicate her in coming generations, and sho -would become the most implacable enemy of the future Germany. The Central Powers were everywhere beaten, and•were retiring every where-except in Russia. Add to tiiis the fact that the Central Powers -were exhausted and demoralised internally, and face 4 with the spectre of bankruptcy, and we saw that the end was do longer uncertain. "Germany's hopes of the submarine had proved illusory," continued General Smuts. "It has now ceased to be a decisive factor. _ Take that from me as a bedrock) faqt." ~ .. , /, J General Smuts predicted, .that Qei'many's aerial warfare, .would not only fail but prove a terrible? boomerang to. the'enemy. We were dealing -with an enemy whose culture had not carried him beyond the rudiments, of Mosaio law. We could only apply the maxim "An eye for an. eye, a. tooth for a tooth." Consequently we.must he reluctantly compelled to retaliate. There was no longer any choice in the matter. We -would endeavour to. avoid the German abominations, sparing: as far as was humanly possible the innocent ana defenceless in our. air offensive, but_ It was' inevitable that they should suffer to some extent.

BRITISH FOOD SUPPLIES *

FLOUR RESTRICTIONS RELAXED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association and Renter.) ■ LONDON, Oct. 5. .. The Press Bureau announces that Lord Rhondda has issued an order permitting bread to bo made with a pound of 3 to seven pounds ot> Hour.