EUROPEAN ARMIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15708, 10 March 1913, Page 5

EUROPEAN ARMIES

THE NEW FRENCH BILL. ' SEQUEL TO DECREASED BIRTH-, RATE, OBSTRUCTION BY SOCLILISTS. Press ABsocißbon-By Telegraph—Copyright PARIS, March 7. The Army Service Bill has been, introduced in the Chamber of Deputies. The preamble attributes its necessity to the decrease in the birth-rate. The only exception made is in favour of soldiers belonging to families of five and six children, who must serve for a reduced term of six months to a year. The Socialists immediately commenced obstructing. They greeted the measuro with shouts of "Down with reaction! This is madness! The Government is a gang of scoundrels!" The great majority of Republicans approve the Bill. LONGER TERM OF SERVICE ' PARIS, March 8. (Received March 9, at 5.5 p.m.) • The men will remain for three years with the colours, and in addition the term for the reserves has been increased, by two yeans. A WARNING NOTE. LONDON, March 8. (Received MaTch 9, at 5.5 p.m.) The newspaper the Spectator declares that the military reawakening in France has aroused universal satisfaction in Britain, tempered with anxiety. The military ardour and .magnificent condition of her army may tempt France to engage in an early European struggle. France must recognise that Germany is at a disadvantage.- Austria is caught in the Balkan entanglements, and it is doubtful if Italy would run the appalling risk involved in a division of the Triple Alliance. Nevertheless the Spectator opines that -the more prudent and influential Frenchmen realise that a now-or-nevcr policy will forfeit the support of Russia and Britain, and without Britain the Austro-German fleet might sever tho French communications in Africa.

The Spectator believes that peace will be preserved during 1913.

THE GERMAN PROPOSALS. PROTESTS AGAINST WAR TAX. LONDON, MarchJ. The Daily News (Radical) nearly the whole of the Liberal press in Germany is. protesting against what it i terms the exaggerated military demands, especially of a war tax in peace time. It is expected that the tax will be distributed over a, long period The chief Bavarian Roman Catholic organ fiercely assails tho increase. REASON FOR. THE INCREASE. BERLIN, March 7. The Germania, asserts as a reason for the German amy increase that Turkey is unable to check the Balkan States, and that Austria is open to attacks on two frontiers, while Italy is in difficulties with Northern Africa.

A HEAVY CONTRIBUTION. BERLIN, March 7. The newspapers estimate that Madame Bertha Krupp's contribution to the fortune tax will be £360,000.