AMERICA AND AUSTROGERMANS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3224, 29 December 1915, Page 17

AMERICA AND AUSTROGERMANS.

NEW YORK, December 20. The New York Herald states that it is evident from every word and action of the State Department that the situation in relation to Austria is one of extre ne seriousness. Press statements generally are to the effect that practically every Austrian diplomatic agent in the United States Is discredited and involved in the alleged plots. HAMBURG-AMERIKA PLOTS. NEW YORK, December 20. Frederick Metzler, a pro-German suspect, who was arrested in connection with anti-Ally plots, has confessed that Koenig, a director of the Hamburg-Amerika Line, managed an agency which was fomenting schemes to destroy munition works. Twenty-five men were employed on this business, all of them having to report to Captain von Papen (German Military Attache). Metzler declared that George Fuchs, a German agent, was despatched by Koenig to destroy the Welland Canal in Cana la, but the plot was discovered in time. A TRUE YARN. LONDON, December 20. An officer writes: “Here is a true yarn: The Medical Corps at the front was helping to get away the wounded. It was pitch dark and raining torrents. One of the R.A.M.C. heard a scream, picked up a rifle, and started potting. By good luck he got his bag, thanks to many lights going up. The man he shot was a Bosche sniper, dressed in a khaki tunic. Evidently he had been polishing off the wounded with his bayonet.” “WE MUST WHACK KAISER BILL.” LONDON, December 20. The Bishop of London chatted with overseas soldiers at Peel House, and in an informal address said he was always waiting for a mental breakdown for the pleasure of going to Australia and New Zealand. Ho said; “ I want you all to take back a message of a good time in London.” —(Cries of “ We have, Bishop.”) His Lordship continued : “Looking at you, I am jolly well proud to,think wo have

such fine fellows in the overseas dominions able and ready to fling themselves into the Empire battle. I am called a bellicose bishop; but we are fighting for the freedom of the world and must whack Kaiser Bill.” LIFE OF BRITISH PARLIAMENT. LONDON, December 21 Mr Asquith announced in the House oi Commons that, in view of a widespread feeling in the House, the Government had decided to reduce the extension from one year to eight months. An amendment embodying this reduction was submitted by the Government, and carried by 158 votes to 23. THE GERMAN FLEET. LONDON, December 21. A German communique referring to efforts to find the British fleet, states. A portion of our fleet last week searched the North Sea for the enemy, and then cruised Skagerack on Wednesday and Thursday watching the shipping. It examined 52 vessels, and seized one with contraband. The British naval force was nowhere sighted. GENERAL NEWS. LONDON, December 21. The Judicial Committee Bill has passed through the House of Commons. Referring to widespread rumours that we had captured the submarine which sank the Lusitania, Dr Macnamara (Admiralty Under-secretary) said the Admiralty was without information on the point. PETROGRAD, December 21 General Ruszky has been relieved of the Commandership-in-Chief on the northern front owing to ill-health. MELBOURNE, December 21. The authorities have decided to assist skilled munition workers to reach England for service at the Vickers works. The Labour Conference condemned the Federal Parliamentary Labour party for dropping the referendum proposals and the Government’s insidious methods to fasten the yoke of conscription upon the working classes. • A