AMERICAN PREPARATIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3352, 12 June 1918, Page 20

AMERICAN PREPARATIONS.

One m'llicm youths who have attained the age of 21 have been automatically registered. Those will lie adrktional to the men already called, who number 7.500,000. Mr Lansing, Secrotarv of State, in the course of a speech, said : " Prussia wickedly sought war, and she shall have war, and mr.ro war, until the thought of warfare is abhorrent to the Prussian mind. Victory lies before us. Until a just and enduring: pence can be assured America cannot and will not sheathe the sword." Mr M'Adoo, Secrotarv of the Treasury, estimates that the United States expenditure for the year enrlinsr June 30 will he PA billion dolLrs, of which one-third will bo raised by direct taxation, the balance by loans. He urges higher taxes on war profits and luxuries. A deputation of Jugo-Slavs asked the United States Government to pass legislation giving' them the status of friendly aliens." They promised that 50.C00 would immediately enlist in the American army, and nointed out thnt such fiction would have a tremendous effect on Jugo-Slavs not in the Austrian army. The Government is considering the request. The Nov.* York Times Washington correspondent says that PoJ.ish leaders have

been advised that a Polish army comprising 19,000 men will enter the west front battle line early in June. The Poles were mostly recruited in tho United States, where M. Padcrewski, the famous pianist, controlled the arrangements. Mr Pratt,, vice-president of the Standard Oil Trust, who has just returned from tho front, states 'that_ ho heard authoritative stories of American soldiers having been found decapitated. The result is that American soldiers in this region do not fjive quarter. THE FOURTH OF JULY. There is much satisfaction in American circles at tho King's promise to participate in the celebrations in London on tho 4th of July. He attends the baseball match at Chelsea. A GERMAN THREAT. Germany has threatened reprisals against America unless America releasee Rintelen, a German spy now serving a sentence in tho United States. Answering this threat, America states that such reprisals will inevitably invito similar action upon great numbers of German subjects in the United States. ihe reputed gold -cup which the Kaiser presented to Mr Marshall, the American yachtsman, in ISOS, said 'to be worth 5000dcl, and which had been auctioned and re-auctioned for tho benefit of the Red Cross funds and brought 125,000d01, when melted down was found to be pewter and worth only 35d01. AMERICAN IDEALS. President Wilson, addressing Mexican loaders, said: "America's policy towards Mexico was that the settlement of Mexico's internal affairs was none of our business, but I am distressed to learn that certain influences in America, which I assume arc of German or'gin, are trying to misrepresent America's attitude. We arc the champions of weak nations. I look forward to the time when wo Shall show Mexico and the world not only that wo do not want a single thing out of 'the war, but that we will not take anything. We are, fighting so that never again any nation, gv at or small, shall have to fear the selfish aggression of another. & "The United States intends to play tho role of big brother to Mexico, whether you want us or not. Let us have a common guarantee that all of us- will sign a declaration of political independence and territorial integrity. Let us agree that if any Power violates this doctrine we will jump on her. The whole family of nations must guarantee shat no nat ; on violates this doctrine. That is the only conceivable basis of the future peace of the > world. If once we have mutual trust we will have tho key to permanent peace."

"NO GREATER LOVE THAN THIS." The Albert Medal in gold has been awarded to Lieutenant Thorner. He was examining hand-grenades in a dugout in France, when one began to fizz._ Realising bhat there was no method of disposing of the bomb, Lieutenant Thorner shouted to the 12 men with him to clear out of the dugout, and he himself held the bomb against his body till it exploded. Lieutenant Thorner was killed instantly. The rest escaped, two sustaining slight wounds. GERMAN RUTHLESSNESS. The Bishop of Soissons declares that the Germans have destroyed completely 100 elmrches, and have plundered and partially destroyed 100 others, in the Soissons district. " Soissons Cathedral suffered badly.

The Germans, .lie status, are stripping the country methodically, taking everything to Germany. Ho protests against the practice of the German army in deliberately killing old men, women, and children fleeing from the occupied districts. . The Echo Beige states that a Belgian who escaped from Mechlem declares that 10 Belgians were slowly starved to death because they refused to work for Germans. SPEECH BY MR LLOYD GEORGE. Mr Llovd George, responding to trie toast, of '" Past Successes of the Allied Army " at a dinner of the Printers Pension 'Association, «iid he had just returned from France, and had seen the Americans. One of the most encouraging things was tho superb valour and skill of the Americans, who were coming m steadily. Wo were depending, upon them. If the Allies failed, it would be a sorry world to live in. The destinies of corning generations would be fashioned by the failure or triumph of our cause. There was a contempt for humanity in the benrmns struggle for military domination. We wero passing through anxious days, and the crisis had not ended. We seemed to be watching tho bedside of a person suffering from a 'fell disease. The only thing to do was to hold on until the crisis had passed. With stout hearts wo would win through; then woe to the plague! Ludcndorft s hammer blows might poor morale, but they only consolidated good morale. Unitv and resolution wero what wo needed. Then God would stem tho torrent.—(Loud cheers.) MINERS FOR THE FRONT. It is understood that tho military authorities arc taking altogether 75,000 miners from the pits for army service. Sixty per cent, of tho men volunteered in some districts. EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS, Sir George Cave (Home Secretary), Lord Newton (Assistant Under-secretary for Foreign Affairs), and Lieutenant-general Sir Herbert Belfield (Director of Prisoners of War) have arrived at The Hague in connection with tho exchange of prisoners. British newspapers express the hope that they will conduct tho negotiations with firmness, and if it should prove impossible to arrange for an exchange, that they will scciu'O that the Germans shall end the starvation and ill-treatment of our prisoners, failing which latter Gorman prisoners should bo subjected to drastic reprisals. The conference will begin on Saturday. Mynheer van Yrcndenburg, Dutch Minister at Stockholm, will preside. . The Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs opened tho War Prisoners' Conference. Sir George Cave, on behalf of Britain, thanked Holland for all she had done for tho prisoners. Mynheer von Vieudenbiirjr then presided. PRISONER'S ESCAPE, Private Sydney Clarke, a Brisbaneito, has arrived at London, having been repatriated from Holland. He was taken prisoner at Bapaume in February, 1917, with a bomb wound in a foot. He lay m the ■trench all night, and was taken prisoner m the morning. His foot was amputated. At Camhrai he saw two Australian comrades compelled to work immediately behind tho German linos. He declared that prisoners are dependent upon Red Cross parcels for bandages, dressings, food, and clothes. Clarke is still in the hospital. Private Badcock, a Tasmaman, escaped

from Cassel Prison Camp in Germany, and has reached Holland. MORE MUDDLING. Extraordinary revelations are made in the Auditor-general's report on the national munition factories. There was a complete breakdown in tho Headquarter's record of materials despatched to and from the factories. Tho factories also failed to keep adequate records. Stock-taking revealed gr.eat shortages which had been written oft. The production accounts show tlmt i 44 national factories produced £235,00U,UUU worth of war material. The Ministry frequently sent no invoices. In one case, out of £38,000,000 paid for materials supplied, £15,885,000 represents materials for which no invoice was received. In another case, after a firm of chartered accountants had certified the accounts, the factory accountant discovered an error amonting to £3.000,000 in respect of the value of materials supplied by tho Ministry of Munitions. In tho majority of cases any reconciliation of the cost accounts with the financial books is impossible. Tho Government rolling mill was estimated to cost £630,000,000, but £1,200,000 spent under important items < had been omitted from tho original estimate, while the actual output fell far short of the estimated capacity of the factory.

A PACIFIC MONROE DOCTPJNE. The Pall Mall Gazette expects that America will pav heed to Australia's claim to an Australian Pacific Monroe Doctrine. Australia is the rallying-point of tho Pacific's free communities. There has always been a mental reservation respecting German's Pacific colonies in discussions as to the fate of her overseas possessions, and it has boon felt that Germany' ejection from tho Pacific w irrevocable, Australian opinion will not allow tho German menace to revive. , The Daily Telegraph, discussing Australia's appeal to America regarding the securitv of the Pacific, points out that, with the Russian collapse and the Reichstag resolution forgotten, the question o. indemnities has again been raised. Dr Solf recently declared that they must have consolidation of the German colonics in Central and South-west Africa but more especially a reacquisition of the I acino colonics. Australia does not therefore deal in imaginary fears. In the event of the enemy gaining a satisfactory peace, the Germans would make points of vantage of New Guinea and Samoa, enabling then; to establish bases for submarines, cruisers, and air fleets. Australia and New Zealand are moat alert and far-sighted. Australasian politicians are aware of the danger or Samoa becoming a German naval headquarters arc! for that reason Australia says "Hands off the Pacific." and appeals to America to help. Whatever happens, > the eocuritv of the Pacific must be the basis of the final territorial settlement of German overseas colonies.

A VALUABLE OFFICER. . Tho awarding of the Companionship of St Michael and St. Gcorgo to Winy-com-mander Porte recalls the fact that in November last William Casson was found guilty of giving a gift to Wing-commander Porto, as an inducement to show favour to the Curtiss Aeroplane Company. In entering a nolle prosequi in the case against Porte, the Attorney-general said Porte was suffering so severely from hemorrhage that it was impossible he could serve his country for long. Porto was invalided in 1911 out of the submarine branch of the Royal Navy. Having acquired considerable knowledge' of aeronautics, he went to America to arrange for seaplanes to cross the Atlantic. He gained an advantageous position in the aeronautic world, and he made an arrangement with tho Curtiss Company by which he was to receive a commission of from 20 to 25 per cent, on the sale of all hying machines. Immediately on the outbreak of war Porte gave up his position, returned to England, and placed his services unreservedly at tho disposal of the Admiralty. Large orders for seaplanes were placed with the Curtiss Company, and Casson, knowing of tho agreement between Porte and the Curtiss _ Company, arranged to receive the commission, retaining one-quarter and paying over the remainder to Porto. As the had nothing to do with the ordering oi tho seaplanes by the British Admiralty, he saw nothing wrong in continuing to receive commission, until his attention was drawn to the fact that it was a ..violation of the regulations. Tho Attorney-general said Commander Porte was doing invaluable work for the Admiralty in regard to national defence, despite the fact of his suffering from a grave hemorrhage of the lungs, and the Admiralty was most anxious to retain his services. The present award is an indication oi the value of his services, and further shows that he was not wilfully violating tho regulations in receiving commission. TRADING WITH THE NEMY. Signor Parodi (head of the Italian shipping combine, who was charged with trading with tho enemy) has been" released, as the charges against him had no foundation. Giusorne Feltrinclli, a banker, brother of Carlo Feltrinclli. committed suicide. His fortune is estimated at £10,000,000. Carlo Feltrinclli was arrested on March 2 in ennnpftion wtih the contraband silk scandal, wherein wealthy Italians ai - e concerned in a scheme for selling goods to Switzerland destined for the enemy. ITALIAN TRAITORS. Inquiry in Italy into the blowing up of tho battleship Benedetto Brin led to the court-n:.«rtia!ling of four survivors, three of whom boasted that they had participated in tho crime fi-om Anarchist/ motives. A fourth, :named Carpi, confessed that he was solely tempted by Austria's money. The others went to Switzerland, received infernal clock machines made in Germany, to which bombs were subsequently attached, causing the disaster. The evidence showed that all four belonged to ix secret society subsidised by Austro-Gcrman funds for undermining Italy's national defences. Sensational disclosures are awaited in connection wtih a gunpowder plot at the depots. HONOURS FOB NEW ZEAL-ANDERS. Among tho honours awarded, that of the Military Cross has been awarded to the following Now Zealanders:—Captains P. B. Benha.ni (N.Z.M.C., Dunedin), L. B. Campbell, R. B, Cawes (Invcreargili). A. A. Chapman, W. F. Fowlds (Auckland), H. B. Gabitrs, L. J. Gibbs (Rangiora), C. Hayter (South Canterbury), J N. Ranch (Post and Telegraph Corps, Wellington), P.

W. Spiers (Dunedin), A. Thomson, J. F. Tonkin (Timaru); Lieutenants C. C. Best, P. B. Cooke (Wellington), S. Cory-Wright (Auckland), H. E. Crosso (Hawko's Bay), A. H. King, and A. C. Macdonald. Tho New Zealand Official War Correspondent wired on June 6: There is nothing to report beyond desultory shelling and occasional raids, in which we got a few prisoners. These raids are generally made in daylight, at small cost to ourselves.

The following awards have been mado for gallantry in tho field: Bar to D.C.M.—Sergeant R. M'Murray (Rifles). D.C.M.—Corporal A. Bradley (Wellington). Bar to Military Medal.—Sergeant W. Methven (Rifles), Corporal S. A. Hammond (Rifles). Military Medal. Corporal T. F. Buchanan (trench mortars). A WESTRALIAN GRIEVANCE. Mr J. A. Connolly, M.L.A. for Perth, W.A., has visited Weymouth to investigate discontent among the Wcstralian soldiers awaiting repatriation. They complain that preference is being given to troops for the eastern Australian States. Mr Connolly explained the difficulty in providing transport, but said tho authorities had promised an early ship to go to Perth direct. Mr Connolly has forwarded a protest to the Commonwealth Government against its insisting on the repatriation of limbless Wes'tralians, who prefer to undergo a course of technical treatment in England while having artificial limbs made, instead of returning to Australia limbless. Mr Connolly points out that tho cost is thrown on West Australia in having to train the latter's maimed soldiers for civilian occupations, instead of on the Commonwealth. VARIOUS ITEMS. The Admiralty reports that a British destroyer was sunk on May 31 after a collision. The bombardment of Paris by long-range guns has been resumed. Tho Press Bureau announces that, as a temporary measure, General Robertson has been appointed Commander-in-chief in Great Britain. A number of pacifists are preparing a memorial urging Lord Lansdowne to repeat his peace proposals, declaring that a large section of the people believe that the time is opportune for an honourable settlement.

A conference of the Miners' Federation held in London on the sth unanimously decided to demand a substantial increase in wages to meet tho increased cost of living. In the House of Commons, in committee on the Finance Bill, Mr Bonar Law agreed to delete the luxury tax pending a. decision on tho articles to which it is to be applied, but he stated that the Government was determined ultimately to impose the tax.

Lieutenants J. S. Denton and W. H. Denton, well-known cricketers of Northampshire, twins, are reported missing. A third brother was wounded in 1917, and had a leg amputated. At the Zinc Corporation meeting Mr Govett said the output of lead in the near future was likely to decrease. The Government would be well advised to accumulate all possible supplies from Australia. Canadian and South African editors have accepted the invitation to visit England. I A terrible explosion occurred at Seauroii's. muniton works at- Marseilles, which were seriously damaged. A hundred persons were killed and 50 injured by the explosion. M. Lehayre Brcqueville has resigned the Belgian Premiership, and M. Cooreman succeeds him. In Parliament Lord Beresford called tho attention of the House of Lords to the capabilities of tho Madsen gun. He said it was worth while even now to manufacture it. Lord Crawford announced that tho Army Council would investigate the gun\j merits, and the authorities in France would have an immediate opportunity of testing the gun. The Round Table, in an article on the second rejection of conscription in Australia, says: "The failure was a political one. In the heated atmosphere of party politics the finest passions have been drawn into a barren sectarian struggle and wasted. Thus, though there ..is not any party not hostile to Germany and few who did not regard winning the war as the most important national task, Australia has : failed to put her utmost weight into the struggle. The blame lies equally with. the two political parties." The Swiss President, addressing the Council of State, said that Switzerland was assembling documents relative 'to the constitution cf a league of nations, in order to bo prepared in the event, of Switzerland's services being required in connection with the establishment of a durable peace. A renort is being circulated among tho Australian troops that the Commonwealth medical authorities are in favour of lowering the medical standard and raisins tho ago for service with the Australian forces. Strong opinion ia expressed against any change. Experience shows that elderly me?i are entirely unfitted for the rigours of winter campaigning, and possess less recuperative powers. AUSTRALIAN NEWS. The enlistments during May for the Commonwealth totalled 5757, being 357 abovo the auo'ta required. The Federal Government has prohibited tho sale of drink to invalid soldiers, nr>c\ has also announced that all men invalided will be compelled to wear a blue arm band for distinguishing purposes. The Australian casualties to date total 254.442. including 47.&30 dead, 131,471 wounded, and 71,316 sick. After a debate coverinrr several camera sittings the Australian Labour party's conference reached a decision on its attitude regarding war matters and recruiting. The decision has not been disclosed, and will bo considered at an Interstate Conference which will be held ehortly. Several unions have withdrawn from the "Labour Council as a result of the council's recent decisions on the recruiting issue. AUSTRALIAN COMMANDS. Important changes are pending _ in the Australian Corps. Sevors.l Australian-bom eene.rala are receiving higher commands, and all Australian divisions will shortly be under tho command of Australian leaders. Strong opinion is expressed that tho opportunity should be taken to separate the field and * administrative commands, thus establishing an administrative commander in London as general officer commanding

the A.1.F., and the direct representative of Senator Fearee (Minister ofADefence), untrammelled by responsibility to other quarters.

A letter from the special representative of the Sydnoy Daily Telegraph in London indicates that Sir John Monash may command tho Australians. Writing on March 1, he said: "If General Sir William Birdvvood over gets an army command, Major-general Sir John Monash, of Melbourne, will most likely succeed him a 3 corps commander, for it is well known that he stands in high favour with Haig and the powers that rule at G.H.Q. Of the five divisional commanders in tho A.1.F., Monash alone is native-born —in words, he is a ' Dinkum Australian,' and that counts in the force now to an extent that no one out of touch with the rank and file can fully appreciate. Much could be written of 7£onash, the organising genius of the Third Division, the only rival of General O. B. B. White for pride of place as Australia's greatest soldier."