THE EUROPEAN WAR.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5359, 17 February 1916, Page 5

THE EUROPEAN WAR.

SECOND EDITION.

GERMAN" ASSAULTS FAIL

lose half effectwes.

Electric lelegraph —f ress Association.

CoDj-riiiht. (Received this day a 12.50 a.m.) London. This Day. A French official wireless stated that the German effort to advance at Artois and Champagne has definitely come to nothing. The assaults which had long been prepared were carried out at points forming tlie salients of the German lines. Each assault was preceded by formidable mining, which it is estimated it took three months to prepare. The only result was tliat the Germans occupied n few craters and secured a footing in soma French salient. It is certain ihe Germans lost half their effectives engaged in the attacks. ERZFROUM TAK KX. (Received this day at 12.50 p.m.j London. This Day. 'The Russians have taken Erzeroum. ARMED MERCHANTMEN. FOR DEFENSIVE PURPOSES. (Received tnLs day at 12.50 p.m.) . Washington. This Dav. President Wilson and the Cabinet have decided that the existing principles of international law regarding merchantmen must stand unless the .Allies accept Mr Lansing's recent proposals. The State Department re. cognises that the existing law cannot be changed without the consent of all the Powers, but may instruct the Port authorities to refuse clearances unless ships are armed purely for defensive purposes. It is expected that President Wilson will not press Congress to prevent Americana sailing in belligerent ships. ROUMANIAN WHEAT. Bucharest, This Day. The Government has refused Germany’s offer which outbid the British syndicate’s contract for wheat.