GENERAL NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 17966, 6 March 1917, Page 5

GENERAL NEWS

RUSSIAN POLITICS, ■ CRISIS DRAGS OR. ALLIES’ PLANS SUPPORTED (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright) (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, March 4. Received March 5, 5.40- p.m. The Daily Chronicle's Petrograd correspondent states that contrary to expectations the session of the Duma has not yielded any sensation. Appeals by the District Commandant and the President of the Duma resulted in complete order being observed at the opening. This is a distinct gain, because the reactionaries aim at securing a dissolution, whereas it is most important that the Duma shall be able to raise its voice at the necessary moment. General Galltzin did not declare his pplicy, and Prince Protopopoff (Prime Minister) did not appear in the debate. The political situation showed that the relations between the Government and the country have not changed, and the international crisis drags on. No concessions have been made to public opinion, and nothing has occurred to modify last session’s indictment of the Government. M. Miliukoff reaffirmed the need of victory, and approved the Allies’ war aims. He outlined the note to President Wilson, and added that If they did not conquer with the Government they would conquer in spite of the Government, but will be victorious.

M. Crensky, Labour leader, referring to Constantinople, urged the Allies to abandon Imperialistic schemes.

A FLEMISH DEPUTATION. AUTONOMY FOR FLANDERS WANTED GERMAN CATSFAWS AND TEE CHANCELLOR. AMSTERDAM, March 5. Received March 5, 9.5 p.m. A Flemish deputation asked Dr Von Bethmann-Hollweg to grant Flanders autonomy on the basis of the Dutch language and culture. Dr Von Bethmann-Hollweg replied that economically and culturally Flanders and Germany were one. He promised in the Kaiser’s name that Flanders would receive free cultured scope under German government. Germany would guarantee the free development of the Flemish race at the peace negotiations and thereafter. It is pointed out here that the members of the deputation were merely Germany’s catspaws, and are denounced as traitors by the vast majority of the Flemish people. They are identical with the obnoxious section which accepted the Flemish university being under German patronage.

CHINA AND GERMANY. CABINET DECIDES FOB WAR. LONDON, March 4. Received March 5, 5.40 p.m. The Morning Post states that the Chinese Cabinet has decided to break off relations with Germany, and subsequently to declare war. The President agreed, subject to Parliament’s approval. CORNERING FOODSTUFFS. SPECULATION AND HOARDING INCREASE PRICES., LONDON, March 4. Received March 5, 5.40 p.m. Newspapers point out that there has been a considerable advance in the p'rices of foodstuffs since the announcement of the restriction of imports, regardless of Lord Devonport's warning to speculators against the cornering of foodstuffs. The increases not merely affect the articles restricted, but apply particularly to meat, cheese, seminola, all vegetables, bacon, and rice. Some retailers are selling potatoes above the fixed price, risking a prosecution, despite the fines imposed on several offenders. Some quarters urge that immediate steps be taken to prevent speculation and food hoarding.

BRITISH HEAT SAXES. EVIDENCE OF £00170217. LONDON, March 5. Received March 5, 9.5 p.m. Smithfleld returns show a decrease of 25.9 per cent, in the meat sales during February as compared with January, estimated as being equivalent to %ib per head weekly. RUPTURE WITH AMERICA. BULGARIAN MINISTER TO LEAVE. (United Service.) LONDON, March 5. Received March 6, 12.45 a,m. The Balkan Press Agency announces that the Bulgarian Minister at Washington has been instructed to demand his passports. AFRICAN NATIVES IN FRANCE. SUCCESS OF LABOUR BATTALIONS. CHIEFS’ RELATIVES IN KHAKI. LONDON, March 5. Received March 6, 12.45 a.m. The Daily Express correspondent at Headquarters says that the South African Native Labour Battalions have been a great success in France. Some thousands of Zulus, Kaffirs and Basutos are behind the lines, and show great zeal, smartness and exemplary discipline. They include the nephew of the Chief Cetewayo and the son of Chief Dinezulu.

ALLIES’ SOLIDARITY. UNSWERVING FIDELITY TO A COMMON CAUSE. PETROGRAD, March 5. Received March 5, 11.5 p.m. An inspired statement states that the Allied Conference afforded fresh proof of the increasing solidarity of the Allies and their unswerving fidelity to a common cause. The conference decided on measures for the better distribution of their common resources.

MUNITIONS EXPLOSION. PARIS, March 5. Received March 5, 9.30 p.m. In an explosion in a powder factory near Verlae Petit, two were killed and nineteen injured. NEW ITALIAN LOAN. ROME, March 5. Received March 5, 11.5 p.m. The subscriptions to the new loan at present amount to two and a half milliards of lire, of which 1,720,000 is new money. GERMAN INTRIGUE. PUNTA ARENAS, March 5. Received March 5, 11.5 p.m. German intrigue has reached the Straits of Magellan. The Consul and wealthy Germans organised and financed a seven weeks’ strike of shepherds and farm labourers, with the object of preventing the shipment of mutton to England.