General News

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 306, 24 December 1914, Page 8

General News

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE VATICAN. Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, December 2d. The Vatican proposes to place British dignitaries at the head ol the Catholic hierarchy in Egypt. The announcement of the protectorate was warmly welcomed by the 'Pope. Tire Pope lias decided that priests may help spiritually and materially in the war.

DAY OF PRAYER IN THE ARMY.

Times and Sydney Sun Services, London, December 23,

In January a day of prayer t and repentance is to be observed in the army.

NEW KINC 6F BELGIUM.

THE KAISER’S SELECTION f6r THE PROPOSED CHANCE.

Times and Sydney Sun Services. (Received 8 a.m.) London, December 23. It is asserted in Paris that the Kais&r proposes to make Prince Windichdfhlz King of Belgium. , SPANIARDS AND NEUTRALITY. Times and Sydney Sun Services. (Received 8’ a.m.) London, December 23. Seville, in Spain, says the Repuhli,'cans' ale declaring their friendship for the Allies, and favoring and maintaining neutrality. (Received 8 a.m.) London, December 23. It was reported in November that the Austrian hospital ship Metcovic was sunk by a mine. This the authorities denied, and an old battleship lying at Trieste whs repainted and ‘'Metcovic” printed on her stern, the losses being tMis concealed frOm Die people.

Wounded men’s thoughts. \ .

United Press Association

London, December 23,

A medical correspondent says that the wounded in the hospitals avoid references to the campaign. Their unwarlike tales'and sentimental stories, which are woven around Christinas ahd home; rather startle the visitor, and kill his illustions about soldiers’ thought's. The soldiers are hot joyful, and they slum recollection of what they have passed through. They possess no zest for killing.

“RIGHT Gift EATER THAN MIGHT''

Paris, December 23

Parliament 'has opened. Many Deputies came straight from the trenches. 1

M. Deschanel, in his speech, said: “England, at whose heart Germany aims, rises with Canada, Anstrtalasia, India, and with us, and pursues her glorious civilising mission n the greatest drama hstory has known. All will do their dhty, and realise the ideal that right is greater than might.” (Cheers.)

M. Viviani said France and the Allies would fight to the bitter /end. France would only lay down her arms when her lost provinces were regained, Belgium’s independence\restored, and Prussian militarism broken.

PRAISE FROM THE ENEMY.

New York, December 28

The Times correspondent spent three days with General Von Heeringen’s army. Von Heeringen had no hesitation in priasing.the British troops as splendid soldiers, experienced and tough, especially on the defensive. The Germans had, learned- many lessons from, the English, especially their way of taking cover. He related: “At one time we threw hand gren. tides into the British trenches, making a noise calculated to shake the morale of the stoutest. Our men advanced, expecting to find them groggy, b'fit the Scotsmen crawled from the trenches, a fid actually attempted a counter hhyonet charge.” On the other hand, General Von Heeringen accused the British of the misuse of the Red Cross flag, and the use of dum-dums.

THE DEFENCE OF PARIS.

London, December 23

If the Germans should again threaten Paris, they will meet witli elusive and formidable defences. General Galliri has constructed deep trenches, and hauled up heavy artillery, which has been so cunningly disposed- that nothing is visible. This entrenched camp, stretching for miles outside the city, contains German Observing tents.

GERMANS’ FATAL MIStAKE.

tWO OF OWN AVIATORS KILLED.

(Received 8.45 a.m.) Petr'Agrad, December 23. Germans brought down a German aeroplane at Kutho, mistaking it for a Russian machine. The two aviators were killed.

" YEAR OF GERMANY’S SRaME!’’

(Received 8.45 a.m.) London, December 23

The Russian and French Governments have lately been placing on historical buildings wrecked by the Germans, the inscription: “Restored in the year of Germany’s shame!”

AGED PRIEST IMPRISONED.

(Received 8.45 a.m.) Amsterdam ,December 23. The Abbe Beyart, an aged and retired priest at Bruges, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment in Germany for writing to a Loudon paper.