IN BRITAIN.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 592, 3 January 1916, Page 8

IN BRITAIN.

THE COUNTRY AT PRAYER. A DAY OF INTERCESSION. (Received January 3, 9.10 a.m.) LONDON, January 2. A day of intercession was observed throughout the country yesterday with muffled, peals from the bells of many churches by the Archbishop's request. It was also observed in the chapels. Heavy rain affected the attendances. Pulpit references to the war were universal.

CABINET AND COMPULSION. CRISIS NO LONGER FEARED. LONDON, December 31. There is great interest in the activities of Cabinet, which met twice on Friday. The evening newspapers state that it is understood that the Bill will compel all single men under 40 years of age to join the Army. Sir John Simon was absent from both Cabinet meetings. Mr McKenna and Mr Runciman have decided that Ihcre is no reason for them to resign, but Sir John Simon is reported to be considering his position, if he has not actually tendered his resignation. Cabinet's adopted policy regarding compulsion is meeting with general approval. Mr Asquith will have the support of a united Cabinet in the went of Sir John Simon's withdrawal. Official Labour circles are strongly hostile. In the event of the Labour Congress opposing the Government's decision, Mr A. Henderson will resign his position as President of the Board of Education and Sis seat in the Cabinet. Mr Asquith's 'Mil will become law before the end >f January unless unexpected opposition arises. LONDON, January 1. Cabinet no longer fears a crisis involving general resignations. Though : l is agreed that Sir John Simon has esigned, it is understood that Mr Mc'\cnna and Mr Runciman made fresh M-oposals yesterday as a condition if their acceptance of the principle >f compulsion. They proposed that > lower limit should be placed on the ontemplated expansion of the Army. \fter hearing the arguments and Satisfies quoted by Mr McKenna and Mr Runciman, Cabinet decided to reconsider the matter on Tuesday norning.

Some members desired the Bill to ipplv to married men who have not '>cen attested, as well as the 600,000 •ingle men, but this was regarded as 'oing beyond Mr Asquith's pledge, so Cabinet preferred to confine the Bill 0 the pledge. Mr A. Henderson is holding aloof "rom the discussions of Cabinet. He ■outsiders it is essential to redeem Mr Vsuuith's pledge, but he regards himself as bound by the vote of the special Congress of Labour. Members >f the House of Commons generally to not desire to face a general clec--1 ion, or to break with the Coalition Government, but they fear that the •ank and file of the Labourites do lot agree with them. Resolutions by branch societies inHcate that there is a strong feeling still to be overcome before Labour iccepts compulsion. The Irish 'lnionists strongly oppose the omission of Ireland from the scheme, on 'lie ground that it would be a national disgrace. The Railway Clerks' Association have tabled a resolution for the Labour Conference entirely lisapproving of the policy of co-op-eration with other political parlies in a recruiting campaign. It is probable that Lord Kitchener will be invited to attend the Labour Conference on Thursday, to explain the necessitv for compulsion in the case of single men.

THE WESTERN FRONT, INTENSE FIGHTING PROCEEDS. GERMANS BOMBARD NANCY. PARIS, January 1. An official communique says:— "Our bombardment of the enemy's trenches at Boesinghe was successful. North of the Aisne we demolished a German work. The heights of !he Meuse was the scene of effective cannonading against German blockhouses. "In the Vosges a violent infantry attack was successfully repelled. ''Near Dixmude the Belgian artillery is active." January 2. An official communique says:— "A German long-range gun fired 10 shells into Nancy. Two of the inhabitants were killed and seven slightly wounded. The gun was immediately silenced."

THE BRITISH FORCES. CASUALTIES IN DECEMBER. LONDON, January 2. Sir Douglas Haig reports that a small parly of British troops southeast of Armentiercs seized a portion of the German front line trenches. They inflicted severe casualties on (he Germans, and then withdrew, A few of the parly were wounded. LONDON, January 1. The British army casualties during December numbered 884 officers ami 1:5,084 men, as compared with G!),000 in October, and 40,427 in November.

THE KAISER'S BIRTHDAY. WAR COUNCIL SUMMONED. AMSTERDAM, January 1. The Kaiser has summoned a great war council to be held on his birthday, January 27. The council will include the Crown Prince, Marshal von Hindenburg, Marshal von Mackenscn, General Liman von Sanders, and Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria.