THE CRISIS IN AUSTRIA. NO SIGNS OF ABATEMENT.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 16038, 24 January 1918, Page 3

THE CRISIS IN AUSTRIA.

NO SIGNS OF ABATEMENT.

BRITISH LABOUR CONFERENCE-

FRENCH READY FOR GERMAN ATTACKS.

There is little new with regard to the labour troubles in Austria, and the fact that no recent newspapers have been received m Holland indicates that no settlement has been reached Hie Russian Constituent Assembly is not mentioned m the cablegrams today, a fact that need cause no surprise, as tho Bolsheviks control the supply of news. Correspondents tell us that the; French are ready for the promised German offensive and one parnculai y daring commentator reports divergences of opinion between -H-iii-denhurg and Ludendorf. News of this sort can easily be supplied, hut cannot he trusted.

ists. The Russian revolution was a revolution against war. If peace did result from Brest Litovsk a revolution in Germany would come within mimediate possibility.

GENERAL ELECTION. PREDICTED IN BRITAIN. LONDON, Jan. 22. Mr. Henderson, addressing the Conference of Women’s Labour League at Nottingham, said ho believed that a general election would be held between July and September. THE FIRE ON THE WARBPITE. LONDON, Jan. 23. Three of the Wnrspite boys, Ernest Adams, Frederick Blogg, and Harold Gurr, were char ged at Dartmouth with igniting the AVartpite. The police gave evidence that Blogg had admitted his guilt. Adams told the police that ho saw a heap of wood in the hold and Blogg ignited the heap. [The Warspite was a. training ship maintained by the Marino Society for the equip merit, maintenance and instruction' of poor boys of good character for the Royal Navy and merchant service.] TWO MEATLESS DAYS WEEKLY. NO SUGAR AWAY FROM HOME. (Received Jan. 24, 12.35 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 23. Tho Press Bureau states that tho new public meals order institutes two meatless days weekly and prohibits the consumption of milk excepting in tea, coffee and cocoa, for which persons must carry their own sugar. CONTROL OF SPELTER. FURTHER EXTENDED. (Received Jan. 24, 12.35 p.m.) , LONDON, Jan. 23. The Minister of Munitions has extended orders controlling spelter to all zinc compound^, THE REFORM BILL. LORDS’ AMENDMENTS. \ NOT LIKELY, TO BE ACCEPTED. (Received Jan. 24, 12.35 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 23. The Daily Chronicle’s Parliamentary correspondent says that the vacancy in the War Cabinet will not be filled immediately. It is extremely improbable that the House of Commons will agree to the vital changes made by the House of Lords in the People’s Bill. The House of Commons three times defeated proportional representation, and if Lord Selbome’s proposal is included in-the Bill it will he impossible to pass it into law this session. The Government will probably invite the House of Commons to disagree with tho amendments. THE IRISH PROBLEM. AMERICAN HOPES OF SETTLEMENT. LONDON. Jan. 23. > Supreme efforts will he made during the next few days to settle the Irish question. The Times’ Washington correspondent, in an important despatch, states that President Wilson informed Mr. Balfour of the vital bearing of the Irish problem, os America’s rear eSoxtx

The correspond'd! t adds that America no longer regards the question as British, but as one deeply affecting the whole civilised world. Even official circles strongly feci that, in the event of a collapse of the Convention, the Government must accept the majority report and enforce it upon tho minority. The United States is eager to generously assist the establishment of industries in Ireland. If given colonial autonomy. Congress would vote a loan of a. hundred million dollars and immense amounts of American capital would he invested in Irish industries. SIR E, CARSON’S .POSITION.' LONDON, Jan. 22. The Press Bureau states that Sir Edward Carson wrote to the Premier as follows;—“When 1 joined the Government'! had no consideration except the prosecution of the war. I did not anticipate Ihe question ftf Irish Government would he. re-opened during tho war. When the Convention was proposed 1 thought it right to influence the Ulsterites to participate. Owing to my dual position as a member of tho Government and leader of lop Ulsterites I stood aloof from the Convention’s proceedings. Tho current Convention’s proceedings may lead to a situation demanding Government decision in grave, matters of policy on Ireland. Therefore, owing to tho prominent part I have taken in tho Home Rule controversy and my pledgee to Ulster, I desire to he unfettered in forming my .judgment of tho now situation that may arise. I have determined to resign solely for these reasons.’’ Mr. Lloyd George replied that it was with the deepest regret he received the news, but he recognised Sir Edward Carson’s spe/ial difficulties. He paid a tribute to/his services in the nation’s councils and accepted the resignation. SHI F. E. SMITH’S VIEWS. ON THE IRISH POSITION. (Received Jan. 24, 8.10 a.m.) OTTAWA. Jan. 23. Sir Frederick Smith says that the resignation of Sir F. Carson was undoubtedly a. slop taken on patriotic grounds. He was ready to support the. Government's war measures, also to use his influence with his: own party. Tho Home Rule Convention might Jail, if so. the British Government was not responsible. Tho matter was entirely one for Irishmen themselves, but if they failed the Government was likely to interfere.

A GUN RAID IN GALWAY. (Received Jan. 6 24, 11.15 a.m.) LONDON, dan. 23. Twenty disguised men raided two houses near Galway and held up the occupants at the revolver point. They took two shot-guns, a duck-gun, a rifle, and a hag of ammunition and declared they wanted them for the next rising. HOPEFUL OUTLOOK. FOR AN IRISH SETTLEMENT, (Received Jan. 24. 12,35 p.m.) LONDON, Jan.' 23, There is a growing belief that a settlement of tho Irish question is not far distant. Sir E. Carson’s resignation is regarded as a hopeful sign. The. Daily News learns from authoritative quarters that Sir E. Carson will .throw his whole influence into an immediate settlement, which will include Ulster. It is stated in the. lobbies that tho Government will make a. great effort at a settlement,™ the next few weeks. Sir Horace Plunkett interviewed Mr. Lloyd George and others on Monday and then returned and presided at the Convention at Dunifin on Tuesday. The Convention continued tho discussion of the grand committee’s statement, and resumes to-day.