To-Day's Cables.

Woodville Examiner, Volume XXXII, Issue 4800, 4 December 1916, Page 2

To-Day's Cables.

UY TBLBGKAI’H —PRESS ASSOCIATION. Germany Affirms Civilian Compulsion Service. Received 10.30 a.m. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association, Amsterdam, Dec. 3. The Reichstag by 253 to 19 read for a third time the Compulsory Civilian Service Bill. Count Zimmerman announced that tho Greek Minister had expressed regret on behalf of the Hellenic Government at the inability to prevent the departure from Athens of Ministers of friendly states. A Denial. Copenhagen, Dec. 3. Britain emphatically denies the German allegation that she is seeking to secure the transit of war material to Russia via Sweden. Winter in Transylvania. Rome, Dec. 3 The Corriere’s Petrograd correspondent states. Falkenhayn’s forces in mountains between Transylvania and Moldavia are obliged to assume defensive owing to the despatch of several divisions thence to assist the advance through Wallachia. Operations on a great scale owing to winter conditions, are no longer possible in the Transylvanian Alps. Russo-Rumanian Rally in Carpathians. Australian and New Zealand Cable Assn. Petrograd, Dec. 3. A Russian success in the wooded Carpathians caused Von Falkenhayn to delay his advance fearing his rear is endangered; moreover the Rumanians, encouraged by the Russian attack, have assumed a resolute offensive in the Buzeu valley and threaten to descend on Brasso. The Russian advance on the Buyovina frontier in Hungary is developing with the utmost energy. The road to Marorssziget is now under the fire of Russian guns, and Russians are overcoming the desperate German resistance at Karlababa. They have also seized the Ruriukala height near the rear of the enemy’s position. The German Bulgar reverse at Comana has momentarily arrested the attempt to reach Bucharest in that direction. Nevertheless a fresh crossing of the Danube at Turtakai is threatened. Meanwhile Russo-Rumanians regard the preservation of the Rumanian army as essential even if it is necessary to temporarily aban don Bucharest. Cabinet Unrest. United Service, London, Dec. 3. Mr Asquith’s audience with the King has accentuated the feeling that great political changes are pending, the conduct of the war causing so much dissatisfaction that the life of Government is threatened at an early date. The statement that the War Council is being reduced caused some satisfaction as the necessity is realised for having a small strong body capable of making rapid and effective decisions Sir Edward Carson would infuse vigor but the driving force of some others mentioned is questioned. The oh; server says; Many think Mr Asquith no longer embodies the will power and energy necessary to prosecute the war to a successful issue. British Loan From Japan. (Reuter Telegram.) London, Dec. 3. The issue is arranged for a ten million sterling British exchequer bonds in Japan. In view of payment in dollars by remitting proceeds America’s issue of a three year currency at six per cent, par is no collateral value. Signifying Nothing. Washington, Dec. 3. Negotiations have been commenced by Brazil for the acquisition of forty German merchant vessels in Brazilian ports. A great mass meeting is being arranged to protest against the Belgian deportations, clergymen and university presidents are also pending a memorial to Germany. The admistratipn is preparing further vigorous representations as is possesses evidence absolutely refuting the German plea that deportations are designed to give employment to the idle. It has been ascertained that many profitably employed workmen have been forced to go ti Germany to do military work.

Duma Affirms Faith In The War. Reuter Telegram. Received 12.15 p.m. Petrograd, Dec. 3. On the Duma re-opening the premier stated that Russia will never lay down arms till complete victory is attained, whatever difficulties and temporary checks to be encountered. The power of the enemy is shaken but immense efforts are required to definitely break his resistance. He regretted the food transport difficulties in many localities and the Government must take measures to firmly establish order behind the armies. The necessity is recognised for vast railway construction, for increase in production of metals and fuel, the erection of munition factories and the development of technical education and a bill is to be introduced giving compulsory elementary education. Socialists Denounce Deportations. Amsterdam, Dec. 3. A heated discussion took place in the Reichstag on the Civilian Compulsion Bill, the Socialists denouncing the enslavement of women and the deportation of Belgians. Haase and Diltmann summoned Government to restore freedom to workmen, especially to Belgians, whose deportation is contrary to the Hague Convention. Herr Helferrich deplored the discussion, which would have a bad effect on the troops at the front. He asserted that the forcing of the Belgians to work was in accordance with international law. It was intolerable that an idle, turbulent population should remain in the war zone.