THE WAR.
ANOTHER ZEPPELIN RAID ON
ENGLAND.
PROVES A COMPLETE FAILURE.
DESPATCHES BY SIR JOHN
FRENCH.
THE GREAT OFFENSIVE.
FURTHER BRITISH SUCCESS AGAINST THE
GENERAL.
TURKS.
DARDANELLES OPERATIONS RESUMED,
(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.]
ANOTHER ZEPPELIN RAID ON ENGLAND.
PROVES A COMPLETE FAILURE.
!
~LONDON, April 15th. Zeppelins raided the Northumberland Coast to-night.
LATER. Bobs were dropped on Blyth and Wallsend. The town of North Shields was in darkness in anticipation of raid.
A Newcastle telegram states that the Zeppelin was sighted at eight o'clock in the evening. It passed quietly over Blyth and dropped twenty bombs on a colliery in the district, a few miles inland. The only damage done was to cause slight fires, which were quickly oxtinguished, and a cycle was smashed. There were no casualties.
The Zeppelin disappeared seaward The district throughout was in darkness, but everything was normal by eleven in the evening.
THE RESULT.
F
LONDON, April 15th." The inhabitants of Blyth thought that the Zeppelin was a British air vessel, BS it evossed the town quietly. But, shortly afterwards, they were undeceived when They saw Bashes and heard an explosion a few miles inland,
Eight bombs were dropped on Chop. pington, Bedlington and Seaton-de-Laval, but the only damage done was the setting fire to a stack of hay.
NO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE THIS YEAR.
--EXPLANATIONS IN PARLIAMENT,
LONDON, April 14th. When the House of Comunens re-assem-
hled, the Right Hon. Mr. Lewis Harcourt (Secretary of State for the Colonics) in- tinated that there would be no Imperial Conference this year, but the Dominions had been most fully consulted with re- gard to the terms of peace.
'Mr. Harcourt Raid:-If the House will permit me, I will state exactly what has happened in relation to this matter. After the war he broken out the Im. perial Government assumed that is would not be convenient to any of the parties that a normal conference should meet on its due date in the month of May this matter have passed between us and the year, but no communications on the Dominions. Early in December I was made aware, privately, that the Premier of the Commonwealth of Australia favour ed a meeting of the conference during and in spite of, the war. I communicated the fart, also privately, to the Premiers of the Dominions, and they unanimously agreed with us that the holding of the conference this year, during hostilities, would be difficult, if not impossible, and in two cases at least the attendance of Ministers would be impracticable.
THE HONGKONG DAJLY PRESS, FRIDAY, APRIL 16TH, 1915.
NAVAL ACTIVITIES,
(THROUGH ZEUTER'S AGENDY.]
DARDANELLES OPERATIONS
hit.
RESUMED.
SOME DARING MANŒUVRES,
TENEDOSE, April 14th." H.M.S. Renard on Monday entered the Dardanelles for scouting purposes and went at full speed for ten mis up the Straits. This is probably further than any of the ships which have hitherto proceeded up the Straits. The vessel was subjected to a very heavy fire but was not H.M.8. London followed and drew most of the fire from the batteries on the Asiatic side of the Straits especially. The Howitzers behind Erenkcui were active, but the European side was quies cont. It is possible that the Turks have withdrawn part of their artillery from here-in-order to mass it quickly at any spot which the Allied armies may chose for landing.
A battery was bombarded by the Triumph on Saturday, and is apparent ly permanently out of action.
The weather has been rainy and marky, hindering aerial reconnaissance.
EXPERIENCES OF THE
WAYFARER.”
QUEENSTOWN, April 14th. The explosion on the Wayfarer smashed the wireless installation, buckled the after-leck, and lighted a large stack of hay which burned forely-util it was extinguished.
After a boat had been lowered, to the water, the sea-poured in and it capsized, two fremen being drowned.
Tho Captain remained alone on the ship which was fast settling, and the crew worked at the pumps till succouring ships appeared.
..M
THE "KRON PRINZ
WILBLEM.”:
PRISONERS COMPLAIN OF BAD-
TREATMENT.
THROUGH ARUTER'S AGENCY.]
THE IMPORTANCE OF NEUVE CHAPELLE,
DETAILED DESPATCH BY SIR JOHN FRENCH.
HOW THE BATTLE. WAS WON.
(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.)
[THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.]
Loun
起
violent nature of the attack and tho cut- By arrangement with Gonarul Foch, ting of the telephone wires between the the British Cavalry Corps relieved the froat and the roar. Field Marshal at French Corps in a portion of the French opines that if the delay had not French trenches "for one month. In de occurred, and it Sir Douglas Haig's ference to a strong desire of the Com- clearly expressed order had been more mander of the Indian Cavalry Corps carofully observed. The difficulties might arrangements were made whereby the have been overcomo carlier if the Com-various units of the Indian Cavalry took mander of the 4th. Corps had been able turns in the trenches and gained valuabla LONDON, April 14th. to bring up the Reserve Brigades more experience in trench warfare. Drafts for Field Marshal Sir John French's speedily. Thus, the action for a further the Indian contingents have much in patch of the ith inst. is now published advance was not commenced before, azo proved lately, and are now quite satis It says:-
in the afternoon. The 21st Brigade wore factory. ance is the victory at Neuve Chapelle without a shot being fired at it, and macko centred round a large mound southeast The action at St. Eloi on March 14th The event of chief interest and import able to form up and open on the left The main attack was made by the First good progress, but they were subsequently of the village. The Germans directed Army under General Sir Douglas Haus, defended works opposite the right of the trenches, and exploded a mine under the
beld by machine-gun fire from houses and their heaviest bombardment on artillery, a division of eavalry and some supported by a large force of heavy and Brigade. Further south, the 24th, simultaneously launching reserve infantry, while the secondary and Brigade, towards Pietro, were similarly strong infantry attacks. Our artillery and holding attacks were made along the held up by machine-gun. The 25th infantry inflicted logs on the enemy during front of the Second Army under General Brigade, on the right of the 24th, were the advance, but they nevertheless pene Sir H. L. Smith Dortion. The success also held up by machine-guns from the rated our first line of trenches at veral. attained was due to the magnificient bear bridge of the river Des Layes. North points. The garrisons of other works, ing and the indomitable courage of the west of Bois Dubier the Dehradun and which successfully resisted assault, werd 4th and Indian Corps, yet I consider the Jullunder Brigades moved to the attack exposed to an enlading tire and compell- able and skilful dispositions of Sir of Bois Dubiez, but were held up on theed to retire Counter attacks by the 82nd Douglas Haig contributed largerly to the line of the river Des Layes by an endlad Brigade, supported by the 60th, carried defeat of the enemy. The energy and for fire from a defended bridge which put under difficult conditions, resulted in vigour with which Sir Douglas Hair was assuming considerable importance the recapture of all lost ground of muter- handled his Command showed him to le Artillery was brought to bear on the ial importance. a leader of great ability and power.
bridge while Sir Douglas Haig directed The following unite received special the 1st Corps to despatch come battalions commendation for gallant behaviour in Another action of considerable import to support an attack on the bridge. But, this ighting The end. Irish Fu auce was a German surprise attack on darkness falling, and the enemy receiving sillers, 2nd Duke of Cornwalls Light March 14th against the 27th Division, reinforcements, further progress was not Infantry, Leinsters, 4th Rifles and who were holding the trenches cast of St attainable. The 4th and Indian Corps Princess Patricia's Regt. Field Marshal Elot. Much artillery concentrated here then proceeded to consolidate the position, French pays a tribute to the invincible under cover of the mist, and a heavy and whilst these operations were proceed-courage and remarkable resource of the volame of fire was suddenly opened upon ing the 1st. Corps attacked Givenchy, patrols, who were led with consummate the trenches at five in the evening, and but the enemys wire onatnglements were skill and daring. They established moral there were also two mice explosions. The insufficiently cut and little progress was superiority over the enemy, and collected confusion, owing to the suddenness of possible.
valuable information. the attack, enabled the Germans to cap- The 4th and Indian Corps renewed ture St. Boi, but a few hours of well- their attack on March 11th and it was directed and rigorous counter-attacks, in soon seen that further advance would be which the 5th Corps showed great impossible till artillery had dealt with bravery and determination, restored the various houses and defended localities. situation. Field Marshal French ex Efforts were made thus to direct artil- plains that at the end of February many lery fire, but as the weather did not lieve that a vigorous offensive should be phonic communication was broken, it was vital considerations induced him to be- pernait of aerial observation and tele carried out at the earliest moment. The
THE ACTION OF ELOL
- The Flying Corps contimes to rander services of the greatest value. Notwith- standing the unfavourable weather, con- innous and eles reconnaissances of the enemys front have been made, and certain new and important forms of a serial se tivity, which it is not desirable to specify. have been initiated and pushed forward with vigour and success.
The aircraft
forced down or compelled to seek the re- tivity, but whenever and wherever they were met and attacked they were usually fage of their own lines.
The general health of the army is ex- cellent, and enteric has decreased. The foot trouble which was so threatening in December and January has not recarred On any appreciable scale.
difficult task, being performed in a gaie aspect of the Allied situation, parti-bouss here and there it was impossibl
The towing of the vessel was a most most important reasons were the general impossible to do this with sufficient of the enemy have not shown great ac-
accuracy. Even when our troops stormed and a heavy ssa.
cularly the marked success of the Russians. in repelling the violent onslaughts of to check our artillery, and consequently General von Hindenburg, the apparent the infantry had to withdraw. The same weakness of the enemy on the British unfavourable conditions prevailed on front, and the necessity of assisting the March 12th. The 4th and Indian Corps Russians to the utmost by holding as gallantly attempted to capture strongly many hostile troops as possible in the fortified positions, but they were unable western theatre.
to maintain themselves, although they The efforts of the French forces in succeeded in holding them for some hours. Arras and Champagne were to that and The Germans violently counter-attack-
offensive spirit in the British troops after
perhaps the just weightly considered supported by artillery, but they were ration of all was the need of fostering the easily repulsed." the trying, and posibly enervating, ex-attained. the offensive operations were As most of the objects had been perience of a severe winter in the tren-suspended and the ground held was con-
solidated.
WASHINGTON, April 14th. has requested that the vessel shall be The Captain of the Kron Prins Wilhelm examined and the time for repairs estimated.
helm complain bitterly of their treatment, The prisoners on the Kron Prinz Wil-
They say that they were fed on rice and sour bread when their captors had an abundance of fresh meat. At six in the evening they wer forced into a black hole without lights. They also nam mously declare that they intend to go immer decks Englahundermans.
THE " WILHELMINA" CASE.
Lostos, April 14th.
An agreement has been reached in "the Wilhelmina case, Great Britain purchas ing the cargo, compensating the owners and releasing the vessel.
I then informed the Hon. Sir A. Fisher, (Premier of the Commonwealth of Aus- tralia) that in view of the practical unanimity of opinion we hoped that he would recognise its force. The Premier replied that he did not wish to press the FRANCO-BELGIAN FRONT. matter. A few days ago the Hon. Sir A. Other bombs were dropped on Anmits ence to
Fisher was reported as saying, with refer- [THROWGL BRUTER'S AČENCY_} ford, Seaton Burn, and Killingworthwhat the British Government considers the Imperial Conference:- but the only damage done was the setting the correct thing is good enough for my
AERIAL ACTIVITY, firo to an outhouse at Seaton Burn, which Government. That is all I have to say. was quickly extinguished.
Jo a private letter to me he wrote: The airship then went towards I cheerfully fall in with the decision
Panis, April 14th. To-day's Paris communiqué states: Tyne,
year, though I am not able to convince Zeppelin threw bombs on Bailleal which, not to hold an Imperial Conference this There is nothing to report except that a myself that the reasons, given for the missing the flying ground, killed three have a policy for this trouble that gets postponement are sufficient. However, we | civilians.
Two German aeroplanes were forced to or all difficulties. When the Kings's descend elsewhere, and the aviators were business will not fit with our ideas we do captured. Another was brought down not press them. That is an admirable northward of Verdun, near our lines, and "xample of the spirit in which the Domi- the aviator was wounded, the war. nious deal with Imperial affairs, during
a
Two bombs which were dropped at Benton fell into a field smashing a cycle a splinter slightly injuring the cyclist.
Six bombs were dropped on Wallsen, bausing four small fires. One fell on house and brought down the ceiling.
Another caused a fire on the railway delaying the traffic for a few minutes.
The airship which crossed the Tyne dropped two bombs without causing damage, and then returned seawards.
The lights were extinguished in the towns, the trans were stopped and the telephone service was also suspended during the visitation..
No lives were lost.
ZEPPELIN BROUGHT DOWN.
AMSTERDAM, April 14th..
A Zeppelin. damaged by gun-fire near Ypres, landed in Belgium in a battered condition.
گر
CASUALTIES AMONG
ZEPPELINS.
In all these communications. I referred
COUNTER-ATTACKS REPULSED,
PARIS, April 15th.
(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY. }
ENGAGEMENT IN MESOPOTAMIA.
only to what I carefully called a "normal conference," by which I meant a full con, ference, with all the paraphernalia of miscellaneous resolutions, protracted sit- The evening communiqué says: German tings, shorthand reports and the result-counter-attacks at Perthes, Les Eparges. ing blucbooks. That is the sort of con Bois d'Ailly and Bois Montmare were ai! ference which which we thought unsuited repulsed. We captured prisoners, many to prezent conditions. But in January, rifles and a gun. when intimating ita postponement to the various Dominions, I telegraphed to each THE WEAR EAST. Governor-General: Will you at the same time inform your Prime Minister that it is the intention of the Imperial Government to consult him most fully, and. if possible, personally, when the. time arrives to discuss possible terms of LONDON, April 14th. Count Zeppelin's secretary, interviewed Pence?" I need hardly add that I intend by the representative of a Constance to observe the spirit as well as the letter newspaper, said that nine dirigible had of this declaration, which, I believe, has given complete satisfaction to the Govern- been destroyed during the war, but that ments of the Dominions. I execeded the thirty-six remained. Fifteen others,
question in order that the position as re- explosives, would be completed on July gards the Imperial Conference may be as plain to the public, as it is to those Governments.. THE MEAT SUPPLY,
LONDON, April 14th. The Gazette-announces that the Govern mont has requisitioned all the refrigerat ing space on British vessels coming from Australia.
ehes.
THE LOSSES A NEUVE CHAPELLE The losses during the three days' agit- ing at Nerve Chapelke were 181 ofheer 3114 men wounded, and 23 oficers and 8,17%
The cavalry wers in readiness to follow up the infantry success. The 5th Cavalry the situation was not so favourable as Brigade made a considerable advance, but we hoped.
Consequently, no further
Bury missing, hut the resulte attain ed were wide and far-reading medyo mautéviable. enemy left several thousand dead on the lery of all kinds wore handled with the battlefield, and we have positive infor utmost energy and skill, and rendered were removed north eastward and rust- mation that upwards of 12,000 wounded invaluable support.
Sir John French declares that the ward by train. Thirty officers and 1,057 estimate of the battle is best expressed. men were captured. All the defciences of in his Urder to Sir Douglas Haig, con- British officers and men were made good veying the warnest appreciation of the within a few days of the battle.
skilful manner in which the orders were carried out, and his fervent appreciation of ths magnificent gallantry and devated and tenacious courage of all ranks whom Sir Douglas Haig so ably led to victory,
The Field Marshal emphasises that in war of to-day, when civilised nations are armed to the teeth with deadly rifle and machine guns, heavy casualties are absolutely unavoidable, and the slightest
THE PRINCE OF WALES. andue exposure means a very heavy toll.
Field Marshal French concludes; "The The
power of defence with modern wea- pons is the main cause of the long-dur. Prince of Wales is the bearer of this ation of present day battles, and mainly despatch. His Rayal Highness continues accounts for such a lost and waste of lift He was on my staff as lion officer at tu make the most satisfactory progress. This can, however, be shortened and lessened if the attacks are supported by the batile of Neuve Chapelle, and the
limited supply of ammunition is nees myself was very favourably impressed artillery available, but on almost unending hins for his thoroughness. the most efficient and powerful force of reports of the Generals agree in com
safy, and the most liberal and disers with the quickness with which His Royal to the Artillery Commanders. He is co-service and his deep interest in the wel tionary powers for its use must be given Highness has acquired knowledge on fident that this is the only means whereby fare of the men who greatly appreciate great results can be obtained with a visit The Prince did duty for a minimum of loss. Sir Jean French desime in the trenches with his battalion," cribes the country as drying; the brighter Sir John French also warmly Com weather since early in March was greatly mends the untiring, devotion of the lessaning the timculties of the offensive.
Bishop of London and his able and devot
assistance. Ließtenant-Genera 1 Sir William Ro. bertson and many other names form the subject of a sparate report,
THE BATTLE,
He then proceeds to give details uí thư battle.
The object of the main attack to capture Neuve Chapelle was the establishment of
urine as far forward as possible. East----- POINTS IN THE DESPATCH: Ward, and just nortaward of the village
jew ing houses with walls, gardens and orchards, and hero, sided by num
erous machine-gu the enemy had -established zasrong pon which thanked the approaches to the village of Bois du Biez soun vasowary, enɑ also infuenced the course of operations.
These results are due to the skill, energy and work of the Army Medical Corps, ader Burgeon-General O'Donnell, also to the precautions of the various Co-
pinces, wasbhouses and the ingenions manders supervising the establishment and efficient maintensues of bathing means employed, to maintain cleanliness.
Referring to the Territorial troops, the Field Marshal says they acquitted them selves with the utmost credit in some of their value. the most critical moments of the fighting in March. He was much impressed by
The increased strength of the Force sources, had thrown a bigger strain on &nd production the lines of communication which, never- theless, worked with smoothness and re- gularity,
well understand how deeply the casual- The Field Marshal afirms that he car ties are felt by the nation, but they are being endured upon at least an equal scale by all the combinatnts.
33,000 WOMEN FOR WAR SERVICE.
LONDON, April 14tä. It is officially amounted that up to March 31st, 33,000 women had been-regis- tered for war service.
PROMOTIONS FROM THE
RANKS.
LONDON, April 14th.
to the War Office, said that sinos the In the House of Commons, Mr. H. J. Tenmant (Parliamentary Under-Secretary. beginning of the war there had been 1,546 promotions from the ranks, and all were satisfactory,
NEW GERMAN MINISTER TO CHINA.
BERLIN, April 1 The Lokajanzeiger announens that Rene Admiral Hitze has been appointed Minister to China.
CHINESE TELEGRAMS.
PRKING, April 14th.
Among the minor actions Teported in Sir John French's despatch may be cited the engagement on February 6th. ia south -Labios, on-the-ground known-ns the Brighstacks, which was a toure; of con-
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT). siderable annoyance to our men. A severo bombardment at twe in the afternoon was THE PEKING NEGOTIATIONS. The bartig was opened at 7
7.50 cu the preceded by a brisk attack by the ard. morning of Blaren 10th by a powerant | Coldstreams and the Irien Guards, sup bombardment wait-prepared, and it was perted by fire from fanking positions meat effective except on the extreme norta which were seized overnight by the same representatives resisted the Japaness
A Tuesday's conference the Chines eri postion. te the morning the regimenté. The attack succeded, and demands for a railway connecting Wo BIG ENEMY FORCE DEFEATED.
3rd and 25th. Briganes bid the we carried our line to 40 yards cast of from Nanchang to Hangchow and alsa. German teaches scüdiward of Neuve} The Brickstücks. The casualties suffered LONDON, April 14th. Capelle, ware the Gamwal Brigad by the 5th. Corps in Febuary for availway between Nanchang and from anchang, to Hangchow and also Turks. Kurds and Arabs, with 23 guns, Neuve
It is officially announced that: 23,000 assaulted the trouches southward of heavier than at any other parts of the
Chapelle. The
notamia, on Monday and Tuesday. The trenchments, the wire entanglements marthy and the trenches dificult to em British assumed the offensive on Tuesday being almost they destrayed by our struct and maintain. The 27th and 2-th and drove the enemy northward, capture shrapnel. The 23rd, however, were hold Divisions had had no previous exper- ing eighteen officers and 300 men, two up by cntunglamante which wird | ience of European warfare, and masy of: gus, and several standards.
cienti cu canwhile, the artillery the units had just returned from service were bombardɔg. Keuva Chapchie nein tropical climates. Consequently, they infantry advance at 5.35 was con-ained suffered most severely from the hard-have petitioned against gambling being by the 25th and the barnwats, who ships of a rigorous winter campaign again permitted in Kwangtung pushed, eastward and north ward Chiefly owing to these causes, the 5th. respectively, and they obtained a foating Corps was constantly engaged in counter-
6th
Chaochowfú. Larnwala fine. The positions they cccupied wers They refused to agree to purchass
armoured and able to carry two tons of ordinary limits of an answer to the attacked the British at Shaibs, in Meso- and the 25th Corps carried the en- {'very, vulnerable. The ground was very munitions froni Japan.
15th
THE VICEROY OF IRELAND.
LONDON, April 14th. Lord and Lady Wimborne made a State entry into Dublin and received the warmest welcome from all classes. BRITISH CEREAL SUPPLIES.
LONDON, April 14th,
It is officially announced that in order to avoid interference with normal trad- ing, Government has decided to buy motore wheel, believing that they can
rely on the corn trade supply for the country's requirements for the remainder of the cereal year.
NEW ZEALAND'S PREMIER
AND THE CRISIS.
WELLINGTON (N.Z.), April 14th. The Premier has cabled to the Hon. Sir A. Fisher (Pranier of Australia) declining the invitation to a conference of the Premiers owing to the seriousness of the Imperial crisis and the necessity of attending to the preparations for the Session.
BRITISH THEASURY BILLS.
Losos, April 14th.. The prices at which the Treasury are prepared to isque Bills are:-Three months, £99 5s. 3d.; six months, E93 33. 7d.; nine months, £97 3s. 8d.; which are equal to 23, 33, and 33 per cent per annum respectively.
The British camaliis on Monday, wer nine killed four British officers, 'men and Go Indians wounded.
AUSSIAN FRONT
[THROUGH RESTER'S AGENCY.]
OPERATIONS IN
CARPATHIANS. :
PETROGRAD, April 15th
23
PROTEST AGAINST GAMBLING
IN KWONGTUNG.
The Kwangtung Officials in Peking
[FROM MANILÀ PAPERS. Į
in the village. The 23rd were unable to a tacks to recapture the ground previous progress, and heavy 10 ses were culled, lost. Nevertheless, the troops behaved
pecially by the Middlesex and the with the utmost gallantry and devotion, THE REVOLUTION IN MEXICO. Scottish Riffes, but the pragress of bae and surmounted all the difficulties. 25th, turned the southern flank of the During February, the enemy madı
WASHINGTON, April 8. chemy's defences in front of the 23rd, several attempts to break through the Word has been received from Vera Cruz This, combined with powerful artillery line, but were invariably repulsed;" parti- that General Obregon las seriously support, enabled the 23rd to advance, and cularly a vigorous attempt was made on defeated General Villas in a pitched battle An official communiqué states:-
by eleven the whole village was Car February 17th and was brilliantly re- in which 1,000 men were killed. Fighting continues in the region of the hands. The artillery had completely cut pulsed by Indian troops. On February Uzsok Pass. Repeated enemy counter-off the villegs and the surrounding coun- 6th Canadian troops of Prines EX-PRESIDENT HUERTA GOFS attacks on the heights south of Volosatetry from any German reinforcements by Patricias regiment scored a success near were repulsed, and a thousand prisoners a curtain of shrapnel, and prisoners St. Eloi and captured a trench. were taken. The attempts of the enemy subsequently reported that all attempts Field Marshal French acknowledges the to resume the offensive in failed my intely consolidated the positions won, but corps, so ably organised, trained and com- at reinforcing were checked. We immed valuable services of this distinguished the region of Czernowice, failed every considerable delay occurred after the cap-manded by Colonel Farquhar, whose death The Spring thaw is destroying the ture of Neave Chapelle owing to the while superintending reach works was
disorganisation of the infantry by the a great loss.
where.
roads.
TO NEW YORK.
arrived in New York on some intsion.
WASHINGTON, April 8th. Ex-President Huerta of Mexico has He reached there last Saturday, but the
purpose of his visit is unknown. Creat mystery surrounds him and his purposeż