GERMAN DISCONTENT, TROUBLE IN THE TRENCHESH
FRANCE AND THE ALLIES.
THE COMMON TASK.
Evidence, some of it of a fist-class sort, continues to accumulate here, says Mr. C. E. Tripp, writing from Amster
The following are extracts from an lam, pointing to the fact that a period article which has attracted much atten- of extreme distress, disorganisation, cortion in Franer and abroad, It was con ruption and depression is already setting tributed to a recent number of Le Journal
Senator Charles. Humbert, and
in throughout people and army in Gerviously intended, the Times says, to many and in the fighting lines.
I have just been fortunate enough to lay before the Allies of France a state obtain first hand information from a ment of the magnitude of her effort with German soldier who had come to Holland the object of inspiring them to emulate on special leave.
her:
THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, MAY 19cm, 1916.
GERMAN 'ATTITUDE
"HOLLAND.
MINISTER.
To
AMERICA AND BRITAIN.
AN ALLIANCE ADVOCATED. STRIKING COMMENTS BY EX-WARnd destructions of the present war, In view of the unprecedented horrors
writes Dr. Charles W. Eliot, President Emeritus of Harvard University, it is undoubtedly the interest of the Americas Does Germany anxious about the to protect themselves at all costs from tection of her dank, desire a strengthen-invasion by Germany, supported by any ing of Dutch defence forces towards the possible allies, even if the risk be very west this spring? And is some such small and the price of the insurance cause responsible for the decision to advantageons methods of accomplishing high. The promptest, surest, and most
that result is entrance by the United
He was really a decent sort of fellow, FRANCE HAS BEEN WORKING FOR ALL LET hold a Committee General of the Becont States into a permanent offensive and de
and it was plain that his experiences had · completely worn him down physically, while he was in such a condition of nervous exhaustion that he had become hypersensitive, and frequently in the course of conversation broke down and eried.
him
It is not without some concern that
to consider the calling up of other levics to the colours in this connection 1 These article contributed to the Simments questions seem to be suggested by an
ex-War Ministers Mr.
France to maintain the freedom of the seas for these allies under all circum- any one of them. To this new alliance, atances, and to oppose attack by sea on
other
nations, present belligerent or pre- sent neutral, might be welcomed, but they would not be necessary to its suc cess. Germany, Austria Hungary, and Turkey would not be admissible, because they so easily absolve themselves from keeping their word.
He declared openly that on reaching Holland the sight of a land at peace, with enough and to spare of food gave transports of joy." Looking back on his months of horror in the tranches he had not the nerve or resolution to face it again; and he openly declared that but for the disgrace and rain which such nction would bring on his father, he would not hesitate to desert and never return to Germany. But his respect for his father has won, and he is already on his way back
He admitted that no far as he had on ones and from their business. At the rate action is however, not guaran- the physical and spiritual elements of
there was nothing but great depression and sickening misery in the German trenches. The moral of the rank and file. he sail, is now deplorable. They do not know why they are fighting.. and one and all heartily wish it was over, in any way. For myself," he said, speaking excel lont English, much regret that I am Fighting against the English, hom I know well, and whom I like well."
FOOD FOR THE ARMY BAD. MY BAD. When it was pointed out to him, that his view of German feeling was scarcely that reflected in the German newspapers, he replied, with some bitterness: know that, but the newspapers are of Course carefully censored. And, more over, neither those who conduct the nows- papers nor the Government nor the inem- hors of the Reichstag have ever been near a fight,
Best Let them go to the front for a few months, and they will look at things as they are, and will not present them as
public opinion learns that part of the 1888 Class is shortly, to be mobilized. No doubt the military authorities are Tijd by the xious to lighten the burden as far as
"I do not approve of the British con Possible. Fathers of families are at pre- Colijn, in the course of which he writes the men called now will be employed, traband policy, for it cannot be carried sent exempt; moreover, we are told that frat of all, to replace the military clerks out without violating the rights of nou and workmen now employed behind the trals, but I can understand the fact that lines who are at for service in the Geld; Britain uses the weapon of predominance and, secondly, to supply unskilled labourat sen, and I can put up without 100 to the factories and other services in the inflicted upon us, especially as the Bri much trouble with the vexations thereby interior.
cannot alter the tish Government has really zealously en: But such bare facts,
the sort of work deavoured to keep account of our in these men will have to do after they are terests so far as this was reconcilable mobilized, they are
taken from their with the system now adopted. The con tinuance of this comparatively con to. And that danger is greatest for Holland because we stand alone Leaving out of account the first three months of war, the danger for us has rather increased than declined.
time, new calls for the auxiliary services are under consideration, and skilled workmen, belonging to the 1916 and. 1917 classes, who had hitherto been left in the shops, are warned that they will have to Jenve them before June 1 It is expressly stated that they shall pt be replaced in those shops by mon in the older classes: site of the apparent mode
flence, in spite of the apparent modera- tion of the measures that have hean taken, in spite of circumlocution in the announcement, our reserves of men are being steadily depleted.
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In favour of this alliance the follow- War between the United States ing considerations are pertinent: (1) and either Great Britain or France need no longer be thought of as possible. (2) These three nations are of ons, mind as regard religions toleration, the value of force and stable political mistitutions and
true national greatness. (3); The in- terests of the United States, Great Bri- tain and Franes are identical in respect to the freedom of the seas which would secure free exchange of commodities to That applies also in the military realm. The war has come to a deadlock three allied nations in times of war, (4) on all fronts. There is no hole through The insurance against invasion, which which a passage enn be found, except this alliance would provide for the Unit- but Holland and Denmark are neutral :| ed States would be adequate, for thero I do not imagine for a single moment 18 no ser power which could carry an that Britain intends to land its new army of even 100,000 menneross either armies on the Dutch coast. We have the Atlantic or the Pacific if opposed by There is no reason why the second part Britain's assurance, expressed by Mr. the combined navies of Great Britain, of the 1888. Clase should not be soon: Asquith in the House of Commons, that France and the United States. (8) The of the men who are now being called up trust in that word. But the question is, immediate objects but for the discourage called to the colours to take the place it will respect our neutrality, and we alliance would be effective not only for ita
and who it will then be necessary to send What is thought thereof in Germany? I ment of war making throughout the to the depots, It will then naturally our eastern neighbours are getting seri-world. It would possess abundant and follow that skilled men of the 1915, 1914, ously afraid of such a contingency, how well distributed poris, naval stations, etc., classes abould be sent back from the will that Influence Germany's attitude dockyards, mines of coal and ores, oil shops to the army; the 1887 Class and towarda is? We must presume that the wells munition factories, food and cloth ing to Classes 1890 and 1889 will be means of defence. Now if they consider financial capacity, although it would be the men of the auxiliary services belong | Germans are completely posted as to our ing supplies, and high industrial and
in their turn called up with
With British attack by way of the Netherlands, accession of Brazil, Argentina, and Chile- go on. age will, one alter t this system all Frenchmen, whatever their would it be so very strange if we were (6) Such an alliance would be able to
the other, become approached from that side with pro- give some support, though not security, mobilized.
posals that we could not enter into, be to the European maritime nations which neutrality towards the Allies cause we should then be abandoning our are exposed to land attacks by Germany
Norway, and Greece, and thereby to. and Austria-Hungary, namely, France, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Sweden,
make attack on them less attractive, or more costly, and therefore less probable. (3) It would probably reduce the pro- gressive increase of the heavy burden Great Britain now carries Alone in order. to keep control of the seas in time of can Navy war, and the co-operation of the Ameri-
would (8) It would dispose of all doubts and
make
reduction sale. this questions about the execution of the Monroe Doctrine. (9) It would notify Germany that the kind of domination over the world to which she panires is henceforth impossible for her or for any feasibly combination of military Powers headed by her. This notification might possibly hasten the class of the present war.
they want the rest of the world, and the suring phrases. So it willqually reased it inadequate and wore afraid of a strengthened in important respects by the
German people, to believe that they are.. The food is very bad even in the irmy. I believe that the Government tries to obtain the best food for the men, but from various causes the best seldom reaches the men. We are getting short of everything.!
"and
periously demands 80 supreme, an if the safety of the nation effort, no man in the country will have be the first to ask for it. But as we are a word to say against it, and I should surrounded by Allies, ready to make sacrifices that will rival our own, why should we continue, almost alone, to meet obligations of which we have hither to borns the main burden?
THE BARRIER AGAINST GERMANY.
know that if a landing were at This young German was in the great
check it, but it is not the question what tempted, we should be perfectly able to fight at Lons. We had scarcely any reserves at that point," he
we think, but what the Germans think. the English probably knew it. But after
There is, therefore, an increasing chance the preliminary bombardment there was
of a conflict on either side. Dat with rather a longer interfal that we expect
this difference, that in regard to Britain ed, and we were able to creep back to
we can only adopt an expectant attitude, the ruins of the front trenches. Then,
and hope we shall be allowed the right when the English attacked we were able. It is France who, in spite of her into preserve our à rict neutrality, whilst to their great surprise to give them aferior preparations, was the first to regard to Germany we can in addition warm reception from Trenches they sup
do something definite Wocan, namely powed were empty. That is partly why
by constantly strengthening our forces, their losses werd heavy
convey the impression not only of our On the subject of the widespread cur
desire, but also of our power to deal ruption which is going on in the fighting
with any menace to Germany's uncover annies, he declared that things have come to such a
a pitch, and the lossen everywhere are so heavy, that the one idea in the minds of the soldiers and officers is to get out of it at any cost. Large sums of money are being paid as bribes to doctors back from the fronter to send men able to organize, create, or reconstitute policy towards the east and south.
Many men who bave means are adopting this course in order to get out of the trenches. Those who are left at the front know what is
and officers who
going on, and their discontent increased.
ROUMANIA.
ATTITUDE TO THE WAR. Amongst Ronmanian
persoriages who haye arrived in Rome from Athens are a colonel and two magistrates, and they have supplied the following information on the situation in Roumanis. Several Roumanian politicians and officers were recently sent on a visit to Germany, Aus trie, and Russia,, in order to obtain in formation as to the military, economic, and political conditions in those tries.
These gentlemen returned to Bucharest, and were received one after the other by the King and M. Bratiano. Naturally, as they belonged to opposing parties, their reports had to be accepted with a
ex-
oppose to the German onslaught a force sufficiently well-organized to check Ger man power it was her magnificent resistance which brought to naught the ambitious plan of German conquest; it is her troops who, for 20 months, haveed flank, held up, immobilized, and paralysed the We are, therefore, obliged to make greatest number and the best troops of a stand towards the west, even if to our an adversary whose resources in men are mind this be unnecessary; and if we do nearly double her own. Thanks to this so towards the west, our neutrality magnificent effort, het Allies have been should prompt us to adopt a similar their armies, and to supply them with an equipment suitable for modern war fare. Even in this task France played an equally exceptional part. It
3 is she who was the first, thanks to pres sure from Parliamentary Committees and public opinion, to mobilize her indus tries for war. In the region of finance,
bas
Mr. Colin concludes by saying the race in injustice is increasing daily. He refers on the one hand to the various caused such irritation, and says that measures taken by the British that have strenuous efforts are being made to sweep, the oceans clear of Dutch ships.”
CONDITIONS IN GERMANY.
A CHANGED BERLIN.
A Dane in the leather and fancy goods trade has just given in the Copenhagen return from a visit to the Leipzig fair, Press some interesting impressions on his
There were only 2,700 - exhibitors this year as in 1914. Some goods for instance. Articles like celluloid have increased about 100 per cent. in price. The sale of metal goods abroad is pro- bibited, or can only be exported in microscopic quantities
Next Ealings for SAN FRANCISCO vis NAGASAKI
Subject to Change Without Notics,
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11th August
11th September
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[628
Hongkong, 28th April, 1918.
it is stifl France who, with Great Bri: The sharper grows the struggles: the more it was almost impossible to burco THE TAIKOO DOCK YARD
tain, sustains with her wealth the credit of the Allies;
are we driven into a corner Only when we have done everything in our power She has accomplished fully, and more in a military sense to keep us out of the than fully, her share in the common
war, can we calmly say The fate of task. Has not the moment came to take the Nations is in God's hand.” of all, in order to allow others in their. this into account 1 It is in the interests turn to play their part, that she has gone ahead of her comrades on the path of acrifice. Must she then gather her last resources, must she strain her ener gies for a supreme, effort, now that, thanks
to her vigour, such invaluable assistance is available to relieve her of part of her burden f
THE DUTCH DEFENCES.
AND ENGINEERING CO. OF HONGKONG, LTD. TAIKOO DOCKYARD. HONGKONG. SHIPBUILDERS SALVORS AND REPAIRERS, BOILERMAKERS BRASS AND IRON FOUNDERS, CONSTRUCTIONAL, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS. WELDING AND CUTTING OF METALS BY OXY-ACETYLENE AND ELECTRIC SYSTEMS. Estimates given for quick construction and repair of Ships, Engines Boilers, Railway Rolling Stock, Bridges, and all Cinesen of Engineering Iron and Wood Work-
GRAVING DOCK-787' by 88' by 84′ 6′′
Pumps Empty Dock in 2-3/4 hours.
Certa reserve. Nevertheless, after 1917 Class, men, almost old and children the exception of Great Britain, the most Things are very different to when 7 1HREE FATENT BLIPWAYS Wsking versou up to 8,000 tons diapucement, providing
strained its resources of able-bodied meri, What other country has, like ours, so subjecting the uaht to such frequent me dient tests Where is the country that has called to the Colours the 1888 and auining the different statements, the Government and the King were
Where is the country which has so obtain a sufficiently exact idea of the severely drawn upon a population situation in the belligerent countries, and already too small in numbers.
cularly in Austria and Russia. The of these inquiries will enable
Far from asking more from the won Roumania to come to a decision in re-derful people which has given overything
ble
to
COSTLY INEFFECTIVES,
to the European war. donne Mawithout complaint, efforts should tend. strong opposition when they came to the again peace. They don't doubt about
yout the whole of Roumania She might in ambulance units,
and echt line,
and the Amsterdam line the willing to abate their demand a tet
can get peace.
d
conditions for painting ships with most smolent rumitanyommen
ELECTRIC GRANE ONE QUAY-ELECTRIC OVERHEAD CRANES throughout the Blings vanging to 100 Toan
Hydinalis TESTING MACHINE for Chalan, Wire Ropes, Kivete, che,
JOHN L THORNYCROFT & CO., LTD.
PETROL and KEROSENE MARINE MOTORS 7-1/2 to 150 B.H.P.
—~~~ As supplied it the British Admiralty and War Offoe, MOTOR VESSELS, LIGHT DRAFT CARRIERE GUNBOATS, LAUNCHER Dooku, can be sects between the hours of 11 and 19 Foo HOUSEBOATS and PLEASURE CRAFT OF EVERY DESCRIPTION MOTOB PUMPING A LIGHTING BETS, MOTOR VEHICLES, Ero,
af din Town Offics.
BUTTERFIELD & SWIRE.
One has to go short at mealtime. For breakfast there is a cup of coffee without cream or milk and a roll without butter. Tuesdays and Fridays are meatless days by Government decree Thursdays and The London representative of one of Saturdays are fatless days. Pork is 3 the lending Dutch dailies assured me marks a pound, liver 220 marks, veal 33 (writes a correspondent) there was no marks Cards entitling to a quarter question of trouble between Holland and pound of butter a week are distributed England. There is no reason, for it," to the poorer people. But to get the but- reason, what would be the use of it? We people have to wait at the depot from said he. But even if there were a fer even with the card in their hands these know full well that if we fall out we four to five hours, and often all the but should within a week lose our rich East ter is gone before the tail of the •queue Indian colonies, and Holland bae, with is reached No margarine is to be
and fat is more expensive than butter. valuable overseas Empire of any country in the world, and o
was in Berlin 8 year ago,
this Danish This journalist further told me that witness goes on to say. Now the penile 100-Tex the Germans, in the event of war, woula don't mention the war unless a direst possibly overrun the northern province of question is nut to them. Even when they 50 Groningen, Dreathe, and parts of the start talking there is only one thing in Asus FOR→ ** Golderland, but they would encounter everybody's mind: that is peace, and ly informants were absolutely con- to returning to the nation all those who vinced that Roumania would never join have been rendered useless to the Army, circle of defence of the water le in the anything but victories. But they are Grebbe line, which is the outermost semi- victory, because they are never told of the Central Empires, because Austria the wounded, the sick, the cordially and profoundly hated through who wait indefinitely in the remain, neutral, but she would never take involving heavy sacrifices to the State. west of the Utrecht line can be flooded, The German women are doing nearly innermost of all. All the countries lying enemies of the Fatherland if only they up arms in favour of Austria against Given back to the nation, these ineffec- but the Grebbe line traverses the higher Russia. did not believe, however, tives, who are only a costly incumbrance laud towards the German frontier, and formed by men. They are even acting all the c civic work that was formerly per- that Roumanie would cansiot, be trader water until the end of the war; she would in- agents of an economic renaissance.
Will
as navvies, doing the excavating work for tervene
Holland has some good ammunition the new underground railway of Berlin" tain that her action would really be
at the moment when she was cer- the military understand that behind the works at Delft and in the north at stand alone as to the position of the com authorities, will the Govern works at Zaandam and also artillery This Danish witness evidence does not decisive in obtaining the
ment never
·Batente. It was untrue they for the combatant forces there must be the na Helder, which is the Dutch Portsmouth mon folk of Germany. But there is Roumania tion that works, produces, manufactures and the base of the feet. The Dutch testimony available to show that even the had already decided to intervene in the arms, provides food, pays the taxes, and Army, being about 350,000 men, has been Prasaian military caste is at last becom spring The season did not matter. If subscribes to the-loans Is all this-pos mobilised since August, 1914, and under ing appalled by the tremendous forces the opportunity had presented itself sible if there remain at home none of the command of General Sazijders, who which the allied nations are now bringing Roumania would have intervened even in those who in normal times carry on the has had practical military experience in into line. the winter, because her whole army was setivities and contribute to the pros the Dutch Indies, and enjoys a very ... equipped for a winter campaign.
perity of My informants (adds the Daily Tele-
the nation fans
high reputation as a strategist Troops graph's Rome correspondent) asserteding as much of what will happen after frontier from South Flanders across the Already far-sighted people are think are heavily massed along the Belgian that the opinion is held in Bucharest that the war as the war itself. What will be Brabant and Lemberg frontiers to the operations on the groat European the situation in France if she suspends Maestricht. Fronts will not produce any decisive her economic life, consumes her last re results without an energetic action by the sources, and uses up on the field of battle Allies in the Balkans. One great Balkan her last reserves of men? Roumania's intervention than a great gaps in our armies, to keep our arsenals the capacity to develop the strength,
BAGGAGE Astly dose Wer shell need men to make good the may live, and that she may still have Russian victory in Galicia.
As to Roumania's relations with the cunning, and to carry on agriculture, the faith; and the energy which animate belligerents, it may be said that they are men to carry on the struggle in the It is for our Allies to day, and no longer
commerce, and industry. We shall need the whole Coalition grouped around her, very cordial with, England, France, and factory in the field, in the counting for ourselves alone, to ank themselves Italy; excellent with Russia; normal house, and in the workshop. But, above this question, France has worked for with Germany and Turkey; and cold all, we need them in order that France all Let all to-day work with her and with Austria and Bulgaria.
(Continued on next Column.) for her.
парабик Ко. 12
HONGKONG, CHINA, AND JAPAN, AGENTS,
Tologaphie Addrem ---- TAIKOO DOCK.”
THOS. COOK & SON,
TOURIST, STEAMSHIP AND FORWARDING Agents, BANKERS, ETC.... OFFICIAL AGISTS TO THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT.
yer
VON-PAPEN'S SECRET SERVICE IN HOLLAND.
PEKING HONGKONG-MANILA-SHANGHAI TOKOHAMA, dark so we can t The recent crisis has turned Dutch at 12
tention to the enormous increase of the TICKA BUPPLIED ↳ ZUBOPH by the principal STEAMSHIP LINES MATANO German secret service in this countryTRAHB BIRKETAN BAHWAT
respondent at Amsterdam) en (or the Dain Chronicles special for 2002 DALLE PARIS SE WORLD
This service is amaningly widespread finitely that the intorions von Papen and thorough. I am able to state de after a sojourn in Berlin following his expulsion from America, is now doing similiar work in Holland, though more discreetly than in America.
LETTERS & CREDIT A CIRCULAR NOTES ISSUAD "I CASHED: POREIGN ZONDS, Blaga.
containing Fädings and
Good's "FAR EASTEEN TRAVELLER'S G Fares from the Far, Eset to all parts of the World, WI
CHEKE OPPION-LUDGATE UIBOUR- Bongbong, 19th April, 1915.