THE
WAR.
THE HONGKONG DAILY FRESS, THURSDAY, DECEMBER "STİ,
ANOTHER GERMAN PROPOSAL.
PEACE CONFERENCE WITH
General.
BELLIGERENTS.
ACTIVITY ON ALL FRONTS.
EMPIRE WAR COUNCIL
LATEST CABLES. (THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCE.] GERMANY AND PEACE. ANOTHER PROPOSAL.
Naw YORE, December 27th. Germany has proposed an immediate meeting of the belligerents to discuss
peace.
LATER.
Germany's proposal was contained in a German reply to President Wilson,
tion made by Mr. Wilson in order to create a basis for the establishment of lasting peace, has been considered by the German Government in a friendly spirit, Germany thinks the best way to realise
WAR CONFERENCES. TEXT OF INVITATION TO DOMINIONS.
LONDON; December 28th.
The Secretary of State for the Colonies telegraphed to the Dominions yesterday saying:-His Majesty's Government does. not contemplate a scasion of the ordinary Imperial Conference, but a special War Conference of the Empire. I therefore invite your Premier to attend a series of special, and continuous meetings of
Franco Belgian Front.
LATEST CABLES. (THROUGH MUTER'S AGENDY.] GREAT ARTILLERY ACTIVITY.
PARIS, December 27th.
A communiqué says.-There has been great reciprocal artillery activity in the sectors of Bellogens Santerre and Fon quescourt. There has been intermittent cannonading elsewhere.
·our
eastward of Ploegsteert, prisoners being
THE TUAN CABINET,
A PLEA FOR ITS SUPPORT.
Mr. Esu Chi-heng, Szochuen member of the Chung Yi Yuan, has brought up the following in defence of Tuan's Cabi- net, and expressing his opinion that at this critical time no change should be mado in the Government
Since the late Revolution the financial condition of the nation has become most power everywhere, and the heart of the deplorable, militarymen have usurped people of the country is still unsettled. As soon as the European War comes to an end, the China Problem will at once receive the attention of the Powers; and
1910.
SIR E. SHACKLETON'S TASK.
TO RESCUE THE MEN LEFT BEHIND,
We were the first that over buist
Into that silent sea: So lonely 'twas that God himself.
Searce seemed there to be,
As from the dead we came back to find the world gone mad."
Thus Sir Ernest Shackleton, famous
Georgia from his terrible 800 Antarctic explorer, spoke on November th, of his arrival last May at South journey in a small boat through the milo storm-driven ice of the Weddell Sea, anys. the San Francisco Chronicle
lump. The first question asked by the them in August was, When was the war men on Elephant Island when we rescued over ? "-
THE BRITISH FRONT.
The first question we asked when we LONDON, December 27th.
the Lachsikai and Chonchiatan incident reached the Norwegian whaling station indicate that there is already a cloud General Sir Douglas Haig reports.- If no bigger than a man's hand.” We
on South Georgia was, When was the war over? And the Norwegian sailor We took prisoners when the enemy were
hold no brief for the present Premier, but the point is that we should avoid unneces
who board our question answered: The approaching Leg Boeufs, and
war is not yet over. They are killing sary changes, especially at this time when the foundations of the Republic believe that there were any
them by millions over there. I do not machine-guns caused heavy casualties have not yet been soundly laid. In the civilised men on the face of the earth other among the remainder. Wa raided post-first and the second years of Min Kuo
the Cabinet changed hands five times,The rest of the world had been getting who did not know what was going on. tions north castward of Armentières and and the consequence was the destruction
it as it happened. And we got it in one one opublic and the usurpation of power by
Yuan Shih-kai.. Under the present circumstances, should the Cabinet be overthrown by the im peachment, the Government will become weaker and weaker, and should the imley, reached San Francisco from Puntas peachment be disregarded by the Execu tive Department, the dignity of the mem- bers of the National Assembly will be Just,
It is difficult to secure men of talents and charactor to attend to State affairs. When the monarchy movement was in its hight, General Tuan was the person who could bring success to the cause of Yuan was neither, moved by the favoar and
secured.
BARLIER CABLES.
FRENCH FRONT. AERIAL ACTIVITY.
LONDON, December 26th.
A French communiqué says:-Ten French aeroplanes bombed is railway
The Balkans.
which says that the high-minded suggesTM the War Cabinet to consider urgentatation and butments at Nesle and Shih-kai had he wished to do so. But he questions regarding the prosecution of bounce at Chapitre and Ourschamps friendship of the late Chief Executive, the war and the possible conditions, in woods. agreement with our Allics, when we assent to peace, and the problems arising therefroin. For the purpose of theso the President's aim is an immediate con- meetings, your Premier will be a member ference of belligerents in a neutral placo.of the War Cabinet, In view of the The great work of preventing future wars can be begun only after the end of the present of struggle, when Germany will be pleased to collaborate with the United States in this exalted task
BRITISH COMMENT.
LONDON, December 27th. Germany's latest move is regarded as nother adroit attempt to rush the Allies into a so-called peace conference at any cost with the object of jockeying them into
urgency and importance of the subjects for discussion it is hoped that your Premier will attend not later than the end of February, and, if unable to attend, will oppoint a substitute.
The Secretary of State for India is telegraphing the Viceroy in similar terms stating that he will represent India at these sittings, and desiring the assistance of two gentlemen to be specially selected in consultation with the Viceroy, a
LATEST CABLES. (THROUGH REUTER'S AGENOT.) BRILLIANT ROUMANIAN
ATTACK.
-HEAVY FIGHTING.
PETROGRAD, December 27th. A communiqué says. The Roumanians, with a brilliant attack, recaptured the height in the Kasin River valley, on the Moldavian Frontier, Fierce enemy at tacks on the Roumanian front in the region of Dragoslave were repelled. The Romanians counter-attacked and took
three machine-guns The Russians re-
nor yielded to the pressure and influence of his time. He was true to his prin- ciples, and scorned the wealth and hon our his Imperial friend could offer After the death of Mr. Yuan, he bravely came out to save the situation, consolidat ing the North and the South and restor ing the Provisional Constitution and the National Assembly. Now to our great surprise we
that the M. Ps. who some time ago gave him unauimus support, have now impeached him, desiring for his downfall. They will not allow him to complete the work which he has begun. There are shortcomings in the Premier, circumstances of the time and make dus but we must take into consideration the sacrifices on account of the interest and welfare of the nation."
**FORTY-FIVE YEARS IN
CHINA."
in
MONASTIR.
A MOUNTAIN CITY,
The possamon of Monastir has been the coveted prize of many a Balkan cam- paign. We welcome its capture now as the first great step towards the redinte gration of the gallant Serbian State But already the Serbians have known what it is to enter the city among the breech-clad mountains as a conquering Bray The winter battle by which the Serbians, fighting up to their waists in troops just outside Monastir was one of water, overwhelmed Djavid Pasha'
the most striking exploits of the first. Balkan war. In the early days of last winter, that time of Serbian tragedy,
the abandonment of Monastir, the hoist ing of the Austrian flag over its medley of little houses, marked the nadir of Serbian fortunes.
Bub it is not only as a symbol of vie tory, as a good omen for the future of success that the reconquest of Monestir the campaign, for oven as a spectacular
is valuable. The capture of a town of itself, the second town in Serbia, one of 600,000 people, a place as big as Belgrade the most important commercial centres in the whole Balkan peninsula, must, indeed, have its effect upon opinion.
the
greedy ambition of the Bulgars for
after a year of war they see Sir Ernest, with Captain F. A. Wors-that part of Macedonia which fell to Berbia must be much chastened when. Arenas, on the Straits of Magdian, on his way to New Zealand to start December to rescue ten men of the other by the disabled steamer Aurora on Ross division of his expedition who were left Island, ander the abadow of Mount Erebus,
OFFERED HIS SERVICE
Navy. Then, he said, he wired the Ad- His expedition sailed from the Thames war. He is two days before England got into the Lieutenant in the Royal miralty, offering himself and his ship, the Endurance, for whatever service the country might wish, The answer came back, Froceed.
nstural capital, the richest place in the disputed territory restored to the Bor- geration to say that it was to gom bian flag. It would hardly be az exag- Monastir and all that Monastir means that Bulgaria went to war. And after all the laughter and all the trickery Monestir is Serbian still. Here is M proof of the renaissance of the Serbian arms, of the failure of the treacherons i Coburg policy which the dullest Bul garian peasant can understand. And if we look at the other side of the shield, we see an encouragement to the national spirit of Serbia which promises yet more fiery energy, yet moro heroic daring.
For & score of centuries and, more of great strategic value. The Romans Monastir has been recognised na point made it a stronghold on the great road. which ran, and still runs, across the en-
when war was declared," said Shackle
"The Endurance was off Plymouth ton." The King, who had intended to say good-by to us ab Cowes, sent for me, told me it was his wish that the or pedition proceed as planned, and gave me the Union Jack I have with me now. As soon as I have finished this work and brought back the men from Ross Island, I shall report for service with the Navy.
The twenty-six mon who were within the tangle of mountains at the cente yesterday. They will be in it in a couple us in the Woddell Sex reached England of weeks."
insula from Durazzo to Salonika. The Turks used it as a military station, and in later years as the headquarters of an army corps. The reason is that it stands
Monastir can strike in several directions, of converging valleys. Who holds
or ja any one that he chooses, whilethe There was a look of envy in the ex-
hind him the winding railway which, plorer's eyes, but no word of it from his Balonika affords a good line of com
by Ostrovo and Vodono, reaches. lips. He is following the King's communication. From Monastir high roads, mand
such as Balkan high roads are, diverge to Uskab the key of Macedonia, and to points lower down the Vardar valley.
a false position in the sight of neutrals, foreshadowed by Viscount Hardinge'sulsed strong attacks elsewhere, infict played a prominent part in the develop against us. Why do I do this? Because Only the Kaiser could call the capture
but last night bombshell is not likely to have the desirod effect in America, since Germany has persistently refused ∙to reveal her peace terms, thus deliberately. ignoring President Wilson's appeal to both sides to place their cards on the table. Moreover, Germany has violated all diplomatic courtesies in allowing the publication of the Note in Berlin before its receipt in Washington, President Wilson receiving the first news from journalista.
HONOUR FOR GENERAL
JOFFRE
PARIA, December 27th. General Joffre has been appointed Marshal of France. This is the first time the dignity has been revived Since France became in Empire.
EMPIRE WAR COUNCIL. ENTHUSIASTICALLY WELCOMED.
LONDON, December 27th..
1915.
speech, delivered on September 22nd, ing heavy casualties, except in one areas which was abandoned at Filipesti after a particularly sanguinary struggle,
UNIVERSAL TRAINING. FAVOURED BY GENERAL SIR
SAM HUGHES.
OTTAWA, December 26th. General Sain. Hughes, former Minister of Defence, in a speech, strongly favoured universal military training for home defense and compulsory service overseas. FRENCH MINISTERS IN LONDON.
Loxous, December 28th,
Thomas have arrived in London,
The French Minister, M. Ribot and M.
OBITUARY.
SIR WILLIAM BIGGE.
LONDON, December 30th.
zunounced of Sir
The death is
All the papers warmly dad enthusiasti-William Egelric Bigge cally welcome the Empire War Council as a landmark in the history of the Empire, and a fulfilment of the airns of the greatest of Empire builders.
It is hoped, also, that this will facilitate an Irish Settlement.
(Deceased was chairman of the Asszeiated Beard of Royal College and Royal Academy of Music. Cause Court, Rangoon, 1886; officiating He was first judge of Small Recorder, Rangoon, 1898; Judge Chiel Court, Lower Burma, 1900-8.] Naval Activities.
LATEST CABLES. [THROUGH BRUTER'S AGENCY.) ENEMY VESSELS VISIT OTRANTO CANAL.
FRENCH DESTROYERS TO THE RESCUE.
ROME, December 27th.
EARLIER CABLES,
GERMAN REINFORCEMENTS. PREPARATIONS ON SERBIAN FRONT.
SALONIKA, December 26th. No fewer than four fresh German regi. ments and a number of heavy guns have appeared on the Serbian front. The Germans are striving hard to retain the aseen deney in the air and brought up soveral new aeroplanes of the latest type, each of which has two machine guns, and are again crossing our lines with comment among Chinese students. In 1901 Dr. parative impunity.
The Near East,
BARLIER CABLES. (THROUGH RETTER'S AGENCY.] MESOPOTAMIA OPERATIONS. BRITISH ADVANCE.
LONDON, December 26th. A Mesopotamia official message states: British detachments advanced to the right bank of the Tigris and consoli dated the position to the soufa and east of Kut.
Cavalry destroyed Gasaab's fort, which has been the base of hostile Arabs.
THE MAGHDABA SUCCESS. ENEMY FORCE PRACTICALLY DESTROYED.
EARLIER CABLES, RUSSIA AND PEACE. PRESIDENT WILSON'S PROPOSAL
TO BE REFUSED,
PETROGRAD, December 20th, M. Pokrowski,
the now Foreign Minister, has made an important state- ment to Presa representatives. He said
LONDON, December 26th. A naval communiqué says that several that after the war the Alliance between enemy ships, on the night of the 23rd that in the Maghdabak engagement the An official message from Egypt says Rusia, France and Britain would be con-inst attacked solidated by a close economie union. The Otranto Canal. French destroyers espied 1,350, forty-five being officers. Seven small guardships in total number of prisoners captured was war would be continued outrance until the enemy, a sharp engagement ensued, enemy engaged was about two thousand, decisive victory was secured. President and the enemy fled, pursued by the therefore the force was practically de guns were also taken. The number of the
Wilson's Note could not alter the situa- Allied forces. They escaped in the dark-stroyed, tion. TheAllies would reply to it fully, but ness. The enemy losses are not known, would refuse President Wilson's proposal. A French destroyer and one of the guard-
Africa. Then they would reiterate that they would ships were slightly damaged. continue the war until the restoration of the ravaged territories and the exist
ence of small nations had been secured and a new world conflagration become absolutely impossible. M. Pokrowski indicated that there would be further smilitary measures" finally to end Greek. vacillations."
ABLIER CABLES. SUBMARINE PIRACY. SPANISH STEAMER SUNK.
December, I p.m. The Spanish steamer Marques Urpui lo has been sunk,
de
EARLIER CABLES, (THROUGH BRUTER'S AGENOX.] PORTUGUESE SUCCESSES. AMUCH TERRITORY GAINED.
LISBON, December 28th.
7
It ipaggially announced that the whole of the ght beak of the River Rivima i imands of the Portuguesa, besides a most important post on the left bank in German territory.
When the war is over," he said, “I hope to go back to this work I have to cross the Antarctic continent. That I planned. The last big polar job left is intended to do and would have done this time, except that the season was dead
went with Scott, in 1001 it has been my I like it. It's my job. Ever since I desire to explore the Antarctic, I wont with Scott because ever since I was a little boy I wanted to do such a thing. After I have crossed the Antarctic continent, if I ever do, there in still plenty more to do
But just now Lieutenant Shackleton'a whole thought is for these ten men in the Antarctic ice. They were left, on Ross Inland by the Aurora fast March, after the steamier had broken away from the ice foot and had become disabled in a storm,
་
FOUR MEN ARE SAFE
Wo must indeed, guard ourselves. against expecting the possession of Monastir to give us as immediate ne
Monastir, mor tamorphosis of the Balkan campaign.
decisive victory." country, is more than 150 miles from Monastir, monsuring straight across Nish, more than 250 from Belgrade, and
in the Balkans communications must run and armiies march anything but straight. Between Monastir and Uskub es very difficult country, through which the road runs over difficult gradients and unbridged streams. We may, how ever, fairly recall the speed of the cam paign of inst year. It was on October Bulgarians on Serbia began. 11th that the treacherous attack of the By the 23rd they were at Uskub. On Decector and the Austrian flag few over Monastir,
Monastir atands some. 3,000ft, above the sen, and is overshadowed by wooded mountains rising 8,000ft and mora.
Dr. Timothy Richard, whose book of reminiscences, Forty-Five Years in China" has just been published, has
sent out to China by the Baptist Miation ment of modern China. In 1869 he was ary Society, and within two years he had travelled in Manchuria and Koras, and wag one of the first two Europeans who came back alive from Korea. In 1877 ho wont to Shansi as the chief almoner of the Mansion House Fund raised to relieve famine in China-the greatest on record in all history-and was, in fact, the chief pioneer of famine relief as a practical missionary apologetic. He was one of the first three Protestant mission sries to settle down in the province of Shansi, and there be carried on energetic work. In 1800, Dr. Richard was made Christianity to the Chinese Government, Scott and Shackleton huts when the secretary to the committee to represent Four men were in camp at the old and in 1801 he became secretary to the steamer broke away. Their lights were Society for the Diffusion of Christian seen by the crew of the durara as the and General Knowledge among the Chin-vessol plunged out into the storm. They round it is a fertile plateau, one of the ege (now called the Christian Litera had ample provisions, and there is no like most good patches of land in the richest countrysides in the Balkans, and, ture Society for China), an institution fear, according to Suackleton, for their which had had enormous educations) in safety, beyond the ordinary exigencies peninsula, devoted to the cultivation of magazines and books have been a main fluence. The new ideas contained in its of life in a remote région. But six of
luxuries rather than of foodstuffs. the party were far inland, laying down Tobacco, mulberry leaves, for silkworms cause of the ferment and reform move-
depots against the expected coming of and fruit are the chief products of the Shackleton's other party across the con-
uplands of Monastir. The fertility of. Richard was made Chancellor of the new tinent. They were overdue, when the the equatry is at least one reason why Shansi University, and the funds, the Aurora broke away. Did they get back t the vilayet of Monastir has been coveted Appointment of professors, the curricu If they did, there was plenty of pro
by so many different nationalities, Ser- lum, etc., were put into his hands for ten visions to last them all until Shackleton bian and Greek Bulgarian and A years. Within three months an edict was issued that each province should have a are they stormbound far inland, or
can reach them from New Zealand. But banian, to name no more. The popola- tion is of such diversity of race taat any like university. Thus modern education starved and frozen on the road to Scott's
ownerships must be unsatisfactory to was substituted for the old, among a icy tomb There are other questions
some appreciable fraction. The settle. fourth of the human race. In 1910, on
ment which gave the town to forhia has, that agitato Lieutenant Shackleton and the expiry of the ten years agreement, Captain F. A. Worsley, master of the
so far as the inhabitants themselve are Dr. Richard handed over the Shansi Endurance, who is with him, and the concerned, worked well. The commercial University to the Chiness authorities, questions that have kept the two men importance of Mumstir has steadily and the Emperor of China ennobled him without a moment's rest ever since the increased of recent years, and his ancestors for three goperations desperate rescue of the twenty-two men
and it is estimated that in time of peace trade o with the highest rank of the first button on Elephant Island.
the value of £500,000 a year passes (red)MAB.
Shackleton's expedition sailed in two through the town. In spite of theso parts that commanded by himself on
advantages of communication and com- the Endurance, a new ship specially built mercial prosperity, there are disadvant A REMEDY FOR LONELY MEN AND Bea, south of Cape Horn, to land on
for the work, ateamed to the Weddell in choosing the place as a base or a seat of administration. Ita situation WOMEN.
Coal's Land and across the continent by
in a depression among the mountains is way of the Pole. The other, under com
not healthy. In the autumn and winter. mand of Captain MacIntosh, on
all the neighbouring country is liable to the Aurora, sailed from New Zealand for become sodden and waterlogged. The the loss Sea to lay down depots of atores Consequences are such as might be ex inland towards the Pole for the use of Pected Malaria is a besetting plague, Shackleton on the last half of his journey their victims-Daily Telegraph.
and agues and similar diseases clas scross the continent. The two landing points are on exactly opposite sides of. the South Pola The Endurance was crushed in the Weddell Sea. Shackleton and her crew, after five and half showing that the losses of the Norwegian The Tadens Tegn publishes statistics months on the ice, were forced by the mercantile marine through the war have gradual breaking up of their foo
take to three small boats. In these, and half tons, and 58 sailing ships, aggregating been 153 steamers, aggregating 230,573
14th, 1918. dead, they finally reached Elephant. Island, far south of Cape Horn on April rather more than 41,000 ton
Twenty-four steamers and five sailing' ships were destroyed close to the Nor
That ardent social reformer, M. Bricus, of the Academie Francaise, is applying all his energies just now to the solution of a problem of which few people would have suspected the existence, much lesa its widespread nature.
LEAVE IN SMALL" BOAT.
NORWAY'S LOBSES.
From shoals of letters that have poured in upon him since he started investigat ing the subject, M. Brioux concludes that there are thousands of young per- sons of both sexes hindered from getting married because they have no suitable means of getting in touch with one an- other every mayor throughout the land be To remedy the matter, he proposes that
Men and women wishing to meet a suit obliged to keep a matrimonial register; and net, in a way, as a marriage agency, Ten days later Shackleton and Cap-wegian coast by submarines, which lay tain Worsley with four volunteers left in in wait for them on their departure, and abie
partner for life will inscribe their twenty-two-foot boat in a desperate 33 sailing ships were sank or burnt while" names and qualifications upon it, and it attempt to reach the whaling station on crossing the North Bes on their way to will be the duty of the authorities to do South Georgia 800 miles away. For England the rest and see that all are happily pro- the midwinter gales in a sea of ice sailors were killed or died of their in sixteen days the boat's crew battled with One hundred and fifty-three Norwegian vided with a companion of their joys and BOTTOWE.
When they reached South Georgia, at juries or sufferings. the opposite side of the island from the whaling station, and beached their beat in a core they were so exhausted that it The Observer of November 12th says:- The battle of the Somme has practically get sabere
was twenty-four hours before they could beased. A few weeks back the advances Shackleton, Worsley and Crese in of the Allies slowed down in a marked thirty-six hours of continuous straggling manner. There must be a new battle crossed the glacier covered island never with a new character before any im- before penetrated by a human being, and portant change develops. There will be reached the whaling station.
no break through the German lines thisOn a imali orwegian whaler, they year We must face the presumption of
the fin attempt to reactin the Intinued at foot of nest Colu
the war lasting far into 1918,
twenty-two men left on Elephant Island: That failing, becaud blizzarda, they we to the Fridand Bland and on an Argentine Clover cool made the second unsuccessful third attempt was made on schooner Then the Chilour Govers meat lout the tag Teiche, sad Shackles 12n sarprised the twenty two men at s
(Chile).