Page
THE
WAR.
THE
OPENING OF PARLIAMENT: THE KING'S SPEECH. DEBATE ON THE ADDRESS.
THE
WAR ON NEUTRALS” MORE VIGOROUS PROTESTS.
EARLIER GABLES.
OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. THE KING AND GERMAN THREATS
LONDON, February 7th. His Majesty the King in opening Parliament, said:
For the third time in succession I summon you to your deliberations in the midst of war. Certain overturas, of which you are aware, have been made by the enemy with a view to one ing peace negotiations. Their tenour, however, has indicated no possible basis for peace.
My people throughout the Empire and my faithful and heroic Allies re- main steadfastly and unanimously re-
tly and unsnimou solved in secure their just demandy for reparation and restitution in respect
WAR-LIKE ATMOSPHERE
London, February 7th
of its customary splendour, but was animated by a steru and practical spirit appropriate to the critical times.
HONGKONG
DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9TH, 1917.
THE AMERICAN BREAK- DERMAN AGENTS AT WORK
LONDON February 7th. The engines of sine German vessels at Honolult have been disabled and the boilers wrecked.
SCAN
NAVIAN PROTEST
STOCKHOLM, February 7th The Scandinavinu Governments have decided to send a joint anti-submarinism, protest to Germany.
SWEDEN AND THE BREAK
HEALTH OF THE TROOPS,
LONDON, February 7th Reuter's correspondent at Headquarters visited the Army in Lorraine and found the men very fit, despite the show and Frost, which at night time was atzero. The health of the meu has even improved
The erews of the vessels have breu is sort-offcially stated thut Sweden compared to that during the wet weather,
new ships were in the course of constru tion. He emphasised the fact that this Imperist Wir Cabinet was not un ordin- | ary Imperial Conference Representatives of the Dominious and India would sit continuously as members of the Cabinet oh any question with which they were specially concerned. That as an im
arrested and put under guard; mene, stop forward, but the part played
HOLLAND'S MILITARY POSITION by the Dominions in the war justified it
AMSTERDAY, February 7th. The Conference would discus, all ques- tion of conforon interest relating to the The Gartle, de Holland points out the way. There would be no hard and fast line followed. From our own experience weaknesses of Holland's military posi and that of the Dominion Premiera hotion, but adds that do Government could
ns certain they would do everything in their power to prevent any interference in the essential task of the successful presention of the war
remain quiescent should Dutch commu nications be cut off to any extent,
has decided not to follow the United States example.
RUSSIAN PRISONERS REFUSED FOOD.
PETROGRAD, February 7th The Swedish Red Cross Society inti mates that German military authorities persist in refusing to allow Russian The Municipality proposes the early officer prisoners to receive food from while the Allies closing of shops and the reduction of neutral countries blockedo Germany: lighting to economise coal,
SENATE RATIFIES SEVERANCE.
WASHINGTON, February 8th, The Senate has ratified the severance. of the relations with Germany by 78
AMERICAN PRISONERS
RELEASED.
AMSTERDAM, February 7th. According to the Yosrische Zeitung,
A Bonar Law: proceeded to refer to the war situation. The Navy had done, and was still doing all that was expect The opening of Parliament was thorned of it Without the Navy it would be impossible for the Allies to win the war- (Cheers) They best brains of the country were devising new expedients to meet submarinism. He believed the experi ence of the similar threat in 1918 would be repeated, Germany could not defené The over-running of Roumania was the Yarrowedule, were released on declar morat and political disaster, but not & military success for Germany, whose ading they were not aware, when they vance had been stopped on the Sereth joined the vessel, that armed merchant- The situation in Mesopotamia had been completely retrieved.
men were regarded by Germany Es war ships
The Thronea were shrouded in white this country in this manner(Choers.) seventy-two Americans, prisoners aboard voles to bu
cloths, almost sepulchural, from beneath which heavy folds of Imperial purple emerged, spreading over the steps of the
duis
The Pecreases, who occupied the floor of the House, wore walking dress and mostly custly furs instead of the usual Court costunies with feathers and coro-
nets.
It was noteworthy that a large number of Peers, young and middle-aged, wore khaki or navy blue, the only bright colours being the Judge's scarlot, con-
of the past, and guarantees for the tasting with the white robed Prolates,
future, which we regard as essential to the progress of civilisation. In reponso to no invitation by the President of the United States, we outlined, në far
The Ambassadors, in mufti, were on the
left of the Thront.
When Their Majesties-the King lead ing the Queen by the hand-entered, the
Mr. Bonar LEW concluded by saving that the conquest of East Africa was approaching completion, while the Anglo- ascendancy on the Western front, where French had established completo moral it was certain that better results than hitherto might be hoped for. (Cheers.)
IN THE LORDS:
LONDON, February 8th. In the House of Lords, Lord Stanliope, moving the, Address in reply to the King's Speech, said the silver lining to our cloud of unpreparedness at the out
BRAZIL'S PROTEST, GERMAN BLOCKADE NOT PERMISSIBLE.
RIO DE JANEIRO, February 7th. It is officially announced that Brazil's reply to the German nuncement of unrestricted submarine warfare, hog boen dispatched to Berlin,
BOLIVIA SUPPORTS BRAZIL.
RIO DE JANEIRO, February 7th. The Bolivian Minister has
has formally notified Mr Laurd Müller that Bolivia unreservedly supports Brazil's policy to wards Germany
URUGUAY SUPPORTS AMERICA MONTE VIDES, February 7th, President Wilson's action is approved rendy support coming from all parts of by the Press and public. The Govern break of war was to be found it the the Empire,MOKINE
The Earl of Crewe said it was irrement is urged to join other neutrals which it would hold futable that our superiority in the West which had become marked in July 1910, had been enhanced as the months pro- eeded, and we were justified in entertain
As possible at present, the general hights hitherto subdued, were raised, Ing the must sengnine anticipations of
shedding a brilliant glow on the illustri the operations in the Spring
jects necessarily implied by these aims, Threats of further outrages upon pub- he law and the commen rights of humanity will but serve to steel our determination.
During the winter months my Navy has mauitained, unchallenged, its ceaseless, watch on the seas, and rigor usly enforced the blockade of the
enemy,
"My armies have conducted success ful operations, not only in Europe, but in Egypt, Mesopotamia and East Africa, and they are fully prepared to renew the great struggle in close and cardial
co-aperation with the Allies on every field trust their united efforts will carry the successes already won to a victorious conclusion.
us assemblage.
Lord Curzon expressed the opinion that some neutrals would follow the example of America, and others would if they could..
The motion was agreed to, ADMIRALTY APPOINTMENT ADDITIONAL PARLIAMENTARY
SECRETARY Sk
LONDON, February 8th The Admiralty sanounces that Lord Lytton has been appointed auditional Parliamentary Secretary, representing the Admiralty in the House of Lords.
His Majesty the King wearing an Admiral's uniform, and Her Majesty the Queen a stately figure in black robes, with pearls and a big diamond plaque, wore muted on their Thrones, and there was a long pause awaiting the proced bugs in the House of Commons. Then the King putting on his hat, read his speech in a strong, penetrating voice, which was audible to everyone. His Majesty especially emphasised the pas sages relating to the just demands for restitution, to the threats of further out. rages steeling our determination, and to the importance of the forthcoming Wared Conference.
His Majesty led the Queen down the stops and both bowed ceremoniously on all sides.
I invited representatives of the Dominions and the Indian Empire,
Foreign and Domimans correspondents which have borne so glorious a share of the struggle, to confer with ny were admitted for the arst time, and Ministers on important questions of were greatly impressed with the solemni- common interest relating to the war,ty of the whole ceremony and the sur and I trust the step will conduce to roundinga. closer relations between all parts of
the Empire.
EARLIER CABLES.
BYE-ELECTIONS. DUBLIN UNIVERSITY ELECTION.
LONDON, February 6th, The Dublin University election result
as follows:--
Mr. ABTHOR WARREN SAM-
PLS, K.C. (Official) 1,48 Sir Ronser HENRY WOODS
NORTH ROSCOMMON,
602
The North Roscommon election result ed as follows
Count PLUNKETT
2,022
Mr. DEVIZE (Official Na
tionalist). 15
* Mr TULLY
1,708 087.
ROTHERHAM.
LATEST CABLES.
At the Rotherham bye-election, Arthur Richardson was returned opposed,
Mr.
un-
The accomplishment of the task to DEBATE ON THE ADDRESS.
MR. ASQUITH AND MR. BONAR LAW ON THE SITUATION
against Germany,
WHAT AMERICA COULD DO. +
LONDON, February 7th.
It protests that the German blockade. violates Juternational Law, and it effective, would close the entire high sena, which is not permissible. It also
try protest, in aicipation, against injury to Brazilian merchantmen, for
ponsible
Gerniany res.
THE PLOT AGAINST MR.
LLOYD GEORGE,
LONDON, February 7th, The Lloyd George conspiracy trial lins been pertened, and is understood that
will be transferred to the Old Bailey
THE TSAR AND POLAND.
owing to the numerous special precau tions.
BRILLIANT BRITISH ASSAULT.
VALUABLE RESULTS.
LONDON February 6th. Describing the first assault at night in the Ancre region on February 3rd, as distinct from raids, Router's" correspon“ dent at Headquarters says that the moon was nearing its full, and shining brightly on the ground, which was mantled with snow. The attnek was a surprise one following a short preliminary hombard- ment. The British reached the trench before the Boches were able to omorgo from their deep dug-outs, in which they were sheltering from our whirlwind fre
The resistance was most slight at tho beginning, and 200 were quickly taken prisoner. A machine gun post bicame troublesome, and was still holding out, though surrounded, when the dispatch was sent off that the position had been gained.
This forms a valuable link. It im- prove, our command of the enemy trens ches, and extends our field of observation,
Naval Activities.
LATEST CADLES.
THROUGH REUTER'B' AGENØY.]
ITALIAN NAVAL CHANGES..
NEW COMMANDER OF THE FLEET.
«Rome, February 7th,
The Duke d'Abruzzi has been relieved of the Command of the Firet, at his ow request, for reasons of health
Vice Admiral Thaou Direvel, Chief of
The Morning Post correspondent at Washington says that President Wilson, after consultation with the Secretaries of the Navy and War practically deter mined the military programme in the event of war. It is recognised that the United States, would be unable to sena an expeditionary force to Europe for
LONDON, February Oths: some months; therefore, the Americas assistance to the
would firstly be navaly namely that of the North Reuter earns on undoubted authority the Naval Staff, succeeds him
intends Poland to have and South Atlantic releasing the Angle her own State organization, Legislaturo French raisers. The feasibility of con and Army voys tras discussed, but it was not con- sidered practicable. A swarm of fast destroyer motor boats would assist dotillas
THE COMMON DANGER.
NEW YORK, February 7th The New Fork Herald demands that passports be handed to Count Tarnowski, Austrian Ambassador, who arrived on the day of the nanouncement of the German threat. It emphasises that Prussian and Austrian organisations in America are identical.
GERMAN CREWS AT MANILA
WASHINGTON, February 6th. The naval authorities at Manila have taken charge of seventeen German mer
The crews have been removed.
IN BERLIN.
chantipen
NEW YORK, February 6th. A despatch from Berlin anys the BCROB at the American Embassy on the 5th inst. recalled August of 1914 PAINTS Crowds of anxious Americang blocked the corridors, secking advice, while the Passport Department was working at The crowd WAS very high pressure. augmented by many British and other for belligerent nationals clamouring advices
BRITAIN'S CONFIDENCE
that the Tsar
EXPLOSION AT GERMAN DYNAMITE FACTORY.
AMSTERDAM February
th
The newspaper Les Novelles states that an explosion wrecked the Nobel dynamito factory at Sohlcbushmannfort. Up to the present, there are two hundred dead, mostly woman
IMPORTS AND EXPORTS.
LONDON, February th Trade returns for the month of Janu ary show an increase in exports of 210102,275, and an increase in imports of £16,020,500, as compared with the same month last year.
Franco-Belgian Front.
LATEST CABLES.
(THROUGH KEUTER'S AGENCE.}
BRITISH FRONT, Y ENEMY EVACUATES
GRANDCOURT.
EARLIER CABLES..
SUBMARINE PIRACY.
SINEINGSA
LONDON, Febriary 7th. The sinking of seven British, fivi Nor- wegian and one each of Swedish, Spanish, Danish gud Russian steamers is announced
The following sinkings are reported The steamer Hurstunod, (British), and the barque Garnet Hill (Russian) (ka
Four of the Hurstwood's crew WATE Lilled
The Danish steamer Zaskruse, belity ed to have been sunk, was sailing for the Belgian Relief Commis sion. The sinking is contrary to the Get- man assurance given to the Americau and Spanish Ministers at Brussels that Belgian relief ships would not be inter- fered with wa
Eight relief ships are now at sea, and thirty are held up at various, ports. Should they be delayed another week. many people in Belgium and North France will starve
LANDING SURVIVORS OF PIRACY.
VIGO, February 6th. The survivors who were landed from LONDON February 8th. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig in a the Dutch ship mentioned yesterday were U.S. IMMIGRATION BILL
communiqué, says!--As a result of our not from Brazil. They comprised BƏ PASSED AFTER TWENTY YEARS
continuous pressure on both banks of the crew and even passengers from the Bri- LONDON, February 7tb.. Anore, the enemy was forced to evacuate tish, steamer Port Adelaide, whose cap- WASHINGTON, February 6th, In the House of Commons, Admiral Grandcourt, which is entirely in our tain has been taken prisoner, by a sub- possession, together with defensive works marine, and sixty-six seamen from Ner The Senate, after a heated discussion, Meux declared that there was every passed, by 82 votes to 19, over the Pre reason to hope that the saule success adjoining Some prisoners were taken. wegian ships,____________ LONDON, February 7th sident's veto, the Immigration Bill con- attending the destruction of Zeppelins The enemy during the last few days has GERMAN PLEDGE IGNORED.
attempted raid by the enemy in
CM LONDON, February 15. taining the iteracy test to which Prewas in a fair way to be realised in suffered sident Wilson objected,
countering, submarines. .....)
The Admiralty states that the Port the night time at Gueulecourt broke HOLLAND FOLLOWS AMERICA.
down under our barrage.co
Adelaide, carrying passengers from Lon- AMSTERDAM, February 6th.
don to Australia, was torpedoed without. The Telegraaf states:What America
warning on Saturday. The passengers has said to Germany we must say, and
were funded at Vigo. The Peruvian sailing ship Lorton was submarined on the moment may arrive at any time to say it as atrangly, as President Wilson There have been any air-ights, in Monday in Spanish territorial waters.
The Admiralty comments on these which three German aeroplanes were GUARDING GERMAN MERCHANT driven down damaged. Two of ours are incidents, emphasising the withdrawal of Germany's pledge to the United States missing
not to sink passenger ships without wara- ing, and of her claim to consideration towards neutrals.
Speaking in the House of Commons, during the debate on the Address in re ply to the Speech from the Thone, Mr. Asquith said everyone was deligated
which I have set my hand entails un- sparing demands on the energies and resources of all my subjects. I am assured, howover, that my people will respond to every call necessary to the success of the canse with the same in domitable ardour and devotion that have filled me with pride and gratitude since the war begun. Therefore, I con at the arrangement paade for meeting the Dominions representatives. The House would like to know the scope and purpose of the meeting Was it con- cerned with concerted efforts of the Em- pire for the prosecution of the war, or would it consider problems of settlement and reconstruction? He was also asked to make a statement regarding wheat prices here and an Australia,
fidently commend to your patriotism the issues which will be laid before you, and pray Alminghtly God that He may bless your counsels."
WOUNDED IN THE ROYAL
GALLERY
Bofore the arrival of Their Majesties,
Mr. Asquith, referring to Germany's declaration of war on neutrals, said Lord Lincolnshire conveyed the following it would be unfitting for us to offer ad message from the King to a large num-vice to America, but, he added, "we shall hail with acclamation, in which is
ber of wounded Dominion soldiers in the the strain of family pride, the stern and Royal Gallery ***** Tel my brave men who have fought so gallantly for me and my country how
resoluto determination of the other great English speaking Power to frustrate the latest enormity by the enemies of the human rece(Cheers) Our own course is clear There must be the closest co
As the measure has already passed the House of Representatives, it now becomes law. It has been fought for twenty years and has becu vetoed by three Presidente COTTON SPINNERS WAGES,
DEMAND FOR INCREASE
LONDON, February 7th A conference of employers and cotton spinners at Manchester yesterday con sidered the spinnere demands for a twenty per cent, advance in wages
MEN:
PUERTO RICO February 6th. Military guards surround the German merchantmen Odenwald and President, the crews being confined to the ships.
The American guardship Ituser is
AUSTRO HUNGARY'S VIEW
The employers offered an advance of ten per cent, but the operatives, repre-watching. seating fifty thousand workers, declined. It is believed that the dispute will be referred to the Committee of Production TURKEY'S CABINET
LONDON, February 7th. It is announced that the Turkish Cabinet appointments include the former lowing:
The Sheik ul-Islam Monsan Kiazi Minister of War, Enver Pasha; Minister of Marine Djemal Pasha.
We raided the enemy lines south-west of La Basare last night, killing a num ber of Germans, destroying dug-outs, and taking prisoners
FRENCH FRONT. ARTILLERY ACTIVITY.
LONDON, February th A French communiqué says:Thero han boen fairly lively artillery activity An sectors at Mor Homme, Louvemont, and Le Chambrettes,
31-appreciate their gallant service and ordination in the plans and operations Effendi, Foreign Minister, Nessimy Boy securing till prepared to negotiate for tick on a salient in the region of Em
what a pleasure it is for me to place od their disposal the Royal Gallery on this
occasion.
"I have been commanded by His Majesty concluded Lord Lincolnshire
AMSTERDAM, February 7th, The first pronouncement of Austria's attitude on the new submarining policy
EARLIER CABLES was made by Count Tisza, in the Hun garias Farliment He justified the use
ENEMY ATTACK. ground that of the now weapon on the their adversaries were arining merchant
FRENCHMAN'S TWENTIETH AIR men and laying new minefipids. More
VICTIM the successful employment of sub- marines was the most effective means of
MO PATUR. February 7th He added Even to
A communimit states-A German day we are peace, if we receive a guarantee that our hermesil, in Lorraine gained a footing enemies are willing to negotiate, but, so is our advanced elements, but was im long as our enemies desire to take our mediately driven out. Ont line was com life.
we are determined to employ every nietely re-established.
We made pri means to gain victory.
Count, Appony and Andrassy___ GBP- Three enemy aeroplanes were brought The newspaper Les Nozzles sates that ported Count Tisza hut Conas Karolyi down, including Lieutenant Hourteaux
denounced unrestricted submarinism and twentieth troops at Air la Chapelle on the 23rdpuinteil out that two million Hungarians
German aeroplanes hombed Daaki charged 12,000 bunger demonstrators were living in America and their fat hit no casualisk of damn Many were injured
might be serious in the event of war.
ficted
of the Allies and complete organisation and concentration here in money, men and women. Let there be no, jarring, voice or party cross-currents and no TROOPS CHARGE HUNGER personal or sectional distraction. ~—— (Cheers.)ARAN
Mr. Boner Law said that Mr. Asquith's
to wish you all a safe recovery sad speech was the best testimony of the unity
safe return to those glorious countries. you all love so well
of the country. More and more shipping was coming under the direct control of the Government. A large number of
DEMONSTRATORS.
AMSTERDALT February 7th,
were
FEBRUARY PIRACY,
LONDON, February th The sinkings of vessels reparted - m February amount to fifty-three veure! twenty-two of which, aggregating 54,500 tons, have been sunk during the past twenty four hours. The latter figure in clades thirteen British and comprises some of the raider's victima
No great anxiety is anticipated that the
daily everege of sinkingg will be raised within a short period.
The Balkans,
EARLIER CABLES. SHLOUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.
THE RUMANIAN FRONT.
LONDON, February 7th A Russian communiqué wys: Two companies of the enemy crossed the frozen Bereth near Focsani and attackel tranches, but were driver back by dur
fire