THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS MONDAY. FEBRUARY
THE ARMED MERCHANTMAN VITAL ISSUES OF THE WAR
AND THE SUBMARINE.
APPEAL TO THE CHRISTIANS OF AMERICA":
THE DOVER PATROL.
ZEEBRUGGE AND ITS WATCHERS.
A NIGHT IN AT.B.D.
Christians of PER
A BRITISH ADMIRAL'S VIEW. "In view of the measures now being An appeal to "the taken to arm merchant vessels as a pro America against premature peto bection against submarine attack, the has been issued by a group of leading following article by Admiral Sir Cyprian clergymen, distinguished educationiste Bridge will be found of great interest and other prominent laymen (says The The demand for the arming of mer-Times correspondent at New York, on chantmen against the submarine perii is January 1st), Among the signatories are very natural, since armed vessels have Mr. W. A. Sunday, America's most certainly taxed better than unarmed, but famous Evangelist, the Hov Lyman it is very far from being a simple matter, Abbott, the Hey W. T. Mancing of and, as the Manchester Guardian has Trinit Church, New York, the Rev. asked me for my opinion, I will set out Newell Dwight Hills Brooklyn's best briefly some considerations that are known clergyman, Bishop Lawrence, of
Massachusetts, Bishop Anderson, of usually overlooked.
Chicago President Hibben, of Princeton University, and Mr. C. J. Bonaparte. the United ex-Attorney-General of States.
At the beginning of the year British steamers of over 100 tone numbered, roughly, 10,200 their tornage was 20,830,000. Steam and razy together, the ships wore about 11,300, with a tonnage of 21,740,000. There were on June 30th; 1810, elmased in Lloyd's Register-look 6,108 British, vessels of 13,503,177 tons (gross) average 2,200 tons. The exact
The appeal says I ----
1
HISTORIC SESSION IN RUMANIA.
12TH 1917.
PATRIOTIC RALLY ROUND THE THRONE
FROM THE TIMES" CORKSPONDENT IN TER
BALKAN PENINSULA.]
number of vessels over 2,000 tons is not lamour for the ending of the present on, and the methods naturally its balief in the eventual success of the
the eminent Pro-
[BY THE TIMES' SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]Y
The German destroyer said in the Chan nel on the night of October 28th, described
The Session of the Chamber now in a curt Admiralty communiqué which Mr. Ballour's subsequent explanation in brought to a close after a week's duration the House of Commons merely rendered will be ever memorable in the history of more disconcerting to the public, brought Roumania, After the great disasters home, if it did nothing else, the possibili which have befallen the country it was feeling of disconTERE- ties of a surprise attack on our cross only natural that Channel traffic, upon the maintenance of ment should prevail in various quarters, which the operations of the British Army and that there should be voices of re
the on the Western front depend. We had crimination. But the meeting of become so much accustomed to regard national representatives has furnished a unbroken communications with France as test of the general sentiment of the coun Part of the order of nature that it came try and given expression to its unity of as a shock to many of us to realize that resolve to continue the war, no matter the protection which we had assumed was what further sacrifices may be demanded. cured to them by the Royal Navy might. The Royal Speech in opening the Session ganged this sentiment and in certain circumstances, prove innsail correctly We need to be reminded that peace ing. It was with the object of disclosing rightly interpreted the determination of is the triumph of righteousness and not to the Preng the conditions in which the "he Roumanian race to attain national the mere sheathing of the sword. To work of natrolling the Channel is carried unity, as well as its confidence in the achievement of I this supreme object and war without casuring the vindication of matter for public discussion—by given, but it probably exceeds 4,000 truth, justice, and honour is not to seek the activities of the enemy are counter Allies. Another remarkable feature was
If it is decided to pus guns into our merchant vessels, which has always been peace but to sow disaster. Because it is acted, that a party of journalists were nu eloquent speech held to be legal and has been practised easy to lose sight of these essential priu- recently invited by the Admiralty to visit fessor Jorge, emphasizing the greatness
with the Ferdinand by every morcantile marine in the world, iples we view with some concern the Dover and, by spending a night at sen in of the national crusade, and associating consistency will compel us to comply with organized and deliberate effort now the various shins of the torpedo flotill King a very recent demand and put guns into ang made to stampede Christian sentier for themselves the kind of life which Stefan the Great and Michael the Brave, ment so as to create public sentiment in all weathers is led by the officers and and proclaiming the right of the Roa- mon responsible for keening the Hur, asmanian peasant soldier to the ownership every one of them. This demand is for blindly favourable to stopping hostilities the Royal Navy calls him out of the of the soll which he has defended with his
guns in the plural, and not for a without an adequate consideration of
Straits.
blood. single gun Within the last few days the the issues which the war involves
almost complete absence of con- THE WORDS OF NELSON RECALLED. number of guns demanded for each vessel
demnatory criticism of the Government ung risen to four. In addition to this" We are Christians, and as such deem
To those who do not know the factors of characterized the debates, while the the demand was made only the other day that truth and righteousness are to be that the power of the guns already maintained inviolate, even at the sheri- the problem: the obvious way to prevent announcement of the new Coalition mounted in small numbers in merchant ice of physical life. We are citizens the Germans from raiding the Channel Ministry shows that politicians of all vessels should be increased so that it may of the United States, and as such con would seem to be to render Zeebrugge parties, with the exemption of an insigni- be at least equal to the power of the guna scious of the solemn responsibilities of untenable as a naval base. The idea has ficant minority, have closed up their ranks carried by the latest class of hostile our Christian citizenship. We accord doubtless also occurred to the British in view of this great crisis in the cational
ingly venture to direct the attention of naval authorities. But, although much history. W submarines,
our follow-Christians to few vital may be done by mines and other incon issues which are making their mute veniennes-to say nothing of bomb-drop
ping-to make the Hun's life a barren « If it is not proposed to arm every appeal for final decision to him, when it comes to an offensive, from merchant vessel, on what principle can
There follows the enumeration of some the ses we are- reminded of the words of any be excluded 1.
With what show of of Germany & doings ravaged Belgium, Nelson, himself in command in the Derns equitable treatment can any class of mer chant vessels, or, indeed, any one vessel, tion of the Armenians, the desolu in 1801: command in the Desen tion of Serbia and Poland, the sinking be refused what is regarded by those who of the Lusitania, the starvation of Jews demand the armament of our mercantile marine as an essential means of protec And Syrians in the Holy Land, the tion? If any are to be excluded because attempt to array Moslems against Chris of smallness of size, it should be rememtians, the intimidation of small nations,
CA DIFFICULTY OF DISCRIMINATION.
THE WORDS OF
"I cannot but admiro Captain Owen's zest in his anxious desire to get at the enemy, but I am afraid it has made him overloap sand-backs and tides and laid him aboard the onemy, I could join most in his desire, but we cannot do
find out the impossibles as most folks; and I think I can discriminate between the impracticable and the fair prospect of success.
the national heroes,
The Parliamentary Commission con- veyed the reply of the Chamber to his Majesty's opening speech. The King's reply expressed satisfaction that the Chamber had approved the decision to continue the war. The bonds uniting the dynasty and the
had
beam strengthening, lis the attainment of victory bad been confidence in increased, and the decision to persevere in the struggle had been fortified. The realization of the proposed reforms would ameliorate the condition of the rural
ardent desires.
bered that one of the British vessols And the violation of international agree. heabilities, and 1 an ne little used to population and fulfil one of his most
which defended herself with brilliant courage, skill, and success was small enough to pass under the London bridges and above the Houses of Parliament 1
decide to arm only some classes of Wessel, we shall merely advertise for the enemy's bonefit that there are some which his submarines could attack without risk of meeting with resistance,
ments.
"In presence of these pending and unsettled iskues (adds the statement we fost impelled to warn our brethren against those who cry Peace, peace when there is no peace. The just God who withheld not His own Son from the Cross would not look with favour upon a people who put their fear of pain and death, their dread of suffering and loss, above the holy claims of righteousness, it is to have any justice, mercy, and truth. The memory of all the saints and martyrs cries out against such a backsliding of mankind. Sad is our lot if we have forgotten, how to die for a holy cause. We solemnly declare our conviction that the question of all questions for our immediate con- sideration is, Shall our ancient Chris tia inheritance of loyalty to great and Divine ideals be replaced by considers tions of mere expediency?
be free from
Allowing
Again, if, as has been recently asked, we arm only vessale employed in certain their concern for comfort and ease, ing exceptional conditions and luck, if such a conflic the consequences of the ocean trades, we must know if the guns are to be taken out of them when they are employed in other trades. How would that question look to vencs already employed in these trades and no armed It, Reorg to be meant by some of those who demand the armament of our mer, chant vessels that only vessels of a certain size and importance should be armed. Would not this cause an invidious distinction? There are at pre- sent rather more than 6,000 British stoumers averaging 2,4 tone (gross) apiece. This, of course, includes steamers belonging to the Oversea Deminions, which surely no loyal British subject would think of excluding, from any. benefit that the carrying a gun may provide.
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M. Tako Jonescu, Minister without portfolio, speaking in the Charaber on December 20th, said it was his profound It romains, for the present, possible for conviction that the honour of the Rou- the enemy to use Zeebrugge or Seamanian race had demanded that Rou bruge as the bluejacket calls its a mania should enter the war. port of departure for a dash down This conuict was cup bobween
bween two CHINA Channel, whenever which is seldom-he evilizations and two worlds, the world feels in the mood for an adventure need of right and the world of force In he continued, no one of success, aud chance involving risks such as appeal rather to var no one can be nentral, still less the Briah temperament than to that uz passive. That would mpan the more cautious far. One of the others to dispose of us at their duties of the Dover Patrol is to poques He was prepared for great sufferings, upon him as soon as he shows his nose since Roumania had so much to claim. Te in the Narrow Waters Come with me recalled that it was not Houmauta alone on board a sea-going destroyer, who was paying a heavy price in this will see if anything a stirring to-night struggle for right against the last efforts The sea is rough as we leave the shelter of military reaction, and passed in reviny
recalls the all the Allied countries: Belgium, who Vladivostock of the breakwater and
claimed nothing except the honour of Namoro hideous scenes of countless Channel cross- ings in the old days before the war. But defending herself, heroic Serbia; France, Hakodato mine is a stout stomach, and whether it greater than ever, Italy, who had risen Tokio bo the excitement of the enterprise or to such heights; Great Britain, who asked Koobi
nothing for herself but liberty she bitter, wind; or both the Junch to las which I apply myself in the spacious, justice for all; and, lastly Russin, who Kagoshiman comfortable ward-room, after inspecting brotherhood in arms two centuries old. Naba
was renewing on Roumanian soi! Ushimu san the captain's cabin which has been placed the duty of the Government, '' he mid,
that Wo should Bonn The despondency, war-weariness, and my disposal, seems a better lunch than is to tell the country.
ever I tasted in my life Nor, while I have entered tho was even if we had not Chefoo I would be of no use to put guns yearning for peace which have several ani on this point, do I know whether to believed in victory: that we did not not Weihalwei
times lately had occasion to report as admire more the profusion of the food from calculation, but from a sense of
Hankow on board a vessel if one did not put on board her ammunition also, and men prevailing in the Bulgarian Army since think of the glory of unlimited cream duty. But 1 am Be sure of the lobang anficiently trained to work the guns with the Failure of its offensive in August, when one has abstained from cream final victory as of the light of day. Changsha If we take only 4,000 ships and an which has been progressively inten- England during the war or the comthing may happen except the victory of Shanghat give them each only two guns-which by aified by emol of their subsequent reverses plexity of the drinks, which impart to the Germans No science, no numbers, Catal the demand are to be of the latest pattern on this fronte a refrigen in our toward the and no military genius can succeed in Sharp Peak
the number of guns required would be who still daily seek refuge in our lines, When there is stern work toward the pasting their heel on the liberties of the 3,000, plus the number that must be been zonewhat relieved by the hope of well-fed man will always beat the less nations of Europe." ready in reserva to make up for necessary a speedy peace aroused by Germany's well-fed replacements. If we allow only 50 recent overtures to the Entente (says rounds of ammunition per guna by no The Times special correspondent with AND THE means generona allowance in these days the Serbian army at Salonika, writing We reach our appointed position, and of quicchirere we should require 400,000 0 December 31st). Misgiving that this the ceaseless patrol begins. Up and down rounds, plus the quantity to be in reserve blissfu prospect is only a mirage seerns, our beat we go, at a speed which, though ready to replenish expenditure for prae however, to lurk. The Bulgarians say economical, will cost na between £200 and 400 or battle. Two sufficiently trained that immediate peace had been promised £300 in oil fuel before we return to to them so often during the past three harbour. The cold is intcose, but there mei per gun would be the smallest num-
months that they had lost all faith in the assurances of their officers to that
A NUMBER OF GUNNERS REQUIRED...
ber that it would be prudent to employ Frequently one man wight he incapa
effect, S
BULGARIAN ILLUSIONS.
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AUSTRIAN EMPEROR TO HIS ARMY
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According to a telegram from Vienna, the Emperor Charles has sent the follow plenty of warm clothing, and the ing message to the Archduke Frederick, watch on deck disguise themselves as Commander-in-Chief of the Austrian Hohow... Arctic explorers as a blizzard of BOW ATTRY coffect, citated by illness or accident. We
sweeps across the waste of waters. I send my brave soldiers my greet- should, then, have to provide 18,000 Now Germany's proclamation of will- Everyone is on the alert, but there is sufficiently trained gunners. All this ingness to enter on peace negotiations is nothing to be seen save an occasional as their War Lord. In their ranks Terane would be necessitre if we were to put only pointed to as a sign that the much-de-drifter or a buoy past which runs are my peoples, to whom Almighty All Capebt James
Just God will graciously grant peace Aparn two guns into each vessel,sired event is at last imminent. That strenuously a five nos tide.
“If the recent demand to increase the the Allies are equally ready to come to
The night shuts down, and with its by final victory. Our confidence is in Degupan number of a vessel's guns from two to terms is assumed as a matter, of course, coming the ship assume an air of even Him. All the enemy's efforts will fail gaspi
against His almighty power and our four be granted-and an inercess from and the latest day now named as the more eager intentnees. Gun's crews are strength." one to two has been demanded for samo irrevocable date for the cessation of the exercised and the greasy forpedo tubes are bime past the figures given above would war is January 14th, the first day of the ewung clear for firing. It is good to feel have to be doubled, and we should have New Year according to the Gregorian that we have no one between us and the to provide, over and above the necessary Calendar. Should that date pass, and chemy and that, if only wo car sight him, As we return to harbour, our night's reserves, 16,000 guns and 32,000 men should the sanguine hopes now entertain a few seconds will suffice for the opening work ended, with porpoises, gambolling
TE. CLAXTON, Director ciently trained to work them with ed ho extinguished the reaction of feel- people with dim and unrecognizable fashion only a few feet away, we see the heit, on the level of the ses in inches, bentli Meanwhile, the bridge around us in their curiously methodical 1. Balomprar, redwood to 33 degrees Fahren ng among the Bulgarian Army and peopled The question is-Would not that people, say these deserters, would be Tonight is not absolutely black, and from There are at least 50 in view at one time a Tararus, is the alads, in degree
pearing through the darkness. Downs crowded with all manner of craft. | and hundredtag, great number of men, who had at least terrible,
time to time we see the stars. One and one wonders how the big sailing ships Farmbait some training, and that greater numbers?
quickly finds that hard staring at the can make their way through the pack of gana be more effectually employed in
horizon is apt to produce in the eye No sight is more suggestive of the service hanting and attacking the enemy's muh marines, no matter how greatly increased granted that we cannot arrange for the imaginary objects. We know that, not rendered by the Dover Patrol. As Vice they may be in size, in speed, and in armament of neutral vessels which carry far off, other destroyers like curselves are Admiral Sir Reginald Bacon reported in 100 radius of action? If it is suggested that British cargoes. The Germans have oving to and fro. We know where they his dispatch of May 9th, over 21,000 we may do both things namely, put the made it quite plain to us the a neutral are, but we see absolutely nothing at all merchant ships, apart from red-of-war
Then one realizes how difficult it is to and auxiliaries, presed through
the thousands of guns and men inte the flag is no protection against their sub-
make sure that, on a pitch black night, patrol in the previous nix months Gf cloud, d drivaling rain, I fog a gloomy, b hall, classes of mon-of-war suitable for hunt marines. Now, if the arming of aur
running at top speed, with a these less than one per 1,000 were lost or reach passing shower, quiqual ing and destroying hostile submarines merchant, vessel is to heep German sub- definite objective, shall get by unper- écriously dawnaged by the enemy, while Rate in inebra lambha and knudreds and also arm bas merchant vessels the marines from attacking then, those ceived. One also realizes how great su in effecting this
security, over par cent mply would be that another plan may submarines will take the hint and advantage it is to the enemy to be able of the patrol vessels were sunk and the CONSTIPATION IS DANGEROUS be better. That plan would be to utilite redeuble their exorts against the neutral to fire at anything he sees, while we may lives of 77 officers and men were lost to because it poisons the system, cansing verola which are not armed but never have to hesitate for fear of fring on a the nation. But no figures can suggest sick headaches, bilionsness, torpid liver, the guns and men who might be put on theless are laden with British cargoes friend board merchantmen or: still further
the monotonous and arduous life of those bad complexion, theordered digestion. increasing the number of regular men which, even if they are not British, are No incident up to midnight. I turn in, by whom the work has been done. One occupied as submarine destroyers we carry out a vigorous policy stwhich the gilbering of the scor dent from a shell splinter in the port much needed in the United Kingdom and sleep the sleep of the very good says "manotonous," but a business-like MORE EFFICIENT EMPLOYMENT a true principles of naval strategy ingear and a few rolls as wo alter course phery of the emergency steering wheel "The demand for arming our merchant require of hunting down hosti'n sak break now and again to remind me that reminds one that, on occasion, the vessels against hostile submarines does marines, of perhaps covering the ocean I am at sca. I am awakened by a loud can be so full of incident as the mort nut sen to take note of the important with our anti-submarine craft and using concussion, and have a moment's gleam of impatient could desire. Evet that British cargons are often our feets properly in support of them, hope that the real thing” is upon us Our visit included inspections of subspel constipation, regulate the ever, earried in neutral bottoms. In none of we shall defend not only our own or But, slee it is only a massive chair by marines and the naval nerodromat health enr wars have we ever been able to dis chant vessels but also those under neutral my bank capsized by the rolling of the only remina to thank all those who hy Of all chemists, or post free, 60 cents pense with this assietation any more then fage carrying cargots often owned by ship. “
their hospitality and information contri- the phial, from Dr Williams Medicine buted alike to the comfort, and instractive Co., 08, Brochuen Road, Shanghai. we are of present. It may be taken for British subjects and always needed by the
mess of the expenditure, (Continned at foot of nest Column) people of the United Kingdom.
(Continued at foot of next column.)
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