The Hongkong Telegraph
(ESTABLISHED 1881.) Copyright, 1915 by the Proprietor.
WEATHER FORECAST
OVERCAST
Barometer 20.93:
Lemperature 6 a.m.
April 15, 1915,
2886 日二初月食
Temperature 61a.m. 74 Humidity
2 p.m. 78
94
.84.
THURSDAY, APRIL 15,
1915.
TO-DAY'S
TO-DAY'S
LATEST WAR TELEGRAMS.
LATEST WAR TELEGRAMS.
THE VICTORY OF NEUVE CHAPELLE.
SIR JOHN FRENCH TELLS HOW IT WAS ATTAINED.
Magnificent Work by British and Indian Troops.
PEACE TERMS; THE DOMINIONS TO BE FULLY CONSULTED,
[Reutor's Service to The "Telegraph."]
"The Neuve Chapelle Victory-Sir John French's Report.
April 14, 55 p.m. Field Mareliai Sir John French, in the course of a despatob, dated the 5th inst., says the event of chief interest and importance is the victory at Nenre Chapelle.
'April 15, 1914.
Humidity
伍拾四季
10-DAY'S
LATEST WAR TELEGRAMS,
"F
The Field Marshal describes the country as drying, and esva the brighter weather early in March was greatly lessening the diffi-
New Zealand Premier Declines Invitation. calties of taking the offensive, He proceeds to give details of the baltle, esying the object of the main attack was the capture of Neuve
April 14, 1.12 p.m. Chapelle, and the establishment of our line se far forward as possible The Times Wellington correspondent states that the Premier eastward. Jast northward of the villege there were a few big houses, (Mr. F. W. Massey) has cabled to Mr. Fiber (Premier of the Com- with walls, gardens and crobards. Here, sided by numerous monwealth), declining the invitation to a conference of Premiers machine gans, the onomy established a strong post, which owing to the seriousness of the Imperial crisis and the necessity for
nked the approaches to the village Bois Dabies, south-eastward, attending to the preparations for the next session. also influenced the course of the operations.
The Battle" Opens
The battle opened at 7.30 in the morning of March 10 by a powerful bombardment, which was well-prepared and most effective, except at the extreme northern portion. At 8.5 in the morning, the Twenty-third and Twenty-fifth Brigades assaulted the German trencher north-west of the village, while the Garhwal Brigade assaulted the trerobes routhward of Neuve Chapelle.
French Reports. (Havas Telegram.)
To-day was quiet; a calm prevailed.
April 13.
SINGLECOPY 10 CENTS
#96 PER ANUM.
TELEGRAMS.
NEWS FOR BUSY MEN.
CONDENSED.
The United States bas sharply replied to the German Note,
The trade between Australia and Japan is increasing by leaps and bounds.
The American Press continues its vigorousdenunciation of Count Bernstorf."
A
Up to March 31, thirty-three thousand women had registered for war service,
The British prisoners on the Kronz Wilhelm complain bitterly of their treatment.
The German General S: ham taken over the direction of the battle in the Carpathians.
Field Mar-hat S.John French'a report on the victory of Neuver Chapelle is given to-day.
A Zeppelin has thrown bomba on allaul, missing the flying ground and killing three vilians. It is believed that the Kiger is
rear of the Austrc-German lines
In Argonne, mine fighting cccurred between the trenobos." Yesterday, we repabel counter-attacks at Eparges and Boic-le- Pretre. During the night of the 12ib, a Zeppola bombarded Nancy, but with no military result. The Twenty-fifth and the Garhwals carried entrenchments, the Collaboration between French hydroplanes, seaplanes and the wire ootanglements being almost entirely demolished by our abrap French battleship St. Loui was effected when they bombarded the nel. The Twenty-third, however, were held up through the en-outskirts of Gaza, where a Turkish camp was established, tanglements being insufficiently cut. Meanwhile, the artillery were President Poincare visited troops in the north of France and in bombarding Neuve Chapelle. The infantry advance, at 8 35 a,., Belgium and found their morale at its best, their physical condition continued. The Twenty-fifth and the Garhwala pushed eastward also being very good. President Poincare also visited the KingWilhelm has requested that the. and northeastward respectively and got a footing in the village. and Queen of Belgium.
The Village Captured.
The Twenty-third were unable to progress owing to the heavy loarea they had suffered, especially amongst the Middlesex and the Scottish Itifles, but the progress of the Twenty-fifth turned the southere flak ol the enemy's defences to the front of the Twenty- third. Tois, combined with powerful artillery suppor, enabled the Twenty-third to advance, and by Iho'olock the whole village was in our hands..
A Delay,
Our artillery had completely cut off the village and the surround- ing country from any German reinforcements by a curtain of shrapnel. Prisoners subsequently reported that all attempts at reinforcing were checked. We immediately cona lidated the positions we had won. A considerable delay occurred after the capture of Neave Chappelle, owing to the disorganisation of the infagiry by the violent nature of the attack and the cutting off of
*
[In the event of telegrams arriving too 1. te for insertion on this page they will be found on the Extra.]
EARLIER TELEGRAMS,
Further Russian Progress.
2,700 prisonera and 20 machine gone.
April 14, 4.30 a.m.
personally commanding from the in the Carpathians.
The Captain of the Kron Prins veese! be examined and a time for repaira estimated.
The Premier of New Zalend has cabled Mr. Fisher declining an invitation to a conference of Premiers, owing to the Imperial crisis.
Sir John French says the power of defence with modern wespons ia the main cause of the long duration of present-day battles.
There is to be no Imperial Conference this year, but the Dominions are to be most fully conauited regarding the terme of ревсе.
The main attack by the First Army, under Major General Sir Douglas Haig, was supported by a large force of heavy artillery, a the telephones between the front and the rear. The Field Marshal A Petrograd official account states that the battle in the
Count Zeppelin's secretary Division of cavalry and some reserve infantry, while secondary is of opinion that the delay would not have occurred if General Carpathians between the directions of Bartfeld and Stry developed states that nine dirigibles have and holding atacks were made along the front by the Seroad Army; Baig's clearly expressed order had been more carefully observed, with great intensity on the 11th and 12th inst. The Russians pro- been destroyed during the wave der Lieutenant General Sir B. L. Smith-Dorrien, The success and the difficulties: might have been overcome earlier if the com- greed on both banks of the Cadarva, and after a most desperate but 30 remain and 15 others will attained was due to the magnificent bearing and indomitable mander of the Fourth Corps had been able to bring the reserve battle, captured three villages in the direction of Uzsok Pass, taking be completed by Jaly 15. courage of the Fourth and Indian Corps, "Yet," adds Sir John, brigades more speedily into action. French, "I consider the able and skilful dispositiona by Sir Douglas A farther advance was not commenced before 3.30 in the after-}", The enemy, in great strength, delivered impetuous attacka on Haig.contributed largely to the defeat of the enemy. The energy and noon when the Twenty-first Brigade were able to form up in the the heights of Kozicurka, south of Volossate but was repulsed with vigour wherewith Sir Douglas Haig handled his command showed open on the left without a shot being fired at it. The Brigade made enormous lose. him to be a leader of great ability and power."
The enemy in Bukowins, on an extensive front in the direction good progress, but was subaquenilý held up by msobine gun fire from A Surprise Attack.
Zalesteniki, made furious attacks on Saturday night, in tor second Brigade.
rential rain and impenetrable darkness. Our infantry received them with the bayonet and repulsed them. Beveral German attacks west of the Niemen were also repulsed.
Another action of considerable importance followed a German surprise attack on March 14 against the Twenty-seventh Division, holding the trenches east of Saint Eloi. Much artillery was con- centrated here under cover of the mist, and a heavy volume of fire was anddenly opened upon the trenches at 5 o'clock in the evening. There were also two mine explosione. The rudderness of the attack enabled the Germans to capture Saint Eloi in a few hours but well directed and vigorous counter-attacks, wherein the Fifth Corps displayed great bravery and determination, restored the Bituation.
The "Favourable Moment?"
the houses and a defended work opposite the right of the Twenty
The Dominions and Peace.
April 14, 4.15 p.m.
The Eluse of Commons has reassembled.
. The light Hon. Mr. Lewis Hireurt, Secretary of State for the Colonies, intimated that there would be no Imperial Conference this year, but the Dominions will be most fully consulted regarding the terma of peace.
Fruitless Acroplade Attacks.
April 14, 4.30 p.m. A Paris commanique states:-- The Field Marshal explains that at the end of February many
There is nothing to report, except that a Zeppelin threw. bomba vital considerations induced him to believe that a vigorous offensive on Bailleul, missing the flying ground and killing three civiliane, should be carried out at the earliest moment. The most important Two German aeroplanes were forced to descend elsewhere, the reasons were the general aspect of the Allied eitastion, particularly aviators being captured.
"
the marked success of the Russians in repelling violent onslaughts Another seroplane was brought down northward of Verdun, by General von Hindenburg; the apparent weakening of the enemy near our lines, the aviator being wounded. position on the British front; and the necessity for assisting the Russians to the utmost by holding as many hostile troops as possible
in the western theatre..
Women Warriors,
April 14, 1,5 p.m. It is officially stated that, up to March 31, thirty-three thousand The efforts of the French forces in Arras and in Champagne were to that end, and perhaps the weightiest consideration of all women had registered for war service, was the need of fostering the offensive spirit of the British troops. after the trying and possibly enervating experiences of a severe winter in the trenches,
The Casualties.
The loses in the three dage' fighting at Neuve Chapelle were 190 officers and 2,337 men killed, 350 officers and 8.174 men wounded, and 23 officers and 1,728, missing, but the results obtain ed were wide and for-reaching.
The enemy left several thousand dead on the battlefield, and we have positive information that upwards of 12,000 wounded were removed to the north east and to the east by train, while 130 officers and 1,657 men were captured.
All the deficiencies in British officers and men were made good within a few days of the battle,
CAMATAN Modern Warfare.
The Wayfarer.
April 14, 1.5 pm.
A Queenstown message says that the explosion on the Wayfarer smashed the wireless apparatus, buckled up the afterdeck and lighted a large stack of hay which burned fiercely until the flames were extinguished. Owing to the water pouring into a boat which was being lowered over the side, it capsized ond two firemen were drowned. The captain remained alone on the ship which was fast settling. The crew worked the pumps pill succouring ships appeared. Towing was most difficult owing to's gale and the heavy seas.
Zeppelin's Secretary on "Zeppelins."
April 14, 1.5 p.m.
Prisoners on Kron Prinz Wilhelm Complain Bitterly.
MgApril 14 1.5 p.m.
of
The Wayfarer,
April 14, 4.30 s.M. Seven persons perished in the Harrison liner, Wayfarer.
Fixed Rates for Treasury Bills.
April 14, 4.50.a.m. The Gazette announces that from to-day Treasury Billa for three, six or nine months will be issued at fixed rates of discount. Financial writers state that this practically unlimited issue of Treasury Bills is a most important departure in the financing of the war and should provide the Government with all the necessary resources for a considerable time. Therefore an early issue of the new War Loan is improbable.
U.S. Reply to the German Note,
April 14, 4.50 s.. The Daily Telegraph's correspondent in Washington states that the United States han replied sharply to the German Note which protested against the supply of armaments to the Allies, and emphatically declares that the stoppage of shipments would be on unwarranted breach of neutrality and also unconstitutional.
The Munitions Question.
April 14, 6.10 a.m.
committee with full powers to deal with the whole question of the The Times atsies that the Government has appointed a strong organisation of the output of munitions of war, The Committee will to representative of the Treasury, the War Ofice, the chairman of the Committee, the first meeting of which is to be held Admiralty and the Board of Trade. Mr. Lloyd George will be
No definite decision has been reached on the drink question Pope, President and Peace.
·April 14, 3,5 sm. Commenting on the report that His Holiness the Pope is desirous
Count Zeppelin's secretary, interviewed by a Constance news
said that nine dirigibles had been destroyed during the war to-day. paper, The Field Marahat emphasises that in war to-day between but that thirty-six remained. Fifteen other dirigibles, armoured civilised nations, armed to the teeth with deadly rifles and and able to carry two tone of explosives, will be completed by Jaly machine guns, heavy casualties are absolutely unavoidable 15. and the slightest undue exposure means a most heavy toll. The power of defence with modern weapons is the main cause of the long duration of present-day battles, and mainly accounts for suck Reuter's Washington correspondent says the the captain of lops Waste of life, can, however, be shortened and lessened if at the Kron Prinz Wilhelm has requested that the vessel be examined of supporting any more which the United States Government tacks are supported by the most efficient and most powerful foros of and a time for repairs estimated. The British prisoners on the Kron might make with a view to restoring peace, President Wilson said artillory available, but an almost unlimited supply of ammunition Prins Wilhelm complain bitterly of their treatment, they say they there had been frequent intimations of this character but no formal is necessary and the most liberal discretionary power in its use must wore fod on rice and sour bread when their captore had an communication had reached him. There was no basis for the report beron artillery commanders. "I am confident says Sir John abundance of fresh meat. At six o'clock every evening they were that the United States had been informed of the terms upon which French, that this is the only mean, whereby great results are forced into a black hole without lighte. They unanimously declare pesce might be made. obtainable with the minimum loan, es
hey intend to go Home to fight the Germans
(Continued on page i
In his despatch on the victory at Neuve Chapelle, Sir John French warmly praises Sir Doug- leader of great ability and power. las Haig, whom he described as a
The explosion on the liner Way- farer smashed the wireless buckled the after-deck and guféd 330 a large stack of hay which barned fiercely until the fire was ex- tingairbed,
In the opinion of Sir John French, an unlimited supply of ammunition and the armcat dis- cretion in its use is the only obtainable with minimum loss.. means whereby great results are
NEWS,
Farther Nates on the Crim appear on page 4.
The Langkat output up to yesterday is given elsewhere.
The Prize Court has condemned the .. Faklat as a prize of
General news and some inter- eating comments on Home foot ball appear on page 3.
An interesting claim by 8 Japanese dentist was dealt with in the Summary court to-day,
"Our Contemporaries" appears on page 2, Commercial News on page 9, and Log Book on page 6.
DON'T FORGET.
TO-DAY
Bijou Theatre 9.15 p.m.
Victoria Theatre 9.15 p.m. Messrs. Charles Howitt and A. Phillips at the Theatre Royal "Raffles"-0.15 p.m.
- ¿TO-MORROW. Bijon Theatre-9.15 p.m. Victoria Theatre-9.15 p.m.
Meesis. Charles Howitt and A. K.U.M.G. City Hall-5,15
Lecture by Sir Charles Eliot
Phillips at the Theatre Royal Pu "Nobody's Daughter
9.15pm.
Sir Obarles Eliot's lecture on the Eastern Theatre of War at the City Hall -6.15