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January 5. 9.7.
7554 日二十月 十
(ESTABLISHED
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Copyright 1817, by the Proprietor.
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54
FRIDAY, JANUARY
5.
1917.
TELEGRAMS.
TELEGRAMS.
[Reuter's Service to The "Telegraph."],
BRITISH TRANSPORT TORPEDOËD.
One Hundred and fifty Soldiers Missing.
2
January 4, 9.05. p.m. The Admiralty announces that the transport vessel Ivernis was torpedoed by a submarina in bad weather in the Mediterranean on Monday.
-Four military officers and 146 men are misting.
The ship'e ossualties are not yet known, but it is hoped that the only officers missing are the aurgeon and the chief engineer.
[The Ivernis was owned by the Canard Company. She was tuilt in 1000, bor gros tonnage was 14,278 and her dimensions:- Length, 582 feeth; breadth, 60 feet; depth, 37 fees. Her speed was 16 knot-]
INDIA AND THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.
January 3, 8.40 p.m. The Indiaman has collected the opinions of several distinguished Anglo Iodians on the question of Indian representation at the - Imperial Confereros.
Sir John Hewett hopes that one of the advisers from India may be in Indian with broad, statesmen like sad Imperial ideas.
Sir John Birdwood says he altogther supporte the representstion of India by a non-official Indian like the Mabaraja Sir Pratap Singh, as well as by an official European or Indian member.
Colonel Yste, M.P., hopes that one of the official representatives will be specially selected as a personal representative of the Indiss soldiers who have fought so well, and of the obiefs and peoples, who by contributions have helped so well to maintain the Imperial cause.
TREASURY BILLS SUSPENDED.
January 4, 2.35 p.m. The Bank of England sunounces that the issue of Treasury "Bills is suspended.
THE BALKAN BATTLES.
Another Russian Success.
January 4, 3.30 p.in.
A wireless Rossian official meanags saya: We attacked the heights on the Ramanian frout to the south of Mount Batoch, where we captured six hundred prisoners, three eonon and sixteen machine-gane.
Russians Still Doing Well.
January 4, 5.10 p.m.
A wireless Russian official message says:-After an artillery duel, we attacked the Bolock heights and broke through a stubborn
cosiatanos.
We repulsed six persistent attacks in the Tatroch valley.
We surprised and annihilated a Bulgarian field post in the Dobradja.
Attacks at Matokia prassed back our delsohments, which commended to withdraw in the direction of Braila.
There is a severe snowstorm, on the whole of the Cantican front. The snow is deeper then a man's height..
Enemy's Hold on the Dobrudja.
January 4, 5.10 p.m.
A wireless Garman official meaange anye:—General von Maokoneen has conquered the senior north-west of Focsani.
He has also repulsed a strong foros of Russian cavalry to the. west of the month of the Buzinl.
The German-Bulgariaus sformed and captured the stubLornly. defended villages of Macin and Jojila and took prisoner a thousand men. This clears the Dobradja, except for a narrow strip in the direction of Galatz, where the Russian rearguards are holding their ground,
THE ITALIAN FRONT.
January 4, 6.25 p.m.
An. Italian efficial message says:-Reciprocal artillery fighting in the Carso region has resulted in the destruction of enemy defences 40 the south of Castagnavizza.
TORPEDOING OF FRENCH BATTLESHIP DENIED,
January 2, 2.45 p.m.
The French Admiralty dazies absolutely the German”wireless wemage claiming the torpedoing of the Franch bislang Vari to.
A MILITARY SCANDAL.
January 4, 2.15 a.m.
In its report on the case of 2nd Lient, Patriok Barrett-mention- ed in the earlier telegrams--the Military Court of Enquiry regrets that | Mr. Cornwallis West holds positions of some importance on various public War Work Associations in Denbighshire. It expresses the opinion that the correspondence between Major General Cowans and Mr. Weat indicates that the part played by the former was not merely an indiscretion basa departure from official propriety. It says that Major General Cowans disclosed official information to Mra, Woat and implicated the War Office, which was then ignorant of Mrs. Wart's complaints. It mentions that Major General Cowans Aold Men, Wout that he would fight for her if he had the time.
Tin the evant 6é telegrams arriving too late for, insertion on this page they will be found on an Extra).
·
[Reuter's Service w ibe" Teleging.").
EARLIER TELEGRAMS.
PROHIBITING CEREALS FOR GAME.
London, January 3.
A drastic order is expected prohibiting the use of cereals for feeding game. This will be a heavy blow vi game preservation.
THE BALKAN struggle.
The Eve of a Bg Battle.
London, Jaanary 3.
The long, stubborn Russian retreat the Sereth line stretching across the lowlands on the threshhold of Moldavia is now virtually over. General Falkenhayn's army is ap- proaching the Focsani and Fundeni bridgehead. positions the two main points of this fifty mile line of fortifications. It seems clear that the two armies are on the eve of a big battle which will have important consequences.
Some Earmy Claims. --
London, January 3.
A wireless German official announcement states that Macin and Jivita have been captured.
A wireless Austrian official announcement states that the Austro-Germans expelled the enemy from Miers; north- westward of Milcov, and repulsed strong enemy attacks south-eastward of Harja, inflicting heavy losses, and captur- ing 130 Russians eastward of Złoczow.
THE EGYPTIAN SUCCESSES.
:
Cairo, Janare 3.
Replying to Sir Douglas Haig's telegram regarding the successes of the El Arish operations, General Murray statess "We are most grateful for our big brother's congratulations."
FREIGHT ON INDIAN TEA.
London, January 3..
It is understood that the Indian Tea Association is issu- ing a freights statement: "The Times" points out that the Indian merchants have at present an advantage over Ceylon merchants, owing to the fixed shipping rate agreetent, of five years duration, expiring in September 1917. The present Indian freight is equivalent to a half peony per pound in Ceylon, ruling at eleven farthings, while the market price for teas is approximately the same. It is now suggested *- that the Indian merchants should agree to a freight increase of fifty shillings per ton measurement. There appears to be general approval of the principle of some advance.
COPPER FOR, MUNITIONS.
London, January 3. The Minister for Munitions is taking over at current quotations all the unwrought copper hitherto uncontracted for.
LEYLAND LINER WRECKED.
London, January 3. The Leyland liner Nestorian has been totally wrecked
in a fog. The crew was saved.
NOTORIOUS KUSSIAN MONK'S END.
London, January 3, The Russian monk Rasputin's end smacks of mediaeval- ism. He exercised a most malign influence in Russian society, even at the Court. He was known to be a leading pro- German.
According to Petrograd message three bullet wounds 'were discovered in Rasputin's head and chest. He was killed at the Petrograd house of one of the most aristocratic families in Russia, whereafter the body was conveyed to the mouth of the Neva in a motor car and dropped through the- ice. The names of the nasistants in the deed are generally koown. The whole of Russia breathes more freely at the removal of t man whose baneful influence and notoriou depravity were universally execrated.
THE PEACE NOTES,
Allies' Reply to America.
London, January 3.
The Allies' reply to President Wilson is still being draft- ed. Whereas the reply to Germany was purposely negativa regarding terms, rohearsing only the conditions of peace which were not acceptable, it may be expected that the answer to President Wilson will indicate more precisely the only preliminaries on which the Allies are prepared to
negotiate.
Dissension in America.
Washington, Jannary 4.
A significant debate took place in the Senate upon & resolu». tion endorsing President Wilson's nole.
Senator Lodge vigorously opposed the resolution, and declared that Congress cannot be expected to respond to the clamour for a peace which is not worth having. President Wilson's action bad laid the United States open to a charge of partianoship, Too debate was adjourned, this indicating that the Senats is likely to be against President Wilson.
KING OF RUMANIA'S THANKS.
Paris, January 3.
In reply to a message from the King of Rumania, thank- ing France for supporting Humanis, President Poincare says- be is firmly convinced that 1917 will assurą victory, liberation and réparation for Bomania,
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January 5, 19 6i
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MILITARY COURT OF ENQUIRY. -
London, Janary 3 The report of the Military Court of Inquiry, mentioned. on 22nd. ult., gives details of the case of Second Patrick Barrett, of the Welsh Filters.
It says that when Lieut. Barrett was recommended for a commission his claim was apported by Major General Cowans and Colonel and Mrs. Cornwallis Went The last named took more than ordinary interest in Lieut. Barrett, who failed to respond. Eventually he wrote Mrs. West a letter of remonstrance, which the latter sent to his Com- mander, with the result that Lieut. Barrelt was censured and transferred to another battalion.
The report characterises Mrs. West's conduct as highly discreditable-both her behaviour towards Lieut. Barrett before his letter and the vindictive attempts to injure him afterwards, and her untruthful evidence before the Court.
Mrs. West's attempts to influence the War Office are also mentioned in the case of Brigadier General Owen Thomas.
THE GREEK SITUATION.
London, January 3.
The Greek League di Reservists is attempting to excite feeling against the Entente by services of thanksgiving in the provincial towns of Old Greece for the preservation of King Constantine from the bombardment of the Allied fleet.
The Royalist papers at Atheas make most violent attacks on the Entente, especially Britain. An immediate declaration of war against the Entente is oven demanded, but an im mense majority of Grecks are pro-Venizelists and pro- Ententists.
THE WESTERN FRONT.
London, January 4. Reuter's correspondent at Headquarters states that the British front in the West is now nearly 100 miles long, whereou we have massed about 2,000,000 troops.
TWO ZEPPELINS DESTROYED.
Copenhagen, Jazuare 4. Two Zeppelins were destroyed by fire in a shed at Tondern, Schleswig. The fire was due to a short circuit.
GERMAN ACCUSATION SCOUTED.
Am-terdam, January 4.
The Dutch papers scout the German accusations that the British are laying mines. They point out that no sane. person will believe that Britain would lay mines on British sea routes, where enemy ships are non-existent,
THE DUTCH FLEET'S POSITION.
Amsterdam, January 4.
Dutch papers, commenting on the Naval estimates, state that they show that no increase in the Dutch fleet is possible for some years.
REPATRIATION OF ANGLO-GERMAN CIVILIANS,
London, January 4.
An Anglo-German agreement for the repatriation of all interned civilians over 45 except twenty on each side is now completed. It applies to the whole Empire. Germany has · agreed to the inclusion of retired Naval and Military men not receiving pay, even though receiving pensions.
SIR DOUGLAS HAIG IN CONTROL. Lord Darby Disposes of Idie Tales.
TO-DAY.
Victoria Theatre-9.15 p.m. Bijon Theatre-9.15 p.m. New Hongkong Uinstabtogra„| -9.16 p.m.
„TO-MORROW.
City Hall-HK.P.B. Sports Night,
Victoria Theatre-9.15 p.m. Hijoa Theatre-9.15 p.m. New Hongkong Cinemato- graph.-9.15 p.li.
to put Sir Eric Geddes, who had worked with him in the Munitions Office, in his place.
He might mention that this answer had been shown to Bir Douglas Haig, and be entirely approved of it, his ides being, to und Sir Douglas's own words, that "the principle underlying it is to employ individuals in war on work which they have been ae- customed to perform is psice. Thus the plan aimed at employ- Jing in the service of the country
ia the field a skilled railway manager and staff of amsistants, experienced road engineers, dook managers, do,”
Bir Eric Geddes arrived in France just at the moment when the need for the services of such a man was keenly felt, and as Bir Douglas Hsig said, hs" recognis ed in bim the very qualities which the Army in the field required,”
་་
Lord Darby next referred to the impouding return home of Siz Frederick Clayton, the Inspector. General Lines of Communication, to whom he paid a high tribute, and said bin return had nothing to do with the appointment of Bir EricGedder. The opportunity was being taken to make a readjank- ment, which it was hoped would tend to even greater efficiency.
It would be seen thai ramOKER in noinformedoiroles, which wecİ. now being at about, that changea wers incikled on and individuāla. imposed on Sir Douglas Haig without his consent and approval, wars absolutely false.
"For my ova part,” Lord. Derby added, "I have never out- cealed my opinion that it would be quite incompatible with my holding my present offis that there should be any interferencs State for War, knowing that there from outside sources with the would be a large and over-military plans and their carrying inersssing amount of ammunition out by Sir Douglas Haig, to be sent to France, was anxiona "Bat I want to go even farther Lord Darby took occasion in to satisfy himself that the than that, and to make the fol- the House of Lords on November transportation of such ammuni- lowing statement: 28 to dispose of currant idle tion from the ports to the front. Members of the Army Council ramours about disagreement be would be adequate, and with that and I speak of them not onl tween Sir Douglas Haig and view be sent Bir Eric Geddes as a whole but for eich member members of the Army Council, [over, with instructions to make a individually-have complete con- Viscount Peel asked the Gov-fall report on the subject, fidenos in Sir Dougia. Hoigwand ernment whether, under the This was done," with Bir they believe that the best way of soheme of reorganisation recently Douglas Haig's fall consent, and showing that they have such cons. carried out on the lines of com-the report was given to him for fidence is to fall in ɛs far as they munication in France, a civilian consideration. It impressed him possibly can with any and evory had replaced a military officer in very much, and he adopted the suggestion that he may make to important position, and suggestions made therein, and secure the greater efficiency of whether the appointment was himself asked that Sir Eric the Army under his control. made with the fall seesnt and Geddes should go to France and approval of the military authori carry out his own suggestions, ties in France.
The position, therefore, would Lord Derby thinked Lord Peel be summarised as follows:- for having put down the question. The proposal for inquiry came It was one of those questions from the Secretary for War, and which helped the Department, as approved by Sir Dongles the field, and Sir Wm. Robartson for it enabled them to state the Haig. true facts of the case, and so stop fall ramours which were being
oironlated.
An
The report that friction exista between the Army Council, or individuals thereof, and Bir Douglas Haig is untrue.
We have a combination of Sir
Dangles Haig, commanding in
Chief of the General Staff, which Its adoption, and the appointless improved.
cannot be equalled,, and much ment of Sir Eric Geddes, came from Bir Douglas Brig, and was
If the publin generally, would approved by Mr. Lloyd George of everybody in the War Ofios, only believe it is the one desire
s considerable change being La common fairness to Sir Erio from the Soretary of State COFA-
who
It was quite true that there was made now in the work of the Is Geddes, he would ask the House wards, to do what they own to help spector-General of Communics (to believe that he was not in the tions in France. The civilian loset anxions to undertake the
is combination, which we believe alladed to in the question was Sit work-vory much to the contrary. armies, then these idle rumours,
will ensure andosen for Erie Geddes, who had been sp. He only did it from purely which do as inɓaity of harm, pointed to look after all questions patriotio recon, and is put him belping to destroy a nádence. of railways, docks, and inland (Sir Eric Geddes) and everybody will cease, and innaustions will Water transport, leaving the ela in a false position if the vary be powerless, administration of the rest of the unjust atorian which he (Lord
lines of communication to be leak- Derby) know: existed from Thare the full.
| ed ufier äs heretofore.
aredeans, in the anion thryn Beere
The history of the change was Secretary of State had formed on simple ons. The Sourutary of cuming a milk carr