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The Hongkong Telegraph
(ESTABLISHED · 1881,)" Copyright 1917, by the Proprietor.
„WEATHER FOREGANT
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Barometer 29.70.
August 14, 1917,
Temperature 8 8.1 75
2 p.m. $5
Humidity
78
7723
日+廿月大
REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.
TREMENDOUS BATTLE IN FLANDERS.
常
Blatement.
TUESDAY,
Humidity.
80 2 .. .92
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AUGUST 14,
1917.
August 14, 1916. Temperature 6 am
二拜禮:號四十月八英港香
REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.
LABOUR AND THE WAR,
REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.
MR. HENDERSON'S RESIGNATION.
His Explanation in the House of Commons.
London, August 13.
The Most Titanic Struggle of the War.
London, August 13.
In the House of Commons, when the Government moved the It is impossible to realise from the communiques the tremendousness of the battle which is proceeding in Flanders. The adjournment in order to enable a fall debate on Mr. Henderson's latest accounts of the correspondente confirm it as the most titanic resignation, Mr. Henderson immediately rose to make a personal He complained against the "unprecedented Press struggle of the war. Mr. Philip Gibbs, after emphasising the,
Campaign against himself and also of the policy paraned by the greatness of the enemy's artillery, which, however, is not so great Premier and his colleagues over the week-end. Although he had as bur-ays the whole countryside is ablaze with fire and smoke,
never since his resignation left the office of the War Oabinet, the especially reand about Glencorse Wood, Inverness Copee, Stirling rat intimation that his resignation had been accepted came from Castle and Frezenberg where a perfect bell-fire rages. Soccessive the Pall Mall Gasetis, After the Labour Contampos he had an beary enemy waves counter-attacked these places on Saturday bas interview with the Premier, who made it clear that the Secretaryship wers smashed to piecee. When our men were consolidating the of the Labour Party and membership of the Wax Cabinet was Westhoek Ridge on Saturday, they bad to call for further help from incompatible. There was only one choice in sach circumstances. the gasners, Simaitaneously aeroplanes signalled that there was It would not be in the nations interests to tell the complete story a great gathering of Germsas at Noo's Wood and Polygon Wood. of the Stockholm Conference at present. Replying to the charge Their call were answered by large groups of batteries of fifteen-that he withbeld information from the Labour Conference, Mr. inch guns, which swept their fire downwards across the big stretch Henderson afirmed that whereas his proposed visit to Paris was of country miles deep. The Germans, with rifle at the slope and considered at a special meeting of the War Cabinet the day before weighted with bombe and trench epedes, fell in besps. One of our he left, Mr. Bonar Law told the House on July 30 that all the sirmen sabsequently reported that he had never seen so many dead.
This is only one of many soch slaughters. Bere is another. arrangements for the visit were made without the knowledge of the
War Cabinet. Gunners received a report that Germans were assembling in the Valley of Hanebeks. Two battalions advanced in the open before our guas found them. Toen, when the storm broke upon them, they tried to escape by running or throwing themselves down, or planging into shell öraters. But not many escaped, whole ranks being blown to bits. The enemy cannot seade anoh slaughter, because these bita of high ground which we are capturing guard vital centres. He simply must fight and defend them with the full weight of men and guns. His fire last Friday and Saturday was the greatest which any of our men have ever faced.
Latest reports show that in the counter-attacks on the Westboek positions the Germans did not all die from shell-fire. The Lancashire Fasiliers and the North Lancashires fired their rifle all day on Friday and and Saturday at human targets which they could not misa. German reserves were hurried up to relieve the shattered battalions and were fang straight into the counter-attacks. They often wandered into the open in full kit, ignoract of car where abouta. The rifle here reasserted its old grominence and whole bastalions were massacred.
After referring to the big enemy efforts to dispute our air superiority, Mr. Philip Gibba concludes by saying: The enemy ia all out. It seems he wishes to make this battle the decisive one of the war.
I do not see how he can win it after the loss of the Pilkem and Westhoek Ridges, but he is out to kill, regardless of his own 06368,31
AFTER THE RAID ON ENGLAND..
German Machines Destroyed by British.
Mr. Bonar Law, intervening, emphasised that the War Cabinet knew that Mr. Henderson was going to Paris, bat saly after all the arrangements were made.
Mr. Henderson, continuing, said he informed the War Cabinet of his recommendation to the Labour Party Executive to accept the invitation to Stockholm if the Conference could be made consulta- tire instead of mandatory. There was the sharpest division of opinion in the Cabinet over his advice, and be cffered to resigu when he returned from Paris on August 1, he gave Mr. Lloyd George a foll and faithful atatement of his position and his reasons for advocating attendance at the Conference.
+
The Premier said that whatever anyone might think of the major point in Mr. Henderson's speech they would respond to his appeal for unity in secaring riotory. Three-fourths of Mr. Henderson's remarka were irrelevant and he did not think the House wished him to comment thereon. The Premier re-affirmed that the impression left upon every member of the Cabinet, including himself, by Mr. Henderson's attitude at the Osbizet meeting prior to the Labour Conference in London wae that he (Mr. Henderson) would use the whole of his influence to turn down the Stockholm Conference. The Bassian Government's telegram in the Premier's communication, cabled on August 8, masnt that the Ravian Gov- eroment bad nothing to do with the Stockholm Conference...
THE RUSSO-RUMANIAN FRONT.
A
A Dangerous Feature of the Situation.
London, Aug, 13. While many epithets like treachery" are levelled at Mr. Henderson in the papers the general tendency, is te await his statement in the House of Commons before passing final judgment on the Premier's grave charges. It is hoped in many quarters that the Labour Conference on the 21st will reverse the decision of the 10th inst., thus ending the crisis. If on the contrary the decision is upheld, the re- maining Labour Ministers will be confronted with the alter- native of withdrawing from the Government or their Party. In the former avefit the Premier may decide, on elections. The dangerous Iture of the situation, is the possibility of the estrangement of Labour and it is strongly felt in the interests of national unity that the Government should seek a solution by consultation with the Labourites. "
The Daily Mail, urges Mr. Lloyd George to attend the Conference on the 21st and explain the situation fully and frankly and ask on behalf of the nation and the Allies for the withdrawal of the resolution of the 10th,
Russia and the Stockholm Conference.
Petrograd, Aug. 15.
#
A semi-official statement refers to Mr Henderson's speech at the Labour Conference on the 10th, regarding the Russian Government's attitude on the Stockolm Conference. 1t saya--Itcertainly seems that the Russian Government has always been of the opinion, and it still shares the opinion that the projected Socialist Conference is not directly related to the policy of the State and being solely a party question, all parties of all countries may go to the Conference and formulate their points of view.
Australian Premier's Outspoken Opinion.
London, Aug: 12.
The Australian Premier, the Right Hon. Mr. W. M. Hagbe has telegraphed to the Calunial Office expressing the strong opinion that British representation at the Stockholm Conference is most undesirable and calculated to hamper the Allies in the prosecution of the war and decid- ing the terms of peace. It is impossible to reconcile repre- sentation at Stockholm with the British war aims as stated by Mr. Lloyd George, "I regard a Conference at which the peace cranks of all countries, including those of Britain and German's secret agents tasquerading as pacifists and friends of Labour, will be gathered together as a cunning trap set to catch loyal British Labour representatives and through them the organised Labour now supporting the war."
THE KAISER AND AMERICA.
London, Aug. 13.
Mr. Gerard, late American Ambassador to Berlin, in an instalment of his book which is being published in the "Daily Telegraph," describes an interview he had in Octo- ber, 1915, with the Kaiser who bad previously refused to receive him. He says: The Kaiser remarked that he would not have permitted the torpedoing of the Lusitania if he had kaown it, because no gentleman would kill so many women and children. The Kaiser, who was careworn and nervous, showed great bitterness against America and repeatedly said. "America had better lock out after the war," and "I shall stand no nonsense from America after the war."
MILITARY LAUNCH TRIP.
The Junior N.QQs, of No. 88 Oo. B.G.A. hady enjoyable Isunch trip round hand on Saturday, the 11th En Second- Ligat J. P. Joner, BOSA, was in charge. The partybakte
Pirat 11 am. and passed out of the harbour, leaving by the bastern entrance. Tiffin was served on board when of Waglan Island. Later, the launch dropped anchor in Stanley Bay, the party going on abore, some for sightseeing, others för "species” hunting. The latter party obtained good resultz, especially the "Pearl Seekoris On returning to the launch, bath |ing wae the "Order of the Day.”
Tes was served whilst at anchor. Leaving Sisley shortly after. 5 pm, the party landed at West Point about 6.30 r.m. A grant from the Services. Entertainment fund ssaisted in providing the refreshments. The Committee, ander Corpl. Clarke, R.G.A., are the to be congratulated on arrangements made for so snuCAMS- ful « trip, and also for the ex: cellent manner in which the party were catered for.
DONT FORGET.
TO-DAY.
Victoria Theatre-9.15 p.the Bijou Theatre-9.15 p.m.
New Hongkong Cinomat graph -9.15
P.m
לן
TO-MORROW. Steel Foundry Co'a. Meeting; $11.30 a.m.
Victoria Theatre---9.15 p.m. Bijon Theatre-9.16 p.m.
Hongkong Cinematz- graph.—9.16 p.m.
New
Thursday, August 16, British Trader's Insurance Ca's, Extraordinary Meeting; 12.15
p.m.
officer. This unit has taken OVSE British General Hospital No. 9, "somewhere in France." United
Mr. Philip Snowden :-Who wrote the covering letter? The Premier said that it came from the Rassian Embassy. Did anyone imagine if that telegram was read at the Labour Conference it would have made any difference to the proceedings? Toe Premier said, regarding the general position, there had been a change during the last few daye Efforts were being made to restore discipline in the Russian Army, and the first step taken to prevent fraternisation London, August 11..
with the enemy. In these circumstances nothing could be more The Admiralty announces that a hostile aeroplane of the Gotha fatal than a Conference with the enemy at Stockholm. That
Aconclusion bad been came to by the United States, which waO type was destroyed during ita return to the Belgian coast. hostile seaplane was destroyed off the Flanders coast. A large great democracy, by the French Republic, by Italy and by Britaip. number of naval machines indecisively engaged the raidera at Bes.(Loud Cheers.) One pilot, who destroyed the Goths machine, first pursued, the enemy at an altitude of twelve thousand feet from the North Foreland to fifteen miles off Zvebruge, where the enemy was lost. On returning to the Thames meath he observed anti-aircraft fire at
Outlook Unfavourable for the Allies. Southend. He Aww there and, olimbing, observed eight Gothae,
London, August 13.
comfort and convenience. The organised at Harvard Univeraity followed by four British machines. Stearing to the north-east, he Communiques do not confirm the report that General voD
perating thestrea are well bailt by Dr. HATAY Cashing, with od asem to lack nothing in the Major R. U. Patterson 19 com- climbed up to 18,000 feet and attacked rathlessly when thirty miles Mackeneen'efensive against the Romaniane is slackening. The out to 968. Simultaneously be observed hostile machines four battle north of Focesai has now lasted six days, in which the
way of modern surgical equipmending officer, has taken oner British General Hospital No. 11; thousand feet below. This enemy formation he attacked. He Rumaniane, despite a very stout résistance againet en perior
Orignally planned for 1,040 United States Bass Hospital No. drove down an enemy to the water, the hostile machine overturning numbers, were driven back five miles by retirement in the
British Headquarters in France beds each, the general hospitale 2, from the Presbyterian Hospital, Das of the occupants was hanging to the tail, and to this man be direction of Marsseti. The Romaninos have presausbly lost June 22.-Quietly and with very have been practically all enlarged New York, organised by
control of the loopline mentioned on August 10. Geceral ro little ceremony, en sa to escape to 1,400 bede, and daring a crisie threw a life-belt.
George -Brewer, Mackeneen ie now sixteen miles from Adjadal, on the retention practically all bat official atten of which the safety of General Toberbatch's Army in the tian, American doctors, nurses. The units which have taken over manding, has taken over British Can accommodate 2,000 patients. Major Lucius P. Hopewood come Trota Valley largely depends. If Adjudal is lost the railway and enlisted men, within the last the varica bospitals were or-G-geral Hospital No. 1; United up the Troias Valley would be useless and General Teherbat-fortpight have taken over wix of she would be compelled to fall back,
THE BATTLES IN THE WEST.
Three, Enemy Attacks Fail.
London, August 13.
A French communique states:-Artillery firing is most active between Cerny and Craoane, notably in the sector soath of Aillee, where a German attack on trenches which we captured on August 11 was repulsed with heavy lassee and was without result for the enemy. Two enemy enprise attacks at Biis de Caurieree and Besonvaux failed under our fire. Two enemy aeroplanes and a captive balloon were brought down, and three other aeroplanes were forced to land esverely damaged.
Calm on the British Front.
London, August 13. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Baig states there is nothing special to report.
THE STOCKHOLM CONFERENCE.
American Labour Leader's Condemnation.
London, Angast 13.
Mr. Gompere, the President of the American Federation of Labour, bss telegraphed to Mr. Havelock Wilson saying that the Federation will not be represented at the Stockholm Conference, which it regarda sa prejudicial to the case of permanent peace and democracy. He is unable to accept Mr. Havelock's Wilson's invitation to visit England, his duties forbidding him to leave the United States at present.
Definite Decision by the Allies-
London, August 13. In the House of Commons, Mr. Boner Law announced that! Britain, the United S stes, France and Italy bad decided not to grant permission to attend the Stockholm Conference (Oncers). The Law Officers of the Crown had advised the Government that it would be illegal for any resident in His Majesty's dominions to confer with enemy subjects without licence from the Crons.
-1
EARLIER TELEGRAMS.
THE LATEST GERMAN RAID,
London, "Aug. 13.
The Press Bureau announces that the raiders caused considerable damage at Southend, where they dropped forty bombs:
-
The casualties up to the present reported are gut men, pine women and six children killed, and aboux fils injured." Two men were injured at Bochford and an uninhabited house at Margate was demolished, there being no casualties.
Splendid weather prevailed at Southend, which was un- usually full of visitors. In the evening the sky suddenly seemed to become full of seroplanes coming from all direc- tions. Six bovered over the town dropping bombs which fell mostly on the poorer quarters. Of twenty-seven houses damaged seventeen were in one street. Most of the casual- - ties were caused by one bomb which fell among a trowd of visitors proceeding to the railway station. The explosions of aerial torpedoes were terrific. Most of the windows on the High Street were smashed by the concussion but not. a single fire broke out. One bomb killed a girl in the stret, tearing off her clothes and reducing the body to pulp. British aeroplanes speedily chased the raiders seaward.
BRITISH CAPTURE OF PRISONERS, A
London, Aug. 12. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig reports: The prisoners taken in the Ypres attack on Friday and subsequent opera tions now number 454. Biz guns were also captured.
The Portuguese repulsed a raid southward of Armen- tieres.
We brought down three aeroplanes and drove down four, Five of our machines-bave not returned.
AMERICANS TAKE OVER th styles are models of field States Bas Bospital No. 5,
BRITISH HOSPITALS.
Six Big Establishments Transferred."
meut.
Gai Dr.
Over
with
the British great general felriganised by the American Red States Bise Hospital No. 21 Orosa as Boited States Bage organiser in St. Louis by Dr. hospitala, releasing the Engeb Bospirale" and with the declara- Frederick Murphy, with Major stefs for duty Best their fioption of war these stuff were James D. Fife commanding, has
taken American enrgense bave bren
Vet British General rendering valuable aid alun in the torped over to the regulary army
Hospital No. 12; United Statem forward casualty clearing sutica 10: servios as required.
Base Hospital No. 10, organimed. Each unit has brought along in Philadelphia, largely in the during the battle of Messines This has been the quickest or organising director who was University of Pennsylvania, by ganised aid the United States har surgeon in civil practice, but Dr. Richard Harte, with Major given to the British arms in aow takes command 88 a major H. A. Delaney commanding, Frano and has been greatly in the United States Reserve, taken
British General The commanding officer in each Hospital No. 16; United States Appreciated.
The Americans have beer unit is a regular American army Base Bospital No. 12, organised mach impressed by the cordiality run, while the subordinate
in Chicago by Dr. Frederick of their welcome, a well members of the staff are made} Beeley, with Major C. C. Collina as by the thoroughness and up of regular army surgeons and commanding, has taken oper effectivenes of the British hor-doctors commissioned from civil British General Eloepital No. 18 pital system. So emoothly have life. The nurses are all graduall, of course, being "somewhere
training the tindafer bren malo that the stes of well-known Americans have taken up their chools and will probably be
Each American hospital staf new work without even moment' applemented soon by voluntary has also organised a mobile wait apeet in the routine of the various id detachments of young women for service in the casualty cl**ring hospitals. The Stars and S ripe arkers, such as are now attack stations: just back of the fring Ay with the Britseb Union Jack ed to the various British staffs, lines for emergency work daring from each hospital flag elaff, the The non-commissioned orderlies tro ensigns flattering side by and privates were preotically all the first days of great battles, The Americia bospitals present side in the cool breezes that taken from civil life, bat, in
keeping with the doc ore and interesting international at any sweep in from the sea.
their narios, bare settled into their with patiente from-England, Scotland, Ireland, Austfalia, Naw hospital sites with the greatest work with marked eficiency and Zealand, and Portugal. Steps care and have developed them enthusiasm.
will be taken soon to increase the The Brat of the American anita variona maits and bring them spe with a completeness that has com“. from nearly there years' field ex- to reach France was known to the strength required for perience. Some of the general United S asea Base Hospital No. enlarged hospitals, American hospitals
made ар of 4, and was organised in Cleveland doctors and nurses have alrendy tented warda accommodating by Dr. George W. Crile, with soquired the ten habit, which forty to sixty beda esch. Others Major Gilchrist, of the United they enjoy every afternoon with lare composed of a series of huts.[States Army, ss commanding the convalescent wounded.
The British aslected
in France."