EARLIER TELEGRAMS.
THE PEACE CONFERENCE.
POSITION OF THE PRESS.
London, Jan, 16.
The Press Bureau gires a. message from Paris that Pre- midèns Wilson, the Prime Ministers and Foreign Secretaries of the Athes have discussed the relations of the Conference and the Preas and have referred the matter to a meeting of the Press and the Allied Associated Governments this alter noon for an interchange of views concerning future methods. It has been decided that the Governments mutually exchange the latest information regarding Russia with a view to a joint examination of the question,
ACUTE DIFFERENCES.
Paris, Jan 18.
The Draconian decision of the Peace Conference Raws except communi regarding the issuing of no ques, will be difficult to maintain because it would debar journalists from writing on many innocuoits subjects, Ap- parantly we have applauded the exit of secret diplomacy prematurely. Of course what is patent to everybody is that there are scute differences at the Conference, even among the five Great Powers and the latter fear, perhaps with reason, that keen public discussion of these differences will not help their task. Hence it has been decided to keep the Press at arm's length and the public in ignorance.
JOURNALISTS TO CONFER.
Paris, Jan. 1.
Owing to representations and a protest by British and American Journalists the Peace Conference has refrained trom officially recording the resolution limiting information supplied to the Press to communiques and binding the Pleni- potentaries to secrecy. The Conierence, morearer. has invit- ed the associated journalists is formulate proposals to secure publicity for the proceedings of the Conference. A committee of associated journalists has been formed and bas been given plenary powers to submit proposals to the Conference, sitting on the 17th. The British journalist dele- gation comprises the correspondents of Reuter's Agency the "Times" and the Daily Chronicle."
THE LANGUAGE QUESTION.
London, Jan. 17.
од
The question of the language to be used at the discus- sions at the Peace Table is being taken up. It is understood that the position of the American and British delegations is that the discussions should e bilingual, but in the case of a test treaty a bilingual document is inadvisable account of the difficulty of an exact literal translation. Therefore French has been chosen. M Sazetoff, Russian ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs, has been appointed to repre sent the Siberian Government and has reached Paria Two One is that the Bassian suggestions have been made.
delegation should be composed of a person representing certain established Government in "Russia and the other suggestion is that an Inter-Allied Committee should be appointed to handle all matters relating to Russia and the interests of Western Russia.
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ATTITUDE TO RUSSIA.
Paris, Jan. 17.
M. Clemenceau said that the French Government did not intend to change its policy regarding Russia and con- at the tended that the panel system of representation Peace Conference would satisfy everyone. There was no question which the most competent authority could not deal with thereby. For example the League of Nations was a question where representation of all interests was assured, "ABOMINABLE LIES.'
Paris, Jan. 16.
In the Chamber M. Clemenceas, replying to interpella- ions, said the Conference was pursuing its labours in a >pirit ofcordiality and complete conciliation. He stated that President Wilson ejaculatedWhat abominable lies' on learning New York Tribune" had published the with' drawal of all Americans and that he would leave France him. self if some of his demands were not conceded. Conference favoured publicity but deemed it desirable to keep some matters secret in order to avoid bad feeling.
SIAM'S REPRESENTATION.
Paris, Jan. 17.
The
The Tempa" understands that Siam, who effectively participated in the war, will be represented by two delegates nations instead of one. It is anticipated that certain allotted to delegates intend to protest at the plenary sitting
Against under-representation.
INDICTING THE EX-KAISER.
Paris, Jan. 17.
A number of Belgian private individuals will make formal complaints against the dethroned Emperor before the Bel- gian Courts of Justice.-Havas.
SOUTH RUSSIAN COMMAND.
London, Jan. 18.
Reuter learns that the Hetmen of the Don and Kuban Cossacks have agreed that General Deniken assume Supreme Command of all Russian Naval and. Military Forces in South Rossia
ARMISTICE PROLONGED,
Amsterdam, Jan. 19.
A message from Berlin says the prolongation of the armistice treaty was signed on the afternoon of the 16th at Treves by Herr Erzburger.
FLIGHT FROM ENGLAND TO INDIA.
London, Jan. 16.
The Press Bureat states that a Handley Page. machine from England has arrived in India.
THE AIR MINISTRY.
London, Jan. 15
The Freas Bureau announces that it is authoritatively stated that the status of the Air Ministry will remain an changed and it remains a separate and independent Ministry, its also connection with the War Office being that one State Secretary controls both departments, The relations of the Air Force with the Navy and Army will not be altered. The Air Ministry is proceeding to effect legislation and international agreements to permit of the speedy recom- mencement of civil aviation.
ITALIAN POLITICAL CRISIS.
London, Jan. 16. The Italian Cabinet has resigned owing to a split on the question of Italy's claims to Dalmatia and the Greek- Talatids under the secret treaty of 1915, which Baron Son nino desires to be fully carried out while the Böcklists. headed by Bigrior, Bissolatti favour & compromise with the Zago Blava, the surrender of Dodecanese and the cension of North Tyrol sa far as Brennét.
HONGKONG
SEGRAPH.
FARLIER TELEGRAMS.
THE SITUATION' IN GERMANY, -
BERLIN REPORTED CALM.
Amsterdam, Jan. 18.
A message from Berlin dated Jan. 13 states that Gov- ernment troops have thoroughly cleared out the Spartacists from the Moabit quarter. "A large number of Spartacista have been prisonered and considerable arms have been cap- turned with slight resistance. The city was generally calm last night.
A message from Essen states that the Sorist has taken over the control of the coalmines.
PROMINENT SOCIALISTS KILLED.
Copenhagen, Jan. 17.
A telegram from the Wolff Bureau of Berlin says it is persistently reported that Herr Liebknecht, 'who was arrest- ed during the night, attempted to escape while being convey- ed across Tiedgarten Park in Berlin. He was killed by a shot fired by a soldier. Rosa Luxemburg, while being conveyed under arrest from a hotel, was dragged from her carriage and killed by an infuriated crowd. The reports have not yet been officially confirmed.
DETALLS OF THE TRAGEDY.
Amsterdam, Jan. 17. An affcial statement from Berlin confirming the deaths of Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg states that they were arrested in a Berlin suburb. After a brief examination before the local Staff Headquarters Liebknecht, just after entering an automobile en route to Moabit Prison, was violently struck by an unknown member of the assembled crowd. The car quickly drove off in order to protect Liebknecht from further molestation, but owing to its great speed the car broke down in the Tiergarten. Then, whilst proceeding to prison afoot, Liebknecht, notwithstanding pre- vious warnings, attempted to escape after stabbing one of his escort in the hand, Liebknecht disregarded "repeated calls to stop, whereupon the soldiers fired, killing him.
It was reported from The Hagne on the 18th inst, that Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg had arrived at the frontier but at present were not permitted to take refuge in Holland owing to having no passports and pending a decision.
A message from Berlin of the 13th states that the Gor ernment is strongly garrisoning Berlin and installing the most modern appliances of war.
GOVERNMENT'S STRONG ACTION.
London, Jan. 17.
Apart from the deaths of Liebknecht and Rosa Luxęm- burg there are clear indications that the German Government and people are determined to and the Spartacist movement so that the National Assembly elections can be held undis- turbed and peace be finally attained. The Government is now making a great display of force in Berlin where they bave a large number of troops with heavy guns, field guns, armoured cars, tanks and Bame throwers, also storm troops with machine guns. Commander-in-Chief Noske in a pro- clamation declares that the troops will protect personal freedom, property, the freedom of the press and unimpeded voting for the National Assembly and opponents will be. disarmed The strong action of the Government has had a reassuring effect on the population.
PROHIBITION IN AMERICA,
LEGISLATURES RATIFY PROPOSAL.
New York, Jan. 16.
The Legislatures of 35 States have ratified the pro- hibition amendment the Federal Constitution submitted under a recent act of Congress. Only one more Legislature need ratify in order to make up the necessary three-fourths in the Union. Under the amendmens the prolibition begins in a year, but many think the United States will go OD 3 permanent bone-dry basis on July 1, when the measure mentioned on Sept. 94 will be effective.
Nebraska is the Thirty-sixth State to have ratified the prohibition amendment.
NATIONAL REJOICING.
Washington, Jan. 17. Church bells are ringing in some States in celebration of the national probibition, which will be an accomplished fact
a year hence, the necessary three-fourths of the States having ratifed the amendment of the Constitution to that effect. Actually, prohibition becomes effective on July Ist. as a war measure till the President declares the Army is demobilized, Generally the opinion is expressed that the President will not declaro this until the Constitutional Amendment becomes effective.
The amendment makes the manufacture, sale, exporta- tion and importation of alcohol beverages illegal through- out the United States. Measures are already being taken fixing the penalties for infraction. The Leaders of Congress do not fear that the efforts of the liquor interests to have the decision of the State Legislatures declared illegal will be successful The Federal and State Governmeats will lose enormous revenues by this epoch making step.
THE EXCESS PROFITS DUTY.
London, Jan. 17,
The Ministry of Reconstruction publishes the report of the Committee on Financial Risks, which was appointed owing to the manufacturers and traders fearing that losses due to a fall in prices of the raw material bought at war time prices might hinder fall scale production. The Com- mittee recommends, alternatively, a redaction of the Excess Profits duty to 65 per cent for 1918, or deferring the pay- ment of a part of that duty for £ve years.
ESTHONIAN CAMPIGN..
"Stockholm, Jan. 16.
An Esthonian communique states: We occupied the town of Dorpat which the enemy evacuated
GERMANS UNDER ARMS,
London, Jan. 16. Reuter learns that it is believed that there are still over half a million Germans under arms on the West Front. There has been no improvement in the handing over of mili tary material. We cannot yet remove troops from Trans- Caspia in view of the necessity of preventing the Bolsheviks from penetrating North Persia and Khorasaan. It is, con firmed that the Siberians have captured 20,000 Bolsheviks, a thousand machine-guns and mach material at Perm. The Biberians have reached the River Kama but the Bolshe vists are advancing-further south. Five Bolshevist armie with German officers, are operating on this front/
FREE LOVE IN RUSSIA.
the
London, Jan Major General Poole, the Allied commander North Russia front; in a message dated the 8th states that evidence shows that a Bolshevik decres for the tion of new has been put into fürde and”
of free love established. In several towns (zespoēti women have been forged for not yizl
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1919.
"FARLIER, TELEGRAMS
DEFENCE OF LITHUANIA,
London, Jan, 16 Reuter learns that at the request of the President of Lithuania the Polish Government has agreed to defend the Lithuanians againąs the Bolsheviks and has appointed a High Commissioner, who will immediately take over the administration of Lithuania
THE LUXEMBURG THRONE.
Paris, Jan. 17.
The Luxemburg Government has informed the French" Government that Princess Charlotte has ascended the throne in supression to her sister Adelaide who abdicated recently, tha Chamber approving of the accession by 30 votes to Ik
NEW AERIAL SERVICE.
Paris, Jan. 17.
The Brothers Farman announce that the official triala of the first aeroplane to be used in the service between Paris and London will take place near Versailles on Saturday next. The first machine for London leaves on January 2
PASSENGER STEAMER MINED.
Rome, Jan. 17.
The French steamer Chaproi, carrying 650 Greek, Ser bian and Russian passengers from Marsailles, was mined off Messina and sank in four minutes. It is feared that five hundred were drowned. The British steamer Cogheston rescued 150.
RELEASE OF U. S. SHIPS.
New York, Jan. 16.
The Shipping Board announces that all American shipa requisitioned for the war will be released or tonnage com- pensation given.
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FAMINE RELIEF.
Washington, Jan. 18 The Senate appropriations Committee has favourably reported on the appropriation of a hundred million dollars for lamine relief in Europe..
ART DEALER'S DEATH.
New York, Jaa la The death is announced of the art dealer, Henry Duveen.
RESTRICTIONS ON FOREIGN GOODS.
Londen, Jan. 16.
An influential deputation of the National Union of Manufacturers has urged Sir A. Stanley to immediately re- impose and strictly enforce the restrictions on the importa tion of foreign goods which have been lifted for three months. It is understood that Sir A. Stanley undertook to comply with the request at the termination of the aforementioned three months and may even extend the list to which the restrictions applied.
COTTON CONTROL,
London, Jan. 18. The Cotton Control Board has announced that an in- crease in the number of spindles and looms running can be permitted for the present, but the Board is endeavour- ing to secure the speedy release from the Army of men whose services will be necessary when the running of addi- tional machinery is possible.
MINERS WAGE DEMANDS.
London, Jan 18.
The British Miners' Federation Conference has decided by 500,000 against 23,000 rotas to demand a thirty per cent. advance in wages and that war advances be contitued. The minority thought the demands did not go far enough.
COST OF FOOD RELIEF.
Paris, Jan. 18.
The Supreme Food Council has concluded that eighty millions sterling will be required to feed the peoples in the Eberated regions and Armenia until next Summer and has decided to ask the Associated Governments how this sumo can be provided.
THE INDEMNITY QUESTION,
London, Jan. 17.
It is reported from Paris on the 18th, that Britain has requested Mr. Hughes to take charge of the indemnity question for the British Empire..
SINN FEIN ACTIVITY.
Dublin, Jan. 17. Sinn Fein, apparently determined upon forcing the pece, has assumed the title of Irish Republican Party and has announced the Constituent Assembly as opening at the Mansion House on the 21st
AN OPERATIC SUCCESS.
Paris, Jan. 17:
Penelope, the masterpiece of French modern music by Faure, met with a great, access at the Opéra Comique –
COMMERCIAL NEWS.
SPITZBERGEN COAL AND IRON.
Aré
The Norwegian mining journal Bergverksayt, in dealing with the British Spitsbergen Expedition, under the leadership of Mr. F. W Salisbury Jones, says: The British Flag has been hoisted at Ebeltaf Harbour, Spitsbergan. The German properties there and the German wireless station · have been destroyed. The enormous coal and
iron deposits at Spitzbergen belonging to the Northern Exploration
have Company, Ltd.,
been examined by 20 number of English and Norwegian" experts, who all declare that the iron ore deposits, without comparison, are the largest and richest in Europe. Whole mountains of solid iron, extending over 17 English miles, have been staked out, and these are situated near splendid har- bours which capable of accomodating ships of any size, The Ray Lowe Sound" is described as large enough to accomodate the whole fleet of the world. The coal deposits exposed to
be the day can traced alongside the mountain sides for a distance exceeding 30 English railes on both sides of the Lowe Sound,which has a width of 516 miles. The company has already commenced working its first mine in Lowe Sound, close to Davis City; barracks have been erected there, and the camp is under the leadership of Captain F. Wild, well known in connection with the Scott and Shackleton ex- peditions. The mining industry is under the leadership of Eng- ineer B. Maugham, and Dr. Mo Illroy is in charge of sanitary mat- ters of the camp. Work will proce- ed throughout the year. There have been more than 400 miners and workers at Spitzbergen during the winter of 1918, and about 800. more are coming. The sanitary conditions in all the camps have been splendid, Thera has practically occurred no kind of sickness. The expedition also visited the Company's other iron and coal deposits in King's Bay, Recherche Bay, Van Kuslens Bay, and on both sides of Bell Sound, also properties belongingto Norwegian and Swedish com- panies. These latter are already doing splendid business, and their plant is being extended with feverish baste. Shipping to the extent of more than 120,000 tons has been engaged during 1918 in bringing coal to Norway and " Russia. The production of coal during the present year exceeds 80,000 tons, and will during 1919 exceed 100,000 tons.
FUTURE OF THE PACIFIC.
Masajiro Fujise, of Tokyo, managing director of the Mitsui Bussan Kaisha, in a speech at a lancheon at which he was the guest of San Francisco's leading business men and financiers, said: American natural re- sources and zeal have been a staunch bulwark of democracy. in the world struggle. Japan anticipates developing mutual un- derstanding and cordial relations with the United States through the medium of trans-Pacific trade. The Pacific along the whole coasts of twothirds of the world's popula tion is teeming as the future arena of world trade. I have been impressed by the high qualities of kindness and frank- ness shown my party by the American public and I shelf carry back with me the greatest regard for your great commonwealth."
£10,000 PEACE OFFERING.. Alderman William Beavis, of Southampton, has presented the town with £10,000 as a thack offering for the end of the war. The interest will be spent on a yearly treat to the children of the elementary schools.
GAOL LETTER SMUGGLING. Dr. Cusack, one of the Sinn Fain, prisoners, while at Birming- ham was allowed out of gaol: to visit his dentist, and he seized the opportunity to call at a restau- rant, where he made the acquain- cance of a waitress named May Williams. Later the waitress obtained a passport to go to Ire land, but whea about to sail her luggage was searched, and wAS found to contain 19 letters, some stamped and addressed to persons in Ireland. She was arrested on the ground that she was an agent for the smuggling of letters and documents out of the Birmingham prison. The girl was bound over in: £20 at Bow-street the trate remarking that she doubt a youthful ei had allowed her get the better of
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