1915-11-16 — Page 5

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THE WAR.

SERBIAN

SITUATION

BRIGHTER.

BULGARIANS TROUNCED IN IMPORTANT SECTORS.

RUSSIANS HITTING HARD NEAR

RIGA.

EFFECTIVE ARMED INTERVENTION IN

PERSIA.

ITALY AND THE

ANCONA

{THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.}

THE BALKANS,

THE SERBIAN

RETREAT.

LONDON, November 15th.

The Berbian Legation at Athens says that the Serbian Government is being installed at Mitrovitza, whither the Sorbian troops are retiring in perfect order. They are in nowiss depressed.

FRENCH ADVANCING.

AN ALL-DAY BATTLE.

SALONIKA, November 15th. The recapture of Tetovo is bound to

influence the position at the Kauvanik The Pass

in favour of the Serbians.

the left Franco-Bulgarian fighting on bank of the Carnaya, which ended in the French capturing the villages of Cher- kovo, Krushevitzu and Sissevo, and also

OUTRAGE.

(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY ]

GERMAN ADMISSIONS.

RUSSIAN PRESSURE AND

SERBIAN ATTACKS.

AMSTERDAM, November 15th. A German communiqué says that the positions are generally unchanged, but the Russians are pressing the Austrians north of the Kovel-Barny, railway.

It also admits that the armies of Koevess and Gallwitz have had to deal with Sorbian attacks, which were only repulsed after obstinate fighting.

THE HONGKONG, DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1015.

NAVAL ACTIVITIES

(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.]

SINKING OF THE ANCONA,"

(THROUGH REUYER'S AGENCY.]

THE PERSIAN TROUBLE.

SHAH WILL REFRAIN FROM " POLICY OF ADVENTURE."

PETROGRAD, November 15th.

ITALY TO HOLD INQUIRY. According to a Turin telegram the Stamp announces that the Italian

A telegram from Teheran on the 12th authorities have ordered an inquiry with inst. says that the decision of the Shah a view to determining whether the sub-to remain st Teheran has re-assured the maring which sank the Ancon was Gor-

The Mussulman Clergy are populace. man or Austrian. If the enquiry estab showing great reserve in their Muharrem lishes that the submarine was German sermons. The Russian force is only two Italy will declare war on Germany.

days march from the capital 208 PERSONS DROWNED. INCLUDING NINE AMERICANS. ROME, November 14th. An officia announcement states that 208 persons were drowned in the Ancona

Persians report that the enemies of Russia are withdrawing from Teheran in groups, accompanied by the leaders

there.

CORRESPONDENCE.

GERMAN - PROPAGANDA.

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE “HONGKONG DAILY PRESE."]

BUSINESS AND WAR,

AN UNORGANIZED NATION.

NOT TOO LATE. TO MEND.

The account of the reorganization of the S11,--Some days ago a telegram from industries of Germany for the purposes of Reuters was given great prominence in the war, according to a scheme prepared the Hongkong papers describing the by Dr. Rathenau, has directed attention terrible conditions at the front with rats to the handling by our own Government the of problems which have arisen in this coun- as big as dogs running about trenches, and at the same time stating try since August of last year. Among lead- that the fighting between the French business men there is a strong jeeling that not only are we still got organized na and Germans had become very much a nairon for the task which must be faced, embittered. This telegram is supposed.but that there are only slight indications to emanate from Amsterdam, but cannot that the Government have any atention we see the sneering face behind the has been made of calling in the best busi- of improving the situation. Some show mask?

I don't suppose the conditions are any

The Shah's entourage declare that the worse now than they were when the

out of a total of 507 passengers and monarch is determined to refrain from a dead lay before the trenches all the committees have talked and have reported,

crew. Nine Americans were drowned out policy of adventure.

of a botal of ten.

ITALY'S PROTEST TO NEUTRALS. 'ANCONA " OUTRAGE OPPOSED

TO ALL PRINCIPLES OF CIVILISATION.

ROME, November 15th. Italy has addressed a strang protest to the Neutral Powers against the sinking f. the Ancun without warning an action which involved the loss of the lives of women and children and was opposed to all the principles of civilisation, ANOTHER ITALIAN STEAMER SUNK.

A BOAT MISSING.

Rous, November 15th.

It is reported that the Italian steamier Buanto has been sunk by a submarine flying the Austrian flag which was The passengers and crew embarked in boats, three of which reached land. The fourth containing seven passengers and

THE ATTITUDE OF GREECE, twelve of the crew, is missing.

RUBBIAN FRONT

UNEASINESS IN FRANCE.

LONDON, November 15th."

There is uneasiness in France on the sub-

a Bulgarian blockhouse on heights 350ject of Greece's attitude. Rumours of the

and $16, lasted all day on the 11th and possibility of Greus netion in favour of the has given the French & position along a

to

Teutons have been so persistent that the

(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.] GERMANS RETREATING.

...PETROGRAD, November 14th.

The Germans are retreating westward

RUSSIAN REINFORCEMENTS

ARRIVE

LONDON, Navember 13th. Reuter learns that the Russian reinforce- ments were due to reach Teheran on the 19th inst. It is believed that they wil! prevent the dangers which have been threatening.

Winter.

And as to the relations between the fighters being embittered, whose fault is that? Is it not the fault of the Germans with their poison gos, killing of In the last battle the prisoners, etc) Germans were seen to collect the wounded of one of our regiments and throw bombs at them.

Now that on the Western front we have got the Germans on to the ropes are we going to give in and call it a drawn

GERMAN RULE IN BELGIUM, fight Not much,

:

LONDON, November 15th.

The German Governor-General has ordered nine of the provinces of Belgium to pay £1,000,000 sterling monthly to wards the cost of war administration in the occupied territory.

INDISPOSITION OF PRINCE ALBERI.

But what is the censor doing who allows such telegrams to come through

Yours, etc.,

**MENS AEQUA." Hongkong, 15th November, 1815,-` [We consider that the telegram to which our correspondent takes, exception was, like many others that are seat in the absence of news, not worth the cost of trans mission, The Censors, however, do nut possess unlimited powers, though at times they appear to be unaware of the fact. Their functions are clearly defined in the Defence of the Realm Act and its amend It is officially announced that Princements, and they do not include the suppression of "copy" to which objection Albert is suffering from obstinate gas might be taken on aesthetic grounds. That tric disorder, and will undergo special duty still rests with each individual news-

paper, and we regret that we did treatment for some web in London.

eliminate a part of the telegram to which attention is drawn. Ev. H.D.P.] GOLD IN QUEENSLAND.

LONDON, November 14th.

BRISBANE. November 15th, The gold returns of Queensland for October were 210,000 ounces,

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

BRISHAKE. November 15th,

of Riga. A commenigne says that the resolution in favour of abolishing the king for many years pase.

ness brains to the assistance of certain departments, but very little real use has Experienced men been made of them. have been appointed to committees, the

and that has bem: the end of the matter.

"This war is the biggest business under- taking ever known in the world's history, and we have not one business on in any department directing it," said the head of an important City house. The affairs. lawyers, and Civil servants, not one at of the country are being run by soldiers, whom knows anything about business, It is pitiful to business men that after lo Imonths of war we have to discuss organiza- tion. I could write a book about the war, any chapter of which would cause scandal. The development of the internal resources of the nation during the war is. now wrapped up in the question of the mabilization of the whole country. The best business brains ought to have been mobilized first, but it is obvious that this is to be left to the Inst, if it is ever done atoll. Here and there criticism has caused the Government to call in business. men, but when they have been Appointed to committees they have found themselves swamped by prejudice and old-fashioned ideas. What is needed is that men should be brought in to set and not merely to find themselves shelved an committees.”

$

WHEN ADVICE IS SOUGHT, Several well-known men with industrial ad coercial knowledge and recognized ability as organizers offered their services to the country absolutely free at the out- The offers were not break of the war. accepted, and they were not even consult noted. These men now see the country com- mitted 26 an enormous day expenditure, they know in how many directions there has been waste, and they are angry and disgusted. In Germany, Dr. Rathenau, when he presented his plans to the Waż Ministor, was given rooms in the Ministry, informed that he could have all the help he wishes, and told to go ahead." An English Dr. Rathenau would have had a very different experience had he approach. ed cur own War Office, Advice is sought by the British Government departments only when they have got into an almost hopeless tang. e. Expert sistance is being used now in a few directions because con-

the frontier between Greek Minister called at the Foreign Russians pursuing the enemy in the Legislative Council was carried by thirty-pitatable and pleasant enough, what fusion had become so obvious that the

crest close Gradsko and Krevelak, and has brought them within seven miles of Kuprulu

The Bulgarians opened operations, attacking in considerable force, but they were unable to withstand the tornado of Their fire from the French artillery. advance was cut short, and finally re pulsed with heavy losses, leaving large numbers of dead in front of the French

lines..

The

French had another success towards the south, in the Valandovo region, where the Bulgarians abandoned several trenches ne a result of the French

artillery fire,

were

It is estimated that altogether 30 Bulgarian battalions

actually engaged on this front, which gives the measure of the French success.

Ministry with assurances of Greure's con- tinued adherence to her Traditional friend- ship with France.

The French newspapers regard the dis solution of the Greek Chamber as a stage of King Constantine's policy for fulfilling secret engagements with the enemies of the entrute, and declare that public opinion will not pardon the Government if it allows itself to be surprised by a new

blow in the Balkans.

Although London refuses to share in the consternation which the dissolution of the Chamber caused in France, it is admitted that King Constantine's action has dis pelled the hopes of Greek co-operation with the entente in the near future.

ITALIAN CRUISER AT SALONIKA,

The French losses were slight. The small proportion of French killed to wounded was in remarkable contrast, to the European battlefields, being only 10 per cent. The wounds were mostly caused arrived here. by rifle fire.

SALONIKA, November 15th.

The Italian cruiser Piemonte

The British, who continue to receive FRANCO-BELGIAN FRONT reinforcements, are also advancing, and clearing the country of the Bulgariaus

in their sector.

TWO TO ONE.

AND ONE WINS.

SALONIKA, November 14th. Serbians of a battalion strong defeated Lwo battalions of Bulgarians on Friday, re-took Tetova, and also took Kalkande len, capturing a gun and a quantity of stores.

**SITUATION CONSIDERABLY

IMPROVED.”

(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.)

MINOR OPERATIONS.

Schlok region inflicted great losses and advanced westward ef Kemmern.

GERMANS REPULSED. IN THE IXKUL AND STYR REGIONS.

+

PETROGRAD, November 15th. An official communiqué says that the German attempt to resume the offensive in the Ixkut region has been repulsed,

Fierce fighting continues, acar Tchar- turyisic.

Our fire frustrated the enemy's attempts to advance in the direction of the Styr.

AUSTRO-ITALIAN FRONT,

{THROUGH REVIER'S AGENCY.] THE GERMAN WAY. BOMBS DROPPED ON PEACEFUL TOWNS.

on

ROME, November 14th. Enemy aircraft, dropped bombs husPrazza. Erbe and Verona, which places are far removed from any military buildings but are always full of people. killing thirty and wounding forty eight ITALIANS STORM AUSTRIAN ENTRENCHMENTS.

PARIS, November 15th.

5.20 p.m. A communiqué records only minor operations.

SURPRISE ATTACK ON

LABYRINTH."

GERMANS LEAVE THEIR WOUNDED,

Roys, November 15th. The Italians are progressing in the Plezzo Basin and on the heights north- east of Gorizia. A communiqué voys-We storied strong entrenchments at Dilla THE frasche, on the Corso Pleatean, where a squadron of aeroplanës made very success- fal raids. Enemy aeroplanes were driven off.

PARIS, November 15th.

GENERAL.

The evening communiqué says that in Artois the Germans launched a surprise MR. ROME, November 15th. attack on "The Labyrinth" on Sunday the morning and succeeded in penetrating

A telegram from Mitrovitza on

{THROUGH RECTER'S AGENCY.)

CHURCHILL FOR THE

FRONT. LONDON, November 15th.

13th states that the situation had consi-one of our first line trenches, from It is stated that Mr. Churchill star's derably improved. Attempts to separate which they were immediately ejected, The en Wednesday to rejoin his regiment in the southern Serbian forces and the enemy left all their wounded on the Franca Montenegrins had failed.

were

ground.

successfully The Bulgarians

The French artillery defeated ten kilometres from Nish and forced to pounded the German organisations on retire.

the Plateau of Nouvron

The Serbians also forced the Bul garians menacing Monastir to retire.

An artillery due continues in Cham pagne and on the heights of the Meuse

AUSTRALIAN WHEAT.

MELBOURNE, November 15th. The wheat yield for New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland is estimated at 150,000,000 bushela,

five votes to fourteen.

JAPANESE HONOURS.

FOR ENTENTE AMBASSADORS.

TOKIO, November 15th. The Emperor has conferred upon the Ambasadors of the quadruple entente the Grand Cordon Order of the Rising Sun, which is the highest decoration that can be worn by foreigners.

[HAVAS SERVICE.] FRENCH STOOK.

French Stock now stands at 65.90.

(THROUGH REUTER'S 40ENCA.]

OBITUARY,

SIR PATRICK PLAYFAIR.

LONDON, November 15th. The death is announced of Sir Patrick Playfair.

The deceased was a member of the Firm of Barry and Co., Calentia, and of J. B. Barry and Son, London. He had been Vice-President of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce, a Mercantile Member of the Bengal Legislative Council, and an odd- tional member of the Legislative Council of the Viceroy and Governor-General of India, 1893-97. He was Sheriff of Calcutie in 1896.]

A BRITISH PRISONER'S

"DISCLOSURES."

It is obvious that the German military authorities have decided upon systematic abuse of the Kitchener Armies." There

WAR NEWS.

WHALE FLESH, OMELETTES;" AND STARCH SYRUP.

The manifold mysteries of a German sausage bave formed a staple food or But the But the composition of the nomely würst

ever many have been inside it will benes | expert alone could clear up the mess, but forth rank as a mere nothing compared inefficiency is still widespread. In the with the chemical delicack Lierman early days of the war it was impossible to experts are now offering to a hungry clothe the new armies, The khaki cloth public.

now in store would provide uniforme, we A firm in Ritterstrasse, Berlin, spreads believe for half the troops of Europe. great big advertisements across BC pages Want of organization has carried us from of the local papers to announce that it

one extreme to another. For the supply has artificial omelettes, butter, honey,

of other things, which have been officially. marmalade, coffee, and milk for sale in

ordered by the million in this country by the Governments of our Allies, our own one could ever know that they were not any quantities, and guarantees that no

Authorities are still relying upon voluntary absorbing the real thing.

effort.

A chenist in the suber of Charletten- burg, advertises egg-powder, a penny- worth of which is suficient to replace two real eggs. Another offers a Bären

nutritive. syrup as agreeable as it

But the best offer of all is reserved for contractors providing the meals for pri- soners of war. Why buy expensive butcher's meat," runs the advertisement, when whale's flesh can be had instead i It is nicer, bettter, and more nourishing than any other meat, and only costs 305, a cwt,'

Berliners are said to be thriving on all these delicacies, which, taken with K.K. bread, and washed down with the new war beer, constitute a meal fit for any patriot bent on sacrificing himself for the welfare of the Fatherland.

YOUNG GERMAN'S LETTER.

DYING MISERABLY FOR A MYSTERIOUS CAUSE.

On the body of a young Bavarian sol dier, killed in a recent battle in the Champagne, was found this pathetic let 1er to his mother (says the Chronicle' Paris correspondent): - My dea Mamma, For three months we have been in the battle, Heavons what is it all for 1 The greatness of the Fatherland, the glory of the Kaiser or some motive of that kind. If so, it is, after all, a small thing, and neither united Germany nor our respected Kaiser had need of all this bloodshed. I cannot tell you, my dearly beloved mother, what pictures of hell pass

1

Too much, it is complained, has been left in the hands of soldiers that would have been better managed by men with business knowledge, and the result has been waste of both money and the resources of the country. It is now a late hour for repentance, but the opinion was expressed yesterday that the Government would still be wise to call together all who can be of use to them, decide how best their services can be used, and then give them as far es possible, untrammelled control of the work allottest to them. Thousands of men in the pay of the Government at present.

was stated, are doing the wrong work. and business men would use them to better advantage. If there could be one man of genius and great experience at the head, this wond be invaluable, but difficulty would probably arise in this country in inding the right man, and without a great

our methods it is change in

doubtful whether he wu'd be able wholly to burst the bonds by means of, which official restrict his influence would seek to actions.

In Britain, where organization has only been effectively brought into private busi nesses within the Inst 20 years, system and efficiency were hardly to be looked for in

War State departments before the war. on the present scale demands big decisions and big changes, however, and men who know where things are wrong must hope that courage will quickly be found to organize the country for the task that lies ahead-The Times.

is a perfect flood of imaginary interviews ceaselessly before my eyes. I seems to be with British prisoners, who are made to living in a red dream and among flames.

PREMATURE PEACE A CRIME Bay all the things that British soldier. Of what use to me will have been my long were made to say at the beginning of the studies and my hopes to make you happy

AGAINST POSTERITY; in your old age? To die miserably for a war. The Germans have even revived the

mysterious cause... Thousands of us foolish story of unwilling recruits who all are in this case. Good and faithful

GENERAL JOFFEE'S VIEWS. Bay that they were engaged only for

comrades of mine who, like me, asked work in Germany." Thus a German only to be allowed to live in joy and work

General Joffre, interviewed by Callier's soldier" provides the Vossische Zeitung with the following description of a Bri- have seen full in the hail of lead and

iron, or perish of cold and almost of Weekly, stated: "Peace to-day would We are tish prisoner:-

hunger. It is no longer possible to win be a crime against posterity. He was shaking with fear. and this war. We have been dragged into it fighting a nation drunk with the idea of rejoiced beyond measure when I told hi that nothing would be done to him. Treby lying. The Allied enemies were better Imperial domination. We must win the prepared than us for winning, and very right to continue to be democratic, or of his own accord, but with evident dic

day lessens our strength. I cannot send surrender Europe to the imposition of gust, he began to tell me that he had been recruited, not for the front, but for garri. you this letter by the ordinary way. for the Imperial idea. The French army did it tells the truth, and I should be severely not crack during the first unequal weeks. When the day. punished if it were read by our chiefs and won't crack now. son duty. When the men embarked, ther were promised that they would be used It will be sent to you, I hope, by him who comes the German army must retreat, ant for garrison duties in Cologne. The man

will pick me un dead on this soil of the discipline of fear will be put to the said that even the British officers believed

The result may be a rout. this. When they arrived in France, and France, which I would I had never set final

My last thought will be for The discipline, of fear, robs the Germans foot on. asked whether they were already in Ger

you. Good-bye till eternity, my sweet, soldier of initiative and makes him many, they were told that they must fir derline mother-Otto Koenigstein." entirely subject to the will of his officer do some more training."

The letter was found on the lad's body Hence, the Germans must attack in close This is one of the most ancient stories not by one of his comrades, but by the formation. The burning of villages and

French enemy. It has been despatched the shooting of civilians was the outcom the pigeon-holes of the German Gen

of a fixed policy." eral Staff.

to its destination.