1916-01-07 — Page 5

Page

THE WAR.

COMPULSION FOR SINGLE MEN.

MR. ASQUITH'S STATEMENT.

DEBATE IN THE COMMONS.

STORIES OF **PERSIA” SURVIVORS.

TERRIFYING EXPERIENCES.

ACTIVITY ON ALL FRONTS.

GERMANY ON INHUMANITY.

NAVAL ACTIVITIES.

(THROUGH RIDIER'S AGENCY.)

THE PERSIA”. OUTRAGE: SURVIVORS NARRATIVES.

MALTA, January 6th.

(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.] FREEDOM OF THE SEAS,"

GERMANY'S PET TOPIC,

LONDON, January 5th. The Foreign Office, in a statement, shows how Germany practices in the Baltic the freedom of the seas which she accuses Great Britain of violating.

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 71. 1816.

FRANCO BELGIAN FRONT

{THROUGH REUTER'S AGRICT.1

REPORT FROM SIR DOUGLAS HAIG.

ARTILLERY AND AERIAL ACTIVITY.

LONDON, January 5th, General Sir Dougla, Hoig reports that on the southern portion of the front artillery has been more active than usual Early in the morning, an attack on one

of our advanced posts near Mari court was driven off by rifle fire.

A number of our aeroplanes made a successful bomb raid on the aerodrome 8t Donai. A German aeroplane dropped a few bombs on Boulogne but did no dainage.

ENEMY WORKS DAMAGED. EFFECTIVE ARTILLERY

"SEARCHING."

PARIS, January 6th. 1.45 am

A communiqué states-Artillery severe. ly damaged enemy works between Scis. sions and Rheims, and also searched the weak points of the enemy front in Cham pagne, wrecking trenches and blowing up ammunition depota.

BRITISH CASUALTIES AT LOOS.

LONDON, January th Mr. Tennant, in the House of Com. mons announced that the oneualties at Loos were 2,378 officers and 57,258, men

Mr, Tennant gave the following aus lysis of the figures:-

Officers.

Men.

773 10,348 Woundedikua

1,288 25,008

GERMANY'S HOUR OF - PUNISHMENT.

per-

Killed

The survivors of the Perrin relate their terrible experience, After the torpedo ing the Persia shivered and took a heavy list. Many of the boats were unable to The Germans frequently send Swedish get away, and there was no time for panie, vessels with Prize crows to Swinemunde, The boat containing Lord Montagn of where they are delayed at least forty-eight Beaulieu also contained two other passen-hours, though the ship's papers are in gers and eight of the crew, of which num-ffect order, and despite official Swedish ber seven were lagears. They were telegrams intimating the departures of steamers and guaranteeing that they cirry absolutely lacking in everything even water. The boat was oarloss and tossed no contraband. Already some 600 have helplessly about for thirty-one hours. The been detained. occupants were utterly exhausted when picked up.

Swedish skippers consider that Germany

PARIS, January 6th. General Joffre, in a New Year message

(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.].

COMPULSORY SERVICE.

ME ASQUITH INTRODUCES MILITARY SERVICE.

BILL

NO CABE MADE OUT FOR GENERAL COMPULSIÓN.

LONDON, January 6th. The House of Commons was crowded for the debate on compulsion. Many members on active service obtained leave to be pre- sent and were there in khaki. Lord Derby

was among those in the Peers' 'galléry,

Mr. Asquith, introducing the Military Service Bill, mid that the measure was the result of the deliberations on Lord Derby's report, the figures of which were wonderfully encouraging and ought to convince both the Allies and the enemy that the people of Great Britaip had their hearts in the war. (Cheers.)

(THAOUGH REUTER BAGENCY.] Mr. REDMOND greatly regretted that his party could not support the Bill, because Ireland - regarded this as her war, and would make every sacrifice to win. But the Bill was unnecessary, and he believed we had more men than we could train and equip. Ho concluded by remarking that he would support Sir John Simon in any action he might take.

Mr. Honor said the attitude of Labour would largely depend on

tomorrow's Labour conference." He was grateful to

the Premier for giving another day for de

THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY GERMANY ACCUSES BRITISH OF INHUMANITY.

SIR EDWARD GREY'S CRUSHING REJOINDER.

LONDON, January 8th. A White Paper has been issued which ́ountning a Memorandum “by the German Government demanding the trial for

murder of the Captain and crew of the Brilish anxiliary cruiser Baralong.

statements of six American muleteers who

The Memorandum contains the sworn

were on board the British steamer bate and asked the Government for an assurance that the Bill would not be the Nicosian. There Americans allege that

Also, if Mr. McKenna and Mr. Rusciman Queenstown, their steamer was stopped preliminary to a permanent measure. August 19th seventy miles south of

by & German submarine, which opened fire on the Ficorian. After the crew had been removed they noticed a steamer.

were behind the Bill.

Tho debate was adjourned until Thurs- day.

LORD KITCHENER'S VIEWS,

To the House of Lords, Lord Kitchener, which they say was the Baralong ap- Speaking for himself, Mr. Asquithin a brief speech, affirmed that the volun-proaching, flying the American flag. She opined that no case had been made out for tary system had given results for greater bed large shields on her sides on which general compulsion. The Bill could be then could have been predicted. Recently, the American flax was painted. This supported by those who on grounds of prin- however, voluntary recruits had failed to vessel fred rifles and guns on the sub- ciple or expediency were opposed to you- provide the necessary trained Reserves, marine until she sank Then the Ger- seription. His pledge was given because and now the pledge given to the married mans jumped into the water, married men who were willing to serve the war might have been forshed with of the overwhelming evidence that the men must be redeemed. He had hoped that

were holding back in large numbera, If voluntarism, which had done so well." the assurance had not boon given the whole recruiting campaign was in danger of breaking down. He emphasised that after his pledge was given be received no sign of protest or remonstrance,

Mr. Asquith considered that the number of unrecruited single men was a substantial and even a considerable amount, and said that Sir John Simon thought the figures might be reduced to an inestimabis quan- tity. But he did not agree with Bir John

Simon that the Bill would be confined to ares to which the Derby scheme applied. The Bill provided that the marrieds, and widowers without children, from 18 to 41, who had no ground for exemption, should be deemed to have done their duty to the State as if attested. The Act would come into force fourteen days after Royal assent, and the appointed

་ .ar

is trying to impress northern nations with to his armies says The hour date would be twenty one days after the Lord Montagu in staying with the her sen power. Many claims are pending punishment for Germany is striking

Governor,

LORD MONTAGU'S EXPERIENCE.

LONDON, January 8th, Lord Montagu, in an interview at Malta, confirms the previous narrative of the sinking. He says that three boats were asked whiht being lowered, and many people were thrown into the ses The Perais yank stern first. There were many severo explosions when the water was reached, and also fires. Lord Montagu was swept off the deck and sucked down. When he came to the surface be found him-

self surrounded by people struggling for their life. Ho also saw thres bonts bottom upwards. Each person struggled to catch Boating wreckage. After being in the water for several hours, during which time many died, he was finally rescued by the Holt liner Ningchow. The Lascars, says acted very well,

EXPLOSION OF FORT BOILER.

LONDON, January 5th,

against Germany.

ENGAGEMENT WITH GERMAN

ARMED STEAMER.

While the enemy talks of peace we only think of War and Victory."

GERMANS REPULSED,

PARIS, January 6th. 4.20 p.. A communiqué states that the Germans, after a violent bombardment, attacked in the Tahure region, but were completely re- pulsed.

LONDON, January 6th. It is officially announced that a naval ex- pedition to Tanganyika attacked a German armed steamer in the Kingani and forced her to surrender after a ten minutes action, All the German officers were killed. The RUSSIAN FRONT.. steamor, though sinking was brought to port.

THE BALKANS

(THROUGH REUTER'S JOENGS.] DELICATE POSITION OF

GREEK GOVERNMENT.

SEQUEL TO ARREST OF CONSULS.

ATHENS, January 6th.

The position of the Government is a delicate one, as Germany holds Greece responsible for the arrests of the Consula at Solonika. The Eatente diplomatists consider it possible that the Greek autho The Chief Officer of the as. Persia rerities at Salonika will be temporarily ports that the wake of the torpedo was removed in the event of an enemy invasion observed one second before impact. The of Macedonia. forward port boiler exploded, accelerating thu, disaster.

AMERICA TO HURRY INVESTIGATION.

ROYAL FELICITATION,

ATHENS, January 6th: King Peter has telegraphed to King Constantine bis high satisfaction at en joying the hospitality of a friendly

(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.) DESPERATE FIGHTING HEAVY ENEMY LOSSES.

PETROGRAD, January Bih.- Desperate fighting continues northast

advancing. All the enemy counter-attacks of Czernowitz. The Russians are steadily

were repulsed with the heaviest losses. A Russian regiment captured 1,081 men and four machine-guns. GENERAL.

(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.) AMERICAN MONEY MARKET. UNPARALLELED DECLINE IN EXCHANGE ON GERMANY.

Lord Kitchener concluded by remarking-

that he did not consider the present change would be any derogation of the principle of voluntarima. It only affected one class of men, among whom were n certain number with a poor idea of the duties of a citizen: But while some were shirkers there were undoubtedly others not joining who hod valid reasons, and the latter would be only too happy if the Government should decide their doubts. He was speaking as a soldier with a single eye to the successful conduct of the war.

CASE MADE OUT FOR COMPULSION.

The morning papers generally admit that Mr. Asquith his made out a case for the compulsion of single men.

The Daily Mail expresses the view that the speech has satished unprejudiced critics.

allogations by these witnesses that tho The German Memorandum further gives

Baralong continued to fire on the Ger-

plats in the water, and says two wit ocsses swear that orders were given to take no prisoners, and, further, that four Germaus found aboard the Nicosian in the engine-room and screw tunnel were kiled..

Sir Edward Grey made a crushing reply, affirming in the first place, tliat His Majesty's Government did not accept these allegations. He then pointed out

that Great Britain notes with groat satisfaction, though with some surprise, the anxiety of Germany that the princi ples of civilised warfare should be vindic. atod, and asks why the case of the Buratony should be singled out. He The Times says that the Bill fulfills the suggests that this case, with three Naval pledge given and nothing more,

incidents occuring in the same forty-eight hours as when the Beratung sank a sub- assent, and enlistment was for the period

anrine and rescued the Nicosias, should of the way from the appointed dete.

submitted to un impartial tribunal- Territor als en isted for home service come The Daily Chronide remarks that if com-for example, one composed of United under the Bill, the exemptions including pulsion is introduced it could harly be in-

States Naval Officers: Firstly, the in- men working in the National interest men troduced in a more objectionable manner.cident of the Arabic murder of 47 non- with dependents, and also conscientious These represent the spirit of the com objectors to combatant service. (Laugh- ments of the other papers, with the excep- ter.} Mr. Asquith pointed out that ation of the Daily News, which thinks that similar oxemption was made by Pitt in general election in a few weeks is prob favour of the Quakers. The proposal was also modelled on Booth African and New Zealand legislation, but exemption would only apply to combatant duties.

1517

The grounds of exguption were care- fully devised to meet all possible hard- chips, and 6 Service Tribunal would hear applications for exemption, with appeal to a fual. London Tribunal. The Bill did not apply to Ireland. He would

without the Bill, but he considered it was have been glad, personally, to have done

necessary, and was muguine enough to anticipate that it would meet with general approval. The group aystem was re-opened 10 allow these roen to attest.

Mr. "Asquith's tone was mot conciliatory.

compulsion would become a dead letter. He concluded by expressing the hope that

Le men come in now, of their own free- will." The military authorities would re- open the groups for that purpose

NEW YORK, January 5th

Sir JOHN SIMON followed Mr. Asquith. There is much comment in banking He said he thought the Bill should be circles on the decline in exchange opresisted. No-one could say how many Germany to 75. This is the lowest ex youths could be spared or how many were change rate since the beginning of the shirking. He expressed regret aj his war and is probably unparalleled. severance from Mr. Asquith, but said that cabled the American Consuls at Alexan MONTENEGRINS RECAPTURE rose 4 points to 741, which is the highest ciple in National life, and added that In contradistinction to this Sterlingbe regarded voluntarism as a vital prin-

WASHINGTON, January 5th.

Mr. Lansing, Secretary of State, basallied nation."---

dris, Malta 'and 'Osiro to gather immedi ately all available information from the survivors of the Persia, the idea being to obtain defuite information speedily.

RECRUITING-BOOM IN AUSTRALIA.

MELBOURNE, January 5th, There has been a striking improvement. in Australian recruiting. Mr. Hughes, the Premier, says the Persia outrage-has stiffened the determination of the Allies destroy the International Criminal at

•ull gasto

M.M. LINER CHASED BY SUBMARINE,

MarsglIIES, January 6th. The Messgerics: Maritimes liner Karnak was returning with the survivors of the Bunken steamer Abdia when she was chased for several hours by a submarine in the Mediterraneau. and escaped.

The Kútnak zigzagged

DECHANIPLAVA,

CETINJE, January ŝth.

The Montenegrins have recaptured Dechaniplava, inflicting heavy losses un the Austrians.-

ITALIAN FRONT.

[THROUGH_REUTER'8__AGENCY.]-

AUSTRIAN AEROPLANES

ACTIVE.

ARTILLERY DUELS.

ROME, January 6th.

À communiqué.states that two Austrian neroplanes tttempted to fly over Verona but were driven off by anti-aircraft guns and forced to retire towards the north.

There have been artillery duels at Monte Croco and Carnia, to the advant age of the Italians. The enemy attacked

cate since August,

THE PERSIAN SITUATION.

able.

ULSTERITES STRONG PROTEST AGAINST EXCLUSION.

con.batants; secondly, that of the German destroyer bombarding the helpless crew of a British submarine estranded on the Danish coast; and, thirdly, the steamer Rael, which was attacked by a German submarine though it offered no resistance,

LONDON, January 6th.

and the ship's boats, were fired on, one At a meeting of Irish Unionist M.Ps, Bir man being killed and eight severely Edward Carson presiding, it was unani-wounded, though there was no reason for mously resolved that the reported inten- this cold-blooded and cowardly outrage. tion to exclude Ireland from the Compul- The British Government, shid Sir Ed- ion Bill was an insult and s humiliation ward Grey, does not think it necessary to the loyal and petriotic population of the

reply to the suggestion that the Bri-

ciple of equality of sacrifice on the part country, and an abandonment of the printish Navy has been guilty of inhumanity. It had rescued 1,160 German sailors,

of the King's subjects.

often in cases of great difficulty and peril, while the German Navy could show no such record, t

TRADE UNION SUPPORT, The Boilermakers' Society have decided to support the Government's Military Service proposals. It is understood that other Trade Unions are prepared to adept the same course, under certain safeguards. PRESS COMMENTS ON LORD DERBY'S FIGURES.

LONDON, January 6th Generally, this morning's Press comments on Lord Derby's figures can be summed up as a conclusion that the Government could

not come to any other decision than to bring in a measure of compulsion,

The exception is the Daily Chronicle, enforced those who have not volunteered which suggests that before, compulsion is

should be compelled to appear before tri- bunals and state their reasons.

there were some Ministers still on the Treasury Beach whose opinions thereon were indistinguishable from his own. He

The Daily News trusts that the measure contended that among single men there were will be restricted to its narrowest limita

· PETROGRAD, January 5th. A Tabriz report says that the pro-large classes, such as sailors in the Mercan- Russian Sardar Besbid has been appoint-tile Marine, who ought not to be reckoned. ed Governor of the Heir to the Throne, Consequently, no-one could be so hold as who is a minor, and-Governor-General of 10 declare that more then a negligible the province of Azerbaijan. Thus Sardar

number was left

Reshid becomes the actual Governor of Azerbaijan

FORD'S PEACE PILGRIMS, PERMITTED TO GO THROUGH "GERMANY,

ANSTERBAN, January 5th.

A Berlin telegram says the German Government has given permISKLOTI to Ford's peace pilgrims to travel to Tho

agus via Germany.

SIR JOHN SIMON AS A PRIVATE MEMBER.

JAVA TEA.

AND BONA FIDE BUYERS.

LONDON, January 6th. The importers of Java-tos have been asked to create a Tea. Commission, with headquarters at Amsterdam, to co-operate with the Dutch Overses Trust, and to draw up a list of bona fide buyers to whom tea will be exclusively old. The Oversea Trust will be authorised to

inspect the tea, warehouses, shops and

bocks.

“AN" EARTHQUAKE IN THE SOUTH SEAS.

SYDNEY, January 5th. Seismograph readings record an earth- quake probably in the South Seas,

OBITUARY.

LONDON, January 5th. The death is reported of the French writer M. Francis Charmes,""

GERMAN-CONSPIRACY IN AFRICA.

PREPARATIONS FOR THE WAR.

The fact that Gezniany was preparing for war at least two years before the.. adual outbreak is proved by the dis- covery of enormous supplie, of ammuni- tion in Damaraland. Mr. Burton Minis ter of Railways, speaking in Natal, said that the supplies of ammunition were sufficient to equip 90,000 men;

proving

Mr. BONAR LAW, replying to the criti- cism of Mr. Asquith's pledge, said that without it the Derby scheme would have Two German officers who raped from been-an-absolute failure. The Government Russian custody-at-Eirkribit, with had deliberately arrived at the conclusion well-known Russian revolutionary who that the Bill was necessary to win the war, as an accomplice, have boon arrested at and a responsibility as great as the Zendjan.

Government's rested-on--every-member

LONDON, January 5th. attempting to thwart its efforts.

Colonel SEELY was cheered when he urged office as Home Secretary) sat in the House aided by rebellion. These stores, it was Sir John Simon (who has just resigned to his mind that the Germans hoped to

overthrow the Government of the Union all to support the flavernment and thus of Commons to-day on the Liberal aids shown, came over in 1812 and German give a message to our brave Allies that behind the Treasury Beach. Mr. He arents throughout the province had we were determined, with them, to sufferera and Mr. Runciman answered the system by means of which explosives organised, it was discovered, an elaborate. all in order to win a righteous victory. questions ze usual,

IN MESOPOTAMIA.

LONDON, January 6th General Townshend reports that Kat on Monte Sanzchelle, but was repulsed el Amara was heavily shelled for an hour with heavy foes.

on Sunday, since when it has been quiet.

came through in disguise.