1916-12-13 — Page 5

THE WAR.

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18TH, 1916.

EXPECTED PEACE PROPOSALS BY GERMANY:

REMARKABLE REICHSTAG MEETING CALLED.

GERMAN PROPAGANDA IN ROUMANIA.

ANTI DEPORTATION RIOT:

SIXTEEN PEOPLE KILLED.

STORMY SCENE IN FRENCH CHAMBER.

nco-Belgian Front.

LATEST CABLES.

(THROUGH PRUTER'S AGENCY,}

BRITISH FRONT.

MIXED ACTIVITIES.

LONDON, December 12th. General Sir Douglas Baig, in a com- muniqué, says: We made successful raids to the cast of Neuville-St.-Vaast and to the south-west of Armentieres, destroying machine gun emplacements and taking prisoners.

GERMAN PROPAGANDISTS.

ACTIVELY AT WORK IN ROUMANIA.

LONDON, December 19th, German propagandists are most netivo ly at work in Roumania, seeking to undermine the loyalty of the Army by offering grants of land to offloors and men prepared to side with the Germans, who proclaim their intention to COD: facate the estates of pro-Entente notables. The Germans have been apparently baulked of their intended prey, the oil-

An attempted enemy raid cast of La fields, as it is reported that the oil-fields

have been completely destroyed.

Boutillerie failed.

Hostile working parties at Fauquissart sad Wieltjo,were dispersed.

There has been reciprocal artillery and trench mortar fire at Loos. Ypres and North of the Anere,

FRENCH FRONT.

SUCCESSFUL SURPRISE ATTACK.

PARIS, December 12th.

A communiqué states-There has been violent artillery fire at Villeau Bois, on the north-west of Rheims and in the Douaumont sector.

A coup-de-main was successfully carried out against enemy trenches at Bois Le Pretre and west of Pont Amousson.

EARLIER CABLES.

BRITISH FRONT.

AIR RAID ON BELGIUM.

AMSTERDAM, December 11th. According to the Telegraaf, British aeroplanes penetrated far into Belgium and pelted with bombs important mili- tary works at Brussels and elsewhere. Railway traffic was impeded. Aeroplants Bl80 observed going towards Zeebrugge, where they were violently attacked by anti-aircraft guns,

were

FRENCH FRONT.

MORE AERIAL ACTIVITY.

PARIS, December 11th.

À communiqué says:-There is an in- Larmitteat cannonade south of the Sommer Two German aeroplanes were brought down at Verdun and two in Champagne. Our aeroplanes bombed cantonments at Romagno sous les Cotes, and a munition depot worth of Verdun, where several fires were caused, as well as powerful explosions.

GERMAN RAPACITY.

BELGIUM REFUSES TO COMPLY:

Havar, December 11th.

A conference of the Belgian Provincial Councils has refused General von Biss ing demand for an increase in the monthly Jevy from forty-million to Bfty- million francs.

The Balkans.

LATEST JABLES...

(THROUGH ELUTER'S AGENOV, ] DESPERATE FIGHTING NEAR MONASTIR. HEIGHT FREQUENTLY CHANGES HANDS.

Pans, December 12th. The Touto-Bulgarian forces desperately resisted the Allied attacks north of Monastir,

Fighting of the heaviest kind took place north of Hill 1080, where a height attack-

ed by the Russians frequently changed

hands.

ENEMY MOVEMENTS IN WALLACHIA.

ELABORATE DEFENCE

PREPARATIONS. -

LONDON, December 19th.

A Petrograd telegram states that the Austro-Germans are most active in

RUSSIAN REPORT. ROUMANIANS SUCCESSFUL

COUNTER-ATTACE,

LONDON, December 11th. A Russian communique states-The enry pressed back the Roumanians along the high road from Pleesti to Mizion, but the Roumanians counter-attacked and restored the positions. The battle is proceeding

An enemy attack on Kirlibaba failed. The enemy is stubbornly resisting in the Valeputas region and in the Trotus Valley.

Deep snow and frost prevail along the whole mountain front..

Naval Activities.

DEPORTATION OF BELGIANS, GERMAN REPLY TO AMERICAN NOTE.

AMSTERDAM, December 19th. The German reply to the American Note regarding the deportation of Belgians makes the usual effort to lay the blame on the British blockade bringing factories to a standstill, etc. STORMY SCENE IN FRENCH

CHAMBER.

SITTING SUSPENDED AND MEMBER EJECTED.

PARIS, December 12th,

A

ENTENTE GOVERNMENTS.

GENERAL REMODELLING,

PARIS, December 11th. A remodelling is proceeding of all the Entente Governments, with a view to greater swiftness and uniformity of war conduct.

M. Briand, conferring with politicians and distinguished industrial and com- mercial men, stated that he intended to dispense with all the old administrative staffs, Changes in the higher Command are expected soon. The intention is to vigorously reorganise," administratively,

BANK HOLIDAYS.

A stormy scene occurred in the Cham-economically and militarily, and thus to bor in the debate on War Credits.

counter the enemy's efforts, Socialist Deputy, M. Brizon, one of three Deputies who recently met German Socialists in Switzerland, vehemently protested against the prolongation of the war, the only result of which could be to engulf millions.

"A tumult ensued. M. Brizon persisted despite the opposition of the whole Charn- The incident culminated in M. ber. Brizon hurling a water bottle at the head

LATEST CABLES. (THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.] SUBMARINE PIRACY.

MORE STEAMERS SUNK.

LONDON, December 12th. The steamer Strathalbyn has been mined and the Norwegian steamers Modum and Folk torpedoed. THE SINKING OF THE of his nearest opponent.

The sitting.

suspended amid **MARINA."

pandemonium, M. Brizon being ejected.

ANTI-DEPORTATION RIOT.

SIXTEEN PEOPLE KILLED.

A CLEAR-CUT VIOLATION OF GERMANY'S PLEDGES.

WASHINGTON, December 12th. The State Department announces that

was

AMSTERDAM, Décember 12th. complete information of the torpedoing It is reported that a serious riot took of the Marine makes the attack appear a plase at Turcoing on the occasion of the clear-cat violation of Germany's pledges. } deportation of civilians.

Full information is awaited regarding. the sinking of the Ambia before the next

move.

EARLIER CABLES,

SUBMARINE PIRACY.

LONDON, December 10th. The following sinkings are announced! Wallachia preparing lines of defence,The steamers Forth (British), Amicitia fortifying favourable positions and con-

(Norwegian), Braso (Spanish), and structing bridges of beats across the

Nara (Danish).

Danube at Giurgevo and Turnitseverin. General. They are employing the whole of the population above the age of fourteen.

THE ROUMANIAN OILFIELDS... The Roumanian retreat continues with the minimum of logs." It is authorita tively stated that the machinery of the oilfields has been destroyed, and that it will be a year at least before it can be restored.

EARLIER CABLES.

THE GREEK CRISIS.

THE ALLIED DEMANDS.

LONDON, December 11th. Reuter learns that the Allied demands an Greece will probably include complete demobilisation and restoration of the Allied control of the posts, telegrapha and railways, as well as the release of the imprisoned Venizelists.

BULGARIAN CAPTURE.

A TOWN AND BRIDGEHEAD.

LONDON, December 10th.

A Bulgarian communiqué says:We eaptured the town of Kalarash and a bridgehead on the left bank of the Danube, opposite Cernavoda.

The communiqué also claims that the Bulgarians have repulsed attacks north west of Monastir, near the Cerna bend, and British attacks south of Serres.

GERMAN REPORT.

RESISTANCE TO MACKENSEN. LONDON, December 11th. A German communiqué says:-The Bussians again strongly attacked in the wooded Carpathians and on both sides of the Trotus Pass, but without success:

General VOD Mackenson's pursuing army is finding resistance at some points, The communiqué, speaks of heavy rain soaking the ground, and also of the fact that the Houmanians have destroyed the bridges.

SERBIAN ACTIVITIES.

LONDON, December 11th,

A. Berbian communiqué reporte violent The French made progress for 600 yards local infantry actions, in which fairly near the village of Vlaklar.

large numbers of prisoners were taken.

LATEST CABLES.

THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.] REMARKABLE MEETING

THE REICHSTAG. EXPECTED STATEMENT ON PEACE TERMS.

OF

AMSTERDAM, December 11th.

A German soldier struck a civilian with

his rifle butt, whereupon the crowd attacked the escorting troops Cavalry charged the crowd, and sixteen towns- people were killed,

FRENCH

FOLLOWS BRITAIN'S LEAD.

+

GOVERNMENT.

Pants, December 18th. The Government has finally decided on amall Cabinet, following British lines. FOREIGN AND COLONIAL MINISTRIES:

►PROBABLE UNDER-SECRETARIES.

LONDON, December 12th. It is believed the Sir Mark Sykes will be appointed Under-Secretary for For- eign Affairs, and Mr. Hayes Fisher Under-Becretary for the Colonies.

LONDON, December 11th: December 23rd and January 1st have been proclaimed Bank Holidays, but not General Holidays,

MR. LLOYD GEORGE INDISPOSED.

LONDON, December 11th. An official message says the Prime Minister is suffering from a severe chill and is remaining indoors to-day under his doctor's orders.

PRIME MINISTER'S MESSAGE

LONDON, December 11th,

HONGKONG WEDDING.

BROWN--MOMASTER.

.4

A pretty wedding took place at St. John's Cathedral yesterday morning, the contracting partios being Mr. Wilson Brown, assistant as the Hongkong and Whampoa Dock, son of Mr. Wilson, Brown, Clydebank, Scotland, and Miss Mary McMaster, eldest daughter of the later Mr. Samuel MoMaster, Salters- town, County Derry, Ireland. The bride, who was given away by Mr. William Taylor, wore a dress of ivory satin, with corsage of shadow lace, the embroidered roses and draperies being carried out in Georgette style. Her train was of satin, trimmed with Georgette true lovers' kuota and orange blossom, and she wore silk net veil, and a wreath of orango. blossom. Her ornaments included a gold and jadestone necklace and a gold bangle, gifts of the bridegroom. She was at tended by Miss Mary McCubbin na brides maid, who wore a dress of pale blue eatin and ainon, with pearl trimmings. Mr. Samuel Gray fulfilled the duties of groomsman. The Rev. V H. Copley Moyle was the officiating clergyman. A reception was held in the Hongkong Hotel, at the close of which the happy. couple left for Macai, Cantor and the West River, The bride's going-away dress was of brown silk, with a cream Trish lace hat, trimmed with gold leaves and roses. The presents were numerous and included & silver tea service, anlver

INDIAN

"REFORM”

PROPOSALS.

The Prime Minister has written to and spirit kettle from the European mombers of the House of Commons us

members of the Kowloon Dock staff, und a set of cutlery from the Centre Section follows:-

"The King has entrusted me with the which the bridegroom is a popular mem- Machine Gun Company H.K.V.C., of task of forming a Government, and Iber. The bride's presents included a gold have carried out His Majesty's com-bangle from the best man. mands. I hoped to make a statement in the House on December 12th. This is now impossible. Mr. Bonar Law will move an adjournment of the siting until December 14th. One of the predominant tasks of the Government will be the vigorous prosecution of the war to a triumphant conclusion. I am confident that the Government can rely on your support as long as they devote their energies effcctually to that end."

Italian Front.

EARLIER CABLES,

[THROUGH EKUTER'S AGENUY.] ITALIANS REPULSE ATTACKS,

Roxs, December 11th.

A sitting of the Reichstag has beenPARLIAMENT TO BE RE- An official message says:Rain and unexpectedly convened for to-morrow,

It will be the most remarkable sitting since the outbreak of the war and one of historical importance.

ADJOURNED.

AFTER PREMIER'S FIRST PRONOUNCEMENT.

LONDON, December 12th. Parliament will adjourn tomorrow

Members, including combatants, have been summoned tolegraphically by Dr.(Thursday) when Mr. Lloyd George has Bethmann-Bollweg from Headquarters, made his first pronouncement. The Chancellor has received the Federal

THE PRIME MINISTER'S Ministers and invited the Neutral Minis ters to meet him.-'.

The Foreign Secretary has received the Party leaders, and Party meetings were. held in the forenoon.

The Governments at Vienna, Sofia and Constantinople have approved the Chan cellor's statement, the nature of which is at present unknown, but it is assumed to relate to Peace terms.

AN UNPRECEDENTED STEP.

LONDON, December 12th. The unprecedented step of calling in Neatral Ministers is evidently an effort on the part of Germany to take advantage of the Roumanian-successes-to-re-open the question of peace. Colour is lent to this by the fact that the Foreign. Secre- tary, before the sitting, conveyed confidential information to the party leaders, when he is supposed to have pointed out the political consequences of the operations in Roumania. MR. ASQUITH LAID UP.

LONDON, December 12th. Mr. Asquith is laid up with influenza, THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC, DRASTIC REGULATIONS FORE, SHADOWED.

LONDON, "December 12th. Drastic regulations in regard to the Liquor Traffic are foreshadowed.

It is understood that the general policy will be towards entire veto of the con- sumption of spirits, the Government to take over the enormous stocks for mani tion purpose.

ILLNESS.

LONDON, December 19th. The Prime Minister is better, but has been ordered to remain indoors for a couple of days,

snow have hindered the artillery in the Trentino,

We repulsed a surprise attack in the Carso region. The enemy at night at tacked in the Adria sector, but was beaten

off with material losses.

ITALIAN POLITICAL CHANGES

WAR COMMITEE TO BE FORMED,

Rome, December 11th. Changes with a view to greater economic Imminent. and military speeding up are A War Committee is being, formed, and

THE RECENT AIR RAID, the Ministry will be reduced.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF

CASUALTIES.

LONDON, December 19th.

It is officially stated that the casualties. in the air raid on England on the 27th November were:-1 min and 3 women killed, and 16 men, 14 women Bad 7 children injured.

OBITUARY.

LONDON, December 12th. The deaths are announced of Bir Roland Vaughan Williams, Lord Justice of the Court of Appeal; and the Hon. George Gilbert White, noted Indian Engineer. EARLIER CABLES.

SOME HUMBLE SUGGESTIONS.”

The memorandum of 19% of the 27 elected members ut the Imperial Legis lative Council presented to the Viceroy and referred to in a telegram published h October, reached Great Britain last month. Tac signatarus cumprise 12 Hindus, live Alahomedans, and two Parsees, and nearly one-half of tiệm nướės, practising lawyers.

The preamble enlls attention to "great and guiling disabilities,” and it is claim- ei tautaiter. Indin's-pärticipation-in- the 'war she should no longer occupy position of subordonation, but one of coin- radeship. What is wanted is not merely good government or elicient, administra tion, but government that is acceptable. to the people because it is responsible to them." 1, after the termination of the war, the position of India practically disappointment and great discontent in remains unchanged, there will be bitter.

the country; and the beneficent effects of common participation in [commen danger will leave no record benind "save the painful memory of unrealized ex- pectations.

Some humble suggestions of reform" are made. In all the Executive Coun- cils half the members shoald be Indians, and the European element should as far as possible be nominated from the ranke of men trained and educated in English public life. The statutory ubligation for a large proportion of ordinary members of the Excentivo be selected from the public services should be abolished. All the Legislative Councils should have va substantiul majority of elected repres tatives, and the total memberships should be very largely increased. The Budgets should be passed as money Bills, f autonomy being granted to India, 160 only matters excluded from the purview, of the Councils should be the direction of military affairs, of foreign relations, the making of peace, and the entering. into treaties other than commercial.

A WORLD AT WAR. ASTOUNDING CALCULATIONS,

The Government right of veto should Some facts and figures relating to the be subject to certain conditions and great war have lately been published as limitations. The Indie Council should be below. The position has since altered nabolished, and the Secretary of State little, but the calculations are near should hold in relation to the Govern“. enough for general purposes,

COUNTRIES AND PEOPLE IN CONFLICT. Territory now in possession of the Allied Powers, 31,332,000 square miles. Population 846,000,000.-

ment of Indian position similar to that which the Secretary of State for the Colonies holds in relation to the Colonies." One of his two Under-Secre taries should be an Indian. India's place Territory now in possession of the Cen in any scheme of Imperial federation tral Powers, 1,245,000 square miles. should be similar to that of the self- Population, 177,000,000.

governing Dominions The provincial Superiority of Allies over Central govoraments should be made autonomous, Powers in area more than 25 to 1; in and a full measure of local self-govern- population 5 to i.

ment should be immediately granted. The chief tribes and races taking partThe right to bear arms should be granted are: Afridis, Albanians, Algerians, An-to Indians as to Europeans. They namites, Armenians, Araba, Austrians, should be allowed to enlist as volunteere Bantus, Belgians Boers, British, Bul-and units of a Territorial Army, shoul gars, Circassians, Croatians, Czech, be established in India Commissions if Egyptians, Finne, French, Garhwalis, the Indian Army should be given ↑ Georgians. Germans, Gurkhas Italises, Indian youths under conditions simil Japanese, Jews, Kurds Lithuaians to those applicable to Europeans. Magyars, Mahrattas, Malagasy, Maoris, Montenegrins, Mongols, Pathans, Fer- It is officially announced that thesians, Poles, Portuguese, Roumanians, Russians Ruthenians, Bingalese, Ser War Cabinet has met and will continue visas, Sikhs, Slovaks, Slovenes, Syrians, Tartars, Tonkinese, Turks, West Indians. to meet every weekday.

TERRITORIAL CAINE.

A circular from the War Off Was The end of the second year of the war

at Newcastle recently, ving found the belligerent Powers holding the read

of concrfeit following territories not previously in details of two cases cluded among their possessions:

unfitness.

In one as a man appearede zure a medical board wearing a do truss, and said he had an rupture! – seven by doctors

BRITISH WAR CABINET.

TO MEET EVERY WEEKDAY.-

LONDON, December 11th.

THE SALE OF WOOL,

PROHIBITING SPECULATION,

LONDON, December 11th. Anent wool sales to the Army, an order has been issued which is inter- preted to mean that purchase or sale shall be over contracts, thus prohibiting speculation.

Area Normal Square Miles. Population,

2,310,000 23,000,000

Great Britain Russia Germany

France Austria

Bulgaria

412,000

127,000

⚫5,350.000

20,000,000

119,600 1,800,000 *31,500

3,400,000

17,000

2,270,000

DODGES TO ESCAPE MILITA

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