1917-01-23 — Page 5

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS,

THE WAR.

THE LONDON EXPLOSION.

HEARTRENDING

SCENES.

CONDITIONS AT THE FRONT.

GREAT

General.

SCARCITY IN

LATEST CABLES. (THROUGH MEDIER'S LOENOT.)

THE LONDON EXPLOSION, HEARD NINETY SIX MILES AWAY.

LONDON, January 22nd.

The explosion at the munitions factory was heard at King's Lyan, ninety six

miles distant.

Бесп.

Any eye-witness stated that it occurred half an hour after the fire started, and was followed by a flame a thousand times more intense than anything he had ever Almost immediately the air was filled with debris, billions of sparks,

sickly smolling

like gaus yellow fog. The crash of collapsing buildings and falling materials con- tinued for at bast eight minutes,

and

A

GERMANY.

THE LONDON DISASTER. HEARTRENDING SCENES.

LONDON, January 31st. Further details are to hand of the terrible caplosion in the munitions fac tory in the East End of London,

-

The fremen were able to circumscribe

d the removal of the women and girls the fire, but heartrending scenes attend from the blazing premises. Many wero

unconscious, having bean stunned by the shock, and some were terribly burned and carred. A crowd of tugs were soon busy taking the victims scrope tho water to every hospital within reach. One child, a few months' old, was ex tracted from a heap of ruins which was once its parents' house, being the only survivor of a family of six. The fires were still burning relentlessly at mid- night, and roof after roof collapsed with terrific erashes. The flames also

rose higher and higher like expanding foun-

FOOD SHORTAGE IN GERMANY.

SITUATION VERY GRAVE.

LONDON, January 9th. An interview with Lord Robert Cecil, published in France, describing the work of the blockade, concludes by saying that the scarcity in Germany is very grave and there is every resson to believe that

the condition of her Allies is worse.

AMSTERDAM, January 9th.

The meeting of Austro-Hungarian statesmen in Berlin, to discuss the feed- ing question, coincides with the most serious food crisis yet experienced. Many bakorice have closed down owing to the lack of supplies, and many house holders have been without bread for a fortnight. The failure of the potato harvest is accountable for the scarcity, as potato flour is necessary in breadmoking. Milk is also very scarce and very dear.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 23RD, 1917.

Italian Front.

LATEST CABLES.

“RIPOLI REBELLION, -HEAVY REBEL LOSSES.

ROME, January 2nd,

A communiqué zaya--We caught up the fleeing Tripolitan rebels mentioned. on the 18th inst an redefeated them after a force three hours battle in sandstorm. It is reckoned that the rebel lossen in two daye was 820 killed and 1,300 wounded.

The

Balkans,

LATEST CABLES. (THROUGH PEUTER'S 408EUT.)

MOBILISING CRETANS.

CANEA, January wind.

⠀⠀ The National Government has issued Amobilisation orders

for untrained

contain at least twelve per cont. of bran new regulation orders that sausages shall Cretary born between 1884 and 1885.

Franco-jelgian Pront.

LATEST CABLES.

(THROUGH KHUTNE'S AGENCY.}

BRITISH RAID TRENCHES.

MANY ENEMY CASUALTIES.

LONDON, January 23rd. Field Marshal Bir Douglas Haig ro porti:-We successfully raided trenches in the forenoon south-east of Loos, and destroyed dug-outs full of Germans, inflicting many casualties. We entered the German lines last night north of

General mobilisation of trained' men is expected immediately.

EARLIER CABLES.

GERMAN WIRELESS.-

LONDON, January 21st.

A German wireless official Inersago says:We captured on Friday, iîn ad- dition to Nanesti, the whole of the bridgehead.

We stormed several fines, capturing the town after a violent house-to-henso struggle. The Russians streaming back across the Sereth bridgo suffered heavily

The death roll at the factory where the explosion occurred is probably trifling, as it is understood that only a tains, and the maste of the shipping Nouva Chapelle. The enemys artillery from our fire. We took 656 prisoners

small stati was employed, but the de- struction of the crowded small bouses in the vicinity was terrific.

stood out clearly silhouetted against the aky.

The scene

was one of awful grandeur. As evidence of the force of It in stated that three streets of the explosions, it is stated that a buge cottages were practically wiped ort. piece of boiler, weighing from three to four toma, was found in a field 400 yards from the scene of the disaster. Another piece, a ton in weight, crashed into butcher's shop, instantly killing the occupants,

The task of extricating the injured from the debrit was difficult. The police, special constables and Volunteers guard- ed all the approaches,

The cause of the explosion will prob-

The district in the immediate neigh ably remain a mystery, but it is note-bourhood of the explosion looks as if it worthy that many prosecutions have recently takes plors of munition makers who were found in possession of matches.

ITALIAN LOAN.

Rome, January 22nd. The issue has been authorised of a five per cent, loan, at ninety.. Payments will be accepted in foreign gold and Govern-

ment securities

EARLIER CABLES,

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL

GOVERNMENT.

MaBOURNE, January 20th.- Mr. Hughes has accepted the proposal for the formation of a National Govern-

ment.

WOLFRAM SHORTAGE IN

GERMANY.

PAR18, January 20th. The Germans are offering a big prize

for a substitute for wolfram, of which there is a shortage.

WOLFRAM IN CORNWALL.

LONDON, January 19th.

Now lodes of wolfvain are stated to have been discovered in Cornwall, suffi- cient to provide a largo proportion of the British requirements,

ORIENTAL STUDIES.

"LONDON, January 20th. The date of the formal opening by the King of the School of Oriental Studies has not been finally settled.

SUBMARINES AS FOOD CARRIERS.

LONDON, January 19th.

The Paymaster General, Bir J. Compton Rickett, speaking at Doncaster, aid it had been unofficially suggested that submarine liners might be employ- ed as food carriers.

was active at Rancourt, Beaucourt Serre, and Ypres.

We effectively bombarded the St. Pierre Vaast, Gomme Court, Arras and Armentieres regiona.

HEAVY ARTILLERYING.

PARIS, January, 22nd. A communiqué says-North of the Somme, to the region of Mon St. Quentio, the artillery caught marching enemy troops. On the right of the Meuse, in the sectors of Father-au-Ville, Chambrettes and Caurieres Wood, there has been great reciprical artillerying. We carried out a successful coup de main towards Senones.

has been visited by a terrible carthquake. Houses have been demolished wholesale, roofs have been ripped off, and many buildings are left with only one wall standing. Apparently the places on either side of the river suffered most severely, the concussion, seemingly, travelling further over water than over land. In some cases dwellings several milos down the river suffered more than buildings much closer to the scene.

In a few isolated cases windows in tack in the direction of Canny-sur buildings in the heart of Louden were Metz, in the region of Lassigny, was eannehed. Some plate-glass windows in easily repulsed. We took some prisoners Kingsway were blown out, and windows were also broken in St. James's Park

There was also much damage to glass in Brixton, Brockley and Greenwich. The I shock wig moet severe at Lewisham and

Catford.

ORGANISING THE NATION.

GOVERNMENT IN "DEAD EARNEST."

LONDON, January 21st.

EARLIER CABLES.

FRENCH TAKE PRISONERS.

PAR18 January 21st, A communiqué says:--A German at

AT THE FRONT.

IMPROVED CONDITIONS.

LONDON, January 19th. Henter's correspondent at Headquar- ters, describing the conditions, anys :--

While a mantle covers the semi-frozen

IN MESOPOTAMIA.

CLEARING OUT THE ENEMY.

LEARING

LONDON, January 21st. An official Mesopotamian message states-We have driven out the enemy from the area, north-east of Kut-al- Amara, and now hold a trench system on a front of 2,500 yards, and to a depth of 1,100 yards. We have cleared the enemy from the right bank of the Tigris, from Kut-el-Amara downstream We have further progressed against the trenches on the right bank, south-west of: Kut-el-Amara

RUSSIAN SUCCESSES.

RANDOM

REFLECTIONS. A little while ago Beuter announced While the Daily Press was appealing that, owing to pressure on the tolegraphio to its readers to subscribe the sum neces service, instructions had been given for Bay to erect and equip a Y.M.C.A, Hut Press messages to be curtailed se far as possible. That explains, no doubt, why for the use of our soldiers in France,

an eager world had to rest content with the War Charities Committee very kind-

the bald announcement that Mrs.” Austen ly offered to father the effort. As an

Chamberlain had given birth to a son. inducement to accept this proposal, it

For the name, weight, and other parti- was pointed out that, though the sumculars of the new arrival we shall of $1,000 might possibly be raised, 26,000 would never be reached, and by bring ing the scheme under the aegis of the War Charities Fund the balance "would

be assured and several other Huta

would probably be voted. With some reluctance, the offer was declined on the ground that this newspaper would be able to obtain many small subscriptions which would be withheld if it were felt that the War Charities Fund was at the hack of the movement.

The necessary

The result is known. money was forthcoming in four daya, and, in the end, it was possible to hand over a balance $1,000 to the Hut Fund which the War Charities Committee had opened in the meantime. With this sur- plu the Commitee promptly voted a

patience until the christening commony. probably have to possess our souls in

Who will dare say now that we do not feel the pinch of the war in this little out-post of Empire! ⠀

Despite the small-pox epidemie, many Europeans, have found it impossible to forgo the exhibiration of bargaining with John Chinaman at the New Year fair in the vicinity of Paddy's market. As usual, there is a varied assortment of Chinese curios which have been made in Birmingham, or some other hig European manufacturing sentre, and, true to type, the griffin has gone away hugging a doubtful bargain and the belief that the innegant looking stall- holder has been no match for him,

"Good

second Hut. This was seven months ago. Enlightenment may be trusted to come Since then I have not noticed in the later, published list of subscriptions any sums earmarked for the Hat Fund," nor

A few years ago a certain griffin cast

have I noticed that any grant has been

a longing eye upon a corpulent and made for a third Hut. Yet the Winter jovial looking brass jossman, evidently is just the time when the comfort which of great antiquity. The price, however, these Huts furnish is most needed by our. was beyond him. Warned how to act, soldiers returning from the trenches, he waited anxiously until the last day plastered with mud, numb with cold,of the fair, and then scared the relic and dazed with fatigue. One is tempted of a bygone age for a quarter of the to doubt whether any Huts would have sum originally asked for it been provided at all if The Daily Press | bunions," chucked the grifin, as he had not had the audacity to take the carried the joss home to give it a place initiative. At the time it was gently of honour amongst his household Gods, "I have beaten John at his own game." the reproved for encroaching upon domain of the War Charities Committee. One day, however, the grifin's "boy," What do the critics say now 1 A splen with an unwonted access of energy, took did chance of doing something for the it into his head to apply polish to the poor little half-starved Belgian children joss... When the proud owner was missed at Christmas. Subscriptions returned he was horrified to find that may be flowing in freely, but it is doubt his treasure was less brazen than the ful whether the best possible results are dealer-in fact, it was "made in Ger being obtained by the unobtrusive many" of cast iren. methods of the War Charities Como- mittee. I have heard it remarked by sorte vory conservative members of the THE SWEETS OF VICTORY. community that there should be a little moto vigorous beating of the drum, and I am inclined to agree with the view.

RODBRICK BANDOM.

"O Grocer! let my anguished prayer

Fall not ou deaf, unseeding ears, Behold, I cried, " my suppliane sir,

These extra large and bitter tears. Lol at thy counter here I kneel,

"Much has been written and mid of lade concerning education in Hongkong," || writes & correspondent, "bat nobody has explained how, it's that the prin"

A pound of sugar, only one!!! But in a voice as hard sa gieol

He answered me, "It can't be done.” Here is each fragrant spice of Ind, Fair, golden oranges of Spain, And breakfast däinties neatly tinned; Purchase of these and try again." I care not for your spice, inded, Nor oranges nor tinned conceite; Sell me the sugar that I need,

LONDON, January 21st Reuter's correspondent at Jassy, wiring on January 18th says the latest com- muniques show the enemy offensive incipal prizes are always carried off by Chinese students, while English boys south-west Moldavia ia definitely checked.

come in at the finish for good conduct, scripture, cricket, tennis and football. Why is it that boys who have first to learn the English language best boysSweets, air?" he cried. "Itshall be done,

The Russians have gained marked sue-

cesses at different points, Naval Activities.

ST!

EARLIER CABLES. (THROUGE RESTER'S MIDCOT.]..

who are not handicapped in this way? Of course, the Chinese are in the majori. ty, but the cleverest Chinese boy is in-

TWO COMMERCE RAIDERS? | finitely the superior of the cleverest

BUENOS AIRES, January 20th. The captain of the Radnorshire, in an interview, said that he was chased

English boy in the same school, to judge by prize-winning results. This may be. attributable to the climate, and the fact that English boys go Home for extend-

Or, failing that, some simple sweets."

Here you may have your heart's desire- Up to, suppose we say, a ton,

I can provide what you require.”

I bought, although the price was high,

But life is not the same to me With pear-drops in my apple-pie

And asid tablets in my tea.

TOUCHSTONE

WAR NEWS.

WARNING FROM ITALY.

The Tribune publishes en important

the Allies to profit by the recent mistakes a repetition of these errors in the nese inade in respect of Roumania to prevent

future.

ground, and the trenches are already by two commerce-raiders after leaving ed perioda and forget much which they He was have learned." Chinese boys are admit- Pernambuco on January 7th. slushy, and a deplorable mess is inevit-

and twenty-sixtedly studious, but the real explanation quickly overhauled able when it really thaws, nevertheless, Germans bearded his rossel and took of the circumstance to which my corres Mr. Neville Chamberlain, (Director the conditions in the permanent trenches charge. He saw three vessels sunk, the pondent draws attention is probably article, signed by the editor, urging ali

supplied by himself when he admits that General of National Service), addressing are better than last winter. If we are Germans taking cinematograph pictures the Chinese boys are in the majority. a mosting of the Alliance of Employers accomfortable, the Germans at Birmingham, said :--" It will perhaps depend on our efforta during the next few weeks whether there is to be a fourth winter campaign. The colossal task of organising the nation must be faced. The nation must understand that the

are far

worw. Everything is being done to mitigate our hardships. Skin coats, wading boots, mutters and mittass and good hot meals are served in the front lines. Consequently, eickness and "trench-feet" are reduced to a mini-

mam

Government is in dead earnest on this point and will not hesitate to take what steps it thinks necessary for victory it Russian Front. voluntary service is insufficient."

RUSSIA'S NEW PREMIER.

BESCRIPT BY THE TSAR.

PETROGRAD, January 21st.

BARLINE CABLES.

(IRROGCH ZEUTER'S AGENCY.]

CONDITIONS ON RUSSIAN

FRONT.

The Tsar, in a Rescript, urges Prince Golitzin to devote his attention to the

LONDON, January 19th, provisioning of the armies and civilians Reuter's correspondent at Headquar and the improvement of rail and water ters, who has visited the Russian sector, THE PEACE PROPOSALS.

Lesisport. He hopes that the Council of says the Russians, who. are mostly AMSTERDAM, January 19th

Empire and the Duma will support the veterans from the Eastern front, are Mr. Ballour's Note has infuriated the Ministers, who he says will find the sup-finding the weather quite "mild." The Germans. The Koelnische Zeitung port of the Zomstvos invaluable. He dermans greatly reeant the presence of mys—“The reply to British arrogance, declares it is the duty of all servants of the Russians, and send over gas at every d'abortions and menace must be the the State to show goodwill towards the opportunity, but the Russian precaU- sword and the torpedo.”

Legislature.

tions are elective.

of the sinkings.

NEW YORK, January 20th. The steamship Farrowdale, with the raider's victims has arrived at St.

Vincent

SPANISH SUBMARINE'S

WHEREABOUTS.

MARKIÐ, January 21st The Minister of Marine denies that the Spanish submarine, Isane Prett, is in Danish waters. He states that it is still in an American shipyard, from where it will proceed direct to Spain.

SINKINGS.

Suppose, for example, there is; on an averages, one exceptionally bright boy in every fifty, there will be twelve in siz hundred, and one of these twelve will be even brighter than the others.

The article says: The Austro Germana have announced their intention to attack Italy next spring with all their forces, commanded by Hindenburg,

Naturally Italy, first of all, must uploy all her resources and make any sacrifices to resist the enemy; but all the Allies must prepare efficacious means to check such a plan, as evt a momentary or partial success of the enemy may either prolong the wax or lead to an unsatin- factory and dangerous peace, while ita failure may be the beginning of the de- finite vistory of the Allies.

A GRIM GAMBLE

William J. Robinson, who has spent a year in the trenches in France, tells the following about the life of the British "Tommy" in the World's Work: "When the regimet goes into action a

the money they have in a pool, They give it to some one who stays behind, and be has instructions to hand all the money to the last one left alive. Sometimes they arrange it so that they draw the money every time they come out of action, and in this way they get the use of it from time to time. If the follows put in ten francs each, and when they come out of action the next time there are only five friends when it comes to getting our of the ten fellows left, each of the remain- money's worth." My correspondenting fiv has doubled ins money. It is the only gamble I ever saw in which a would need a very keen eve to detect the fellow cannot lose, for if he is knocked over he certainly his no interes, in money diferenes,

"In view of the fact that only Beats mau will be eligible to attenti, from a basinem point of view, the forthcoming Burns dinner," writes a facetious cor- respondent,"cannot it be arranged that wo poor Sassenach, should be admitted to a gallery view of the proceedings on payment of $10 each, the proceeds to be given to War Charities? I am told that it would be quite worth the money to karn how to deal with a dinner to crowd of fellows get together and put all LORDON, January 20th. the smallest advantage of the caterer. The following steamers have been What exactly is meant by this. I do not sunk-Falle (Spanish), Dagmar know, but, being ever ready to leath, I am willing to pay $10 for a glimpse (Danish), and Bergendus (Norwegian).

of the proceedings, in order to see how DUTCH MAIL BOAT CAPTURED.. Southerners differ from our Bootch

Amsterdam, January 20th, The Handelsblad says the mail steamer Prins Hendrik has been taken by Zee brugge.

matters,