1917-10-15 — Page 5

Page

THE

WAR.

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, MONDAY, OCTOBER 15r8, 1987,

WEATHER¦ INTERFERES WITH BRITISH OPERATIONS.

STRUGGLE FOR PASSCHENDAELE VILLAGE.

GERMANS LAND ON ISLANDS IN RIGA GULF.

GERMANY'S REPLY TO SWEDEN'S PROTEST.

COUNT LUXBURG INTERNED.

Franco-Belgian Front.

LATEST CABLES.

[THROUGH REUTER'S AGENÒY.]

BRITISH FRONT.

PRISONERS CAPTURED.

LONDON, October 14th. Fidd-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig- re- ports:-The weather is wet and stormy: There was reciprocal artillery firing. Including 41 officers, we captured 741 prisoners yesterday. -

LONDON, October 13th."

Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig re ports: Our aeroplanes, on Thursday toak svery opportunity to reconnoître the onemy's position during the intervals of clear weather. - Many kómba were dropped on billets and infantry trenches were ruachine-gunned from low altitudes.

GERMAN REPORT.

The German official report says:--The English yesterday penetrated between the | station and village of Poslcapelle.

We threw back the enemy on both sides. of Pendesbuck......

Enemy raids at Souain and Auborive, GERMANS LAND ON ISLANDS

montioned this morning, were carried -ut

with strong effectives, preceded by a thirty-six hours' bombardment. The attacks were delivered by: Slow-strupen pionecr detachments 140 strong. – Lively engagements resulted, ending decidedly in our favour. We took 110 prisonera, The onomy losses were particularly heavy,

A communiqué anys:North of the Aisne the Germans during the night launched several attacks on our positions in the Hurtchise-Chevraux sector.

Despite the violence of his effort the enemy only temporarily gained a footing in our advanced line.

Africa

EARLIER CABLES.

{THHOOGH REUTER'S AGENOT.)

THE EAST AFRICA CAMPAIGN PRESSING THE RETREATING ENEMY.

LONDON, October 13th- An official message from East Africa The enemy, directed strong presSUÍJ ON

states:-The Right column troops from Passchendaele, which we retain, the enemy Kilwa bave occupied Raponda, which is gaining only a narrow strip of the fore-au important junction of the treks on the north-western end of the Muera Plateau field.

and on the lank of the line of retreat of the enemy's main body. The whole rear guard is being pressed by our force mov ing south from Nabungo.

The artillery increased to drainfire this morning between Lys and the Comines Ypres Canal.

BRITISH

CAPTURE MANY

DEPENDED LOCALITIES.

enemy,

Our rapid advance surprised the who were also making for Ruponda. LONDON, October 12th.

We dislodged a strong detachment from Renter's Correspondent at Headquara position near Megondai, to the south of ters telegraphing this evening says:---

Mahenge, and forced the enemy to retire This morning's battle developed with six miles to the north-east. bitter fighting. News at present is in-gament

Italian Front, complete. The attack seems to have pro- Troops

A German machine was brought downgressed heat on the two Banks. iu à combat and another was shot down

by infantry. Two were driven down,

Five of our machines are

nikking.

AVIATORS AT WORK.

LONDON, October 14th.

are reported to be fighting east of Poel. eapelle, and I believe we have possession of the brewery, where there was such a strong resistance recently..

We captured at midday Crest Farm, on

the left of Passchendaele Road.

!

They four

burrowed into the side of the ridge, mak- ing excellent shell-proof resting places.

EARLIER CABLES. (THROUGH REUTER'S #GENCY.] ITALIAN FRONT,

LONDON, October 13th. An Italian official report says:-We erushed an attempted attack in the Costabella region.

Our batteries dispersed troops marching eastward of Castagnavizza and set fire to an ammunition dump in the region of San Giovanni.

General

Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig re- The troops are now benefiting by the ports: Despite the weather,

our immense amount of concrete works con- machines went out till four in the after-structed by the enemy during the past noon, and with great difficulty located our three years. They found deep shelters troops. They watched the enemy's move ments and located hostile batteries, which they machine-gunned. They also red 10,000 rounds at infantry in trenches and shell-holes and on the roads. They also operations have temporarily come to a CENTRAL POWERS DOOMED fired at mounted troops and transport standstill.

LATER.

"Owing to the wet weather 1 understandi

convoy's causing many casualties and STRUGGLE FOR PASSCHENDAELE. great confusion.

A few enemy machines were encounter- ed, but there was little air fighting..

We brought down four enemy machines and drove down. five. Ten of our machines are missing, several of which have evid- cently been lost in stormis.

EARLIER CABLES.

LONDON, October 13th.

The battle in Flanders is developing into a struggle for the ruins of the village of Passchendaele,

There was very heavy fighting yester day between Passchendaele and Toel. capelle, where the enemy, on Tuesday,

somewhat forced back the British line.

Correspondents explain that the reason

son

LATEST CABLES. \{THROUGH EEUTER'S “AGENOT.]

TO DESTRUCTION. FRANCE WILL HAVE ALSACE- LORRAINE

PARIA, October 14th. The Chamber concluded the debate in which French diplomacy was criticised by passing a vote of confidence in the Government, and recommending reforms

IN GULF OF RIGA. OCCUPATION OF TWO ISLANDS.

PETROGRAD, October 13th. The Germans have Innded on the islands of Ocsel and Dago, at the mouth of the Gulf of Riga

LONDON, October 13th. A Russian vezimaseniqué, says: The enemy landed one or two Divisions on Oesel and Dago in the Gulf of Riga.

The disembarkation was carried out with extraordinary rapidity.

The enemy had been preparing thin operation a long time..

The slackness of the patrol service favoured the movement.

THE CAPELLE CRISIS.

AMSTERDAM, October 12th. The Cologne Gazette announces that the Capelle crisis was due to Admiral von Capelle's mutiny speech lú the Reichstag which diet not necord with the nature of the statement the Chancellor desired ro

be made.

ADMIRAL „CAPELLE RESIGNE

AMSTERDAM, October 13th. The Frankfurter Zeitung says Admiral von Capelle has resigned,

LATEST CABLES.

AMSTERDAM, October 14th.

À message from Berlin states that it is semi-officially announced in the Lukuban The caplure of these islands will deiger that Admiral you Capeite, Minister prive us of our hitherto predominant of the Navy, has resigned. position, in the Gif of Riga and indicates fresh, energy operations, probably in the direction of Hapsal.

These events may have a repercussion on the situation in the Segewold region, where a change of front will be necesary, bringing it nearer the Wenden-Walk line.

The Government has decided to put aside political and domestic affairs and concentrate all its strength on the defence of the country.

LATER.

The Russian cansuuntqué mentions that

the coast batteria were silenced by the powerful firing of dreadnoughts and that the enemy movements were rendered difficult by the males constructed by the Russians and bad visibility.

The garrison at Oesel engaged the

jeremy.

LATEST CABLES.

GERMAN CLAIM.

LONDON, October 14th, A wireless German official report stales: In a combined action by the Army and Navy, we obtained a footing on the island of Qesel.

EARLIER CABLES.

FOOD SAVING IN GREAT BRITAIN.

EARLIER CABLES,

ARGENTINE RAILWAY STRIKE SEITLED.

BUESOS AIRES, October 18th, The railway strike is settled,

AFFAIRS IN RUSSIA. DEMOCRATS AND THE GOVERN- MENT.

PETROGRAD, October 12th..) The Social Democrats have requested M. Nikitin, Minister of the Interior, to

resign from that party, and a similar request to Mr. Propopovitch, the Minister of Supplies, is anticipated.

KAISER AT SOFIA.

Asisterdan, Oetober 12th.

THE STRAITS SETTLEMENT

BUDGET.

In introducing the Supply Bill ELE the Governor of the Straits Settlements said :--I am fortunately again able to re cord that the Colony has well maintained its sound financial position.

In 1916 the revenue amounted to $17,325,003, while the expenditure was only $11,046,359...

The revenue for the current year is coming in well, and the sovised estimate for this year is $10,143,208, against our original estimate $12,857,084. The in- creases are mainly in Opium, Liquor and Tobacco duties, Stamp duties, Posts and

The revised estimate of expenditure for Telegraphs, and Interest.

the year is $12,710,803, against the original estimate of $12,042,843 In these revised estimates are included: 8583,257

of the war, a yote for which will be taken towards the cost of services arising out

in the near future, and a sum of $844,418, arrears of Military contribution, for the year 1916

The excess of our assets over our liabili ties at the end of 1916 was $26,860,016, and at the end of the year it is estimated that it will be slightly over $30,000,000.

The revenue for 1018 is estimated at $14,058,000 and the expenditure at $13,001,332, un estimated surplus of

1,957,268

In addition to the cost of services aris- ing out of the war such as maintenance

of German prisoners, censorship of posts and telegraphs; upkeep of the examina- tion service amounting to $164,980 for the period, August, 1914, to December, 1916; and in addition to the yearly defence con- tribution which came to £352,056 for the year 1916, this Colony is assisting to Home Government towards the prosecu

The Kniser has arrived at Sofia, accom-tion of the war in the following way.

We gave to the 110me Government a panied by Dr. Kaehlman, the German sum of £201,094, which was due to the Foreign Secretary.

Colony on Recount of the Military contri bation for the three years ending March He was received by the King and drive 31st, 1916, exceeding the cost of the through decorated streets.

CANADA'S MAN-POWER.

CALLING OUT UNMARRIED MEN.

OTTAWA, October tath.

garrison. Makes p

Last year we voted £200,000 annually with effect from the July 1st, 1916, for five years certain and the vote will very prob ably be continued for a further five years,

For the year 1917 a War Tax on incomes. has been imposed which will enable us to Home Government.

The Government has issued a proclama-give a further £300,000 this year to the tion calling out unmarried men and We have raised a local War Loan at 6 per cent, which reached on September childless widowers between the ages of 2015th last 24,112,138, and are lending the

The

and 34 years, comprising Class 1 men must report before November - 10th, unless they have made application for exemption.

proceeds to the Home Government at 5 per cent

The policy of employing all our avail- able balances for the purpose of the War finance is being continued

The exemption tribunals begin their Charities amount in the aggregate to a sittings on November 8th.

LONDON, October 13th Lord Rhondda, the Food Controller, is appealing for the appointment of local committees throughout the country to undertake a fresh food-saving campaign. He states that the world harvests will not cet the requirements of the Allies at the present rate of consumption during the welve months, and therefore we must rigidly economise or submit to compulsory | bye-election at East Islington. rationing

THE LUXBURG AFFAIR.

GERMANY'S REPLY TO SWEDEN'S PROTEST.

StocktoLM, October 13th. The Government has received Germany's reply to Sweden's protest regarding the Luxburg affair.

NATIONAL PARTY CONTEST

A BYE-ELECTION.

LONDON, October 12th.. The National Party is contesting the

BRITAIN AND NETHERLANDS USE OF CABLES NOT A RIGHT.

LONDON, October 12th.. Reuter is informed that the Government regards in a serious light passage of sand and gravel through the Dutch waterways. Statistics show that these are going to occupied Belgium in quantities out of all proportion to peacetime supplies; · ·"Re-

presentations made with a view to its

Subscriptions of all communities to War considerable sum, and the work done by various local societies has been highly appreciated by the societies in England.

In 1011, when the last census was taken, the European British population between the ages of 15 and 45 consisted of less than 8,000 men; since the war commenced about disposal of the War Office; of this a con- 500 have left to place themselves at the siderable percentage have been killed in action or died of wounds. The Empire is fighting for its existence and these men readily sacrificed their positions and their lives in the conviction that in so doing they were rendering the best service they could give to their country.

BRITISH HOSPITAL SHIPS.

A NEUTRAL COMMISSIONER.

the appointinents and promotions in the diplomatic and consular services.

M. Ribot, in a speech in which the

The reply admits receiving Count Lux- distinguished Minister paid a tribute to burg's telegrams from Argentina, men for the obstinacy of the German resistance the French diplomats, referred to the tioned in a cable of August 9th, but way discontinuance have been unavailing, and order to remove all pretence that British is the existence to the north-east of Pool clumsiness of Germany's machinations in one was mutilated in publication in an it is pointed out that the use of British Majesty's Government have agreed that Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig re-capelle of clusters of concrete positions. berking to divide the Allies, notably in essential point, but it does not specify cables is a concession, not a right, and

ENEMY FAILS TO COUNTER-

ATTACK.

LONDON, October 13th..

porta-There was rain. throughout night, and it still continues.

on the lower western slopes of the ridge

the nineteen of which have been counted in

BRITISH EFFORT DISCONTINUED

the case of Alsace Lorraine. The loyal one place alone. These shelter innumer speeches of Mr. Lloyd George and Mr. No hostile counter-attacks have deve able machine guns, which, with the

Asquith have baffled the German loped on the baltis front.

France would have wretched weather, naturally hamper the Pregress of the British, who, at present,

which point.

ma-

Alsace

LONDON, October 13th..

DEVIC

transmission of messages has been an act of grace.

HOLLAND WANTS PROOF:

recently, a to British hospital ships. In Lord Robert Cecil made an important annonneoment in the House of Cormons

hospital ships are misused, he said, his each ship shall carry a neutral commis sioner appointed by the Spanish Govern- ment. I understand that the French Government have agreed to a similar arrangement. We hope that this may put an end to enemy attacks on these ships, though we have not yet received a de finite assurance to this effect from the British hospital ships have in all cases enemy Governments. The names been communicated to the enemy Govern- The Hague Convention for the adaptation ments before employment as required by

warfare, and the sanie is no doubt the Powers. Moreover, in the case of British case as regards hospital ships of Allied hospital ships, in addition to the names full particulars to ensure easy identifica tion have been supplied to the enemy Governments

It asserts that the telegrama had no effect on the submarine operations;

It deplores the fact that Count Luxburg

THE HAOVE October 13th." Lorraine despite the Reichstag boastings "illegitimately used the assistance of the

The Foreign Minister in a statement M. Briand emphasised the impossibility Swedish Authorities for the despatch of said "We can satisfy the British hold two miles of the crest of the ridge of the Allies calling a halt in battle, and the telegrams, and promises that such desires to stop the transit of wind and incidents which are calculated to disturb gravel only when proofs are produced Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig re- the Houthulst forest stronghold. The defroolish enough to continue the war the the friendship of Sweden will not occur that they are used for war purposes. The of the Geneva Convention to maritime

portsNotwithstanding the night's heavy rain, our troops formed up for this morning's attack and progressed along the entire front from the Ypies-Roulers railway to our junction with the French on the southern edge of the Honthulst Forest.

which, beyond Passchendaele, outflanks

fences begond Poelcapelle are a serious obstacle, but less so than the mud and

making it difficult to get the men near floods, which are beyond description,

the line of attack and alio for carriers and transport.

Throughout this front we captared

Officers have risked their lives most many defended localities, fortified farms, duringly to take up and prepare bivouses woods and concreted strong points with so that the men, a already in position, shall' a number of prisoners.

net be in the poaring rain and similarly,

said that if the Central Powers were

wern doomed to destruction.

again.

CULPRIT INTERNED." THE SILVER MARKET.

BUENOS AIRES, October 13th. Count Luxburg has been interned on LONDON, October 14th. Silver is quoted at 441d. per ounce the island of Martin Garcia There is no demand and the market is SIR JOHN SIMON JOINS UP. dull.

EARLIER CABLES. CAUSE OF THE SLUMP.

LONDON, October 13th- Messrs Montagu & Co.'s report states

LONDON, October 13th. The Rt. Hon. Sir John Simon has been given a commission in the army and has joined the forces in France.

Dutch Minister in London has asked for any proofs in Great Britain's possession. (Continued un Page 8.)

BRITAIN'S FREE PRESS.

at

Lord Burnham, speaking on The Prees: It Power and Influence the Hampstead Garden Suburb, said -

The British Press has never been a puppet of the Executive Government, but now that the Executive Government is ketting more power into its hands, and will approximate in power to any of the ancient tyrannics, it is more than ever

its independence. The last thing I want is the newspaper Press to be part of the machinery of the State The State is powerful enough without that,

Fighting was especially severe on the so that food and hot drink may be brought that the silver market is rather better BRAZIL EMPLOYS GERMAN important that the Press shall preserve

slope of the main ridge, westward of Pass- close to the fighting lines.

ward of Passchendaele.

chendaele and the main ridge itself auth

Heavy rain recommenced in the morn

violence all day, impeding our progress. Consequently it was decided not to make

FRENCH FRONT.

ing and continued with increasing ENEMY ATTACKS IN FAVOUR OF

any further effort to reach the unal objectives.

FRENCH

PAR18, October 13th.

A communiqué state-Artillery has Approximately 800 prisoners have been been mest active on the sector of Laffaux

mill and in the region of Craonne.

taken

supplied

STEAMERS

The weakness of the Shanghai exchange contributed to the dulness of the tone,

RIO DE JANIERO, October 13th. Some silver purchased for China has

The Government has decided to con been re-sold, and there does not seem much stitute three different lines from the prospect of immediate recovery in that interned German steamers, quarter.

Bighteen are to be employed between Messrs. Montagu & Co. also state that the United States and Europe, and the they hear that thousands of tons of Mexican silver dollars were imported reinander between Brazil and Europe and into the United States in the few months other routes. prior to September for melting and re-sale as bullion.

All will fy the Brazilian flag..

Mr Gilbert: Can the right hon. gentleman say whether this suggestion arose from our Government or from the German Government?

Lord Robert Cecil: I am afraid I cannot answer that without notice. I rather think it was from ourselves.

F.3.5. RAILWAY TRAFFIC,

The report on the F.M. Railways or 1918 states that the total number of. passengers carried on the railway in 1916 Most Continental papers are in re

was 14,741,066 as compared with 11.899,028 ceipt of State grants or subsidies, and in in 1915. Of these, 12,229,939, or 82.96

per many cases these come from Governments cents, were third-class passengers, There other than their own The German mind were, in addition, 8,820 sesson tickets refuses to believe that papers in England ed. Details are given of the tonnage of various and gross and average receipts day. The Emperor used to burst into total tonnage carried was 1,287,031 -tors are not inspired by the Government of the descriptions of goods train trafic. Tho furious fits of rage because he said the compared with 1,100,181 tons in 1913. The inspiration for articles which he con total number of heads of live stock carriet sidered hostile to German interests came in 1910 was 122,427 as compared with from the Cabinet. “

104,822 in

1915,