Page
THE
L
WAR.
THE ALLIES AND THE IMMIN "ENT GERMAN OFFENSIVE : OUR RESERVES STRONG AND
READY.
AUSTRIA'S PEACE
OUR LONDON LETTER,
[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.
THE HONGKONG · DAILY PRESS
THE GERMAN BID FOR VICTORY IN THE WEST.
- LONDON, April 1st..
It is impossible to write in this letter
any full or exact account of the tre mendous battles in France; and yet what else is there that matters? The position MR. BALFOUR'S EXPLANATION across the Channel changes from day 1
PROPOSALS:
ABNORMAL INFANTILE MORTALITY IN GERMANY.
Franco-Belgian Bront,
[THROUGH REUTER'S AUENCY.);
FRENCH FRONT.
ENEMY LINES PENETRATED.
PARIS, May 17th.
A communiqué states:-There was a violent bombardment at night time in the region of Hailles.
Wo repulsed an enemy raid in the direction of Mesnil-St. George', and took prisoners.
day, almost from hour to hour. At the moment everything is in a state of flux The war is like the ebb and flow of the aea. No man can say what will happen to-morrow or next week; for at this time in which I write history is in the making The battles which are going on in the region of the Somme are destined to shape the whole course of human exist
ence on this planet; but it is hard for us to realise that truth, or to believe that the struggles around Peronne, Albert, Mont Didier, Bapaume and other places between the Oise and the Boarpe will be talked about and written about so long as the world endures, THE SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE.
One thing which presents itself with arresting force at this stern time and
MONDAY, MAY 20TH, 1918.
BRITISH AND GERMAN GUN-
POWER.
I AM CONFIDENT
SHALL WIN."
WE
not
TRUTH FROM ESSEN. AUSTRIA ABETTED BY KAISER IN 1911
SOCIAL
AND POLITICAL SCIENCE,
BIRMINGHAM INNOVATION.
[er PROFESSOR SIR W ASHLEY.
During the Reichstag Committee debato TOY ADMIRAL LORD BERESFORD.1 on March 16th concerning the Lichnowsky memorandum, the Vice-Chancellor, Herr which might become the crisis of our fate.randum circulated by attain Drance. It is to establish a new BA.
We have arrived at a crisis in the war von Paver, referred also to a memo-
Thore is not the slightest reason for pessimism or wavering.
There has been a good deal of pes ALL MUST UNITE TO THE SUPPORT simistio gossip lately about two points in
OF THE ARMY. the military comparison between the Western Allies and the Central Powers (says a London writer on February Sib). It has been said, and written, that we are t oven maintaining the actual strength of the British army in Franed and Flanders. 1 have it on the bighest authority that our army has been steadily strengthened, and that it is stronger to-day than it was last year. All that is really meant by the talk of its not being maintained" is that the compost tion of the army is changing. The war is becoming more and more a machine war, and along with that chongo goig a steady decline, of casualties.
The other point of the pessimists is that the German captures of guns from Russia and Italy have given them a superiority of gunfire. Acknowledging the captures, I believe that not much importance is attached to the guns collected in this way by the Germany. A collection of guns does not mean gun-power, To put it at the highest, the Germans have got a num. her of guns of various calibres different from their own, for which they will have
So far as information goes our great reserves have not come into netion yet. The Germany may find, as they have be- fore in this war, a force on their Blanks which might compel their retreat and add heavily to the carunge they have already suffered through the heroism and undy ing pluck of the Allies in France. ⠀
It should also be remembered that we are falling back on the base of our gup. lies, and that the German armies are advansing from their hose of supplies and over a region which they had devastated with all the characteristic brutality of their race.
1 advise my countrymen to keep a hard featured, determined, but cheery face in present circumstances Many battles that have begun by forced retreat have ended in discomfiture, to the enemy and ultimato victory. There is no reason
Muhlon, who at the time of the outbreak of war was one of the directors of Krupp's Works at Essen, and who is now living
A decision has recently been arrived which may prove of considerable import at by the University of Birmingham
degree for students who desire to mako science. Such students, having passed. a special study of social and political the intermediate examination, will ha in Switzerland Herr Mühlon's meme allowed to select their second and third randum has now been published by the year courses for the degree of B.A. 10 wonder (seys The Times) that the German (studied for two years) moral, social, and Bertier Tageblatt, and it is little n to include as principal subjects Government is at pains to represent the political philosophy and economies. As that the persons to whom he refers have they must offer British institutions, and author as a victim of neurasthenia, and subsidiary subjects (studied for one year) given a mere denial of his statements, two of the following: General Europeau Herr Mahlon's astonishing memorandum, history, methods of statistics and in- which is apparently undated, rune literature, French, German, and the his followe
law (as one subject), English In the middle of July, 1914. I lad, as I The Senate and Council of the Univers
tory of education. frequently had, a conversation with Dra Helferieh, then director of the Deutsche sity have been moved to take this step Bank in Berlin and now Vice-Chancellor. instruction in political organisation and
by conviction of the
need for The Deutsche Bank, had adopted a nega in the fara sa portical organisation and actions de fowards certain large trans-society. The requirements for the degree in Bulgaria and Turkey, in bave been planned so as to make it suit- which the firm of Krupp, for business able for those who wish simply reasons delivery of war material-had a themselves for the duties of political life. justify the attitude of the Deutsche istration. It is hoped, also, that the lively interest. As one of the reason, to and for an aet ve sbare in Bank, Dr. Helfferich finally gave the
will be degree
attractive following reason
to many of thos9. who look forward to careers is teachers, The political situation has become as a means of fitting themselves to give very menacing. The Deutsche Bank must that instruction in the duties of citizen- in any caso wait before entering into any ship which is sure to be called for in our further engagements Abread. The Ausschool when continuation courses have become compulsory. Moreover the degree a week's time Vienna will send a very severe ultimatum to Serbia, with a very
to prepare themselves for social work short interval for the answer. The ulti-could be more appropriate for those who of professional character Nothing matum will contain demands such as punishment of a number of officers, dis. hope to become factory inspectors, muni investigations in Serbia by Austrian than the BA in social and political solution of political associations, criminal ployment Exchange officers, and the like, cipal officials, welfare supervisors, Em-
officials, and, in fact a whole series of science, followed by a year of the prac definite satisfactions will be demanded at tical training already organised by the once otherwise Austria-Hungary will university in connection with its social declare war ou Serbia.
study diploma
to
admin-
Our detachments penetrated the enemy commands admiration is the splendid to provide a great quantity of ammuni in the world why the present battle should trians have just been with the Kaiser. In be very suitable for those who wish
lines at two points south of Canny-sur- Matz and brought back 40 prisoners. Italian bront
[TÜROTON REDTER'S AGENCY.] FRANCO-ITALIAN ATTACK.
LONDON, May 17th
A wireless Austrian official report states:-The French and Italian forces attacked our mountain positions between the Osuri and Devols rivers in Albania and gained territory westward of General.
(THROUGH ZEUTER'S AGENCY.)
spirit of the nation. It has been simply
calm and magnificent to observe the resolute bearing of people of all classes day by day while the Germans have been pushing the British Armies before them by sheer weight of numbers Bince March 21st we have had to go back some. thing like 37 miles, our troops disputing every foot of the ground with dogged stubbornness, just as the immortal "Old Contemptibles did in August, 1914, from Mons to the Marne. You have read, of course, how the enemy has flung scores of divisions into the battle, re gardless of losses, and sacrificed men as faggots are led into a furance, bis aim being to drive a wedge between the
tion.
The fewer the types of guns the larger is the common reserve of ammunition, and the guns can be kept going a longer time. With a great variety of calibre there must be so many separate, and therefore smaller, reserves of ammuni tion. Consequently, even if the German have, as the pessimists Ry, larger number of guns because of their captures the excem will not help them to any serious extent. They might outgun us in a few hours battle, or even perhaps in a day's battle, hat they would be outgunned in a week's battle.
Europe. Hence the urgency of the man
not add to the listi
· GRIT AND FLUCK.
The British race always shows its best characteristics when it is up against a proposition filled with dangers and dif Biculties. We have been in a worse post tion many times before in our history, and we have been in a worse position since this war began, but the indomitable grit, pluck, and tenacity of our roce have pulled us through as they will pull us through again.
Dr. Helferich added that the Kafker. had expressed his decided approval of
A word or two may not be out of plaen ns, to the several courses. The study of
this procedure on the part of Austrin social philosophy in the university has Hungary. He had said that he regarded been built up by Professor 3.- H. Muit a conflict with Serbia as an internal head during recent years to satisfy the affair between these two countries, in needs of candidates for the social study which he would permit no other State diploma. The course in this subject will to interfore. If Russia mobilized, he be expanded to include a larger attention mobilization meant immediate war. This Plato down to our own day. The would mobilize also But in his case to the history of political theory from
time there would be no
will include industrial Oscillation. economics required secrecy, which has led to so many mis. Helfferich said that the Austrians were and the descriptive course on the chief
history, elementary political economy
The stronger the Government, the
stronger the Gove stronger the support they will got from the people, but to get that support the Government must abandon their policy of
MORTALITY STATISTICS IN French and British forces, thereby open power problem. The age limit is being has confused the people, and which to attitude on the part of the Kaiser...
GERMANY, ABNORMAL INCREASE AMONG INFANTS.
LONDON, May 17th
A report compiled by the Local Cor ernment Board on information from German.
shows that SÒUTGEN:
our show, that the fall in the birth rate in Germany for the three years 1915-17 was equivalent to a loss of 2,000,000 babies. Forty per cent fever
Allied lino holy
ing up a way to Paris in the south-west raised here to bring in men physically and northwards to the Channel ports.
fit up to 18 or 30. No doubt the extreme So far all his
are vain. The Badicals and Pacifists will make an out The losses of ground
cry as to this when Parliament meets in
Allied Armies remain intact. in a secondary matter so long as the
a fortnight, but they will find themselves
COMMAND OF THE SEA.
like the voice of one crying in the wilder
It will be a miracle indeed if the enemy succeeds in breaking through now, though everyone expects that he will keep on trying for weeks, or it may be for months, in the same way that he did
dess,
THE NEW GENERÁLISSIMO.
A certain amount of criticism has been directed against the appointment of General Foch to the command of the Allied Armies in France. The official
When I thereupon said to Dr. Helf characteristic feature of the Faculty of British Dominions, which has been a realising in, what a serious position this ferch that this uncanny communication Commerce The course on British institu a great extent, has prevented them from
converted my fears of a world-war, tions will include war has placed us.
Burvey of English asset of our rate, and that spirit should certainty, he replied that is certainly existing political institutions, central The spirit of our people in the greatest which were already strong, into absoluto Constitutional history, and a study of The wide will explains be encouraged by telling them the truth. looked like that. But perhaps France and and local
range of choico ferman successes are published nearly Russia would reconsider the matter. In among subsidiary every bour. Our temporary reveress any case the Berbs deserved a Icasch itself, but it may be added that the course should be published as well in detail. In which they would remember. This was in methods of statistics given Hitherto that way we should wake up that national the first intimation that I had received spirit which should be utilised now about the Kaiser's discussions with our There is no sign of any wavering in the Allies, I knew Dr. Helfferich's parti grim determination of the public. Stocks cularly intimate relations with the per are not running down; pacifists for the ages who were sure to be initiated, and monent are silent recruiting is going on
I knew that his communication was trust admirably since the first news of the
worthy, reverse, and more particularly in that
to
only in the Faculty of Commerce, has eto students subsequently proved of real use engaged in administrative employments, and that Professor
brings and yard:
law the wide the teaching of experience derived from his Trade Boards and Munition to of comment. Tas new degree is the There is this further to be said by way
outcome of an alliance between the De-
00
babics were born in 1910 than in before Verdun. But even if the Frenca announcement that this has met with the section of the public that for the moment Halbach, one of whose directors I then partient of Philosophy in the Faculty of
› compared with a decrease of ten per cent. in England and Wales. The infantile death-rate in Germany had been well
op down, but it is 30 per cent, higher than in England and Wales. The high death-rate led to a large extension of infant welfare work, in which voluntary societies played an active part, but tho movement is becoming more and more. municipal The infant mortality rate in Germany in 1913 was 151 per 1,000, com
pared with 109 in England and Wales The rates in 1011 for Prussia, Saxony and Bavaria were, respectively, 164, 173,
were forced back to the Loire, and the British had to dig themselves in with their backs to the Channel it would not settle this business; for Britain still holda command of the sea, Recognising that, the British nation is standing fast
There is a determination stronger than
ever before to wage the war till the Huo is beaten and his military power-the cause of all the awful tragedy-is broken for ever. I am anxious to put this con-
what has happened during the last fort crete fact upon record that, in spite of night and of anything that may happen in the immediate future, there has never
was holding aloof van d
formed Herr Krupp von Bohlen and After my return from Berlin I in.
cordial approval of the various Govern- The shipbuilding question is an illus
was at Essen. Dr. Helfferich had given Arts, the Department of History in the ments concerned, and also of the Comtration of wrong havermesi had made intention was to make him a director of merce. It involves a special
me permission, and at that time the samo feculty, and the Faculty of Com secrecy If the Government manders-in-Chief of the French, British, public the reason why the output of Krupps Herr von Bohlen seemed dis of courses, but the specialisation is not grouping and American Armies, sught to prevent shipbuilding was reduced by about 40 nusion of such information, and he made a the programme consists in its bearing turbed that Dr. Heliferich was in possess narrow one. The gasential unity, of the possibility of misconception as to powerful force of public opinion would remark to the effect that the Government throughout on the interaction of the in-
cent in January and February, the all-
what it really means General Foch will have removed the cause...
people can never keep their mouths shut. dividual and society, and while it will. that be bad himself been with the Kaiser can professions, its general spiria wil He then told me the following. He said leave room for the acquisition of the ** CANNOT BE BEATEN.!!
technical knowledge for If the sorge came to the worst the British could get back to the sea, and spoken to him also of his conversation be liberal and humane deising to the assistance of the Allies and had described the matter ag so secret took care not to agree upon the text of with the powerful Republic of the West with the Austrians, and of its result; but that he (Krupp) would not even have the cause of liberty, justice, and civili-dated to inform his own directors. As the ultimatuto. For I have already
action. Before undertaking fee every will be on credit for bere however I already know, he could tell shown that the contents of the ultimatums me that Helfferich's statements were ac
were pretty accurately known in Ger- curate. Indeed Helfierich aeemed to a Herr Krupp van Bahlen, with firepared as an empire to sacrifice every know more details, than he did. He said whom I spoke about these German de- It our allies and for our very existence as man and every shilling in the cause
that the situation was really very seri clarations which, at any rate in their an sopire. Nothing in the war has been us. The Kaiser had told him that he effect, were lies--was also by no means
simply co-ordinate the strategy noces. I can never be beaten in this wear sary for the conduct of operations. It by no means implies that Sir Douglas Haig, for instance, takes a secondary place, But with the Germans driving their full
British it is obviously necessary to have weight Against both the French and absolutely perfect co-operation without the smallest chance of delay arising.
tion we could hold the seas. But
and 193 per 1,000, An abnormal increase been a moment when the determination is like having a number of partners in a more soul-stirring than the prompt sap would declare war immediately if Russiaedified For, as he said, Germany ought in infant mortality during the fret of this country was more solid or more business, and an arrangement by which, port of the French reserves to us on the mobilized, and that this time people not, in such a tremendous affair, to here
months of the war is shown by the fact that in Prussia in the third quarter of 1014 the rate rose from 128 to 143 can reach you many things can and will consent has the right to give promptly it is time for every man and woman in indecision had, he said, been almost Kaiser and of our Allies, that the Aus Saxony from 10 to 242, and in Bavaria from 170 to 230. The records in England
united to fight on and win. We have stern ordeal to face; before this lettet appen that must try us to the core as a nation; but we in England mean to
make good" so far as the German is
concerned, and we will fight to the last
in the event of a difference or dificulty western front when No were hard inising, there is one who, by comtion Pressada no time for recrimin
This is no time for recriminations, but the country to do all that in them lies to support the Government in their efforts to increase the men and munitions and all up the gaps that have been caused in this great attack.
the final decision. Any attempt to stir up trouble on a point of precedence or antional susceptibilities in the present
grave crisis of the war is unpatriotio
and Woles do not show any abnormal mortalityarong infants in the early man and the last shilling. That is the and disloyal. General Foch is, course the service of the State. While we regard tent of the ultimatum as simply mon took, we ought not to give ourselves to
months of the war.
the man who helped to set the Gem man thrust against Paris at the com macement of the war, and he has since
soldier. Z
Han cannot die a nobler death than in
would see that he did not turn about given a blank cheque to a State lika The Kaiser's repeated insistence that this Austria; and it was the duty of the lead- time nobody would be able to accuse him ing statesmen to demand, both of the comie in its effect trian claims and the ultimatum to Serbia Un the very day indicated to me by should be discussed in minute detail and Helfferich the Austrian ultimatum to definitely decided upon, and also that Serbia appeared. At this time I was we should decide upon the precise pro again in Berlin, and I told Helfferich gramma of our further proceedings. He that I regarded the tone and con said that, whatever point of view one true interpretation of national feeling
those who have been lost with that re that the note only had that ring in the ed out in advance, One ought to have strous. Dr. Helfferich, however, said eventualities which had not been reckon- and national sentiment to day. I find
spect and affection which we cannot German, translation. He had on the connected appropriate conditions with everywhere opinion is unanimous about then added to his great reputation as a express in words, we tender our beartfelt ultimatum in French, and. in French it Bohlon regarded the German denial of cur obligations. In short, Herr von sympathy to those relatives who have lost really could not be regarded as overdone that, and there is no call that the Govern
all they loved best on earth.
On this occasion Helfferich also said to previous knowledge, if there was any The time for words has passed. Deeds
me that the Kaiser bad gone on his trace of truth in it, as on offence against the elementary principles of diplomacy- greatest of all battles is in progress rally to the support of for Suvest had not arranged the cruise on the usual in this sense to Herr von Jagow, then If it were not for the fact that the area that count now. Let the country Northern cruise only as a blind bond be told me that he intended to ancak tention would be riveted upon the dis- authorities with the same fortitude, self extensive scale but was remaining close Foreign Secretary, who was a special- tives have entailed through the substantial By all accounts the heavy German closurch of Prince: Lickhowsky, the late sacrife, and good comradeship that have at hand and keeping in constant touch friend of his reduction in the importation of cotton. attack and consequent withdrawal of the German Ambassador in London, The been shown throughout the war by the Now one must simply wait and see what
account of the incidents which happened officers and men of the Fleet, the air, the would happen. The Austrians, who, of As a result of this conversation Herr immediately before August, 1014, which Army and our Allies, are frogs et course, did not expect the ultimatum te von Bohlen told me that Herr voth Jagate tated the unemployment of 47,000 impetus to recruiting in the United he wrote for private purposes (but which We have a hard time to go through yet, I be accepted were really acting rapidly had nothing to do with the text of the
has become publice property) completely but I am confident that we shall win
before the other Powers could and time Austro-Hungarian ultimatum, and that disposes of the German contention that
to interfere The Deutsche Bank had Germany had never made any such de already made its arrangements, so as ic the war ie one of aggression in which
THE COTTON TRADE,
LONDON, May 17th
In the House of Commons, Sir Albortment can make that will not be responded Stanley paid a tribute to the sacrifces to without question or demur. Lancashire cotton employers and opera VEE CALL FOR MORE MEN.
The most careful measures had
Deces
PRINCE LICHNOW KEY
the country played the part of villain
WORTH DYING FOR "
Allied forces has given a tremendous
operatives, but steps were taken to avert States among British born subjects. The distress by a fund whereby over £1,000,000 surprising if other parts of the Empire of the piece. The remarkable thing is same holds good of Canada; and it will
bo prepared for all eventualities. For mands. In reply to the objection that was raised. The necessity for Govero-do not also respond with men, and more that not only did the German GovernA correspondent sends to the Daily Tele gold which came in. That could easily replied that he, as a diplomatist, had example, it was no longer paying out the this was inconceivable, Herr von Jagan ment control of the whole of Egyptian men. Mr. Lloyd George's message to the Europe, but they betrayed their own given to him by a lady who is doing very the amount day by day reached consider was occupying himself with the matter ment betray the cause of peace in graph this moving little story which was be done without attracting notice, and naturally thought of making such a de- mand. When, however Herr von Jagow cotton was emphasised by the great Dominions asking for recruits simply Ambasador in London. The Prince, important war work in Loudonably sums uncertainty regarding the price, which was bound to arise owing to a fall in the croplates what is well-known in military cat's-paw of the military elique in his mo a few days ago by a wounded Tommymatum to Serbia the German Govern committed himself, that it was too late
well-meaning mat was merely the Rather a beautiful thing was paid to immediately after the Vienna alti and was called in, the Kaisor had and the reduction of available shipping circles that we shall have to have an own country who sent him here in order I was looking at a bit of Kensingtan meat issued declarations to the effect that matic custom, are there was nothing more
for any procedit, according to diplo transport The Government was anxious immensely augmented Army before we
wild to throw dust in the eyes of the British Palace. to secure a fair price to the grower and
Government He was quite honest in daffodile and violet crocuses in flower without Germany's previous knowledge is would have been imposable to inter- of Austria Hungary had acted all alone, to be done. The situation was such that a reasonable price to the Allies and can hope to settle the job in hand. The attempting with Sir Edward Grey to under some trees just breaking into leaf; When one attempted to reconcile these vens with drafting proposals. In the
defection of Russia has given the Ger- prevent war, but Berlin meant war, and terribly beautiful as it all appeared to declaration, with the events mentioned end, he Jagow) bad thought that non continuance of this control during the mana a very great superiority in fighting A well-known literary man said the other looking ales aid, That's worth without inviting the co-operation of his be made in Petersburg and Paris with they sold him without shame or remorse me at the moment! Iding by me that the Kaiser had tied himself down name the good impression which could
above, the only posible explanation was interference would have ita advantages critical period of reconstruction after the units, and it will be some time before the day that there is nothing in-all history living for isn't it? And he replied Government, and that, in the converende German declaration that Germany United States can take a big part in to compare with this for baseness; and worth a hundred sonneta tidns with the Austrians, the Germans had not co-operated in the preparation of
think that few will disagree with his
spinner.
Sir Albert Stanley foreshadowed a
war.
(Continued on page 7.)
(Continued at foot of next column)
statement.HE.
garden; thousandə
boy was
that the soldier boy
realised
Yes, mica, or dying for!
to me is
and poeme, however lovely."
(Continued at foot of next columns)
the Vienne ltimatum.
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