1919-02-14 — Page 5

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH, 1910.

IS GERMANY HELPLESS?

KING'S PLEA FOR "A BETTER BRITAIN.”

GOVERNMENT MEETS BRITISH MINERS' DEMANDS.

AMERICA VOTES 269 MILLION DOLLARS FOR NAVAL CONSTRUCTION.

LATEST L'ABLES THROUGH REVTER'S 40KNEY.]

THE GOVERNMENT'S BUSINESS.

The third cause involved a number of social conditions, including bad and insufficient housing, and restrictions on luxuries and amusementa. It was the PREMIER MAKES AN IMPORTANT | Government's business to remove these

THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.

SPEECH

Lospon, February 11th,

The Preuzer delivered a important speech in the House of Commons this

afternoon me time youts of the debate m

1 Address, whack ኔቶ ቱኒ Boved and

seconded by Colonel Kir Rhys Williams Cornmunder Deant,

D.8,0.. and Lieut

V... respectively.

Mr W Adamson, the hateman of the Labour Party, expressed his satisfaction at that passage of the King's speech, heralding against poverty, memploy ment, zundenpunte be using FLIRI other

media alls.

REPORTS OF COMMISSIONS BUR

The Premer said, in the course of the speech, (several portions of wireh had not

eone to head at the time of going to

A hoped very [). Ch

shartly to get il reports of the Allied Commis- sions on the Responsibility for the War and for Breaches of Laws of War,

THE INDEMNITY QUESTION.

As regards the indemnity be im posed on enemy countries, the Premier assured the House that no part of that question had been lost sight of. It was being dealt with by an Allied Committee and the Government would act on its re port. (Cheers.)

PEACE TREATY AND THE PARLIAMENT.

The Peace Treaty would undoubtedly be submitted to Parliament for ratifica- tion, but, previously, the British repre bentatives at the Peace Conference must

follow the same course as tits representa-

|

rievances.

HOURS OF LABOUR AGREED UPON,

In trades affecting three million work ers agreements had been already reached un regards the hours of labour,

The Government would welcome

in-

vestigation into the whole of the causes of hidustrial unrest, and was prepared to submit certain suggestions which could be discussed on the Amendment to the Address.

IMMEDIATE GOVERNMENT ACTION.

The present Parliament was irrevocably plodged to deal with the causes of unrest, and the Government was immediately introducing Bills concerning housing, health, the development of transport, evival of rural life, land settlement of soldiers and others, reclumation, and afforestation.

ONE WAY OF MAKING UNEMPLOYMENT.

Proceeding, the Premier elaborated the argument that increased cost, are inevit ably passed on to another industry, even- tually reaching the stage at which in dustry was crushed and spelling unem- ployment for someone. Every soction of the community should remember thie when making new demands. Reducing hours, while maintaining wage was one way of making unemployment. (Cheere and cries of dissent.)

EARLIER CABLES.

THE KING'S SPEECH. THE NEED FOR BUILDING "A BETTER BRITAIN."

LONDON, February 11th. After pointing out that the struggle tive of the other countries, and provision of German tyranny with European free

ally sign the Treaty.

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS,

The progress of the League of Nations had been exceedingly satisfactory. There was a genuine feeling in favour of the League, especially amongst the small nations, who felt they would be very helpless without the protection which tho League could afford them in future.

GENERAL AGREEMENT.

The draft had not yet been completed, but as far as he was informed, all the represcutatives of the great and small Powers were completely agreed, up to the present. Only a few unimportant points

remained.

The House would be glad that an experiment full of hope for the future would be tried with the full nssent of

dom had ended with the defeat of Ger- many, and that a new era had dawned, His Majesty said that, in order to reap the

fuli fraibe of victory, and to safeguard the peace of the world, adequate army must be maintained in the field, and proposals in this connection would be sumbitted to the House.

INDIAN CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM.

"I trust that the reports of the Calm- mittees enquiring into mattera connected with Indian Constitutional Reform will be received in time to enable a Bill be the subject to be presented in the course of the Session.

THE POSITION IN IRELAND. "The position in Ireland cavec me grave anxiety, but I earnestly hope that the conditions will soon sufficiently in prove to make possible a durable selile. ment of this difficult problem."

FURTHER EXPENDITURE,

His Majesty said that the House of Commone would be asked to make further financial provision to meet war charges and for re-construction.

THE PEOPLE'S SOCIAL ASPIRATIONS,

+

Addressing both Houses, His Majesty said: --"The aspirations for a better social order which have been quickened in the hearts of my people by the experience of wor must be encouraged by prompt and comprehensive action.

REMEDIABLE ILLS.

"Before the war, poverty, unemploy ment, inadequate housing and many re- mediablo ills existed in our load, and these were aggravated by disunion, but since the outbreak of war every Party and overy class has worked and fought

of this common aim, they have shown a together for a great ideal. In pursuit

spirit of unity and self-sacrifice which has exalted the nation and enabled it to play its full part in winning victory.

THE WAR SPIRIT IN PRACE. "The ravages of war and the wastage of war have not yet, however, been re paired; if we are to repair these losses and build a better Britain, we must con- tinue to manifest the same spirit.

THE STANDARD TU SET OURSELVES.

HOW TO ACHIEVE THIS END.

LATEST CAULKN AMERICA'S NAVY. VIGOROUS DISCUSSION IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

WASHINGTON, February 11th. The House of Representatives voled 209 million dollar for the completion of the first Naval Building Programme authorised in 1010,

& debate on the new Naval Programme na precipitated by an attempt of the Ietnocratic leaders to add a new three year programme to the present Nava! Appropriations specific appropriations for the purpose. Bill without making

Several Republicans vigorously attack- ed the measure, Mr. Currie declaring that as both the President and the nation knew that a war with Great Britain was not within the realm of hewan possibi lities, he could not understand why the Government elwould ask for second to none.

Navy

Other Republicans

expressed the opinion that the President. urged the programie in order to gain power at the Peace Table.

raised by n Republican leader against The House sustained the point of order authorising construction for which no appropriation was made.

Then Mr. Patigett, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, intro duced an amendment providing for pro- visionat appropriation so that building could be authorised.

↑

THE BRITISH NAVY ADMIRAL JELLICUE'S IMPORTANT BOOK.

LONDON, February 11th. Admiral Jellicoe has published a book; dealing with the activities of the British Navy during the war. One third of the book is devoted to the Battle of Jutland.

The French Prese dwell on the danger of a rapid Allied demobilisation, while

Arms. the Germans still have millions under

The British stand-point is that the main object of the renewed Armistice and the Treaty of Peace must be 10 deliver Europe from militarism, firstly, by the abolition of conscription. A be ginning must be made with Germany. should be compulsorily reduced, at once, It is suggested that the kierman Army

to its future peace footing, in order tu nable the Allies to carry out, rapidly,

their own demobilisation.

ה!!!

ohy

The

B

to

The yeturti

of Alsace-Lorraine France, without the re-establishment of the 2814 frontier, would mean an intoler able addition of restrictions

BELGJIM'S CLAIMS,

LONDON, February 11th.

A entang manligt frest Paris, dated February 11th, stats

Th

pep reactitudi vra. (if the great Powers heard the statement of Belgium's claime

The Lengbe

Nations Commis

Jsion. after discussion. referred to the drafting Commitee a number of suggest- ed amendments to the draft

EARLIER CABLES.

BRITISH AIR SERVICE.

The Americans are in favour of leny ing the Germans to dispose of their man- power, for the present, as they choose. while insisting on the surrender of such military advisera think necessary. a proportion of war material

bound by the original Armistice terms American view is that the Allies are

THREE NEW APPOINTMENTS. and that the basis of the Convention

Lonnes. February 11th. should not be widened by the inclusion The Press Burcot states : of new demanda.

Major General Trenchard has been Both the French and the British official | appointed Chief of the Air Staff, is that there is no actual danger | Brigadier General Sk Controller of the renewal of hostilities by the Ger

in uniform, but their fitness and dis mans, who, doubtless, have three million tonel

General of fivil Aviation, and Major-

cipline are doubtful.

Ellington. Director Cieneral of Aireraft Production and Research.

View

On the other hand, the French Press generally declines to believe that Ger- many is reduced to helphusness, aná points to the tone of the speeches at Weimar as an indication of future dan ger from seventy million Germians, cager to renew their attempt to destroy France,

LATEST CABLES.

GERMANY. LAST SPARTACIST OUTBREAK EXPLAINED.

LONDON, February 11th,

"We must stop at no sacrifice of in. terest or prejudice to stamp out unmerit.

A German message states: --- ed poverty, diminish unemployment,

The outbreak in Berlin, on February mitigate its sufferings, provide decent In summing up the lessons of the 8th, was only partly of a Spartacist homes, improve the nation's health and Battle, Adoniral Jellicoe dwells on the character. It originated in an attempt reise the standard of well-being through-danger involved in leaving too much to to clear the thoroughfares, where traffick out the community.

chance in Fleet action, because our Fleeting of Army property, mostly stolen, had is the one and only factor vital to the become a nuisance. It was also intended "We shall not achieve this end by existence of the Empire, as indeed to the to raid the coining mints. due tenderness towards acknowledged Allied cause. We have no reserve outside

Unexpectedly strong resistance musi abuses, and it must necessarily be retard the Battle-Fleet which could in any way pelled the troops to summon reinforce ed by violence or even disturbance. We replace it in the event of disaster, or ments, with whose aid order was restored

by evening. shall succeed only by patient and uneven should its margin of superiority be the legislation and adininistrative action tiring resolution in carrying through eliminated.”

Moreover, Admiral Jellicoe knew that which is required. It is that resolute his ships were inadequately protected action which I now ask you to support.

with armour compared with the German vessels of the battle-cruiser type, while

A LARGE NUMBER OF MEASURES.

very efficient

A large number of measures affecting the German Fleet at Jutland was far the social and economic well-being of the better off in destroyers, in addition to nation awaits your consideration, and their possession of a it is of the utmost importance that their provisions should be examined, and, if possible, agreed upon and carried into effect with all expedition.

armour-piercing shell.

When the Battle-Fleets approached, there was a difference in reckoning be tween the British Battle-Fleet and the CHANGES IN PARLIAMENTAKY PROCEDURE, Battle-Cruiser Squadrons, due to the With this object in view, Government Batter being engaged for several hours bere of the House of Commons to certain course. will invite the consideration of the mendje shaving repeatedly altered their

an proposals for the simplification of the Honce, instead of the enemy being en- procedure of the House, which, it is hoped, puntored right ahead, ho appeared on will enable delaye to be avoided, and the starboard bow, give Members an increasing opportunity of taking an effective part in the work of legislation "

CORDIALITY AT THE CONFERENCE Referring to the Allied Conference in Paris, His Majesty emphasised the cor- diality, goodwill, and absence of dis agreement marking the discussions, and would soon be signed. he trusted that the preliminaries of peace

SOME OF THE NOW MEADURES. His Majesty then announced Billa for the creation of a Ministry of Health, and a Ministry of Ways and Communica tiona; alap measures, for effecting a speedy and large increase of housing ac ommodation; for fulfilling pledges given

The remainder of the message was not received up to the time of going to prese.]

THE ARMISTICE

GERMANS SHOWING THEIR

HAND.

PALLIS, February 11th. At yesterday's sitting of the Supreme Council, M. Klotz stated that the Ger-

STATE OF SIEGE AT KIEL. A state of seige was proclaimed at Kiel on February 7th, in consequence of the continuance of Spartacist disorders. GOVERNMENT TROOPS IN

BREMEN

COPENHAGEN, February 11th. Government troops entered Bremen without any resistance.

BRITISH LABOUR UNREST

GOVERNMENT'S REPLY TO THE

MINERS.

Londos, February 11th The Government's reply to the miners" demands Jus been issued.

With regard to the demand for a six- hour day, the reply states that, while the GovernDent sympathizes with the desire of the workers for an improved standard of life, it must, in considering the increases in the cost of production in trades whose products form the staple of other rupations, think also of the consequeners situation.

the general trade

A COMMITTEE TO BE APPOINTED.

It therefore proposes that a strong re presentative Committee, on which the miners will be represented, shall enquire into this matter, also into the following other matters, viz., the cost of produc tion and distribution of coul; selling prices and profits; and the question whe- ther coal-mining should be continued on the present basis, or under a joint con- troi, or be nationalised.

WAR BONUS INCREASED BY A

SHILLING.

With regard to the demand for in- creased wages, the Government is will- ing to add to the present war-bonus & shilling per day, which is equal to the A wine-sweeping flotilla has occupied rise in prices, since January last year, Bremerhaven.

ing the leader of the Soviet.

Eighty persons were arrested, includ

SPARTACISM NOT WANTED.

COLOGNE, February 11th. Professional classes at Eberfeeld and Barmen have agreed to strike if either town is threatened with an outbreak of Spartacism.

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS. IMPORTANT QUESTIONS DIS. CUSSED,

Panie, Webruary 6th.

A Havas message states:- The League of Nations' Committee met to discuss the draft Covenant, which embodies the best points in the American, French and British schemes, the prin

He rejoiced that the Conference meant to accept the principle of the League of Nations, for progress in that direction to the Trade Unions; for the preventionmans had hitherto handed over only an cipal subject being compulsory arbitra-

of unfair competition by the sale of iminsignificant number of the title-deeds tion for the prevention of war. ported goods below their selling price seized in the invaded territories, and had

along could save mankind from Boourge of war.

ANGLO-AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP.

the

Alloding to President Wilson's visit to all the nations represented at the Peaco England, he said that the enthusiastic Conference. (Cheers).

welcome President Wilson had received was an earnest of the increasing under- standing with which, His Majesty trust- Dealing with Labour unreat, he declared, the United States and Great Britain ed that if it continued, the consequences would not together in the future.

BRITISH LABOUR KRIST,

to industry in the country would bo grave, and if certain designs harboured by some men in this country had over a remoto prospect of success, thene was no more serious matter for the House im mediately to cover itaolf with.

DOMB OF THE CAUSEH

Some of the causes of unrest legitimate; some were not.

wore

TRIBOTH TO DOMINION STATESMEN.

The French Delegates are particularly

in the country of origin, and for increas refused to consider measures for the interested in the question of what put without which any, considerable per-Allied subjects in Germany. ing the industrial and agricultural out restitution of sequestrated property of manent betterment of national conditions cannot be effected.

Other demands in connection with wages will be referred to the afore-mentioned Committee.

The Government asks the miners to regard this reply as a clear indication of its intention to meet them in every possible way.

DEMANDS OF DEMOBILISED MINERS.

In connection with the demands of demobilized miners, the Government states that these must obviously be con- sidered in relation to the general ques- tion of demobilization. It is the Govern- ment's considered view that it is impos- sible to give demobilized minors differ ent terms from those of other demobilized workers.

AMERICAN LABOUR UNREST

GENERAL STRIKE OFF.

SEATTLE, February 10th. measures nations suddenly attacked shall The general strike has been officially bave the right to take in self-defenec.

called off. Fifty-four alien agitators Ho anid that the question of the An interesting feature of the Commit were sent to New York for deportation. blockade bad been raised by the state too's proceedings is the fact that several BUILDING TRADE STRIKE OFF ment of Admiral Hope that the Germans useful suggestions have been made by Proposals will also be made for en had not handed over submarines and the Japances Delegates, expressing

New Yons, February 10th. The threatened general strike of build. couraging land settlement, particularly merchantmen, the surrender of which great desire to co-operate in bringing aing trade operatives did not take place. for ex-Service men, for providing uit had been demanded by the last Armis harmonious plan before the full Con able men with necessary agricultural

ENCOURAGEMENT OF LAND BETTLEMENT.

His Majesty proceeded:"For the last training, for enabling them to stock and tice Convention, and the feeding of Gor. feronce. Representatives of Italy and.

many could not be arranged unless her Grocco are expected to fall into agree Mercantile Marine is placed at the disment almost immediately.

few months, the Imperial War Cabinet has been in continuous session. My coun. pola in regard to war and external affairs have been strengthened and enlightened by the presence of the leading Ministors of my self-governing Dominions and my Indian Empire.

THE BOHINJORS BACRIFICED..

Varest was "The inspiring snorifices and the in- due, firstly, to tho struju of the war on valuable services rendered by the peoples the nerves of the workers who had work of the Dominions and of India during cd long hours during the war; but this the war have won for them un important plaes in the counsels of the world, and was a vanishing cause.

it has been a sourds of esponial satisfae tion to me that their title to represents tion has been fully recognised as the

The second cause was the genuine fear of unemployment wiriuh only those who

had suffered from knew the terror of,

Paris Conferoned.

equip their holdings, and for the re- clamation of land and promotion of com. prehensive afforestation.

posal of the Allies,

A Commission of eight members, TUR KING'S ARDENT DESIRE His Majesty, concluding, said:" Fin-

cluding Lord Robert Cecil and Major. ally, I recommend to your garuest co-bon appointed to study the problema General Thwaites for Grést. Britain, has sideration

our Industrial probloans. may be more generally shared through That the gifts of lolaure and prosperity

comiccted with the Armistico, out the community, is my ardent desiro.

EARLIER CABLES.

RENEWAL OF HOSTILITIES DISCUSSED.

THE PEOPLE'S DUTY. "It. in your duty, while frmly main taining scoarily for property and person, of existing unrest, and I earnestly ap to spare no effort in healing the crusion

to you to do all in your, power to present is not thint of the Longue of Na

PAR18, February 10th. The vital question with the French at harmonious, spirit in our national and Lions, but the torms of the removal of revive and foster a happlor and more Industrial life,

tha Arziistico.

THE PEACE CONFERENCE. -FRANOR'S FUTURE BOUNDARIES.

Panis, February 6th. A Havne meatgo alaton":- The most important point involved refors to the French territorial claims to the thine which they consider the most exodlent frontier for Alsace, on the dhet,

VOTES FOR AMERICAN WOMEN.

AMENDMENT REJECTED BY THE SENATE.

WASHINGTON, February 10th.. The amendment to the Federal. Con- stitution, granting: women auftrage, hina again been rejected by the Senate,

THE SILVER MARKET.

Messra Muningu'n & Co'n port. stain→→

A considerable current of opinion in

domand, including the Barro Valley and though change may our at any diplomatis and parliamentary circles is that the frontier of 1914 should bo

these are, economically; necessary for itsont owing to reduced freights from

The price of silver is unchanged, coalfold. Apart from bistorical riglite,

Franpo

Americn.