1916-12-23 — Page 1

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Closing. Quotations :-—- T.T. London 2a, 4948.

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The Hongkong Telegraph

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(ESTABLISHED

1881)

Copyright 1916, by the Proprietor.

December 23, 1916.

7545 日九十月一十

Temperature 6 am. 62 Humidity

2 p.23.

$8

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23,

1916.

TELEGRAMS

[Reuter's Service to The "Telegraph."]

THE AMERICAN PEACE NOTE.

ENGLISH PRESS SURPRISED AND PAINED,

INCREASED PRO-GERMAN ACTIVITY IN THE STATES.

December 22, 6.20 a.m.

Sarprise and pain, rather than indignation, are the sentiments expressed in the English newspapers at President Wilson's Note. They do not doubt President Wilson's sincerity in attempting to be impartial towards belligerenta, but they are astonished at his placing Germany on a par with the Allies as regards the objects of war. The utterances of Lincoln and Seward at the time of the Civil War, regarding permanent pesce and intervention, are generally recalled' as the best model of the Allies' attitude now.

The opinion is expressed that President Wilson is taking soundings, and will withdraw when he finds the water too deep, and await a more favourable opportunity.

Has America Been Approached by Germany?

December 22, 7:00 s.m.

It is pointed out that President Wilson's Note arrived in London on Monday before Mr. Lloyd George's speech wis delivered. It was de-coded on Tuesday and delivered to the Foreign Offics on Wednesday. Therefore, it must have been conceived bafore Dr. von Bethmsen Hollwag delivered his speech.

There are various surmises as to the motives of President Wilson's course at the present juncture. It is pointed out that pro-German activity in America has increased since his re-election, and that there has been a strong agitation in the United States in favour of an embargo on food exports. It is possible that President. Wilson has received special information from the Garman Govara- ment, indicating the extent to which it is prepared to go in the -direction of reparation, restitution and guarantees.

U.S. Neutrality Maintained.

December 22, 1.35 & m. According to Realer's correspondent at Washington, lats in the day, Mr. Lansing, after a conference with President Wilson, immed another statement, designed, as he asid; to make clear, beyond all question, that there had been no oh nge in the policy of the neutrality of the United Sixtes." -

The Official World Surprised

December 22, 1.33 p.m. According to Realer's correspondent at Washington, President Wilson's Note has surprised the official world. None of the Ambassadora apparently had any idea of the intention of Mr. Lanning, who, in the course of a statement, enid :-"We are mindful of our own rights in despatching the Note. These are becoming more and more involved by the belligerente, and we are entitled to know what each balligerent seeks in order to regulate our future oondnot," It was only decided to send the Note on December 18.

PARLIAMENT PROROGUED.

The King's Message.

December 22, 3.20 p.m. Parliament has been prorogued until February 7.

*.

December 22, 3.20 p.m. His Majesty the King, in his prorogation speech, esid :--- "Throughout the months that have elapsed since I last addressed you, my Navy and Army, in conjunction with those of our faithful Allies, have, by unceasing vigilanos and indomitable valour, justified the high trust I have placed in them. I am confident that, however long the struggle, their efforts will be supported by the inflexible determination of all my subjects throughout the Empire, and will finally achieve a victorious consummation of those aims for which we entered the war. My Government has been re- constructed with the sole object of furthering those sims, which are unaltered and unimpaired.

aura

"The vigorous prosecution of the war must be our single endeavour until we have vindicated the rights so ruthlessly violated by our enemise and established the security of Europe on a foundation. In this sacred cause I am assured of the united support of all my peoples, and I pray Almighty God to give us Bis blessing.

M

His Majesty thanked the House of Commons for the unstinted liberality with which it continued to provide for the burdene of the

War.

BRITISH SUCCESS IN EGYPT.

El Arish Recaptured After Two Years.

December 22, 3.20 p.m. An official message from Egypt says:-We have occupied" El Arish sfior it had been two years in the enemy's hands. The enemy intended a stubborn resistance and had constructed a strong entrenched position at Ma Said, covering Et Arish. The rapidity of our advance, however, completely upset his calculations and. forestalled the arrival of the enemy's reinforcemente,

The enemy abandoned the position on the night of December 19 and retreated east and south-east.

The re-ospture of El Arish is a serious blow to the Turks,

THE BALKAN struggle.

Droember 22, 4.35

p.m.

A French communique reports lively artillery activity north | of Monastir,

TELEGRAMS.

(Beater's Service to The Telegraph.”]

THE WESTERN FRONT.

Lively Artlilery Activity,

December 22, 486 pm.

A French communique reports lively artillery sotiity in the Louvemont district,

J

(In the event of telegrama arriving too late for insertion on This page they will be found an so Extra).

EARLIER TELEGRAMS.

THE PEACE QUESTION.

French Approval of Mr. Lloyd George's Sprech. D.tember 20, 255 p.m.

The French Press cordially approves of Mr. Lloyd George's speech and does not doubt that the Allied reply will be in the same spirit...

The German comments hitherto received have been of moderate tone.

Their newspapers remark that at present, at any rate, there appears a great gulf between the British and German standpoints. They assert regarding reparation by Germany that she was not responsible for the war, has not broken international laws and is undefeated.

An American View.

December 20, 2.55 p.č.

A Washington message states that the speech is construed as leaving the door open for negotiations. Count Bernstorf is credited with the remark: "That sounds as if they would not refuse to talk peace."

German officials expect Dr. von Bethmann Hollweg to confidentially communicate peace terms to the British Gov- crument.

What Germany Wants.

December 21, 1 10 p.m.

The Frankfurter Zeitung," in an inspired article, in- dicates that Germany desires a reduction of Britain'■ naval A supremacy, a rearrangement of continental Europe on the basis of the present war pouition, and colonial settlement satisfying the German ambitions for expansion.

Mr. Bonar Law on Misplaced Trust.

December 22, 12.45 ®.m.

In the House of Commons, Mr. Bonar Law, following Sir J. Simon, said the nation was suffering terrible, agony because it had trusted Germany. He asked could a promise of peace be more binding than a treaty to protect the neu- trality of Belgium. What would be the position peace were settled on the German basis of their victorious army? The dangers and miseries from which the world was suffering were only curable by making the Germans realise that frightfulness does not pay and militarism is a bad rule. We were fighting for security for peace in the coming time. The war would have been fought vainly unless it ensured that no single man or group of men would be able to plunge the world into the miseries of war.

President Wilson's Note,

December 22, 253 x.m. President Wilson, in his Note, suggested that the belligerent should arow their desires with regard to arrangements for s guarantee against future war. He feels it his duty and right to point out his interest in the conclusion of the war. The situation of the neutral nations is now exceedingly hard to endure and will be rendered altogether intolerable. He submits that the authoritative spokesmen of either eide have not avow- ed the precise objects which if stained will satisfy them. The world is left to conjecture what definite results would accure from an actual exchange of guarantees. Political or terri- Lorial changes, or readjustments of the stage of military su cous even would end the war. Be speculates on the possibility of the belligerents' terms not being so irreconcilable as feared, and states that an interchange of views would clear the way for a conference.

American Stock Markels Weakened."

D mosber 22, 3.40 a.m. President Wilson's note and the statement by Mr. Lansing that the United States is on the verge of war has weakened the stock markets. The total sales are throo million shares, which is the largest since the North Pacific corner in 1901. Cotton is practically demoralised. Wheat alone hardened in the afternoon, on reports of enormous exporta,

German-Americans Jubilant.

u.cember 22, 4.30 ■.m. According to Renter's correspondent at New York, Teutonic sympathisers in the German-American Press are most jubilant at President Wilson's note, which they hail as a great victory for Count Bernstorff, who has been conducting a vigoreas peace propaganda.

Some of the leading newspapers assert that the Presi- dent's action is inopportune' and unfortunate. Others, wel come the suggestion of peace and hope that he will induce the European statesmen to define their sims and terms.

The "Tribune" regrets that President Wilson, who did not protest against the violation of Belgium, has practically endorsed the German peace manguvre.

The "Herald' slatos that suspicion is aroused that the, President's action will militate against his object.'

The "New York World" states that President Wilson's suggestions cannot be ignored. They represent the sentiment of the majority of Americans.

The Sun" states that the most momentous feature of the note is the change in the bistorical attitude of the United.? Statos towards foreign affairs.

<

December 23, 1915,

Température fam.. Humidity

$4 2 p.m. 61 $8

X90 9=+=+*#* SINGLE COPY 10 CENTI.

TELEGRAMS

[Renter's Service to The "Telegraph.“)

SIR HUGH DALY HONOURED.

December 20, 1.10 p.m.

The King has received Sir Hugh Daly and invested him. with the insignia of Knight Commander of the Star of India.

LATEST SINKINGS.

D-ombst 20, 1.10 p.m.

The latest sinkings are:-The steamers Ason (Spanish) and Sjofna (Norwegian), the sailing ships Joergen Larsen (Danish) and Niord (Swedish),

INDIAN Q ESTIONS.

December 20, 8.10 p.m..

In the House of Commons, Mr. Brookes suggested in- creased taxation in India.

Mr. Chamberlain pointed out that additional taxation had already been imposed.

In reply to Mr. Rees, Mr. Chamberlain stated that the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council made very important suggestions regarding the protraction of Indian litigation, which the Bay was considering, He, Mr. Chamberlain; was fully alive to the need of a reformed procedure.

Mr. Nield drew attention to the permission given to the diamond merebants, Leon Menasche, to trade in India and to visit Ceylon.

Mr. Chamberlain replied that he was not in a position to state definitely the reason of the decision, but he under- Blood that the members of the firm, although Turkish sub- jects, were Jews of Spanish origin, and refugees from Antwerp. He was informed that they were entirely pro-Ally. Apart from their nationality he gathered that nothing was known to their disadvantage in India.

ON THE WESTERN FRONT.

Violent Bombardment.

December 22, 12 30 a.m.

A Paris communique slates -

The enemy violently bombarded the sector Louvement- Vaux, and we replied.

In the course of other artillery work we destroyed gaz apparatus between Berry-au-bac and Rheims.

British Hold Trencher.

Dopember 22; 1:35 am. General Sir Douglas Haig reports:-

A strong raiding party last night approached us opposite Lens. Some entered our trenches, but were promptly ejected. We successfully 'raided trenches south-westward :of Armentieres.

The raid northward of Arras, reported on Wednesday, yielded to prisoners.

Aeroplanes dropped a ton of explosives on points of military importance behind the enemy's lines.

ITALIAN CONVENT

SCHOOL.

$36 1ER ANNUM,

EXPORTING DOLLARS.

Prosecutions at the Police Court,

Before Mr. J. R Wood, at the Police Court this morning, A Obiones was charged-with- endeavouring la export 300 Hongkong silver dollars without a pamit

A detective stated that he found the man going on the Haibong with the money done up in a bucket.

His Worship coufiscated the money, and if sted a fine of 81. Another man was charged with exporting $50, sud his Worship confiscated the money and in fated a $1⋅fde.

Hia. Worship: notices up-?

Aro there

The Detective:-I believe there are in the Ukineré pspera.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES.

On Banday, Christmas: Ers, carola will be song at the evening service at St. John's Cathedral, at 5.45 p.m., und alter thin serving there will be a short service of preparation for the Christmas Communion,

Ohristmas Day thers will be velabratimos of the Holy Com munion at 6.45 a.m., 7.45 a.m. and as moon. Mating will he atë 11 m., "when the Bashop of Victoria will be the preschat.

There will be Holy Communion st the Peak Church on Christmas Day at 8 a.m.

DON'T FORGET.

TO-DAY. "Kismet-Performanos at the Theatre Royal; 9 p.m.

Victoria Theatre—9.15 p.m. Bijou Thestro-9.15 p.m. New Hongkong Cinematograph

on enquiry, I found to be actually-8.15 p.m. the case, ris,that the girls are encouraged to read in their spare sime." I would congratulate the

TO-MORROW. Victoria Theatre~9.15 p.m. Bijou Theatre 9.10 p.m. New Hongkong Cinemato graph.-9.15 p.m.

Tuesday, December 28. Hongkong Winter “Bialoy."

Mr. Ralphs' Address to Scholars. Sisters on their action in fostering the reading habit among you, for acquaintance with good books will not only enlarge your Mr. E. Balpha, Inspector of views but aford you many English Schools, presented the happy hours, and you will find awards at the Italian Convent as you grow alder that you will you the qualities which go to School yesterday.

often turn with affection to the make obedient and detiful girls

tion to

In the course of an address to books you read and enjoyed in who shall in time grow up the scholars, Mr. Ralphs said:-your earlier years. Speaking of to be virtoons women, leading On my visits to the school I have composition, reminds me that is useful lives and masking the world been struck with the happiness of one of the papere written for me better and happier. Several of the pupils, and their devo by a pupil whom I see present you have just received first aid their work; in this morning, were these words:~ certificates from the St. John the lowest clasei particular. "I'm sorry I am a girl; if I were Ambulance Association: it will ly the tiny children seemed a boy I should be allowed to play interest you to know that the quite happy and too interested in football, then, I am only a girl" mottoes of the Order of St. John their occupations to think of be-Laughter). Yesterday, looking of Jerusalem, under which that ing troublesome or restisse. Great at a newspaper from England, Order works, are" For the Faith" attention is very properly given I happened to see at the and "In the service of Ormanity.”

to the education of the young bead of a paragraph the No words san bitter describa ihm children, with results that are words, " Admiral Jellico's Advice traditions of your school than apparent in the Upper School, to Girls," and so I naturally pro- these which I have jast gnoled, You are to be congratulated upon oseded to find out what his advice and there traditions I trust you the improvement which has taken would be. The paragraph stated will all ever strive to live up to. plaos in the teaching of domestic that a short time ago the Lord Through the centuries, men economy. The old system of Mayor of London paid a visit to and women of the Order ́ hava learning by beart a series of the Grand Fleet, and remember kept these mottoes before them paragraphs which you recited ing that he would shortly after their guiding star, and never quite correctly, but, I am afraid, wards go to distribute prísse at a in the history of Christendom kun with little understanding, Girls' School, he asked the Ad- there been a greater need for the has been abolished, and after miral for a meage which he exercise of these virtass than now the lessons given to you by might convey to the girls. The and in the coming years. On your mistresses and Dr. Koch, Admiral said:-Tell the girls to you, who are just growing up, will you were able to pass a difficult live up to the best traditions of rest the great responsibility and · examination both practical and their school, just as we are trying the great privilege of proving theoretical in First Aid; the to live up to the best traditions that the work of the Italian Con- Examiner, Surgeon General of the Navy," This sobool, vent has not been. In vain. Hoskyn, B.N., reporting that the #cbool of the Italian both intelligence and osps Convent, to which you

A great English statesman, in a oity were displayed by those belang, bas great traditions for eagerly, all over the world said, all speech which is to-day being read- whom he examined. I am glad to you to live up to. It fosters above that it is not what a nation gaine know that the work already done all things righteous life, a life which makes it great, butwaakik in this direction is now being devoted to the servios of olbers, gives. To you, much bas hoon supplemented by lewone in home You girls have before you the given, but if you would be great, paring given to you by Dr. noble example of the Sisters, who you must give much, not in Koch, and farther to learn that have devoted themselves to your money, but in serviós-serving this very useful subject is popa-welfare. They teach you, and your fellow-crestares, giv Iar in the school and appreciated teach you very successfully, the to the i ffl ated, and comfort by your parents, 2

vations subjects in which I ex. sorrowing. This your

In my report, referring to Com-amine you on my visits to the the. Iwlian Convent fra position in Cines I, I wrote:-obool, but there is soms king and, this the “The work was of a very high far nobler and far more importans yo order, and gave evidence of what, which they labour to Impact's