1918-09-12 — Page 1

EXCHANGE 1

Clasing Quotations; TT, London 36/7JZA

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The Hongkong Telegraph

WEATHER FORECAST:

FINE

Barometer 29.77

Temperature 6 BIL.

(ESTABLISHED 1881)

Copyright 1918,

September 12, 1918,

Temperature

2 p.m. *88

September

1917,

Haridity

58

Humiditys

8045

日八初月八

THURSDAY,

SEPTEMBER 12,

1918.

四拜诗 號二月九英港香

REUTER'S TELEGRAMS,

EARLIER TELEGRAMS.

REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.

THE COMING BATTLE.

'SLIGHT SLACKENING IN ALLIES' ATTACKS.

FRENCH TROOPS MAKE MORE HEADWAY,

Paris, September 10.

A Havas massage states:-The Allies' progression is slackening se they approach the Hindenburg Ling, but a recrudescence of the battle seems imminent, „An artillery doel is already raging. · It is more and more doubtful if the Germans possess efficient numbers to avoid a farther retreat.

Our Lise Advanced.

London, September 10,

Writing this evening, Beuter's correspondent at British Hand- quarters says:--In the Epehy Wood region, our advanced guarda

THE ENEMY PEACE OFFENSIVE.

A Changed Spirit in ‘“Barlin.

London, September 11. The events on the Western Front are beginning to reset in Germany, as anticipated. The Pan-Germana are again receding into the background and mach space is given by the Press to utterances like those of Baron Barian and Count Czernin. Significant of the immineros of a panca offensive are the rumours of changes in the Government, each as that Dr. Solf will succeed Count Hertling, with Herr Esberger, the author of the Reichstag peace resolation of 1917 and the Socialist, Bert Scheidmann, as colleagues.

The British Prees, commenting on the above evidences of s change of spirit in Berlin, emphasises that Germany must expect to Be jodged by deeds and not by words. There can be no peace while the outrageous Treaties of Breetlitovsk and Bakharest remsip.

Austrian Emperor in the Background.

London, September 10,

A telegram from Vienns says the Austrian press, commenting attacked enemy outposts this morning, forced the enemy into on Count Czernin's remarkable article favoaring arbitration and rearguard Eghting and advanced the line. A captured Order showe general disarmament, states that the article is inspired by Emperor ost clearly that the direction of military movementa has lately left Karl. Moreover, Count Czernin will soon be Premier or Foreign mach to be desired. It is admitted that many serious blocks sud Secretary, delays have resulted from our attacks.

Inclement weather impeded serial notivity. "In one day's recent fighting we dropped nine big bombs and 722 smaller bombs and fired 44,350 rounds into battery positions, machine-gun emplacë- ments etc. We destroyed two enemy balloons and crashed or drove down sixteen seroplanes,

French Still Progressing.

London, September 10.

Renter's correspondent at French Headquarters, writing this afternoon, says Despite the hindrance caused by wind and rainstorme resterday, further considerable progress was made between St. Quentin and the Oise. We are closing in on "Euigny. Le Grand village, the enemy toughly resisting the line from Essigny- le-Grand to Hinancourt.

r.

Farther south, our patrols are progressing without serious opposition in the direction of Traveoy and will be in touch with the Hindenburg positions on the bank of the Oises-Ambre canal.

South of the Ailette, the enemy'e artillery sad machine-gon resiance is becoming steadily heavier.

Outflanking St. Quentin.

London, September 11.

A Paris semi-official message says:-Traveo is on the right bank of the Gies, three kilometres north of La Fere and the same distance east of Fort Lies, while Hinancourt is between Clastres and Moy.

J

We are outflanking 8. Quentin from the south and threatening to take the St. Gobain mountain mass in reverse, having recovered the excellent position which we occupied prior to the German offensives in the beginning of the year. Bad weather is hampering operations on a great ecele, especially aviation.

The Latest French Advance.

ACTIVITY ON THE ITALIAN FRONT.

45

London, September 11.

An Italian communique says: In the Dosso Cassino region, northwards of Maltissimo, repeated attempted, hostile attacks failed under our fire. The enemy offered sensible losses. We carried out s raid in the Alano basin. Northward of Grapps and also on the Middle Piave there have been most active artillerying and reconnoîte ing. We exploded a large enemy camp at Zagnatorta.

NEW DUTCH CABINET.

Conservative and Roman Catholic,

London, September 2. A message from the Esgue says the new Datch Cabinet is Conservative and Roman-Catholic.

Some of its Members.

London, September 10.

A manage from the Hague says the new Cabinet includes the ex-Premier, M. Heemskerck as Minister of Justice, and M. Van policy the Premier, assisted by a high offisial to be appointed later, Ysselsteyn as Minister of Labour. In the interest of homogenity of will deal with questions sffecting policy which do not require the direct decisions of the whole Cabinet.

INDIAN OFFICER'S INITIATIVE.

Award of Distinguised Conduct Medal. ́ ́

London, September 11.

The Gazette sooounces that the Distinguished Conduct Medal bee been awarded to Havildar Kishen Singh, of the Hongkong. . London, September 11.

Singapore Garrison Artillery. When the officer of his section was A French commanique aaya--Between the Samme and the wounded, he took his place and though subsequently alightly Olee our troops progressed, despite sharp resistant. We advanced wounded himself performed the duties thoroughly capably. His a fine example and greatly heyond Hinscourt and repulsed a counter.attack dehonching from cheerfulness and efficiency were Essigny le Grand, Fighting occurred along the St. Quentin-La- contributed to the success of the action. Fere Road. We occupy Traveoy village. South of the Oise we ——-braw back several connier attecke in the region of Laffaux.

GONE TO GERMAN HEADQUARTERS.

Daring August in the day-time 209 tone of bom be were dropped on objectives on the battlefielde between the Somme and the Aisne, while night-bombers attacking railway stations and communications dropped 302 tons. Two hundred and eighty enemy seroplanes Staff have gone

· were brought down. Sixty-six enemy balloons were destroyed.

AMERICAN LABOUR:

With the Allies Heart and Soul.

London, September 10,

Mr. Gompers and members of the American Labour Mission were entertained to luncheon at the Savoy. -

Mr. Gompera, referring to America's delayed entry into the war, said President Wilson's wisdom theresnent far outbalanced all » else! Three weeks before the President's "historic indictment in March, 1917, against Germen Militariem, the American Labour leaders met sad unanimously pledged their united and devoted support in peace or war. Mr. Gompers claimed that this epoch- making decision infoenced President Wilson's sabarquent action. Amidet rousing cheers he declared:-"Men and women of our Allied Democracy, we are with you in this fight to the finish. We will give all our man-power, all the wealth and make every ascrifice in order to secure a triumphant ending",

Paria

U. S. WAR SECRETARY IN PARIS.

London, September 11, Baker, the American 8-cretary of War, has arrived in

FRENCH DEPUTY SUCCUMBS TO WOUNDS.

Paris, September 10. The Deputy for Meins and Loire, M. Geston Dumesnil, died owing to wounde yesterday.

THE SIBERIAN CAMPAIGN.

French Comment on Japan's Aid.

Paris, September 10. HATAI meassge says:-In the Petit Journal, M. Gerard, former French Ambaænder, at Tokyo, brings out with straight, forwardness and cleernem Japan's attitude in all her agreements, notably with China concerning intervention at Vladivostok. He pays homage to the high valour of Generale Kirugnotant and Makoochi and the Japanes diplomatic and technical delegaten. He Frenkitu chat Ramin baying ber roots in Asia the Entente's schon

n the But is the best means to render Basis to the Russians.

Amsterdam, September 11

A Berlin message saya that Admiral Scheer and the Naal Wer 10 stay permanently at the Germs | Main Headquarters.

EGYPTIAN COTTON CROP.

London, September 11

A Daito mereage says the condition of the cotton crop in Lower Egypt is 99 per cent. and Upper Egypt 102 per cent. of normal, Damage by colton worm is practicalis nii, while the pink and common boll-worm attack is only moderate. The crop is promising well

"!

EARLIER TELEGRAMS.

NAVAL AIR RAIDS.

London, Sept. 10.

The Admiralty reporta: The Royal Air Force, co-operat ing with the Navy from 1st to 7th September, attacked submarine shelters and workshops at Bruges on four occa sions and obtained direct hits. They also attacked. Ostend docks and a coastal motor-boat depot at Blankenberge with good results. Large fires were started. Day bombers drop- ped fourteen tons of bombs. One machine has not returned. In air fighting ten hostile machines were brought down and nine driven down uncontrollable, Three British machines are missing....

"GERMANY AND HER COLONIES.

London, Sept. 10,5 - Commenting on the Pan-German propaganda for a great. German Empire in Central Africa the "New York Times". says: "Knowing Germany's cruelties to the natives and her military exploitation of her colonies, knowing what a do- tectable neighbour and sower, of sedition she is, knowing that her occupation of African ports and sea routes would be a permanent danger to peace, is the restoration of the German colonies likely to commend itself to the free world?”

GERMAN EVASION.

Amsterdam, Sept. 10 The German reply to the British publication of the names of German submarine Commanders confines itself to vague references to inaccuracies, the only specific inaccuracy, mentioned being the wrong description of raak of some of the men. Otherwise the reply takes refuge behind the plea. that nothing further can be said without revealing important It concludes with the usual warning against

•

á

THE BATTLES IN FRANCE. -

Operations on the British Front.

London, Sept. 10. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig reports: The enemy launched a second counter-attack against our new positions westward of Gouzeaucourt which was completely repulsed. Our line was advanced during the night southward of Havrin- court. We also progressed north-eastward of Neuve Chapella and westward and northward of Armentieres

Field. Marshal Sir Douglas. Haig reports: Except for- local fighting at Epeay and Gouzeaucourt sectore, where we secured prisoners, there is nothing to report on the battle- front south of the Scarpe. On the Lys front we slightly progressed north-eastward of Neuve Chapelle and westward of Armentieres. Storms. continue.

- Pursuing the Enemy,

Loodon, Sept. 10. Beuter's correspondent at British Headquarters, wiring today, says: "The British front is now liquid in the literal sense. However we are pursuing the enemy across a fairly high rolling country in most places and, although the artificially flooded area south of the Scarpe and the southern fringe of the ald Somme battle-field is so bad sa to be largely im- passable yet between these limits the going is still feasible if uncomfortably sloppy.

." On the French Front,

London, Sept. 10.

A French communiqué states: East of Crozat Canal we captured Gibercourt and advanced in the direction of Henan-- court and Essigny-le-Grand South of the Ailette we beat back two counter-attacks in the-region of Nantheuil-la-Fosse." - Enemy raids in Argonne and Vosges were repulsed

A Cermaa Report. *

Loudon, Sept. 10.

A wireless German official message says: The enemy. J captured minor trench-sections northward of Mercken and north-eastward of Ypres. An enemy thrust against Gouzeau- court and Epehy was repulsed. There is great artillerying between the "Allette and the Aisne, where violent and oft repeated enemy attacks broke down

Our Brave Warriors Praised,

London, Sept. 10.

Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig has issued a special Order of the Day to the troops in France: "A month has now passed since the British armies, after successfully with- :standing all the enemy's attacks, önce more took the offen- sive in their tora. In that short space of time,, by a series of brilliant and skilfully executed actions, our troops have repeatedly defeated the same German armies whose vastly superior numbers compelled our retreat last Spring. Wast happened on the British front happened also, on the front of our Allies: Less than six months after the launching of the great German offensive, designed to cut the Allied front in two, the Allied, armies are everywhere to-day advancing victoriously side by side over the same battle-fields whereon by the courage and steadfastness of their defence they broke the enemy's assaults. Yet more has Been done. Already we have pressed beyond the old battle lines of 1917 and made a wide breach in the enemy's strongest defences. .In this glorious accomplishment all ranks of all arms" and services of the British armies in France have bomo their part in a most worthy and honourable manner. The capture of 75,000 prisoners and 750 guns in four weeks' fighting speaking for the magnitude of your effort and the magni- ficence of your achievement. My thanks are due to all ranks of the fighting forces for their indomitable spirit in defence and boldness in attack, to all Commanders and their staff "officers under, whose able direction such great, resulta bave been attained, and to all those whose unsparing labours, behind the actual fighting line have contributod essentially to our common success. To have commanded this splendid army, which in a time of grave crisis has so nobly done its duty, fills we with pride. We have passed through many dark days together. Please God these never will return. The enemy has now spent his effort and I rely confidently on each one of you to turn to full advantage the opportunity which your skill, courage and resolution have created,

The Situation at Lens

Paris, Sept. 10. There are still 800 nests of machine guns hidden in Lens. The floods west of Cambrai are four feet deep and are hem- pering the tanks, Laon is now under fire by the French guns. --

ENEMY PACIFIST UTTERANCES.

Amsterdam, Sept: 10.

Barum Burian in a strongly pacifist speech to German journalists visiting Vienna contended that the belligerenta" efforts to attain their respective war aims did not justify the huge sacrifices still necessary therefor. He suggested that the adversaries should provide an opportunity for a calm exchange of views. He believed some sort of direct and informative discussion was possible which would in powise be peace negotiations. He exhorted the pressmen to cultivate this view,

Writing in the "Neue Freie Presse" Count Ozernin declares that the British are convinced that peace is im- possible. as long as Germany is unwilling to substitute arbitration for force. The League of Nations which the Entente. statesmen contemplate is intended to ensure Entente prodominance, therefore it is inacceptable. But se the idea of a League of Nations is ripening he concludes that declaring war as a political weapon must be combated.

RED TERRORISM IN RUSSIA:

London; Sept. 19.

A Russian wireless message sunounces a further thirty- five executions comprising White Guard officers, five of the late Tsar's ex-Ministers, including M. Khostoff and M. Pro- topopoff, and the priest Vostorgot

BRITISH DESTROYER LOST

Admiralty, announces that wank on 8th Sept at the result of a coll

Were go

SINGLE COPY 10 OFF TS.

136 PER SANNOMS

TELEGRAMS.

(Reuter's Servica to the "Talagraph.")

THE SILVER MARKET.

London, Sept. 10

The silver market is quist,

FROM TUNGCHOW

TO PEKING.

Opening of a Notable New Roxd.

The Peking correspondent of the N.. Daily News wåting on Sept. 2, yg

China has to learn most of her. lessons in the herd school of ex perience. Recurring disasters had to be experienced before attention was drawn to the urgenor for national conservancy and even yet the subject has not been dealt with in its larger - aspect, Laat autumn'e fiɔods in Chibli have resulted in considers. tion being given to the conser vaney of the metropolitan pro visce, but the most noteworthy contribution to the needs of Obibli ia the construction of a modern macadamised highway. from the ancient part of Tang chow to the capital itself, which it is hoped will in time form part of the road so long contemplated for connecting Tientsin and" Peking.

In these two respects, improved conservancy and the new road, the calamity of last year may now be viewed as a blessing in disguise. It will be remembered that when the Red Cross had to devise moans. of relieving the suffering of the flood victime it was wisely decided to expend the swailable funds by employing the refugees apon the construction of this highway. The Chinese Government and the American Red Cross Sxiety between them bore the causal construction which amounted to $200,000, each paying half." The old Ima perial stone highway was torn up and a macadamised strip 15ft: wide with stone causewaYS ON each side was relaid.

This work is now completed, and the formal inspection of the new road took place on Saturday after... noon when Mr. Heinng Hei-ling,. director of Ficod Relief in Chihli, secompanied by other Chinese officials and Mr. McMarrar, American Charge d'Affairs, Mr. Roger Greene, of the Rockefeller Foundation, and others travelled over the roadway in motor care doing the 13 miles in a little More than balf

hour. Speeches wore made in which satisfaction was expressed at the result of the joint efforts. which provided such a practical roadway 18 one of the usin approsobes to the ospital besides rendering useful help in their time of dire distress to the thou sands of victims of last year's floods. The maintenance of the road will be undertaken by the authorities of the metropolitan district.

-Pity the Operator.

Is China, says the Launceston Courier of Tasmanis, when the subscriber rings up exchange the operator may be expected to ask. What number does the honourable son of the moon and elsta desire ?”: “ Hbhi two thres" Silence. Then the exchange resumes, “ will the honourable person graciously for give the inadequsoy of an in- significantservice, and permitthia bambled elave of the wire to inform him that the never-ic-b guinsiently concured line: basy? How we have misjudg the poor operLVOT.

DON'T FORGET.