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CRUISER SQUADRON ATTACKED…
CRUISER SQUADRON ATTACKED BY GERMANS. ENEMY'S SUBMARINE I SUNK. NO DAMAGE TO BRITISH SHIPS. There has been an action in the North Sea. The following official statement Was issued by the Secretary of the Admiralty at one o'clock on Monday morning: One of the cruiser squadrons of the main Beet was attacked yesterday by German submarines. None of his Majesty's ships waa damaged, and one of the enemy's submarines, U 15, Was sunk. Though little is known about the German submarines, it is believed that the r 15 was one of the most important of the fleet. She carried a crew of twelve, and was built in 1911-12. She had a displacement of 350 tons on the surface and of 300 beneath the water. Her motive power was heavy oil, and the horse-power a bove the water was 450 and beneath 150. Her speed on the sur- face was thirteen knots, and below water eight knots. She was fitted with three tor- pedo tubes. DISTINCTION FOR BIRMINGHAM. I The following message from Mr. Chur- chill, addressed to the Lord Mayor, was re- ceived in Birmingham on Monday evening: Birmingham will learn with pride that the first German submarine destroyed in the wat was sunk by his Majesty's ship Birmin;-ham.-Fir6t lord of the Ad- miralty. In the absence of the Lord Mayor, the Deputy Lord Mayor (Alderman Bowater) replied: On behalf of the citizens of Birmingham I thank you for the intimation that his Maje-i:y's ship Birmingham has so distin- guished herself. The Birmingham is a cruiser which wa3 completed this year, the people of the city making a presentation of plate to her o fif cers- oiffcers' mess. She displaces 5.440 tons. and is armed with nine 9in. and four 3-pounder guns. According to the August Navy List, she is commanded by Captain Arthur M. Duff. —— ——
FIRST BRITISH LOSS.
FIRST BRITISH LOSS. H.M.S. AMPHION SUNK BY GERMAN MINE. PAYMASTER AND 130 MEN LOST. I The first mishap to the British Navy in the war was announced by the Admiralty on Thursday night, as follows :— H.M.S. Amphion sank this morning after striking mine. Paymaster Joseph T. Gedge and 130 men lost. Captain and 16 ofifcers and 135 men saved. The Secretary of the Admiralty issued the following statement early on Friday morn- ing :— In the course of reconnoitring after the mine-layer Nonigin Luise was sunk this (Wed- nesday) morning, the Amphion struck a mine and foundered. The fore part of the ship was shattered by explosion, and practically all the loss to the crew ensued from this cause. All not killed by the explosion were taken --cl)-l os i on were talen off by the destroyers' boats before she sank. Paymaster Grdge and over one hundred men were killed. The captain, 16 oiffcers, and 135 men were saved. Twenty German prisoners of war, who were confined in the fore part of the ship, were killed in addition. On Thursday morning the Admiralty had issued a warning to shipping, indicating that the German mine-laying vessel, before she was sunk by the Third Flotilla, to which the Am- phion was attached, laid a line of mines from Aldeburgh Ridge, near Orfordness, on the Suffolk coast, to a point forty miles east of Orfordness. Captain Cecil H. Fox was in command of the Amphion, which was a light cruiser. She was the leader of the Third Destroyer Flotilla, and only on Wednesday took part with the flotilla in the engagement with the mine-layer Kcenigin Luise, which was sent to the bottom. She was a new ship of 3,440 tons displace- ment and twenty-five and a half knots speed, armed with ten 4-inch guns. FIRST LORD AND MINELATING. I On Friday the First Lord of the Ad- miralty made a statement to the House of Commons with regard to the loss of H.M.S. Amphion. Mr. Churchill said that on Wednesday a flotilla of destroyers was pat- rolling in the approaches to the Channel and found a German mine-laying ship, the Konigin Luise. They pursued her Tl ank her. About fifty members of the crew— which, he was informed, probably numbered 120 or 1:30-were humanely saved by the flotilla. The Amphion continued scouting work with the flotilla, and on her return was blown up by a mine. The greater num- ber of the officers and men were rescued by the boats, but nearly 130 persons wera killed outright by the explosion, in addi- tion to twenty prisoners. After noting that the indiscriminate scattering of contact mines, not in connec- tion with military harbours or strategic positions, was new in warfare and de- served to be attentively considered, "not only by us who are engaged in war and may naturally be prone to hasty judgment, but by the nations of the civilised world," Mr. Chtuchili said the Admiralty were not at all alarmed or disconcerted by such an incident. They had expected a certain number of such events, and should continue to do so. rl I* to do so. Their arrangements provided for reducing them to the lowest minimum possible. RRITISH STEAMERS MINED. I The British Consul-General at Antwerp has reported to the Admiralty that the Lon- don oil tanker San Wilfridc, of 6,458 tens, has been destroyed by mines in the River Elbe off Cuxhaven. The San Wilfrido bè- longed to the Eagle Oil Transport Com- pany, Limited. The Leith steamer Craigforth, 2,900 tons, has been beached at Buvukdere. about twelve miles from Constantinople, after striking a mine, one of a line laid down in the Dardanelles by the Turkish Government. I
GERMANS ROUTED. I
GERMANS ROUTED. I BRILLIANT FRENCH VICTORY IN ALSACE. ENTHUSIASM OF TROOPS AND I PEOPLE. France is once more back in Ateacs. French troops have won a sin8.1 victory 3ycr the Germans and have taken and occu- pied the town,3 of Altkirch and Mulhausen, tvhile tii 3 routed Germans have been driven sack to their base at Neu-Brisach. ?l It Neu- P ri-ac h The official statement issued by the French Minister of War, and published in 5he '"Li lly Telegraph," givas th6 following flowing account of the victory of the French r:is:— It W., on Friday at nightfall that the French rigade reached Altkirch. The city NetS df: > nded by three strong outworks and Olir troops attacked with magnificent irdour. Notably an infantry regiment, in i fierce charge, carried the German en- trenchments. Once more our bayonet attacks put the Germans to flight. It has beon tho same since the beginning of the campaign. Though the second line of de- fence might Estill have held out, the Ger- mans abandoned it. They also evacuated the city. A Dragoon regiment pursued the Germans towards Wailieim, keeping closely on their heels, and inflicting severe losses. The colonel and seven officers of the French regiment were wounded. The Germans escaped, thanks to the darkness. A CITY OF JOY. Our troops then entered Altkirch, and re- ceived from this ancient Alsatian city an enthusiastic welcome. All the windows were thrown open, and old men who had seen the war of 1870 embraced our soldiers. The city rang with shouts of joy. The frontier posts, which had been torn up, were carried in triumph. At dawn on Saturday our van- guard brigade advanced. The cavalry, which had expected to meet with the Ger- man advance posts, did not find them. It has been decided to advance with the whole brigade on Mulhausen. In the after- noon our scouts approached the outworks protecting the city. They found that they had been abandoned. At five o'clock our columns entered Mulhausen. The inhabi- tants cam out to meet them, and greeted with cries of triumph the French flag. In less than an hour Mulhausen was com- pletely occupied. Our cavalry, passing through the city at a gallop, pursued thf. German rearguard, while our advance guard took up its position on the north of Mulhausen. It would be premature to-day to estimate the possible consequences of this first suc- cess. Whit should be remembered is that a French brigade has routed a German brigade, which it attacked in its trenches. ROUTED BY THE BAYONET. I "Rout" is the only suitable word, for at our bayonet charge the Germans took to their heels. The French losses are not ex- cessive, considering the result of the fight. Our troops pressed home their attack with extraordinary vigour. The occupation of Mulhausen, a great industrial and intellec- tual centie of Alsace, with its 100,000 in- habitants, will ring throughout the whole of Alsace—indeed, one might say, throughout the whole of Europe. Altkirch is seventeen kilometres from Mulhausen, and eighteen from the French frontier. Our troops have thus advanced nearly twenty-five miles into Alsace. The Germans have retreated in the direction of Neu Brieaaeh. The whole of Alsace has risen against them, and this will add greatly to the diffi- cult-ies of their peti tion. General Joffre has issued a proclama- tion to the people of Alsace, in which he says: "Children of Abace. After forty-four years of cruel wa-iting French soldiers tread once more your noble soil. They are the first artiifcers of the great, work of revenge. Imagine the noble pride which swells their breast." The correspondent of the "Daily News" in Paris says that official telegrams record the enthusiasm of the Alsatians, who tore up frontier posts, tore down German ad- ministration signs, and cheered the soldiers, who knelt and kissed, the reconquered ground. Official news says that only advance guards of the French and Germans were engaged in the affair at Altkirch. The French losses did not exceed 100. —— ——
GERMANS IN LIEGE.
GERMANS IN LIEGE. TOWN OCCUPIED BUT FORTS STILL INTACT. INVADERS HELD IN CHECK. I On Friday night the Germans entered Liege and effected the peaceable occupation of the town. The ring of forts surrounding the city is still intact, so that the Germans are held in check. They have sustained enormous losses during a week's desperate fighting, and the heroic resistance offered by the Belgians has upset their plan of campaign, which was undoubtedly to enter France by means of the Belgian railways before the French army were prepared. The correspondent of the "Daily News" at Brussels says that the Germans in Liege have taken up their abode in the university, schools, and other public buildings, and do no intrude into private dwellings. They are conducting themselves in everv way well, and are paying for everything they want in the few shops that are js-till open. They naturally pay in German money. The communication with Liege is so easy (says the correspondent) that some Brussels citizens, having left the capital on Saturday afternoon, were able to return home before midnight, having freely mixed at Liege both with the inhabitants and the in- vaders. 'There is reason to belie /e that the Genu a a transport is deficient. Not only the soldiers who have occupied Liege, but also the prisoners who were taken iu the open country to the North, have all demanded food. They say they fought for a day and a night without food. SHORT OF FOOD AND AMMUNITION. I Telegraphing from Brussels, the "Daily Chronicle" correspondent, Mr. H. M. Dono- hoe, says:—The morale of the Prussians was entirely broken. Towards the end of the general attack the men, despite the threats and exhortations of their surviving officers, would no longer return to face the Belgian fire Casualties amongst the German officers seem to have been considerable, and this added to the general demoralisation. The attackers also ran short of rifle ammunition. On the dead and wounded Germans the Belgians found empty cartridge caies. Sorre of the German wounded begged piteously for food and water, declaring truthfully that they had had no food for two days. One prisoner said that the German army had been rushed to the front without wait- ing for supplies. This furnishes abundant proof that the German army was not ready, and that the supply department has hope- lessly collapsed under the strain. Once more has German Imperial impulsiveness outrun discretion, with disastrous consequences for the Prussian army autocrat, who foolishly counted on the twin weapons of terror and surprise to break and overcome Belgian I resistance. ENORMOUS GERMAN LOSSES. I 25,000 KILLED AND WOUNDED IN I ASSAULT ON LIEGE. BELGIAN'S SPLENDID TRIUMPH. j The German lossei in the attack on Liege are said to be 25,000 in killed and wounded.. The Belgians captured twenty-seven guns. Describing the fighting, Mr. J. M. N. Jef- fries, the "Mail" correspondent, says the Ger- mans tried reckless tactics and sacrificed hun- dreds of men in column frontal attacks on the forts. So savage were their assaults that the survivors of the attacking columns climbed up the glacis (smooth slope without cover) and reached the trenches. General Leman, the Belgian commandant, however, had forseen this and placed guns in such a fashion as to sweep the glacis. The men who did reach the trenches were simply "wiped out." BATTALIONS BLOWN UP. The attack on Liege continued all night. The 10th German Army Corps, reinforced by cavalry, took part in a night attack. It crossed the mined zones. The mines exploded and killed whol e battalions. Some 1,200 wounded Germans were picked up on the battlefield. During the night eight Uhlan offioers passed between two of the forts and got into the town. They succeeded in entering the head- quarters of General Leman. A hand-to-haud fight ensued. Captain Manchand was killed in defending General Leman. All the Uhlans were killed. One of the most heroic incidents of the battle (says the correspondent) was when Major de Menten de Home, at the head of a squadron of lancers (from 150 to 200 men) faced 500 Uhlans with galloping machino guns, near Esneux. The major and thirty of his men were killed in the charge. "VIVE L'ANGLETERRE I The latest details concerning the exploit of the patrol of Uhlans (says the "Daily News correspondent) 61iow that the Germans were at first mistaken for a party of Englishmen. They were followed in the streets by a crowd, who raised cries of "Vive l' Angleterre Some Belgian officers who met them, however, recog- nised them as Germans. A desperate fight ensued, and several were killed on each side. A Belgian airman who returned from Liege to Brussels described the German attack on the forts. After a terrible artillery cannon- ade, he says, the infantry approached en masse and reached the glacis of the forts, where the shells of the heavy defensive guns were unable to reach them. General Leman consequently sent artillery to a position from which the in- fantry could be shelled. The Germans were swept from their positions. This occurred several times during the day and the night. The defence of Liege has been magnificent. There has been no panic. GALLANT LITTLE BELGIUM. I "There can be no doubt," Bays the "Chronicle" correspondent, "that the morale of the attacking army corps (7th and 10th) has been seriously shaken by the withering fire of the Belgians. The War Minister speaks with passionate admiration of the wonderful bravery of the Belgian troops. No words can convey any idea of their heroic and gallant resistance. I "Liegé has secured a proud niche in his- torical annals by the side of Plevna and Saragossa. For seventy-two hours 40,000 gall-ant little Belgians have held in check 120,000 Germans and their pouring rain of shells. The dogged defence of the town is of incalculable value to Europe. It has upset Germany's plan of campaign, it has enabled the French army to get into posi- tion. No wonder it has brought enthusiastic messages of delightful praise both from the French and Russian War Ministers. "Liege is a fortified town, and therefore the Germans are within their rights as belligerents in bombarding it after the de- mand for its surrender had been Tefused. "But imagine the horrors going on in this ordinarily peaceful industrial city! Many buildings have been set on fire, shells have burst in the streets and squares, killing many innocent citizens. The University buildings have been burnt. "From all sides comes testimony to the astounding bravery of the Belgian troops. They go forward to attack, singing their national songs, unmoved by the ternble fire of modern weapons. They are good shots and do not waste their ammunition." A BELGIAN ACCOUNT. I Details of the German assault on Liege are given in the Brussels newspapers which have arrived in this country. It is stated that three German army corps were en- gaged-7th, 9th, and 10th. The 10th waa marching towards the River Ourthe west- ward of 11 Spa when it was called back to re- inforce the two army corps attacking Liege. These three corps mustered about 120,000 men in all. The Belgian positions were de- fended by the 3rd Division, reinforced by militia Teeervists and civic guards, a total of 35,000 men, in addition to the garrisons of the fort, who could not, of course, leave their posts. Of the twelve Liege forts six were attacked, as well as the gaps between them. These were the forts situated on the right bank of the Meuse, to the south. TIL-re were seven gaps to defend. During the first night the Germans made their great effort on the gap between the forts of Fleron and Evegnee. The confor- mation of the ground here is particularly suitable to attacking troops. Repulsed in spite of their advantageous position, the Germans used a feint, furiously attacking with the 10th Corps the two southern gaps between the forts of Flemalle and Boncelles and Boncelles and Embourg. It was a regular avalanche bf men. The Belgians had to reinforce their troops defending these two gaps, thus denuding adjacent gaps. While the Germans disposed on an average of 17.000 men per gap the Belgians only had 4,000 to 5,000. The enemy concentrated huge forces against the sector selected for the onslaught, advancing con- tinuously, moving bodies of troops about within the circle of forts, and summoning one detachment from one gap to the help of the forces defending another gap as occasion arose. Some of the Belgian infantry made marches of from twenty-five to thirty miles in the dead of night and had to fight again as soon as they had reached their new posi. tions. The Germans attacked the two southern gaps in force while keeping up the offensive on all the other gaps to prevent the defen- ders from sending succour to the south. It was a terrible fight. Despite their numeri- cal weakness the Belgian troops in the south held firmly. The Germans dashed to the onslaught and were killed in hundreds. The Germans then made a fresh effort against the gap between the forts of Evegnee and Fleron. Simultaneously with their attack on the gap3 the Germans swept forward on their assault of the forts. They could be seen advancing by the moonlight or the steady glare of the searchlights in packed masses towards the glacis, steep slopes covered with barbed wire in front of the moats of the forts. The front rank men had shears to cut the wire. The other men lay on the ground anxiously awaiting for a bridge to be made in order to gain the moat. Sud- denly the turrets of the forts emerged and the guns belched forth a stream of shrapnel, while the infantry lining the fortifications fired continuously. It was particularly the field artillery which did the most execution. All along the glacis the Germans were caught by the fire and blown to fragments. The forts remained in Belgian possession. Things had not gone so well in the gaps be- tween the forts of Fleron and Evegnee. Here the Germans had got through. They got their guns into position and began to bombard the city. In the meantime the Belgians, resuming the offensive, reoccu- pied the gap, but the Germans were in superior force, and after another desperate attack carried the position.
THE KING AND THE GUARDS. I
THE KING AND THE GUARDS. I At noon on Sunday the 2nd Battalion of the Grenadier Guards marched past Buck- ingham Palace in full campaigning order, and the King and Queen and the Prince of Wales watched them go by. They came down to the palace by way of Constitution Hill. There was a great crowd gathered round the' Victoria Memorial waiting to cheer them. 0 In the courtyard of the palace were a number of officers, wives, and relatives of the Guards, with whom the King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family were chatting. When the head of the column reached the palace the King came out to the central gate and stood on the pavement to take the salute. The battalion had its full equipment. Every man carried his campaigning kit, and the column was accompanied by baggage- wagons and field kitchens. After the battalion had passed, the crowd were allowed to press up to the railings, where they remained for some time cheering with the greatest enthusiasm. The King and Queen repeatedly acknowledged their greetings. It is understood that by order of the King and Queen plain simple living is the ordi- nary daily rule at the royal table.
IFRIENDS AND FOES IN ONE GRAVE.…
I FRIENDS AND FOES IN ONE GRAVE. I The first German naval victims of the war have been buried with full honours of war. As the result of the sinking of the Koenigin Luise and the Amphion eight of the sailors brought to Shotley Barracks, four British and four Germans, died. They were buried together on Saturday near Harwich. Three volleys were fired over their graves and a British bugle sounded the stirring notes of the Last Pest above their resting- places. I First in the procession was a firing party from the Ganges, carrying rifles reversed, and then a farm wagon, drawn by two heav^ dray horses, containing eight coffins. four covered by the Union Jack and four by the German ensign. It was a long march in drenching rain through a deserted countryside, but wherever cottages were there stood the in- habitants bareheaded paying a silent equal tribute to the memory of the brave dead of both nations. .—— ——
THE RUSH TO THE COLOURS.I
THE RUSH TO THE COLOURS. I The response to the appeals of the King I and Lord Kitchener for half a million men for the Army is splendid. Everywhere tha recruiting centres are besieged by young men eager to join the colours. The following circular has been issued by Lord Kitchener to the Lords Lieutenant of counties and chairmen of the Territorial Force County Associations: Sir,—In the present grave emergency the War Office looks with the utmost confidence to you for a continuance of the invaluable help which you have given in the past. I therefore desire to invite your co-opera- tion in the work of raising the additional number of Regular troops required at once by the Army. It is intended to enlist as soon as possible lOO;t>oO men, and I would ask you to use your great local influence and that of the Territorial Associations to secure these necessary recruits as soon as possible. The men will be accommodated in camps established at or near the existing Regular depots to which intending recruits may be sent, the camp nearest the place from which they are drawn being selected. No responsi- bility for clothing or equipping the men will devolve upon couity associations; this will be arranged by the military authori- ties. Members of the Territorial Force may be enlisted, provided they fulfil the pre- sc-ibed conditions as to age and physical fitness. Territorial Force units that are at full strength will not recruit additional men until the 100,000 men are provided, but should any of their numbers desire to join the Regular Forces now being raised, their places in the Territorial unit should be filled as soon as possible bv men desirous of joining the Territorial Force only, and not the Regular Army. Territorial units available for foreign service will naturally not be affected by this recruiting of Regular troops. Such is the general outline of the scheme, in the furtherance of which you are desired to co-operate as far as possible. It is not an ordinary appeal from the Army for re- cruits, but the formation of a second Army, and it is hoped that you will be able to assist in getting the men in every way in your power. HITCHENE3. I
CONTROL OF FOOD. I
CONTROL OF FOOD. I MEASURE TO STOP "CORNERING." I In the House of Commons on Saturday Mr. Runciman, President of the Board of Trade, introduced a Bill dealing with the unreasonable withholding of foodstuffs. He explained that the Government had not, so far, seen ground for believing that the procesa of "cornering" was in general application, but there had been cases in many parts of the country which had led to great hardship, especially to the poorer classes. That had been accentuated by the panic and greed better-to-do -people. This panic was over, and he hoped they had seen the last of it. There was bound to be a rise in the prices of foodstuffs in England during the next few weeks, Mr. Runciman went on, and that rise, if reasonable, would also have a salutary effect, becaune it would bring to this country foodstuffs which might other- wise have gone to other markets. Food- stuffs were now coming to this country more freely than could kave been antici- pated a week ago. The Government had come to the conclu- sion that if the Board of Trade were en- dowed with the same powers for requisi- tioning foodstuffs as the naval and military authorities possessed for other purposes it would have a steadying effect upon public apprehension. If it were understood that the powers were only to be used where there was deliberate or unreasonable with- holding of supplies, they had been advised, and it was their opinion, that the present salutary movement of foodstuffs towards tnis country would be in no way checked. The one main clause of the Bill was as follows:— If the Board of Trade are of opinion that any foodstuff is being unreasonably withheld from the market they may, if so authorised by his Majesty's Proclamation generally, or as respects any particular kind of foodstuffs, and in manner pro- vided by the Proclamation, take possession of any supplies of foodstuffs to which the Proclamation relates, paying to the owners of such foodstuffs such prices as may in default of agreement be decided to be reasonable, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, by the arbi- tration of a Judge of the High Court selected by the Lord Chief Justice of Eng- land. The Bill was passed through all its stages in the House.
OUR SUPPLY OF MEAT.I
OUR SUPPLY OF MEAT. I The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries have made special inquiries by their own officers into the supply of meat now in cold storage in the principal centres in England and Wales. As regards chilled and frozen meat, the existing stocks are sufficient to meet the ordinary needs at the normal rate of con- sumption for about six weeks, while there are three to four weeks' supply on passage and due to arrive shortly. As regards home supplies, which represent 30 per cent. of the total consumption, the Board have ascertained from the recently collected agricultural returns that there is a substantial increase in the numbers of live stock as compared with last year.
BREADSTUFFS FOR FIVE MONTHS.
BREADSTUFFS FOR FIVE MONTHS. The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries stated a few days ago that there was in this country sufficient wheat to supply the whole population for about four months. They now announce that they have obtained more complete information, including returns of the stocks of wheat and flour held by about 160 of the principal millers in Great Britain. "On the basis of the figures now avail- able," states the Board, "it may be said with confidence that there is actually in the United Kingdom at the present time, including the home crop now being har- vested, five months' supply of breadstuffs. "This i3 additional to the wheat and flour on passage and due to arrive shortly." The Cabinet has requested the Vice-Presi- dent of the Irish Board of Agriculture to protest in the strongest manner against the raising of the price of butter, bacon, and other food by the Irish creameries as un- necessary and unjustifiable. "Farmers can render assistance to the nation by keeping calm, and as far as possible conserving their supply of food- stuffs, both grain and cattle, and not rush- ing them on to the market for the sake of high prices," says a manifesto by the National Farmers' Union. "Such a policy would be both unpatriotic and short- sighted." The Farmers' Club and the Central and Associated Chambers of Agriculture, through their secretaries, in a joint' letter make a similar appeal to farmers.
FOOD PRICES FIXED.I
FOOD PRICES FIXED. I A new list of maximum retail prices for cash was agreed upon by the Advisory Committee of retail traders at their meet- ing at the Board of Trade on Monday. The list is applicable for three days. The prices of somo goods are lowered, while none is increased, as compared with the first list. NEW LIST. per lb. s. d. Granulated Sugar .i Lump Do. 4i Butter (imported) .1 6 (Other qualities in proportion) Cheese (Colonial) 91 Lard (American) 8 Margarine 10 Bacon, by the Side:— Colonial or Continental .1 2 British .1 3 The prices of sugar, however, are condi- tional upon the supplies being obtainable at the quotations which have been laid before the Government by wholesale merchants. The President of the Board of Trade and the President of the Board of Agriculture had a further meeting on Monday at the Board of Trade with a number of represen- tative millers from various parts of England. After lengthy discussion of the present situation in regard to wheat supplies and Hour prices, the millers' representatives present agreed to appoint a small committee to confer with H.M. Government from time to time. A conference with representatives of the National Federation of Meat Tradera' Associations was also held. w —— ——
|THE IRISH VOLUNTEERS. I
THE IRISH VOLUNTEERS. I WAR OFFICE TO ARRANGE EQUIP- I MENT. In the House of Commons on Monday Mr. John Redmond asked whether there was any truth in the statement which had appeared in the newspapers that English Territorial regiments were about to be sent to Ireland to replace the regiments of Re- gular forces there. Mr. Asquith replied that there was no truth in the statement. The view of Lord Kitchener was that the first necessity was to recruit the 100,000 men he had asked for, and he did not doubt that Ireland would contribute her fair contingent. Subject to that, Lord Kitchener was anxious to lend any -help he could for the organisation and equipment of thE, Irish Volunteers, and the War Office had shown their confidence in the willingness and patriotism of the Irish people to defend their own shores by countermanding the dispatch to Ireland of English Territorials who under the ordi- nary arrangements of mobilisation would havs gone there. Mr. John Redmond asked what steps the Government are going to take in this matter? Would the Prime Minister con- sider the advisability of the War Office, through some proper person, entering into consultation with the authorities of the governing body of the Volunteers in Dublin, ro as to concert some system whereby ad vantage might be taken at once of the situation which had arisen? Mr. Asquith: I know that Lord Kitchener is very anxious to do that. Of course, at the moment there is great difficulty-I do not say it is insuperable—of collecting officers and non-commissioned officers for tho organisation of the 100,000 men of the second army that Lord Kitchener proposes to raise. Subsequent to that--indeed, con- current with it-he will do everything in hi6 power, after consultation with gentle- men in Ireland, to arrange for the full equipment and organisation of the Irish Volunteers.
GERMAN COLiiNY SEIZED.
GERMAN COLiiNY SEIZED. Togoland, a tropical German colony on the West Coast of Africa, has been seized by British and French forces. "Acting on instructions from the Secre- tary of State for the Colonies," says an Admiralty statement, "the British forces in the Gold Coast Colony on Friday seized the Port of Lome in German Togoland on the West Coast of Africa. "No. resistance was offered," adds the Ad- miralty, "and South Togoland up to 120 kilometres north from the coast was simul- taneously surrendered." The new.? of the French action was re- ceived at the French Embassy in London. It was to the effect that a force had entered Togoland from Dahomey, the French colony bordering Togoland on the east. Togoland, which has belonged to Ger- many for some thirty years, has a email coast lino, but inland the territory widens considerably, its total area being 33,000 square miles. Lome, the capital, has a population of 7,000. Latest reports show that Togoland is in a very flourishing condition with revenue well exceeding expenditure. In 1912 its ex- ports of tropical products reached nearly < £ 500.000, while its imports, mostly textile, metals and hardware, reached £ 575,000.
GOVERNMENT PRESS BUREAU. I
GOVERNMENT PRESS BUREAU. I Mr. Churchill announced that the Govern- ment were establishing a Press Bureau, and that Mr. F. E. Smith would be in charge of it. From that bureau a steady stream of trustworthy information would be supplied by both the War Offic-, and the Admiralty. This would be information which could be given to the Press without endangering military or naval interests. It would serve to keep the country properly and truthfully informed from day to day, and would thus exclude the growth of irresponsible rumours. "We owo a very great debt to the Press of this country," Mr. Churchill added. "During the precautionary period, when we had no legal mea is of controlling them, the proprietors and editors combined to take no notice of questions which the Admiralty or War Office did not want referred to. It was due to this that our preparations were expeditiously completed without any undue alarm being caused in the country. We wish to deal with the newspaper Press throughout this war in such a way as to en- able the people to follow what is taking place reasonably and intelligently, and it is by relations of that kind that panic and un- necessary alarm can best be avoided."
NO TRADE WITH THE ENEMY.I
NO TRADE WITH THE ENEMY. I A series of important proclamations were published in a supplement of the "London Gazette," issued at 3.30 on Thursday morning. The two proclamations prohibiting the im- portation into Ireland of military arms and ammunition are now revoked. The other proclamation sets forth the illegality of trading with the enemy, pro- hibits British ships from carrying contra- band between foreign ports, and notify that "British subjects contributing to a loan raised on behalf of the German Emperor or contract- ing with the German Government will be guilty of High 11 Treason as adhering to the King's enemies." It is further notified that the billeting aec. tion of the Army Act is to be put in force in regard to the Territorials.
so..-I PRINCE ON ACTIVE SERVICE.
so. I PRINCE ON ACTIVE SERVICE. The Prince of Wales, it was officially an- nounced oil Thursday night, is to be given a commission in the Grenadier Guards, and it is understood that he will go with them on acti ve service. The Prince's patriotism does not end with his desire for active service. Appeals to the people of England to con- tribute to this fund to relieve the distress inevitable in every great war have been issued both by his Royal Highness and Queen Mary. The appeal' by the Prince of Wales is as fol- lows "Buckingham Palace. "All must realise that* the present time of deep (anxiety will be followed by one of con- siderable distress among the people of this country least ablo to bcaT it. "We most earnestly pray that their suffer- ings may f-m- neither long nor bitter. But we cannot wait until the need presses heavily upon as. "A national fund has been founded, and I am proud to act as its treasurer. "My first duty is to ask for generous and ready support, and I know that I shall not ask in vain. At such a moment we all stand bv one another, and it is to the heart of the British people that I confidently make this most earnest appeal. EDWARD P." The Queen has added the following appeal:- "Buckingham Palace. "A national fund has been inaugurated by my dear son for the relief of the inevitable dis- tress which must be bravely dealt with in the coming days. "To this end I appeal to the women of our country, who are ever ready to help those in need, to give their services and assist in the local administration of the fund. MARY R."
EMPLOYMENT TO BE PROVIDED.
EMPLOYMENT TO BE PROVIDED. Mr. Herbert Samuel (President of the Local Government Board), in the House of Com- mons on Thursday, said it was certain that to some extent at least unemployment was likely to ensue, and in order to meet that the best course was to provide new and alternative means of employment, which was much better than relief. The Road Board bad at its disposal a re- serve fund of some millions accumulated against a time of emergency, which could be released and spent upon new works that would give employment to a considerable body of labour. The development Commissioners had also a I considerable fund at their disposal, and they, I were now actively engaged in formulating schemes for providing employment. A circular was issued on Thursday night from the Local Government Board to heads of local authorities intimating the proposals of the Committee formed by the Government, of which Mr. Herbert Samuel is chairman. It is important, the circular states, that some of the members of committees should be women. WORK TO RELIEVE DISTRESS. In the House of Commons on Saturday. Mr. Herbert Samuel brought in a Bill to give the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries in rural districts and the Local Government Board in boroughs and urban districts, powers with respect to housing, and to make similar provisions for Scotland. He said the Bill was a temporary measure which would provide work for men thrown out of employment in oonsequence of the present crisis. There was a prospect of a considerable excess of unemployment in the country, and the Government desired to take immediate steps to absorb it instead of giving large sums of public money to re- lieve persons out of work by putting them to work at their own trades—to make good the deficiency in housing accommodation, which admittedly exists all over the country. Mr. Bonar Law said in ordinary times a Bill of this character would occupy the House for a considerable period, but in a crisis like this they must trust the Govern- ment in regard to all matters which they considered arose out of the crisis. —— ——
¡LOCAL EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEES.
LOCAL EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEES. The Local Government Board have issued circular letter setting forth the views of the Cabinet Committee as to the work they, are relying on the local committees to do. The primary duty of the committee, says the Board, will be to survey the existing conditions of employment in the locality, and to consider what measures might be adopted with a view to preventing distress through lack of employment and alleviating such distress, should it unhappily occur. It is in the highest degree desirable that em- ployers should do all in their power to avert the sudden closing of works, and also that temporary appointments should be made to fill all vacancies caused by the mobilisation of his Majesty's forces. In the event of distress becoming acute the ccfmmittee will be responsible for the co- ordination of all relief agencies in the locality, as for the distribution of grants made from the national fund. It is highly desirable that any relief afforded should take the form of work for wages when it is possible to provide work- In this connection the local authority will, of course, continue to push on all works already in progress, and it is hoped that in many cases they will be able to expedite other schemes of public work, and thus absorb a considerable amount of labour. In areas where there are no distress com- mittees similar schemes of work can, it ig hoped, be devised which can also be aided by the Local Government Board out of public funds.
! VOLUNTEERS FOR MINE-SWEEPING.…
VOLUNTEERS FOR MINE-SWEEPING. I An attempt is to be made to discover and destroy the mines laid by the German vessel Koenigen Luise, which was sunk by the destroyer Lance. The Yarmouth fleet of steam drifters is now idle, and a selected number of the little steamers has been requisitioned for the pur- pose of dragging for the mines, some of which, it is stated, are of a. peculiarly sensi- tive nature. The work of seeking for them is therefore exceedingly perilous. Yet when motor-cars were sent round for the purpose of getting the crews together in order to ask them to volunteer for the work not a m-an refused. In fact, the offices of the fishing corn- panies were besieged by men anxious to proceed upon the enterprise. ———*——— <
AMNESTY FOR SUFFRAGETTES.…
AMNESTY FOR SUFFRAGETTES. I —— I At Monday's sitting of the House of Com- mons Mr. Whyte, the Liberal member for Perth, asked the Home Secretary whether the Government proposed to take any steps respecting prisoners, including women suf- frage prisoners. Mr. McKenna replied: I have advised hi9 Majesty to remit the remainder of the sen. tences of all persons now undergoing ter-nis of imprisonment for crimes connected with the suffrage agitation. Tha.t course had been taken without solicitation on their part and without Tequiring any undertak- ing from them. I have also advised his Majesty to remit the sentences of all per- sons convicted of assaults and other offences in connection with recent strikes. His Majesty is confident that prisoners of both classes will respond to the feelings of their countrymen and countrywomen in this time of emergency, and can be trusted not to stain the causes they have at heart by any further crime or disorder. 1
DEBTS AND THE WAR. ,I
DEBTS AND THE WAR. ,I Judge Parry at Lambeth County-court on Monday said he had been in communication with the Lord Chancellor, who had laid it down that the Courts should enforce prompt payment by those who had effective means, but grant additional stay of execution in cases of hardship. He had accordingly in' structed the Registrar or High Bailiff of each Court to investigate the circumstance9 of every application for an execution or com' mittal order. Any doubtful case was to be submitted to .the Judge, who would hear the application without delay. Under no cir- cumstances was an execution to be levied oB a household where the breadwinners were serving their country without express per' mission of the Judge. Specially urgent ap- plications could be made forthwith to the Judge at his residence or at a place to be fixed. .—— ——
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Government agents busy selecting horgeo for the War Office have commandeereci several race horses and hunters as well a.9 working horses. Mr. Winston Churchill taking his €?? morning ride in the Park, and Lot Kitchener on his way to the War Oílict" were saluted by cheering crowds on Satuf'  day. r All possible service, including the use A their hall and other premises, has t?f' offered to the Mayor of Poplar for his <? tress committee by the East London Fede* ) ation of Suffragettes. Protest has been made by the r t American Chamber of Commence in :r-.c York against the censorship of Gerol30 wireless stations in America while Engl19 and French cables remain uaicensored. 16 "TillS is not a time when creditors shotl>J seek to apply the exigencies of the law ajJ the penal provisions of the Debtors Act 1 regard to the obligations of their debtor" said Judge Roberts at Clerkenwell. I