St. John's Daily Star, 1917-12-13

              The St. John's Daily Star Newfoundland VOLUME 111 ($3.00 per Annum)1 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13,1917. '(Price: One Cent.) No. 307, ENEMY FIRMLY HELD ON ALL FRONTS. Big Snow Storm Impedes Action on the Italian Front THE BRITISH COMMONS VOTES ONE MILLION POUNDS FOR HALIFAX RELIEF War Costs Great Britain £6,794,000 Sterling Daily HOSTILE ARTILLERY PARTICULARLY BUSY ■ Good Deal of Movements Behind Their Lines—Transport Convoys Coming and Going ||O\T: N. December 12—(Via Rev- Ottawa Agency)—Reuter's I ndent at British Headquarters I telegraphs that during the 1 ty-four hours the Germans 1 n a certain amount ofactivity eir lines. Throughout yes■ierd?y there was a good deal of movei imns of troops being fre•l en on the march and there ■v |vent comings and goins of 1 onvoys which were often I ler the fire of our batteries. I irmen were particularly ac- I c sectors of the front, I - in the North and in the South, partly no oo object or denying obsen uir aviators. Ho .: artillery has been more than y during the past two days, especially in the neighborhood East of Marcoing, Vilieret, Louzeaucourt, Tre>n the Canal dv Nord and as for North as Fampoux and Monchy. The only German infantry aggression, reported was a raid attempted again?! our position North of Friel Farm shortly after dusk last night, ■which was beaten off by heavy rifle land machine gun fire. We recovered I Id guns in No Man's Land, Iwhich were among the weapons aban- Itoned by us during the retirement be■lfore-.the first onslaught of the enemy ■in his recent counter offensive. I A good deal of bombing was carried out in daylight yesterday, our machines dropping bombs on ground targets. The weather has turned bitterly cold, sharp frost at night and snow seems most likely now. Will Resume Service. St. John, N. 8., Dec. 12.—1t was announced today by Agent Currie of the Eastern Steamship lines, that the service to Boston, which was interrupted last month, will be resumed. « ♦ ■ Cuba Declares War. Havana, Dec. 12.—The House of Representatives tonight passed a resolution declaring a state of war to exist between Austria-Hungary and the Republic of Cuba. ■■ ■ ii i Prince Albert, • second son of King George, who has been recently reportied as being very ill. ASQUITH BELIEVES WAR IS WORTHWHILE Britain Looks Forward With Assured Belief That a New Era of Liberty and Justice is Coming. £ONDON, Dec. 13.—The ungrudging sacrifices made by the British people, former Premier Asquith declared in an address at Birmingham yesterday, . proved that the ancient and ingrained spirit of the British people had not been sapped by luxury or stalled and withered by dotage. We look to the end, he said, with the assured and ever-growing belief that both in the council chamber of peace, and in the ordering of our own household, a new era of liberty and justice will«be opened.The former Premier said that he had already played a part in Great Britain entering into the war, and he unhesitatingly believed it had been worth while, if the war ends in a peace of security and permanence. He endorsed President Wilson's latest words as expressing clearly the intentions and desires of the Allies. Adverse criticism of the recent letter of the Marquis of Lansdowne, he added, was caused by reading into it meanings and intentions which the letter didn't intend to convey. Asquith there was abundant evidence that the enemy peoples are misinformed of the Allies' objects, which are not to annililate the German people, but to destroy the military demands of Prussia. He said that Germany must learn that the enthronement of force is a bad business. An enemy misconception, he continued, is that the Allies, especially Britain, are aiming at the destruction, for their own economic especial objects, of what is vaguely called the freedom of the seas. This formula, if it possesses any reluctance, can only be used to indicate some new limitations in war-time upon belligerent rights of the power which happens to have command of the sea. Corresponding limitation has been suggested for land warfare where existing conventions have been in this conflict systematically violated by the enemy. I don't think we are likely to hear very much more from enemy lips of the freedom of the seas. The Allies are still unflinching in the purpose to use all legitimate methods, economic and military, to secure a lasting and fruitful peace which the world needs. Evidence of loyalty to France. Colors of a French Moroccan regiment, draped with the decorations won by officers and men of the unit on the firing line. SHARP FIGHTING ON ITALIAN FRONT Fierce Straggle Continued All Day, But Teuton's Were Eventually Forced Back (Official Admiralty Press News). JTALI AN OFFICIAL REPORT, December 12—Throughout the whole of yesterday, sharp fighting took place between the Bretna and Piave. Numerous Austrian troops attacked our positions in the Col Delia Baretta region, and while the parties pushed on the Col-de-Orso, large enemy units stormed from the East of Mont Spinoncia on the defences of Calcina Valley. The struggle continued all day, and the enemy carried out the action with extreme violence and the support of numerous artillery of every calibre. Our batteries restrained the impetus of the enemy, and attack. A few positions abandoned at first were nearly all re-occupied in a counter-attack which immediately followed. On account of the stubborn resistance of our troops and the losses suffered by the enemy, he reduced his action to artillery fire, which during the night became normal again. Two enemy machines were brought down by British aviators. ~-~  Lenient With Austrians. . Washington, Dec. 13.—1n proclaiming a state of war with Austria-Hungary today, President Wilson specified that only the dangerous Austro-Hungarians in- the United States should be 5 interned, and that most of the restric\ tions applied to the Germans should not apply to the Austrians. ■ ■  WAR COSTS BRITAIN £6,794,000 DAILY Estimate Was Exceeded By £1,383,000 Daily—Loans to Dominions Are Under Estimates RONTON, Dec. 12- (via ReuterY Ot ~tawa Agency.)-i-Rt. Hon. A. Bonar Law,. Chancellor of the Exchequer, in moving a,vote of credit for 550,000,--000 sterling, said it was estimated that the_vote of credit for £400,000,000 moved on October :30th would cover the expenditure until January 9th next. The new vote would' bring•' the total for the year to £2,450,000,000. . 'The average daily expenditure for sixty-three days preceding December Ist was £6,794,000, exceeding the budget'estimate by £1,383,000 daily. The total ercess over the budget estimate was £309,000,000 but £225,000,000 of this wUs receivable, therefore the excess over the budget ' estimate of daily expenditure was £350,000. One cause of increased army expenditure was the increase in our aviation program, another was the larger number of Indian troops employed in Mesopotamia and the largest amount was due to the advances of our armies in France and PXestine. The estimates of advances to the Dominions had not been exceeded. Referring to Russia, Mr. Bonar Law said no state had ever entirely repudiated its debts. It was almost certain that sooner or later there would be a stable government there. He believed responsible government would ultimate?- Iy be established in Russia. If there were a stable government, Russia knows that the development of its resources and prosperity would be impossible without financial assistance from other countries and financial assistance would be impossible unless previous debts were accepted by that government. Therefore he believed that the money would be recovered sooner or later. Received in Jerusalem, London, Dec. 13.—An official statement announced that General Allenby acknowledging the King's congratulations, says the message was received by the General in Jerusalem on Tuesday. _ Aerial Bombardments. London, Dec. 12.—Today's Admiralty statement on aircraft operations, is as follows: During Monday night naval air CTaft carried out a bombing raid upon Costacker airdrome and Bruges Docks. Many tons of bombs were dropped upon both, but at the latter a good showing was made and fire started. All returned safely. SAYS GERMANS WANTED PEACE Churchill Warnes the People Against Pacifists—America and Britain Will Fight to the End. £ONDON, Dec. 11.—Speaking at Bedford on the Allies' war aims, Churchill yesterday said the situation was more serious than it was reasonable to expect three months ago. The country and the Allied cause was endangered, and the future of the British, Empire and democratic civilization was hanging in the balance, and would continue to hang there for a considerable period.. Churchill continued: "When I say the country is passing through a time of danger, I mean there are people who wish to bring about a premature peace. They are listening to the sophistries and dangerous counsel of certain politicians. People who say, 're-state your war aims,' really mean to make peace with the victorious Huns. "The British do not mean to put up anything but legitimate and righteous aims, with which they entered the war, and if such an issue as this is seriously raised, it could be decided only by the whole nation. I cannot see that there is the slightest danger of submitting that question to the free decision of the whole nation. Wilson's statement of war aims is good enough for mc. "We mean to win the war, however, no matter how long it may take. If Russia has fallen out the United States is falling in and coming to our aid. The longer Great Britain and America fight side by side, the closer they will be drawn together. That'is a tremendous fact, and will make amends for what we are now suffering."Balfour told the House of Commons a communication was received by Great Britain from Germany last September, through a neutral diplomatic channel, to the effect that Germany would be glad to get peace. The British Government replied it was prepared to receive any communication the German Government might decide to make, and to discuss it with Great Britain's Allies. Germany returned no reply. Great Britain had informed France, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States of the German suggestion.Asquith speaking at Birmingham today, asserted that if he had to live over the time again, he would still take the same position he had arrived at with regard to Great Britain's entry into the war. He unhesitatingly believed it had been Worth while, provided the war ended in a peace which secured the original purposes for entering upon it, and contained the elements of permanency. He thought little more would be heard from the enemy of the freedom of the seas. He strongly endorsed Wilson's message as clearly expressing the Allies' intentions and desires. The Daily Express says Premier Lloyd-George's position is threatened by the growing strength of his enemies in the House of Commons. The pacifists seem to be growing in number, and it only requires an occasion and an old Parliamentary hand to throw down the Government. The Express urges a speedy appeal to the country and exhorts the Premier to realize his danger in time to come forward and lead the masses against the pacifists and inefficients. The paper is confident he would be victorious. ■ ■ . British Line Advanced. London, Dec. 12.—The British line northwest of Jerusalem, midway between that city and Jaffa, has been advanced. General Allenby's despatches show that contingents of Ghurkas carried positions as far as the mouth of Midieh. Fifty Turks were killed and ten were taken prisoners. British airplanes bombed troops and transports in the vicinity of Birch with good results.Italian Shipping Losses. Rome,. Dec. 13.—Italian shipping losses by mine or submarine for the week ending December Bth, were: One . more than 1600 tons, one less than 1000 tons, and three small sailing vessels. One steamer, damaged by a torpedo, was run ashore. Two vessels were attacked, but escaped. Lord Lansdowne, author of the famous peace letter. ENEMY ATTACKS ONCAMBRAI FRONT They Succeeded In Entering Short Length of Our Trenches—British Forces Advance to Palestine (Official Admiralty Press News,) British Official—Early this morning the enemy delivered a strong local attack on a front of about a mile East of Bullecourt. On the right of the position attacked the enemy succeeded in entering a short length of our front trenches which formed a salient in our lines and had been demolished by bombardment preceding the attack. At all other points the attack was repulsed with heavy losses to the enemy many of whose dead are lying in our lines. A number of prisoners have been captured by us. The enemy's artillery has been active during the day in the area of his attack and has shown some activity South of Lens and in the neighborhood of Armentieres and Messines. In Palestine General Allenby reports he has advanced his line midway between Jerusalem and Jaffa, and that Budrus and Sheik Habeld Rahak were captured by Ghurkas. Fifty Turks were killed and ten prisoners taken. Our airplanes bombed troops and transports about Peris. On the Salonika fiont on the 6th of December our Barrakly, on the Struma front, capturing a few prisoners. : Our aeroplanes twice dropped bombs on Rupel, causing damage to buildings and stores. An enemy machine was brought down out of control near Nokolio. RUSSIA DEFINITELY OUT OF THE FIGHT Col. Thompson says Russian Interna! Affairs Are Not so Bad As Is Generally Believed £ONDON, December 13—Col. Thoenj* son, Head of the American Red Cross Mission to Russia has arrived here on his way to the United States to make an important report. He called to-day on the American Ambassador, Walter H. Page. Col. Thompson told the Ambassador that Russia was definitely out of the war as a fighting force, but gave as his opinion that Russia was not so thoroughly disinterested as was generally believed outside of that country. The question of Allied support, which officials declare is necessary if Kaledines and the other forces loyal to Russia and the Allies are to be successful, is one on which much stress; must be laid and especially the question of the eventual sending of the American expeditionary army to cooperate with the forces holding the new front, which it is. pointed out, wouldn't be in the nature of American interference in Russian internal affairs but a case s< to American and British troop> . ping France. Hard as it may be for Russia to carry on in the face of the tremendous sacrifices made at the beginning of the year and the paralyzing of the army under the Bolsheviki peace meeting and the approval of the Russian people is known, it is said by a report of meetings held at the Eastern Headquarters early this month. The news of this meeting was re-* ceived in Russian sources through what is said to be a trustworthy neutral source, and was to the effect that the civil and military authorities were willing to accept the Bolsheviki offer, but the military leaders pointed out that to make such a peace would only compromise Germany. This opinion is also said to be held in Austria. HALIFAX RELIEF. King Gives £I,ooo.—British Gott Donates £1,000,000. London, Dec. 12.—The Lord Mayor has opened a mansion house fund for Halifax sufferers. The King has given a thousand pounds. London, Dec. 12.—The British Gov* ernment donated £1,000,000 for the relief of Halifax, it was announced in the House today by Bonar Law, Chancellor of the Exchequer. We Are Prepared to I i BOOT and SHOE ' I Any Man in Newfoundland j With a pair- of j I BOX CALF or VICI, | McKAY WEI.T II For $3.20 or 4.00, 4.20 \ V. and 4.50 a [pair. } II Or a Pair* of I j I BOX CALF or VICI KID, ! GOODYE AE fwELT II at $6.00 a pair. j IB TAN CALF, GOfeDYEAR WELT j II at $6.50 a pair. j i BLK. & TAN DONGOLA, "ROMEO/ SHOE ! I $2.30 and $3.00 pair. i MEN'S KID SLIPPERS, 1.70 pr. j MEN'S FELT ROMEOS, 2.10 pr. 1 <X#* FOOTWEAR ' \ LOOK WELL J FIT WELL And Reputed to _ WEAR WELL. IJO WRING BROS., LTD. 1 READ THS DAILY STAR I 4 DULEY'S 4 I I FOR XMAS GIFTS 9 I FOUNTAIN PENS. I This is the day of the Fountain Pen, everyone fjk wants one and needs one, so what more useful Gift could be* given to either a Lady |r a Gentleman. I Prices from $2.50 jlo $12.00. I Ideal," a full lineV stock, Plaiifand Gold Mounted, each pen put up in\a nice attractive Xmas Box. 9 May we have th>e pleasuii of showing them to you. V / Call at M The Reliable Jewellers,