Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance, 1916-12-07, Page 7AMU ADVISES KING TO RECONSTRUCT GOV'T. Lloyd George Tenders Resignation, But It is Not Yet Accepted fither Changes Possible—New, Small War Council Likely. Lonaon, Dec. 3.—The official an- nouncement witb, regaxd to the recou- etruction of the Government reads: "The Prime elinister, with a view to the most effective prosecution, of the war, has decided to advise His Majesty the King to consent to the construct:on of the Government," London, Dec. 3.—Premier Aequith has decided to adeise the King to con- sent to the reconstruction of the Gov- ernment. This was officially anounc- ed toeatghts It is stated in well-informed quar- ters that - David Lloyd -George, the War Secretary, has tandered his resig- nation, which has not yet been ac- (e)ted. It is tindersod no official an- # nouncement w: be made to -night but that Pron r Asquith 'will see the King again to -morrow morning and thereafter make a statement in the House of Commons in explanatiod of the situation. Thus far IL appeaes no arrangement has been made for Secretary Lloyd George to see the King, which would Ineicate that at the present moment there is come prospect that the crisis s RI be surmounted without the cons- Plete collapse of the Coalition Cab- inet. Mr. Asquith left town yesterday, but returned this morning, and throughout the day there have been consultations and meetings of party leaders at the Premier's residence. Mr. Lloyd George had a long Con- ference with the Premier this after- noon. Other sialtors were A. Boner Law, Secretary for the Colonies, and the Marquis of Crewe, Lord President of the Council. Perhaps the most significant inci- dent was that Sir Edward Carson and Mr. Lew appeared together and ad- dressed a morning meeting ,•of the -tenoned. Committee, 'while the Earl of Derby, Under-Secretary for War, bad a long interview with Mr. Lloyd George, SMALL WAR COUNCIL PROPOSED. The political crisis is the chief topic of discussion in the Sunday newspa- pers. The Weekly Despatch says its origin is due to the fact that David Lloyd George proposed the formation of a small War CounCil, including Sir Edward Carson, but excluding Premeir Asquith and A. J. Balfour, First Lord of the admiralty. Both Carson and Lloyd George, the Weekly Despatch adds, are not unwilling that Al Boner Law anould have a seat in ;he council, but he is undecided. Reynolds' Newspaper says that David Lloyd George has intimated his intention of reeigning. His resigna- tion, adds the paper, has been delay- ed at the request of several of his col- leagues in the Cabinet, but there Is little prcopect of 'success on their aart, WANTS VIGOROUS ACTION. 'The reasons given for the possible resignation of Mr. Lloyd George is that he has definitely decided that the methods of dilatoriness, indecision and delay, which characterize the ac- tion of the present War Council, en- aartger the prospects of winning the War. . It is understood, adds the paper, that Premier Asquith has declined to accept Mr. Lloyd (icorgo's view that the War Council muet .be materially reduced in number. It is believed that Mr. Boner Law and 'Lord Derby con- template following Mr. Lloyd Goorge's example. Mr. Lloyd George, continues the pa- per, intends to campaign the country. There is every indication of a Lloyd George.Carson combination in favor of the more vigorous proseeution of the war. TREND OF DISCONTENT. While the Northcliffe press and the Morning Post have made the fiercest assaults, even such careful speaking journals as the Daily Chronicle, the Westminster Gazette and the Man- chester Guardian have recently be- came critical. The trend of discontent has been partly against the Govern- ment system, partly against certain members of the Cabinet. . Slowness In reaching decisions and in action is the gist of the indictment. The prin- cipal counts of this are the man - 'power and food, qestions, while rec- ently dissatisfaction with what some considered a lack of vigor in the man- agement of the navy and weakness in the Foreign Office has been increas- ingly expressed. The announcement of a food dicta- tor was announced more than a fort- night ago, but none has been appoint- ed yet. This is one complaint. The ., unwleldness of a Cabinet of twenty- three for managing a great war is a point on whicb tbe critics seem unan- - beaus. .As a coutter-balance to the • critics there is a widespread sent'. tient that they fail to credit the ad- ministration with the great work it has aneomplished in the -military and -financial fields 'within two years, The Times demands a smell, har- monious and deteientned Ministry to replace the present anmbersone one and voiceno hope of improvement so Jong as Asquith remains Premier, " Lord Northcliffe's strong partizan- ship in favor of advancing Lloyd George Is well known. The Titles owner firs tagitated the appointment of the Welsh leader as Minister of Munitions and later urged that he suc- esed Kitchener as Secretary for War. In some quarters criticism of the present Cabinet has degenerated into bitter vituperation. Viscount Grey, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, has been an outstanding target, partite,- larly by the -Suffragettes. The Tittles, ceiling for the ranioval of Viseettlit Grey, the Marquis of Croweethe Marquis of Lansdoevile and Mr.italfour, goes on to say: erfliere -Was a widespread feeling yes- terday that the eountry is on the eve of Important politicel development, It Is plein to those Observers who keep a finger on the erratic pule% of aVestinirister that :hiring the past Me Weeks the precent dilee,ontent has eorae to a head. 'him Clime% Will annies In the I'M - portant debates which are set, down for the House of Commons next week. Nobody will be surprised if the out- come is a change of policy or per- sonnel. "The issue between the Government and its critics is ripe for cliscu.ssion. Alter many weeks of delay the Par- liamentary stage is set at last for a solution of vital problems which no longer can be postponed. "In the next few days the Ministers will be called upon to state where they stand in relation to the general position of the war, on tee air board deadlock, on the question or man- power on food production. Parlia- ment and the country will then judge them accordingly, OTHER SIDE OF PICTURE. The Westminster Gazette presents the other side of the picture, saying: "All the Governments in all the countries at war are daily assailed bY Politicians who think they could do better, or by considerable sections of their public, which are alarmed or discontented. The German Chancellor has barely held his own during this year, and In spite of the drastic cen- sorship tbe German newspapers are one chorus of discontent and com- plaint of the alleged bungling of food supplies. "The Austrian Prime Minister can- not assemble his Parliament, and the Hungarian has to close his abruptly when the Opposition gets too strong for him." SERBS STARVE IN HOMELAND Its Few People Left Appeal for Assistance. Teuton Brutes Strip Coun- try, Do Awful Deeds. London, Dec. 3.—"Serbia is starv- ing; tell our brothers at Saloniki to make haste, for Serbia is at her last gasp," This message has been brought direct from Serbia by a ape- cial correspondent of the Paris Journal. Greatly daring, he rowed across the Danube one night from the Rouman- •ian shore and landed on the Serbian territory on the further shore oc- cupied by the Austrians. ele and hie companion found wait- ing them a score of haggard figures in .raggeesseiforms, but all armed. These were Serbian officers and sol- diers, the survivors of last year'e Ser- bian army, a handful of the heroic 10,600 guerrilla troops who are fugi- tives in their own land. They have taken to the mountains, whence they' harry the Teutonic al- ike When the opportunity offers. On me occasion they made a descent up- on an occupied town and put the Aus- trian garrison to flight. Punitive ex- peditions of Austrians and Bulgarians have failed to intimidate these heroic Serbs, and the Teutons are said by the correspondent to have long since learned not to provoke them. One day a Serbian general landed in their midst in a French aeroplane, and gave them encouragement. They are the soul of the surviving popula- Lica, the oppressed country'e one link with freedom. With these phantoms of old Serbia grouped about, the correspondent e.onvereed with one of their leaders, a captain wounded in the great retreat almost exactly twelve months ago. He spoke of • nameless atrocities committed by the Teutons in the early days of the oecupation, of mas- sacres and famine to which the country le succumbing. Stocks of food which it was estimated were en- ough to last the whole population two year were immediately seized with the most pitilees thoiouglincee. In par- ticular thouearade of pige were driven off by the invaders. The whole of this season's harvest has elan been requiaitioned, so that at the end of the year the people will be starving. The deatitutian is bound- less. The children are dying wholesale Mr want of food. Conditions are worso in the towns than in the country. Many have committed suicide in order to end their sufferings, RUSSIA TO GET CONSTANTINOPLE Official Announcement in Duma of Ally Promise. Straits Also Free to Rou- manian Flag. Petrograd, Dec. 3.—The aemeoffi- dal news agency says that in the Dump, Saturday Premier Trepoff read a proclamation announcing off'. daily that en agreement concluded by Ituosia, France and Great 13ritain hl 1915 and later approved by Italy "es- tablishes in definite manner tho right of Russia to the strhita and Continua. tinople." Premier Trepoff's announcement is quoted by the news ttgeney as fol- lows: "For More tbart a thousand year Remota hag been reaching ilouthward towerd a free Outlet on the open Pa, Title age long dreatin Cherished in the hearts sat the Rueeian people, IS new ready for realization, "Front the beginning of tile War, wishing to spare 1111nian lives and suf- foringe, we •and. Oer ahles did our utMost to restrale Turkey 'from Med partIcipatIon in boatilities. Turkey received formai assurances guarantee- ing her, in eXchange for neutrality, the integrity of her territory and In- dependence, and also conferring on her certaiu privileges and advantages. These efforts were vain. Turkey our- reptitiously attacked us and thus seal- ed her own doom. "We then concluded an agreement with our allies which eatablisbee the most definite manner the right et Ruse -31a to tne straits and Constanti- nople. -Russians should know for what they are shedding blood, and, in accord with our allies,announcement of this agreement is made to -day from thie tribune, "Absolute agreement on this point is firmly established among the Al- lies, and there is no doubt that after ehe has obtained sovereign possession of a free passage into the Mediterra- nean Russia will grant freedom to navigation for the Roumanian flag, which now, not for the first time, floats in battle side by side with the flag of Russia. "I thought it my duty not to con- ceal from you the difficulties and sae- rifices svhich we have -still to endure In order to bring the present war to a victorious conclusion, but no difficul- ty and no sacrifice will stop Ruasia and her brave allies on •the path of reconstruction and consolidation. A bright feature will be the heritage of all nations fighting for a just and. holy cause. "Our heroic troops and fleet are do- ing their great work without pause. Tb e first task which falls on the rest of us is to devote all our -strength awl every hour of our time to organizing all the power of the nation and hur ing It against tbe enemy. Nothing will resist that force. "Remernbee that, however cruel the enemy blows may be, the final victory is ours. It is surely approaching- ue. Let us march united to meet it," FIERCE FIGHTING NEAR MONAST1R Serbian Troops Have Con- tinued Their Advance. Ally Force Still Holds Hill 1,050. Parise Dec. 3.—While a fierce fight still rages about Height 1050, north- east of Monastir, the Serbe have ad- vanced again on the mountain slopes of Southern Serbia. The fighting is practically without test, Serbs and Bulgars attacking at short intervals. The Serbs still hold the trenches crowning Height 1050, whit% have been bombarded violently by the Bul- ger guns and then attacked by their infantry. Yesterday's Bulger state- ment admits that this important sum- mit is in the hands of the Serbs, who announced its capture several days ago. The official statement issued from Serbian .Army Headquartere Saturday said: "Yesterday there were local actions at several points, especially at Kravit- za and on the heights about Grun- ishte, where our troors advanced in spite of the enemy's strong resistarace. We frustrated an enemy attemptto attack 11111 1050." Winter is settling down in the mountains of southern Serbia, and the fighting meat be dcne in snow and fog, or delayed until the weather clears. According to the German official statement issued to -night there has been violent artillery fire northwest of Monastir, where the Italian troops under Gen. Sarrail have been operat- ing. The day statement says that the allied troops attacked there, but with- out success. The Serbian statement iesued to -night says: "Yesterday there were local actions; at several points, especially at Kravit- Za and on the heights about Grualshte where our troops advanced in spite of the enemy's strong resistance. We fruetratod an enemy attempt to at- tack Height 1050." • -sh SAD ECHO OF JUTLAND HMI Stoker, Only Survivor of the Defence, Found in London Still Dazed From Effects of the Tragedy. London, Dec. 3.—A romance of the Jutland battle was reveled in West- minster Police Court, where a man believed to be the sole survivor or the Defence, and wearing the uniform of a stoker in the navy, was broughhup charged with being an absentee. He gave the name of George Wins terbourne. Ho seemed dazed and had a medical certificate from the Brixton prison to the effect that he was suf- poring from ithock, A pollee inspector said the defendant asserted that he was a survivor of the Defence, which was sunk in the Jutland battle, According to the official report, there Were no survivors, but the de- fendant asserted that after the ship was blown up he was in the water for hours, supported by an air belt. He was picked up untonsclous by a col- lier, which landed him subsequently at Newcastle, Since then ho has wan. dered about the country, living on $100 which he had in a money belt, The Magistrate directed the Inspec- tor to take the defendant to the Ad- miralty, where hie story weld be it- vestigated. The inspector rentrned With the sailor, saying that his mein- ory zeettied defective, but he had given corroborative details and stated that when be was in the sea after the ens ploslen, a tilidehipMan, With One arm blown off, geSte his name and last message It was: "If you get through, jank, tell father We are winhing." The atithoritian aseertained that there wee ti midshipman on board the Defenee Of the name given, and Satis- fied the defendant* •deSirtii that he be Sent to POrtaitteuth. SHORT ITEMS OF THE NEWS. OF THE DAY Cama,dian Trade for Year Ending September In- creased $800,000,000. SICK LEAVE CUT OFF Cyclone in Pondicherry Said to Have Coat 1,000 Lives. Maccallum Grant was sworn in aa Lieutenant -Governor of Nova Scotia, Sick leave to Canada will shortly be suspended, a -sable from London states. More than two thousand votes have been added to the list in North Essex, according to 0. J. Wilcox, M. P. Mr, Ilenry Hayes, an old and well- known resident of Niagara Falls, Ont., eied at his home, aged 75 years. Milk producers around Tbronto are taking steps to obtain $2.60 for an eight -gallon can, or an inceease of 25 per cent. Norah Winalte; the wife of a Cana- dian soldier, and baby were burned to death before a Tire in lodgings at Folkston, Eng. Leeds district dairymen reeolved to petition the Government not to allow the manafacture or sale of oleomar- garine in Canada. Negotiations have been begun by, the Brazilian Government for the ac- quisition of the German merchant ves- sels in Brazilian ports, Zephrien Larochelle, aged 35 years, a market gardener of Cote des Neiges, was cut to pieces by a C. P. R. train at the Cote des eNiges crossing. Charles Bourlein, one of the oldest • nhabitants ot Salem district, died, aged 88, Mr. Beurlein had been in business here for over 61 years, Mr. George Wright says delegates to the great hotelkeepers' convention in New York blamed brewers' desire to "get rich quick" for the progress of prohibition. The doctore of Brantford have noti- fied theslocal'fodges that in future charges to lodges will be two dollars per member per year, or double the -former amount. Pte, Norman Flint, of the 153rd Bat- talion, Wellington County, in billets at St, Thomas, Ont., was found un- conscious on Church street, Toronto, and died at the Base Hospital, under circumstances warranting an, inquest. Canadian trade, exclusive of coin and bullion, for the twelve months ending with Siete nber, totalled $1,- '738,174,356, an illarlala of more then 000,000,000 over the year previous. Members of the London, Ont., Coun- cil of Women, meeting in the Young Women's Christian Association Build- ing, following a spirited debate, re- jected a motion favoring conscription for Canada. Kerosene used by Mrs. D. Raymond to light her fire, exploded and burned her and her three children to death in their home near Chapeau, Que. Sev- eral fires have occurred similarly in that district recently. A report to the Canadian Trade and Commerce Department states that the British Government has purchased five hundred thousand tons of Aus- tralian wheat at an undisclosed price, believed to be four shillin,gs per bushel. ' A Central News despatch from Cal- cutta says it is estimated 1,000 IlVes were lost in the ''cent cyclone in Pondicherry, the chief of the French possessions in India. Tremendous damage was inflicted throughout Mad - ma province. Four hundred bodies have been found. .As a result of injuries received at Mileage 100, of the 'I'. & N. 0. Rail- way, Irving Astels, aged 32 years, and for several years a resident of New Liskeard,osplat l died in the Lady Minto The sum of $100 has beempald into court at Osgoode Hall for the benefit of Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Tracey, the young couple who were victims of the alleged humor of some of their neigh- bors at a charivari in West Zorra. The money was paid in by the jokers. 'the Belgian Consul -General at Ot- tawa announces that the period with- in which Belgians residing in Canada may regieter with their nearest Con- sul has been extended until December 15, Those who join the Canadian Overseas Forces before that date are exempt from registration, James W. Jobeston was found dead on the steps of reservoir hill at Springbauk Park, London, death hav- ing evidently been induced by his at- tempt to ascend, regardless of tere weakened condition of his heart. Signor Lewis, nine years old, and Florence Haley, eleven years old, were badly wounded at Sarnia, when a shot gun was discharged at a rabbit a few feet from them by a lad named Robe Nelson, aged 14. Private Williem II. Tarry, aged 63, of London, a mentber of the 701h Reg- iment detacned company, was tound nand from gas asphyxiation in his room by his daughter. Everything about the room indicated the fatality to have been accidental. The Attorney -General of Ontario Lea commenced an action for a de- claration that certant bonds and other socuritiee and property valued at $1,000,000, and alleged by James Manuel, of Ottawa, to beset been giv- en him abo st 1909 by the late John Airtime', ere liable to taxation under the Seecession Duties' Act, 4 • 1,6631794 PRISONERS In German War Camps On Aug, 1, Last. Berlin, Dec. a,—OfficIal statistiers pubs Ihshed here In regard to sanitary condi. tions In the war prisoners' tamps in Ger. tunny state that there were 1,003,749 pi -1s. oners 18 the country on Aug. 1, 1910. In the two years of war which had then . elapsed, 29,107 prisoners died. Of these, 0,031 died from tuberculosis, 4,201 died from sl,otted fever, 0,270 front WoundS, and 0,003 from other illnesses. Tho statistics Indicate that only 10 per thou.. fland war prisoners committed suicide. it is stated that the number of tuber. tulosia cases is decreasing, owing to of- feetIVe Medical treatment, Atla that num- ems patients aro Able to leave the man. ATHENS CLASH Ilene of the arrangements for the Conn fort of the ()reek and BrItlelt wounded who are in the sante hospitale. VENIZELIST Anussm. wAs SERIOUS. General Coraltas, lurid Of the Vent- / zolist recruiting bureau, hae Leen MANY MLLE arieSted, chergea whit inciting guar - Dwiiich to fire upon soldiers and civil- rilla warfare and uslug hie room In the Hotel Majeettc as a point front ians, A number Of soldiern deposed that Coraltas paid 25 drachmas a heaa. to induce soldiers to desert the arlItY and join the Vonizelists at Saionikl, Gen, Corakas probably will be tried On it eharge of abetting treason. M, Danielle, editor of the etScure Veniaeliet Journal Aatyr, Ws also beea arrested, It is assorted that be was found to be carrying 51,000 drachmas. Tho Venizellet pollee lieutenant, Ma - reticles was taken Into custody while carrying 20,000 drachmas. CASUALTIES AT ATHENS, A Reuter despatch from Athean says that according to Gen. Cellar's, COmma,uder of the let Greek .Army Corps, tbe following casualties resulted from the fighting in the streets of Athens between Greek and Entente troops: Greeks: Killed, 3 °Motive and 26 soldiers; wounded, 5 officers and 45 soldiers, 4 marines and 7 eiviliaps. French: Killed, 2 officerand 45. marine, Italians: None, The correspondent adds that Queen Sophia is personally superintending tbo care of the allied wounded. One Report Says 200 Were Slain in Street Fight- ing There. SHELLED CITY Allied Warships Dropped Them in Centre of Capital. London, Dee. 2.—Atheas is quiet to -night, following a day of terror. After 200 persons had been killed in clashea between Entente troops and ()reek reservists and between Vont- zeliels and royalists% King Constantine yielded in part to the demands of Ad- :iiratngeiddu leournet, and a truce was i,r The King agreed to surretader six of the ten mountain batteries de- manded by the Entente commander. The monarch agreed to surrender arms demanded by the Entente corn - matador and en Fournet immediately ordered most of his forces to with- draw from the city, About 300 troops cweguglefttotroepgourate. edthe Zappeion, ac- oPART OF THE DEMANDS WAIVED. The Crown Council sat until 2.30 o'clock this morning. Later the French, British, Russian and Italian nMolunniseteemrsentmade the following an - "On the proposal of the Ministers of the four powers, at the instance of the Admiral (du Fournet), the Greek Government was informed that the Eatente will 'accept eix batteriee of mountain artillery instead of ten, whose surrender was demanded by December let, waiving on their de- livery all questions of the surrender of other armament. The Greek Gov- ernment accepted and agreed to pro- ceed with the immediate delivery of the six batteries. . The greatest confusion reigned in the city during the fighting. Pitched battles took place between the oppos- ing Greek forces in the streets. On the southern elopes of the Acropolis French sailors and Greek troops fought at close range. WARSHIPS SHELL CITY. Shells from the allied warships dropped in the centre of the city. Both the British and tete French lega- tions were attacked by Greek. French attempts to carry a wireless station on Observatory Hill were repulsed at the point of the bayonet. Even while a truce was being ar- ranged in the French Legation, at the instance of the Spanish and Dutch Ministers; the fighting kept up in the city. .According to one report, the King was in conference with his Premier regardiag an armistice when the fir- ing was renewed. He immediately ordered it stopped and agreed to sur- render the six batteries if the Entente forces were withdrawn. ALL A MISUNDERSTANDING. Before quitting Athens, Vice -Ad- miral du Fournet called on General Callaris, of the Greek tomes and ex- plained that the Entente forces had no orderto fire on the Greeks. Gen - Cellar's . explained that the 'Greeks likewise were not ordered to fire on the allies, and it was agreed on both sides that the affair was due to a misunderstanding. An Athens despatch says that the fighting began when a French de- tachment attempted to seize arms in the Engineers' barraeks. The Greeks fired on the French, who replied, kill- ing a Greek officer. The fighting was very severe on Mars Hill, the despatch continues, the Greeks attacked the French Mori tee southern side of Acropolis and Theseion-slopes. There was a violent exchange of rifle and machine gun fire, PEOPLE FLUE TO PLAIN. Fighting also took place between Italians and Greeks. 'The Italians occupied cottages while bullets whis- tled down the street. Thousands of Persons sought refuge Ch the Attica plain, to which tliere was a procession of carriages from Athens. Crowds also flocked to Phalcron and other places on the coast. It was when the fighting was re- sumed later in the afternoon,•tefore word of the armistice had reached all the ()reek detachments posted on the hills, the despatch continue,;, that the attack on the French naval detach- ment in the Zappoion occurred. Two ehells fired from the allied warships fell near the centre of the city. BAND OF CRETANS EVORRENDER. A Reuter's despatch frem Athens, dated 4.30 p.m. Saturday, says: "Twenty armed Cretans barricaded themselves in the house of Venizelos (the former Greek Premier) and re- fused to evacuate it, tiring from the roof upon all who approached. The Minister of War ordered machines guns brought into ection. When the ma- chine guns were placed • in position, the Cretans were eutenioned to sur- render, which they did after it consul - ignore They were then conducted under a heavy guard to the Parlia- ment building, which had been con- verted temporarily inte a ndlitary prison. "During the passage of the hundred yards from. the house of Venizelos to the Parliament building, the guard had the utmost difficulty in ;laving the Cretans trots the Mob which had aelszniilg ble.d in the neighborhood, when tho siege of the hottso began this ti( "At four o'cloelt In the afternoon order seemed fairly well established, Street firing had ceased and Ftrong cavalry patrols aro guarding the city." WANTED ORDER, ESTABLISHED. The Greek Premier, Prof. SpyrItion LambrOs, in an interview with the Reuter correspondent at Athene, said: "The watehword Of the Government to -day IS 'Remstablieb order.' No one Is in danger Who (tans not resiet legal authorities, Individuals in different parts of the town ere barricaded in their houses, from whieli they are firing Upon the Bolden% The War Minister had been given orders to take whatever Measaree tire neeessary to redttee these improvised forts and tranquilize the city." Prettier letnibran visited the Iirltish et Minded Saturday MOrilhig Aral Made — —AL - - • I h e = 61.11M.11 I — EERL1N LIAR CONTRADICTED Statement Britannic Carried Troops Was Untrue. Many Victims of Enemy U - Boats Reported. London, Dec. 3.—A statement was issued by the Admiralty to -night, which makes reference to German wireless messages to the Embassy at Washington, promulgating "menda- cious reports purporting to emanate from Rotterdam that the ship Britan- nin had troops on board." The Berlin Overseas New Agency gives out the following for publica- tion: "Rotterdam reports, according to information from London that the British hospital ship Britannic, rec- ently sunk, had from 400 to 500 sol- diers on board, whG neither belonged to the crew nor the Red Cross. In addition there weremore than 100 of- ficers, among whom were several avi- ators, on board." • The Admiralty reiterates that a complete statement of all persons aboard the Britannic was published November 24th and adds that British hospital ships carry neither personnel nor material other than is authorized' by the Geneva and The Hague Con- ventions. Lloyd's reports the sinking of the following vessels: British steamships Burcombe, 3,516 tons gross; Istrar, 4,582 tons gross, and Harpalus, 1,445 tons gross. Norwegian steamship Skjoldulf, 489 tons gross. French sailing vessels Britanais, 256 tons gross, and Cap-Lihou, 262 tons gross. A despatch from Falmouth to Lloyds says that the British steamer Briexdene was sunk on Friday. The crew was landed at Falmouth by the steamer Lunia. The agency announces that the Japanese steamer Negate, Meru has been sunk, and that the Swedish steamer Douglas and the French schooner St. Joseph are reported to have been sunk. COUNCIL OF AGRICL1UURE Canadian Body, at Winni- peg, Preparing a Platform. Free Trade, Free Wheat, and Other Reforms. Winnipeg, Man., Dee. 4. ---At a meet- ing of the Canadian Council of Agri- culture,held on Saturday night, a strong resolution was passed embody- ing the platform to be submitted for approval to the previncial organiza- tions in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatche- wan and Alberta, and urging the farmers to "support only candidates who would stand for such platform, and asking that, as far as possible, representative farmers, who will stand' for that platform, be nominated as candidates in every rural constituency. Further, the council went on record as being opposed to the farmers' or- ganizations making any organized effort along political lines. A special sub -committee was ap- pointed to draft the -platform, which will be sent on Tuesday to the direc- torof the various grain growers' and kcal organizations and companies rep- reeented on the council. Free trade ana free wheat will be planks in the platform, which will deal with the tariff along the lines cf representhe non made to the Dominion Govern- ment by the Canadian Council of Agriculture in, 1913. The platform also Includes the fol. lowing demands: That Parllaroent accept the offer of the 'United States of free interchange of all agricultural and animal products between the two couttries; that agricultural imple- trouts, lumber and cement be trans- ferred to the free list; that any tariffs or trade concession granted to any, other country be Immedietely ex- tended to Great Britain; that all foods attars net provided for the offer of tho United States above referred to be transferred to the free list; that, pending the passage of legislation meted for, any duties now Imposed under the Canedian (Mete= tariff hich are the Cause of eountorvalling duties being impaned nhealnst food rroduets of the Dominion by any for- eign country be imniediately removed. II, B. Cowan and .1. Halbright rep- resented the ttnited Partners of On - Milo at Saturday'e meeting Of the rouneil, and Col. Fraser the Feernerta Caoperative Elevator Company of ()Marie. The Colleen aleo eteepted an invitation to become a member Of the &Vial Serelce Council ef Catania, and appointed nresidente of the •differant aseoelatiOns and •COMpanica tiaMire- tantatiVes oh the Outten. MACKENSEN'S MAIN FORCE DEFEATED NEAR BUCHAREST Southern German-Dulgar Army Lost Several Thousand Men, 26 Guns Turk Force Also Routed ---Russ Also Winning in the Passes. Loudon, Dec. 3. --The Russo-Rou- ruanlaa armies have scored decleiVelY in the first phase of the great hattlo to save Bucharest. The main body of Mackensen's German and Bulgarian forces southwest of the capital have been defeatea and driven to the south, several villages being recaptured. Russian troops winces had arrived on the scene took part in the fighting. Several thousand prisoners wore taken and muds, booty, including twenty-six guns. A TurIcipia divieion operating independent of the main enemy force was also defeated and put to flight. Sunday night's Berlin War Office statement reads: "The •announcement from army headquarters this evening says the Roumanians have made a successful advance on the Argechu River, on the front before Bucharest." HAVE ENTERED KIRKLIBABA. The Czar is striking Inighty blows elsewhere than south of Bucharest. The Russians, said to be under the direct command of Gen, Brusiloff, the hero of the summer campaign in Galicia, are still attacking with great ferocity all along the western fron- tier of Moldavia, in an attempt to Push through the passes to the Hun- garian plain. According to the latest advices from Petrograd, the Russians have fought their way into the town of Kirklihaba, commanding the pass of that name, and desperate fighting is going on In the streets. German troops occupying the homes are defending them to the last extremity, the despatch says, and m- auves are being concentrated in the western part of the town for a coun- ter-attack. Kirklibaba is said to be the Princi- pal pass in this region of the Carpa- thian Mountains. The Russian success in eapturing a series of heights south of Kirklibaba, gives them an entering wedge into Trausylva,nia and proves a most en- couraging counter-move on the part of the allies. These Russian attacks on tha two extreme flanks of the central forces, although they may be too late to save Bucharest, may, if successfully prose- cuted; change the complexion of the Roumanian campaign, as there is no indication as yet that ,the 0111'610Ping 11107eMellt of the central powers has succeeded in cutting off any consid- erable portion of tete Rounmulan armies. In the meantime, according to the German report, the German -Bulgar- ians are steadily pressing towards the capital. In the Argenchu valley they have crossed the river -at one point and have outflanked and defeated a Roumanian force, which had attempta ed to advance southwest of Bucharest over the Argechu and Niaslov Rivers. In connection with the fate of Bucharest a semi-official Roumanian statement has been received by wire- less to the effect that before the com- mencement of the war Bucharest was deprived of the character of a fort- ress, and. that when the danger of ancupation presented itself steps were taken for the evacuation of the city by the military elements, but not by the civilian population, who had been enjoined to remaihi in the city. This points to the military abandonment of the city, and would seem to indicate that the Roumanians are fighting en- gagement to delay their enemy and secure the safe retirement of their armies.. FIVE MILES FROM BUCHAREST. "The Danube army is now in dan- gerous proximity to. Bucharest," says the Berlin Overseas News Agency in ea statement on the Roumanian cam- paign. "The Nislov lowlands have been crossed and the vanguards are approaching the Argechu River, which Is only a distance of &gist kilometres (about five miles) from the forts. The northern front . of the Roumanians has been pressed eastward. against the mountain ranges of Predeal pass, which extends far to the south;sp that the Rotimanian retreat is made extremely difficult. The German and Anglo -Hungarian troops have now penetrated far into the petroleum distriicito; R'USSIANS ARRIVED. The Russian forces who are aiding the Roumanians at Bucharest enter- ed the country along the railroad that leads from Kishineff • through Sassy and runs along about 35 miles east of the Moldavian frontier ce Transylvania as far as Pis:reset and then goes due south te the capital, less than forty miles away. Between Bucharest and the Argesu, on the west and southweat, is a range of low hills, which, however, are not of sufficient importance to be of value for military defence. The nearest point of the Argefili is about 16 miles away. West, north and southwest are level plains, onee marshes, sloping away very gently to- ward the Danube. The town is like Paris in more respects than its galetY, for it has a belt line circular strategic railway, like that of the French cap- ital, eompletely surrounding it at an average distanue Of Peer miles. This railway Permits of the rapid transfer of troops or munitions to any part of the eircumferenee and will Prove very valuable if the capital should finally be subjected to a siege. GOOD MILITARY _RAILWAYS. The Ituesians are certainly straining every nerve to aid the Roumanians and they have exellent railways to help them move thole men and muni- tioninto Moldavia and Wealechia. The rttllroad already Mentioned ton - fleets with a lirie from Zzernowite joining the Kishineff-Jassy road at Paseani. From this main line One branch runs up the Bietritza River to- ward the Bekas Intes, but attn.% at Pl- ain. Another branch runs from Adjud northwest Of Palanita and the Gylimea Pans, where it jOinS the Hungarian system. A third runs from lanzeu to- ward liodze, Peen, stopping at Pater - Janke, From jassy itself ti atibeidiary bratelt railWity gane to Galate and Braila, On the Menthe, then teirn eat and Noe the tYlain line at Ilueett. Half way between Brain, and 13u -tett • a branch runs from Faurel to Veteeto ti, at the western end of the Tchere navoda bridge. This is probably the route taken by the Russians who have captured that part of the bridge, ac- cording to the official statement from Petrograd. From Fetershi there try,isfl fineoacurnegil req.,. cal gthhte tboe that ui no htaliree sr Inn- • lIessarabia, on th,e 12:maim side of the Pruth, Kishineff is connected, bit a good railway with Odessa, and from the main line at Bender a aubsidiary branch, runs to Rene on the Danube, Thee latter is the road by which the Russian entered the Dobrudja and have now driven Mackensen baok to the Conetaza-erchernavoda line. Thus it 'Will be seem that Moldavia at least is well supplied with railroads for moving large bodies of troope, Aussia has the troops, and in the des- perate fighting between Bukowina and the southeastern corner of Transyl- vania, at the Bodza Pasts, for more than 100 miles, there is evidence that she is using them. With the Russia.na at Bucharest and the Prusaian and. Bulgara unable to advance beyond the Argeh things are Certairaly looking reads: for the Roumanians. MAIN BODY DRIVEN BACK, • The Bucharest statement of Sunday d "On the western front, in Moldavia, and Northern Wallachia, there were lively artillery and infantry aotiona. We attacked the enemy at various points, taking 180 prieoners. "In the valley of the Dambovitza (northwest of Bucharest) the situa- tioin.onis tuhnechraignigited* wing of our weatern, front the enemy, attacking stubbornly, has compelled out troops to retire towards Tine On the Gla.vatziotzu and Niaslov our troops defeated a Turkish division in the region of Dra- ganechti (34 miles sitouthwest of Bu- charest) and the main body of Ger- mano -Bulgarian forces in the region of Ghinapati and Mihalechti ell miles southwest of Bucharest), driving them back toward the eouth. We have taken prisoners and war material, not yet enumerated. "Southern front: In Dobrudja we violently attacked enemy positions and reached their wire entanglements, 'which we passed at some points. FOUR VILLAGES CAPTURED. "In Transylvania, in the valleys of the Riven; Trotus and Sulty, .our at- tacks were successful. We occupied the villages of Asaul and Sulty, cap- turing more than 800 prisoners. The enemy, displaying stubborn resistance, launched counter-attacks against our detachments which have occupied an entire range of heights in thie region. iTlie combats are exeessively bitter and prisoners are only being taken in small numbers. In the Bunn Valley the Roumanians made further pro- cess northward. • "On the Danube front enemy at- tacks continue in the Argeohu valley. In this region the fighting is assuming the character of a great battle. Under pressure of the enemy Roumanian troops, outflanked by cavalry from the south, are retiring in .a southeasterly 'direction. All attacks south of the river were repulsed. "The Roumanian operations south of Bucharest, with the aesistance of Russian troops which Lave arrived, are developing successfully. The Bul- garian and German troops have been compelled to retire. We captured pris- cners and booty which have not yet been enumerated. So far as COM be Fancertained, 26 guns were taken. The enemy was driven from the villages of Tzomana and Gostinati, which were captured yesterday." The Petrograd announcement fol- lows: "In the wooded Carpathians the enemy twice fiercely attaeked • the_ height occupied by us six versts south- west of Vorokhta, but was compelled to retire with heavy losses. He also made two attacks northeast and east of Kirklibaba, which were repulsed. "Dobrudja: Our troops have gained possession of the western part of Teberna,voda bridge, and in the region of Klakioisatieltici we have compelled the enemy to retire to the smith from several heights." TURKS DIE LIKE FLIES IN SYRIA New York, Dec, 3.—Soldiers of the Turkish army in Syria aro &Vine' from typhus fever at the Tate of 1,000 it day, accordiug to a despatch from that country, forwarded through Port Said, and given out to -day by the Am- erican Committee for Armenia a a,nd Syrian relief. In addition to the fee Mine, from which the people of syria are long reported to have been suffer- ing, "epidemics of both tYplius fever and cholera are sweeping over that country, the despatch says. LOOKS LIKE INCENDIARISM. 'Sim.coe, Report, -•----The SOYereing Mitt & Itobe Factory at Delhi was burned this morning. The tire was discovered at 4 otelock, but too late to save the place. There was a heavy stock on hand and all is a total loss. The firea Was filling Gen- 'ernment ordere. A square hole out in the Wire grating of a window in one end of the building and a misetrue window grating at the other end were causes of suspicion. The insur- ance is not heavy. PRIOe Or MILK. laltehetter leepOrt.--The pride 02 milk, it was announced to -day, be advanced to tete Mite a quart bit the dealere of this city on MeadaY, December 11. This a1!tern0011 the dealers of Waterloo deelded US ad- vance the price Of milk from eight to nine Ones a quart, to eettle into effect to -morrow meriting,