St. John's Daily Star, 1917-10-27

              The St. John's Daily Star Newfoundland VOLUME lIL ($3.00 per Annum)] SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1917. '(Price: One Cent.) No. 247. FRENCH AND BRITISH LAUNCH ATTACK IN FLANDERS Rio Janeiro, Oct. 26.—"A state of war between Brazil and Germany 'is hereby acknowledged and proclaimed. The President of the Republic is authorized to adopt measures enunciated in his message of the 24th October, and take all steps tending to ensure national defence and public security." Such is the wording of the Diplomatic Commission's action in favor of war. This resolution was adopted by an almost unanimous vote in The Chamber of Deputies today, 149 to 1. London, Oct. 27.—Operations with limited objectives were undertaken by the British and French armies in Flanders early this morning, and notwithstanding the great difficulties caused by the weather and bad ground considerable progress was made and valuable positions taken on the greater part of the front attacked, says the British official communication issued tonight. The communication says that more than 600 prisoners were captured during today's operations. French Continue Drive On Aisne Front; Huns Make Furious Onslaughts Against Italians WILL NOT AFFECT ITALY'S WAR POLICY Want of Confidence Vote Was Due Mainly to Dissatisfaction Over Food Administration WASHINGTON, Oct. 26.—N0 change in Italy's foreign policy nor weakening of her aggressive prosecution of the war is expected here as a result of the fall of the Cabinet. Official despatches today . say before the failure of the vote of confidence in the Chamber of Deputies yesterday, the entire Chamber applauded a speech by Foreign Minister Sonnino. reviewing the international situation, calling the phases of the Pope's peace proposal pro-German and declaring the intention of Italy and the Allies to fight until the war is won. All references to the Allies were greeted with enthusiasm, and when the Minister spoke of the visit of the King of Belgium to the King of Italy the entire Chamber rose to applaud. According to advices received here, the fall of the Cabinet was due solely to dissatisfaction over the food administration and in the reconstructed Government Baron Sonnino will be retained at the head of the Foreign Office. His speech, which was cabled to the Italian Embassy, touched upon Italy's entry into the war and declared their hope; and cheerful and courageously bearing burdens of war which they wanted and for which they are ready to stand any sacrifice. ■ ■ Messrs. R. E. and A. R. Chambers leave by tomorrow's Express for Nova Scotia. FURTHER GAINS IN FLANDERS Bad Weather Still Continues and Considerably Hampers Operations— Italians Forced to Retire THE new gains of the British and French in Flanders were obtained in another satisfactory and decisive offensive launched early this morning on the front between the southern edge of Houtholst Wood and the region of Gheluvelt Bad weather and soggy ground hamp ered operations to some extent and all objectives could not be taken. The majority of them, however, rested in the hands of the Allies at the end of the day's fighting. More than 800 prisoners were taken by the British. With the important railway junction of Laon as their objective, the French are continuing their pressure against the forces of the German Crown Prince, north of the Aisne River. In another attack on the right the village of Filian was captured and footing gained on the plateau north of Epine de Chevrigny, and the enemy was forced to give ground north of La Chapelle St. Berthe. The Austro-Germans on the Isonzo front are fast developing their offensive against General Cadorna's forces. Already the Italians on the north wing of a 15 mile front have been forced to give ground and at several places are back across the Isonzo, north and south of Tolmino, where the battle is raging on Italian territory. The Italian War Office says that the evacuation of Bainsizzea, Heiligengeist Plateau, is a necessary retirement which will render null in a great measure the brilliant advance of the Italians in the summer campaign. French Artillery Simply Pounded Every Obstruction into the Earth Doing Indescribable Damage Not an inch of ground Around Large German Dugout but was battered aud torn- German Prisoners Marching Back unattended.WITH THE FRENCH ARMIES IN •" FRANCE, Oct. 26.—The French have reached the Aisne Canal, and Laon is eight miles away in sight. Following up the victory of Tuesday, the French took Monkey Mountain, east of Vauxaillon, the village of Pinon and the forest of the same name, as well as the village of Pargny-Filain. Certain demoralization in the German command is shown by contradictory orders found on prisoners and the question is asked whether another retreat is intended. Crossing the battle-field in the vicinity of Vuraina and Saint Guillaim Farms, the correspondent obtained ample evidence of the extent of the splendid victor; of the French. Hundreds of prisoners in large groups were making their way to the rear, marching without escort. Damaged machine-guns lay everywhere, while scattered around were heaps of ammunition, cannon and immense quantities of material. Germans Captured Many Germans were captured in an enormous cavern. The approaches were battered severely and large holes had been torn in the roads, demonstrating the power and accuracy of the French artillery. Not an inch of ground hereabouts had been left unchanged. The cavern had galleries about one kilometre in length, with many exits, most of which had been damaged greatly by the French guns. When the French infantry dashed for ward in the darkness, they approached the entrances warily and found them full of Germans waiting for the moment of attack. Rifle grenades and smoke bombs soon brought them out with their hands raised in token of surrender.Meanwhile the tanks had advanced with the infantry men until the second German position was reached, destroying on the way any nest of machineguns. One tank was opposed by a determined German officer with a large body of men who poured bullets upon the armored sides of the machine without effect. Finally the French officer in command descended from jhe tank and with his revolver fbrced the whole group to surrender. Tanks' Good Work Another tank found a battery of field guns facing it. As soon as the tank opened fire half of the artillery men threw up their hands, while the remainder bolted, only to fall beneath a hail of machine-gun bullets from the monster.Today the French advance proceeded rapidly and units reached various objectives with regularity. After taking the village of Pinon, patrols went forward and entered the forest of the same name. They found many German cannon abandoned, but with breech* locks gone. Dead horses killed by the German gunners, lay beside the cannon.The Germans had found it impossible to get the weapons away over the marshes adjoining the Aisne Canal, over which most of the bridges had been destroyed, making retreat of the artillery impossible. Hundreds of machine-guns were captured by the French and many of them were turned on the fleeing Germans who had left plenty of ammunition behind. It is reported that 150 cannon have fallen into the French hands, tut the number is uncertain owing to the conditions of the battle-field and its .Ifldth. '<' '.':V ' ' ' . > BEYOND A JOKE. "YAH; ,INDENBURG!"—London Passing Show. Canadian Troops Take Part In New British Offensive Make Brilliant Advance Over Difficult Ground, Making Important Gains ADVANCED FROM IDENTICAL TRENCH MADE FAMOUS THIRTY MONTHS AGO f ANADIAN HEADQUARTERS IN FRANCE, via London, Oct. 26.— (By W. A. Willison, special correspondent of the Canadian Press)—Back again in the bloody salient, smashing forward towards the Passchendaele Ridge, the Canadians, fresh from destroying the enemy forces cooped up in Lens, advanced at daybreak this morning on a front extending roundly from Passchedaele on the Zonnebeke Road to Wallemolen . They have many strong points in front of them, such as Wolfe Copse, Bellevue Spur, Augustus Wood, Heine House, Hillside Farm and higher land to the northwest, but the Canadian troops, avoiding the impassable swampy land, known as marsh bottom, swept forward in two waves, the first taking the higher ground to the north of the marshes, they launched the brunt of their attack against Bellevue. The second wave to the south advanced against Augustus Wood, Heine House and Hillside Farm. While not a major operation, this morning's attack will rank as one of the most historic incidents in the war in the history of the Dominion, for the battalions engaged advanced from practically the identioal trenches held by Canada's veteran division on April 22, two and a half yea*s ago, when the Germans, launching their gas attack, captured St. Julien and might have stormed through to the coast but for the desperately gallant fighting of the battered battalions of the Dominion.Today those trenches are ours and Canada in the advanced area has wrested from the Hun the only bit of Dominion trenches he has succeeded in holding in this war. Preceded by over two hours of concentrated artillery barrage are ad- The same uncertainty applies to the total number of prisoners, hundreds of Germans being encountered on all parts of the field marching, wearily back to ihe Fteech lines, vancing force to the north went forward through slime and mud to the Germans advanced positions before Bellevue Spur, which was the scene of desperate fighting on October 12th. It has extensive wire entanglements with many five-feet thick concrete pill boxes. During the last ten days our artillery moved up with the greatest difficulty through seas of Flanders' mud, and has been giving Bellevue Hill daily shelling. The effect of our fire was demonstrated early in the week when two prisoners wandered into the Canadians utterly dazed from the effects of our fire on their concrete shelter. To the south of the marsh ravine our outposts for the last week have been constantly encroaching on the German positions at Augustus Wood, Heine House and Hillside Farm. That the Canadian attack was a minor one is shown in the Allied advance on a roughly ten-mile front from Houtholst Wood in the north to Gheluvelt. Today at the time of filing this despatch the engagement is progressing favorably to the south with stubborn fighting to the north. Among the battalions engaged are those of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Central Ohio. ■ ■ POLITICAL CONGRESS Russian Congress for the Awakening of National Conscience opened Moscow, Oct. 27.—The political con gress opened here today, Michael Rodzianke, who was elected President, declared in his speech that the conference aimed at the awakening of the national conscience and to indicate the way out of existing anarchy. Peace at the present juncture, he maintained, would be treason to Russia's allies and a cause of enslavement of the country, and would put her off from the rest of Europe. The energetic ladies of St. Thomas's Women's -Association are holding a sale in aid of teh W.P.A. on Wednesday, &SEbJS&*/*S/* ' '■ ' *f,Y*,tr-\ DESPERATE EFFORT KNOCK ITALY OUT Lord Northcliffe Believes the Moving of I German Troops Against Italians Is a Most Serious Point  <JT. LOUIS, Oct. 27—Lord Northcliffe, head of the British War Commission to the U. S., before the Chamber of 1 Commerce today, said the Austro-Ger- J man offensive against Italy is a desper- ] ate attempt to knock Italy out of the j war, and disturbances in Italy are being ( fomented by Germany. I I believe there will be a desperate l fight on the Italian front within the I next few weeks, said Lord Northcliffe. i The most serious point in the war news 1 today is that the Germans are attacking ' the Italian front for the first time. The < German statement today speaks of the Austro-German troops, and it is evident 1 they are trying to put Italy out of the war. : If I were a Prussian, I would think ; I had won the war. We know they are preparing occupied country for permanent residence. Our duty is to see that they don't do this. Nations wake very slowly to war conditions. The first indication of sugar shortage in England was in candy for young, ladies. I find the same thing here. In New York women are trembling for candy. There is a sugar shortage, though to see the candy piled in the windows of candy stores one would not think so. MICHAELIS MUST GO Majority In Reichstag Believe Chancellor Should Resign Copenhagen, Oct. 26.—Leaders of the majorities of parties in the Reichstag are continuing their deliberations, according to Berlin advices, and are reasserting their unanimity of belief that Chancellor Michaelis must go, but are feeling decidedly helpless in face of the rebuffs administered by Emperor William to representations in regard to action on various proposals. It is doubtful in view of the disinclination by at least two of the majority parties to infringe in any way upon the prerogative of the crown in appointing ministers, whether any decisive action is to be expected either from the conference or the committee, if it was summoned. 1 m* ■ French Drive Continues Paris, Oct. 27.—French troops are continuing their successful drive on the Flanders front, according to the War Office statement issued tonight. The number of guns captured since the 23rd totals 160 and 700 prisoners were taken this morning. In the Champagne enemy surprise attacks broke down and the French succeeded in entering the German lines, and at one point brought back prisoners. Destructive Fire i Montreal, Oct. 26—A part of the plant of the Canada Explosive Com! pany at Vaudreuil, was destroyed by fire this morning. » ■ ■ ■ PREPARES WAY FOR STRATIGIC RETREAT . German Military Expert Says Loss of Laon Would Not Affect Germany's Great Tactical Plan [ fOPENHAGEN, Oct. 26.—The possibility of.a further German retreat on the Aisne front is mentioned by Lt. General yon Ardenne, the military expert of The Tageblatt, of Berlin. • Discussing the French victory there he says the attacks of the French will i undoubtedly be repeated. Although • their chances of ultimate success are . small, it is well to remember that the i German plan of defense does not forbid of Voluntary abandonment, under : proper circumstances, of territory not ■ essential to the great tactical plan, so that losses may be reduced. EVen the loss of Laon, although this 1 is in Ho way impending, wouldn't alter the strategic situation of the Germans. He 4ws attention to the fact that ; Laon is still twelve kilos from the battle i front, protected by fortifications which the French will find it difficult to overfprne, ■ ■ j BARRAGE FIRE WAS OF GREAT INTENSITY Wonderful and Effective Work of British Artillery Preparations for Latest British Offensive gRITISH £RONT IN BELGIUM, Oct. 27—(By the Associated Press)— Enemy guns stationed on the high ground southeast of Gheluvelt, which constituted one of the main defenses of the Gheluvelt position were comparatively quiet in the early hours, probably due to the heavy and effective bomb ardment conducted against them by the British last night. Many explosions were seen in the vicinity of these enemy batteries in the darkness. The attack began in cold rain, that had been falling for several hours. It has become almost trite to say that the greatest barrage yet seen was employed, but once more this was the case. The depth of barrage fire was consider ably increased .and the British troops went forward behind a terrible hail of shells. The preliminary bombardment for these attacks had been proceeding for days with the greatest intensity and the expenditure of ammunition was enormous.The face of Passchendale Ridge and other regions have been so altered that they resemble a" volcanic zone. Last night the concentrated fire was in creased and the heavens were filled with a crimson glow as the great guns hurled their charges into the German lines. The preliminary bombardment was the result of remarkable work. In the morning the guns moved forward over marshlike terrain. The brisk wind of the last few days had done wonders in drying up the water, but the mud was still deep and , in many places there were impassable morasses. Notwithstanding these trying conditions the preparations were completed. The Germans had been expecting an attack, in fact they thought ft was being made on Monday, and riiarched up troops to the support. Later they withdrew them and thus these troops underwent three hours' marching each way through deep mud. * m* • Important Tactical Gains London, Oct. 17.—Reuters corespondent at the British Headquarters in France and Belgium says the sum total of today's results in the attack in the Ypres sector is a series of important tactical gains and it is only because we knew we should have done much more had the heavens favored the operations, the correspondent adds, that one cannot regard the collective achievement with complete satisfaction. . m •  Progress in Macedonia. London, Oct. 26.—The British official statement, dated Saloniki, and dealing with operations in Macedonia, says: Yesterday our cavalry and infantry captured the villages of Salma, Kispaki Ada and Kakaraska, all on the norrheast shore of Lake Tahinos. After completing our task we returned to our lines with 110 prisoners and one machine-gun, leaving behind 60 dead Bulgarians. BRITISH ARTILLERY HELPS THE ITALIANS Austro-German Offensive Against Italians Increasing—ltalians Offer Stout Resistance. LONDON, Oct. 26.—Reuters correspondent at Italian Hea.dguarte.js telegraphing Thursday stated the weather had broken and there was mud and slush everywhere. Nevertheless the artillery duel was ever increasing in extent and volume and was beginning to reveal the vast nature of the Austro-German movement which stretches from Plezza to the Carso. The second and third armies are offering must stubborn resistance and are ready to pass to the offensive directly the opportunity offers. 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