St. John's Daily Star, 1917-11-15

              The St. John's Daily Star  Newfoundland i VOLUME 111. ($3.00 per Annum) THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1917. [(Price: One Cent.) No. 263. ITALIANS HOLD THE GERMANS IN LAKE GARDA REGION. In Reply to Asquith The Premier Outlines War Council Aims. BRITISH CONTINUE PALESTINE DRIVE-CANADIANS PASSCHENDAELE VICTORY Canadians' Great Victory At Passehendaele Ridge One of Relentless Retreat and Declining Morale For .Hun Troops ALL OBJECTIVES WERE GAINED WITH CLOCK-LIKE REGULARITY IN . !4.—(By W. A. trg has 1 ailed in ittack which was to have troops otf Passchendaele It was launched late yesterday on from Vindictive Cross Roads Farm. The enemy ad>rce, only to be met by the of our artillery, causing him cry step of the advance. c enemy who survived ige were caught by rifle and ine-gun fire., and repulsed all the line by our infantry. As failed to blast our men out of - tion, so the enemy has failed ive them out. Canadians are scon the ridge. ops have been daily strengthforward line, while our guns been advanced to new positions. ■o: yesterday's attack, our ■ infantry co-operated in defeat of the picked fight- V of the Central Empires. 1 Passchendaele is one vies, steady loss and rhcUniag morale. The Corps has moved steadily to objectives, capturing during the al battles 1,174 prisoners, inclddo battalion commanders. Over attacks and counter-attacks ■ecu broken up in the last three by our men. Our line overlooks Heiberg Spur, Roulers, Plain of Moorslede and the green rolling country of farms and villages, seemingly untouched by the war. Behind us are Hossel Markt, Meetcheole, Bellevue Crest Farm, lone mounds of concrete that were enemy pill-boxes, blasted trees, mud and devastation. Enemy shells are blasting Passchendaele, and our guns are blasting his, while our men are toiling to strengthen their positions in the mud. From Passchendaele to Ypres, a mist hangs over the land, veiling the desolation. Our men have won their way through the valley of shadow, that is a salient to the heights that represent the domination, and crown of their great achievement. The dead of the Empire lie in tne valley. The dead of three years. Our dead of Langemarck, St. Julian, and of yesterday and of today. Because of them, the living who fought with them, followed after them. The ridge is ours. The tragedy-of the low graves is relieved by the victory of the high hills. The triumph, that is Passchendaele, is shared by all. The shadow over the salient is lifting. Up to tht ridge and on to the ridge, the Canadian Corps stormed its8 way in a remarkable series of battles, and when I arrived in France on October CRUIZES LLOYD GEORGE Even Partizan Papers, Whilst in Favor of Action, Strongly Condemn the Premier's "Loose Talk" in Paris GRIME & SLANDER ON THE COUNTRY Nov. 14.—The Daily Mail. J which is one of Premier Lloyd- George's strongest supporters, is extremely antagonistic *o former Premier Asquith, and comments editorially upon the Premier's Paris speech under the heading, "Old Gang on Make," and writes of "hte partisam manoeuvres" to secure the return to power of Asquith and his followers, which it says nobody could contemplate without alarm. Nevertheless it lectures the Premier for indulging in the "loose talk" in his Paris speech, and while maintaining that he is absolutely right on the .main point, namely, the necessity of unified control and the establishment of a permanent Military Council, it says: "Some of the Premier's emotional assertions were distinctly unfortunate and ought to have been suppressed because they were unwise or because they represent opinion and not fact. It was a great error to refer to the German line in the west as an impenetrable barrier, or to belittle the splendid victories on the Somme as  they were bloody assaults which resulted in nothing. "Loose Talk" Nor was his reference to appalling casualties correct, in view of the gigantic scale of the war. It is such loose talk as this which may fairly be criticized, and we hope the Premier will not miss the opportunity of putting in juster language his second thoughts of ..these and some other matters dealt with in his Paris speech. The Daily Mail says, editorially: "We face a crisis which threatens the existence of the alliance and the fate of the war and the world." It describes the Premier's speech as an "Unprecedented disaster," and the most lamentable blow struck in this war. A blow for the many victories to the enemy and the equivalent of many defeats for the Allies. , "Encouraging the enemy and depressing ourselves is a crime," continues The Daily News. "This is a crime without parallel, and twice a slfnder on the country, a slander so gross as it was cruel, as false as it was mischievous. It held us up to the obloquy of Europe and the world as the chief author of the misfortunes that have befallen our cause. It invited our Allies to distrust us." After condemning again the scheme for the proposed Council, the newspaper continues: "Lloyd-George, having made himself the political dictator at home, proposes to make himself a military dictator too. In order to bring this about, the Allied cause has been subjected to this deadly and reckless thrust. The reputation of the country has been cruelly wronged and its sacrifices belittled and traduced." Approve Plain Speaking The Times finds itself confirmed by the perusal of the full text of the speech in khe opinions expressed yesterday. Its criticisms are less vehement than those of other papers. Nevertheless, it says, the least fortunate of all is the impression conveyed by the speech that all past efforts of the Allies have been unwise or wasted. We approve of plain speaking. No people thrive on it so well as the British, but disheartening statements must be justified by facts, and the facts in this case are by no means jo damning as the Premier would make them. The Daily Telegraph disagrees with the critics of the Premier, declaring, on the contrary, that "what he said at Paris has given him new claims on the confidence and loyalty of the country." The newspaper denounces those who it says are "attempting to bring down the Government," and declares the success of the attempt "would be a blow l« the spirit of alliances far worse than any defeat, for it would mean the collapse of all confidence in the intentions of Britain. "There is no conceivable alternative to the Premiership of Lloyd-George which would not, in the present situation, be wholly disastrous." The Telegraph expressed confidence that the nation will support the Premier, who, it says, will know how to deal with the situation, United States destroyer on submarine hunt under Admiral Sims, almost through a heavy wave. Note the two cylinders, partly covered by spray, at the stern. They are depth bombs, used successfully in disabling subs. PALESTINE DRIVE STILL CONTINUES News From All Fronts Brighter.— Italians Held Germans in Lake Garda Region. IN THE hilly region, from Tezze on the Trentino front, eastward to Feltre, a distance of 12 miles, the Italians have fallen back before the enemy, who also gained aditional vantage points on the Asiago Plateau and Sette communications. On the Western bank of Lake Garda the Austro-Germans attempted to push forward southward, but were held by the Italians. On the west front in France and Bel gium the situation remains normal with only heavy bombardments and minor infantry operations in progress on the various sectors. The Germans have not resumed their attack against the Canadians in the region of Passchendaele since Tuesday night when they were completely repulsed in an attack in which they sought to regain lost ground. The British drive against the Turks along the Tigris River and Pales tine continues successful. Under pres sure of the British, the Ottoman forces have now withdrawn the line from thirty to fifty miles north of Tekrit, placing them virtually 150 miles north west of Bagdad. On the Tigris in Palestine the Turks have been forced back an additional seven miles. It is reported that they have lost half their effectives in men killed and wounded or prisoners since the operations began. , A British torpedo boat destroyer and a small monitor have been sunk by an. enemy submarine while operating in conjunction with the Palestine column. Thirty-three men from the two ships are missing. The international situation in Russia Still remains obscure although despatch es sent out by the Finnish- Telegram Bureau assert that Premier Kerensky a gain is in control of Petrograd. Other reports are to the effect that he has set up his Government in Moscow and that fighting still continues in the capital. The advices have been forthcoming from Provisional Government sources. Only One Vessel Sunk Rome, Nov. 15.—Only one small sailing vessel of Italian nationality was sunk in the week ending Nov. 11 th, it was officially announced today, as the result of operations of hostile submarines. The statement reads: During the week ending Nov. 11th vessels to the number of 384 entered ports and 333 left. The loss due to submarines was one sailing vessel of more than 100 tons. VIOLENT AUSTRIAN ATTACK REPULSED BY ITALIANS. Italian Troops Offer Effective "Resistance to Attempt of Invaders. Rome, Nov. 14.—A violent attack by the Austrians on the Trentino front, west of Lake Garda, was defeated completely. The official statement says that after a short but intense artillery action a: dawn yesterday, the enemy attempted a violent surprise attack against our position from Lake Lodra to Lake Garda. * Thanks to the effective resistance offered by our troops, the attack failed completely and the enemy was compelled to retire. On Monday night our troops on Siago plateau, which were occupying advanced positions on Monte Largara, after having repulsed a fourth and most powerful attack, were withdrawn to a line of resistance further to the rear. WARSHIP SUNK British Destroyer and Monitor Sunk While Helping Army in Palestine London, Nov. 14—A British destroyer and a small monitor, which were operating in conjunction with the British Army in Palestine, have been sunk, it is officially announced this evening. A hostile submarine sunk the two warships. The text of the statement announcing the losses reads: One of H. M. destroyers and a small monitor have been sunk by an enemy submarine while co-operating with the army in Palestine. Seven men are missing from the destroyer and 26 from the monitor, a total of 33 men from both ships. •>m i c Confidence in Italy. Washington, Nov. 14.—French confidence that the Teutonic drive into Italy has been stopped, is expressed in a cable despatch to the French Embassy: "The Germans have greatly exaggerated the importance of the Italian defeat," says the statement. "In reality Italian armies are far from being defeated.*' Aerial Activity. London, Nov. 14 (Official)—Yes- Yesterday our naval aircraft made numerous patrols. There were several engagements with enemy machines. One enemy machine was destroyed and three were brought down out of control. Many bombs were dropped effectively. A direct hit is reported on the sheds at Houttave, Belgium, airdrome. All our machines returned safely. . » mm * Severe Penalty New York, Nov. 15.—Immediate arrest and internment for the duration of the war will be the penalty for violation of orders issued yesterday by the Federal authorities, banning unnaturalized Germans from residing along the Manhattan waterfront, it was announced today. » 0m »  Calls For Ncrthcliffe. London, Nov. 14.—The Globe says: "Pressure- is being brought on Lord Northcliffe to enter the Government, which, it adds, he alone is deemed cao* abk of bolstering; «p/V AIMS OF WAR COUNCIL OUTLINED BY PREMIER Council Will Have No Executive Power—Final Decision Rests With Govts. WILL MAKE STUDY OF CONDITIONS AND ACT AS ADVISORY BOARD JONDON, Nov. 15—The proposed new inter-Allied Council was the subject of discussion in the House of Comomns to-day when former Premier Asquith brought the matter before the House by interrogating Premier Lloyd George on the functions of the Council. Mr. Asquith asked the Premier whether he would now state the precise functions of the inter-Allied Council and in particular of its military staff. Whether it was proposed that the Coun cil, if so advised by its staff, should have the power to interfere with, and over-ride the opinion on the matter of strategy, of the general staff. If the inter-Allied Council was to have intelligence and operations departments or either of them of its own. Whether the ultimate decision as to the distribution and movements of the various armies in the field was to rest on the Council or the Governments represented by it, and whether the opportunity would be given to discuss the proposed arrangements and the statements made in connection therewith in the Premier's Paris speech. Text of Agreement Premier Lloyd George, in replying to Mr. Asquith said the best way of answering the question was to read the ac tual terms of the agreement between the British, French and Italian Governments for the creation of a Supreme Council of Allies . The text of the cgreement follows: "First, with a view to the better coordination of military action on the west em front, a supreme War Council is created, composed of the Prime Minister and a member of the Government of each of the great Powers whose armies are fighting on that front. The extention of the scope of the Council to the other fronts to be reserved for discussion with the other great powers. "Second, the supreme War Council has for its mission the watching over of the great conduct of the war.. It prepares recommendations for-consideration of the Governments and must keep itself informed of their execution and report thereon to the respective Govern ments. "Third, the general staff and military commands of the armies of each Power are charged with the conduct of the military operations and remain responsible to their respective Governments.Conduct of Operations "Fourth, the general war plans drawn by competent military authorities are submitted to the supreme War Council which, under high authority of the Government, insures its concordance and submits, if need be, all necessary changes. Fifth, each Power delegates to the supreme War Council one permanent military representative whose exclusive function is to act as technical adviser to the Council. Watch Situation Sixth, the military representatives to receive from the Government and competent military authorities of their coun try all proposals, information and doc uments, relating to the conduct of the war. Seventh, the military representatives watch day by day the situation of the forces and means of all kinds of which the Allies and enemy armies dispose. Eighth, the supreme War Council meets normally at Versailles, where the permanent military representatives and staffs are established. They may meet at other places according to the circum stances. A meeting of the supreme War Council takes place at least once a month. The Premier went into further explanation and said: "From the foregoing, it is clear that the Council will have no executive power and that final decisions in matters of strategy and distribution and movements of the various armies in the field will rest with the sev eral Governments of the Allies. There vfill therefore be no operations of the departments attached to the Council. "The present military representatives will derive from the existing intelligence departments of the Allies all information necessary, in order to enable them to submit advice to the supreme Allied Council. "The object of the Allies has been to set up a central body charged with the duty of continuously surveying the field of operations as a whole, by the light of information derived from all the fronts and from all the Governments and staffs, and of co-ordinating the plans prepared by the different general staffs and if necessary of making proposals of their own for the better conduct of the war." Lloyd George announced that the Government had set aside Monday for the discussion of the Paris speech and the proposed Council. LOSSES BY SUBS. SMALL, THIS WEEK Only One Ship Over 1600 Tons Sunk —Italians Putting Up Stiff Fight Against Invaders. THE German submarine campaign is waning as a result of the stringent measures that have been taken to combat it by British and American naval forces. Only six British merchantmen were sunk, and only one of those ships exceeded 1600 tons, last week. This is the smallest sent to bottom any week during the submarine warfare, -the lowest previous figures having been 12 merchant ships, eight of them in the category of 1600 tons and over. While the Italians continue to hold tenaciously to most of the new line along the Piave River, from the Adriatic to the region of Feltre, and through the northern hills west from Feltre to Lake Garda, they again have been compelled to give ground in both sectors to the Teutonic allied forces. -Upon the shoulders of the ItaKans alone for several days must rest the security of the Piave line and of historic Venice, for information has been vouchsafed by Major-General Maurice, Chief Director of Military Operation* at the War Office, that it will be some days yet before British and French fighting forces can be placed in the field to reinforce the Italians. Meanwhile the enemy is striving energetically to force a passage of the Piave at various places, and again has been successful on the southern reaches in crossing the stream at Grisolera, four miles distant from its mouth and some 20 miles northwest of Venice. Here, however, in swampy regions, the Teutons are being held by the defending forces, from further gains. To the north around Zenson, where the stream was negotiated by the Austro-Germans on Tuesday, fighting is still in progress, with the Italians holding the upper hand, but not yet having been able to drive back the invaders to the eastern bank of the stream. Still further north, attempts to gain a foothold on the western bank of the Piave between Quero and Fenere, were repulsed with heavy losses. > ■  Cadorna Will Represent Italy. Paris, Nov. 15.—According to the correspondent of the Temps on the Italian front, it is now stated that General Cadorna, who was said to have declined the offer to represent Italy on the inter-Allied committee, has yielded to pressure and consented to act as Italy's representative. ■ ■ ■ Borden Candidates Halifax, Nov. 15—Hon. A. K. Mc- Lean and Mayor P. F. 'Martin were nominated at the Union Convention here last night for Halifax City and county. Premier Borden was offered nomination but he will stand for his native county of King's. (Continuued on page 2.) Special to Housekeepers: CURTAIN NETS, WHITE and CREAM, All full widths and dainty designs. Prices 15c, 17c, 20c, 25c, 30c, 55c yd. SETS LACE CURTAINS, White and Cream. All neat patterns. 70c, 90c, $1.20, 1.50, $2.00 up to $9LOO set. CURTAIN SCRIM, Plain and Fancy Border, 12c. 9 17c9 20c, 25c, up to 40c. yarl. CASEMENT CLOTH, VIEU.-ROSE, PALE GREEN, CHAriPAGNE, a f w left. 75c yard. 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