St. John's Daily Star, 1918-01-03

              The St. John's Daily Star Newfoundland VOLUME IV. C53.00 per Annum) THURSDAY JANUARY 3, 1917. (Price: One Cent.) No. 2 COLONEL HOUSE'S MISSION WAS HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL RUSSIAN PEACE DELEGATION PRESENTS ITS REPORT OF RECENT CONFERENCE WITH THE ENEMY TERMS UNACCEPTABLE IN PRESENT FORM Germans Want Too Much to Please the Russians, Who May Make Peace With Hun Socialists. NO DISCRIMINATION THE ORDER. Each to Pay for Damage Done in Its Own Limits—Release of Prisoners—To Be Sent Home Free. pETROGRAD, Jan. 2.—The Russian peace delegation returned to Petro- icc'ay, and reported to the Joint Session of the Special Executive Committee of ;he Soldiers' and Workmen's Delegates and Petrograd Council of So'diers' and Workmen's Deputies, the progress ci the negotiations with the Austro-Germans at Brest-Litovsk. kameneff, a member of the Russian delegation, read the German terms which he characterized as showing the positive annexation plans of the Centr1 Powers, and he declared they were unacceptable in 'heir present form. He addci the terms hadn't been discussed. If alter the resumption of negotiations, the delegate said, the Germans insist upon these terms, Russia will conclude peace net w; h German Imperialists, but v.uh the representatives of the people. the Socialists o'. Germany. Tiie Russian Peace Delegation. 1 he Germans terms as submitted to the Hi'cst-Litovsk conference were reported in substance as follows: article J—Treaties and agreements "ce before the war are to become ■c ive ii net directly in conflict with ges resulting from the war. Each F; y obligates itself within three ' -nths after signing peace treaty to inform the other which of the treaties and agreements will not again become effective. Article 4—Each of the contracting parties will not discriminate against sub jects, merchantships or goods of other parties. Article s—Parties agree that with the conclusion of peace, economic war shall cease during the time necessary for the restoration of relations. There may be limitations upon trade, but reg ulations as to imports are not to be of too burdensome an extent; and high taxes of duties upon imports shall not be levied for interchange of goods. An organization shall be effected by mixed commissions to be formed as soon as possible. Article 6—lnstead of the Commercial treaty of Navigation of 1894-1904, which ia abrogated, the new treaty will accord new conditions. Article 7—Parties will grant one another, during at least ten years, rights of the most favored nation in the guestion of commerce and navigation. This clause is apparently that carried in a German wireless message received in London and sent by cable on Dec. 31. i Article B—Russia agrees that the administration of the mouth of the Danube be entrusted to a European Danube Commission with membership from their countries bordering on the river. Article 9—Military laws limiting private rights of Germans, Russians and of Russians in Germany are abolished. Article 10—Contracting parties are not to demand payment of war expenditures nor for damages suffered during the war. This provision including requisitions. Article 10.—Contracting parties are not to demand payment of war expenditures nor for damages suffered GUNS HURL DEPTH BOMBS. First British Liner, With New Howitzers, Arrive in America. The first British liner to be equipped with the new seven-point-five howitzers for firing depth bombs at sea in case of submarine attack, arrived last week at an Atlantic port from Engalnd with 110 passengers of all classes and 3,800 sacks of mail. The guns, which resemble the trench mortars shown in the moving pictures of the war, are carried on the boat deck under the bridge on either side, and the stern is protected with a sixinch naval gun. In addition, several smoke bombs were placed in racks along the boat deck ready to be thrown overboard to deceive the enemy as to the ship's position. A British freighter arrived at an American port last Tuesday equipped with the new guns, and it is understood that the Government will arm all vessels under the British flag in the same manner as fast as the arsenals can turn out the howitzers. Submarine Toll. London, Jan. 2.—A semi-official statement says: "During the first ten months of 1917, twice as many submarines were destroyed as during the whole of 1916. The number destroyed in the third quarter of 1917 equals the total destroyed in 1916. The total destroyed was between 40 and 50 per cent, of all commissioned or ready for service. Over 40 per cent, of armed merchanmen, when attacked, have escaped. A True Britisher. London, Jan. 2.—Father Bernard Vaughan, the famous Jesuit, and brother of the late Cardinal, speaking in Trafalgar Square for war econoriiy, said: "People asked him whether the Pope would accept his views," and added, "why do I come in Biretta and Cassock to speak to you? "To show you that although a priest I am an Englishman, and woe to any man who stands between me and my king, country or my flag." The sentiment was received with cheers. The Crossing a Filed. Rome, Jan. 2.—Another attempt to cross the Piave River has been defeated by the Italians, the War Office announces. Half a score of vessels, loaded with enemy troops, were disposed of at Intistadura when the crossing was attempted. A Sensation. A sensation has been caused throughout Scandinavia by the revelation by the Social Demokraten of Christiania of a German attempt by coal deliveries to buy the Norwegian labor press. SSwedish labor also was said to have made an agreement with Germany for deliveries of coal, and the Social Demokraten, therefore, asked leading persons in this enterprise whether any attempts had been made to buy Swedish workers, too. Matanza Salved Halifax, January 3—The American steamer Matanza on a ledge two hundred yards from where the Atlantic was wrecked, with a total loss of 547 lives, in 1873, was successfully floated to-day and brought into Halifax. She went ashore in a dense fog on the morning of December 22, and the cargo was half discharged before she could be floated. She is the first ship rescued from that part of Nova Scotia Coast that has claimed many victims. The work was carried on under direction of H. Black, of the London Salvage Association. Loss of Ship Increase London, an. 2—Eighteen British merchant ships of 1600 tons or over were sunk by mine or submarine during the past week, according to the Admiralty report to-nght. Three ships under 1600 tons were also sunk. This is a material increase over the previous week, when the sinkings numbered 12, of which eleven were more than 1600 tons. , Another Serious Fire Harrisburg, Pa., January 3—Fircj this morning destroyed eigKt acres ofj the Pipe and Pipe Bending Company's i munitions plant, with » of more i than two hundred and tnousanc."] dollars. The fire started in the paint j shop by a can of paint exploding. | BRINGING OUT THE WOUNDED.—This photograph, taken during the great battle near Cambrai, illustrates an uncommon method of transporting wounded. . The scene is an advanced dressing station of a Highland battalion, situated in a deep dug-out. Stretcher cases are brought up, after being attended by doctors below, by a windlass. German prisoners are shown worikng the windlass. BIG OFFENSIVE BY THE GERMANS Is Probable, According to Gen. Maurice —Huns Rushing Soldiers From hie East Front. Jan. 2.—The probability of the Germans now taking a vigorous offensive attitude on the west front, was pointed cut by Major General Maurice, Director of Military Operations at the War Office, in his weekly talk to the Associated Press. There were two factors that contributed to this probability, the General said, the first being the steady flow of German reinforcements from the east front, and the second fact that the American forces were not ready to take any considerable part in the operations. The public should be prepared, General Maurice said, for some losses of both ground and men if the Germans attempted really determined offensive operations. They wouldn't, however, be able to inflict such losses on the Allies as the latter had inflicted on the Germans during the past year. The enemy during the past fortnight had been attempting numerous raids, mostly on a small scale. At Cambrai, however, he tried a larger operation with the object of getting control of the ridge on the BrMsh salient and force our withdrawal. His attack, however, ended in almost complete failure, for although he gained a few hundred yards of our front ' trenches, he failed to set foot on the ridge anywhere. These attempts to take the offensive, continued the General, are a sign of a new distribution of belligerent , forces on the western front. The enemy is steadily bringing troops from Russia with the aim of re-establishing his superiority over the Anglo-French forces. The Germans don't possess a magic carpet, and can't transfer his troops at supernatural rate, especially under winter transport conditions; nevertheless there is a steady flow of Gerrr n troops westward. The Germans are still a long way from having superior numbers on this front, but the relative strength of the forces is already so altered that it is doubtful whether the Allied Governments would feel justified in undertaking offensive operations on a large scale. The enemy, constantly improving his numerical position, will 011 the other hand lead to offensive operations by the Germans, but I see no reason to believe that he will be able to inflict anything like such losses on us as inflicted on him during the past year. Owing to our work the past year we are in excellent defensive positions,, holding nearly all he high ground. On the other hand, we are everywhere on ground where we must prepare new defense systems, and must be prepared to leave ground, and if the enemy makes a determined attack with the usual artillery preparation, followed by energetic infantry assaults, our own experience has taught us that it is always possible to move a certain distance under these conditions of attack. Regarding the situation in Palestine, General Maurice said a word of caution is nccessar*. relative to the reportsreports of an immediate further advance in Palestine. The hills of Judea are notoriously difficult, weather is unfavorable, and the roads are impassable owing to the wet season. The transport problem, therefore, is likely to prevent any considerable movement there for some time. BIG SNOW STORM AND COLD WEATHER Continuous Bombardment of British and French Fronts—Three Enemy Air Craft Are Shot Dov.n, 1 ENTIRE unity henceforth is to be the watchword of the United States and her Allies in the prosecution of the war. American troops are to be rushed to the in largi nunibers as quick as possible, and there is to be perfect co-ordination in naval, military, financial, food, war industries and diplomatic matters. Apparently as a proof that the Germans are preparing for a big offensive is the almost continuous bombardment of various sectors along the British and French fronts, Aside from these bombardments triers has been little activity except by small raiding parties. A heavy snow is falling and another cold wave has set in on the French front to the Vosges Mountains. Snow and cold weather are also giving the Italians a chance to further strengthen their Northern line against Austro-Germans.Aside from reciprocal artillery duels little figting of the moment is in progress.In an endeavor to offset their loss of ground resulting from having been driven back across the Lower Piave River the enemy has tried to effect a landing on the West bank of the stream to a distance from mouth of the Piave. His boats however, were caught under fire of Italian guns and project had to be given up. Austro-German airmen continue to bomb towns on the Venetian plains; Treviso and Bassane have again been attacked. Bombs were also dropped on Mistro. But little damage was done by bombs. Three enemy aircraft were shot down in battle or by anti-aircraft guns. Reports from Russia say negotiations for peace between the Bolshevik! and Teutons have reached virtual impossibilities owing to the unreasonable demands of the Teutons. Particularly distasteful to the Russians is the attitude of the Central Powers with regard o holding Poland. Lithuania and Courland, and their determination to regain garrisons at Riga, Labau and other Baltic ports. 'Seth Jr.' Abandoned Philadelphia, Jan. 2—Capt. Weston Keeping and crew of the British schr. Seth Jr., of Liverpool, arrived to-day, having been rescued from his waterlogged vessel, on December 26. The Seth Jr., was. bound from a S. American port to Canada and and sprung a leak. The crew was rescued by a passing steamer, and the schooner sank shortly afterwards. STATES AND ALLIES IN PERFECT ACCORD Washington Publishes the Result of Colonel House's Mission—Working Hand-in-Hand. WHAT WILL THE HUNS SAY NOW. Minutest Details For the Success of the War Arranged—Nothing Forgotten By America's Representative. ON, Jan. 2.—A definite plan was formed for more active utilization of American naval forces and an agreement was made with the British Admiralty to effect certain plans for anti-submarine warfare. The contribution of the United States to a pooling of air resources was agreed upon. The agreement guarantees the full equipment of every kind that would be available to all American forces sent to Europe during 1918. Arrangements were made to have the United States participate in the r military deliberations of the Supreme War Council as a step toward efficient and centralized unity of control of military operations. The extent of the military effort to k be aimed at by the United States was clearly determined and an Ailied advisory board was created to advise each nation on allotments of ships so as to permit the American military effort to be perfected. Ships, resources and ; arrangements have been made to de[ vote the greatest amount of tonnage possible for the transportation of American troops. , An agreement *he British Admiralty, so that perfect co-operation between the Navy Department and that body is assured. Re-organization of the American naval forces at French ports. Securing of full and detailed picture of naval problem in European waters. Diplomatic: (1) Full frank discussion between Colonel House, as special representative of the Government of the United States, and heads of British, French and Italian Governments, with regard to the war; policy of the United States and her associates in the war. (2) Participation by the members of the Mission in meeting of the British War Cabinet, at which conference useful discussion wah had concerning the needs of the Allies and the extent of the assistance to be expected from the United States; participation by the United States in an inter- Allied War Conference held in Paris Nov. 29th. At this conference all preliminary speeches were dispensed with, and within half an hour after called to order by M. Clemenceau, it had split into committees for work. Participation by the United States in the meeting of the Supreme War Council held at Versailles Dec. Ist, when representatives of England, France, Italy and the United States met, as the first step toward unity of control of armies on the western front. This meeting, the first of its kind assures for future unity and support on the part of the United States and the Allies. These were the first steps taken in the establishment of the more perfect liason between the commanding generals of the United States and the All es, and after the conference, extending over approximately thirty days, with chiefs of staffs, members of general staffs, commanders in chief of the Allied arms on the western front, as I well as with the highest civil officials of the respective Governments, the extent of the military efforts to be aimed at by the United States was clearly determined. With this determination in mind, negotiations were carried on looking to the pooling of resources for mutual advantages of all of the countries engaged in war with Germany. The contribution of the United States to this pooling arrangement was agreed upon, contributions likewise of the countries associated with the United States were determined. This pooling arrangement guaranteed that fuli equipment of every kind would be available to all the American troops sent to Europe during 1918. The unqualified support to the resolution adopted by inter-Allied Conferences looking to the creation of an Allied Advisory Board, charged with the duty of advising the shipping authorities of each nation concerning the allocation of tonnage, so as to permit American effort to be realized. A full survey was made of the problem of debarkation in Europe of American military forces, and the transportation of such forces and supplies to bases, and their military operation. Arrangements were made for the fullest co-operation between the United States, Britain and Prance, in provisions, military instruments and supplies. Plans were made for proper organization under naval and military controi, ports of' debarkation of troops, and surcharge charters looking to the economical utilization of tonnage. Participations in the military deliberations of the supreme war councii, as a step toward efficient and centralization of the control of military operations.Full detailed conference with the financial representatives of Britain, France, Italy, Japan, Greece, Russia, and Roumania for the purpose of ascertaining the extent of the financial aid necessary on the part of the United States in order to properly co-operate with these Governments in making financial arrangements for the prosecution of the war against the Central Powers. Conferences with representatives of the above mentioned countries with the purpose of perfecting the organization of an inter-Allied council, which is a priority board, whose duty it should be to consider the relative Importance and urgency of the financial demands made by concerted efforts of countries at war against the Central Powers. AirarigcmLnts begun for proper financing of the purchases by countries at war with Germany, of supplies from neutral countries. Participation in financial discussions of an inter-Allied conference. Full detailed reports were received showing total loss of tonnage owing to war risks and marine risks, from August, 1914 to Sept. 30, 1917. Estimated output of new tonnage by the Allies during 1918 was ascertained.Proper employment of the existing tonnage, so that the maximum utilization of such tonnage could be effected, was provided for in a resolution adopted by the inter-Allied conference. Allies considering that the means of maritime transport at their disposal as well as provisions which they dispose of, should be utilized in common for the pursuit of the war; have'decided to create an inter-Allied organization for the purpose of co-ordinating their action to this effect, and establishing a common programme, constantly kept up to date, enabling them by the maximum utilization of their resources to 1 restrict their importations with a view of liberating the greatest amount of tonnage for transportation of American troops. whole question of employment of neutral tonnage in line with proposals made by neutral countries, with respect to this tonnage, was exhaustively discussed, and plans made looking for a favorable result of the tonnage negotiations with neutral countries were substantially agreed upon. A survey was completed of the ports of debarkation of American troops and supplies, and plans were made looking to the more expeditious discharge of troops and cargoes, so as to permit the return of ships to their home ports with the least possible delay. War Trade Full and detailed conferences were held with British and Italian representatives upon blockade matters, and a complete understanding was obtained of the principles under which these councils were proceeding. A mass of information was obtained with reference to the rationing requirements of Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Holland. , Agreement by the War Trade Board and Swiss Society surveillance was agreed to and executed by Swiss delegates and Mr. McCormick, Chairman of the War Trade Board. Arrangements made for participation of U. S. in the deliberations of the permanent International Commission of Berne and Switzerland. Tentative plans subject to the approval of the War Trade Board were made for the appointment "of representatives and staff of the War Trade Board in London and Paris. (Continued on Page 2.) (Continued on page 2) sliliil!!ili!!i!!i!j!l!!!lllilfill!i!ll!lllllll|||||||||||||||||||!lll|||f||||||||||||^ | What Shall We | | Give Our Boy for | I NEW YEAR'S GIFT | | HOW *s your Chance | j OR You Will | | NEVER get the | I Opportunity to give § | the Boy a First-Class | | OVERCOAT. | 1= Every Garment made from GOOD MA- eh 1 TERIAL and DEFY COMPETITION f| 1 for FIT and APPEARANCE. jg | Value Never Before Equalled, i | WE CAN FIT ANY BOV | §§ from 2, 3, 4, 6, 8,10 up to 18 years old. = | Prices Ranging | | $6, $B, $lO, $l2 to $l5 | 1 SEE THEM and you will 1 | CERTAINLY BUY THEM = 1 Also Men's Tweed and Nap g j OVERCOATS I g from $lO.OO to $28.00 «a. | f boSng BM, LTD. 1