St. John's Daily Star, 1918-01-10

              The St. John's Daily Star Newfoundland VOLUME IV. ($3.00 per Annum) THURSDAY, JANUARY 10,1918. (Price: One Cent) No. 8. FAMOUS FRENCH SOLDIERS RAID THE GERMAN LINES NEW YORK===A "Times" despatch from Amsterdam Says: Germany is on verge of catastrophe worse than Russia is, and declares that Russia is on verge of utter collapse. UNFAVORABLE WEATHER ON MAJOR BATTLE FRONTS Artillery Duels—lnfantry Attacks—- Boches Enter Advanced Post— Forced Out Again. ADMITS FRENCH SUCCESS. Teutonic Representatives Negotiating to Earn the Gccd Will of The Ukranians, weather continues on most of the jor battle fronts, but neverlheavy artillery due's are proceed-1 infantry attacks of small proii s have been carried out. The Germans in one of the manoeuvred Ornish advanced posts )1 the Ypres-Staden Railway, 'er were forced out. the famous St. Mihiel salient. as! ol Verdun, French troops iaided German positions on a ont, destroyed positions and rewith 178 prisoners and some ine nuns. German war office admits the .. success, but says the French, nected from them in a counter- Snow Falling, the Italian front heavy snow is and aside from artillery duels nail patrol encounters there has 10 fighting worthy of mention. Both British and French papers en' i iastically endorse Wilson's statemenl of war aims. Likewise it has met with the entire approval of the representatives of bor in Britain. In a manifesto the Laborites say •i the present statement the party can find no portion upon which the Allied democracies are likely to disagree,disagree, and that if it reaches the peoples of the Central Powers it will reinvigorate the popular movement toward peace, and give their demands for peace weight and authority that can't be denied. 'Sub' Zone Extended. Germany has extended her submarine zone to include the waters around Cape Verde Islands, Maderia and a portion of those of French Senegal, all off the northwest coast of Africa. Through these waters lay important trade routes from the Pacific and Indian Oceans, South Africa and South America to Europe. According to an Amsterdam despatch which probably emanated in Berlin, the Brest-Litovsk peace conference again is in session with Leon Trotzky, the Bolsheviki Foreign Minister., German and Austro-Hunganan Foreign Ministers, and the Turkish Grand Vizeir in attendance. In addition to their endeavor to straighten out the differences with the Bolsheviki, the Teutonic allied representatives are declared to be negotiating with the Ukranians in an endeavor to earn their good will. BANDS OF BRIGANDS. Thirty Thousand in Ottoman Empire Who Are Bent On Pillage. Geneva, Jan. 10.—A Constantinople report received here says that within the Ottoman Empire there are roving bands of brigands, estimated to number 30,000. They are mostly armed deserters from the army and are bent on pillage. They even venture near the towns and sometimes attack regular troops in order to get arms and food. TORPEDOED REWA WITHOUT WARNING Vessel Was Lighted Up As Ususal— Crash Put Ship in Darkness—Survivors Suffered Much. gRISTOL, Jan. 9.—The hospital ship Rewa was torpedoed without warning an hour before midnight January ■4th, and sank within an hour. According to custom the vessel was lighted up after dark Friday evening, so that there could be no possibility of submarines mistaking her identity. The torpedo struck the ship with a terrific crash and was so effective there was no chance of saving her. There were five hundred and fifty persons aboard including thirty bed-ridden and a number of soldiers suffering from malaria. The lights on the hospital ship were put out by the force of the explosion, and wounded and sick had to grope about in the dark for their clothing. Many of them were unsuccessful in their quest, and had to leave the ship without clothing. While in the boats and on the rafts they had little or no protection from the piercing cold and wind. All the patients, the ship's staff and members of the crew, with the exception of 30 Lascars, who were killed by the explosion, were safely rescued from boats and rafts. They had hardly left the Rcwa, which was sinking on even keel, when the steamer suddenly plunged forward and disappeared. The rescued men were two hours adrift before they were picked up. DISHONORABLE PEACE NOT WANTED Russian Troops Urge Trotzky to Be Firm—Will not Bow to Hun Imperialism DETROGRAD, Jan. 10—The Russian peace delegates passed along the way to renew the negotiations with trie Germans. The Russian troops in the trenches near Brest-Litovsk urged upon Leon Trotzky to be firm and not to make a dishonorable peace. A despatch detailing this and other facts was received at Smolny, the Boisheviki Headquarters. Trotzky replied: "We didn't overthrow the Csar to bow to German Imperialism."The tenor of the despatch indicated that the Russians would continue to insist upon the transfer of the Conference to a Neutral slate in order to gain more publicity which the Russians consider extremely important. The Bolsheviki Headquarters is receiving by telegraph the comments of the German press along with others that of The Frankfurter Zeitung, which in an editorial declares that Germany shouldn't hesitate to move the Conference elsewhere as the question of place was no rock to break off this most important Conference. , The peace delegates of Ukraine conferred yesterday at Brest-Litovsk with the Bolsheviki delegates and reached an agreement whreby the Russian authorities consent to consider Ukraine an important factor in making such terms as its leaders deem advisable with the Germans. ■ ■  GERMAN WOMEN INCLUDED. Washington, Jan. 10.—Enemy alien restrictions probably will be extended soon to German women by the United States legislation. To this end a bill is being drafted and Congress leaders have assured the department of justice that it will be enacted promptly. If this is done before the week of February 4th, when a nation-wide registration of unnaturalized Germans is to be made under supervision of the department of justice, women probably will be included in the enemy alien census. FAVORS FEDERAL SUFFRAGE. Washington, Jan. 9.—President Wilson today told a delegation of House leaders that he favored the enactment of the Susan B. Anthony Federal Suffrage amendment and would make clear his position in a statement to be issued toniahu "ALL FUSSED FOR THE WlNTER"—British soldier clad in sheepskin jacket is ready for winter camp aign. Dye Secret Captured London, Jan. 10-—A. group of men in the British Textile Trade have captured the secret receipes of the great German tfj^industiy, * according to The Da' * displays the item unUer lay~e * heads. *V The recipes, numbering 257. be longed to the great Badische * Works and are now in the keep'v ing of a London bank. Separate Peace  '' Petrograd, Jan. 10—Separate* * peace proposals made by Turkey !i have been refused by the Bolsheviki 'v Government, Turkey was requested * * Co participate in the general confer * ence between Russia and the Cen* tral Powers. * Berne, Jan. 10— A separate agree v * ment has been signed by Russia * * and Bulgaria the Bund reports * **" MISTAKEN VIEW OF HUNS. Hyndman, British Socialist, Thinks Wilson Has Not Right Idea. London, Jan. 9.—While considering President Wilson's speech to Congress a very fine pronouncement. Herny M. Hyndman, leader of the British Socialists, thinks it took a mistaken view of Germany's present position. There is no democracy in Germany at present, said Hyndman. Equality instead of mastery is just what the Germany nation will not accept. I think the President misunderstands the position in Russia. The majority of the Russia people and the complete majority of the constituent assembly are not represented by the Bolsheviki at Brest-Litovsk, or by the Leninite section in Russia. The Russian social . revolutionary majority is neither disposed to surrender to Germany nor to have German nor Bolsheviki tyranny at home, PREMIER'S SPEECH HELD MODERATE Dutch Socialist has Imagination of How Germany Regards the Premier's Speech gTOCKHOLM, an. 10—Camille Huyamans, Secretary of the Socialist Internationals and Dutch Scandinavian Stockholm Committe, in an interview to-day, expressed himself as very hopeful that his visit to England to attend the Nottingham Conference will result in reversal of the Entente policy of the refusal of passports to Stockholm in February with all the belligerent countries represented. He contends that there would have been no Lenine and no separate peace negotiations if the Entente delegates had been permitted to go to Stockholm. He thinks that it is still possible to save the Russian situation. The Dutch Scandinavian Committee and Secretary Huyamans personally have received information from German}' that Lloyd George's speech is regarded in extensive circlet; as very moderate in tone and t*iat German papers which condemn it fail to represent the true view. • »  The Portia is at Curling taking on board a very large shipment of herring.FAVORABLE TO LABORITES. British Representatives Issue Manifesto Supporting Wilson's Program. London, Jan. 9.—Representatives of British labor issued a manifesto today, giving whole-hearted support to the program presented in President Wilson's speech yesterday. The manifesto says that in essential respects it is so similar to that which British labor put forward that we need not discuss any points of difference in detail. The manifesto was adopted at a joint meeting of the Parliamentary Committee of Trades' Union Congress and National Executive, and the Committee of the Labor Party. It declares the President's speech opened peace negotiations and that the world awaits proof of the sincere desire of the Central Powers to carry them to conclusion. It welcomes the reference to the freedom of the seas and support of Russia. SHIPPING LOSSES CONTINUES HIGH Eighteen Large and Three Small Steamers Were Sunk During Past Week, Says Admiralty. [ONDON, Jan. 10.—The Admiralty statement of the week's shipping is, arrivals 2085, sailings 2244. British merchantmen of over 1600 tons sunk by mine or submarine, including two previously, 18; under 1600, including one previously, three. British merchantmen unsuccessfully attacked, including two previously, 11 ; British fishing ships sunk, four. The Admiralty report of January 2nd gave sinkings of British merchantmen for current week as 21, eighteen vessels of 1600 tons or over. This was a material increase over the previous week, when the sinkings numbered 12, eleven of more than 1600 tons; thus the increase in submarine sinkings has been more than maintained in the past week, as they comprised 21 merchantmen and four fishing ships. THANK YOU, SAYS RUSSIA. Washington, Jan. 9.—The Russian Embassy today issued a statement of appreciation of Wilson's reference to the Russian people, in his address to Congress. WILSON'S WAR SPEECH MAKES GREAT IMPRESSION Wilson's Speech is TD med "The Mds Ch?rta" of Future Peace by One Of Great Britain * Ncwrpapers KINDLY RECEIVED IN FRANCE Immense Importance For France—The Injustice of the Prussians in 1871 Must be Redressed lONDON, Jan. 9—President Wilson's speech takes a leading place in both the news and editorial columns of the press. One paper describes it as the Magna Charta of future peace. Coming so closely on the heels of Premier Lloyd-George's address at the Labor Conference, the words of the Heads of the American and British Governments are compared closely, and while some differences are found in the manner of discussing the various questions, the newspapers find no disagreement in the essential policy. It is noted that the President deals more sympathetically with the Bolsheviki than did the Premier, but it fs pointed out that America hasn't suffered from the Russian collapse as the Western Allies have. s However, The Westminster Gazette welcomes Mr. Wilson's careful, sympathetic language, and says it hopes that all misunderstandings which may have arisen from other statements will be removed by the unequivocal language 'in which the Presidents adopts the Russian demands as his own. Only A Summary Paris, an. 9—Only a summary of the President's address to Congress had reached here by way of London up to noon to-day. The Temps says it is awaiting the arrival of the full text of President Wilson's declarations before commenting on his peace programme as a whoTe Meanwhile however, it says of the passage in the President's address dealing with Alsace-Lorraine, it is the first time the President of the United States has declared himself on the Alsace-LorraineAlsace-Lorraine question. We had no doubts as to his sentiments, but we are profoundly glad that he has expressed them. We thank him also for placing the problem on its true ground. In presenting the restitution of Alsace-Lorraine as a necessary condition for general peace and not only as a speciaP claim of the French people. New Page Added La Liberta says a new page has been added to so many noble and generous pages from the President's pen, ana then analyses the address briefly. The paper says it will show that Germany is full of annexation folly, and will refuse to subscribe to it as advanced. Social Democrats refuse reparation for iniquity which the Frankfort treaty consecrated. La Liberta contrasts the generosity of President Wilson's attitude toward Russia with the perfidious manoeuvres of the Central Powers at Brest-Litovsk, and adds that the President was right in ending the declaration of the American determination to fight until those objects are attained, as arms alone, not speeches will convince Germany of the justice of our cause. A Powerful Echo La Liberta says the enthusiastic welcome they met with in the American Congress enhanced their value still further. At the beginning of the new year, which undoubtedly will be the decisive year, we record with joy this evidence of solidarity which is given to our country, and this pledge of victory which is given to the cause of right. The Journal Des Debats remarks that Premier Lloyd George's counter offensive has found a powerful echo in Washington in the great speech of President Wilson upon the Foreign Policy of the United States of America and its War Aims. Although only frag ments of the message are yet available, says the paper, they have immense importance for France, as they bring the President's declaration that the injustice to France by Prussia in 1871 must be redressed. GENERAL STAFF FOR THE NAVY Admiralty Makes Changes—No Regard to Seniority—Published Immediately [ONDON, Jan. 10—The changes in the Admiralty which were expected to follow the recent replacement of Admiral Wemyss have now been effected and what will in effect be a Naval General Staff will be created, though probably without any radical titular change in the composition of the Admiralty Board. In making the new appointments which have not yet been officially announced, no regard has been paid to seniority, but, rather to the selection of officers who, during the course of the war, have shown themselves to possess the necessary qualifications for staff work. Under the new arrangement of the staff, operations are divided into three departments. Operations in home war ers; operations overseas, and Trade Protection operations. The First Sea Lord will be Chief of the Naval Staff and responsible for the large questions of naval policy, hrs position corresponding to that of the chief of the military staff. It is understood that the composition of the new board will be published almost immediately.■ *» • May Agree on Peace Centre London, Jan. 10—At the first sitting of the resumed negotiations at Brest- Litovsk on Tuesday, says a despatch sent out by the official Russian News Agency, the discussion between the Russian delegates and those of the Central Powers centered on the selection of a city in some neutral country in which fco continue the deliberations. There is every probability, it is added, of satisfactory arrangement being reached. SINKING REWA INEXCUSABLE CRIME Survivors Quickly Landed—Struck The Red Cross—Many Survivors Were Naked I ONDON, Jan. 9—(Via Router's Ottawa Agency)— The torpedoing of the hospital ship Rowa must be regarded as another inexcusable crime. When the vessel was struck everyone worked with a will in the difficult ta?k of transferring the wounded to the boats and a patrol ship which speedily arrived. The survivors were landed and everything possible done to alleviate the sufferings of the wounded, who were quickly placed in hospitals. There were 500 persons aboard the hospital ship, including 250 wounded men. The vessel was travelling about four knots an hour when torpedoed. The missile struck with a terrific crash right amidships, boring a hole right through the craft. The explosion extinguished the lights on the lower deck where there was wild groping in the darkness to enable men to go on deck; afterwards wonderful order was maintained. All the boats except two, which were apparently destroyed by the explosion were successfully launched, /vhile the ship was rapidly settling down on an even keel. Thirty cot cases were first placed in the boats, then a woman and the nurses. The ship disappeared stern uppermost ten minutes after the last boat was loaded. The newspapers emphasized that the Rowa outrage also breaks the pledge implied in the German Government's statement of Jan. 29, 1917, that hospital ships from the west of France to the west of England would not be attacked.It appears the Germans used the red cross on the Rowa as a taTget, as th torpedo went through it. Many of the survivors were landed naked. !llll!ll!!i!l!!l!lll!lllllllll AINS FROM lillVi == %, [1 HE ft TAKING. Utftt I To Clear at Greatly I REDUCED PRICES. BOWRING BROS., LTD.