St. John's Daily Star, 1918-03-16

              The St. John's Daily Star Newfoundland VOLUME IV. ($3.00 per Annum) SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 1918. (PROBS: N. W. to W. Gales; Fair and Cold.) No. 62. ALLIES OFFERED PEACE TERMS BY HUNS AT RUSSIA'S EXPENSE Entente Nations Turned Down Proposals And Germans Declare Intention To Proceed With Offensive In West At Earliest Possible Date HUNS MENAGE PEOPLE OF HOLLAND BECAUSE OF THE SHIPPING SITUATION Mar. 16.—That peace terms have been offered Britain by Germany may possibly be inferred from several significant statements given out on Friday. Lord Robert Cecil, British minister of blockade, asked if proposal "had been received for a peace at the expense of Russia," said that "no such proposals are being considered or will be considered." A little earlier in the day an Amsterdam despatch quoted Field Marshal von Hiiidenburg as saying that "the Entente has shown an unresponsive attitude towards Germany's peace intentions and the great German offensive must therefore go on." Later in the day General Von Ludendorff, the German quartermaster-general, was reported as saying "Since the enemy is not inclined to make peace, he will have to fight and this fight will, of course, be the most tremendous of the whole war." General Von Lundendorff continued: "We are stronger than the enemy as regards men, material, aerial forces and everything, in fact, of which he hoasted, is standing in readiness on our side for the greatest drive of the war." It is admitted that offers of peace have been made to Serbia by Austroliungary and Bulgaria, but it is said that Serbia has completely refused to consider them. The treaty of peace, submitted by Germany to Russia at Brest-Litovsk, which makes Russia an outpost of the Central Powers, has either been ratified by the all-Russia congress of soviet? or its ratification is apparendy imminent. Reports from Moscow are not clear on the situation, but it seems certain that the Bolsheviki element has voted by a large majority |to affirm the treaty. As this element dominates, the hard terms, doubtless, will be accepted notwithstanding reports that Trotsky, the mouthpiece of the Bolsheviki, is opposed to their provisions and is willing to try to reorganize the Russian army to fight the German invaders. Holland stands in a perilous situation, according to German papers, which are printing editorials, evidently inspired, on the taking over of Dutch ships by the United States and Great Britain. "Drastic measures" are advocated if Holland "gives way" to the allies, as the allied maritime transport council, formed at the instance of the American mission to England and France, led by Col. House, has held its first meeting and announces that it will organize allied shipping so that tonnage may be used in the most effective manner. Spirited fighting is reported on the west front. In Champagne and Lorraine the French have won local successes. A German official report admits the loss of ground in the Champagne before heavy forces of the French who are, apparently, able to hold the ground. Along the British front artillery fire has grown in intensity and there have been lively engagements between raiders. The Cana«fTCms have carried out successful raids southwest of Lens. Austrian reports say that Mount Passubio in the mountainous region of the Italian line, has been blown up and that Austrian forces have occupied the ground. Mount Passubio is east of Lake Garda and on the left side of a deep salient in the Italian line. Its position on the left bank of the Bacchiglione River may indicate the approach of a serious blow at Italy there, in the hope of making a way into the Bacchiglione Valley and turningturning the flank of the Italian armies guarding the Lower Piave. Since the American forces have advanced and consolidated their lines in the Kunriven sector, there has been no report of unusual activity in the positions occupied by General Pershing's men. PESSIMISM IN AUSTRIA No Feeling of Jubilation in Capital of Dual Monarchy Over Developments in Russia. DON'T CONSIDER BELGIUM A PAWN AMSTERDAM, Mar. 15.—The Vienna correspondent of The Tyd says: Despite peace with Russia and in contrast with the outlook in the diplomatic world, the feeling among the people of Vienna continues pessimistic. The pan-German in forcing events are severely condemned. After remarking that in Austria Belgium is not regarded in the nature of a pawn like other occupied territories, the correspondent attributes the German Chancellor's increased clearness regarding Belgium to the influence of Count Czernin, the Austro-Hungarian foreign minister and the opinions which have reached the Chancellor from Vienna and high ecclesiastical circles. He says he has reason to believe that Germany will soon speak even more clearly. GREAT LOCAL ACTIVITIES British and Colonial Troops Conduct Vigorous and Successful Raids In Many Sectors. HOSTILE RAIDERS ARE DRIVEN BACK |ONDON, March 15—Increased raiding and artillery activity in the Ypres sector and on the front north ol Armentieres are reported in the official statement from the War Office last night. The Australians carried out successful raids south of Ypres and captured a number of prisoners near Armentieres. Portuguese troops drove back an enemy attack. The text reads: In an encounter last night in the neighborhood of the Ypres-Comines Canal between Australian troops and a large hostile patrol, we captured twenty-seven prisoners. Our casualties were slight. The Australians carried out successful raids during the night wesl of Houtem and in the neighborhood of Capaerd, east of Messines. We secured a few prisoners in each case and inflicted a number of casualties on the enemy. Hostile artillery has shown great activity today against both front and rear lines on the whole front from Vermelles to the south of Armentieres. Under cover of smoke, released during this bombardment, a strong party of the enemy endeavored to enter our trenches, but was driven back by the fire of the Portuguese troops. The enemy's artillery, activity, also, has been above normal today east af Ypres. 400 RED GUARDS KILLED ON TRAIN Disorders In Finland—Aland Islands Under German Control March 16.—The Swedish delegation which attempted to mediate in Finland returned to Sweden Wednesday. The Exchange Telegraph correspondent at Copenhagen reports Mayor Lindhagen, of Stockholm, who was arrested by the Germans on the Aland Islands was imprisoned until an officer of a Swedish warship demanded his release. Advices state Lindhagen reported that the Aland Islands were now completely under German military distatorship. The Vaza correspondent of The Aftenblat sends the report that a train with 400 of the Red Guard aboard was blown up near Rautus and that many troops were killed. SOVIETS RATIFY  SEPARATE PEACE  —L— PetrogradX March 15.  —The All-russian Con-  gress of Soviets, meeting  at Moscow, jyesterday by a  vote of 453j to 30 decided  to ratify tHp peace treaty T* with the Central Powers.  PAY NO HEED TO PRESIDENT Despite Wilson's Message Urging Continued War Russ Congress of Soviets Decides For Peace. WILL TAKE LONG TO OBTAIN ORDER WASHINGTON, Mar. 16.—The decision of the all-Russian congress of Soviets at Moscow to ratify the German peace terms announced in press cables today was reached after the receipt of President Wilson's message to the Russian people, assuring them that America would take the first opportunity to help them regain their complete sovereignity and independence. A message received at the state department today from the American consul at Moscow says that President Wilson's message was delivered two days before the Soviets met. Official expression here today indicated that America and her allies expect the action of the congress lo have little direct bearing on the general Russian situation, it apparently was believed thai chaotic conditions will continue in Russia for a long time to come, even though the Germans make every effort to re-establish order and lo recognize the country's industrial and agiicult* al life. The atiitude or the American government towards any German move toward a general peace at the expense of Russia is directly in line with the expression of Lord Robert Cecil in the House of Commons today that, even if such a proposal came from Germany, it wouldn't be considered. War department officials are not convinced that the Germans are ready to undertake a big offensive on the west front, despite advance notices sent out from Germany. NO PEACE PROPOSALS Britain Not Talking Peace With Germany At Russia's Expense London, March 16.—Replying to an enquiry as to whether there was any truth in rumors that proposals had been received from Germany for a peace at the expense of Russia, Lord Robert Cecil, minister of blockade, said in the House of Commons today, "As far as I know no such proposals are being considered or will be considered."Daylight Saving In U. S. Washington, March 16.-—The Daylight Saving Bill was passed by the House today and now goes to the President. The plan is to set the clocks forward one hour at 2 a.m. on the last Sunday in March and set them back an hour the same time the last Sunday in October of each year. GUERILLAS AT WAR ON HUNS Russian Peasants Fight Invaders of Their Country —Russian Staff Removes to Moscow. RUSSIAN GENERAL IS UNDER ARREST pETROGRAD, March 15.—The peasants in the Polotsk district are conducting guerilla warfare against the Germans. Polotsk is the district between Dvinsk and Vitebsk on the Dvina River. The Russian staff on the west front has been removed to Moscow from Smolensk. It is announced that the command of the Baltic fleet will be offered to Admiral Hazvozov. General Filinsky, former aide-decamp to Emperor Nicholas and, later, chief of staff under Grand Duke Nicholas, has been arrested in Moscow, charged with communicating with General Kaledines, Hetman of the Don Cossacks. EXPECTS HUN EFFORT TO INVADE GT. BRITAIN British Minister Says Enemy Has Made Staggering Preparations For Great Drive. MEN ARE NEEDED IN HOME DEFENCE gRISTOL, Mar. 16.—Sir Auckland Geddes, minister of national service, speaking here yesterday declared the disposition of the German armies on the British front was remarkable. "They have placed mass upon mass and the German military object will be to strike at England. I have no doubt that she will strike not only our forces in France but also, if she can, at the heart of England. Men in great numbers are wanted, including men up to fifty to join for home defence.Great Offensive Will Be Pushed, Though Germany Has to Sacrifice 300,000 Troops. ALLIES' ATTITUDE ANGERS GERMANS AMSTERDAM, Mar. 16.—According to news received here. Field Marshal Von Hindenburg has stated in an interview in Berlin that the Entente had shown an irresponsive attitude towards Germany and that the great German offensive therefore must go on. In well -informed neutral quarters recently the Associated Press correspondent was told the Germans were prepared to lose 300,000 men in an offensive operation. AMERICANS IN ADVANCE United States Soldiers Capture and Consolidate German Positions in Luneville Sector. FRUSTRATE ENEMY COUNTER-ATTACKS \F!TH THE AMERICAN ARMY IN 1' FRANCE, March 15.—American troops in the Limeville sector have occupied and are holding enemy trenches northeast of Cadonvi'ller which they forced the Germans to abandon through recent raids and concentrated artillery fire. This, though a small forward movement. marks the firs', advance by the American army in France. The consolidation of the lre.nc!ies enables the Americans and the French to operate irom higher ground than heretofore. ihe Germans made only feeble attempts to retake the position but each t:me were repulsed. LIQUOR TRADE Alcohol Trade of Great Britain Only One-third What It Was Four Years Ago. CONDUCT OF WAR IS HEAVY STRAIN March 15.—The consump-' tion of intoxicating liquors in Great Britain, owing to the reduction instituted by the Government is now only1 one-third of what it was four years ago. Premier Lloyd George declared in an address at the City Temple today when challenged about the drink traffic. No spirits were being manufactured at all, he said, and any one who, four years ago, had predicted such a thing would not have been believed. The Premier reiterated that if it came to a question of choosing between bread and beer, the Government v/ould not hesitate a moment. Speaking of the manner in which the carrying on of the war taxed his strength, he added: "I know that the very zeal which, by my oath to the King and Country and my love of my native land, I felt bound to throw into my task has led to misunderstandings with my best friends that have caused me more distress than I can tell you, but, pardon me, I have no time to clear that up now. I have a terrible task upon my shoulders, a task almost more than a man can bear and I ask your help, sympathy and prayers. "Show me any way by which we can make peace without betraying the great sacred trust for which we entered the war and I will listen gladly, gratefully, and thank God for the light given me. Short of that, more peace talk is undermining the fibre and morale of the nation." Disregarded Wilson's Message Washington, March 16.—President Wilson's message to the Russian people reached Moscow two days before ihe meeting of the all-Russian Congress cf Soviets which voted to ratify the Russian peace terms, according to a cable from the American Consul today. CLAIMS GERMANS HAVE ADVANTAGE Lndendorff Says Teutons Excel in Men, Guns and Material. AMSTERDAM, Mar. 16. —Germany is now stronger than her enemies in men, material, air service and tanks as well, General Von Ludendorff says in an interview in The Cologne Volks Zeitung. He says the enemy is welcome to attack and will find Germany ready and that he is not inclined to make peace. Our front in the west is now much more favorable for us than it was last year, he said. "How difficult the situation was then must be guaged from the fact that we had to restore calm in tire east and defeat Italy in the south, but now we are stronger both in men, material, aerial forces, tanks, everything, in fact, which we need is standing in readiness on our side in great abundance. "If the enemy wishes to attack now, let him do so. He will find us ready. If he doesn't want peace he will have to fight and this fight will, of course, be the most tremendous of the whole war. \frith Gods help we will obtain a German peace, not a doubtful peace." DESTROY 24 HUN PLANES British Score Notable Successes in Heavy Air Fighting Over West Front On Wednesday. BOMBARDMENTS ARE CARRIED OllT JONDON. Mar. 15.—There was severe aerial fighting on the western front Wednesday between large groups of British and German machines, and the British airmen accounted ior twenty-four of the enemy. The War Office tonight issued the following statement: The enemy artillery activity in Champagne in the region of ihe Mont in the Vosge?. east of Saint Die, and in the region ct Hartmanns-Weilerkopf was less violent. During the day three Ge rmari airplanes were destroyed by our pilots. It is confirmed that Sub-Lieut. Nadon destroyed two German airplanes. Our aviators in several sorties recently carried out effectual bombardments. dropping 1800 kilograms of projectiles on railway stations, works and airdromes in the enemy zone. The steamers Argyle and Home were held up at Placentia owing to the storm but sailed this morning on their respective routes. WANTS ARMY OF 5 MILLION Ex-Pres. Taft Urges Great Increase in Military Contributions of U. S. To the War. AMERICAN DRAFT LAW SUCCESSFUL WASHINGTON, Mar. 16.—An amendment to the draft law to authorize the president to increase the army to five million men or more was advocated by former President Taft in a speech here today before the National Geographical Society. "We must make ample provision to strengthen our allies," Mr. Taft said. "We can raise as fine an army and as large an army as there is on European soil and if we can transport it as rapidly as we say, we can land it all in Europe in two or three years. Our object then will be attained and the world will again be free." Mr. Taft said the draft law had vindicated itself in every way. SENT IMPORTANT MESSAGE Samuel Gompers Communicates With British and French Laborites Washington, March 16.—Samuel Gompers, president of the American Federation of Labor, has sent a message having an important bearing on the labor situation in Allied countries to Arthur Henderson, British labor leader and former member of the War Cabinet, and Albert Thomas, head of the labor movement in France and former Minister of Munitions. Madame Melba Honored. London, Mar. 15.—Madame Melba, j the opera singer, is made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the Colonial honor list ■ published today. CANADIANS CARRY OUT TWO SUCCESSFUL RAIDS Overrun German Lines, Destroy Positions and Capture Prisoners And Machine Guns HUNS HUSTLED TO AVOID ATTACK OF SOLDIERS OF THE DOMINION fANADIAN HEADQUARTERS IN ,y FRANCE, Mar. 16.—The Canadians in France celebrated the beginning of real base ball weather by a double header raid last night in which prisoners and two machine guns were captured. The raids were eminently successful, only one feature marring the operation—the Huns ran so fast that our men had little opportunity to fight and had to be satisfied with the bombing operations in which enemy dugouts and machine-gun emplacements were destroyed. The raids were carried out simultaneously in the neighborhood of the Bois Hugo. In both cases the operations were completed half an hour after our barrage opened. It is impossible to give any estimate of the Hun casualties as he held his front line lightly but they must have been heavy, as his crowded support and reserve areas were subjected to 30 minutes of intense barrage from'our heaviest field guns and machine guns with assistance also from our Stokes guns. Our artillery opened op at 9 p.m. Three minutes afterwards our men went over the top. We had been success ful in cutting the enemy wire and raid ing parties got into enemy territory practically without opposition, save on the left where they were fired on by machine-guns. Our men rushed the position and the enemy at once retired on the run carrying the gun with them but Canada has long distance runners of her own and one of our privates succeeded in catching up with the Boche and took him prisoner. Another Hun was killed and the remainder disappeared in the direction of their support line. Others of our raiders encountered no enemy but picked up a machine-gun in an evacuated trench. Those operating on the right bombed the enemy dugouts, destroyed concrete machinegun embankments and bombed enemy saps. Our casualties were slight. Two dead Germans were seen in a trench. At the same time other raiders appeared through the wire which had been well cut. As the Germans (led, they were caught in our artillery barrage which was most satisfactory. 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