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The Guardian from London, Greater London, England • 4
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The Guardian from London, Greater London, England • 4

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The Guardiani
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London, Greater London, England
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4
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THE MANCHESTER GUARDIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 191 these. The Great "War has brought a turning-' NINE V.C.'S. STOPEESS MWS, parted from the normal labour programme. iney cast off Mr.

Htjohes and the others ot their leaders who followed1 him in demanding free hand for the conduct of the war, and for the moment they triumphed- The readi-'. ness with tj TCneland point. The return of the Turk in victorious. of the total number of seats. lne princi-power would spell ruin; the rescue of this, pal cause for the growth of Maximalism since and the neighbouring lands from Turkish mis- July is the continuance of the war, and the had itself one of the most vital Allied military, had embraced vague- plans for councils of the whole war.

was reached, and this gallant command of all the men of his own platoon and of the platoons without officers. His energy in consolidating and reorganising untiring. His several single-handed actions exeeptioaal bravery, and saved a en -it number of casualties in the company. were performed under heavy machi no-gun and rifle fire and without regard to personal risk, and were the direct cause of the being captured. No.

10605 Sergt. James Ockenden, R. Sub. Pus. (Bouthsea).

For most conspicuous bravery in attack. When acting as company sergeant major and seeing the rlatoon on the right held up bv an enemy machine-gun he immediately rush---! the machine-gun, regardless of his "person safety, and captured it. He killed the with the exception of one man, who made escape. Sergeant Ockentlon. however, followed him, and when well in front nf 1V whole line killed him and returned to company.

He then led a section to the atf ek-on a farm. Under very heavy fire he 1 forward and called upon the "garrison to surrender. As the enemy continued to fir" r.n him, he opened fire, killing four, whereupon remaining sixteen surrendered. Ho. 428545 Pte.

Michael James O'Ronrke, Can. Znf. For most conspicuous bravery and devoting to duty during -prolonged operations. For three days and nights Private 0'Burke. wh is a stretcher-bearer, worked unceasingly jr.

bringing the wounded into safety, dressir.sr and getting them food and water. During the whole of this period the are in which he worked was subjected to severe shelling and swept by heavy machine-gun and rifle fire. On several occasions h. was knocked down and partially bund V. -er-emy shells.

Seeing a comrade who ha been blinded stumbling around ahead of our trench, in full view of the enemy, who wvr sniping him, Private O'Rourke jumped out his trench and brousht the man back, heavily sniped atx while doing s. Again lie went forward about fifty yards front of our barrage under very heavy an accurate fire from enemy machine-guns an. I snipers, and brought in a comrade. On subsequent occasion, when the of advanced posts was retired to the line to 1-ccnsolidated. he went forward under heavy enemy fire 0f every description aivi brought bacK a wounded man who had bfvn left behind.

He showed throughout an absolute disregard for his own safety, going wherever tlier---were wounded to succour, and his magnifioonf. courage and devotion in continuing his in spite of exhaustion and the incessant heavy enemy fire of every, description, inspired all ranks and undoubtedly saved many lives. SHOPPING MYSTERIES. nevertheless succeeded in gaining one-third growth of the belief that the Provisional uo-ernment, in conjunction with the Allies, was bringing the end no nearer. M.

Skobelefp, a very moderate revolutionary and democratic delegate to the Paris Conference, said this week in the Republican Council first boycotted and now abolished by the Maxi malists that he regarded as very dangerous the oblivion into which the first and most important part of the democratic peace formula had fallen, namely, its immediate "realisation." Tho defeat of the Stock holm Cnnffrftnrp the Korniloff con- snirarv. thn norslcrent. nnstnonement of 1 the Allied Conference for the revision of war aims these are milestones in the advance of Maximalism. The Korni loff consnirno-v wns tho tnrnine-noint. The change in the character of the Paris Confer ence and M.

Terestchenko's seeming revival of MltYtTK-fiFP's Tmnprinlism gave the Maximalists the signal to strike. We shall soon see whether they can hold the power they ha-e seized, or hold it without civil war, and whether they will know what to do with it when they have got it. Hitherto they have been in the happy position of destructive critics. They will now, if Russia fit, have a chance of showing what they can do. Their programme is but not simple.

In internal affairs tho immediate handing over of the large estates to the peasants, the entrusting of all authority to the Soviets, and an honest convocation of the Constituent Assembly. Upon these features we, as not Russians, need only comment that there is no evidence that M. Kerenskt's Government did not intend an honest convocation of. the Constituent Assemhlv: that most of the Soviets have nob hitherto been Maximalist, and it remains to be seen whether the Con gress of Soviets now summoned to Petrograd will succeed in converting them; and that, while the peasants want the land, their foreign policy is much more moderate than that of the Maximalists. It is with the foreign policy of the Maximalists that Russia's allies are most directly concerned.

The Maximalists want "the immediate conclusion of the war," according to M. Lenin, and they will propose a general armistice and an immediate demo cratic peace. They do not talk specifically of a separate peace, and the suggestion rather is that they seek a general peace. It is to be presumed that the proposal and acceptance of an armistice would Wa have to follow upon the proposal and acceptance of certain peace terms as a basis of negotiation. All turns, therefore, upon the Maximalist idea of peace terms.

They must pass beyond vague generalisations, such as "no annexations" and "no indemnities," if there is to be a practicable basis, let alone a democratic basts. Assume that the Maximalists formulate a proposal with some detail and precision. Then there are various alternatives. Consider two. It might be rejected by Germany and accepted by the Allies.

Russia would then be as she was, except that she would be bound henceforth to put. all her weight into tho war. It might be accepted by Germany and rejected by the Allies. What then? Would the Maximalists make a separate peace In that case what of the common cause of democracy Or would they stand on their lines and wash their hands of any active participation in the war? Would that give Russia what she wants for herself and for democracy? Wo must wait to see what the Maximalists will do, if Russia should decide to let them have their chance. But there is no evidence so far that they have looked very deep into the problem.

They may say, if they like, that the Allied Governments have not given much thought to the Russian democracy. Have they given much thought to what the democracies of the Allied countries think and feel? A Point for the City Council. It is to be hoped that the City Council will give the Nomination Committee an opportunity of reconsidering its decision to remove Miss Mabgaket Ashton from the Education Committee. We are quite aware that she has given dire offenco to many persons, even among those who in general would count themselves among her admirers, by her political action. But what is that? This is not a political post; it has nothing to do with politics; and' why should the children of the citv be made to suffer because one who has been and will be one of their best friends and most.

understanding helpers has chosen to take a line in a wholly different sphere which many people, ourselves included, regard as re grettable and perverse? Miss Ashton has been tor something liko nine years a particularly active and useful member of the Edu. cation Committee, and it is not pretended that she has not done valuable work, or that if she is now thrown off the Committee it will be because of anything shc has done or failed to do in regard to the work of the Committee. No doubt it will be alleged that Miss Ashton's services can do aispensed with because Miss Hekford, a known and most competent educationist, can he put in her place." It is certain that if Miss Herford regarded her own selection as a reason or justification for Miss Ashton dismissal she would not dream of accepting the exchange, for she is one of a number of influential signatories to the letter of remonstrance which we publish to-day. By all means let Miss Herford be placed upon the Education Committee, whose work she has nearest to her heart and to which she is admirably qualified to rendc; assistance, but let Miss Ashton be left as colleague. Will no one be a little generous and resign in her favour? And will the City Council and the Committee of Select not be generous too, and remember thao there is virtue in courage, even if it be in a course that we regard as mistaken, and that no one, least of all a woman, is the jrse for knowing how to stand against odds? Is that not the way we saved the war at Ynres' Again, has the Education Committee been consulted in this matter, and will not.

Chairman have a word to say Another Referendum in Australia. Thb Australian Government has decided to hold almost immediately a second referendum on conscription. The change in the political situation in Australia which makes this possible with some chance of success has little to do with the issue at stake. The head and front of the opposition to conscription in the last referendum were the labour leagues, who resented the extent to which, under stress of war, their former chief, Mr. Hughes, had de- I was under consideration much has been written 011 tne subject, and it was assumed that things were much farther on than they really were, but it is probable that the ideal has been accepted and.

the general lines laid down at the Conference in Italy, which was The idea has met with the cordial agree ment of America, who will, of course, take a more. and more important part in such deliberations. Such a Council will require the strongest goodwill and considerable per sonal sacrifice in its members to be of real value, and the nersonal side is tho one on which public opinion is being focused. Al ready the word generalissimo is being mentioned, but with what propriety I cannot say. Colonel House and His Colleagues.

Colonel House, the head of the American Mission, is a Texan, who since making a fortune in business in the south-west has lived much in New York. Unknown to fame or politics, he appeared in 1912 as an advocate of Mr. Wilson's nomination for President, and a leading adviser in that year's political campaign. Sincb then he has risen to the dignity of most intimate agent spokesman, and "interpreter of purposes for the President, latterly and particularly in international matters. In America he is thought rather a man of mystery.

Nobody knows his precise qualifications or attributes, but his intimacy and influonce with the President are unquestioned. General Bliss and Admiral Benson are officers who havo won distinction in their respective services. Mr. Oscar Crosby, who is likely to become a very important figure in the economic relations among the Allied countries, is Assistant Secretary of the United States Treasury. He made a fortuno in rapid transit management, and is credited with possessing one of tho widest visions and understandings of the war to be found among American public men.

Ho has especially been a student of its economic side, and it has been his office to deal out to tho different Allied nations the immense amounts the American Treasury has loaned to them, determining the apportionments aUnost without interference by any other authority. Mr. Bainbridge Colby is a distinguished lawyer, one of the most eloquent speakers in America, and a political figure of importance since 1912, when he was one of tho foremost supporters of the independent candidacy of Colonel Roosevelt for the Presidency. Air Ministry. The bill creating an Air Ministry was in-tioduced to-day, but without any explanation of its scope other than what may be inferred from its title.

It is known, however, that it definitely makes the air an independent ser vice equally with the army and the navy, and the Ministry will lie as separate and independent as the Admiralty and the War Office. Various now names havo been mentioned' in connection with the Ministry, particularly Mr. Austen Chamberlain and Lord North-cliffe. As to Mr. Austen Chamberlain, I hear that he is likely to be appointed to an important administrative post which is yet to be created, and which will not be in the Ministry.

Extension of the Life of Parliament. The bill for extending tho lifo of this Parliament is to come on for first and second reading next week. I hear that it is probable that the Government will propose an extension of eight months. This would extend the Parliament to the end of July. By that time, but not much before that time, a register could be prepared onk the new franchise, nnd a general election would become a political possibility.

U.S. MISSION IN LONDON. PRESIDENT ON OBJECTS OF ALLIE I) CONFERENC E. Colonel House, who has just arrived in London at the head of tho American Mission which is to represent the United States at the Allied Conference about to be held, made a statement as to the objects of the Mission in an interview with press representatives at Chesterfield House last night. The question was put whether peace proposals would form any part of the discussion, and to this Colonel House replied that the objects of the Mission nai been definitely stated by President Wil son in the following announcement which ne naa issued tnat day The Government of tho ITnifpr? Ktntoo participate in the approaching conference of the jruerb waging war against tne Cierman Empire, emu naa ncuu aS representative Mr.

Edward iu. nouse. who is accompanied bv Admiral S. Benson. Chief of the Naval Onoratinna- General Tasker H.

Bliss, Chief of Staff. United btates of America: Oscar T. Crosby, Assistant ui tuts xreasury; vance C7. Mccormick, chairman of the War Trade Board Ttain. bridge Colby, United States Shipping Board: ur.

Aionzo laylor, representing Priority Board and Gordon Auchinnloss. as i) a geucrui survey oi tne wnoie situation and a free discussion of tlip npprlR nf oil -i preaching Conference will undoubtedly be able to give to the demands of the several Governments their true perspective and proper place yent-iiii ijiuii lur me conduct of the war Though the resources of this countrv are vast, and though there is every purpose to devote them all, if need le. to win the war. i.hoO arl not without limit. But even if they were greater they should be used to the highest advantage in au-iiinmg xue supreme ODject tor which we are fighting.

This can only be done by a full and frank dis- oi ui piaiis anu neeas of the various belligerents. It is the earnest wiOi Government to employ its military and naval forces and its resources and energies where they will give the greatest returns in advancing thp common cause. In looking forward to the assembling of the LUU sumigiy empiiasiserl that it is a War Conference and nothing else rr sii5 to intensify the efforts of the belligerents against Germany by complete co-operation under a enprai nia and thus bring the conflict to a speedy anti Asked whether the United State was bringing forward any specific plan for better co-ordination of effort among the Allies Colonel House replied: That will be worked out by the Allies Of course we have our ideas, just as our Allies havp ideas. We shall no doubt bring them forwarH and it will be seen how they fit in. Iorward AN ALLIES' WAR BOARD? (From a Correspondent.) Washington, Thursday.

It is made known to-day from the White House that President Wilson is strongly in favour of a War Board composed of members from all the Allied countries sitting permanently in France, and it is believed that tho American representatives at the Paris Conference will push This idea. Such a War Board would anticipate enemv mnvamon far as possible and place the Allied armies as a wnoie unaer joint control. Had such a War Board been sitting, it could have rendered assistance quickly both to Italy and Russia. Colonel House, thp head of the United States Mission to the Conference, has, I understand, the rank of special ambassador. It will be recalled that he is also at the head of the Committee appointed in the United States to collect data which may be used at the Peace.

Conference which will follow the war. The King and Queen paid a visit to Bristol yesterday, and were engaged for some hours in inspecting various, centres of war activity Thev were very heartily received wherever they went. 1 rale was the first condition of security and hope. The British victories in Palestine and in the more distant eastern bounds of the ancient Arab Empire are the presage of the downfall of Turkish power; the declaration of policy by the British Government to-day is ihe security for a new, perhaps a very wonder ful, future for Zionism and for the Jewish race. Not that it is to be supposed that progress in such a movement can he other than slow.

Nor does the British Government take any responsibility for it beyond the endeavour to render it possible. In declaring that "the British Government view with favour the "establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, and will use its best endeavours to facilitate the "achievement of this object," the Government have indeed laid down a policy of great and far-reaching importance, but it is one which can bear its full fruit only by the united efforts of Jews all over the world. What it means is that, assuming our military successes to be continued and the whole of Palestine to bo brought securely under our control, then on the conclusion of peace our deliberate policy will be to encourage in every way in our power Jewish immigration, to give full security, and no doubt a large measure of local autonomv, to the Jewish immigrants, with a view to the ultimate establishment of a Jewish State. Nothing is said, for nothing can at present be said, as to the precise form of control during the period of transition, which may be a Ion? one. Doubtless the form of government, or ultimate authority, would be similar to that which may set up in other r.nd neighbouring region1 worn which the authority of the Ottoman Government may be removed.

Palestine has a special importance for Great Britain because, in the hands of a hostile Power, it can bo made, as our experience in this war has shown, a secure base from which a land attack on Egypt can bo organised. The attack in this war has been fccblo because the preparations were wholly inadequate and tho force ill-organised. But with a European Power in possession it might easily be made infinitely more formidable, and might even make our position in Egypt untenable. Our interest, and practically our sole iarticular interest, in Palestine is that fhlu r)inA. 1 1 1 1- ZT A 11 1 .1 1 Kuiiiht, ana tnat no rower should be seated in Palestine which is or under any circum- stances is likely to be hostile to this country That condition would be fulfilled by a protectorate exercised by this country alono or in conjunction with, 6ay, tho United States, or by the United States alone, or by an international body designating us as its mandatory on conditions to be mutually agreed.

Such may be the ultimate development of our policy, hut in any case the fundamental principle now laid down will condition it. We recognise, and we shall continue to recognise, the Holy Land as the "national home of the Jewish people." Other conditions are involved, and are stated or implied in the present declaration. I ho existing Arab population of Palestine is small and at a low stage of civilisation. It contains within itself none of the elements of progress, but it has its rights, and these must be carefully respected. This is clearly laid down in the letter, which declares that nothing shall be done which may prejudice "the civil and religious rights of existing "communities in Palestine." There is, again, the question of the custody of the Holy Places, in which Russia and France are alike warmly interested.

This is not expressly referred to, but will undoubtedly have to be carefully considered, and, with goodwill, should present no great difficulties. The final words of the letter may not, at the first glance, be perfectly intelligible. Not only are the rights of existing communities in Palestine to be protected but it is also declared that the political status enjoyed by Jews in any other countries" are in no way to be prejudiced. That may appear a rather far-fetched precaution against an imaginary danger, and so perhaps it is. But if anxiety is anywhere felt on this score, it is well that, so far as we are concerned, it should be allayed.

And anxiety, though it may not be widespread, no doubt there is. It is feared that Jews who have made their home in foreign lands and have accepted to the lull the new allegiance may suffer in esteem, if not actually in political status, by tne creation ot a distinctive Jewish State and may come, in a new sense, to be regarded as aliens. No such danger can possibly arise in this country or any other country which like the United States, welcomes its Jewish citizens on a footing of absolute equality. In countries where anti-Semitism still prevails it is not likely to be given a fresh edge, but the risk, such as it is, must be run, and it is to bo feared the declaration in the letter cannot prevent it, though it constitutes a protest which, at the Peace Conference otner rowers may oe invited to join. But in any case what is for the Jewish race compared to the hope and the promise of re-entry on their birthright? A small people they must be, for Palestine will hold but perhaps one-fourth of the scattered Jewish race; but they were a very small people when they gave two religions" to the world, and, seated in their old land, they may yet become the vital link between East and West, between the old world and the new.

The Maximalists' Coup. The first Maximalist attempt to seize power in Petrograd was made in the middle of July. It failed completely after a certain amount of bloodshed. The second was made this week was completely successful, and was bloodless'. We have yet to see how tho rest of Russia and tho army outside Petrograd, notably at the front, take this stroke.

It would be a great mistake, however, to imagine that the Maximalist movement is confined to Petrograd Writing on the 25th of September. Cherv- an opponent of tho Maximalists, observed: Maximalism in the proper sense of the word has become stronger. This admits of no doubt. The proletariat of Potrograd now "follows almost entirely the Maximalists, as shown by the recent elections at Petrograd. To have gathered 200,000 votes is not a joke.

The same in the provinces. Everv. where a most unexpected success of the "Maximalists, and one the more remark- able as the Maximalists, who have hitherto "had no support among the peasantry, have CHESHIRE SUBALTERN'S BRAVERY. SEVERAL DUG-OUTS CLEARED SINGLE-HANDED. The King has been pleased to approve of the award of the ictoria Cross to tne unaer- mentioned officers, non-commissioned officers, and man Capt.

(Act. Maj.) OklU Hassey Jjearmoutb, Bt.C, late Can. Znf. 3or most conspicuous bravery and exceptional devotion to duty. During a determined counter-attack nn nnr new DOSitionS, this officer, when his company was momentarily surprised, instantly charged and personally disposed of the attackers.

Later, he carried nn a trpmenrlnna firl-i wifri thp. advancing enemy. Although under intense barrage ftre and mortally wounded, he stood on the parapet of the trench, bombed the enemy con tinuously, ana directed tne aeiciice auv. manner as to infuse a spirit of utmost resistance into his men. On several occasions this very brave officer actually caught bombs thrown at him by the enemy and threw them back.

When he was unable by reason of his wounds to carry on the fight he still refused to be carried out of the line, and continued to give instructions and invaluable advice to his junior ogicers, finally handing over all his duties before he was evacuatpd from the front line to the hospital where he died. Capt. Henry Reynolds, SE.C, R. Scots. For most conspicuous bravery when his company in attack and approaching their final objective suffered heavy casualties from enemy machine-guns and from an enemy pill-box which had been passed by the first wave.

Captain Reynolds reorganised his men, who were scattered, and then proceeded alono by rushes from shell-hole to shell-hole, all the time being under heavy machine-gun fire. When near the pill-box he threw a grenade, intending that it should go inside, hut the enemy had blocked the entrance. He then crawled to the entrance and forced a phosphorus grenade inside. This set tho place on fire and caused the death of three of the enemy, while the remainder, seven or eight, surrendered with two machine-guns. Afterwards, though wounded, he continued to lead his company against another objective, and captured it, taking 70 prisoners and two more machine-guns.

During the whole attack the company was under heavy machine-gun fire from the flanks, but despite this Captain Reynolds kept complete control of his men. Sec. Iileut. Frederick Birks, late Aus. Imp.

Force. For most conspicuous bravery in attack, when, accompanied by only a corporal, he rushed a strong point which was holding up the advance. The corporal was wounded by a bomb, but Second Lieutenant Birks wont on by himself, killed the remainder of the enemy occupying tho position, and captured a machine-gun. Shortly afterwards he organised a small party and "attacked another strong point which was occupied by about 25 of the enemy, of whom many were killed and anj officer and 15 men captured. During the consolidation this officer did magnificent work in reorganising parties of other units which had been disorganised during the operations.

By his wonderful coolness and personal bravery Second Lieutenant Birks kept his men in splendid spirits He was killed at his post by a shell whilst endeavouring to extricate some of his men who had been buried by a shell. Sec. Lieut. Hugh. Colvin, Ches.

R. For most conspicuous bravery in attack. When all the officers of his company, except himself and all but one in the leading company, had become casualties and losses were heavy, he assumed command of both companies and led them forward under heavy machine-gun fire with great dash and success. He saw the battalion on his right hold up by machine-gun fire, and led a platoon to their assistance. Sec.

Lieut Colvin then went on with only two men to a dug-out. Leaving the men on top, he entered it alone and brought up fourteen prisoners. He then proceeded with his two men to another dug-out which had been holding up the attack by rifle and machine-gun fire and bombs. This he reached, and, killing or making prisoners of the crew, captured the machine-gun. Being then attacked from another dug-out by fifteen of the enemy under an officer, one of his men was killed and the other wounded.

Seizing a rifle, he shot five of the enemy, and, using another as a shield, he forced most of the survivors to surrender. This officer cleared several other dug-outs alone or with one man, taking about fifty prisoners in all. Later, he consolidated his position with great skill, and personally wired his front under heavy close-range sniping in broad daylight, when all others had failed to do so. The complete success of -the attack in this BaTt of the line was mainly due to Sec. Lieut, olvin's leadership and courage.

Sec. Iiient. Montagu Shadworth Seymour Moore, Haxnp. R. For most conspicuous bravery in operations necessitating a fresh attack on a final objective which had not been captured.

Sec. Lieut. Moore at onca volunteered for this duty and dashed forward at. the head of some 70 men. They were met with heavy machine-gun fire from a flank, which caused severe oasualties, with the result that he arrived at his objective some 500 yards on with only a sergeant and four men.

Nothing daunted, he at once bombed a large dug-out and took twenty-eight prisoners, two machine-guns, and a light field gun. Gradually more officers and men arrived, to the number of about 60. His position was en tirely isolated, as the troops on the right had not advanced, dui ne dug a trencn and re pelled bombing attacks throughout the night. next, morning ne was xorcea to retire a short distance. When opportunity offered, he at once reoccupied his position, rearmed his men with enemy rifles and bombs, most of theirs being smashed, and beat off more than one counter-attack.

Sec. Lieut. Moore held this post under con tinual shell-tire tor tnirty-six hours until his force was reduced to ten men, cut of six officers and 130 men who had started the operation. He eventually got away his wounded, and withdrew under cover of a thick mist. As an example ot aasnmg gallantry and cool determination this young officer's exploit would be difficult to surpass.

JTo. 75361 C.S.M. Robert Hanha, Can. 1st. For most conspicuous bravery in attack, when his company met with most severe enemy resistance and all the company officers became casualties.

A strong point, heavily protected by wire and held by a machine-gun, had beaten off three assaults of the company with heavy casualties. This warrant officer, under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire, coolly collected a party of men, and leading them against this strong point, rushed through the wire and personally bayoneted three of the enemy and brained the fourth, capturing the position and silencing the machine-gun. This most courageous action, displaying courage and personal' bravery of the highest order at this most critical moment of the attack, was responsible for the capture of a most important tactical and but for his daring action and determined handling of a desperate situation the attack would not have succeeded. C.S.M. Hanna's outstanding gallantry, personal courage, and.

determined leading of his company is deserving of the highsst possible reward. Ho. 370996 Sergt. Alfred Joseph Knight, fconel For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during the operations against the enemy positions. Sergt.

Knight did extra-ordiiarily good work, and showed exceptional bravery and initiative when his platoon was attacking an enemy strong point, and came under very heavy fire from an enemy machine-gun. He rushed throjgh our own barrage Later, twelve of the enemy with a machine gun -were encountered in a shell-hole He again rushed forward by himself, bayoneted two and shot a third and caused the remainder to scatter. Subsequently, during the attack on a fortified farm, when entangled up to hi waist in mud, and seeing a number of th! enemy firing on our treops, he immediately opened fire on them without watting to extrf cate himself from the mud, killing Six jf the 1 "eing company on his Tight flank being held up in thenV attack 7 another farm, Sergt. Knight soma men and took up a position on the flank of this farm, fionv where he brought a heavy Are to bear on the farm, as a result of which the farm was captured. All th platoon officers of the company had! become casualties before the first objective)' ieueracion and for an "economic war aner the war detached from him more than the labour vote, and his conscription proposal was defeated by a substantial majority.

But dissentient labour was not content with this victory. It sought nothing less than the overthrow of the Government by the use of the strike jveapon. Mr. Hughes re-formed his Ministry with a majority of Liberals, and pledged himself to respect the decision of the country on conscription unless the war situation made another referendum neces sary. The reply of labour was a coal strike that closed munition works, held up shipping, and left half the households of tho Commonwealth without Uo-M.

or fuel. For the moment the Government was forced to concede the miners demands, but the majority by which it was returned in the general election that followed showed that the strength of tho labour machine was diminishing. The unions made a last throw for power in a second strike in August, in which seamen, dock labourers, miners, and transport workers to the number of over 100,000 came out. Volunteers flocked to fill their places, and in the event labour received the greatest setback it had suffered in Australia in twenty years. The country showed that, however suspicious it might be of the "wild cat Imperialist schemes" of Mr.

Hughes, it liked still less the fright fulness" of the labour machine. On this verdict Mr. Hughes bases his hopes for a second referendum which shall supply by conscription the 7,000 recruits per month who are needed to keep the Australian divisions up to strength and whom the voluntary system does not yield. This time it is not improbable that he will succeed. 0UE LONDON CORRESPONDENCE.

(BY PRIVATE WIRE London, Thursday Night. The Petrograd Coup d'etat. Russians of various shades of opinion whom I have seen to-day are agreed on one thing, and that is that tho information about the situation in Petrograd is not sufficient at present to indicate the real position. It is agreed that the statements issued through tho Maximalist party, who have control of the wires, are probably accurate, and, indeed, that the careful mention of the nr.tnber of Cossack regiments who have agreed not to fight against the Maximalists showed that they did not intend to overstate things. There are, however, gaps in their announcements.

The next point is about Moscow and how far that city is affected by tho Maximalist propaganda. Jne well-known Kussian 30ur- nalist, who recently arrived here from Russia, declares -ery emphatically that the Maximalist party there is comparatively small, and that whether Kerensky reaches Moscow or not there will be a great rally there of the Government forces. Ho doubts the possibility of tho Petrograd section influencing the army, and believes that if Petrograd becomes wholly Maximalist it will be cut off from the rest of Russia, and that would mean starvation. Russian Views. This Russian informant, however, warns people that, even though the news to-morrow may seem to indicate tho complete success of the Maximalists in Petrograd, that should not be taken as an accomplished fact but rather as a swing of tho pendulum.

The army he believes to bo against the extremists, and to be desiring order above all things, and not civil war. This was particularly tho case with the artillery. He thought that if M. Kerensky was unable to tackle the situation others would arrive; possibly a victory leader. He argued that the Austro-German forces could not take much advantage of the situation unless it moved very much further.

Russia was the land of surprises, and the chance that to-morrow will bring another state of things and renewed fighting could not he left out of account I must add, however, that his views were not shared by another Russian representative, who held that the Soviet was still the only power that held Russia together and kept it from disintegration. Ho interpreted the statement of "an immediate and just peace not as indicating a separate peace, but as a further appeal to the Allies for the acceptance of the original peace formula of the devolution, which alone, his could end the war. view, A Triumph for Zionism. The Government's declaration of ympathy with the Zionist movement for a Jewish national home in Palestine is published tonight, but it is interesting to note that it was despatched to Lord Rnrhsohilrl November 2, the day when the attack on uaza was begun. lne capture of Gaza goes a long way towards putting it within the power, or ureat writain to give practical effect to its declaration.

The document is interesting in another way. It is the first time, I believe, that the iiiLisn uovernnieiic nas ever addressed the Jews as a nation. A great Jewish response is being prepared both in this country and, it is hoped in Allied countries. In about a fortnight a great Jewish demonstration and mass meeting to thank the Government for this declaration will be held in London and attended by representatives of Jewish organisations from all over the country. This will be followed by big local demonstrations in every considerable town.

Opposition to the Coal Bill. Very serious opposition has developed against the Coal Bill on the second reading this evening. The bill is very complicated, but, in brief, it embodies the agreement between the Government and the coalowners as to the terms of compensation on which the control of tho industry is to be taken over by the State. The Government hoped to take the second reading of the bill to-night but they could only have got it by moving tho closure. This they could hardly do The bill was too important, and the opposition was too responsible and came from too many quarters of the House.

As it was, the second readirur wo -iii out," which only means that the debate will bo resumed next week on the second-reading onnn Tll 1 Tl yC I -1 1 j.u'd -ri'" uio uni on their part hesitated to challenge a trial of strength. They could have refrained from further discussion and allowed th to take place. Evidently they were not quite sure that they could defeat the Government though' I think it is quite likely they might have done. After to-night's debate SE should think the future of the bill is doubtful. The Allied War Council.

Since I indicated on the 1st November that tho question of an Allied War Council "MATEX" for Leaky Hoofs. BAX EN DALES HXLXXB STBEET, MANCHESTER. Try the "VITIC ROD" for INSOMNIA all NERVE TROUBLE Post 106 free. CALL OR WRITE THE VITIC BO, ST. ANN STREET.

MANCHESTER. ISCO FISH MEAL FOR POULTRY, PIGS, CATTLE. 276 tier 14- ir 8- Crrlag Pid to Burnt gooda tatlon. FLEETWOOD TUB XKAT. FtATlHOOD.

LUNCH AT BERESFORD'S. High-class Menu. Reasonable Cbargea. Teas served until 7 p.m. 8, PALI, MALL (two doors from Market St.) THE GUARDIAN.

MANCHESTER, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1917 SUMMARY OF NEWS. The War. General Maude reports the capture of Tek- rit. His troops marched from Dur last Friday, attacked tho Turkish positions before Tokrit on Monday, and occupied tho town on Tuesday. General Allenby announces tho rapture of further Turkish positions about Gaza, and an advance northward of that town.

His right wing has also moved forward north-westward of Beersheba. Petrograd is now in tho hands of tho Maximalists, who by a coup d'itat have deposed tho Kerensky Government, and are endeavouring to obtain tho general support of tho army. Their first proposal is immediate peace. In Italy the enemy have crossed the Livenza, but the Italians report numerous covering engagements east of the Piave, and the Germans last night described themselves as "fighting forward." (p. 5) House of Commons.

In the. House of Commons yesterday Lord Cecil said he was not aware that M. Briand gave a full account to a large number of French deputies, under no pledge of secrecy, of the offer of peace proposals made through him by tho German Government. The Committee stage of me Repre sentation of the People Bill was completed, (p. 6) A Potato Subsidy.

It was announced in the House of Commons yesterday that the Government would abolish, as from November 19, the minimum price for potatoes, and allow a free market. Growers would lie compensated for reduced prices on a stated basis. (p. 5) The Victoria Cross. Tho award of nine Victoria Crosses is announced to-day.

(p, 4) Palestine for the Jews. Mr. Balfour (Foreign Secretary) hns written to Lord Rothschild stating that tho Government will use its best endeavours to facilitate the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jews, and requesting that the dec-la ration be brought to the knowledge of ths Zionist Federation. (p. 5) Correspondence.

Letters published this morning include "Political Prisoners" (Lady Selborne) "The Education Bill" (Mr. Charles Peach and otherV. ''Councillor Margaret Ashton and tho Education Committee" (Miss Sara Burstall and others). (p. Q) Palestine and the Jews.

It is an accident, but a happy accident, that tho important declaration of the Government on the subject of the future of Palestine should appear on tho morrow of tho British military in that profoundly interesting and important country. We speak of Palestine as a country, but it is not a countrv it is at present little more than a small district of the vast Ottoman tyranny. But it will be a country; it will ho the country of tho Jews. That is the meaning of tho letter which wo publish to-day written hv Mr Bauour to Lord Rothschild for communica tion to the Zionist Federation. It is at once the fulfilment of an aspiration, the signpost of a destiny.

Never since the davs nf tbo persion has the extraordinary people scattered over the earth in every country of modern European and of the old Arabic civilisation surrendered the hope of an ultimate return to the historic seat of its national existpnpp This has formed part of its ideal life, and is the ever-recurring note of its religious ritual And if, like other aspirations and religious ideals which time has perhaps worn thin and history has debarred from the vitalising enn tact of reality, it has grown to he something or a convention, something which you may pray for and dream about but not a thuur whirl. belongs to the efforts and the energies of this everyday world, that is only what was to be expected, and in no decree detract frnm critical importance of its entry to that world and the translation of its religious faith into the beginnings at least of arhi For that is what the formal and considered declaration of policy by the British Government means. For fiftv years the Jews have been slowly and painfully returning to their ancestral home, and even under the Ottoman yoke and amid the disorder of that effete and crumbling dominion they have, succeeded in establishing the beginnings of a real civilisation. Scattered and few, they have still brought with them schools and1 industry and scientific knowledge, and here and there have in truth made the waste places blossom as the rose. But for all this there was no security, and the progress, supported as it was financially by only a section of the Jewish people and by a few generous and wealthy persons, was necessarily as slow as it was precarious.

The example of Armenia and the winincr nut. of a population fifty-fold that of the Jewish colonies in Palestine was a terrible warning! of what might at any time be in store fori THINGS THAT PERPLEX THE HOUSEKEEPER. When the engineers, or any other body of workmen, are moved by a vague discontent that is not susceptible to exact definition, their state of mind is indicated by the word unrest. After the same manner there is a general discontent and irritation among heads of families because retailers of food supplies aro evading, or openlv defying, the various orders which should Iim'it prices. Tho purchaser as an individual is helpless.

Ho sees prices, in spite of supposed restrictions, going against him, and he wonders in a hopeless sort of way if he is for ever to bo tho prey of profiteering. Or, if the retailer is in the right, why has he been led by official tio-ns to xPeet bettor things? There is irritation about the price of tea, for instance. We shall some day get to the Ga tna escaped the tea prices order, but there is enough left apparently to allow of the unscrupulous" dealer charging pretty much what he likes and while there are three grades of Government tea on the market, and no easy test by which to distinguish one from another, the unscrupulous dealer is provided with just the opportunity that he wants. All butter will soon be of about one price, thanks to a Government subsidy for Danish, but at present there are extraordinary prices in certain shops much too high for Irish or colonial and too low for Danish, It sometimes looks as though the seller had soothed his conscience by putting a limit to his extortion. Also in the matter of sugar cards people are suffering a good deal of annoyance.

There, are grocers who have begun to make tho full allowance of sugar to customers whose sugar cards they -hold, and in order to do this are refusing sugar to others to whom it has been regularly supplied hitherto. I here is preferential treatment for the sugar-card customer at somebody else's expense. These causes of irritation are preventable, and for that reason are more disturbing to the mind than are all higher nrices and the privations that are to be recognised as the direct consequence of the war. Salford Meat Prices. The Salford Food Control Committee yesterday revised the maximum prices for meat.

The first prices were fixed on October 22, and although the wholesale price has been reduced by the pound since then, yesterday revision makes meat dearer. The new scale will perhaps do away with the scandal of the open defiance of the Committee's authority, but the dignity of the Committee is not enhanced. Tho Snlfnrl Vlofe pOPTVI to have made a practice of quoting two prices to customers, one being the official price, which they took for their minimum, and tho other a penny or more higher, which brought those who paid it a considerably nicer cut. Ihe Salford butchers felt they had a grievance because the Manchester prices, which were settled a few days later, were in manv cases appreciably higher. Firms with shops both towns ought to have charged for sirloin, for example, 2d.

per pound more in Manchester than in Salford. Some of them, taking the matter in their own hands, made the adjustments they considered necessary. Ihe fcwlford and Manchester schedules are now approximately the same, and it would seem unfriendly to Salford to point out the details which are still to Salford's advantage for to do so might bring about a further revision. At the back of one's mind there must, however, remain the question of why there should be any difference between Manchester and Salford prices. The consumer would have been, glad to believe that respect of meat the Manchester Committee was wrong, but it the Salford Committee that has given way.

It is decided that the price of milk is to go to 7d. in Salford as well as in Manchester. J. V. B.

BANK OF ENGLAND. NEW GOVERNOR NEXT MARCH. The Court of Directors of the Bank of "Eng land, at their meeting yesterday, agreed to recommend to the proprietors in March next that Bit Brien Cokayne, the present Deputy Governor, be elected Governor, in succession Vt uuune ana tnat Mr. Montagu Collet Norman, a director of the bank, be year puty- Governor for the 'ensuing Lord Cunliffe has been Governor of the wank since 1913, and consequently has bad the leading part in all its financial operations during the war. THE HIPPODROME.

A BAILOBS' MATINEE. More than 600 was raised by a matinee performance at the Manchester Hippodrome yesterday in aid of King George's Fund for Sailors, which makes contributions to marine benevolent institutions. There was a crowded audience. During: the afternoon, Mr. George Formby conducted a4tttle auction" sale, which realised or this 14 was made by the, sale and resale of two: new-laid finally bought to be objects King's Pund were given by B.

Suiter 'chairman of the Arrangements Committee) suH tfoXmxi Jyotcf Jtourtwrter-.

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