Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1914-12-30

London. Dec. ~ tlu,lb y. m 1.-The
American note protesting against the
British treatment of American COM
merce AID insisting upon an early
Improvement. came as a complete
surprise to the British public az there
has been virtually no intimation thht
any friction had arisen between the
two governments
The plaeards posted by the evening
papers were Hiven over exclusively 10
the American note and the papers
gave II the largest headlines they
have given any news during the last
month. Consequently the British peo-
pie regarded this as one OF the most
important occurrences OF the whole
war. Nothing of the kind since Presi-
dent Cieveland's Venezuelan message
had produced. such a sensation.
May Cause Friction.
The first impression Of the public
IL that the note may create friction
and perhaps some unfrondly feeling.
although tho newspapers point otit
that II specifically states that the rep
resentations were made In Il friendly
spirit, The situation Is comparable to
that which arose at the time of the
South African war when neutral ship
pers began to send cargoes for the
Transvaal republic TO the neutral
port of Delagoa bay.
The Washington note had not
reached the foreign office this after
noon. but 1t could not have bean dealt
with had II arrived. as Sir Edward
Grey secretary for foreign affairs,
who has been away for the Christmas
holidays. is not returning until to-
morrow
Secondary plnce 10 War News.
Even the war news was allotted
secondary place to the note In the
news columns OF the papers. although
that coming from the Russian front
was highly gratifying TO the allies.
There hats been a slackeninR of tho
hghting in northern Poland between
the lower Vistula and Pilica rivers,
where the Russians have captured
some German trenches, prisoners
and guns~-an indication. II is believed
here that the German frontal attack
on the army guarding Warsaw. has
been definitely checked.
In southern Poland the Russians
also record some successes, while In
Galicia they have apparently inflict-
ed defeat on the Austrians almost
as serious as that which the Austrian
troops suffered Ia Servla.
10000 Austrian Prisoners.
Since their latest offensive COM
the Russians have taken
10000 Austrian prisoners and cap
tured many guns according to the
f;usslan official reports snd IT, as was
estimated. Austria had three or
four army corps on its rc-enfry into
iaicia II must have lost more than
/ third of the number in killed,
and prisoners The state OF
he roads, which are feet deep In
mud, has prevented ihe Russians
rom making the pursuit as effective
IL II might have been could the Coz
ucks have found a firm footing for
heir horses.
Reports In Conflict.
OF the fighting In the west the
french and German reports are In d.
'cct conflict. The French claim to
rave occupied tine Village ef So
ieorges. which ia on the main road
'etwecn Nieuport and Bruges. and
wo miles from the former town. ON
he other hand the German report
avs.
We have gained some ground near
Heavy fighting is also TAX
ng place In the Argonne and on the
eights Of the Meuse, The French re-
'ort apparently refers to later events
han those recorded IN Berlin. for
'aris tells Of the recapture of
rench which the Germans communi-
alton mentions as having been cap
ured by the Germans. The French
re investing Steinbach in upper Al
ace.
News from Germany is coming in
cry slowly. as cable communication
etween England and Holland Is in
errupted and wires between Holland
nd Germany have been wrecked in
many places
With the close OF the holidays tlla
ecruiting boom has recommended Ia