Evening star., 1914-08-07
French Seem Satisfied.

followed out.
French Seem Satisfied.
The French army authorities have also
raised a heavy screen to hide their war
moves. Tney seem entirely satisfied with
the manner in which the men of the
nation responded to the call to arms and
they declare every preliminary move to
have been carried out according to the
plan drafted by the popular comma nder-
in-chief. Gen. Joseph Joffre.
From the far-off portions of the
world where Germany. England and
France have colonies. all of which are
in a state of defense, only brief dis
patches trickle over the wires. These
indicate that small engagements have
occurred. especially in Chinese waters,
where French. German, British and
Russian war vessels are stationed. The
most important news from that quar-
ter is the report that the British squad
ron has hemmed in the German ves-
sci at Tsing-Tau, which is strongly
fortified and has a numerous garrison
of German troops
Persistent reports of an important
encounter between the German and
British fleets maneuvering for stra-
tegic positions in the North sea kept
the British public in state of agita-
tion throughout the forenoon. The ex-
citement was not allayed until the
first lord Of the admiralty made the
official announcement in parliament
that stories of fghting and losses other
than those of the British cruiser Am
phion and the German mine-layer
Koenig Luise were unfounded.
German News Meager.
News from the German side was ex-
tremely meager. owing to the Interrupt
tion of direct telegraphic communica-
tion. Denials came from Berlin by way
of other countries of the repulse Of the
German forces before the Belgian city
of Liege. where Belgian sources de-
clare their attackers to have been
badly checked with heavy losses.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Lloyd
George informed the house Of commons
that the government was considering
the question Of taking over the harvest
throughout the British Isles.
The financial district of London re-
sumed almost its normal aspect today
with the reopening Of the banks. Inter-
est centered around the Bank of Eng
land. where gradually extending line
of people gathered anxious to exchange
paper money for gold. There was no
great rush till noon
Bank Of England Deserted.
In strong contrast with the customary
activity and hustle in the bullion de-
partment of the Bank of England, where
a large staff is usually employed weigh
ed bullion the whole day, not person
was to be seen there today.
At other banks business was quite
moderate. Checks in most case were
paid In notes. Reports from the provinc-
es indicate that the British public Is not
losing its head. as Withdrawals have been
small.
Mrs Ruth Bryan Owen. daughter Of
the American Secretary OF State and
wife OF Capt. Reginald A. Owen Of the
royal engineers, issued an appeal for
the assistance of the American press In
collecting contributions in aid Of Bri-
tish subjects suffering prfvations through
the war. Subscriptions, she says. will be
iief,
Many Americans today asked for help
to obtain food and lodging. There were
many instances of persons with gold GER
tifcates In their pockets walking the
streets all night hungry. Some of these
were relieved by small unsecured loans
from II c. Hoover of California, who
spent most OF the day working to obtain
q reasonable rate of exchange for Ameri-
can bills. The rate is now exorbitant.
Recruits Rush Forward.
The response to Field Marshal Earl
Kitchener's appeal for recruits for the
British army surpasses anything in the
memory of British military men. Huge
crowds of all ages and all stations OF
life. silk halted men and poorly clothed
laborers stood in long lines all day IN
front of the recruiting stations awaiting
their turn TO go before the medical officer
DIR. Hans Plehn. correspondent OF the
German Telegraphic News Agency. who
had been placed under arrest. was re-
leased today after he had satisfied the
police that he was not a spy. He has
decided to return TO Germany.
A dispatch from Queenstown states
that the Celtic sailed from there today
for New York after enbarking $50
passengers who We're glad to be al
lowed to occupy the steerage.
With the object Of co-ordinating the
system of giving assistance to trav-
cling Americans and restoring order
among the somewhat chaotic condi-
tions arising from the multiplicity of
committees an authoritative COMMITTEES
of Americans resident in London wal
formed today under official auspices.
Ambassador Page Chairman.
Walter Hines Page. the American am
bassador. has been appointed honorary
chairman and Consul General Skinner
vice chairman. The secretary is F. c,
rap r,,yor 10 ~ tbo