Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-04-09
GERMANS DECLARE
WAR ON HOLLAND,
IS LONDON RUMOR
Report Lacks Confirmation,
and Is Not Credited
by Officials.
ALSO SAID TO OCCUPY
STRIP OF DUTCH COAST
Much Uneasiness Known to Pre-
vail at The Hague Over Ac-
tivity of Submarines.
READY TO REPEL INVASION
Rome Hears That Austria Is Seeking
Separate Peace With
Russia.
READY TO REPEL INVASION
Rome Hears That Austria Is Seeking
Separate Peace With
Russia.

LONDON. April S.-There were per-
sistent rumors In London tonight that
Germany either had declared war on
Holland or that'her troops had oc-
cupied the strip OF Dutch territory ex-
tending from the Belgian frontier on
the coast to the River Scheldt. The
reports lack confirmation, and were not
credited by officials.
1t is possible that the report arose
from the news from Dutch sources that
tho Germans were strengthening their
positions around the Dutch frontier, and
that much uneasiness prevailed at The
Hague and other Dutch cities as a
result OF the seizure or sinking Of Dutch
steamers by German submarines
The Dutch are strongly opposed to
Intervention in the war. but their army
Is ready to repel invasion.
Another diplomatic report which has
created immense interest Is that from
Rome saying Austria seeks separate
peace with Russia. This, likewise lacks
confirmation and Is not credited, and
1t Is not considered likely that Ger
many would he sending re-enforcements
to the Carpathians II there were any
doubt of Austria's loyalty.
Italy takes the matter more seriously
than the other nations. for should it
prove to be true. 1t would end her
hopes OF gaining territorial cessions
from Austria.
SEEMS TO CONTRADICT
REPORTED ACTION
However the stubborn way In which
Austria is resisting the Russian adj
vances In the Carpathians seems to
contradict the suggestion that she is
ready to seek peace ut RusSia's terms.
The lighting in the mountain passes
continues as herccly as ever. and, al
though Austria claims success on both
sides of the Laborcza Valley. the Rus
slams. on the whole. are much further
advanced than they were week ago.
and have now forced the Dukla,
Lupkow and Rostock Passes. and are
pouring troops into the region of
Uzsok Pass, where the heaviest ba tile
is in progress.
So far as the rest OF the eastern
front is concerned, the only battle OF
any Importance is tbht in Bukowina.
where the AustriansF are thrusting ut
the Russian positions In the hope OF
compelling the Russians to send re-
endorsements from the Carpathians In
West Galicia and Poland overhowinE
rivers prevent movements on a large
scale.
FRENCH CLAIM TO DE
MAKING ADVANCES
These same conditions are hindering
French operations between tho Meuse
and Moselle Rivers. An important bat
tie is in progress In this region, how
| ever. and the French claim 10 be MAX
Ing advances---n claim which Is con-
tested by the Germans. Whichever re-
port Is correct. there Is little doubt
that sanguinary battle is being
fought, and that In the attacks and
counterattacks heavy losses have been
sustained.
The people OF Europe are expectantly
awaiting renewal OF the attack on
the Dnrdanelles-thIs time with land
ana sea forces. But the only news
from that part OF the world to-day Is
that Turkey has decided TO call up all
men capable OF bearing arms. an in
dication that she expects the allies to
bring exceedingly strong forces against
her