, 1916-12-20

nv failed to enter them. Prisoners were
left in our hands. The usual artillery con-
tinued today on both sides. Our lombard
ment OF an enemy dump in the neighbour
hood of Pys In rth east of Albert) set fife
to the material collected there, causing large
clouds of smoke.
Paris, Dec. 14fh.-The bulletin issued
by the War Office tonight reads: "Some
what spirited artillery actions took place
south of the Somme, Oh both banks of The
Meuse aud on the heights south of Bon
Homme". The communication on the pro-
areSs of hostilitles in M ICE donia issued by
the War office this afternoon, rends: "ArtiI-
lerY IF the euemy Gu December ID h. bOm-
burded the entire Serbian front and the city
of Monnstir. There were everal victims
among the civil population Of Monast +.
Our batteries responded fife ciously. No
infantry forces were engaged"
Berlin, Dec. 14th.-French troops took
the offensive in The Verdun region thus
evening, says tonigLl's supplementary war
statement advancing on both banks OF the
Meuse. Field Marshal Won Mackensen's
danube army has effected a crossing Of the
river alomitza IN eastern Wallachia, adds
the official announcement.
Copenhagen, ID c. 15th.-The pIebiscite
held yesterday on the question of the sale
of the Danish West indies to the United
5. ates resulted in 283, 900 votes being cast
in favour Of the sale, and 157 900 against
such action. The endorsement by popular
vote iii Denmark Of the proposal to sell the
Danish West Indies to the United States
means that the matter viii now be taken up
by the Danish Parliament. A treaty for The
sale of the islands was concluded between
the United States aud Denmark k in New York
on August 5th of this year, the purchase
price being fixed at IS, 100000.
Paris, Dec. 15th.--At til e Cabinet meeting
last night President Pioncare signed DEGREES
appointing The following Under Secretaries
of State Medical services Justin Godart,
Public Works, Transport aid Subsistence
Albert c. Caveille, Nj ercantile Marine, Louis
Nail. Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and
Labour, NJ. Eoden. Mutations III change Of
the section concerned with inventions for
National Defence, Jules Louis Breton. Ma
nitions, IN charge Of the manufacturing
sections, Louis Loucheur Fine arts, Albert
D"limler. Foreign Office in charge OF block
ade questions, Baron Denys Cochin. Tho
Cabinet also decided on the creation OF an
Under Secretary for aviation who will be
appointed when General Lynutey has taken
over the War Office. A Bill providing for
all appropriation for these Under Secyetary-
ships will be Introduced in the Chamber Of
Deputies today. The War Committee viii
hold IFS first meeting this morning.
London, Dec.15th--lhe Entente Powers
have decided to grant safe conduct to
Count Tarnowski recently appointed Aus
tro-Hungarian Ambassador, TO the United
States. The Foreign o fice made this anuonce-
ment today saying the Entente had decided
to grant tie safe conduct in consideration
Of the representations made by the Ameri-
can Government.
London, Dec. 15th-Mr. Lloyd George
was much better this morning. He has
every expectation Of baing able to go before
the House of ommons on Tuesday. 10 the
meantime be will remain indoors.
Ottawa, Dec. 14th-FIour dropped 40
cents last night, making the price 50 40 a
barrel. The sudden drop also affected the
price of oats in the city which are now sell
at "a cents a bushel, a drop of 6 cents.
Washington, Dec. 15th-President Wilson
probably will not finally determine on any
formal steps in connection with The peace
proposals Of The Central Powers until after
Mr.. David Lloyd George has spoken In the
House of Commons on Tuesday.
London, Dec. 15th-An Athens despatch
to Reuters says that the indications are that
the Allied ultimotum will ba ucceDtn1 ir