The Vancouver Sun from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada • 1

Colonial Theatre -Today RUTH ROLAND in "SULTANA" A Scenic A Comedy. Miss Campean, Soprano. University Exam. Results Are Out Page Two 5, No. 274.

Probs Milder, with sleet or rain. VANCOUVER, B. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1916. Sunrise, 8:02 a.m.: Sunset, 4:27 p.m. Moon set.

11:18 a.m. PRICE 5 CENTS Seasonable Greetings from the Front FLAMES TRIBUTE IS PAID CANUCKS HAIG DESCRIBES THE SOME AS A REMARKABLE TRIUMPH FOR ENTENTE ALLIED ARMS Sir Douglas Haig Commander-in-Chief of British Expeditionary Forces Reports on the Great Offensive Against the German Lines in France, in Which He Declares that German Western Armies Were Only Saved From Complete Collapse and a Decisive Defeat by a Protracted Period of Unfavorable Weather Which Prevented the Allies Pushing Home Their Advantage. LONDON, Dee. 29. The battle of the Sorarae is pictured as a sweeping triumph for the allied arms in a detailed report by General Sir Douglas liaig, which was issued tonight and which covers opera-lions from July 1 to November 18.

General Haig terms the battle a triumph in which the German western armies were only saved from complete collapse and a decisive defeat by a protracted period of unfavorable weather, which prevented the Anglo-French forces from taking full advantage of their successful advance, lie declares that, nevertheless, it was a triumph which proved beyond doubt the ability of the Allies to overthrow Germany "when the time The British commander shows himself a firm believer in the doctrine that the Allies can win the war on the. western front. II If mnce fully established the effect of our offensive in keeping the enemy's main forces tied to the western front. "In November, the strength of the enemy in the western theatre was This etching is a reduced reproduction of a Christmas Greetings card just received from a staff officer with the 2nd Canadian Division in France. It bears a cheering message from the boys at the front.

ENTENTE IS TO EMPHASIZE THE UTTER IMPOSSIBILITY OF PEACE AT PRESENT TIME DEVOUR FAMILY James Chaters and His Three Children Victims of Flames When Home at Chase is Mother Escapes. FATHER DASHED LAMP TO FLOOR? Drink-crazed Man Believed to Have Deliberately Returned to His Home Thursday Night and Committed the Crime. KAMLOOPS, B.C.. Dec. 29.

Between seven and eight o'clock last night the village of Chase, about 40 miles from here, was set in a whirl of excitement by the blaze of a house on fire a short distance off the main street. A tragedy, the like of which lias seareelv been known iuthe neigh borhood, was unravelled almost as soon as the outbreak: nad ueen discovered. The head of the house. James Chaters, apparently arrived home about seven o'clock and demanded liquor. On failure of his wife to produce it, and while partly under the influence of intoxicants.

Chafer either wilfully upset the lamp or de liberately threw it on the ground. Burst Into Flames. In an instant the burning liquid from the broken vessel spread all over the floor and flames burst in all directions, climaxing in an explosion. Three children, all under the age of three years, as well as the father, were burned Jo death before assist ance arrived on the scene. Mrs.

hater lies in the hospital at Chase in a serious condition resulting from burns and injuries caused in escaping through the window. An inquest was held this afternoon with an obvious verdict. GUN FIRE IS INTENSE German Trenches Are Badly Damaged by Artillery Fire; Rig Gun Duel is Resumed With the Utmost Intensity. Dec. 30.

A party of our troops successfully raidPd the enemy lines east of Le Sara on Thursday evening; his trenches were found to have been greatly damaged by our artillery fire," says the Hritish official communication issued shortly after midnight. "A raid was attempted on Friday evening on our positions east of Ar-mentieres, but was repulsed. "After a comparatively quiet night, the artillery activity was resumed with vigor today (Friday), by both sides, reaching a pitch of some intensity along our front south of the Ancre and In the neighborhood of Rerlis. "In spite of adverse weather, some successful work was done yesterday (Thursday), by our airplanes in con-Junction with our artillery. One of our machines has not returned." CONTRACT IS LET FOR CONCRETE PIPE WINNIPEG, Dec.

29. The administration board of the Greater Winnipeg water district this afternoon awarded the contract for the reinforced concrete pipe from Deacon to the Red river to the Winnipeg Aque duct Construction at a figure of $1,308,753. Including the tender put in by the district engineer, there were eleven tenders. rrxrrr FOB PACIFIST. PAN FRANCISCO, Dec.

25. A call to accept the pastorate of the First Interdenominational Church of San Francisco, was issued to Dr. Charles F. Aked today by a committee of the new congregation which was formed when a majority of the First Congregational church refused to recall him to the pastorate he once held. Dr.

Aked was one of the Ford peace party delegates to The Hague WASHINGTON. I. Dec. 29. The three Scandium Ian nations, Norway.

Sweden anil Denmark, through Identical notes, the Norwegian copy of which whs banded to the state department today by Minister Bryn, have expressed lively interest in President Wilson's proposals 'looking towards Uio establishment of a durable iwace" and their "deepest sympathy" with all efforts to shorten tho war. I'nlikfl the Swiss government, which offered to help in any way, "no matter how modest," the Scandinavian countries make no direct offer of eo-oKriition. This fart, attracted particular interest because Norway particularly has horn one of the greatest sufferers from tho war anions the neutrals. JOFFRE THE SOLDIER General commanding the British forces in France, who declares his confidence in the linal triumph of allied arms. ASK BERLIN TO DISPLAY SINCERITY American Neutral League Dis patches Open Letter to Ger man People Urging a State ment Terms by Government NEW YORK, Pec.

29. An appeal to the German people to insist tha their government "shall make known the terms on which they are prepared to enter upon peace negotiations, was sent by the American neutral confer ence committee today to Maximilian Harden of Berlin, the German pub licist and editor of Die Kukunft. It was In the form of an open letter to the people of Germany. Germany's Chance. "Let the German people now fur nlsh every indisputable proof of their sincerity by demanding that their gov eminent publicly set forth such pro posals as will make peace negotla tions possible," the committee wrote, The minimum basis of peace negotiations, If they are to be satisfactory to the world as well as to the entente powers, was defined by the committee as including: Is It Possible? Readiness of the central powers to consider "In the course of the nego tiations," the possibility of averting wars in the future through such a world organization to ensure peace as will make armaments unnecessary.

Inviolability and integrity of the smaller peoples. Guarantee of the inviolable character of international treaties and compacts. BANKS PLACE ADDITIONAL CREDIT TO LONDON OTTAWA. Pec. 29.

The chartered banks of Canada have provided a further imperial credit of to assist in financing Great Britain's purchases in Canada. The credit was decided on following a conference between the bankers' representatives and the minister of finance two weeks ago. Sir Thomas White was informed today that the sum will be advanced to the Dominion government, which will plsce the amount to the credit of the Imperial government to purchase munitions and supplies in Canada. Hugo Total. This makes a total of $250,000,000 provided by the banks and the government Jointly to date for the pur pose mentioned.

As a result of the establishment of these credits, orders to a much larger value have been secured than would otherwise have been possible. Extended Reference is Made by Gen. Haig, Commander-in-Chief, in His Report on the Somme Offensive. ALL BRITISH TROOPS PROVE THEIR WORTH Whether Regulars, Territorials, Colonials or 3Ien of the New Armies All Have Done Their Duty Nobly. LONDON, Dec.

29. Sir Dour las llaig's despatch issued tonight, covering all the operations along the Hritish front, in describing the operations of September, makes extended reference to the work of tlie Canadian forces which resulted in the capture of Martinpuich and Cotircclette. The report reads in part, as follows: "The result of the fighting of Sept. 15, and during the following days, was a gain more considerable than any which had attended our arms in the course of a single operation since the commencement of tho offensive. In the course of one day's fighting wo had broken through two of the enemy's main defensive systems and had advanced on a front of more than sis miles to an average depth of a mile.

Took Villages. "In tho course of this advance we had taken three large villages, each powerfully organized for prolonged resistance. Two of these villages had been carried by assault with short preparation in the course of a few hours of fighting. All this was achieved with a small number of casualties in comparison with the troops employed, and in spite of the fact that, as was afterward discovered, tho attack did not come as a complete surprise to the enemy. "Tho total number of prisoners taken by us in these operations since the commencement on the evening of Sept.

14, amounted at this date to over four thousand, including 127 officers." Itccina Trench. Further in the despatch Gen. Haig makes another referenco to operations by the Canadians as follows: "At midday on Oct. 21, during a short spell of fine, cold weather, the line of tho Regina trench and Stuff trench was attacked with complete success. Assisted by excellent artillery preparation and barrage fire, the infantry carried their whole effective very quickly and with remarkably little loss.

Our new line was firmly established in spite of the enemy's shell fire. Over one thousand prisoners were taken during tho day's fighting a figure only slightly exceeded by our total casualties. Number of Prisoners. In its general phrases, Gen. Hale's despatch reports that the total number of prisoners taken during the Somme battle between July 1 and Nov.

14. was over lS.OOn, including over ROD officers. Inning the same period, he states, we captured heavy guns, 96 field guns and field howitzers, 1.1S trench mortars and 514 machine gnus. Hut a Hare Outline. "The events which I have described in this despatch," the commander in concluding his report says, "form hut a bare outline of more important occurrences.

To deal in any detail even with these, without touching on smaller fights and the ceaseless work in the trenches, continuing day and night for five months, is not. possible here, nor have I deemed it permissible; but as I might desire to particularize units, brigades or divisions, especially connected with the different events described. It would not be possible to do so without giving useful information to tho enemy. Recommendations for rewards have been forwarded separ ately, and in duo course the full details will he made known. Borne Their Share.

"Meanwhile it must suffice to say that the troops from every part of the Hritish Isles, from every Dominion and all quarters of the Empire, whether regulars, territorials or men of he new armies, have borne their share in the battle of the Pomme. While some have been more fortunate than others in opportunities for distinction, all have done their duty nobly." FRENCH FIRE DRIVES Rctwppn the and Oiso Rivers Artillery Tarried Out Almost Destructive Fire and (ierniaiis Had to Fall Rack. PARIS. Mec. .9.

"Between the Aisne and the O'ise our artillery carried out destructive fire on German organl.aiions in the region of Quenncvieres." said the war office statement, issued tomght. uir patrols penetrated enemy trenches which had been badly shattered. They had been evacuated by the Germans, "On the left bank of the Meuse, the enemy Mol.ntly bombarded in the coins" of the afternoon, our positions between the Meuse and Avocotirt. We stopped several attacks that were attempted by means of grenades at, various points on this front. Everywhere else there was Intermittent eanuund- Future Prospects.

"I desire to add a few words as to future prospects," ho says at tlie close of the despatch, which covers sixteen closely printed pages. enemy's power has not yet been broken, nor is It yet possible to form an estimate or the time the war may hist before the for which the allies are fighting have been attained. But the Somme battle has placed beyond doubt the ability of the Allies to Bain those objects. The German army is the, mainstay of the Central Powers, and full half of that army, despite all the advantages of the defensive and supported by the strongest fortifications, suffered defeat on the Somme this year. Neither victors nor vanquished will forget this, and although had weather has given the enemy a respite, there are undoubtedly many thousands of Ills ranks who will begin the new campaign with little confidence in their ability to resist our assaults or overcome our defense.

Determined lo Win. "Our new armies entered battle with a determination to win and a confidence tn their power to do so. They have proved to themselves, to the enemy and to the world, that this confidence is justified." The opening of the despatch outlines the origin of the Allies decision to begin the Somme operations. "The principle of an offensive campaign during the summer of 1016 had already been decided on by all the Allies," says the report. "Various possible alternatives on the western front had been studied and discussed by (Jen.

Joffre and myself, and were in complete agreement as to the front, to be attacked by the combined French and British armies. Preparation for the offensive had made considerable progress, but the date had been dependent on many doubtful factors. I'ost (toned Attack. "Subject to the necessity of commencing operations before the summer was too far advanced, and with due regard to the general situation, I desired to postpone my attack as long as possible. The British armies were growing in numbers and the supply of munitions was steadily increasing, but a large proportion of the officers and men were still, far from being fully trained, and the longer the attack was deferred the more efficient they would become.

"Un the other hand, the Germans were continuing to press their attacks at Verdun and both there and on the Italian front, where the Austrian offensive was winning, it was evident that the strain might become too great unless timely action was taken. Accordingly, 1 agreed that the attack should be launched whenever the general situation required it, with as great a force as might then be available. Pressure Became Serious "By the end of May the pressure on the Italian front had assumed such serious proportions that the Russian campaign was opened early in June, and the successes gained against the Austrians at once caused a movement of German troops from the western to the eastern front. This, however, did not lessen the pressure on Verdun, and therefore It was agreed that the combined French and British offensive would not he postponed beyond the end of June. "The object of the attack wag fourfold f6 relieve pressure on Verdun: to assist our allies in the other theatres of war, by stopping any further transfer, of German troops from the western front; to wear down the strength of the forces opposed to us.

Sum I'p Kcsnlt After dealing at length with the various stages of the operations. Gen eral Haig Bums up the result as fol lows: "Three main objects which we com menced the offensive in July had already been achieved, in spite of the fact that heavy autumn rains pre vented full advantage being taken of the favorable situation created by our advance at a time when we had good ground for hoping to achieve further important successes. verrtun naa een relieved, the main German forces had been held on the western front, and the enemy's strength had been considerably worn down. Any one of these three results is in itself sufficient to Justify the Somme battle. The attainment of all three affords ample compensation for the splendid efforts of the troops and for the sacrifices made.

They have brought its a long step forward toward the final vic tory of the allied cause. Blow to Germans "The desperate struggle for the pos session of Verdun had inested that place with ft moral and political Im portance out of all proportions to Its military value. Its fall would un doubtedly have been proclaimed a great victory for our enemies and would have shaken the faith of many in our ultimate success. The failure of the enemy to capture It despite great efforts and heavy losses, was a blow to his prestige. Informa tion obtained, both during the progress of the Somme battle and since Lthe suspension of active operations has greater than in July, notwithstanding the abandonment of the offensive at Verdun.

It is therefore justifiable to conclude that the Somme offensive not only relieved Verdun but held large forces which would otherwise hav Ueen employed against our allies in the east. Third Object. "The third great object of the al lied operations on the Somme was the wearing down of the enemy powers of resistance. Any statement as to the extent to which this has been attained must depend in some degree on estimates. There is, nevertheless, sufficient evidence to place beyond dnuht that the enemy's losses in men and material were very considerably higher than those of the allies, while morally the balance of advantage on our side Is still greater.

During the period under review a steady deterioration took place in the morale of large numbers of enemy troops. Hcsistanco Weakened. 'Many of them, it Is true, fought with the greatest determination, even In the latest encounters, but the re sistance of even larger numbers became latterly decidedly more feeble than In the early stages of the battle. Aided by the great depth of his defenses, and by frequent reliefs, which his resources of men enabled him to effect, discipline and training held the machine together sufficiently to enahlo the enemy to rally and reorganize his troops after each fresh de feat. But toward the end of the op erations, when the weather unfortunately broke, there is no doubt that his power of resistance was very seriously diminished." Opportunity Had Come.

In the course of his detailed study of the operations. Gen. Haig frequently touches upon the handicap of the weather. In mid-October came the allies' great, chance to really break through. "We had, at last.

writes (Jen. Haig, "reached the stage at which a successful attack might reasonably be expected to yield much greater results than anything we had as yet attained. Bad Weather Interfered. Unfortunately at this juncture very unfavorable weather set in and continued with hardly a break during the remainder of October and the early part of November. Poor vlsabillty seriously Interfered with the work of the artillery and constant rain turned the mass of hastily dug trenches into channels of deep mud.

The country roads, broken by countless shell craters rapidly became impassable, making the supply of food, stores and ammunition a serious problem. These conditions multiplied the difficulties of attack to such an extent that it was with the rapidity necessary to enable us to reap to the full the advantageii we had gained." Work of the Tanks. General Halg'g report contains frequent mention of the work of the tanks, tine example follows: "Gueudecourt was carried after protecting trenches to the west had been captured in an Interesting fashion. In the early morning, a tank started down a portion of a trench held by the enemy from the northwest, firing its machine guns and followed by bombers. The enemy could not escape as we held the trench at the southern end.

At the same time airplane flew down the length of the trench, also firing its machine gun at the enemy. The enemy finally waved white handkerchiefs in token of surrender, and when this was reported by the airplane, the infantry accepted the surrender of the garrison. Besides a great number of the enemy killed, we made prisoners eight officers and 362 men. Our total casualties were five." Supremacy of the Air. General Haig pays a tribute to the work of the various departments of the service during the battle.

He declares that the aircraft consistently maintained the supremacy of the air throughout the entire period, while the tunnel companies equally maintained their superiority over the enemy underground. Regarding the use of gas and liquid fire, he Rays: Proved Effective. "Our own experience of the numerous experiments and trials necessary before gas and flame could he used, of the great preparations which had to be made for their manufacture and of the special training required for' the personnel employed, shows that the employment of such methods by the Germans was not the result of desperation, but had been prepared deliberately. Since we have been compelled In self-defense to use similar methods, it Is satisfactory to be able to record, on the evidence of prisoners. documents captured and our own observations, that the enemy has suffer ed heavy casualties from our gas at tacks, while the means of protection adopted by us proved, thoroughly, ef- Despatches from London that the allies' reply to the German proposals was ready and probably would be sent by Wednesday, followed shortly by their reply to tho president's note, were read with Interest here, but drew no comment.

I'eaco Impossible. Entente diplomats still profess to be profoundly puzzled about the fundamental purpose of the president's note and undecided whether it was designed primarily to promote peace or for America's own guidance. They expect, however, that their govern ments reply would be short anf appreciative. The real Impossibility of peace from their viewpoint, they say, will he ade quately pointed out. in their lengthy reply to the Central Powers, where they can speak directly and to the point, without fear of wounding a friendly neutral.

Spain Protests. The despatch by Spain of a strong protest to Germany against submarine activities, apparently overshadowed interest among officials here in the progress in the peace negotiations. The Spanish ambassador saw Secretary Lansing recently and the secretary is understood to have outlined fuliy the attitude of the United States. No secret is being made of the fact that the German submarine activities furnish the cause of real anxiety to American government officials referred to in the president's note to the belligerents. Violates; Pledge to S.

The submarine Issue is being kept In the background for the present, but evidence that Germany probably has violated pledges given the I'nlted States has been collected at the state department and is before the president. The usual Friday cabinet "meeting was cancelled today because of the president's desire for as much rest as possible during the holidays and because no important questions were in shape for action. CANDlDATi: FOB SFN YTOB. PAN' FRANCISCO. Dec.

29. Wong Bock Yue. editor of a Chinese newspaper here and formerly secretary of the Chinese Six companies, has been nominated by a referendum vote among the Chinese In America as a candidate for senator In the parliament of China, according to an announcement made today. Wong Bock Yue Is known as a radical. for a rare shell it might have been a Christmas dinner at a hunting camp In Canada.

The latest news from Canada was eagerly exchanged. Peace was discussed and declared Impossible until the Huns were completely overcome. Tho hope was expressed that we may be on the other side of the Rhine next Christmas. It was feared that peace was sttll near twelve months away, but there was no doubt of tho result. The general commanding, also a brigade-general from Toronto and a brigadier-general visiting from Toronto, called.

Christmas parcels from Canada were very much appreciated by all ranks. The men were happy In the confidence that the people In Canada will support them to the utterruo-. Government Decided to Make Him Marshal of France in Response to Country that He Re Recompensed. PARIS. Dec.

29, 5 p.m. General Lyautey, minister of war, delivered his maiden speech ill the chamber of deputies today, when the subject of the nomination of General Joffre as a marshal of France came up. "I regard it as a high honor," said General Lyautey, "to have been called upon to raiso to supreme distinction the man who has saved this country." Country Demanded It. M. Vivlani, minister of justice, said tho government had determined on the degree making General Joffre a marshal because It was their duty to recompense worthily tho glorious soldier of the Marne and the Yser.

The government. In so doing, was in accord with the opinion of the country and the army, M. Vlvianl added. The debate was brought bout by an interpellation by St. Aocamhray as to whether the question of General Joffre had been legally elevated to tho rank of marshal should be discussed.

Tho chamber voted to consider the interpellation when it is called upon to ratify the decree. SHOULD BE INVITED TO EMPIRE COUNCIL Yorkshire Post, Leading Conservative Paper, of Opinion Former Premier's Attendance Would Re of Value. LONDON, Dec. 29. The Yorkshire Post, a leading Conservative paper in North Kngland, suggests that As-qulth and some of his colleagues should be Invited to participate in the Imperial conference.

"The overseas premiers. It, need hardly he said," continues the Tost, "have no experience whatever in European politics. If we arc to have large industrial and commercial problems brought up, there must he adequate representation of nil tho leading schools of political thought which have made their mark in this country. It would certainly be a mistake to Include representatives from overseas, some of them either now or recently members of semi-socialist parties, without also representatives of the great traditional groups of Uritlsh ASQUITH Canadians Had Turkey, Plum Pudding and Bon Bons Also a Few Shells Thown Over by Guns of the Enemy WITH A BATTALION' IX TUG FRONT TRENCHES OX CHRISTMAS DAY, via London, Dec. 29.

Comparatively- speaking, there is peace with the Canadian army in France today. It Is only comparatively, however, for there Is no fraternizing: in fact, one battalion from the maritime provinces were so unkind as to make a raid last night on the Huns who, they learned, were celebrating tho holiday on the 24th. The raid was very successful, and they captured seven and twenty Germans and lost one sergeant, A Pole deserted the previous day "fed tip" he said. The enemy opposite the Canadians are VArv nervous. Thev npvpr tritonr wVin i Is coming next, fellows are son fidtnt.

as usual. Christmas wis not a most cheerful day. The lads were thinking of home and the fun they are missing. To our greetings, "Happy Christmas," they always returned "Thank you, sir," with a cheery smile. Christmas morning broke with a dismal rain and wind.

The enemy started a rifle fusilade. When the weather cleared things became quiet with an Intermittent shell fire. The Canadian Associated Press correspondent made a tour of the trenches. He had as splendid a Christmas feast as any one would desire at battalion headquarters a few yards from the line Turkey, Canadian plum pudding, bonbons and Christmas cake sent from Toronto. It was a special blow-out, attended by officers from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Winnipeg.

But ,1 1 lng." i statesmen," 7. I.