Chapter M: Rodzianko,

_The Duma, March 20, 1917._

_THE TWO GIANTS_

_Germany: "I destroy!" America: "I create!"_

* * * * *

Among the many steps which are being taken by the Government to meet the emergency created by the submarine menace is the graduating of the first and second classes in the Naval Academy. The first class will be graduated on March 29, and the second class several weeks later. This measure will provide 374 additional naval officers.

_Reuter, Washington, March 20, 1917._

_William to General von Fleck: "We must save these beautiful things from destruction and fire."_

* * * * *

All the reports which have reached us confirm the report that the enemy has systematically pillaged and ravaged the evacuated zone, mostly without reasons of a military nature. General von Fleck, the Commander of the 17th German Army Corps, in leaving Ham carried away the furniture of the house which he occupied in the town.

_French Official, March 22, 1917._

_Uncle Sam: "So we are only a dollar making people, are we?"_

* * * * *

Germany never had the slightest intention of attacking the United States of America, and does not intend to do so now. Germany never desired war against the United States of America, and she does not desire it to-day. How did things develop? We told the United States more than once that we announced the unrestricted use of the submarine weapon in the expectation that England could be made to observe in her blockade policy the laws of humanity and international agreements.

If the American nation regards this as a reason for declaring war against the German nation, with which it has lived in peace for more than a hundred years; if by this action it wants to increase bloodshed, not we shall have to bear the burden of responsibility for it. The German nation, which feels neither hatred nor hostility towards the United States of America, will also bear this and overcome it.

HERR VON BETHMANN-HOLLWEG,
_Berlin, March 29, 1917._

_In the Office of a German Newspaper in America_

_"My tear vellow, as long as you not forget to wave now and again a leedle American flag, you can safely go on committing high treason in the interest of our Vaterland."_

* * * * *

Aid and comfort to our German enemy assume a peculiarly insidious and subtle form, as we are warned by leading papers in various parts of the country, in the attempts of certain journals to confuse the minds of the American people about our motives in entering the war, and to implant seeds of suspicion and distrust concerning our Allies.

_Literary Digest, April, 1917._

_BECAUSE IT IS THY WAR, IT IS MY WAR_

* * * * *

God of the Ages, our father's God, and our God, whose holy influence has shaped and guided the destiny of our Republic from its inception, we wait upon that influence to guide us in the present crisis which has been thrust upon us.

Diplomacy has failed; moral suasion has failed; every appeal to reason and justice has been swept aside. We abhor war and love peace. But if war has been, or shall be, forced upon us, we pray that the heart of every American citizen shall throb with patriotic zeal; that a united people may rally around our President to hold up his hands in every measure that shall be deemed necessary to protect American lives and safeguard our inherent rights.

Let thy blessings, we beseech Thee, attend the Congress now convened in extraordinary session under extraordinary conditions which call for extraordinary thought, wise counsel, calm and deliberate legislation; that its resolves and all its enactments may spring spontaneously from loyal and patriotic hearts; that our defenders on land and sea may be amply supplied with the things which make for strength and efficiency.

And, O God, our Heavenly Father, let Thy strong arm uphold, sustain, and guide us in a just and righteous cause; for Thine is the kingdom, the power, and glory, forever. Amen.

REV. DR. HENRY M. COUDEN,
_In Congress, U. S. A.,
April 2, 1917._

_"THE STARS AND STRIPES IN THE SERVICE OF HUMANITY"_

* * * * *

We are now about to accept gage of battle with this natural foe to liberty, and shall, if necessary, spend the whole force of the nation to check and nullify its pretensions and its power. We are glad, now that we see the facts with no veil of false pretense about them, to fight thus for the ultimate peace of the peoples included: for the rights of nations great and small and the privilege of men everywhere to choose their way of life and of obedience. The world must be made safe for democracy. Its peace must be planted upon the tested foundations of political liberty. We have no selfish ends to serve. We desire no conquest, no dominion. We seek no indemnities of ourselves, no material compensation for the sacrifices we shall freely make. We are but one of the champions of the rights of mankind. We shall be satisfied when those rights have been made as secure as the faith and the freedom of nations can make them.

PRESIDENT WILSON'S
_Address to Congress,
April 2, 1917._

_PROUD TO FIGHT_

* * * * *

There are, it may be, many months of fiery trial and sacrifice ahead of us. It is a fearful thing to lead this great peaceful people into war, into the most terrible and disastrous of all wars, civilization itself seeming to be in the balance. But the right is more precious than peace, and we shall fight for the things which we have always carried nearest our hearts--for democracy, for the right of those who submit to authority to have a voice in their own governments, for the rights and liberties of small nations, for a universal dominion of right by such a concert of free peoples as shall bring peace and safety to all nations and make the world itself at last free. To such a task we can dedicate our lives and our fortunes, everything that we are and everything that we have, with the pride of those who know that the day has come when America is privileged to spend her blood and her might for the principles that gave her birth and happiness and the peace which she has treasured. God helping her, she can do no other.

PRESIDENT WILSON'S
_Address to Congress,
April 2, 1917._

_"ACCORDING TO PLAN"_

_Hindenburg: "We lost Vimy Ridge, about 12,000 prisoners, 125 guns, 70 mortars, 175 machine-guns, all according to pl...."_

_William: "Shut up!"_

* * * * *

Hard fighting took place again this afternoon on the northern end of Vimy Ridge, in which we gained further important positions and took a number of prisoners and machine-guns.

In the direction of Cambrai we have advanced our line north of the village of Louverval.

Such counter-attacks as the enemy has attempted at different points along our front have met with no success.

The number of prisoners taken by us since the opening of our attack yesterday morning now exceeds 11,000, including 235 officers.

We have also captured over 100 guns, among them a number of heavy guns up to 8-inch calibre, 60 trench mortars, and 163 machine-guns.

_British Official, April 10, 1917._

_WELCOME TO STOCKHOLM!_

_The German Delegates: "Ils viennent jusque dans nos bras ...."_

* * * * *

According to the statements of an Austrian officer, a deserter, the German chancellor has sent a number of German Socialists to Stockholm to interview the representatives of Russian Socialists and negotiate for a separate peace.

Another Austrian deserter alleges that peace is being spoken of less frequently than formerly in the Austrian Army, and that everybody hopes the internal disorders in Russia will help in bringing about her destruction.

_Russian Official,
Petrograd, April 14, 1917._

_Austria: "Why won't you trust me, Little Red Riding Hood?"_

* * * * *

As it was herewith clearly demonstrated to the entire world, and especially to the people of Russia, that Russia was no longer forced to fight for her defences and for the freedom of her people, it should, in view of the conformity of the aims of the governments of the allies and of the Russian Provisional Government, not be difficult to find a way toward an understanding. This the less as the emperor (Charles) in agreement with the allied monarchs cherishes the hope of living in future in peace and friendship with a Russian people which, as regards its internal and external conditions of life, will be secured and content.

_Austrian Government to Russia,
April 15, 1917._

_KULTUR V. CIVILISATION_

* * * * *

On the evening of April 17 the S.S. _Donegal_ and _Lanfranc_, while transporting wounded to British ports, were torpedoed without warning.

The _Lanfranc_, in addition to 234 wounded British officers and men, carried 167 wounded German prisoners, a medical personnel of 52, and a crew of 123.

_British Admiralty Official,
April 17, 1917._

_American Soldier: "Remember we have plenty of lamp-posts for traitors."_

* * * * *

It's about time for the hamstringers that are lurking in the tall grass and the sabotagists who are trying to throw monkey-wrenches into the war machinery to shut off and up or look for unpleasant consequences.

These hidden-hangers do not come out in the open, even to the extent of the semi-treasonable sentiments of the Pro-German Socialists at St. Louis. If they did, it wouldn't be necessary to pay any attention to them. They work in a more insidious way. Under the guise of American citizenship they rise up every now and then, individuals or organizations of doubtful origin and purpose, to demand why the United States is in the war and what its intentions are....

Americans are in no mood to tolerate national sabotage of this sort any more than plain and open aid and comfort to the enemy. Every man of common sense knows why we are in the war and what we want to do. We are in it because we were forced into it by outrageous aggressions and because we are determined to make the world safe for American democracy.

_Chicago Herald, May, 1917._

_THE SOCIALIST BAIT FOR RUSSIA_

* * * * *

At the last sitting of the executive committee of the Council of Workmen's and Soldiers' Delegates, M. Borgbjerg, on behalf of the Labour parties of Scandinavia--Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian--conveyed an official invitation to all Socialist parties in Russia to the proposed international conference at Stockholm.

_Reuter, Petrograd, May 8, 1917._

_ON LAND AND WATER_

_The End of the Hindenburg Line?_

* * * * *

The Washington correspondent of the Associated Press states that Congress will be asked to appropriate $1,000,000,000 (£200,000,000) for the building of an American merchant fleet to overcome the submarine menace.

* * * * *

The program of the Shipping Board contemplates the diversion to the Government of the product of every steel-mill in the United States and the cancelation of existing contracts between the mills and private consumers, and, where necessary, the payment of damages by the Government to the parties whose contracts are canceled. The Board estimates that from five to six million tons of steel and wooden vessels will be constructed by the Government in the next two years.

_Associated Press,
Washington, May 8, 1917._

_"A POISON-GAS ATTACK ON NEW RUSSIA"_

* * * * *

Isolated groups of certain classes of the population, lacking conscientiousness, seek to realize their aspirations by the medium of violence, and threaten to destroy the discipline of internal policy and to create anarchy.

The Provisional Government believes it to be its duty to declare frankly that this state of things, which renders the administration of the country difficult, may lead the country to internal disorganisation and defeat at the front. The phantom of anarchy and civil war threatening liberty arises before Russia.

_Russian Provisional
Government Proclamation,
Petrograd, May 9, 1917._

_A FOOL'S PARADISE_

* * * * *

As affairs are going now, it will be impossible to save the country. Perhaps the time is near when we will have to tell you that we can no longer give you the amount of bread you expect or other supplies on which you have a right to count. The process of the change from slavery to freedom is not going on properly. We have tasted freedom and are slightly intoxicated. What we need is sobriety and discipline.

You could suffer and be silent for ten years, and obey the orders of a hated Government. You could even fire upon your own people when commanded to do so. Can you now suffer no longer?

We hear it said that we no longer need the front because they are fraternizing there. But are they fraternizing on all the fronts? Are they fraternizing on the French front? No, comrades, if you are going to fraternize, then fraternize everywhere. Are not enemy forces being thrown over upon the Anglo-French front, and is not the Anglo-French advance already stopped? There is no such thing as a "Russian front," there is only one general Allied front.

KERENSKY, _Russian Minister of Justice,
May 14, 1917._

_THE UNITED STATES FOR CONSCRIPTION_

_William: "Do you mean to say that you are really going to do something?"_

* * * * *

The day here named is the time upon which all shall present themselves for assignment to their tasks. It is for that reason destined to be remembered as one of the most conspicuous moments in our history. It is nothing less than the day upon which the manhood of the country shall step forward in one solid rank in defense of the ideals to which this nation is consecrated. It is important to those ideals no less than to the pride of this generation in manifesting its devotion to them, that there be no gaps in the ranks.

_From_ PRESIDENT WILSON'S _Proclamation
of the Draft Law, May 18, 1917._

_John Bull: "A hearty welcome! Come in, Mate."_

* * * * *

Sir Edward Carson was the chief speaker at a luncheon given at Princes Restaurant on the 17th inst., by the Navy League to the chairman and committee of the Navy League of the United States. The gathering was representative of the British Parliament and Navy, and several American Naval officers were among the guests.

The Duke of Buccleuch, who presided, gave the toasts of "The King" and "The President of the United States."

Mr. Irwin Laughlin (Councillor to the United States Embassy), in responding, expressed regret that the Ambassador was unable to be present. He would like to say, in thanking his Grace for the very flattering and agreeable words he had been good enough to utter in regard to the President, and the alliance, that he was sure both the President and the Ambassador felt that the binding force of any alliance sprang not from a matter of treaties, but from a reciprocal confidence in mutual aims.

_British Admiralty, Official,
May 22, 1917._

_Tommy: "Look here, Bill, here's a bit of old Hindenburg's line."_

* * * * *

Sir Douglas Haig, who has never yet made a premature claim of success, has been able to announce that ten miles of the vaunted Hindenburg line have passed into the possession of his gallant troops. The Germans say that "there is no Hindenburg line," and in one respect at least they are correct. Our Special Correspondent, in a despatch published in this issue, declares that the Hindenburg line is "now undiscoverable." The attacking forces gained possession of a very long stretch of pulverized ground, but the line itself had been battered out of recognition.

_The Times, May 25, 1917._

_A GOOD START_

* * * * *

A brief _résumé_ of what the United States have accomplished during the seven weeks which have elapsed since they entered the war may not be without interest as demonstrating America's complete participation in the war and her ability to give immediate and powerful aid.

A selective Draft Bill which will ultimately give an Army of 2,000,000 men has passed Congress, and will be put into operation forthwith. The loan legislation has passed Congress, and the law is already in operation with prospects of the greatest success; $750,000,000 has already been advanced to the Allies.

_British Press Bureau,
May 27, 1917._

_THE DECISION OF THE SEAMEN'S AND FIREMEN'S UNION_

_"Don't think, my beauty, that we are going to ship you to those German friends of yours at Stockholm."_

* * * * *

The following telegram, signed by Mr. Havelock Wilson as President of the Sailors' and Firemen's Union, has been sent to the Council of Workmen's and Soldiers' Delegates in Petrograd:

Comrades, I am instructed by the Committee of the National
Sailors' and Firemen's Union of Great Britain and Ireland,
representing 100,000 organized seamen, to inform you that we
have decided not to work on any ship which conveys delegates to
Petrograd or Stockholm until such delegates give an undertaking
in writing that no war settlement can be made with Germany
until the German Government make restitution to the relatives
of Allied and neutral seamen who have been murdered when
endeavouring to escape from their sinking ships that were
torpedoed by German submarines. We desire that you will make
inquiries as to the noble part played by the British Seamen's
Union towards the Russian revolutionary party in 1905 and 1906,
when, you will find, we were the true friends of Russian
democracy.

_June, 1917._

_GERMANY'S PEACE AGENTS CAUGHT IN THEIR OWN TRAP_

* * * * *

THE GRIMM EPISODE

The German conspiracy for a separate peace received a severe setback when the General Congress of Workmen's and Soldiers' Delegates of all Russia, by a vote of 640 to 121, approved the attitude of the Government in expelling from Russia Robert Grimm, a Swiss Socialist pacifist, who had received the following communication, when in Petrograd, from M. Hoffman, member of the Swiss Federal Council:

"Germany will not undertake an offensive so long as she
considers it possible to arrive at an understanding with
Russia. Numerous conversations with prominent politicians lead
me to believe that Germany is seeking to conclude with Russia a
mutually honorable peace, and a peace which would result in the
re-establishment of close economic and commercial relations
with Russia; the financial support of Germany to Russia for her
restoration; no intervention in the internal affairs of Russia;
a friendly understanding with regard to Poland, Lithuania, and
Courland; and the restoration to Russia of her occupied
territories, in return for the districts of Austria invaded by
Russia. I am convinced that if the allies of Russia desired it,
Germany and her allies would be ready immediately to open peace
negotiations."

_Current History, June, 1917._

_THE FALL OF THE MARK_

* * * * *

The exchange value of the mark fell to-day to the lowest point yet recorded here, namely, 35.40 florins per 100 marks. The Austrian crown also touched its lowest, the exchange being 22.40fl.

The mark has fallen since June from 36.15fl. to the value above mentioned. The pre-war rate was 59.25fl.

_Amsterdam, June 7, 1917._

_AMERICA'S CHOICE_

_America refuses the olive branch from "the ugly talons of the sinister power."_

_President Wilson's Address on
Flag Day, June 14, 1917._

* * * * *

We know now clearly, as we knew before we ourselves were engaged in the war, that we are not enemies of the German people, and they are not our enemies. They did not originate, or desire, this hideous war, or wish that we should be drawn into it, and we are vaguely conscious that we are fighting their cause, as they will some day see it themselves, as well as our own. They themselves are in the grip of the same sinister power that has stretched its ugly talons out and drawn blood from us.

PRESIDENT WILSON,
_Washington, June 14, 1917._

_OLD AND NEW GLORY_

_"For Liberty, Humanity, and Justice we are coming, 10,000,000 of us."_

* * * * *

My Fellow-Citizens: We meet to celebrate Flag Day because this flag which we honor and under which we serve is the emblem of our unity, our power, our thought, and purpose as a nation. It has no other character than that which we give it from generation to generation. The choices are ours. It floats in majestic silence above the hosts that execute those choices, whether in peace or in war. And yet, though silent, it speaks to us--speaks to us of the past, of the men and women who went before us and of the records they wrote upon it. We are about to carry it into battle, to lift it where it will draw the fire of our enemies. We are about to bid thousands, hundreds of thousands, it may be millions, of our men, the young, the strong, the capable men of the nation, to go forth and die beneath it on fields of blood far away--for what? For some unaccustomed thing? For something for which it has never sought the fire before?

These are questions which must be answered. We are Americans. We in our turn serve America, and can serve her with no private purpose. We must use her flag as she has always used it. We are accountable at the bar of history and must plead in utter frankness what purpose it is we seek to serve.

PRESIDENT WILSON, _Washington,
Flag Day, June 14, 1917._

_YOU DARED TO FIND US OUT!_

_Baron Von Rautenfels (Diplomatic Messenger from Berlin to Norway): "Not how the bombs came here, but that you dared to open my luggage, is all that matters to Germany."_

* * * * *

The police on Saturday arrested a certain Baron von Rautenfels, who declares that he was born in Finland, but is now a German subject, and two Finlanders. At their lodgings and in the luggage of these persons the police found nearly a ton of explosives of a very powerful variety. Part of these explosives was made up to resemble coal briquettes, and was all ready to be mixed with the coal in ships' bunkers. The baron's luggage also contained cigarettes and tobacco mixed with carborundum, which can be used to ruin engines or machinery. The baron and the other arrested persons declare that the bombs and other explosives were to be used in Finland.

_Christiania, June 24, 1917._

_FRATERNIZING ON THE GALICIAN FRONT AS GENERAL BRUSILOFF UNDERSTANDS IT_

* * * * *

M. Kerensky (the Russian War Minister) and General Brusiloff have organised a new offensive in Galicia which has had a magnificent success, a tremendous blow being struck at the enemy. The news of victory has transformed Petrograd, and the pessimism that was paralyzing the people has given way to a flood of eager patriotism.

_Times Correspondent,
Petrograd, July 4, 1917._

_THE FALL OF THE CHILD SLAYER_

* * * * *

Three airships only were able to approach the outskirts of London.

One of them appeared over the northern districts at about 2:15 A.M., where she was at once picked up by searchlights and heavily engaged by anti-aircraft guns and aëroplanes. After a few minutes the airship was seen to burst into flame and to fall rapidly towards the earth. The ship was destroyed; the wreckage, engines, and the half-burned bodies of the crew being found at Cuffley, near Enfield.

_British Official, September 3, 1916._

_AT THE WORLD'S JUDGMENT SEAT_

* * * * *

Since the first day the war has been to us nothing but the defence of our right to existence and freedom. Therefore we were able first and alone to declare our readiness for peace negotiations. I spoke on July 9, 1915, and afterwards repeatedly with sufficient clearness on the subject. Mr. Asquith and Lord Robert Cecil do not get rid of my words by asserting that Germany had announced none, or only intolerable and humiliating peace conditions. We did our part, nor does any one dare to demand that we should make offers to-day when the enemy, as M. Briand recently did, characterises the conclusion of peace to-day as weakness for the memory of the dead. They continue the war because they hope to be able to attain their Utopian war aims.

BETHMANN-HOLLWEG,
_Berlin, October 5, 1916._

_"WE'LL GIVE THESE YANKEES A TASTE OF OUR STEEL"_

* * * * *

Eight vessels (including one passenger liner) have been torpedoed so far by the _U-53_, which has caused a sensation since her appearance in Newport Harbor only to move again in a few hours. As far as is known no lives have been lost. The crew of one vessel is not yet accounted for.

_Times Correspondent,
New York, October 9, 1916._

_"We are willing now to make peace so that you may enjoy still more the blessings of our Kultur."_

* * * * *

A German Embassy official, who stipulated that his name must not be used, said that the terms include "practically" the restoration of the _status quo ante bellum_ (including the return of Germany's colonies), the creation of new kingdoms of Poland and Lithuania, and changes in the Balkan boundaries, but at least part of Serbia and Rumania to be restored.

_Times Correspondent,
New York, December 12, 1916._

_THE KAISER HAS ORDERED HIS PEOPLE A FIRE-EATING DIET_

* * * * *

Conjointly with the allied rulers I proposed to our enemies to enter forthwith into peace negotiations. Our enemies refused my offer. Their hunger for power desires Germany's destruction. The war will be continued. Before God and humanity I declare that on the enemy Governments alone falls the heavy responsibility for all the further terrible sacrifices from which I wished to save you.

With justified indignation at our enemies' arrogant crime and with determination to defend our holiest possessions and secure the Fatherland's happy future, you will become as steel. Our enemies did not want the understanding offered by me. With God's help our arms will enforce it.

THE KAISER, _January 6, 1917_.

_"DIGNITY AND IMPUDENCE," NEW VERSION_

_President Wilson to the impudent arch-Hun: "Guess I'll soon find a way to get at him!"_

* * * * *

Neutrals cannot expect that Germany, forced to fight for her existence, shall, for the sake of neutral interest, restrict the use of an effective weapon if her enemy is permitted to continue to apply at will methods of warfare violating the rules of international law. Such a demand would be incompatible with the character of neutrality, and the German Government is convinced that the Government of the United States does not think of making such a demand, knowing that the Government of the United States has repeatedly declared that it is determined to restore the principle of the freedom of the seas from whatever quarter it has been violated.

_German Note to_ PRESIDENT WILSON,
_February 3, 1917_.

_"UNRESTRICTED" PIRACY_

_William: "Now we will give England the death-stroke."_

* * * * *

The total English tonnage is stated to be about 20,000,000 gross register tons, and is accounted for as follows: Requisitioned for military purposes, 8,500,000 tons; engaged in coastal trade, 500,000 tons; under repairs, 1,000,000 tons; plying "in the interest of the Allies," 2,000,000 tons; remaining for the supply of England, 8,000,000 tons "at most." It is added that, as a matter of fact, the statistics for July to September, 1916, show only about 6,750,000 tons of English shipping as plying to England, and it is estimated that, with the addition of 900,000 tons of non-English enemy tonnage and 3,000,000 tons of neutral tonnage, England is dependent upon a round total of 10,750,000 gross register tons.

_The Lokalanzeiger, February 4, 1917._

_William: "I say, Capelle, are you sure we have taken the right road?"_

* * * * *

This is a conflict not of armies, but of industries and economic resources. Mr. Lloyd George once said that the last £100,000,000 might win the war. The United States not only has the last £100,000,000, but it has many times £100,000,000. The day that this country enters the war the economic resources of the Allies will be doubled. We can practically care for France while recruiting an army of our own. The German General Staff may delude itself into believing that it has challenged the immediate war-power of 100,000 men. What it is really challenging is a war-power of 200,000,000,000 dollars (£40,000,000,000) and a financial and industrial system that can be indefinitely mobilized.

_The New York World,
February 6, 1917._

_A GOOD JOKE_

_The Hun Barbarian to the Hollander: "I gave you my word--did you really expect me to keep it?"_

* * * * *

News of the wholesale destruction of Dutch vessels, after the "solicitude" so considerately shown for their safety by the German authorities, has provoked a degree of feeling far surpassing any hitherto aroused, even by the many "unfortunate occurrences" of a similar nature which Holland has previously experienced at German hands.

_Reuter, Amsterdam, February 25, 1917._

_"I hope, dear Holland, this explanation is all you want."_

_Holland: "Yes, thank you, it is quite sufficient."_

* * * * *

Seven Dutch Steamers which left Falmouth on February 22 were attacked about 5 P.M. of the same day by a German submarine, without their papers being examined. Three of the ships are known to have been sunk, one has been towed into harbor, the other three, says a Lloyd's telegram, "might still be afloat."

If the Dutch reports are correct that these seven vessels perished, this will be deeply regretted, but responsibility for it falls on the ship-owners, who preferred to send out their vessels on February 22 on a promise of relative security instead of waiting until March 17, when absolute security was promised. The report of the submarines has not yet arrived.

We regret the rupture with a nation who, by her history, seemed to be predestined to work together with us, not against us, for common ideals. But since our honest desire for peace has only encountered hostile ridicule on the part of our enemies, there is no more "going back," but only "ahead" possible for us.

_Imperial Chancellor, Berlin, February 27, 1917._

_President Wilson: "Say! you are using false cards."_

_William: "Yes, but only as a precaution."_

* * * * *

The revelation takes the form of a letter from Herr Zimmermann, the German Foreign Secretary, to Eckardt, the German Minister in Mexico, which was forwarded through Count Bernstorff and dated January 19. The letter announces unrestricted submarine warfare for February first, and instructs Eckardt to negotiate an offensive alliance with General Carranza, who should approach Japan, apparently with the object ultimately of getting her to join in an attack upon the United States.

_Times Correspondent, Washington,
March 1, 1917._

_THE BERLIN-BAGDAD SNAKE_

_"Alas! poor dear snake is dead."_

* * * * *

Sir Stanley Maude, telegraphing on March 11, announces that the British forces occupied Bagdad early that morning.

The English operations in Mesopotamia have been accompanied by a great success. The British flag floats over Bagdad and in all the bazaars of the East the news will resound that the _feringhi_ have beaten the warriors of the padishah, and captured the city which for long centuries was invested with the garment of story and fairy tale.

_British Press Bureau, March 14, 1917._

_HELPING HINDENBURG HOME_

* * * * *

During the past few days a tract of land between the region of Arras and the Aisne was evacuated by us in accordance with plans. The movements, prepared long beforehand, were carried out without disturbance by the hesitating, pursuing enemy. The rear-guard troops, by their prudent and heroic conduct, screened the evacuation of the positions and the departure of the forces.

_German Official Communiqué, March 19, 1917._

_Uncle Sam: "So you are going to sink my ships on sight, are you?"_

_Tirpitz: "I ... I ... don't think!"_

* * * * *

President Wilson has authorised the Navy Department to spend £23,000,000 to speed up naval construction and to purchase auxiliary craft. This expenditure was recently authorised by Congress.

_Reuter, March 20, 1917._

_POISONED WELLS_

* * * * *

Whole towns and villages have been pillaged, burned, destroyed; private houses have been stripped of all their furniture, which the enemy has carried off; fruit-trees have been torn up or rendered useless for all future production; springs and wells have been poisoned. The comparatively few inhabitants who were not evacuated to the rear were left with the smallest possible ration of food, while the enemy took possession of the stocks provided by the Neutral Relief Committee and intended for the civil population.

The fact has been established by our military authorities in the recaptured districts (says this instruction) and notably at Péronne, where the branch of the banque de France was pillaged and the strong rooms were found broken open and empty, that a very large number of securities have been stolen by the German troops in their retreat.

_French Official Protest, March 24, 1917._

_THE OUTCAST_

* * * * *

I am not now thinking of the loss of property involved, immense and serious as that is, but only of the wanton and wholesale destruction of the lives of non-combatant men, women, and children, engaged in pursuits which have always, even in the darkest periods of modern history, been deemed innocent and legitimate. Property can be paid for; the lives of peaceful and innocent people cannot be.

The present German warfare against commerce is warfare against mankind. It is a war against all nations.

American ships have been sunk and American lives taken in ways which it has stirred us very deeply to learn of, but the ships and people of other neutral and friendly nations have been sunk and overwhelmed in the waters in the same way.

PRESIDENT WILSON,
_Washington, April 2, 1917._

_"STILL THEY COME"_

* * * * *

According to new reports, our troops during the battle of April 16 between Soissons and Rheims broke up very important German forces. In expectation of our attack the enemy had brought up nineteen divisions.

According to the accounts of prisoners, formal orders had been given to hold out at any cost on the first position, which had been deepened. The losses suffered by the Germans were heavy not only during the battle, but on the preceding days.

The number of unwounded prisoners taken by us between Soissons and Rheims now reaches eleven thousand.

_French Communiqué, April 11, 1917._

_Tommy: "You'll soon see the Stars and Stripes."_

_Fritz: "Just seen some."_

* * * * *

Our gains reported this morning north of the Vimy Ridge have been secured and our positions strengthened.

During the fighting on the 9-10th inst. we captured prisoners from all infantry regiments of six German divisions--namely, 79th Reserve Division, First Bavarian Reserve Division, 14th Bavarian Division, 11th Division, 17th Reserve Division, and 18th Reserve Division.

_British Official, April 12, 1917._

_William to Herr Scheidemann: "The Turks believe I am a Mahomedan, try to make the Russian socialists believe I am a Democrat."_

* * * * *

A Berlin telegram published by the "Cologne Gazette" states that Herr Scheidemann, leader of the German Socialist Majority Party, has gone with other German Socialists to Stockholm, in order to get into touch with Russian Socialists.

_Reuter, April 12, 1917._

_GERMANY'S WAR AIMS_

_Bethmann-Hollweg to Anti-Annexationist and Pro-Annexationist: "I cannot disclose details, but I perfectly agree with both of you."_

* * * * *

What is Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg still waiting for? If he now makes a frank and bold statement in the sense of the Russian peace formula three States will stand together, namely, Russia, Germany, and Austria-Hungary.

_Vorwärts, May 7, 1917._

_The Ober-Hof-Socialist: "Yes! we must make a peace without annexations."_

* * * * *

At the last sitting of the executive committee of the Council of Workmen's and Soldiers' Delegates, M. Borgbjerg, on behalf of the Labor parties of Scandinavia--Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian--conveyed an official invitation to all Socialist parties in Russia to the proposed international conference at Stockholm.

M. Borgbjerg said that, having had interviews with the German Social Democrats, he was able to communicate to the executive committee the peace terms proposed by the official Social Democratic Party, i. e., the majority section.

These, M. Borgbjerg proceeded, recognised the right of nations to freedom of development, and advocated the introduction of compulsory international arbitration; the restitution by Germany of all conquered territories; a plebiscite in Russian Poland, with freedom to choose between independence, annexation by Russia, or annexation by Germany; the restoration of independence to Belgium, Serbia, and Rumania, and the restoration to Bulgaria of the Bulgarian districts of Macedonia, and the granting to Serbia of a free port on the Adriatic. As to Alsace-Lorraine, they are of opinion that a rectification of the Lorraine frontier could be secured by means of an amicable understanding. The program of the minority section was wider in scope.

_Reuter, May 8, 1917._

_"No war or at the worst only a sham war was all that America could do, was it?"_

* * * * *

Flotillas of American destroyers have been sent to the submarine zone, where they are now effectively coöperating with the Allied Navies.

One Army division, a force of Marines, and nine regiments of Engineers have been ordered to France.

Ten thousand doctors, in addition to many nurses, have been ordered to England and France, and hundreds have already gone.

Together with the Americans who are already serving in the British and French Armies these additional units will shortly give a total of 100,000 Americans in France, equalling five German divisions.

_British Press Bureau, May 27, 1917._

_AIR RAID ON LONDON_

_German Airman: "One for the babies!"_

* * * * *

Latest police reports show that the casualties so far reported in to-day's air raid are:

_Killed_ _Injured_
Men 55 Men 223
Women 16 Women 122
Children 26 Children 94
--- ----
Total 97 Total 439

No damage of a military or naval nature was done.

_British Communiqué, June 13, 1917._

_Ferdinand: "I am much too popular to be treated like Tino or Nicholas."_

* * * * *

The High Commissioners of France, Great Britain, and Russia, having demanded by their note of yesterday the abdication of King Constantine and the appointment of his successor, the undersigned prime minister and minister of foreign affairs has the honor to bring to your Excellency's knowledge that the king, solicitous as always solely for the interest of Greece, has decided to leave the country with the crown prince, and to designate as his successor Prince Alexander.