The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-02-16

CONTINUED from Page One.1
most complete blockade ever attempt
ed by belligerents. 1t is the intention
Of the government entirely to cut of
all German ports from shipping, to
drag for their mines and in all prob
ability to attempt to force some of the
weakest of their defended harbors:
The newspapers today. commenting
on the German note to the United
States. declare there is no reason to
believe otherwise than that this IL
one last desperate attempt on the part
Of German officialdom to save its
face" They declare the military
situation was never better. The pos
moved by the enormous number OF
volunteers who have and who are
focking to the colOrs. While the gov
eminent refuses figures it can be
under arms all of the men that the
government is prepared to outfit at
the present time, and that in addition
to the millions now either on French
soil or en- route there, there are fully
trained and equipped levfes to fill all
gaps for at least three months.
To Draw in Uncle Sam.
Many of the British newspapers
charge that the German submarine
blockade was planned entirely for the
purpose Of involving the United States
and other neutral nations. If they
COulO DC pTouSut INTO INC SIT
uation, the papers says, German
officialdom would be able to de-
clare that with the entire world
against her, Germany can no longer
fight and must make the best peace
terms that she can. This view, in the
opinion OF the newspapers, is support
ed by the strong anti-American agita-
ton in the German press. 1t is pointed
out that the rigid German censorship
could have prevented the printing of
any of these articles and the very fact
that they have appeared is cited as
proof that the anti-American agita-
ton has the approval of the govern
ment.
The Pail Mall Gazette today says:
Our right to adopt the most drastic
retaliatory measures springs from the
enemy's cOntemptuOus rejection of
every law of conscience and humanity.
Our power to make them effective is
guaranteed by our own proven moral
standing and the ascendancy Of our
men. If the Germans dare face the
issue, we shall be best pleased"
The Globe says:
'ChurchilPs announcement is no
idle threat. Momentous events are
transpiring."
All Merchantmen to Suffer,
London. Feb. 16.-rA Apte from the
German chancellor. as ansmitfed to
the Rotterdam chamber IF commerce,
says that I'm most cases German
submarines will be unable to distin-
guish between neutral and British
vessels encountered in the war zone
and that all merchantmen, therefore,
run the risk Of destruction.
In Berlin an official statement was
issued suggesting that British sub
marines might purposely sink neutral
vessels in order to precipitate a con-
nations. French newspapers COM
mend the attitude of the United
States. which is said to be the first
step toward the inevitable participa-
which are dividing the world
The departure Of the Greek minis
ter from Turkey Is not regarded in
Berlin as implying a rupture Of diplo-
matte relations. 1t Is thought there
that the minister, for personal rea-
sons, asked to be relieved.
The Albanian force which invaded
Serbia has been driven back across
the border. says q Nish dispatch. The
raid Is believed to have been melted
by Mohammedans preaching a holy
war.
1t is reported from Milan that Italy
has asked Vienna and Berlin for as
surances that Austria will not make
an attack on Rumania, whose mill
tary preparations have been inter-
into the war.
Eastern War Zone.
The general offensive of the Teu-
tonic allies along the extended east
ern front Is continuing successfully on
both flanks. judging from reports
reaching London, but without any
visible forward movement on the
front toward Warsaw or in the Car
pathians. The Bucharest report that
the Austrians have reoccupied Czerno-
witz. the capital Of Bukowina, has
not been received from any other
| SOnTCQ. hY1f Pnfrn0rod oA ~ foJ IN,
that the Austrians are still advancing
in Buckowina in considerable force,
and desperate fighting marks the
operations in the passes of the Car
path'ans. where the Russians are
claiming minor successes resulting in
the capture of men and munitions OF
war.
In East Prussia the Russians have
not yet regained their fortified lines
and the German advance, while not
checked. seems to British observers to
| be proceeding with less speed.
Paris reports from the western front
that the sole activity consists in artil-
iery engagements in which the guns OF
fencing batteries of Ypres and destroy
Ing German trenches at Beaura:ns.
In diplomatic circles the replies OF
Germany to notes to neutral powers
concerning Germany's proposed ma
rine war zone are awaited with inter-
est. Great Britains reply concerning
the use of neutral flags is given sec
ondary Importance. The German
press Is limiting that satisfactory
promises by Great Britain on the
question OF neutral flags would con-
stitute the best safeguard to American
shipping.
Ships That Are in Peril.
New York. Feb. 16.-Of the steam.
ships clearing from New York with.
in the last two weeks, maritime rec.
Ords show today ~ are due to be with.
In the war zone, declared by Germany
around Great Britain. on and aftel
the some. Four ships Of this fleet arr
! american owned and ny the American