Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1915-02-20
DESPAIR INSPIRES
GERMAN ANSWER
French Writers Say Terrrvs of Fam
inc Have Drive cH ms to
Wors' arN 49,.
COM cSN'EGRLIN JOURNALS


f,svs5. Feb. 19.-Despair plainly
inspired Germany's reply to the
United States protest against the
submarine blockade in the opinion of
writer's in all sections Of the French
press, who fill columns with ironical
comment. The tone OF the document
they consider moderate enough. but
declare the reasoning preposterous
and its meaning plainly defiant.
The Matin says the reply in sub
stance ignores Americas warning
and the Berlin government practi-
cally refuses to give the assurances
asked.
Georget Clemenceau expresses the be
lief that terror of famine has driven
Germany to the worst extremities. He
argues that Berlin would do wisely TO
ponder the military power. enormous in
dustrial relations and indomnitable cour-
age Of the United States.
Defensive Fight Against starvation.
AMSTERDAM, Feb. 1s-(VIa London)
"A ulHpdltn TtNflNtu ithN AAOhA bNAAhi
quotes the Vossische Zeitung on the lat
est German communication to the United
states as follows:
THE new German measures at sea are
directed against two of the allies OF Great
Britain. One is the American traffic in
arms and the other is starvation We
need no American arms, we shall make
the struggle with starvation in the firm
consciousness that we win pull through,
even II not one single grain of wheat
reaches us. Great Britain, as a result
OF our blockade. must experience severe
damage"
The Lokal Anzeiger says:
February Is was tho beginning OF a
defensive fight of a people threatened
with starvation, people which must
fight for its existence and which in this
fight for its life must and will push aside
all considerations for third parties. Con-
sideration of others toward US has been
eliminated. The fight we enter upon
February Is must be fought with all
recklessness or not at all. and we Ger
mans have resolved to fight without re-
gard for the consequences"
Great Anxiety ut The Hague.
THE HAGUE, Feb ls.-A(Via London y
The critical situation brought about by
the German naval demonstration which
II was announced would be gin yesterday,
has greatly impressed governmental cir
cles here. A reply to the Dutch protest
against the proposed submarine blockade
has not yet been received, but is ex-
pected momentarily.
Work was continued In all government
offices until late last evening and several
conferences were held between ministers
No real unessiness Is felt as to Holland
position, but every precaution has beer
taken by all branches OF the defensive
forces in view OF possible eventualities
t Considerable troop movements are re-
ported along the eastern frontier, facing
Germany, but information regarding
them is closely guarded The water de-
lenses are understood to be ready for any
emergency. New recruits-for the army
reached their training depots yesterday
and more will arrive today.
Many Dutch vessels are now in British
waters on their way to or from ports in
Holland. Some apprehension is felt in
shipping circles but IT is pointed out that
these MERCHANTMEN are easily distin-
guished and consequently II Is hoped
there will be no untoward happenings
The reported encounter OF the Dutch
steamer Helena with Zeppelin airship
in the North Sea and the fact that the
vessel was not harmed, is regarded as in
dicauve of the fact that Germany does
not intend to attack neutrals