The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-04-08
WAR ECHOES

Pittsburg Sun: The appearance of typhus, cholera, plague and other quar- antinable diseases in various places in the European war zone, and the possi- bility of epidemics of infectious ailments as the warm weather appears, have aroused the federal government health authorities. They do not propose to take any chances in permitting any of these undesirable visitors to get foothold in this country if precaution can avail any l thing. The government now proposes ,, tt take control of the state quarantine station in New York and administer 1t in cooperation with the local authorities I Not only that but in all ports of entry the same thing will be done. and in com l ing folk from Europe, especially Servia, Greece and the southern countries, will be subjected to the severest examination. This Is the only way to preserve the health of the American people. A little | carelessness and a little laxity at ports of entry and some one infected slips by and at once takes refuge In settlement of his own people. Then trouble starts at once. and experience has proven that one of the most difficult tasks that confront health officials is to make the average foreigner observe ordinary rules of health. They have no ideas on the subject of pre- venting the spread of infectious or con- tagious diseases, and it is an uphill fight always to secure even half-hearted CO., operation in attempts to control epidem- ics
 The promulgation and enforcement or most stringent regulations regarding in- coming folk from the war zone generally will do much to keep the country clear Of an epidemic It is hoped that the gov ernment will put its plan into operation as soon as possible, and then never relax vigilance until there is no longer any dam ger.
 Spokane Spokesman Review: It is now the offer of the United States to enter into practical and comprehensive ar engagement for the relief of prisoners of war held by the various belligerents. No one can.say as yet exactly what will come of it. but there is reason to be- lieve that it will develop to good and serviceable offices on the part of this country.
 This will bring to the mind of the person of serious thought the fact that American neutrality all through the war has been of inestimable good It has not only been state of mind, but an active condition of relief. In Bel gium it has fed the starving and clothed the naked; and in the capitals of the various nations at war it has operated to the relief of thousands of noncombatant alien enemies. And again on the many fields of conflict it has done its part through the ministrations of the American Red Cross.
 If it shall so chance that it's proffer of service to the relief of prisoners of war shall be accepted, the practical value of American neutrality will be enhanced to the last degree, if we ex- cept the time when peace negotiations shall be in order
 It is proposed that this government shall act as the intermediary in secur- ing the return of civilian prisoners of war; the exchange of wounded and oth- CTS, and in other ways lessening the hardships and sufferings of those no
 
 flict. The motive is high, the service will be great and the credit of the United States, using the word in the very best sense, will be wondrously en- hanced.
 St. Louis Globe-D Democrat: Americans are taking very active part in the fighting in Europe. This fact is brought home by the statement of Minister Hughes in the dominion Parliament last week that the Canadians would be sur prised to learn that dozens of Americans on the battle line with the Canadians had fallen.
 It is a known fact also that there are many Americans fighting also with Ger many, France Austria and even with Russia.
 There are probably more Americans fighting with the allies than on the other side because thousands of American cit izens Germans and Austrians or of Ger man or Austrian descent, are unabel to join either of these armies. On the other hand it is very easy to enlist in either the English or French service because ocean traffic to these countries is prac- tically uninterrupted It is difficult to estimate the great number of German Americans who would join the colors if they could get to the war zone. The reason is very obvious why many Americans are in the Canadian regiments. because of the dominions proximity and the large number of Uncle Sam's children who have become Canadians by residence because of the influx to that country from the United States in the past 10 years. THE BOOSTER From the Cleveland Plain Dealer. A local business man told this little story at the Advertising club the other day:
 I q was in the south on business not I long ago. he said, ''and found myself I one day at hotel table with three other men, all southerners and all strangers | to me. Well, somebody said something