The Watertown weekly leader. [volume] (Watertown, Jefferson County, Wis.) 1912-1917, 1916-01-04
IN THE FATHERLAND
INTERESTING BITS OF NEVIS
FROM THE GREAT GERMAN
EMPIRE.
WHAT'S DOING IN OLD HOME
Summary Of the Most Tmportant Hap
penlngs In the Land of the Kaiser
Timely Items for the German.
Readers.

ser Wilhelm tutor in English at the.
University of Bonn, in 1879, says of
his august pupil, Il do not speak as
one who is pro-German, although |
have a great admiration for German,
But l believe that the German en-
peror, whether he succeeds or fails
In the great contest now going on,
viii live in history as the greatest in
tellect for centuries. His knowledge
Is marvellous. He probably knows
much more of Minnesota than many
people living in this state. There isl
a vast misconception in this country
as 20 the relationship between the
emperor and his people. 1t is true
that in Germany the ceremony that
surrounds the people of rank is studi-
ously observed, but this is misleading.
The German emperor, paradoxical as,
1t may seem, is the greatest democrat
in Europe. He is closer to his people
and knows more of their lives and
ambitions than any other ruler in
Europe. 1t seems to me he must be.
crushed by the weight of his opposl-
ton. But if intellect and resourceful-
ness can triumph he will win
Reviewing the recent speech on
Germany's financial condition which
DR.. Karl Helfferich, secretary Of the
treasury, made before the reichstag,
the socialist newspaper Vorwaerts of
Berlin, asserts the time has come for
the German government and reichstag
to indicate in what way the money
necessary for payment of interest on
the nations gigantic war debts and to-
provide for their redemption is to be
raised. 1t says: with the new war
credit of 000,000,000 marks the Ger
man war debt reached 40,000,0O0, 900
marks, which, according to Doctor
Helfferich, should last until the end of
March Interest on 10000, 100000
marks amounts to 2,0000 100000 marks
annually and for redemption, which IS
necessary in order to maintain the
credit of the empire, another 100000
considers it essential that the empires
income be more than doubled to meet
these obligations and the current ex-
penses.
Government ownership of railroads
is vital step in the military prepared
ness program of any nation, declares
Minister of Railroads Won Breitenbach,
who directs the largest part of Ger
many's network of railways. with
out misjudging the efficiency Of well
administered privately owned lines"
said Won Breitenbach, 'the efficiency
of government lines is greater. 1t is.
inconceivable that private owners
should enlarge their stocks of locomo-
tives and cars so as to be able to
meet any requirements of congestion.
State railways, on the other hand, try
to prepare for such traffic. This makes
their position strong and enables them
to realize the demands both of war
and peace traffic" Won Breitenbach
is personally responsible to the kaiser
for the administration of the railroads
during the war. He estimated that
the new lines acquired and built in
conquered territory now form at least
25 per cent of the whole German rail-
road system.
The attempt to deprive Sir Edgar
Speyer and Sir Ernest Cassel of mem
bership in the privy council on &C
count Of their German birth, has been
defeated. Lord Chief Justice Baron
Reading held that Sir Edgar and Sir
Ernest, as naturalized British subjects,
had all the rights and privileges Of
British-born subjects and therefore
were entitled to membership in the
privy council.
A split threatens socialist ranks in
the reichstag. Exciting caucuses are
being held. One group is insistent on
terms Germany will accept The other
believes this would be a confession Of
weakness. There is also a difference
of opinion over the government food
regulation. One side is satisfied with
present methods. The other considers
them Ineffective
Through the generosity of Ameri-
cans, II reading rooms and recreation
halls for prisoners of war have been
erected in camps throughout Germany.
The average cost of these buildings
has been $1,000, but in many cases
camp commanders have added large
sums sfrom their personal fortunes in
order that the Libraries might be more
ornate or spacious.
During the past three months bust
ness in the German cotton industry
has been extremely quiet. Meanwhile
the use of cotton and cotton wares has
been regulated in such a way that
these raw materials can hardly be
used at all except for army purposes.
Automobile tires of artificial rubber
are now being made in Germany, the
Overseas News Agency says. In his
address to the reichstag Chancellor
Won Bethmann-Hollweg said German
inventors had discovered method Of
producing synthetic rubber.
Prince Fuerstenberg, well known as
an intimate friend of the kaiser, has
decided to do his part toward enlarg-
ing the stocks of copper in the hands
Of the army authorities. He has or
hot he rnnfc nf