The Detroit times., 1916-05-02
~ hEReeRT COREY


observers OF war politics. Let us
enjoy ourselves by repeating the
things we hear"
One hears CROUCH. When the
wild geese ny forth the farmer
knows that the end OF winter Is at
hand. The wilo geese OF rumor are
Aging now. The suggestion that the
breakup OF the great war is at hand.
Here are some II the rumors.
Holland is preparing 10 take sides
against Germany.
Italy will declare war against
Germany.
Bulgaria has asked for a separate
peace.
Greece may enter on the side OF
the allies.
Rumania will Go likewise.
These rumors admittedly may
not be confirmed" said the commen-
tator. But IL must be remembered
hat the best news Is neter printed
here. The public IL only given such
morsels rs have been predigested by
The various chancelle..Ss. The ru-
mors are al ieast supported by the
changing attitude Of the little coun-
tries.
European politicians take a frank
ly cynical view Of each other and
OF all politics. which Ia why they
have shown themselves so complete
~ unable to comprehend the United
States. Altruirm does not enter
into their calculations. They ex-
pecf each country to take the par
ticuiar step which will most benefi,
n. They realise that the only right
eft to q neutral has been TO keep
cut Of the road on pain OF being run
over. They know conditions have
seen intolerable to the neutrals.
and they expec: them to join the
winning side the moment IL becomes
clear which side will win.
The Swiss papers have frankly
discussed the facts Of the war from
the begiL ming" said my gossip.
Switzerland had on the whole been
neutral. but Of late her press has
inclined distinctly to the allied side.
Spain was very proGerman NJ he
outset, both for business reasons
and because for centuries Spain has
borne . rrudge against England and
France The tone IN changing there.
Sweden IL rather anti-Russian. Cor
extremely good reasons. than pro
German. She remains anti Russian.
sut ss0evhat less pro-German. Den
mark and Norway seem TO be inclin-
ing more and more to the allies
side. IN spite OF the inevitable an
ncyances Of the blockade. In gen
eru1 II may be said that European
opinion - showing itself more clear
~ antt0erman- This can only be
bscsnse the defeat Of the German
/ h clearly foresEadowed-"
psssias6's Activity.
RsghArs II u becsuse OF this
change Of tone in the smaller coun-
tries thas the rumcrs anoas are 30
readily believed. Recently. for .ex-
ample. Holland withdrew all mill
taEy lesve. and seized railroad
trucks for army purposes and
showed ether indications - al in
creased military activity. The press
on both sides Of the fence was dis
suYhed In mind. showing quite clear
y that No definite indication OF Hol
lands irfentiona had been given.
But the gossips insist hat Holland
has seer the handwriting on the
vail.
she will Join with U.s." they say.
-'snd permit 4 blow to be struck at
the weak tip Of the German wing in
Belgium
II one seems skeptlcal. the crown
ing argument in proof Of this sug-
gestion Is brought forward.
For what other reason one is
ssked. 10 you imagine that Eng
land has been holding an army OF
100000 men in reserve In Great
Britain? She can hardly fear in
vasJon. II cannot be they are be-
ing held there for training. French
men and Germans are hammered
into soldier shape In three months.
Does II take an Englishman longer
10 Get ready"
There seems no question that Ger.
many concentrated troops on the
Holland border very hurriedly. The
theory many hold Is that Germany
had beer apprlsed that Holland
might join the allies. and took this
most natural step. whereupon Hcl.
iand-which country has % far ~
the evidence shows been neutral 70
the point OF III temper with both
sides---took the steps noted. There
IA no evidence that Holland has
planned action with the allies.
There IL some reason 10 believe
that such action has been antici-
pated by both sides.
why cid Mr.. Asquith visit Rome,
IL not 70 demand that Italy enter the
war against Germany. rs well ~
against Austrian"
Well, there seems 10 be no par
ticuiay answer TO that, unless one
falls back upon bsrefaGed gossip.
That 10 that Italy will oHiy declare