The Washington times., 1916-03-26


vincing impression about the origin or
some very insistent report concerning
international affairs that are circulated
and have become the subject OF pro-
found concern in Washington recently.
Yet the belief Is undeniably enter
tained b. serious-mlnded and conserva-
tive people. who ordinarily are well In
formed, that the National Administra-
ton IL deeply concerned over the pos
sibility that the war in Europe will
spread extensively during the coming
spring and summer. that several coun-
tries. which are now neutral, may 20
drawn into 1t. and that the whole Euro
pean situation may be so changed that
the international status OF the United
states will become more difficult than
heretofore.
Holland May Enter.
There Is an Increasing impression that
scme disseminating advices have re-
Gently come from foreign capitals
through diplomatic and also through
unofficial channels.
Along this line. here are some OF the
things that are discussed. under the
rose, as being much more likely to nap
| pen than any early peace movement:
j. Inc entrance OF Holland into the
war on tho side of the allies.
= The appearance Of Roumsnla on
the side OF the allies.
| .. A determined effort by GERMANY 10
onset these developments by getting
Sweden and Spain to enter the war on
| the side OF the central powers
4. Further complication Of the rela-
tons between Germany and the United
States as result of the new U-boat
campaign against the merchant ship
| ping OF the neutrals.
1t Is the frank belief of people in
touch with the best sources of lnforma-
ton concerning the affairs of the allied
| powers. that Holland would have been
In the war long ago but for the pro-
found impression which German fright
fulness in Belgium made on the Dutch
mind.
At the beginning OF the war Great
| Britain fully expected Holland to be an
ally az an early stage. The Germans
used their intimate relations with the
Dutch court to prevent such crystaii-
Zation of Hollands sentiment In the
early stages Of the war; and later, 1t Is
now believed. Belgium was NJ ede to
suffer a good deal in order that II might
serve as a fearful example Of the things
that might happen to HOLLAND.
Uneasiness About Dutch.
| At the beginning OF the war the be-
lief in England that Holland would be
the scene of the deciding conflicts was
80 strong that pubicists and journalists
regarded /. as the most important field
to be closely observed.
The story Is told that one British
publishing house gent Its most expert
war correspondent to Holland imme-
dIately after hostilitics started with In
| hi AZ
familiar with the country ana condi-
tions, in anticipation OF the war sweep
ing over that country.
He remained there almost year,
and then left only with the protest tnHt
he still believed Holland would shorty
oe the field of the most important
campaign Of the war -. .,,,,.
| This unea siness about the Dutch sltua-
tion il now finding expression In quar-
ters where heretofore II has not peeh
much observed Many British ooserv-
ers believe II Is the purpose or Germany
to drag Holland into the hostih'ies'
They reason thus:
Germany will probably fail to take
Paris, or completely crush France. as
she expected in the beginning. Neither
will she break the power OF England
nor destroy the Russian army.
| II IA. however, the confident expuecta'
ton OF the Germans that they will be
aole to hold the territory that they nave
occupied: Belgium. northern France
Serbia, Poland. Montenegro. Germany
does not expect to be driven OUT OF
these territories, and aside from the
British there is not much expectation
among the allies OF accomplishing sucr
a complete defeat OF the central DOW
ers.
To Stand as Hostages.
These conquered territories will stand
then. when the time comes for making
peace, as hostages held by Germany
They will be traced off for the best
possible terms. Also, to hold them VII
constitute Germany's best assurance oil
the privilege OF making peace before