The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1916-01-18
Germans and Germany.


gand, German-American correspon'
dents who have been all over the night
ing area on the side of the central
powers, as well as making a critical
study of political and economic con-
ditions in Germany and Austria, the
Teutons are by no means worn down
OF weakened for the further continu'
ance of the war, even indefinitely.
These men may be prejudiced. but so
much they have said has turned out
to be true heretofore that their
definite statements deserve attention
If not full credence. They certainty
have had opportunities u acquire
first-hand information which no OUT
side writer's have enjoyed. Won Vic
gand has accurately forecasted much
that has transpired and is evidently
in close touch with high German sour
ces. They are German in blood and
sympathies, but discounting for that
their reports carry value.
Respecting the present military sta
tus they say that the central powers
control enemy territories four-fifths
as large as all Germany while the AL
lies hold only narrow strips in Alsace
and Galicia. Over 100000 prisoners
were in their hands last November,
Of whom 100000 were Russians.
The losses of Russia In killed and
seriously wounded they estimate at as
much more. or 100000 in all leaving
not over 100000 effectives at Rus
sia's command. They have also cap
tured 5000 cannon,
AS to Germany's own losses, they
are not much above 100000 in killed
for the whole war. OF the wounded,
So per cent are able to return to the
ranks in few weeks. One gathers
that the German losses in killed, pris-
oners and wounded incapable Of again
bearing arms are not over 100000
at the outside. or course this is very
great, but 1t does not represent
serious impairment in fighting
strength for 100000 men reach the
age of army service in Germany every
year-almost enough to make good
the waste of this war. Won Wiegand
estimates that there are now 100000
German troops in uniform. That Ger
many has not felt the dearth of sold
iers is apparent from the fact that |
men under 20 or over As are still ex-
empt from service. When they are
called, II they are. there will be |
a huge addition in numbers. France
has called her boys of IS and 10, and !
so has Russia. I0 Il
Concerning economic conditions, |
these writer's claim for Germany
status. Foreign. COM |
merce has been cut off largely, but
domestic industries, particularly |
those called into being or expanded
by the demands of war, have taken
Its place. There is plenty Of, employ.
ment at better wages than ever
before. Money is plentiful aud huge
loans to carry out the war Have been
and over Subscribed sew.
sral times. witlftho prospect IT ex.
the supply, which clrcnlates
m an endless chain within the coun.
ny. ~ as 2. a@a 4l+i
i Assto shortage in necessities due to
he British blockade and other |
causes. 1t exists In only small de-
gree and In but few things. Food
IS sufficient for reasonable needs ex-
,ept few articles the lack OF which
S no real hardship. Staples Of life
kind are sufficient. Ger
many can never be starved. Open
ng the Balkans and Turkey has add
ID greatly to the sources of supply,
lot only of foodstuffs, but of fabrics
md metals. OF these latter there has
,een some shortage, still a large WIS.,
BILE supply remains. German scien-
lists have accomplished wonders in
he discovery Of substitutes for pro-
lucts hitherto imported and these are
low being turned to account.
Without claiming that the war is
Won, these writer's put Germany in a
position very far short of exhaustion.
70 the question, "Why, then, does
Germany suggest peace?" they say.
For the same reason that poker
player who has scooped the pot
wants to quit; they can afford to.
rhe Allies want to fight on because
hey are in no position to stop
Herald and News.