Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1916-02-03
WHAT OF RUMANIA7

From the Springfield Republican.
Rumania now becomes the center OF
Interest. Seryia is disposed of: Greece can
wait. But the central powers cannot go
much further with their oriental cam
paign without a definite understanding as
to What Rumania will do. Is there al
ready such an understanding? 1t has been
hinted at. From German sources comb
dent predictions are made that Rumania
is 10 join the Tcutonic allies. and Decem-
Der has been fixed as the time. Deem
Der IS already here.
The existence of a secret military con-
ventlon with Austria, which practically
was signed by King Charles in 1880. and
was renewed In 1918. after the first B%lka
war; 1t Is stu In force. The renewal was
at the time Kept a close secret. none OF
the cabinet being informed except tie
premier. Maiorescu. who countersigned 1t.
AT the outbreak of the war King Charles.
whose death soon afterward was a heavy
blow to the central powers. held that the
convention constrained Rumania to aid the
central powers. AS in Italy. the country
thought otherwise. and the government
which 1t had made without the sanction
of the people and contrary to the popular
Will.
Rumania was constrained therefore to
remain neutral. and in neutrality it had
showed itself a master during the Balkan
wars. Can 1t continue neutral much long
er? And II forced to choose sides. how will
1t choose? There Is evidence that senti-
ment on the whole favors the allies.
Though Ruman!a has long been a little
brother of the triple alliance. com
It is a Latin country. and more sy1npa-
thetic to Italy and France Than to the
Ieutons. Moreover, like Italy. 1T has a
standing grievance against Austria-Hun-
gary which rules and with severity some
millions of Rumanians. 1t was rather
generally expected last spring that Italy
and Rumania would act together.
In the Balkans, however. sentiment does
not go far as q guide to conduct Division
of sympathy may be expected to protract
neutrality as long as possible. but If a.
.hoice has to be made Rumania is likely to
last in Its lot with whichever side 1t
thinks will win. Last spring it believed
that the entente would win. When the
collapse OF the Russian army began 1t
seemed better to walt and make sure.
But nothing yet has occurred to give con-
iidence in embracing either side. Hence
the acute embarrassment of the present
situation.
In September. 1t will be recalled, there
was talk of a Gernan ulti,natum to Ru-
mania, which had declined to permit the
bulgaria. and Turkey. Was this menace
Intended as a feint, to distract attention
from the real intention OF forcing Il road
through Serbia? Or did it merely fore
SHADOW what was to come when Germany
was ready?
The attitude OF Rumania for some time
past has not been wholly Teassurins to the
allies. Now comes word that the refusal
to permit Russian forces to be transported
mp the Danube to attack Bulgaria has
been made definite, and has been given
garla Is said to ave issued an ultimaturn
to 'Rumania on this question. Hints have
been increasing that Germany is now
ready to press an offer which amounts to
an ultimatum and includes the promise
Of Russian territory in Bessarabia ii Ru-
mania gives active aid. Is the formal
ton of Serbia is finished intended among
other things to warn Rumania that its
turn has come? AT all events. If the issue
Is now to be pressed. the Teutons have
n the Franco-British expedition still
inchoate. Germany, Austria. Bulgaria and
Turkey can mass forces against Rumania
vide rifles for its recruits. can give no
immediate protection. Help might come
later. but too late; six weeks sufhced
position Is hardly less exposed.
There has been talk, much of 1t eXag-
geration no doubt, of q German campaign
kind. of course, can be attempted TIL Ru-
| mania. which Threatens the communica-
tons at a votal point. has been definitely
and a more vigorous effort to Induce it to
join the for Teuton forces: failing that it
| will be asked for d binding pledge of un-
conditional neutrality. including defense
| Of It's territory against Russian invasion.
What cours, 1t will take will soon be
seen. But 1t Is worth while now to re-
call that the pro-German eX-Premiel'
Carp. was quoted early in November as
saying that when Germany was eady II
would issue an u%ltirnatum to be W
within IS ho urn,, and 18th that the neu,ralis,
!! all events it Is well to be prepared for sud.
den and surprising news, for events now
move fast in the Balkans. But it is quite
| possible. In view of the ange from botf
| sides, that Rumanta will renounce 1t.
hopes of expansion. and accept uncondi.
| ttonal neutrality IL the choice is given
y n ali AIH1 EN1 nn< a Al 4 + ha q t, thN ,,%I
| been the most Discreet. and there neye,
was a time when discretion was NOR