New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-03-18

y
nomic life Of Poland Would they care
70 call either Belgian or Polish testi-
mony on this phase? Secondly. We
have absolute proof that Germany and
Austria. who divided Russian Poland
between them. are, and have been for
months. exporting 20 their own terri
tory all the available stocks OF food
stutts and industrial goods found IN
Poland. while Austria, which IS occu-
pying the richest part OF Poland. won
allow any surplus foodstufs existing
there 10 be sent 10 the part occupied
by the Germans. Professor kuehene-
mann, leader OF the pro-Austrian Poie.,
wrote 70 The London Times on No
vcmber 25. 1915: Russian Poland by
itself produces enough grain and other
foodstufs 70 feed its population abun-
dainty. but, unfortunately. the country
doesn't dispose now Of its own re-
sources.
Food Carried TO Germany.
"'For many weeks in the autumn Of
1914 wagons we're traversing country
districts. taking away the food 70 Ger
many. Making use OF their admirable
technical apparatus, the Germans
brought TO Poland iu the autumn
thrashing machines and potato digging
machines merely Tor the purpose Of
providing themselves with food sys-
tematically and steadily
The Germans in 1915 repeated the
process. even IN a more orderly ano
systematic manner. They took all the
stock OF available foodstsfs, intro
duced monopolies for trading therein
and carried away very considerable
amounts. Germany even in Poland es-
tablished an import company as a
and unavoidable lntermedl-
AIRY between the peoplt and their bread.
Quoting Kuehnemarn again, the i'm
port company buys rye in Poland A. Z =
roubes per hundredweight At LODI
where ntbody is allowed 70 compete
with il, where misery is greater than
anywhere else. Il charges 20 roubles 10Y
a bag Of war -four" containing hardly
three-hfths Of hundredweight OF
rye
Western German civilization in Po-
land has meant accelerated spollation.
We specially asked 70 he allowed 20 I'M
port fats into Poland, but the German
'Sospboilers' Gazette on January Y
described the military measures neces-
sary in Poland, and stated that an IN
crease may be expected in the amount
OF fats delivered 20 the German war
committee for raw materials by army
corps slaughter houses
Polish Workmen Coerced.
Thirdly. we have absolute proof that
the Germans arc using the very star
walton that exists in the industrial
centres like LODI for the purpose Of
coercing Polish workmen who love
Z. t-.4. t.. nara Ill an
many. A systematic campaign was
started. inducing and even compelling
Polish workmen TO emigrate 20 Ger
many. LODI manufacturers have been
forbidden 50 support any workmen who
have been in their employ less than
fifteen years. The relief committee in
the city is allowed TO help only work
men who are able TO produce certlh
Gates from the official labor exchange
testifying that they are unfit 20 work
il Germany.
I've have considered these three
points. Furthermore. We know that
every German hates a Pole and only
desires to exploit Poland. Relief
schemes promoted by disiuterested and
self,sacriicing neutrsls will be used by
the Germans for the purpose. we fear.
not Only OF toNdpllE tue 'NlHf 1 NitN g
of.thei- own rObberies. but also for ere
ating new opportunities for robbery
and future political ACKNOWLEDGMENT. I
want it understood that we won't, on
these grounds. reject this scheme for
Polish relief, for the claims Of human
ity and our friendship for Poland re
main. But such considerations enor-
mously increase our difficulties in COM
plying with the dictates OF humanity
and the claim, OF the Allied pOpula-
tons who are suffering in our cause.
While simultaneously we arc
obliged 20 safeguard against any
Of increasing the enemy
power OF resistance. which further en-
dangers the lives OF our own citizens,
We have 20 ask ourselves are we
TO free the enemy from all anxiety
in pushing forward his line OF mill
tsrg operation? Arc We 20 encourage
him 10 extend the area Of his power
without the assumption Of any incl
dental responsibilities?
Own Citizens Dying in Trenches.
These are grave considerations
when our own citizens are dying m
the trenches and when any prolonga-
ton OF the war must increase the
expenditure OF our own lIeb. 900
Consequently. if at any time we. hest
tate to open a free way through our
naval patrols for the relief OF civil
regulations Of occupied territories II
is these perplexitics which VIII cause
our hesitation. ,.,
science Of nations has yet embodied
in international law on this subject
Is that an occupying army may take
food from the population for its own
needs. but must leave the population
enough to support itself. In modern
DAYS when countries are not seIi-
suficing this statement Of law u AT
tiquated and meaningless. IT. only
effect in the present war mas Deen
70 furnish the Germans with a spe'
cious justification for their robberies -
which they freely used