The Green Forest tribune., 1917-09-28

the state departments announcement
 This ought to end forever" he said ''any and every doubt in the mind of any American as to the jus tice of and necessity for this war It proves that the German government was seeking all along to split us into factions, by corrupt means of neces- sary, possibly hoping in time to win the war in Europe and then humliate and Subjugate us. He who is not whole-heartedly for the war runs a grave risk of being suspected of get ting a part of the fifty thousand dol lars. This is an honest congress, and all it's members will resent this insult to it's intelligence and hOnor.'
 Whether the state department is in possession of other evidence indicating the ambassadors activities has not been revealed, but the extraordinary disclosures already made have fixed the belief that agents of the United States government have collected and compiled the entire story of German duplicity and intrigue and that addi- tional chapters will he added.
 Knew Plan of "Ruthlessness."
 The reference to averting war is talk en as an indication that Ambassador Bernstorff had prior knowledge of his governments intention to proclaim a mercileSS widespread submarine war fare and that he was equally confident that the United States government could not be easily placated by mere promises. The German announcement of it's intention to expand it's subma- rine activities was not made public un' til January 31, when the world was startled not only by the determination to remove all restrictions, but by the statement that it would become effec- tive on the following day. Three days later the United States government had expressed it's disapproval by sever ing relations with Germany.
 That the German ambassador knew of his governments intention was as sumed by some officials although at the same time he denied prior knowl- edge and those in close touch with the embassy were given to understand that he did not approve the course and worked to obtain modification.
 Small Amount for Bribe.
 It has not been assumed that the am bassador actually attempted to bribe or personally influence any member of congress. and doubt that such was his purpose is supported to some extent by the comparatively small amount of money he asked. Fifty thousand dol lars. it was pointed out, would go but q short way toward buying the influence of any congressman. Judiciously ex pended however, it might do much in compensating paid agents, such as are now known to have belonged to the carefully built up for the production of propaganda and for purposes of espionage.
 Search Anti-War List.
 As soon as news of the BernStOrf message reached the capitol member. began nasty search of the files to fin( the names of the men who voted against war. While there was no as sertion from anyone that anyone o1 these members was influenced by Ger man propaganda or money, yet it was pointed out that if such influence wa. exerted, and if it had any effect, thu names of those affected would bt shown in the lists of those who op posed the war resolution.
 ''I was forced to the conclusion some time ago." Representative Hetiin said in discussing the revelations, that Ger many thought we were a cowardly peo pie and afraid to fight, but 1 did no know that we were a corrupt people and would betray our country for Ger man gold.
 "The telegram sent by Count vol BernStOrff is an admission of the fac that Germany had corruption fund il the United States for the purpose O carrying on German propaganda.
 If members have acted in suspi cious fashion by the introduction of res olutions or bills or by speeches in con gross or out of congress, that leads tt the conviction that they are not loya to this government at this time, the. ought to be investigated, and, if founC guilty, they ought to be expelled iron the floor of this house and from tn, floor of the senate of the United States"
 Propaganda Still Lives.
 Senator Husting was one of the frs to make declaration after the state department had made it's spectacular disclosure.
 "Although BernStorff is gone" ht