Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-05-02
GOVERNMENT MUST BE
UMQUALIFIEDLY WITH
ITS ALLIES
So SAY OFFICIALS
U. s. AWAITS SOME DEFINITE
WORD TOUCHING UPON INTERN
Al CONDITIONS IN PRUSSIA
RUSSIAN SITUATION GROWS
MORE COMPLEX.
BY JOHN EDWIN NEVIN.

BY JOHN EDWIN NEvIN.
international News Service Staff Cor
respondent.
Washington, May 2-No peace offer
which Germany may make under exist
ing circumstances will be considered
by the United States or the entente.
High Administrations officials made
this plain today in discussing the re-
port that chancellor Won Bethmann-
Hollweg will lay new plan for end
ing the war before the Reichstag to-
morrow. The very fact that the unof-
ficial advices make it plain that the
new German suggestions will carry
with them again the declaration that
Germany is victorious in the war, al
tho willing to relinquish conquered
territory" will preclude consideration
at this time.
Meanwhile this government Is very
anxiously endeavoring to learn further
facts regarding the economic condi-
tions in Germany. There have been
many hints Of impending changes In
the German cabinet as the result Of
the present series Of strikes and au-
thentic advices to the government
show that the unrest within the en-
pire is being held in check only thru
the use of the sternest repressiye
measures by the local authorities In
several centers, notably the great ship
!, ping centers. .4s
. 1t is believed that any change In the
|, German cabinet at the present t
would aid in shortening the war. The
people have followed the war party
blindly up to the present time and
have accepted the chancellors chang
ed views on the submarine situation
when he, at the behest of Won Hind
enburg determined that truthless war
fare should be entered upon. Now
a change must be accepted as the
first admission that the submarine
campaign. while bringing admittedly
great results, has failed as weapon
to starve England and France and to
bring them to their kness, in the Opin-
ion of officials here who are closely
following the German situation.
With the Russian situation daily
! growing more and more complex and
rloting in the streets Of Petrograd
now being officially admitted 1t is
believed here that the internal situa-
tion in Germany must very closely pc
followed, The next few weeks must
be fraught with serious consequence
England, is admitting that the rayage
of the submarines are extremely dis
astrous, IL about to undertake a new
series OF economies There Is gen.
| eral disposition to reduce the con-
sumption of foodstufs at least % per
! cent. This will greatly aid the situa-
ton
Meanwhile the United States, thru
the Federal Shipping Board and its
advisory committees, expects to fur
nish the entente with ships to take
the places of those which are being
destroyed. Under the new arrange.
ments which practically creates an IN
ternational shipping agreements the
t shipping problems of all the nations
3 will be handled direct from Washing
J. ton The entente will furnish the
II board here statement OF its desires
Il Vessels then will be apportioned TO
y carry foodstuifs, fuel and ammunition
e In quantities that will assure a sur
l. 6cient supply reaching all Of the allies
o OF the United States Entering into
" the shipping problem is the question
of the transportation Of troops to the
western battle front. The cabine, II
Is understood agrees with the visiting
French military experts that sooner
u n division is sent TO France to be train
\ cd behind the battle lines there ana
= then to take its place first on me
II transport lines and later in tue
y renches, being replaced at the various
successive steps by other forces from
this side, the better will be the al
fection the allied troops The general
n staff opposed this plan but 1t is con,
&c sidered certain that 1t will be carried
=, ont And It will require many ships
!. to carry these troops and all Of their
eouinment thus reducing the avail
able supply on the high seas
= The question of an early expedition
e to France again will be considered at
- next Fridays cabinet meeting.
L Await Hollweo Speech.
~ The Hague. May 2--The possibility
" that Gernany's peace terms may pe