The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-02-26
Hopes to Compel Netherlands
to Engage in War.
GERMANY TRIES TO EXPLAIN
But Kaiser Places Responsible
ity Upon Ship Owners.
England Sees German Determi-
nation to Ravage Holland.
BY ED. l.. KEEN.

London, Feb. 26.-Conviction grew
in Great Britain today that Germany
deliberately planned the torpedoing of
the seven Dutch ships reported on
Saturday to have fallen victims to
German "ruthlessness.'
The belief was based on the theory
that Germany, her belt tight from
lack of food, has for a long time
looked lOngingly at comfortable, we'll
fed Holland, her acres under cultiva-
ton, and deliberately sought to force
the Netherlands government into war,
so that she might raid this storehouse
of a nation.
| This assumption, it was pointed
out, would explain the mysterious
massing of large German forces on
the Dutch border and the treachery of
Berlin in not living up to a safe con-
duct grant to the Dutch vessels.
The Dutch situation was eagerly
discussed here today, being nearly as
prominently displayed in the news
papers as the German retreat around
Bapaume.
Commenting on the Dutch crisis.
the London Daily Chronicle today
1-ade vigorous editorial assault on
President Wilson because he has
never lifted a finger on behalf of any
interests except American-and seems
| unlikely to do So
Frightened Into Submission.
London, Feb. 26.-Holland now I'M
derstands why two months ago Ger
many began maSsing troops near the
Dutch border and appreciates the
menace in widespread rumors that
these troops have actually constructed
trenches paralleling the line. Public
Indignation over the sinking of seven
Dutch ships by German submarines
was tempered today by realization of
the acute danger with which The
mPnaCAd thpGR
massed German forces just across the
line.
Dispatches rom various Dutch cities
today indicated no abatement in pop
ular anger at the sinkings, but a gem
eral disposition to weigh this example
of German double dealing against the
consequences of sweep forward by
those ever menacing German troops
The German explanation, as received
by wireless, did not serve to quiet the
public.
Berlin Deeply Regrets, But
This explanation details negotia-
tions with Berlin by Dutch shippers
for safe conduct of the liners from
Falmouth after February 5, when the
last restriction on submarinings was
removed; how permission was grant
ed to February 3 and how later the
German government announced the
ships could leave with full safety,
on March II, or "only relative safety
on February %. The relative safety.
for the 22d, it was explained, was
due to the fact that it was not GER
tain all submarines would receive
| wireless orders to accord the Dutch
ships passages.
Apparently the Berlin statement
concludes, the eight ships finally
took upon themselves the risk of the
trip. If the Dutch news is correct
that these eight ships have been de-
stroyed-one is said to have struck
mine near the English coast, while
the other seven on the afternoon of
February % were destroyed on the
course indicated-it is to be deeply
regretted, but the responsibility falls
upon the ship owners who preferred
| to send their ships under only COM
parative security on February %. in
stead of waiting until March II, at
which time full safety had been
I'd