The Pickens sentinel. (Pickens, S.C.) 1911-2016, 1917-12-13

Az uppOllllluenI OIL u Sus
perlor war council through which all
the war activities Of the government
VIII be enabled to work together. This
council is made up Of the members of
the council Of national defense-Secre-
thrles Baker. Daniels. Lane, Houston,
isedheld and misunderstanding Nc.
Adoo, Chairman Hurley of the shin.
ping board, Food Administrator Hooy-
er, Fuel Administrator Garfield and
chairman Willard of the war indus.
tries board. Director Clifford of the
councl OF national defense will sit
WIN this superior council, and Presi-
dent Wilson will meet with It when
ever he thinks 1t advisable.
The government Is milking q detor-
mined effort to settle the troubles of
the railways and It's own problems in
the matter Of transportation, and lust
now the plan Of a railroad pool for al
lines east Of Chicago is being tried out.
II this is not successful, it is predict
ed' the government may take over the
operation of all American railways.
president Wilson proclaimed a new
embargo on the importation of many
articles that are essentials of NUM-
tons of war, without the express per-
mission Of the government. This will
operate to conserve American tonnage
Tor war purposes md to facilitate the
importation of raw materials and 9th
er supplies necessary in the m%anufac-
u + of munitions. This assumption
or control over imports, provided for
In the embargo act, gives the govern
ment a powerful weapon for the eco
nomic war on Germany and can be
directed also against neutral traders
suspected Of supplying the central
powers with American goods.
President Wilson on Monday ap-
proved a recommendation of Mr..
Hoover reducing the alcoholic content
OF beer to 3 per cent and reducing the
amount of grain used by brewers to
Q 70 per cent of the volume hither-
to consumed. Prohibition Of all brew
Ing the administration believes, would
divert tipplers from the comparatively
harmless beer to the consumption of
whisky, brandy and gin, Of which there
Is In the country enough to last seye-
eral years.
No War Of Austria Vet.
vigorous enforcement Of the orders
restricting enemy aliens made things
rather lively last week for German
residents, especially Of the large cities.
But the hope that the administration
would make easier the checking of es.
plonase by having congress declare
"ar on Austria went glimmering. For
reasons which could not be made pub.
nc president Wilson and his cabinet
agreed mat no declaration against the
dual monarchy should be made unless
1t commit some further especially
hostile acts. The president pointed out
me TACT that the enemy alien law could
DC amended to Include the subjects Of
countries allied with Germany, rs was
aohe III the trading with the enemy
act, and Attorney General Gregory at
once began the preparation of such nm
amcnr mrnt.
Vatican Replies to Critics.
Unusually bold criticism Of the
course of the Vatican by q number Of
papers, md assertions that the pope
had been fostering the cause Of Aus
tria, had beer far from neutral and
should be called on to make his posi-
ton clear, brought forth indignant de-
NAL from Cardinal Gasparri, papal
secretary of state. Said he: ITO saw
mat his holiness favors, or has fa-
vored. or will favor an unjust, un-
Christian, and uncomfortable peace is
not only false but also absurd. Any
propaganda for such a peace, alleged
to be conducted at the Vatican's IL
spiration, especially in certain nations,
Is the product Of pure righteousness"
He asserted that the disruptiye
propaganda that began to affect he
morale Of the italian army could not
be laid at the doors of the Vatican,
and that "the shoulders on which
rests the responsibility for the re-.
verses are well-knOwn, q responsibility
which certainly does not touch Cath
olics, the clergy n least of all the
august person Of the sovereign non.
tiff"
His eminence made no reference IN
the Sim Fein rebellion in Ireland.
One Of the first matters taken IN nv
the interallied conference In Paris wos
the need Of speedy diplomatic action
In regard to Switzerland, where Ger
man intrigue Is imperiling the men.
trality OF the country and gaining eco.
nomical domination through control OF
the Swiss railways. The Swiss federal
council Is becoming anxious over Ger.
man military movements on the from.
tier