The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1917-04-19
THE EUROPEAN WAR.

THE EUROPEAN WAX.
At an early hour Tuesday morning
a German submarine fired on the U.
S. S. Smith while about one hundred
miles south of New York. The tor
pedo missed the Smith by about thirty
yards, but its wake was plainly seen
crossing the bow. This report has
been substantiated by official inves-
tigation. This is Germany's first
war-,ike demonstration toward the
United States, and it was not unex-
pected, even if Germany had stated
soon after the action of Congress
that no aggressive steps would be
taken against this country. The fir
ing upon the Smith is perhaps the
signal for the beginning of general
submarine blockade of the Atlantic
coast.
An Associated Press dispatch to
the Shreveport Journal, dated Tues
days, says: Germany suffered an
other crushing blow upon the western
front to-day when forty miles of the
strongest part of her line were
wrested from her with an estimated
loss of 1850 killed, wounded and
tal-en prisoners. Measured by the
amount of territory freed, the victory
does not compare with the Somme
offensive which opened month ago,
but viewed from the amount of de-
structien done to the enemy's forces
and the damage to his military pres
tige, it is a far greater success. Here
there can be no question either of
,cIy Al
prise. The enemy expected an attack
and made every precaution to defeat
it. All France hats the victory as
brilliant demonstration of the skill of
her generals and the courage of her
troops"
1t is said the Hungarian
monarchy, including both the people
and their rulers, have tired of the
wal and want peace. Any peace pro-
pcsal leaving Austro-Hungarian ter
ritory intact and making no war in
demnity claims would be acceptable,
but they will continue the war on
their part rather than to accept hu-
miliatinG terms.
IN addition TO her food riots, Berlin
has just experienced strike on the
part Of her metal and wood workers,
which was occasiorcd by further
cut in their food rations. This may
',ossi5'y mean the, beginning of a
German revolution for the overthrow
of the Hohenzoilern dynasty.
1t was given out at Washington
Monday that the seven-billion dollar
war revenue bill, which had already
passed the house unanimously, was
approved that day by the Senate FL
rance Committee. Also. it has
~irce been enacted by the Senate.
It rrovi,'es for five billion dollars
in bonds and two billion dollars in
treasury certificates, and further pro-
v;des that rot TO exceed three billion
dollars from the proceeds of the
bonds may be used in extending
credits to foreign governments.
Since Coneress has declared war on
Germany Cuba has followed the lead
II the United States and done the
same thinc. Panama has declared
~eadincrs to assist in any way posi-
h'e il The protection Of the Panama
| Canal. Costa RIGA has offered he1
| rorts and other territorial waters te
| the United States for war needs OF
the Navy. Brazil and Bolivia have
| broken relations with Germany, anG
Uruguay. Paraguay and Argentine
hare indorsad the action of the
United States. Mexico remain:
| neutral.
France, England and Russia have
eert representatives to the United
| States for general war conference
with the dapartm entail heads at Wash
inc'ten. Plans for the active CO
crcration Of the United States will
the Allies in the prosecution of tn,
| Greet war are being daily discussed
The United States is considering
sending a commission to Russia to Sc,
in what way this country can be Of
aid to their new government.
Spain it would seem is on the eve
Of break in relations with Germany
which is an outgrowth of the sinking
Of the Spanish steamer San Fulgencio
The latter part Of last week tn.
| War Department PREPARED to issu.
| instruction to recruiting Officers
| throughout the Union which will be il
effect a call for 100000 volunteer
to fill up the regular army and tn,
existing units of the national guard
Recruits enlisted since war was de
elarcd md those to be enlisted w;l
be notified that they will be dis
CHARGED after the close Of tho war
In ADDITION to her present. guart
STRENGTH it is estimated that Louisian,
viii havc to furnish between 600
and 5000 recruits.
Plans havc been formulated TO
the construction by the Nationa
Government of great fleet of ligh
wooden ships, of 1000 tons and up
ward. which will Re used in keepin.
the Allies sunplied with food. cloth
ing and munitions. This is, in part
| the campaicn AGAINST the submarin,