Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-01-28
HOLLAND TO KEEP
HER ARMY INTACT
Will Not Demobilize Until Bel
Iigerents Themselves
Start Doing So.
FOOD PROBLEM is SERIOUS
orrespondence of the Associated Press.

Correspondence Of the Associated Press.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands. January
1A-The peace outlook constitutes the
one absorbing topic in the Netherlands
and more than adequate explanation
of the Hollander's intense interest IN
the latest turn of events Is anorded
by a glance at the burdens. problems
and anxieties which the past twelve
months have brought the Dutch nation
and its rulers. AS another year opens
the watchword still is unceasing vigil
snce-not only with respect to the
country's defense and its foreign policy,
but in the economic realm. in regard
to the supply of the raw materials for
its Industries and public services and
of the food of it's people
For though some politicians are al
ready beginning to talk about entire
or partial rehabilitation IL the peace
wind blows at all favorably, 1t appears
quite certain that not a regiment viii
be disbanded until the peace treaty has
been actually signed and the belliger-
ents themselves begin rehabilitation.
for Holland knows full well that even
dangers for the nation that holds the
mouths of the great northern European
waterways. The prime minister hlm-
self. Cort van der Linden. has only
government still considers there is
danger Of the country being drawn into
the war. 1t can by no means admit,
he added. that the danger grows less
the longer the war lasts, but in exist
ing circumstances regards 1t as essen
tial that an adequate defense force
shall be Immediately available for the
energetic maintenance OF our neu-
trality." And the chamber. including
the socialists. has once more unani-
mously passed the bills prolonging the
term of the men with the colors.
However. in the two and a half years
Of mobilization the trained army re-
serve has been increased by over
100000 men. and eleven of the sixteen
levies, under arms in August. 1914. have
now been relieved by newly trained
troops and sent home on indefinite leave.
The munition supplies have been cor
respondingly reinforced. Notwithstand-
ing what has been achieved, however.
there is sharp criticism of the army and
its administration The bitterest at
tacks are constantly made on the
minister Of war. and Maj. Gen. n.
Bosboom's position would seem to, be
none too secure. Emphasis is par
ticularly laid on the continued lack
of artillery-in which the army was
VIGOROUSLY weak when war broke out
of anti-aircraft guns. and aircraft.
Cabinet Firm in Position.
So far as the political situation is
concerned. the premier and his liberal
extra-parliamentary cabinet still ap-
pear to be firmly seated in the saddle,
although voices are heard on the right
in favor of coalition ministry. The
general election is due next June, but
negotiations are on foot to postpone
the actual electoral struggle until 1918,
when there would in any case have to
be fresh election if the revised con-
stitution finally passes. ard that an
election on the new proportional rep
resentation system. The suggested
idea is that the present party seats
shall not be challenged in June next,
this meaning the practical reelection
of the present chamber. Incidentally
there is some discomfort with the prime
minister's refusal to propose a revision
of the constitution cancelling any po-
princes to the throne 1t is said here
that the queen is opposed to such a
step. but it is also believed the pre-
nier fears giving offense. to the for
eign power most interested.
As to the state of affairs in the coun-
try itself, there is still considerable
ferment in the frontier regions. De-
spite the continual seizures of goods
and the frequent shooting fatalities,
large bands of men continue to en-
gage in smuggling: even soldiers are
caught at 1t from time to time An
other regular feature in the border
capped prisoners-of-war and deserters.
whose ranks have recently been rein
forced by numbers of fleeing Belgian
and Polish civilians.
nthe economic realm the food supply
IS the governments chief concern. The
outlook has Just been painted in some
what gloomy colors by the minister of
agriculture. in view of grain situation in
America and elsewhere and the short
age of cargo space. On the other hand,
the system of distribution adopted is
severely criticised. At present the citi-
zen buys many foodstuffs at less than
the actual market price. and will soon
er or later have to pay the balance in
taxes The arrangement has been
made for the sake of the poorer classes.
but critics argue that the government
Is out to achieve great a disorgan-