Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1917-09-29

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EVENTS or THE WEEK
The proceedings in congress have been enlivened re-
Gently by various passages at arms over the publication
of correspondence in which the German ambassador,
Count Bernstorff asked his government for $4,000 to be
used by a certain unnamed organization for the purpose
OF influencing congress against war. Secretary Lansing.
after publishing the text of this letter, stated distinctly
that there was no intent to reflect on congress or any of
is members, and that his understanding was that the
money asked. for was to be used, as other sums had been
used by the same agency. not, in bribing, but in influence
ing members Of congress- and that this influence could
well be exerted without the members being aware of the
fact. Nevertheless, war was precipitated on the floor of
the house by Representative Helm, of Alabama, who de-
ciared that the actions OF several members of both
houses had been suspicious. and he wanted an investiga-
tIon. a
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~ These statements aroused the ire of most of the
members, and Mr.. Norton, of North Dakota, took up the
cudge1s in defense of the honor of the house He de-
nlanded that If Mr.. Helm knew Of any member who
had yielded to improper influence that he give the name
then and there. There was a long alteration which led
nowhere, but as the situation now stands it appears likely
that Mr.. Helm will have an opportunity to place any in
formation in his possession. before a committee of the
house. ,
E
Another chapter has been added to the long tale Of
German treachery by the publication of official informa-
ton to the effect that before the German rupture with
Funania German agents had conveyed into that country
large quantities, Of explosives which were to be- used for
GSiSE aStAOh " L ASoiAou1d LILO q 7 udul1LlG
of anthrax and CHAMBERS germs which were to be used
for the incubation of Rumanian domestic animals. AS
both Of these diseases are communicable to human be-
1ngs, and are of a peculiarly virulent character, the car
rying out of this plot would have resulted in epidenics
of these diseases which would have cost many lives.
When the break with Rumonia came the packages in
which explosives and germs were contained were con-
srcealed in the American legation, where German interests
were being cared for. The German government, there
fore. had in this case acted treacherously toward a nation
with which it was on terms of peace, and had abused
the courtesy of the United States nv using III DrODertv
for the concealment of the evidence of its crime.
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The Argentine disclosures have brought from Berlin
q reputation of the conduct Of Luxburg. who sent the
offensive messages through the Swedish foreign office.
and the steps which were being taken for the severance
of relations with Germany by the Argentine government
have been checked for the time being. 1t is. to be noted
that the German official reputation did not take place
until after the exposure, although the communications
were addressed to and were undoubtedly received by the
German# government at home. In this respect there is
a striking parallel between the German reputation of
its accredited agent and the Townley reputation of La
Toilette. In each case the Reputation was delayed until
after the public protest had assumed uncomfortable pro-
portions.
Secretary McAdoos has announced the terms OF the
second Liberty loan, bonds for which are to be issued as
soon az they can be prepared. The new issue will be for
three billions or more. bonds to be in denominations OF
$50 or multiples thereof, interest four per cent, bonds to
be exempt from all forms OF taxation except estate and
inheritance taxes and excess or surtaxes on incomes. In
this these differ from the former bonds, which were tax
able under the inheritance tax laws only. Bonds of the
former three and one-half per cent issue may be con-
verted into the new issue.
The senate, without a roll call, and almost without
debate passed the eight billion dollar deficiency appro-
priation bill, after adding nearly a billion to the bill as
received from the house. The Bill is now in conference,
and tits expected that it Will. emerge carrying practical
sly all the additions made by the senate.
~ 49, . = . 5 q
Evidences accumulate to show that the Indignation
caused by the disloyal utterances at the st. Paul confer
sence called by President Townley in the name Of the Non
partisan league is both deep and widespread. Townley,
through the league daily newspaper, and In person be-
fore the Minnesota Public Safety commission, has made
public more or less guarded populations Of LaFonette
and his expressions This brings before the people OF
North Dakota, and especially those of the league per-
srasions the necessity for making a choice between La
Folletteewho has had a large following in this state, and
Townley, whose hypnotic spell has more. recently been
woven Among other results OF the meeting the Mime
sofa Public Safety commission has made a formal de-
naand for the expulsion of LaFollette from the senate;
and federal agents are understood to be studying the rec
8ord Of the proceedings I'd determine what action may be
taken.
All result of the raid by federal agents on i. WV,
headquarters throughout the country some time ago
there have been arrested within the past Few days some
100 persons who are charged with being connected with
various plets whose purpose was to- hamper the goyern-
1aent in its preparations for war. Among the soffenses
charged are opposing the draft. burning grain ii fields.
destroyings timber which was TO be used In airpiane con-
atruction, melting strikes, and q general line Of disloy-
atty Evidence IS said 10 have been secured connecting
ates and The chances are that federal prisons VIII have
sAsir populstion szsatly augmented n the near future.