Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1917-12-06

rolled paper boiled In paraffin. a.
to aid the Italians
was taken in the appointment OF su-
perior war council through which all
the war activities of the government
VIII he enabled to work together. This
council is made up of the members of
me council of national defense-Secre-
taries Baker, Daniels. Lane, Houston
Redtield and Wilson-Secretary Me-
Adoo. Chairman Hurley of the ship
ping board, Food Administrator Hoov-
er, Fuel administrators Garfield and
Chairman Willard of the war indus
tries board. Director Clifford of the
council of national defense will sit
with this superior council, and Presi-
dent Wilson will meet with it when
ever he thinks it advisable.
Inc government is making deter.
mined effort to settle the troubles OF
the railways and its own problems I'm
tlie matter of transportation, and Just
now the plan of Il railroad pool for all
llhes east OF Chicago is being tried out.
III this is not successful. ii is predict
ed, the government may take over the
operation of all American railways.
President Wilson proclaimed a now
embargo On the importation of many
articles that are essentials OF muui-
tons of war, without the express per
mission of the government. This will
operate to conserve American tonnage
ior war purposes and to facilitate the
importation of raw materials and 9TH
er supplies necessary in the man,ifac-
,ilre of munitions. This ussumptiun
of control over imports, provided for
n the embargo act. gives the govern
inent powerful weapon for the eco
nomic war on Germany and can be
directed also against neutral traders
suspected of supplying the central
bowers with American goods.
President Wilson ON Monday APP
proved a recommendation of Mr..
Hoover reducing the alcoholic content
OF beer to ) per cent and reducing the
amount of grain used by brewers to
about 40 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 i'm the country enough to last seye-
cral years.
No War on 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-
plonage by having congress declare
war on Austria went glimmering For
reasons which could not be made pub
lie, President Wilson and his cabinet
agreed that no declaration against the
dual monarchy should be made unless
it commits some further especially
hostile acts The president pointed out
the fact that the enemy alien law could
be amended to include the subjects of
countries allied with Germany, as was
done in the trading with the enemy
act, and Attorney General Gregory at
once began the preparation of such an
amendment.
Vatican Replies to Critics.
Unusually bold criticism of the
course OF the Vatican by number of
papers, and assertions that the pope
had been fostering the cause of Aus
trin had been far from neutral and
should be called on to make his posi-
ton clear, brought forth indignant de-
nial from Cardinal Gasparri, papal
secretary of state. Said he: ITO say
that 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 peace, alleged
| TO be conducted ut the Vatican's In
| spiration, especially in certain nations,
Is the product of pure righteousness" !"
He asserted that the disruptive
propaganda that began to affect the
morale of the Italian army could not
| be laid at the doors of the Vatican,
| and that 1.-THE shoulders on which
rests the responsibility for the re-
1
verses are well-known, a responsibility
| which certainly does not touch Cath
olics, the clergy and least of all the
august person of the sovereign pom
! tiff"
His eminence made no reference to
the Sim Fein rebellion in Ireland.
| One of the first matters taken up by
! the interalled conference in Paris was
| the need of speedy diplomatic action
in regard to Switzerland, where Ger
man intrigue is imperiling the neu-
trality of the country and gaining eco
nonical domination through control of
the Swiss railways. The Swiss federal
council is becoming anxious over Ger
man military movements on the from
der.