The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1917-02-01

To Strike Back.
On almost every side GERMANY
drastic action is interpreted AS an
open confirmation OF the enecti'eneT;s =. =.
OF the British food blackade. II Is
regarded as. Il determination to- STRIKE
pack in-kind. German officials IN the
United States estimate the 1000 supply
on the British islands will last a
month.
Admittedly, the plan is 10 carry,
starvation 10 the doors OF England
with swift, staggering strokes. as d
fulfillment of tiermauyS announced
determination 10 use every weapon
and agency at her command 10 emo
the war quickly. She counts On tne
operations OF an unheard NUMBER OF
submarines TO deliver blows 10 bring
England to her knees within Sixty
days. One German official here pre-
dicted today the war would be over
in month.
Conveyed to the world as her an
swer 10 the refusal OF the entente
allies TO talk peace, GermanyS latest
warning says:
From February |. 1917, with barred
zones around Great Britain, GRANGE,
italy and in the eastern Medlter'
ranean n all sea traffic forthwith
with be opposed
|, virtually is Il renewal and an
extension of the celebrated submarine
blockade of the British islands pro.
claimed on February T. 1915. and
which became effective February IS,
1915. Under it, ships were sunk with.
out warning, until Germany aoan-
doned the practice and gave her, as
suranceS. in the Sussex case, TO abide
BY International law. The Lusitania,
Falab ba and scores Of other ships were
sunk under the decree.
Americans Warned.
American citizens and American
ships are warned from entering tue
war zones. although certain precau-
tionary measures are suggested for
distinguishing American steamers not
carrying contraband according 10 the
German list. These conditions IN al
most the same form were rejected
when proposed by Germany early IN
the negotiations over the LuSltanla.
At that time Germany proposed 10
guarantee immunity from attack 10
certain specified passenger ships, sail
ing on prescribed courses with agreed
distinguishing marks and carrying no
contraband. President Wilson reject
ed the proposal promptly on the
ground the United States was con-
tending only for it's rights.
The new German proclamation
brushes aside all the perplexing col
lateral issues which have surrounded
the submarine controversy and brings
it back to the point where 1t was left
at the conclusion Of the Sussex case.
Todays announcement. recitins
the refusal Of Germany's enemies to
discuss her peace proposals, and re-
ferring to the starvation blockade,
says:
up which forces Germany also 10 new
decisions
The new decision is exactly the one
forecast when the Sussex negotiations
were closed.
In the note conveying her pledges
to keep submarine activities within
International law, Germany included
a threat OF resumption if the United
States did not succeed IN lifting Brit
ish restrictions on commerce 10 Ge1,,
many and the European neutrals. ana
the United States in reply expressly
warned Germany that he pledges must
be absolutely unconditional.
The German Position.
"Neutrals," said Germany. in the
Sussex note. cannot expect that Ger
many, forced to fight for her exist
euce. shall for the sake OF neutral m
terest restrict the. use of an effective
weapon il her enemy is permitted 10
continue to apply at will methods or
warfare violating the rules OF inter
national law. Should the steps
taken by the United States not at
tain the object to have the laws
OF humanity followed by all belliger.-
ent nations. the German government
would then be facing new situation.
in which it must reserve itself com
plete liberty of decision
To any such reservations the United