Judsonia weekly advance., 1917-09-26

StOrII was an irlSh inStltu1lOn, ant from the remarks of officials it was gathered that the instrument used b. the German government was one O. several peace societies which, masking under the name of peace have ac tually served the interests of the cen tral empires, and are still motivateo by consideration of hostility to the policies of the United States.
 A sensational feature of the Bern storff note was that it was dated Jan uary P, the date of President Wilson's peace without victory" address to con gress.
 Prior to that time, however, in the latter part of December, Secretary Lansing, in Interpreting President Wil- sons peace note, made it clear that the United States might be drawn inte the war, and indicated that one of the reasons impelling President Wilson to address the powers at war was to ascertain the objects for which they were fighting, so that this country, ii it should be compelled to make de cision, might better be prepared to align itself with one of the two groups.
 It is accepted that neither in De cember nor in January was the state department aware of the full connec- ton of Ambassador von Bernstorlf with the works of Captain Boy-Ed and Captain von Papen, the naval and mili- tary attaches, respectively, of the Ger man embassy, but it is believed now that the government has complete proof of the direction by Count von Bernstorff himself of all the activities of German agents, official and unotii- cial,. of German nationality and of American nationality.
 Whether the state department is in possession of other evidence indicating the ambassadors activities has not been revealed, but the extraordinary disclosures already made have fixed the belief that agents of the United States government have collected and compiled the entire story of German duplicty and intrigue and that addi- tional chapters will be added.
 Knew Plan of "Ruthlessness."
 The reference to avertihg war is talk en as an indication that Ambassador Bernstorff had prior knowledge of his governments intention to proclaim merciless widespread submarine war fare and that he was equally confident that the United States government could not be easily placated by mere promises. The German announcement of it's intention to expand it's subma- rine activities was not made public un- til January 31 when the world was startled not only by the determination to remove all restrictions, but by the statement that it would become effec- tive on the following day. Three days later the United States government had expressed it's disapproval by sever ing relations with Germany.
 That the German ambassador knew of his governments intention was as sumed by some officials, although at the same time he denied prior knoWl- edge and those in close touch with the embassy were given to understand that he did not approve the course and worked 10 ODtaln nocillcalloH.
 Small Amount for Bribe.
 It has not been assumed that the ann bassador actually attempted to bribe or personally influence any member of congress. and doubt that such was his purpose is supported to some extent by the comparatively small amount of money he asked. Fifty thousand dol lars, it was pointed out. would go but short way toward buying the influence of any congressman. Jpdiciously eX- pended, however, it might do much in compensating paid agents. such as are now known to have belonged to the elaborate machine BernstOrff had so carefully built up for the production of propaganda and for purposes of espionage.
 Search Anti-War List.
 As soon as news of the Bernstorff message reached the capitol members began d nasty search of the files to find the names of the men who voted against war. While there was no as sertion from anyone that anyone or these members was influenced by Ger man propaganda or money. yet it was pointed out that if such influence was eXerted and if it had any effect, the names of those affected would be shown in the lists of those who Op- posed the war resolution.
 q was forced to the conclusion some time ago" Representative Hefiin said in discussing the revelations, "that Ger many thought we were a cowardly peO-