Mexico Missouri message., 1917-12-20


was taken in the appointment of a SUI
perior war council through which all
the war activities of the government
will be enabled to work together. This
council is made up of the members of
the council Of national defense-Secre-
taries Baker Daniels, Lane, Houston,
Redfeld and Wilson-Secretary Nc
Adoo, Chairman Hurley of the ship
ping board, Food Administrator Hoov-
er, Fuel Administrator 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.
The government is making q deter
mined effort to settle the troubles Of
the railways and its own problems in
the matter of transportation, and just
now the plan of railroad pool for all
lines east of Chicago is being tried out,
If this is not successful, it is predict
ed, the government may take over the
operation of all American railways.
President Wilson proclaimed q new
embargo on the importation of many
articles that are essentials of NUM-
tions of war, without the express per-
| mission of the government. This will
operate TO conserve American tonnage
| for war purposes and to facilitate the
importation of raw materials and 9TH
er supplies necessary in the manufac-
| ture of munitions. This assumption
| of control over imports, provided for
in the embargo act, gives the govern
ment a powerful weapon for the eco
nomic war on Germany and can be
directed also against neutral traders
suspected of supplying the central
powers with American goods.
| President Wilson on Monday ap-
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 in the country enough to last seVe>
eral years.
No War on Austria Yet.
| 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.
pionage by having congress declare
war on Austria went gHmmering. 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
1t 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 a number of
papers, and assertions that the pope
had been fostering the cause of Aus.
tria, had been far from neutral and
should be called on to make his posi-.
ton clear, brought forth indignant de.
nial from Cardinal Gasparn, papal
secretary Of state. Said he: ITO say
that his holiness favors, or has ia.
vored, or will favor an unjust, un'
Christian, and uncomfortable peace II
not only false but also absurd. Any
propaganda for such a peace, alleged
to be conducted at the Vatican's In
spiration, especially in certain nations
is the product of pure maliclousness.'
He asserted that the disruptivs
propaganda that began to affect the
morale of the Italian army could moi
be laid at the doors Of the Vatican
and that "the shoulders on which
rests the responsibility for the re
verses are well-known, a responsibility
which certainly does not touch Oath
olics, the clergy and least Of all the
august person Of the sovereign pom
tiff."
} His eminence made no reference ts
the Sim Fein rebellion In Ireland.
One Of the first matters taken up b!
! the interallied conference In Paris wa,
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
nomical domination through control o
: the Swiss railways. The Swiss fedora
: council is becoming anxious over Ger
man military movements on the from
! tier,