The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1917-01-04
specid castc Despdtch 10 The srx.

Spec'd cable Despatch 10 The SrS.
LONDON, Jan. 3.--A most careful
study OF the economic conditions in Ger
many reveals that beyond a doubt the
peace offer was prompted chiefly by the
reason that Germany is on the verge OF
starvation. This information is not
based on the views Of individuals-
neutrals or o.hers--whose impressions
were gained in visit to Germany and
who were generally biased. In any case.
their views cannot be compared with
actual evidence collected directly from
German newspapers
The information shows conclusively
that the end of German endurance IL
approaching rapidly. Scarcely n day
passes without its report of serious food
riots by the underfed population. While
the press is complaining bitterly of the
starvation OF the people, the authorities
continue to reduce their allowances.
Medical experts say the present ration
Is far below the standard on which
human beings can live. MILK prices in
Berlin generally have increased. with a
coincident decrease in all butter fat al
lowances. How grave the question or
the milk supply must be IN countless
German communities Is Illustrated by
which In normal times requires daily
milk supply of 10000 quarts. by order
Of the Grand Ducai Government OF
Hesse the allowance has just been cut
from Il. 900 to 4,000 quarts day.
warned by Herr braun.
Conditions affecting tho potato mar
ket appear even more serious than the
milk difficulties. Newspapers state that
enormous quantities OF potatoes which
| were expected TO be available for the
winter are frozen. The Toitrderts says
| the potato rationing system Is hope
| lcssly inadequate. The allowance was
reduced carry last month from seven ia
| six pounds for a person each week. But
| potatoes are no dearc- and the supply
! is sufficient for all holders OF ration
cards.
Further evidence OF the seriousness
! OF the situation was contained In this
warning given to the Prussian Diet bS
Herr Braun, the Socialist:
"A protection against invasion
! achieved at the cost of unspeakable sac
rifices. will be of no avail to the people
If it collapses through underleeding
| nor does it profit from the dinicultie'
which beset the enemy. The preceding
| speaker has drawn from these difficult
ties of the enemy conclusion whlch
| in my opinion, Is a dangerous Illusion
, that only another effort is needed u
! plunge our enemies into irreparable dis
aster. This is Just what our enemie
have been predicting about us FOR tw'
years. On the contrary, we must no
close our eyes to the fact that our ZOO
supply is becoming more difficult as III
stoppage OF imports becomes more ef
fective through the ruthless policy
England
The following lines are taken from tn
instructions given the clergy by Cardi
nal Won Hartmann, Archbishop o
Cologne:
while on the one hand 1t Is un
dcniable that want has been produce
by a lack OF the most important foods
on the other hand the critical situatio
is leading TO the unseemly exploitation
. of the poorest people by the selfish hold
ing back of existing supplies. the appl'
cation OF usurious methods and tn
screwing Up OF prices. II there wer
ever, where proper appreciation OF III
right Christian sentiment. the dificu
l ties at present attending the feeding {