New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-10

After all the prosperity created in the
Scandinavian countries by two and half
years of war trade, Denmark, Norway and
Sweden arc suffering the first real pinch OF
the world struggle. These three neutrals,
whose capable statesmen have managed to
keep their countries out OF the war flames,
have been caught literally between two fires
with the launching of Germany's new sub
marine drive, which promises to spare no ma
ton whose ships venture upon the high seas
in the zone of submarine activities around
the British Isles.
Germany latest campaign of frightful-
ness finds the three little Scandinavian king
doms rolling in wealth such as the Norsemen
have never known and practically in a state
of pauperism when il comes to the chief
necessity Of life-food. They have made
Millions selling food products and other sup
plies TO Germany. But now, with the block
ade frightened on all sides, the Scandinavians'
own cupboard is bare. Food prices have
gone skyward Recent newspapers from
Sweden tell of old milk cows selling for 600
crowns and workngmen receiving 100
crowns per week hardly able TO support their
families.
Sweden. the largest, most populous and
wealthiest of the Scandinavian countries. is
already issuing bread cards, milk cards, egg
cards and sugar cards. Bread cards have
been in use for some time in Denmark, and
Oddmund Nik, secretary of the newly created
Department of Provisions of Norway, has
made preparations for placing the whole
country on ratons. Norwegian statisticlans
recently announced that the country had on
hand only six months supply of food.
The Scandinavian pantry is not to be the
only point at which the Scandinavian coun-
tries must suffer if Germany's submarine
campaign to starve out England proves even
partly effective for any length of time. The
Scandinavian coal bunkers are the really
vulnerable spots. Denmark, Norway ana
Sweden are all maritime nations and all
manufacturing nations. They are dependent
on England and Germany for coal Accord
ing to the latest advces from Chrlstanla,
that city has only three weeks supply
Denmark can get all the coal 1t needs from
Germany in exchange for food, but Denmark
has nothing to barter. If the sea lanes be-
tween Scandinavia and England are closed
by German submarines or if the danger oil
attack is increased to such proportions tnat
sailors cannot be found to take the risk OF
running the blockade Of mines and diving
craft the situation will become grave in the
extreme. Nor will American trade help
much II the Scandinavian mariners should
decide to skirt the submarine zone by taking
course across the Atlantic north of the
Farce islands. British cruisers would PICK
them up on the homeward bound trip, take
them TO Kirkwal for contraband inspection,
where they would be stalled, unless British
warships had nothing to do but convoy the
captives awav out beyond the submarine zone.
It is, therefore, no wonder that King
Gustaye of Sweden has hurried to Copenhagen
for a conference with King Christian OF
Denmark and presumably representative OF
the Norwegian monarch, Haakon VII. Just
what will be the result of this conference is
matter which even the best informed
Scandnavians in this city are unwilling to
guess at The action of Sweden in rebuking