Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1917-06-30

EVENTS OF THE WEEK
In the field of American war legislation tn. sub,ect
which has held the attention of congress and of the
country during the week is the disposition to be made Of
tbs prohibition features which it has been proposed to
incorporate in the pending food control bill. It has been
the hope of the President that ths matter of prohibition
might be excluded entirely from the food bill in order
that the passage Of the very urgent provisions of that bill
might not be delayed by discussion of another. subject
which, as he believed, should be disposed of separately
and on Its own merits. For a time 1t has appeared that
the matter had been taken finally out Of the Presidents
hands. and that when the food bill was passed it would
contain what would amount to "bone-dry' provisions re-
garding the manufacture of intoxicants during the war.
Such amendments have already been approved by the
mouse. ana 1t has appeared likely that they would be ac-
cepted by the senate.
At present there is prospect of a compromise be-
tween the extreme views of the ultra prohibitionists and
the desire Of the President that the liquor provisions be
omitted from the present bill in order that this subject
might be treated separately. The amendment which
seemed likely to pass, proposed that no food material Of
any kind should be used during the war in the manu-
facture Of alcoholic beverages. There has been some
sentiment in the senate in favor of authorizing the Presi-
dent in his discretion to waive the prohibition with ref
erence to the manufacture of light wines. Late in the
week men Known to represent the views of the White
House have been in conference with members of the
senate. and have been urging that this latitude be extend
ed also to malt beverages. This, it is understood, will
be acceptable to the President, who is willing to concede
the prohibition Of the manufacture of distilled liquors.
The latest advicea from Washington indicate the proba-
bnity that the matter will be disposed Of in, this way.
Action Of the greatest importance to the nation was
taken by the President when he announced the creation
Of an exports council which will have charge of the work
Of directing the handling of exports from this country.
This action vas taken under the authority Of a law
Just enactsd, known as the espionage law, which, among
its numerous provisions. conferred on the President the
authority to suspend or control exports. In a statement
over his own Signature the President explained the pur-
? h aNtlN~ foLo~ uvhi~A ~ .~sl ro- - To-
and not to prohibit exports. AS pointed out In the
statemert, 1t 10 essential that exports from this
country 90 promptly where they are most needed. 1t is
intended that neutral nations which depend on us for
supplies shall have their wants supplied as fully as Is
consistent with the proper carrying out Of tine main pur-
pose. which 10 the winning Of the war.
The American public has been thrilled with the news
that the first large contingent Of American troops is now
on French soil, having made the Atlantic trip in record
time for 20 large q body, and having been completely and
successfully guarded against submarine peril. Since his
arrival on the continent General PershinE and members
OF his stan have been busy, making preparations for the
reception Of these troops. Camp sites have been select
ed, and tons Of supplies, sufficient for several months,
have already been delivered at these sites. The troops
go into intensive training Immediately in preparation
for their work on the battle front. The American unit,
small as this present one is, will be an Independent
force, under a separate commend, and all of its mainten-
ance in every form will be provided by the United States
government. This will make it a real addition to the
fighting strength Of the allies, and not in any sense a
drain on them.
The manner in which information concerning this
expedition was suppressed until the proper time came to
divulse it 10 q remarkable demonstration of the cooper
alton bstween the American newspapers and news
agencies and the government. Hundreds, probably
Thousands Of people knew something Of the departure Of
these troops, but no word Of it found its way into the
newspapers until the expedition had actually arrived.
There was no compufsion in the matter, hut a simple
hint that secrecy was desired for the time being, was
sufficient.
The PAnaara eYorted hv <ba Rr;$;oh ,-s rr,>-.h
against the German lines in Belgium and France is az
nremittnS and unrelenting as ever, and in spite of des.
perate EFFORTS on the part Of the Germans that pressure
10 forcing the Germans back. The British have the city
Of Lens practically hemmed in on thrse sides, and one
dispa1ch reported British troops to be within a mile Of
the scenter Of the city. 1t is accepted everywhere that
the city nust soon be captured, and with IL will pass
from German hands control Of the richest coal and min
eral district In northern France. Ever since the war
was . few weeks old. the Germans have been working
the mines In that district for their own beneht, and much
of the material which they have used has bSen drawn
from that district. The return Of the district 70 tho con.
troll Of The Trsaoh Of their allies will not Immediately
render aSAilabls for the allies the mineral wealth Of tho
territory. for the Germans have already Destroyed much
q the pyopsf0, and they may be depended on 10 make
the work Of obstruction As thoroush ~ possible ssssrs
thsy leass-1eS Troy do not expect to return. But, even
though \ nay take . long time to rspatS the damage
done ana reader the mines again productive, the DER
mans VIII ~ Asprived Of . valuable source Of supply.
This JfsDaA. on their section Of the line, menace the
irnpoftAa1 ~ ~ IAon. ana are drawing their net more
ttshtly aeert = e that section the Germans have made
qatek. Aa1DAssts thrusts at several poins. and occasion
eny thsy 49, hsn. abls 70 occupy short sections Of
1rsnch tssaaLsSaH y - ou.ts43 : ~ hssrs 49,.
s,..opms.A my !. ..p.e..a !. 4 i.
~ A1kanA ~ allied army ~ for some two ysass
49, IN e. eesas.aa. ~ bsesusss o. Il, mssas, q
Neshssgs III - eekss Anaes c11Astia go 49, No
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