New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-04

the Chancellor for his neglect to state
suitable war goals for Germany as a
counterpoise to those already enun,
ciated by the Entente. The principal
motive behind their heckling, however
was to move the Chancellor to unleash
the submarines. The demand rapidly
grew to very forceful proportions.
America a Deterrent
The government held firm. It's lead
ers were animated by sincere, an
anxious desire not to antagonlze the
United States. Besides, the German
yards were turning out the new type
boats, with which it was hoped to be
able to carry out great counter
blockade without lightly risking Ameri-
cas- friendship. Why? America is the
only neutral with prestige sufficient to
exercise persuasive pressure Tor
peace. If America abandons her neu-
trality. there are other neutral nations
very likely to follow her into the En-
tente camp. Moreover, although IN
ferior as a military and naval power,
America stands matchless in her eco
nomic strength. America Is the last
neutral friend in the world worth
while, which maintains an attitude OF
approachability toward the Central
Powers. -,
Thus while during the excitement OF
the campaign for the resumption OF an
unrestricted submarine warfare against
Great Britain last summer there were
many influential Germans who exclaim-
ed that the enmity of the United States
was worth more than her friendship,
the responsible leaders of the empire
were governed by the strongest desire
to keep the friendship Of America. And
they were ably upheld by some impor-
tant elements in the country. The
powerful German fnanciers were in
flexibly opposed to the thoughtless
placing in jeopardy Of kmerica's good
will. Their organ, the "Frankfurter
Zeitung," opposed ruthless" subma-
rine warfare in season and out. The
Socialists and Catholic parties were
other strong factors in the Chancel-
loy's support.
Want No War with L. s.
The memory of conversations with
many of Germany's leaders convinceS
me, as also does the memory of much
that was printed in the newspapers,
in pamphlets and in books last spring,
summer and autumn in the stormy sub
marine controversy, that it is mis-
taken belief to hold that Germany
has suddenly discovered Americas
good will worthless and something to
be carelessly surrendered. As one
German put it: "Thc announcement o.
declaration OF war against Germany
by the United States would be the
most disheartening blow struck
against the morale Of our people Of
any yet delivered"
1t also seems TO me mistaken be
lief that the declaration OF the second
blockade against the Entente was the
outcome of reckless despair. Ger
many is overcoming very slowly, ~ IS
true-but, nevertheless, overcoming
her serious food shortages. Notwith-
standing the poor potato crop there
is no threat of starvation. Plenty OF
men of apparent military fitness could
be seen in civilian clothes on the
streets of German cities and towns
last fall. Human material still seems
to be holding out in supply. OF course,
many of these men have been passed
over by the army that the business OF
the empire may be safely carried on
Obedient to Emperor
There are no indications of danger
ous social unrest. There is grumbllng'
here and there, at the war, az the
government, at life overburdened wl'h
military red-tape, and at all the stun
ming hardships that war with haIf me
world has entailed. But, nevertheless
prompt and orderly obedience is mani
/ Tested everywhere. The general tone
of the press land this is in no wise
/ extorted) is highly patriotic. Although
/ the poorer people are weary and SICK
! ened of war, they have expressed no
/ idea of revolt, either by demonstra-
| ton or meute. On the surface gen
eral economic conditions seem 10 De
GOOD There Is plenty OF WORK az
Food wages; new undertakings are
readilv financed; stores still do pros,
nerous business in staples; places OF
Amusement are focked, and the people
are all decently clothed and OF "eH-
nourished appearance.
OF course, the misery OF the war
| has settled over the land like leaden
atmosphere. II is hard TO express tne
peculiar privation that the ironcringed
j blockade has brought upon Centrai
EUROPE. II has not destroyed sum
cheney in the necessities Of life, but ~
has taken away that margin without
wbicb. in the end, life hardly remains
worth the living. There is d duil, op.
| pre.sive monotony in just surhcieh,
every day, with means OF comfort ah ~.
Injuries steadily melting away; II
s,I5 y. analogous IL the standard OF