New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-26
Food Shortage and U-Boat
War Large Factors in
Length of Conflict
Supply Need Is Serious
Expected to Grow Worse Un-
til Next Harvest; America
Can Give Great Aid
By ARTHUR 5. DRAPER
fpv Cable 10 Tie Tribune.

London, March 25.-Centring their
attention on the startling changes IN
the war map, the people of America
ray have failed to realize the serious
ness of the food shortage facing the
wi ole of Europe. By torpedo, shell and
nine the Germans are doing their best
10 starve the Allies and, by threats to
neutral ships, to COW neutral govern
ments and greatly limit the amount
e traffic in the sea lanes.
Though less spectacular, this eco
nomic warfare is just as important as
the great German military withdrawal,
and it will determine TO large extent
the length ana course of the war.
Americans may think 1t strange tnat
the Allied peoples fail to share their
enthusiasm on the eve OF tnelr en-
trance into the conflict, but those who
have lived IL the furnace for three
years have lost the power to express
their emotions.
The people of Great Britain and
France will welcome America into the
alliance against Germany and will feel
extremely grateful for her moral and
material assistance, but Americans
rust take this for granted.
Food Shortage Growing
This spring will test the Allies to the
limit. II will be the most crucial period
of the whole war. From now to harvest
time the food shortage will grow
steadily worse, and no effort is being
made to hide this from the people:
Though the governments regulation OF
prices has encouraged economy, done
away with boarding and stimulated
local gardening, these are only tenn
porary measures Not until the war
ends and the soldiers return to their
ordinary pursuits will the worlds mar
kets yield the highest efficiency. Until
then each month will mark another step
backward. A nation will continue hight
ing after it is bankrupt financially, but
not after it is bankrupt economically.
OF all the belligerents, even of all
the European neutrals, Britain was the
last to feel the food shortage, and
after three years Of war there is still
a wide variety and apparently an ample
supply, though the prices OF some
things have quadrupled.
In the absence Of figures showing the
present rate of loss TO shipping by
mine and submarine the only proof of
the seriousness of the food situation is
found in the warnings of the govern
ment and ministers. Prices are no in
deX. for they are partly due TO manipu-
lation and poor distribution.
Look for Great Privation
For time the public smiled wisely
when the ministers issued warnings,
but now they know that Lloyd George.
Carson and Devonport were perfectly
serious and that there is a real menace.
in the fact that these ministers are
looking far ahead and considering not
only Britain. but France and Italy. No
one is pessimistic; no one is panicky;
all see the defeat OF Germany, but not
without great privation on the part of
all the Allied peoples.
America has great advantage IT.
entering the war at this time, as she
has benefited from the lessons Of the
belligerents. who have learned through
bitter experience.
Out of the war, America is nothing
more than timekeeper on the side
lines; as an ally. she will join the En-
tente team at a time when her strength
is most needed. IL is the toughest
game ever played, and the United
States must expect knocks and bruises
and little sympathy for them. But she
will gain invaluable experience, fast
friends and a high position in the
future councils Of the world.