Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1917-04-07

1t goes without saying that there must be both heavy
taxation in the present and borrowing on the credit of
the future. The question is as to where the chief emphasis
adopted the plan of financing the war chiefly by borrow
ing against the future. England depends more largely
on direct taxation. Because of circumstances beyond the
control of the German government It's obligations. in var
ious forms. have been placed chiefly among the German
people themselves. That does not change the fact that
the German government of the future will he confronted
OF the nation is to be maintained. The British plan seems
less likely to encourage imitation and speculation.
There has been no declaration of a state of war with
any Of Germany's allies. although it is difficult to see
how that is to be avoided. The president made special
mention Of this in his address. He referred to the con-
Austria. and said that on that account it had been i'm
possible for him to receive the recently appointed Austrian
ambassador. The inference Is that it will be necessary
to include Austria in the scope Of hostinties. Ambassa-
dor Penfeld has been recalled from Vienna, ostensibly
for the purpose of conference with his superiors in Wash
tnston. There is a very general belief that he will not
return, but that before long Austria will be included in
the action taken against Germany.
=
There are many speculations az to the probable effect
OF the action Of the United States on the attitude of tie
remaining neutral nations. The position of the European
neutrals grows increasingly difficult. Holland and Den
mark adjoin Germany. and Norway and Sweden are close
by. The commerce of all these countries is interrupted,
and great suffering has resulted. Holland and Denmark
face the prospect of the invasion Of their territory by
German armies whenever they declare war against Ger
many, or whenever invasion suits the German convenience.
In each case the experience of Belgium would be re-
peated before effective assistance could be brought them
from without. 1t is stated that the entente powers dis
courage the participation Of any Of these countries in the
war; as such action would add to both the economic and
military difficulties Of the allies.
In the western hemisphere the situation is different,
and there are already rumors of the probability of more
nations being added to the list of belligerents. Brazil is
reported to be likely to join with the United States, and
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cultes likely to be experienced by the United States on
this side Of the ocean are those arising from the state
of affairs in Mexico. German influence has been exerted
to the limit In that country, and both the Carranza fac
ton and that headed by Villa are reported to be favor
able to the German cause in SO far as it affords them
opportunity to ernbarrass the United States. There are
rumors of the movement of Mexican troops toward the
American border, and other rumors Of the presence I'm
Gulf waters of German submarines which are supposed
to have bases along the Mexican coast. If there is any
foundation for these rumors We may expect in the near
future to learn of naval activities quite near home.
There has been little change in the military situation
along the French front during the week. French and
British continue to hammer at several Of the positions
on the new line to which the Germans have retired, and,
while the resistance has been sufficient to retard the ad-
vance, there seems to be little doubt that the Germans
must soon give up several important towns, among them
ST. Quentin and Cambria, as the allies have occupied po-
sitions which command the approaches to both. The
general opinion seems to be that the line OF which these
towns form parts Is the famous Hindenburg line which
was prepared in advance for the great retreat, but that
the rapidly of the allied pursuit threw the German plans
out of gear and have made the selection of a new line
OF defense farther back imperative.
In Mesopotaria the Russians advancing from Persia
and the British from Bagdad have formed a junction,
thus successfully carrying out the plans formed for the
further Gripping of tho Turkish forces in that territory.
On the Russian front there has been hard nghting in the
Riga district, with no apparent advantage Of great mn
portance to either side.
The war and matters in relation to 1t have taken
precedence over everything else in the press and in public
thought. Commerce and manufacture, the work of edu-
cation. and most Of the ordinary activities Of life, have
more or less along the usual channels, but
people have been too absorbed in the one matter Of su-
preme interest to give other things much thought. In
the northwest the weather conditions have been such that
seeding has been started In many sections, although the
work Is by no means general. There has been warmth
enough to dry the surface Of the soil except on very low
lands, and 1t is expected that during the coming week
work on. the fields will be in progress all over the state.