South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-05-02
Other Editor, Than Ours
THE PROVINCE OF HOLLAND?
fChicaSO HcFaIdO

German imperalists have long considered Holland
property of the German empire. That
the ugly reality beneath the present sinister situa-
The attitude toward Holland has
contemptuous than the Berlin toward
not hesitaed that the Emperor Carl ought
To retire of his Alsace-LOrrane letter
other admittedly rejecting the will and the
opinion of the ruling arstocracy with little subter
fuge that he must he subservent to the kaiser.
The only factor of uncertainty is the ability Of the
kasers diplomats and generals to force the Neither
submit, this time. Germania the recognized
voice the German foreign office. said frankly
both the Netherlands and switzerland must soon
render their neutrality and turn definitely TO camp
another. Germana concluded significantly: IF HOl-
land therefore must defniteIv decide for one side or
the other may she understand the signs of times
and choose that side which by of and
victory will have the deciding voice at the peace
ference"
This unconcealed threat policy. Treitschke
whose lectures few years have become the
typed thought of imperalist Germany today referred
in the following words to Hollands dependence upon
the empire "Our Rhine remains the king of all rivers
II is infinitely precious natural possession but
through fault the greatest material advantage
cruing from has passed into the hands OF another
(Hoand), and il is indispensable duty of Ger
policy regain the mouths Of that river
The group OF imperialsts led by Admiral Tirpitz
looked Germanic expansion in Holland Belgium
France. rather than in the east That preference
their line of cleavage from the pan Germans The
collapse and the temporary successes the
western front appear have induced the Berlin
government avoid choosing between the plans
conquest by attempting 10 take the desired territory
both The chief OF hesitation in
Wilhemstrasse is doubt concerning how much it Is
possible q hold.
The which il is semi Officially announced
Germany will nothing less than surrender
three different matters According the
respondent OF the New York World The Hague these
include the renewal agreement between
Holland and Germany; the OF Dutch railway
which is a link in the line between Antwerp and
Muenchen- Gladbach town in Rhensh Prussia 16
miles DeuessedOrf and the demand for the
portation Of sand. gravel and grit
All OF these items might he handled in accordance
with provisions Of old treaties and in accordance
with rules of international law Germany. however
appears feel that the day Of destiny
come The same immoral ambitions which persuaded
indorse the Austrian ultimatum Serbia
camoring for the surrender OF Holland Thus
Berlin with NapoeOnic gestures Is trying rearrange
the map OF Europe. Intrigue may have prepared the
way that the liberty loving Dutch will be impotent o
right independence and TO sneutrality
Otherwise surrender alliance with Germany is
historically unthnkable
But II intrigue has broken down Hollands defenses
Americas burden will only prove heavier not
until Germany repents OF her past aggressOns and
willing future international brigandage
the world be made safe for democracy. Holland
tainly must become German province