Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1918-03-16
THIS WEEK OF WAR
Revje,p of Facts. and Some Deductions Therefro b,
a Member of the Tines-kepublican staff.

GENTLY entrenched to enforce her I'M
perialistic, unfair and Illuminating de-
mands. 1t may develop that Trotzky
out OF Office may be more helpful TO
the allies than when clothed with a
little brief power He is in posi-
ton to stir up trouble among the RUS
SLAMS which will keep German soldiers
busy for months to come. It Is not
believed that Germany will derive any
considerable commercial advantage by
reason of the treaty. Russian indus
tries are Frustrated her railroads dis
organized, her people are hungry ex-
cept those in the grain centers in the
Ukraine and the Black sea provinces.
The grain stores can not be moved I'M
til transportation lines are rehaolh-
tated Germany has nothing to sell
to Russia, and must buy or steal what
she procures therefrom later on.
80
Germany also must assist in feeding
her allies. Austria Hungary, Turkey
and Bulgaria, where the food shortage
is more acute than in the Prussian en-
pire. The grain stores in the occupied
Russian territory are not sufficient
now and will not be sufficient after the
next harvest to feed all these peo-
pies. If the Berlin government refuses
to divide on the theory that to the vic
tor belongs the spoils, there is likely
to be a pretty quarrel among the con-
glomerate masses which have been en-
listed in this unholy war under the
kasers banner. If Germany should
be forced to make an equitable diVl-
sion il is doubtful if the nation can
withstand another winter Of real de-
privation without collapse.
The occupancy Of Odessa by German
troops is viewed as a new menace 10
the allies Roumania was forced to
do what Belgium refused to do at the
beginning of the war-pernit Ger
man army to cross her territory. II
not opening a direct route of attack
against India, Odessa will at least af-
ford a base of operations from which
endorsements can be sent to aid the
Turks in their unsuccessful efforts to
check the advance Of General Allen
7ys British army in Mesopotamia.
odessa also contains huge grain stores.
The coup Of the United States and
Great Britain in deciding to seize and
Sc all Dutch vessels now in allied
ports has hit Germany harder than
defeated in an extensive battle.
~ this action the allies secure at
once I 600 900 tons OF shipping-suni-
Gent TO overcome the work OF the wan
ng power Of the U-boats for months
u come That Germany has been hit
tender spot is evidenced by the
display of chagr!n and temper in the
Berlin press and threats to make war
on Holland because OF the requisition-
ilg Of these ships. Holland was with
! gliding consent to permit the use OF
these vessels by the allies because OF
fear OF German reprisals. To relieve
the Netherlands government of en-
barrassment England and America
forced the issue by taking advantage
Of international rights and Selling the
boats. While the Huns may threaten
and splutter they dare not attack these
ships for fear OF provoking Holland to
declare war, and just now Germany is
not seeking new enemies at arms.
Holland has a well-trained army OF
a half million men ready TO fight at
the word Of command. The requisi-
toned ships remain the property OF
Holland under the plan of reQuisition-
ing they are under lease to the allies,
and their sinking would not only de-
prive the allies of food but would re-
suit also in the starvation Of the people
Of the Netherlands. And the Dutch
will fight before they will starve or sec
their neutrality Violated. In the mean
time the boats Will be carrying the &C.
cumulated stores of meats from tho
United States and the surplus wheat
stock Of Argentina The double pur-
pose will be served of supplying the
fighting men with wheat and at the
came time relieving the demand on our
own stores.