davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-03-17

to have been defeated by them, forcing
him TO retreat into .Manchuria- where
his forces now rest. They sadly lack
equipment and munitions.
Everywhere the gravest anarchy
reigns The Germans are losing no
time. and it is frankly admitted that
the propa uganda carried on by the allies
is practically ineffective against the
German methods of sowing sedition
and discard The Germans. anticipat-
ling action by Japan, are trying to in
flame the Russian mind against the
Japanese in order that the forces of
the mikado will meet the stiffest sort
of resistance. Should the entente de-
liberate two more weeks over what
Japan shall do or shall not do the Ger
mans will have been able to set in
motion plans which will make the Jap
anese task in whatever direction dou-
bly, hard.
Lord Robert Cecil and Foreign Sec
rotary Balfour of England have both
expressed their complete confidence in
Japan and minated broadly that it is
to allied interests to see stable form
of government established in Russia.
Such a government naturally would
have to be radically opposed to bolshe-
vikism and the presumption naturally
is that the Japanese would assist in the
formation of some stable centralized
control over the nations destinies. AL
lied statesmen have admitted that the
solving of the Slavic riddle now is up
10 the Japanese, if various conflicting
beliefs and opinions in regard to in
PREVENTION can he reconciled.
There is every indication that the
peoples of eastern. southeastern and
southern Russia. barring perhaps the
Ukraine, will resist Teutonic agrees
sion But resistance that could be Of
fered under completely disorganized
conditions would be of the weakest
character. There must be some solidi-
lying influence in Russia, and provided
the entrance of the Japanese did not
inttame the more ignorant classes of
Russia and throw them into the arms
OF the Germans. Japan's intervention
would be the means of bringing about
better order of things.
In view of the fact that the majority
or the people of Russia recognize the
depths to which the nation has sunk
under bolshevik control and now are
completely disgruntled over conditions.
II IS TO be presumed that they would
mock to any standard looking to the
rehabllfation of the nation. The gen
erai russian mind, however, would
nave TO remove all prejudices against
the japanese. and here the chance of
really effective allied propaganda
comes In Whether or not the allies
already are working along this line or
nave any intention of doing so Is a
matter of conjecture
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-03-17

pelle the Portuguese turned back the
enemy. British colonials likewise were
successful near Epehy below St Quen-
tin. in the region of Polygon wood,
near Lens, and about Messines, while
the French turned back the enemy in
the vicinity Of Dixmude. The FRENCH ash
scored a striking success west OF the
vauroy road in the Champagne dis
trict.
German attacks delivered hear Mocel,
near Nancy. north of the Ypres-Staden
railway. near Zonnebeke, Poelderhoe ei:
Ypres, Houltholst forest and in the Bois
lie Pretre, Rei1lon and Letricourt sec
tors were repulsed by the allies
Significant in the recent fighting nave
been the aerial operations. More than
a hundred German machines have been
downed since the first of March. while
the allies, barring possibly on the
American sector, are working almost
behind the German INES;
Many tons of bombs have been DROPPED OF "1
on German concentration points by az.
lied fiers, and generally it has oeeh
proved that the eyes. of the allied arm
les are better than those of the enemy,
!. factor which will have serious import
in the major fighting to come.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-03-17

Several weeks ago, in one Of these
articles, I discussed at length the
meaning of the first of these demands
of the President-that with respect to
the evacuation of the territories now
occupied by the central powers, the
territorie. of Montenegro. Serbia and
Rumania- 1t would mean interpoSing
a solid barrier between Austria and
Germany on the one hand, and Turkey
and Bulgaria on the other, and would
thus cut Mitteleuropa in half. 1t would
put Serbo- Rumanian control into eff
feet on a portion of the Danube. about
the Iron Gates and upon considerable
sections of the now famous Berlin-to-
Bagdad railroad In word, it would
deal a death blow to Mitteleuropa.
In the present article 1 desire to dis
sues the more limited problems affect
ing the Balkan states themselves,
What condition is it that Mr.. Wilson
seeks to create or TO restore in the
Balkans. and why? The answer to these
questions is to be found in the very
recent history of the Balkan states.
1t is not necessary to go back of 1912
to get grip upon the problems of
1918. despite the fact that most of the
Balkan difficulties-that is. the rival
ries of Serb, Greek and Bulgar-are
themselves thousand years old.
Prior to 1912 the several Balkan
states had been the pawns OF the
great powers. Mutually jealous. they
restrained the small Balkan states
from extending their frontiers to in
clude race brothers in European Tur-
key. because Austria feared that a Ser
bian advance would interfere with
Austrian ambition, and Russia felt that
a Bulgar success would impede Rus
sian advance. The rivalries of the
lad a q
mbitionS of the little states, and the
little states viewed each other with
jealousy and hatred, because each de-
sired the same territory.
But in 1912 there was sudden trans
formation. Turkey had been disclosed
Italy, the Young Turkish revolution
had to come to disorganiZe Turkish
armies further. The best moment in a
thousand years for the little Balkan
people came, and they took it. Bull
Saria, Serbia and Greece, with Monte
negro. suddenly made common ALI
ance against the Turk, and in some
measure parceled out the respective
spheres of Turkish territory which
would satisfy them. These ante-bellum
agreements must hereafter supply the
basis for the further Balkan settle
ment. for they represent the claims
which were once acceptable to the
Balkan states.
When Balkans Whipped Turks.
Having made their bargain, the Bal
kan states struck. In a few weeks
Turkey was beaten. The Serbs tri-
umphed at Kumanovo and entered Mon
astir: the Greeks won at Yenidze-Ear-
dar and occupied Saloniki; the Bulgars
were victorious at kirk-kilisSe and
Lule BurgaS. their armies investing
Adrianople and approaching the Chat
ALA lines. the last landmark defense of
Constantinople. Turkey was beaten.
and it had all happened suddenly
to interfere. Expecting Turkish vic
tory and a repetition OF the events of
the GrecQ-Turkish war of 1897, they
had been COMPOUNDED by the complete
and apparent permanent destruction of
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-03-17
Allies Must Show
Power to Protect.

rection. Germany's fleets might dom
mate the principal parts of the Scan
dinaVian countries and compel capitu-
lation by starvation alone if the worst
came to worst. Scandinavia realizes
this.
The allies must clinch their prestige
in the northern peninsula and Holland
if they are to completely hafle Ger
manic Intentions, and prevent these
countries from bowling to BerlinS will.
The allies must convince the Scan
dinavians and the Dutch that they are
going to win this war notwithstanding
apparent Germanic advantage in the
east and in the Balkans.
The allies must convince these neu-
trails that the allies are ready to fight
for them to the finish if they but sup
port the entente viewpoint. But. above
all. the entente must absolutely con-
vince these northern European neutrals
that should they stand on international
rights as against Germanic intentions
it is within the power of the allies to
protect them from the fate of other
smaller European nations.
1t is the time for definite systematic
allied action. There can he no delays.
Entente delays. Premier Lloyd George
has admitted. have prolonged the war
and have done great harm to the en-
tente cause. These delays have been
costly and will be costly again in north
ern Europe unless immediate steps are
taken.
Germany. with her mad hopes that
the submarine will win the war will not
sit idly by and see a couple of million
tons of merchant shipping fall into the
allies hands and make up for months
of I--boat destruction. Germany is des-
perate. The allies must become imbued
with the same degree of desperation in
combating the enemy.
Germany is sure to strike on one way
or another. Are the allies prepared to
weaken the power of the blow or return
it twofold? This is the question of
the hour The next two months will
reveal all.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-03-17
Present Campaign
Highly Important

an d NJ
Present Campaign potamia in
Highly Important. .he way OF
the extension of Turkish and German
ma uehce on the -Mohammedan regions
to the east is source of considerable
speculation
MOI since the combined Russian and
iorl1lsH operations in Mesopotarnia and
the Caucasus came to halt early last
year after a union had been effected
peC"eeh 'hese allied armies have the
operations IN this region been so
,'ousHt WIN significance. Much is to
ne gained by the British in the near
east. This is unquestioned. II also is
noticeable fact that the actiyitias
closely follow on the heels of the
russian collapse. 1t is realized that
there is pronounced danger in con
tihueo enemy aggression throughout
the near east and even in India
1t would apear that the British are
showing their forces northward in
PaIestine with the intention of giving
the turks much to do in this region
ana by threatening the capture of the
entire Palestine region with the fur
ther possibility of pressing into the
heart OF Asiatic Turkey itself, keep the
TURKS from focusing their attentions
farther east
That the British forces on the Tipris
ana Euphrates rivers are PLAYING a
part IN the concerted effort to frus-
trate the enemy is indicated by most
recent operations ny that section of
the MeSopotamian army on the En-
pirates, where the Turks have been
forced to retreat from Hit. TWENTY-FIVE
miles to the northwest In Palestine
the turks IN the past ten days have
been FORCED back eleven miles on all
the more important sections of the
front. and Gen. Allenby shows no signs
of relenting in the chase
Should the British army oneratina
along the EuphratcS continue its adj
vance II may cooperate. with the Arabs
who are continuing their d"suItory
hghtlng asalnst the Turks in the lower
middle regions sof ASiatic Turkey. and
possibly press on to Aleppo. where a
junction might be effected With the
Palestine army. This would be a
march OF NOR" than four hundred miles
a big part of the way over burning
sands, and would be extremely irving.
1t once would have been considered i'm
practicable The assistance the Arabs
might render in such an advance would
be vital to the British, and it may be
stated frankly without such assistance
the British possibly would be beset on
all sides and forced to give up their
gains by retreat. 1t would not be
question of bravery. but of natural
conditions and the difficulty of main
tanning extremely long lines of com
munication from the main base at the
head of the Persian gulf.
X
The British also might send their
main Mesopotamia forces north along
the Tigris
Might Also Press river to the
Up the Tigris River. to do thu pt.
their position would be extremely dan-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-03-17
FAR EAST SITUATION

The allies again are quibbiing. The
Germans are making progress in the
meantime. This
Germans Make briefly and frank
Progress in Plans. the si,no+ian in
the far east. where it has been pro-
posed that Japan step in and prevent
further extension of Germanic influence
in Siberia, Manchuria and all eastern
Russia, possibly into India itself.
More than two weeks have elapsed
since action by Japan to ward off Ger
man plans of Germanizine the world
were preached by the allies. Diplo-
matte procrastination continues in ia
pan and elsewhere. though Japans mil
itary arm is busy. Forces are being
assembled for quick action when the
signal is given. The japanese are more
or less divided on the question of in
tervention in Siberia, but it generally
is recognized that should the govern
ment decide to act the people of the
nation will stand behind IL in the pro-
lection of not only japanese interests,
but those of the allies as well, in the
far east. 1t is estimated that great
portion of the Japanese army of $4,000
would be sent to Russia, an action
which would cost in the neighborhood
Of Si00, 1000, sum which would
work hardship on the japanese, mas
much as the government still staggerS
beneath a load of debt incurred during
the Russo-Japanese imbroglio of sew
eral years back. 1t is but natural that
there should be some hesitancy IN
Japan. But as has been pointed out by
statesmen of Great Britain Japan has
been true to her alliance with the en-
tente in every respect and if il is the
wish of the allies that she move in
Siberia. Japan undoubtedly will strike.
Undoubtedly. also, she Will get the
proper need of financial assistance
from the allies.
The situation in Siberia and the far
east is extremely critical at the pres
ent moment. The thousands of German
prisoners removed to that region dur
ing the course of the war by the Rus
slams now are armed and officered by
Teutons, who are in active co-operation
with the disciples of bolshevikism. If
ever there were doubts as to the reIa-
tons between the bolsheyiki leaders
and the Germans these undoubtedly
must be dismissed in view of the cIosa
Ico-operation between the reds and Teu
tons in the present crisis in the east.
Gen. Semenoff, who leads the Cos
sack forces in Siberia and who until
recently scored many successes in ST.
IBERIA, is reported to have engaged the
German -otticered bolshevik forces and
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-03-17
Germany Vision of Mittel-Europa Would
Be Cut in Halves and the Ancient Eastern
Question Would Be Solved.
BALKAN STATES MIGHT
BECOME SELF-PROTECTINC
Historical Review of Recent Wars Showing Their
Relations to the Present ConAict-Intrgue,
Ambition and Rivalries.
By FRANK H. SIMONDS.

Copyright, 1918 Mcclure Newspaper
THE eleventh of the fourteen conditions peace down
President Wilson his address Congress touches upon
of the intricate and difficult of all the obstacles gen
eral European seementhe Balkan problem In his historic
speech Mr. Wilson outlined the conditions of solving this question
the familiar old eastern question: which has plagued
and diplomats for than three follows
The evacuation of Serbia Montenegro
the Serbia the
the fixing of the relations of the several Balkan states along
toray established lines of nationality
onal of their political and independence and
economic integrity
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-03-17
Expectancy Still f
Prevails Everywhere. :,

Prevails Everywhere. W
flames of battle are expected to break
forth with fury at any moment, and
that not long deferred Continued re-
ports indicate that the allied armies
as well as the German are ready for
the fray. Field Marshal Won linden
burg announced during the week that
the German offensive must go on, mas
much as the allies have spurned peace
1t also is claimed the Germans are
ready to sacrifice 300, 900 lives in the
coming drives.
1t was expected ten days ago that the
attacks directed against British and
Portuguese positions in Flanders were
the forerunners of an immediate con-
certed action on the part of the Ger
mans to realize their dream of turning
the allied left flank and reach Calais
After suffering bitter repulses in sew
eral major raidinS operations, the
British and Portuguese positions hold
ing absolutely firm. the Germans de-
feIred their efforts. though the fighting
in these regions is again brisk.
The Champagne regions have been
hathed in German fire for a period of
two weeks. and it is not unlikely that
the Teutonic command has in mind a
great blow in this direction. Where or
when the main lighting will start re-
mains question 1t is believed in
some foreign capitals that the Ger
the extension Of their influence in the
east and defer Indefinitely their en-
pected campaign in the west. IL the
Teutons wait much longer. it is to be
expected that the allied armies all
along the western front will take the
initiative and attempt to drive the Ger
mans back, if not smash through enemy
positions in the hope of bringing about
the main decision in the present strug-
gle during the present year.
British troops raided German pos
tions north of the Bapaume Cambria
road during the past week. and their
long-range guns hurled showers of
shells on Cambria itself. At NenNta Chn-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-03-17
Relation of Japan to Siberia
Map shows regions which Japanes&
trGops will invade in ease m internn-
tional agreement is reached.

ion by the militarists, declares that if
Holland consents to any such action
by the allies il is vitality necessary that
Holland he punished, in such ways as
only Germany knows how TO punish.
by dragging Holland into the strug-
Gle through invasion, the Germans
would be in better position to carry
out their thanking movements on the
western front by virtue of the use of
Naval movements also would be facili-
tated.
1t is but natural that Holland should
be the first nation to be struck in case
Germany carries out her policies in re-
gard to the northern countries.
This is a contingency which the allies
undoubtedly have considered. and that
they have counter measures in store is
extremely likely.
Norway, as stated is cordially hated
by the Germans because Norway, in
the German mind. is in sympathy with
the allies. Sweden has been aroused be-
cause of the German occupation of the
Aland Islands and the Germanic claim
to Spitzbergen through the agreement
effected with the Russians at BreSt-
Litovsk that this arctic region should
be dominated by the Germans. Sw eden
sees in these two actions peril for
Swedish interests. and the gradual
Germa niZation of the whole northern
peninsula Though Sweden as a neutral
may have favored Germany, Sweden is
expected to act in harmony with other
Scandinavian nations. Denmark in turn
undoubtedly will stand with Norway
and Sweden
The whole danger lies in Scandi-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-03-17
Taking Over of Shipping by Al
lies May Be German Excuse
for Aggression.
MlLlTARISTS HAVE EYED
NEUTRALS FOR LONG TIME
Allies Must Take Prompt Action
and Win Neutral
Confidence.
JAPAN AND THE FAR EAST
Possible to Do Much in Rehabilita-
ton of Russian Affairs-Delay in
Action Gives Germans More
Time to Garry Out Purposes.
BY OLIVER OWEN KUHN.

The grim specter Germanic lust
for world dominion casts its shad-
ow to the north. In the lar east
the kaiser and his war lords have
made progress in stamping every
thing Teusonic. Eyes now must
be directsd toward Scandinavian
countries and toward Holland.
Their peril is not chimerical, but
real. II the entente powers have
a far eastern problem they also
have a northern problem to solve,
one which may be far-reaching in
is evil effects unless determined
action is taken to prevent extern
sion of Germanic influence
through the medium of might.
A majority OF the most hideous
actions OF the central powers dur
ing the present war have been
hidden under the flinsiest of pre-
texts and excuses.
The German military regime is
eager to take steps in the north,
particularly in Holland. Any ex-
cuse will do. The neutrality OF
Denmark, Sweden. Norway and
Holland are in peril. The reason
is simple.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-03-17
Germany Sinks
Many Neutral Ships.

tionalities, in order to intimidate and
keep neutral tonnage in port. Norway
has been the chief sufferer. with Dem
mark a close second. Germany always
has given sugar-coated excuses for
these sinkings, and the Scandinavian
nations have only. offered formal pro-
tests, being deferred probably by par
ticularly advantageous economic and
commercial arrangements with Ger
many.
Germany also by intimidation has
tried TO keep neutral tonnage from al
lied charter Germany by the same pro-
cedure acts now, but Germany may
md that the Scandinavian neutralS, in
sore need of certain economic supplies
refuse longer to be intimidated On
the other hand, the Germans by their
well known methods of propaganda
may force the governments to capitu-
late to their demands. or at least make
a show of opposition to the allies. In
such resistance Germany could go to
thelr assistance But in such action
Germany would simply place her tenta-
cies about such portions of Scandinavia
and Holland as she desires and make
these countries absolutely subervient to
Teutonic wishes in other respects.
The latest development in the whole
situation is the decision of Great Brit
ain and the United States to seize all
Dutch shipping on March IS. if the 7Iol-
land government has not by that time
entered into an amicable agreement,
such as exists with NORWAY, for. the use
of neutral tonnage
There is a possibility that the Dutch,
always fearing Germanic anger IL they
voluntarily entered into such an agree
ment. deferred action until the allies
were forced to take some such step as
now is proposed by Great Britain and
the United States. In which case HoI-
land can say to Germany, I'VE were
powerless. You cannot blame u.s."
Germany Is greatly aroused over the
Holland development, and the press of
the natioar which Is guided in its opin.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-03-17
Certain Sections
Desired by Germany.

the German eye. Germany has wooed
Scandinavian favor. She has won it 10
a large extent, particularly in Sweden.
but her main ambitions, such as free
outlets on the North sea, with CONNER
cial bases, never have been realized
through this. Germany undoubtedly
will seek to make the present prevail
ing issues over the use of neutral ship
ping by the allies the preteXt for de-
rermined aggression to the north.
The situation, in nutshell, is this:
The allies proposed to the various Eu-
ropean neutrals who were clamoring
for food, made scarce by the entente
blockade of northern waters, that they
should receive stores from the United
States and other American countries if.
in turn, they consigned their shipping
to the entente powers, to be used in
the present great emergency, instead
of permitting the ships to lie idle in
ports
Norway entered into an agreement
with the United States Switzerland
also signed an economic agreement
with this country, though Switzerland
has no tonnage to offer. Negotiations
with Holland, which has more than
million available tons idle, have been
under way for several months, but the
German government has brought con-
slant threat against Holland 10 such
an extent that the Dutch government
has hesitated about entering into any
pact converting shipping to the allies,
fearing Germanic wrath.
beHitidEh, tHOuSn needing 1000 stores,
is in such close proximity to Germany
that she, too, has hesitated, though
DANISH ships continue on the high
seas in merchant service.
Sweden. admittedly pro-German
throughout the war. has been antago-
nized by the Teutons through the Ger
manic eastern policy, and, though
government and army may still lean
toward Berlin, the people are becoming
more and more pro-ally.
The economic aid promised by Amer
lea, coupled with the Germanic threat
10 cut off all food supplies should neu-
trail tonnage be turned to the allies
undoubtedly will further influence
Scandinavian opinion in favor of the
entente, which desires TO feed them.
The German purpose admittedly is to
make Scandinavia economically de-
pendent upon the central powers. Ger
many recognizes her opportunity to
force the issue. and may have homes
mat her threats will force the north
ern neutrals to her side. If these little
powers remain stubborn in their re-
fusal to act against the allies and per
NIT the entente to use their ships then
a display of Germanic military might
may be expected.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-03-17

The Germans have from the time the
submarine war started been ruthless in
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-03-17

The allies again are quibhiing. The
Germans are making progress in the