Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-01-22
Austria the Cats Paw.

There Is no question that Austria
long ago realized she was but pulling
the chestnuts from the fire for the
Prussian war masters, but her course
was directed by the fears of the Haps-
uurg dynasty rather than by the sore
needs of the people Of the empire.
Six months ago the people of Austria :
Hungary were ripe for any reasonable
approach by the diplomats of the al
lies. y very little Of the subtle policy
practiced by Germany in Russia-or in
any other country of the world for the
matter of that-would have turned the
trick in Austria long ago. SO desper-
ate had become the situation as early
as last August. that Germany saw
something must be done; hence the
drive into Russia, for its effect at home
and in Austria. quickly followed by the
treacherous cunning and smashing
blow dealt Italy.
some of the war students, and ought
10 have been foreseen by the allied
in Austria. The Austrian forces were
heartened and even the emperor and
his consort were pacified and cncour
aged. although they had declared that
the forces OF Austria Hungary should
not go into the winter trenches for the
fourth season of cold and suffering.
The effect has held until recently,
when the Austrian forces now en-
trapped beyond the Alps, short of sup
plies Of food and munitions, pitifuuy
short Of medicines and nurses and
medical attendance, deserted largely by
the German officers. and Shocked
troops cent from Germany to hurl
bacl. the Italians from Austrian soil
when they consider their own critical
situation they are beginning to under
stand that they have been used once
more Iul u cats paw.
Making tull allowance for an the ex
aGgerat!ons that hope ana q desire to
encourage the allies has added to the
news, there is no question that condi-
tons have reached a crisis in Austria.
There comes a time when humanity
can stand no more. when the SavS
may feel that il is as well to be slain
by his master as to Starve in his
service. and there Austria Hungary
stands today. The Austrian govern
ment is as we'll aware of the world
hatred of Germany as arc the govern
ments at Washington. London or Paris
Throughout Austria the hatred fol-
Germany which has always been held
10y large percentage of the popula =
lion. has increased to fanaticisIn. II
has been held in check by the ruling
classes as much as possible, because
as We said before. of the fear Of the
hand of the war masters in Germany
Yet the nationalistic revolt of the
present moment is without doubt find
ing less resistance, and perhaps even
secret encouragement from the rul,ns
classes.
\ little fuel carefully added by the
allies at this time would spread a con-
iagration which might entirely change
The present plans and buncombe now
given off at Potsdam. The disconten,
is bound to spread as hunger and cold
increase, and it will require something
more than the kaiser's soft soap OF
threats from the mailed fist to hold
Austria to the Prussian war biddins
much longer.
AS much as eight months ago, We
urged our readers to look to Austria
and TO developments there, for the
ending OF the war. While we felt tina
America must prepare with all speed
and without regard to cost. We wer.
fully convinced at that time that Ger
many would bring the hostilities to
close before any large force of Ameri
cans could be brought to face her
We felt that Austrias awakening t
true conditions must figure largely II
he closing. but we were convinced
then as now, that Germany will, Will,
INDUCING in her national game O.
hluff, see to 1t that the war is no
ended by great military victory OF
the part Of the allies which she mus
expect il large force Of American!
are cast into the fray at time wher
the forces OF all the European fighter.
are wearied with war. and On the oe
cline in numbers. physical force ant
hope. And Austria. too. realizes tn,
meaning of Americas weight when sh,
is already breaking under the strain o.
hunger. war-weariness, and discon'
tent that presages dynastic overthrow
The President Is urging the passage