Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1918-02-14

pa!gn OF 1918 on the western front ap-
parentlyy within sight. military men
in Warrington examined with pro-
found tnteres, the situation created by
the signing Of a peace pact between
the central powers and the new uk-
ra1ne republic and the decision OF the
bolshev!k! Russian government to stop
fighting and demob!l!ze the army.
Their conclusions were not discour-
aging These events on their face
would appear to set free enormous
German forces FOR the impending bat
tie in the west and also to furnish new
sources OF food supply for the leu
tonic allies. but many factors detract
from the advantages the central pow
ers may derive.
One OF the threats against the west
ern front dwelt upon in public dis
cussion Is the fact that presumab bly,
l. 100000 prisoners OF war held in
Russia would be released TO strengthen
the German army. The fact Is said
TO be. however, that the great ma
joriiy OF the soldiers captured by the
Russians are Austrains. not available
for western front operations BY pres
ent indications.
There Is doubt here also az to the
extent to which the agricultural re-
sources OF the Ukraine or OF Russia
can be brought to the aid OF tho Ger
man people in the near future. Fail
ure Of the Russian transportation sys-
| tenn worked in Germany's interest In
undermining the fighting power Of the
Tho
now necessarily works against the cen
trail powers IN It's desire to get out
| food supplies.
Moreover, the best wheat regions
which may be opened to the German,
are in a remote section OF the Ukraine
and in such poor condition that The
agricultural system may have to bt
made over. n difficult process with The
confusion that prevails turnout the
region.
Decentralization Of the Russian arm,
will not mean that the Austro- Ger
man Bulgar forces on the frontiers car
be wholly withdrawn. There will b.
a constant threat OF renewed hostil!
ties and the Teutons must see to +
that ample force Is always at hand.
The fact. diplomatic observers ga,
Germany is confronted with the mos
difficult and unprecedented problem
she has met during the present wa
as result Of the declaration tina
Russia has abandoned host!lities with
out the signing OF peace treaty.
The refusal Of the Russians to sigr
any treaties alternating the Russian
western provinces, the diplomats poin
out. will leave the central power
without any legal claim to their pos
session. German and Austrian ten
ure will rest entirely upon the asser
ton OF force, without recognition 0
international law, and consequent!
must be subject to the decision O
whatever ro::: Ct tribune! a3a!iy &c
termines the basis Of general peace.
| Should Germany and Austria resolv
to refuse to recognize the bolshevik
decree as terminating the war withou
the confirmation Of that action by I
treaty In the usual form, their armie
would be in the position OF killing al
unresisting and unarmed people.
proceeding regarded here as certain t
cause trouble for tho Teutonic govern
ments with their people at home.
The United States never has recog
|nized the bolsheviki regime, and Rus
sias abandonment Of the war will no
alter existing relations. This wa
made clear at the state department
today. where 1t also was stated tina
the formal signing OF q peace treat
by the new government Of the Ukrain
could have no diplomatic effect 80 IA
as this government 10 concerned.