The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1918-02-22
JAPAN's SHIPS ARE NEEDED.

JAZZ AIN - 0I1AI -
It is becoming apparent that the United
Estates will offer anything within reason for
Japanese ships. The government must get as
many vessels as possible from every available
source of supply, and Japan now seems ready
to exchange ship tonnage for ship steel. Prob
ably there is no disposition on either side to
drive a hard bargain, but if there Were the
advantage would be with Japan. Without the
least exhibition of unfriendly feeling, the Jap
anese government let it be known that 1t dls-
approved the Washington administratlon's
lcourse in holding up export licenses for ship
plates intended for Japan. The japanese yards
were well equipped, there was an ample supply
of skilled workmen, and every days delay IN
shipments from this country meant loss to
japanese shipbuilding interests, which had to-
close some of their plants because they were
unable to get steel. The situation became SO
serious that it was taken up by a japanese
commission which came to this country several
months ago, and negotiations are still under
way between the two governments.
Japan, while willing to pay well for ship
plates. has been unwilling to part with all the
ships that would be required in exchange, and
has suggested other compensations. But the
United States has raised it's bid, and there IS
a fair prospect that the governments will come
to terms. Apparently the only difference now
is over the rate of exchange. Both nations
can afford to be liberal in the matter. 1t has
been said on good authority that we can spare
the steel now needed in Japanese yards. Ger
taink japan need not hesitate to let US have
many of her ships, when she can get as much
American steel as may be required to complete
Iher building program. Delay in reaching a
complete agreement means waste, tor all the
iships Japan can build will be required.
The Red Cross representatives at the war
camps inform the country that a half million
men have been supplied with sweaters but that
as many more are still in need OF them, and
that knitting should go. on. In spite OF all IN
situations to the contrary and the tales clrcu-
lated by people who wish to believe them and
to have them believed, every article knitted by
our patriotic women goes to some man IN the
service who lacks it and needs it. No soldier
gets two Of them; no man other than a soldier
or sailor gets one; and no one in official Wash
ington any longer disparages the work the
patriotic knitters of the land are doing and the
usefulness of the garments they produce.
Count Seebach, of Berlin, says: 1t is useless
to trv to win the Americans by civilities and
sentimentalities.' AS, for instance, the sink
ing of the Lusitania, of hospital ships and the
putting of American prisoners in cages.
German forces preparing to again raid Rus
sia'' says press dispatches. That Red army
of Lenine and Trotsky may have a real JOB on
its hands after all.
It seems strange that anyone should believe
that our air plans lag. We have a large supply
of both air and plans.
Germany is using her potatoes to make alco-
hol for war purposes. That is tough on the
iPrussian diet.