The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-08-15
President Makes Sudden Trip to
See Colonel House.
Follows Long Conference With
Secretary Lansing.
MANY BIG PROBLEMS ON HAND
Mexican, Russian and Bulgar-
ian Pots Boiling.
Prompt and Decisive Action
Soon May Be Necessary.


Washington, Aug. 15.-Without the
necessary tangible evidence for con-
viction there nevertheless was a dis
tinct feeling in official quarters here
today that diplomatic events OF first
magnitude are brewing.
President Wilson, after a long con-
ference with Secretary of State Lans-
ing Yesterday afternoon, suddenly de-
cided to visit his personal friend and
confidential adviser, Col. E. NJ House,
at Magnolia, Mass. He left last even
ing on a special train and is there to-
day.
1t was officially stated the presi-
dent was off for rest" at the same
time there have been most significant
and in some cases extremely deli
cate international problems breaking
out on the world situation during the
last week, any one of which might
prove a poser for the United States
at this time. They include:
The threat of Mexico to practi-
calIy double her tax on oil and enforce
other measures against foreign oil in
terests there despite objections from
Great Britain and the United States.
2-The distinctly hostile attitude of
the BolsheViki leaders in Russia to the
allies, their arrest of allied consuls
and vigorous hostilities against the
Czecho-S lovaks' troops in Siberia.
3-The- increasing gap between
Bulgaria and her Teuton allies and
the growing possibility of an armistice
between that nation and her enemies.
Were it not for this chain of cir
cumstances, coupled with the extend
ed conference the president had with
Lansing before leaving and the sud
denness of the trip, it might well be
and possibly is true, that the visit to
Colonel House is merely for rest.
With him are Mrs Wilson and DR..
Carey T. Grayson, his private physi-
clan.
Diplomatic Developments Likely
Regarding the possibility of diplo-
matte developments. however, there is
much to be said.
Foreign oil producers in Mexico de-
clare that the governments proposed
steps, expected to become effective
within a few days, amount to confis-
cation and will endanger the supply
of oil upon which allied naval forces
are dependent. Tampico wells are be-
ing literally drawn on for this pur-
pose altho oil experts here say that the
vast natural supply, of that region is
barely tapped.
Mexico Holds Up Allies.
Mexico has seized the chance to fill
her Golfers with revenue from oil. The
fact that it is one of the war neces-
stiles makes it an ideal subject of
heavy excise by the Mexican govern
ment
Mexico is understood to have in
formed Great Britain, upon the latter's
protest of Carranza's proposed action
that she will permit no diplomatic. in
reference in this question The note
is taken to be a broad hint to the
United States also not to interfere.
American interests have already regis
tered protest and representatives have
been negotiating with the Mexican
government for some time.
Russian Affairs Critical
Passing to Russia, Bolsheviki out
RACES against allied representatives in
Moscow, have astounded official Wash
ington.
Arrest of British and French con-
sular stats at Moscow and invasion of
the consuIates, is reported in official
cables to the state department.
American affairs there have been
turned over to the Swedish consulate.
Altho no Americans have been
seized, according to latest reports,
British and French citizens have been
imprisoned.
The BoIsheviki announced they
would hold these as hostages because
of the attack on the Soviet govern
ment by the landing of British and
French troops at Archangel
Germany is working under cover of
the disorder to tighten her grip on af-
fairs in Russia. She is conscripting
Russian men, according to unofficial
Is
them with German and Hungarian
soldiers.
Bulgarian Friction Grows.
Bulgaria, meantime, is growing
holder in her denunciation of Ger
many and Turkey.
Her bitter resentment against Tur-
key and Germany over territorial dis
putes has almC~t completely undeR
mined her morale as far as aggressive
fighting for the central powers is con-
cerned.
Warm words against German and
Turkish statesmen are freely expressed
at public meetings on TIE streets of
Bulgarian cities and in the press, ac-
cording to advices received in entente
diplomatic quarters.
Turkey wants to recover territory
coded to Bulgaria in 1913, which in
cludes the fertile Martha valley. She
also wants Dobrudja in payment for
her part in the Balkan campaign.
Bulgaria is replying that only per
cent of the troops in this fighting were
Turkish and refuses to consider her
claim to compensation.
Bulgars Hate Turks.
Bulgaria. altho allied with Turkey.
still retains her former animosity and
hatred toward the Turks, who in CEN
turtles past. have massacred and OPP
pressed the Bulgars. Any aspirations
on the part of Turkey are met with
apprehension by the Bulgars-
The stronger the Turks become, the
more disagreeable they are to u.s.
leading Sofia organ declared. The
question assumes even a worse char
acter thru the attitude which our al
lies, the Germans, have taken" the
Journal adds. in commenting on Ger
manys leaning toward the Turks in
the dispute.
Other press eoplnent received in
official quarters here indicates the en-
tire Bulgarian nation is becoming
aroused and unified against her own
allies.