Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-02-14
Why the German Boosting?

An ASSOCldtSO I-TGSS OlSpdICIl 1IOul
the British army front says that the
tension all along the war front is in
creasing. Mighty forces are facing
each other. like duellists watching for
the first move.
Germany has advertised to the world
great offensive" The German
commander has boosted for world con-
sumption that he will be in Paris by
April /. The Kaiser talks at home tor
the international ear of surprise that
will win the war for Germany and give
Prussianism control of the earth. The
allies are saying little but it must not
be concluded that the winter months
OF comparative inactivity have been
wasted Perhaps their silence has
rasped the German nerve into the
boasting attitude, for Just now the war
masters stand before the world much
as the Wild West bad man" used to
assume to own a town. His bluff was
usually called by a quiet sheriff.
The massing of forces from the
Channel to Switzerland is portentous-
but why all this German blowing of the
horn? Military successes are usually
in the nature of unexpected drives or
tactical surprises. Is Hindenburg about
to execute another OF his tactical
tz, % oivh a.,
the German advertising a bluff to hold
the allies to unusual war preparation
while Germany is preparing to meet
the Industrial shock that an end o,
hostilities is sure to bring?
In considering such supposition we
must first assume that the war masters
have mistaken the peace talk in Wash
ington and London for desire for
peace on the part Of the allies that will
jump at any concession that might be
offered from Berlin. We must also
consider Germany as playing the role
OF conqueror in Eastern Europe and
helping herself to large slices Of Rus
STA to satisfy the public demand for
war returns. while holding her enemies
up to the very chasm of industrial
decentralization to instantly follow in
the wake Of war.
On such premise we might build a
suspicion of German bluff, to end in
sudden submission to the dictates
human pity for bereaved citizenry," a
magnanimous (?) offer to restore
Belgium, leave the future of A,sace-
Lorraine 10 pleh.eCite of the people
thereAf' and other like generous offers
IN Western Europe, Perhaps the war
rds believe the allies would accept
offensive" after the strain of a few
weeks OF German brag. If Germany, in
Offering peace should play well the part
Of readiness to demilitarize herself
with all the powers) and be good"
for ever after.
In Russia that Is political
derelict, hungry, war-weary, ragged
and stumbling. disillusioned helpless
babbling mass of dozen rationale
ties. speaking a dozen tongues, almost
beyond the possibility OF federation
Germany has field for her unemployed
when war work is done when millions
look for industrial life giving.
After the Civil War we turned to the
undeveloped West. British and French
capital poured In. There was no fear
of socialistic interference with invest
ment. The government had never
thought Of taking the place of demand
and supply. Commercial enterprise
WAS confident and dominant. Raw
material was abundant. Result,
progress and prosperity beyond wild
dreams.
Today We face a cruel fox who has
dug hole and surveyed a hunting
ground to the East and North. He
defies the hound at his door--but will
he fight as he snaris and advertises?