The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1918-04-04
UNITED STATES WILL
FIGHT; NOT ARGUE
Continued frQIc page II

Am1ens represents a great triumph
for the German militaristic machine,
Count Czernin cannot see it. All he
wants is a defensive peace; and this
is the limit of his ambition, because
he knows no other is possible.
Count Czernin is a very shrewd OBJ
server. He is also determined that
IAustria4Hungary shall not lose her
future world position through cling
ing to the chariots OF the German war
lords. His newest peace speech Is
the most damaging comment on Ger
many's latest offensive that has been
made since 1t became evident that
the offensive had failed to put the
Anglo!French armies out OF the war.
Paddock on Harbors.
WASHINGTON, April 4. - The
United States, following the lead CT
England, is prepared to lock her har-
bors against trade which serves no
war purpose.
Combing the worlds ports for add
ed shipping. and putting her last
sinew into shi pbuilding, this coun-
try is mapping hitherto undreamed
Of restrictions against non-essenual
commerce, both import and export.
| In the work, the British govern
ment, which already has cut England
| to the bone on non-war trade, is
| lending valuable aid, it became known
| today.
| Early measures may be expected
releasing for troop transport and sup
| ply service more than five million
annual tons Of shipping now engaged
in importation of articles never con-
| sumed in this country, but held here
only to be re-exported. Such Juggling
with the tonnage which now means
everything to the allies, can no long
er be tolerated, government officials
here feel.
| Universal stoppage of luxury
shipments also will come in the very
near future, 1t is indicated. The
war trade board, following its re-
cent restrictions on eighty-two non
essential articles, is known to be
preparing further lists.
| With the west front struggle
Swinging in the balance and manpow-
er likely to turn the ultimate balance.
President Wilson and his advisers
have reached this viewpoint, long
since forced on the other allies.
| Success of the allied cause now
depends on the shipping it can put
and keep on the sea lanes leading to
the battle lines.
The American people shall be well
fed, well clothed and well cared for
in ali essential requirements, but the
time for enjoyment Of Injuries or
peace time comforts from abroad is
passing.
Still further tonnage is expected to
be acquired shortly from neutral
and passively belligerent nations.
British representatives here are urg-
| ing the government to give greater
attention to South American and far
eastern trade. Negotiations are al
ready in progress with Brazil and
Uruguay for utilization of a number
| of German vessels interned in their
ports.
The China trade is counted on for
considerable addition when $50
small motor driven ships, soon to be
launched from American Pacific
ports. take over part of that COM
merce.
Meanwhile the last sinew is being
put to ship construction in this
country.
No further ships will be built Of
less than 5000 tons carrying capacity.
Concrete construction has now vir-
tually been decided on ON a large
scale. following successful tests on