The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1918-05-17

German propaganda, though there was
doubt as to its motive. 1t was not
confirmed from any Russian source.
Possibly the Germans meant to use
the alleged revolt as an excuse for
selling Petrograd, a move they al
ready have threatened to make unless
the Russians agree to their outrageous
" unfair plan for the exchange Of
prisoners. According to this plan,
which Russia rejects, all German pris-
oners in good health are to be re-
turned, the unfit being kept In Rus
STA; and all unfit Russian prisoners
will be returned, the fit being retained
in Germany.
Another bit Of characteristic Ger
man Insolence cropped up last week,
when Berlin formally protested
against the action Of the allies in CIV
ing aid to the Red guard Of Finland,
because it interfered with the internal
life of Finland, though the Germans
themselves are helping the White
guard of the country with land and
sea forces. This combination has now
occupied Yiborg after severe fighting.
Ia
The Russian bolshevik government
is really preparing to re-enter the war
against the central powers, whose ag-
gressions have become intolerable.
The pan-executive council at Moscow
has adopted Trotzky's plan for uni
versal military training for all men
/ between the ages of eighteen and
forty and the CONSUMPTION Of all work
| ers and peasants. The best military
| experts have been recalled to the serY-
ice and the government expects to
have large and effective army with
in ten months.
War work In America is progressing
with unprecedented speed these days.
The third Liberty Loan campaign
closed on Saturday with the $1,000
100000 OF bonds heavily over-sub-
scribed. The most satisfactory fea-
lures Of this loan are the large num-
bers Of individual subscribers and the
fact that the country districts took
a portion Of the loan relatively much
larger than they did Of the previous
issues. AS the campaign neared its
end the enthusiasm became really ire
mendous. All classes Of the popula-
ton Joined in the work of selling the
bonds, and most substantial aid was
. I,rv% HI
diers and a group Of French BLUE
Devils" who came over from France
for the purpose.
The war department permitted 1t to
be known that 1t now plans to have
100000 men In France by July L,
and that considerably more than 500.
600 are already there. Secretary Ba-
ker says the army will be expanded
to 100000 men and then will be
made as much larger as is considered
necessary. The movement OF troops
across the Atlantic is so swift that the
training camps are being emptied, and
therefore the draft registrants are be-
ing called in increasing numbers. Sec.
rotary Daniels Is enthusiastic for an
army of unlimited size, and says If
there are not enough young men TO
whip Germany the age limit will be
changed and the older ones viii go.
The brigading of the Americans with
the British and French has greatly
expedited the placing Of the men on
the firing line, for now only so days
of training in France Is considered
necessary. ~
The senate grew impatient all Of
sudden last Tuesday and three bills
were introduced for expanding the
army. In the house Chairman Dent Of
the military affairs committee also In
troduced such bill. but he would
limit the size of the army to 100000
men. As usual. he Is not in accord
with the spirit OF the nation.
On Thursday Secretary Baker pre-,
scented the administrations program to
the house committee. 1t includes ex
penditures on the army aggregatins
$4,000. 100000 In the next fiscal year
manufacture Of artillery on a stu.
pendous scale; drafting Of at least
100000 additional registrants and as
many more as can be equipped and
transported to France.
"a
The overman coordination bfli vas
passed by the senate Monday by
vote OF SO to Is. and when it gets
through the house there win be little
in any way connected with the war
which the president win not be en-
powered to do. The measure gives
him dictatorial powers to reorgsnsze
bureaus and departments of the gov
eminent and to transfer goyerumsnf
functions at viii.