The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-03-29
DISPUTES PAUSE!
Battle Gains Political fractional
Quarrels in England.
All Realize Fate of Empire
Rests on Clash of Arms.
pAnICIcT TurnpIcTe TAIWIee
PACIFIST THEORISTS TALKLESS
Are MILITARY SideShOWS" il
Distant Fields a Mistake!
Exaggerated Reports of Ameri-
cans i'm France Are Current.

London, Thursday, March 2S--The
battle for which no one attempts to
give a name because it is a scale too
great for any geographical designa-
ton began one week ago this morn
ing. To say that it has been week
of the greatest strain and stress that
the British people has ever known
would be to make futile understate-
ment. The fate of England, indeed
of the whole British empire. has been
committed to the test of one clash of
arms Every one has realized this
to teh depth of his mind. The ankle
ty in the rural districts has been even
keener than in the cities where the
furnished the public with food for
discussion and speculation.
Hearts With Soldiers in France.
The most impressive effect of the
crisis has been the sweeping aside of
all political fractional disputes. To-day
there is only the united nation whose
hearts with the soldiers in France
Before the progress of the war had
come to the level where discussion of
policies and personality were con-
Stunning a considerable part of the
peoples attention and particularly the
attention of politicians Today the
pacifist journals have fallen into line
with the others. They have dropped
their criticisms Of the management OF
the war and ceased to talk of peace by
negotiations.
There are a few suggestions that the
policy of Notwithstanding diver
sions of military strength to distant
fields like Mesopotamia and SalonIki
have proven mistakes Regrets are
expressed that these forces are not
in France. There are feelings in some
quarters that Gen. Sir William r.
Robertson. chief of the eastern com
mand, whom many believe is the
country's ablest organizing general,
ought rather to be at the helm.
Lament Irish Dcbacle.
There are reminders also that Red
mond and Dillon might have brought
all the manhood of Ireland into the
fighting ranks had they been listened
to. But the general feeling is that
the errors of the past should be for
gotten and that the shoulders of all
should be put to this days work in
solar it can be done.
An unknown factor in the battle to-
ward which the English people are
eagerly looking is the American army
in France. Where are the Ameri-
cans?" When are they coming in"
are questions being asked everywhere.
All the Americans in London are being
asked by their English friends for an
swers to these queries. America has.
been depended upon to fill the gap
left by Russia. The popular belief re-
garding the number of American
troops in France probably is greatly
exaggerated. Many believe there are
a million or even two million Amer
leans already on the European side
of the ocean and the actual weight of
American support is likely to prove
sharp disappointment.
Faith in Official Reports
Some criticisms that the British
official reports are lacking in details
meet little sympathy. The answer is
given that Field Marshal Haig has
problems to deal with which are far
more important than writing reports
and that even the preparation of mes
sages of cheer and encoura cement
would be an unnecessary intrusion
upon his time. The British people are
patient. They are willing to wait for
the news; they know that their casual
ties must be appalling as compared to
all previous wars, but they willingly
consent to delay in the receipt of these
lists.
BlameS Germany for War.
One historical event which would be
of absorbing public interest in other
circumstances has been the publica-
ton of the revelations of Prince
Lichnowsky, German amba dor at
London at the outbreak of the war.
These are accepted here fixing be-
yond dispute responsibility for the
war. He gives minute details regard
ing Anglo-German relations during his
two years of tenure in office before
the war and confirms in almost every
particular the British version of
events. I'VE deliberately destroyed
the possibility of peaceful settle
ment," he says. I'VE pressed for
war
We insisted upon war" are some
of his statements after narrating Sir
Edward Greys efforts to maintain
peace and to find liveable basis for
getting along with Germany He ex-
claims. This is the man who is called
the liar Grey and Originator of the
world war -
Lichnowsky confirms beliefs that
the Austrians felt relieved over the
death of Archduke Ferdinand, and
that the emperor's yachting trip to
Norway was part of the scheme.
A Syracuse. n. Y. woman has sued a
nei srhhor for 500 dana yes for alternating