The Washington herald., 1918-02-01
SAMMIES TAKE CHARGE OF FIRST
Line TRENCH IN FRENCH SECTOR:
U.S.. HAS WEAPON TO COMBAT SUB
Allied Aim
Proclaimed
By Wilson

AASSAuShe "ASOh gcSNclOdg pIO-
claimed it the common purpose of
America and the allies to win the war
this year, saying:
The eliminating crisis of the
struggle has come. The achieve
Ipents of this year must deter
mine this issue.N
Every man In every business in
the United States must know by
this time that his whole future
fortune lies in the balance. Our
national life and our whole eco
nomic development will come un-
der the sinister influences of for
eign control if We do not win.
We must win, therefore. and we
shall win.
THE statement was made in a letter
ton farmers conference in session at
Urbana, Ill.
Secrecy Lid Lifted
On the heels Of it the lid of secrecy
was lifted from the following impor-
tant developments In American prep
arations for the supreme struggle:
!. Secretary of War Baker an
nounced that American forces have
taken over a part of the line in France
and are now definitely in action
.. Secretary of the Navy Daniels
announced that the Navy Department
has let an enormous contract to
Henry Ford for the immediate con-
struction of a large feet OF new type
submarine destroyers to be ready for
action by early summer,
Before Another Winter.
The President, it IS declared, sees
every promise that the war can be
brought to a successful close this
year. and before another winter
comes. if all concerned put their
shoulders to the wheel
He has been at last convinced.
moreover, that the administration
has been pursuing a wrong course
in not allowing more news to reach
the public concerning what the war
machinery of the nation is doing.
Today orders went forward from
the White House to lift the lid Of
secrecy to the fullest extent COM
patible with the necessity of keep
ing vital military information from
the enemy.
Confirmation received at the State
Department of reports of the mann
mouth strike in Germany had not the
slightest effect upon the war machin-
cry, but officials were deeply i'm
pressed.
senate shows Interest.
The Senate. sensing again a prospect
that the undercurrents in Germany
may soon force the hand OF the Prus-
u. =. A.
bate. urging the necessity of a con-
stant reiteration of American war
aims.
Resolutions introduced by Senator
Borah. of Idaho, Republican. and Sem
ator Owen. of Oklahoma, Democrat.
dwelt upon the expediency Of a per
sistent propaganda to keep before the
German and Austrian populations the
contrast between the principles of
peace laid down by President Wilson
and the aims of conquest sought by
the Kaiser.
President Wilson. his advisers de-
clare, is lewing 20 the line that Amer
ica and :he allies must not for a mo-
ment be diverted from the task at
hand by peace moves firm the central
powers that are without the substance
of popular support and adequate
guarantees.
Germany Watched Closely.
How genuine and widespread is
the strike in Germany is a matter
about which the President and his
advisers are inquiring closely.
Every appeal of the President in
his statements of war aims has been
to the consciousness of the German
people, and it is upon that con-
sciousness. it is declared, that he
still relies for a finally acceptable
statement of German terms.
Yesterdays address to the farm
ers' conference at Urbsna is in it.
self looked upon as carrying an ap-
peal to the German people. Sum-
med up, much of it, advisers of the
President declared, is by way of
notice to the German people of the
utter futility of hoping, as German
war lords would have them hope.
that America and the allies. with
the enormous food resources of this
country, can be starved out before
Germany is reduced to her last
crust.