Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-01-19
M|L|TAR|sM'S IRON GRIP
Restraints PEACE PARTY.
Germans Anxious for Wars End, but
Still Cling to Desire for Die
tatinS Victory.
DISEASES MAKING INHoADs
Decreasing Birth Rate Causes Alarm
rs People Die in Battle and From
Food Shortage - Outbreaks Indi-
cate Trend OF National Thought.
lee Associ.tch prca..1

l. BY Associated Pie3s.1
LONDON, January ls.--Tho political
situation in Germany and the relations
with Russia continue 70 10 agitated
in the German press, although there
appear TO have been no fresh develop
ments of special significance. An ar
tiele quoted from German newspapers
received by way Of Switzerland gives
an idea OF the trend OF feeling in rcla-
zion to these questions. The Frank
furtcr ZeitunE warns i,s readers
against undue optimism in regard to
tho negotiations with the Russians.
whom it accuses OF a,tcnptinGs 70
hinder tho proceedings both at Brest
Ltovsk and at Petrcsrad. for their
owu interests.
The Folksstemme. OF Mannheim.
Socialist paper. says that serious popu-
lar demonstrations against the German
Anne1ationist policy occurred at Buda-
nest and other towns In Hungary and
Austria after Chancellor Won iiertiins
made his statement in the ReichstaS.
These outbreaks. the newspaper adds
are symptomatio OF what might hap
pen in the dual monarchy IL tho ncgo-
ttaAions should be broken oil on &C
count OF tho German policy.
Reports continue to be heard OF the
hruAkinE-up OF meetings arranged by
cha annerationist Fatheriand party,
bat 1t Ia difficult TO ascertain to what
extent tht, movement has been car
rtcd
rhs Dentscho Tases ZeitunE pub
Ihhes reports showing that. in con-
sequences OF the shortage OF fodder.
too lightweight OF cattle sent TO the
Berlin CarkS IS only cne-half the
FORMAL. and that large numbers Of
rntlk covB must be slaughtered 10
provido the prescribed meat ra,!ons.
KEpCCE PASSENGER TRAFFIC.
TO MOVE TROOPS SUDDENLY
A telegram from Rotterdam say.
that beginning to-day. all railroad
passenger traffic in Germany Is being
reduced 60 per cent. The published
explanation is that foodstuns and other
Reods which have accumulated at Ger
tain centera must be distributed
Correspondents who send the reports
10 London say. however. that there IS
every reason 10 believe the transfer
Of troops 10 the western front is tho
real reason. addin. II is reported these
troops are to be moved suddenly for
concentrated offensive.
Tho Times publishes a loag report,
attributed TO a neutral. who has made
en- extended stay in Germany. d.
scribinG internal conditions. II does
not differ TO an importan' cxtcn: from
similar reports III the past. Tho writer
rciicratc# that the effects OF the food
shortage nrc severe, especially among
tho children. who everywhere show
sisna OF UNDERGOING. II is apparen:
ihat tuberculosis IS working havoc
especially among the Young. while con-
tsEioua Gyscntcry, which was SORT
GUS scourse in the summer. has not
ceased with the arrival OF winter
u Is attributable 10 bad FOOD
The decline IN the birth rate. this
observer continues. is causing Srea,
anxiety. especially in view OF IN. loss
of life in tho way and the spread OF
cissss.. &c shortage o. coal in Berlin
ia another source or trouble. After
enun Grating tho difficulties, the corrc-
spondent writes:
Nothing but tho iron grip OF Prus-
sicn '!l,aris!n restrair~ the nation
from making more pronounced ad-
rances to It's adversaries than any
which havo yet been made. Tho Ger
mans are longing for peace, but they
want peace with victory. They no
longer abuse their enemies, as in the
carly days OF the war. Doubtless the
shortage OF supplies has much TO do
with the change n ,ucp'nl