The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-02-14

the next harvest. II the present indi-
cations are n correct guide on allied
decision, steps will be taken to insure
control o. the execution OF the armistice
conditions and the supply OF foodstuffs
will be made entirely dependent upon
their observance.
La Libcrts tonight states that &c, 900
tons OF lard and pork, 250. 900 cases Of
condensed milk and 100000 tons Of
wheat flour should be sent to Germany
as soon as possible.
This will not make very good i'm
preston in France. many regions OF
which suffer from shortage OF food
and the whole population Is growing rest
less under the excessive cost of living
1t Is. however. recognized that supply
OF foodstuffs to Germany forms an ex-
cellent method OF enforcing the armistice
conditions
Cannot Dodge Responsibility.
As to the question of reparation steps
can be taken to prevent Germany from
shufrling out OF her responsibility in
this direction. How great Ia her liabil-
lily Ia shown in a sidelight thrown upon
the situation In northern France in the
course OF debate on traffic difficult
ties.
An Interesting account was given be-
TORE the Senate by tho Minister of
Transport, NJ. Claveile. OF difficulties
which the French administration faced
In restoring means of communication in
devastated districts of northern France.
The explanation was called forth by
the complaint OF the Senator for Nord
that returning inhabitants in his de-
partment could not get sufficient food
owing to the lack OF transport service
and the bad condition of railways and
roads.
M. Claveille's stand was that apart
from damage done TO railways and roads
there was a great shortage of rolling
stock aud still more of railway person
mel The STATS of the French railways
had decreased u per cent. during the
war. since II had not been possible TO
get recruits for them from usual sources.
Hundreds OF trains could not be run for
lack OF engine drivers and firemen, he
SAID; 40 per cent. of the permanent way
destroyed had been restored provision
ally. but the Germans had done their
work or demolition all too we'll The
very foundations of bridges had been
blown up. Twenty -eight thousand men
uiVar the direction of the Army En-
cheering Corps were working at relay
Ing lines until March l. when the French
''N'N taht oNtI lup tItiTc control or
French railways from the British and
American armies.
Transport situation Clears.
In regard to rolling stock, the s!tua-
ton was rapidly improving. he went on
Fhe French Government has taken over
contracts entered into by the Americans
FOR $4,000 trucks and were also buylng
5000 trucks and 10000 locomotives
which the Americans already had In
France. They were also negotiating
with the British Government for $50
locomotives and 10000 trucks which had
been imported for use OF the British
army. Minister NJ Claveille said he had
received from the Germans more than
400 locomotives and $4,000 truck.
which represented about half what was
due.
Regarding other means OF TRANSPORT
the Minister stated that $4,000 miles
OF roads required remaking. and for
this nearly ter and orc-ha.t million tons
OF material would he required There
were 1850 road bridges to be rebuilt
and sixty miles o. canals had been de-
stroyed including $50 bridges and ll5
locks, the speaker explained This
damage is, OF course but a small item
in the great liability Of Germany. but
the debate comes az a useful reminder
that the German plan for the destruc-
ton of French industrial and economic
equipment has been largely carried out
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