PRESS AND PUBLIC OPINION

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2998, 8 February 1917, Page 5

PRESS AND PUBLIC OPINION

THE NKUTRALS' DANGER London, February 6'I hough officially Germany alludes regretfully to the, rupture with America, and suggests that there has been a misunderstanding, it is pointed out here that this tono is apparently addressed to the neutrals nearer home. Germany seems to have another semi-official voice for America, full of deHanoc. This is revealed in the dispatehes of Berlin correspondents to New York. | News from Rotterdam states that the Germans are confident that the blockado will substantially improve Germany's position in North-Western Europe, because it will compel a greater exchange of trade between Scandinavia and Germany. The German Government is already officially dangling the bait of increased exports of German iron and <;oal in return for a monopoly of the food business. A few German nowspapers address lengthy homilies to tbe Scandinavian countries on'the insolence of President Wilson's invitation to follow bis lead. Holland Too Near the Huns. The Butch papers do not attempt to disguise the difficulty of Holland's position. They recognise that Mr. Wilson's invitation deserves sympathy in view of Holland's injuries, but frankly call attention to the fundamental geographical distinction between Holland and America. The newspapers, otherwise divergent in their war views, agree with striking unanimity on the danger of a weak Holland breaking oft' relations with her powerful neighbour and of mighty America doing so on the other side of the Atlantic. The "Handelsblad" crystallises the outlook of the Dutch l'ress, remarking that it does not want to make the Kaiser's heart hleed for tho poor Dutch as it bled for the toor Uelgiaus. Oerman Press Finds its Voice. } The German Press has found ibu voice. The striking similarity of the comments suggests that it has been awaiting official inspiration. The papers profess to regard President Wilson's actions with equanimity, and even with relief, because it entirely frees Germany's hands, which hare hitherto been fettered by scrupulous regard for America's interests. Such a.rupture lias long been regarded as a possibility, and it can be faced with composure, at a time when tho Emperor and von lliudenburg have announced that the military situation justifies Germany in undertaking ruthless undersea warfare, regardless of consequences. Somo newspapers profess to welcome fresh enemies, as giving opportunities for further; victories and proofs of Germany's invincibility, whilo facing a world of enemies. Many indulge in. sneers and abuse of Mr. Wilson. Russian Opinion. ' A message from Petrograd says:, "Tbe Press hopes it is possiblo that American intervention will not bo permitted in the least to interfere with tho Allies' determination, to punish Germany to the utmost."—Aus.-N.Z. Gablo Assih THE "HUNGRY" WHINE. (lice. Febrmi'iy 7, 0.30 p.m.) Amsterdam, February G. The most interesting comment in tho Germau Press is contained' in tho columns of tho "Vbnvaerts," which says: "Germany cannot give in. Germany is hungry. President Wilson Hcqms to us to he a rich landlord wlio is interfering with a hungry poordwil who gets into trouble with the police for trying to got the fond required for tlin preservation of his lil'o."—The "Times."

CHILIAN' PRESS PRO-AILELUGAN. (lico. February 7, 8.41) p.m.) London, February G. Tlio Chilian Press supports President AYilson's attitude.—Tho "Timus."