America

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 178, 6 January 1915, Page 5

America

"THE UiOPIA OF HELL" iSTROXf! INDICTMENT OF THE r v :7K!) ! TATES, "A CULT OF CONTEMPTIBLE COWARDICE." Washington, January 4. Mr Roosevelt, in an article appearing in the Independent, entitled "'Hie Utopia of Hell," states that, while a breach of an international agreement such as the invasion of Belgium 'is the gravest kind of wrong-doing, the Wilson Administration by its selfish indifference to a permanent and righteous peace, and by refusing the action necessary to clear America's spirits from the guilt of acquiescence therein, has committed a much worse crime. If Mr Roosevelt had known when signing the Hague Convention that it was merely

a pious wish, not intended to be observed, he would never have been a party to such mischief. The United States, owing to Mr Wilson's action, was maintaining an ignoble peace and regarding with indifference tlis frightful ravages against an unoffending country which it had sworn to preserve inviolate. Such a cult of cowardice was utterly contemptible.

| RE-PATRIATION OF GERMANS, BIG CONSPIRACY IN AMERICA. HIGH GERMAN OFFICIAL IMPLICATED. THE CONTRABAND QUESTION. New York, January 4. Altogether eleven arrests were made on tlic steamer Bergensjord. The five miles' limit had just been reached when secret service officers pursued and overtook the steamer. A number of German officers had previously escaped in a similar manner. A big organisation lias been unearthed to repatriate 1000 officers. The North German Lloyd and Hamburg-America officials are concerned in it.

There arc indications that thirty Germans reservists and German Americans will be prosecuted for the fraudulent passport conspiracy. The ramifications are so widespread and the diplomatic situation so delicate that Mr Wilson is directing secret service investigations. The Herald hints that a high German official will be asked to explain his connection with the conspiracy. The inquiry is proceeding slowly and 110 definite ijtep will be taken until every detail of the plot, has been ascertained. The Herald adds: "It is doubtful whether its full extent will be revealed until the end of the war." Washington, January 4. German and other delegations appeared before the House Foreign Relations Committee to urge the prohibition of war supplies to Europe, 011 the ground that Germany's enemies alone were benefiting, owing to the power of the British fleet. London, January 4. Renter's Washington correspondent states that Britain has informed America that turpentine and resin shipped before Britain declared them contraband will be paid for if seized, also copper shipped before it was declared contraband has been paid for or released. No cargoes bound for Italy have been detained at Gibraltar since December 4.

New York, January 4.

A recrudescence of peace talk in financial circles is based 011 the correspondence and admissions of German financiers that the ruling powers in Germany know that it is impossible for Germany to conquer. One of the German shipping companies has informed clients that it will resume sailings in the spring.

THE SHIP PURCHASE BILL. STRENUOUS DEBATE IN THE SENATE. Received 5, S.oO p.m. Washington, January 5. The Ship Purchase Bill before the Senate was made strictly a party measure. Senator Lodge described it aj thoroughly vicious, economically anf politically, and the grossest kind of sub sidy. Senator Root opposed it 011 the ground of the possibility of the Government's good faith being questioned r.hould it be. discovered that any goods Were con-u-yed and destined for belligerents. Ileuter adds that it is understood that Great Britain will give assurances.that she will not interfere with copper shipments to Italy if consigned to wellknown firms in Italian ships; and similarly with regard to shipments to Sweden and Holland, but the position is not clear whether the cargoes must be in Swedish or .Dutch ships.

JiRITAIN STEERS A MIDDLE COURSE. ONLY CERTAIN CONCESSIONS GRANTED. HOW Til R PRESIDENT'S HAND WAS FORCED. The Daily Telegraph's Washington correspondent states that Mr. Page informed President Yi'ilseii that Britain's reply would be satisfactory to tile President. Some concessions would be made, but others refused. Tlie correspondent further states that beef and cotton shippers, and not the German-Americans, were responsible for President Wilson's action. Southern cotton-growers are in a bad way, aud their irritation and influence counted with President Wilson.

WHAT IT COSTS AMERICA. Received 5, 11.30 p.m. New York, January 5. The Rubber Club asserts that the Bntisli embargo is costing the industry about a quarter of a million dollars daily, and lias raised tin; price to !>0 cents a pound, whilst it threatens to v M.V. hwr.rkcr.-'.. kxk. Kitx Xew Yorl:, Janiu.i'y 5. The Archbishops of New York, Baltimore, and Boston approached President Wilson, urging him to send a special mission to the Vatican, similar to Great Britain's.