GERMANY.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 April 1916, Page 5

GERMANY.

.-w "WE'LL TEACH 'EM!" , SPEECH BY BETHMANN-HOLLWEG, SUBLIME BOMBAST. Received April 27, 8.25 p.m. London, April 6. Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg, in his most comprehensive speech since the war began, s aid he could not understand any intelligent man sharing the enemies' hope of starving Germany. The 1915 harvest was poor, yet she possesses excellent corn bread reserves, and the prospects' for next harvest are better than those for years past. England continues, despite American protest, to tighten the starvation blockade, contrary to international law. "We respect neutrals' legitimate interests," he continued, "but our right to take reprisals against our enemies must be acknowledged. The speeches of our enemies show no trace of readiness for peace. Mr. Asquith says that the complete and final destruction of Prussia's military power must be the first condition of peace negotiations, and our only reply to such, peace conditions is the sword. If our enemies want to continue killing men, and to continue the devastation of Kurope, then the blame is theirs. "Our aim is to unite and protect Germany so strongly that nobody will again be tempted to attempt to destroy us, and also to compel the world to recognise our right to free development. "We entered the war in self-defence. Things have since changed, but we cannot turn back now, and we will shatter the menace involved by the British threat of a lasting commercial war, The more violent the enemy's speeches become the harder will be our blows, and the situation is now in accordance with our expectations. "The Dardanelles campaign was a failure and our enemies declare that wc are nearing the end of our military strength. The battle of Verdun will teach them better, and we look to the future with full and growing confidence." Received April 7, 10.50 p.m. A SIGNIFICANT OMISSION. i It i s noteworthy that all references to the Flemish are deleted from the report of Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg's ! speech circulated in Belgium, and it is incidentally remarked that the speaker , stated that he had expressed readiness for peace negotiations on September 9, but the enemy declined. OUR "LUST OF POWER." Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg, continuing'his speech, said: "When our enemies speak of the destruction of Prussia's ' military power they mean that it is ' their wish to destroy a united and free : Germany, in order that we may again become helpless, as we were centuries 1 ago. We have exposed our neighbor's lust for power. Everywhere we see the enemy's brutal rage of annihilation and presumptions determination to cripple seventy million people. These threats will be shattered, but the enemy must not forget that the more violent their words the harder will be our blows."

THE FUTURE OF BELGIUM. Referring to Belgium, Si* wstf: "We will create effective guarantees that Belgium shall not be ft vsssa? of ftuwe. and Britain. Wo cannot hand over the long-oppressed Flemish nation to be made -French, but we will assure its sound development, on a basis of its mother tongue and characteristics. In the same manner Poland, which the Cossacks burnt and pillaged, will not be allowed to exist, neither shall we give up the regions in the West, where German blood has been shed, without a complete guarantee as to our future." A PEACE-LOVING NATION. Much of von Bethmann-Hollweg's speech was devoted to pleading that Germany was a peace-loving nation, and was not responsible for and did not desire the war. He added: "It is a silly calumny to say that after the war wc intend to rush America, conquer Canada, and acquire Brazil." He concluded amid general applause, Herr Liebknecht (the prominent Socialist) being shouted down. THE BLOOD LUST. "ALL WE CARE ABOUT." Received April 7, 8.40 p.m. Amsterdam, April 8. The Hamburger Nachrichten, commenting on the American inquiries about the Sussex, . and the Englishman, says: "Whether the vessels were torpedoed by a German submarine or not, who cares about such trifles in Germany? Ships belopging to and used by the enemy are destroyed, and that is all we care about."

GERMAN PLANS. POLAND A BUFFER. Copenhagen, April 6. Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg, in the Reichstag, said that Poland would be a buffer State against Russia, and Belgium would retain her independence, but tile French-speaking population would, not be allowed to oppress the Flemish, 'AN OPTIMISTIC VIEW. Time 3 and Sydney Sun Services. London, April 6. A letter written in Berlin last week has been published in The Times. It says: "While most people do not believe all they read in the German press, things are better than they are stated in England. There have been no disturbances except small butter riots. The police are very watchful. People are angry that good food is supplied to prisoners at Ruhleben and have threatened to attack the camp. The police have provided a machine-gun for its protection." The bride was gowned in nattier blue, With shoes and toque of "tango" hue; Tli e bridegroom, in a suit of brown, Looked quite the smartest "sport" in town. And while confetti filled the air, A tearful mater kissed the pair, And sobbed, "My love! be always sure To take your Woods' Peppermint Cure." Tastes differ, of course, but it is surprising how many people prefer "Desert Gold" to all other teas. Grocers sell it at Is Bd, Is lOd and %,