UNITED STATES.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 February 1917, Page 5

UNITED STATES.

COUNT BERNSTORFF INTER- I VIEWED. THE WAR AND RELIGION. HIGH COST OF LIVING. Now York, February 23. The New York editor of 'Pearson's Magazine had a remarkable interview with Count Jiernstorff. The Ambassador said: "My Government told me not to admit tile sinking of the Liiaitunia wiU- illegal. Mr. Wilson insisted it was illegal, and I left the White House feeling that war was inevitable, but returned and begged Mr. Wilson, as man to man, not to give up the position of arbiter between the warring nations." Count BernstoTfl himself did not approve of the morality of sinking the Lusitania. The announcement of intensified submarining was a blow to the Ambassador, who feels that tho work of years is ruined, and by Germany,. Asked as to his plans, the Countess interjected: "I want him chosen for Paris." Count Bernstorff said it would be a superhuman task winning back French friendship. The interviewer: "Why not give back tho French provinces and Lorraine?" Count Bernstorff: ''Tlie German people will never give them up. We arc the victors, so that is out of tho question." Asked his views on redigion and the future of humanity, Count- Bernstorff replied: 'T know this world and do not__trouble about any other. Speaking frankly, I dislike the churches and doubt whether their influence is for good. A man is a fool who denies him. eself any good thing in this life." Count Bernstorff described Mr Wilson as a rare combination,of a sensitive eonscience and great strength. Tho interviewer adds: "Count Bernstorff will tell tho Kaiser the truth, but will he be in time to prevent the ir> reparable?" There are natitm-wide protests against food prices. There have been riots in New York. In Philadelphia a man was shot and a woman trampled to death. Many arrests were ma3c. Hundreds of women in 'Philadelphia raided the markets and destroyed food with kerosene. The police dispersed them. The New York World's Washington correspondent says that the" Government has been unofficially informed through 'a neutral that Germany views with disapprsval America's efforts to isolate Austria from. Germany. She also regards the preparedness plans in America as essentially warlike and interprets them that the United States is merely seeking an excuso for inviting a etata of war. A meeting of Pacificists, representing over twenty organisations, hotly debated the proposal for a referendum as to whether America should enter the war. Tho principle of a referendum was approved by a small majority.

GERMAN SPY PLOTS. ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT INCLUDED. Received Pel). 25, 11.5 p.m. New York, February 24. The Providence Journal says that high officials have intercepted letters, slewing that the spy plots, which thev arc now investigating, embraced tchemes of frightfnlness, embracing the assassination oi President Wilson. THE LEAKAGE EXPLAINED. Washington, February -23. It is understood that the report of the Senate Committee which enquired into the alleged leakage in 'connection with Mr. Wilson's 'Note exonerates the officials and i'mds that the leakage was traceable to reporters' forecasts. A MUCH-SEEDED MEASURE. (Reutor Service). , Received Feb. 35, 11.10 p.m. Washington, February 25. Senator Lewis has introduced a 'Bill to authorise the President to seize foodstuffs that are deemed to be held for a monopoly in violation of the law and to U'll the same by public auction. A JAPANESE WARNING. Received Feb. 25, 5.5 p.m. New York, Feb. 24. Dr lymaga, the best-known Japanese in America, asserts that the Japanese will get beyond the cr/trol of their Government if further unti-Japanese legislation is enacted. GERARD WANTS SAFE CONDUCT . HOME. Received Feb. 25, o.S p.m. Washington, Feb. 24. Mr Gerard lias cabled froin "laftriil for a safe conduct home. lie urged Americans tufc're not to sail with him, fearing that he would be a special target if war was declared. The Americans in his party want a warship, sent as escort.