The Daily News. TUESDAY, JULY 17, 1917. IS THERE A CRISIS IN GERMANY?

Taranaki Daily News, 17 July 1917, Page 4

The Daily News. TUESDAY, JULY 17, 1917. IS THERE A CRISIS IN GERMANY?

Of late there has 'been some startling cable neiws relative to what is termed a crisis in Germany. That there have been riots at various places may -well lie true. That there have been outspoken remarks in the Reichstag concerning Germany's war aims is moat proibable, and there is no reason to doubt tlie existence of demands for political reforms. 'Bui. why a crisis? The German authorities have only one way (and a very drastic one) of putting down riots. They decline to be influenced in any way by criticisms on war policy or peace terms, and they are past masters in the art of making delusive promises of reforms or for any other purposes. The Kaiser has made it an absolute article of faith that he, and he alone, is the judge of what Germany shall or shall not do, and not even liis (Ministers can speak for the over lord. How then can an acute crisis arise, more especially one of extreme gravity? A demand to know the truth concerning Germany's actual position as regards the war is not unlikely, and it is even possible there is a strong feeling growing against the German Chancellor, Herr von BethmanHollweg, but whether the Kaiser, in liis alleged ninety minutes' conference witli Hollweg, reviewed political matters is very much open to doubt, for it would seem there were other and far more vital matters needing urgent attention, more especially the renewed Russian offensive, the developments in Greece, the hammerings on the west front and the effect of America joining the Allies. It is quite likely the Kaiser has consulted with his high officers, naval, military an-i civil, but it is as well not to attach over importance to the report emanating from New York Times' correspondent at The Hague concerning the holding of a Crown Council, which always precedes a decision on momentous issues. If such issues had to 'be met it is quite certain that the German censors would not have permitted the slightest mention of the fact or allowed it to leak out. This censorship is a doubled edged sword guarding and promoting German intere*ts. It prevents the world knowing (anything relating to German affairs ex-

cept what the authorities supply, and it organises a news service to suit any and every cud In view for the time being, hence as much caution lias to 'be used in accepting German made news as is the case with the official wireless reports and the emanations from the well recognised Teutonic lio factory. The wise and sane course in considering German news 'is not to s'urmise if any or what portion of it is true, but rather to search for the reason why any particular item has been allowed by the censor to become public' property. Even i speeches in the Reichstag are rigorously censored, and at times totally suppressed. The German authorities use the press, the cable service and wireleSß not for the dissemination of news, but for furthering .State ends as well as deceiving neutrals and enemies. During the three months preceding the war Russia )iVas bitterly attacked in the German ipress—acting under orders-r----and from August 1 to August 4 the people were insistently reminded that Russia was the sole cause of war, but directly Britain moved against Germany then editors, professors, and clergy were commanded to place the responsibility for the war on Britain and this coratnani *till holds good, with tho addition of a hate that has been sedulously cultivated. All the press correspondents are permitted to report is that portion of the truth which reflects Germany in the light in which it is useful for her to appear from time to time. It has been, p.nd still is, Germany's practice to dole out certain kinds of news for the different nations according to the purpose to be served. It is, 'therefore, in the light of' this peculiar system that we have to regard tho news of the unrest, in Germany and the alleged crisis. This news is so obviously inspired that all wc can do is to guess at the underlying motive or motives governing the inspiration. That its main object 13 to deceive and possibly mislead Germany's enemies may be taken for granted, while the published news may also, be intended to create a new atmosphere in Germany itself and so distract the attention of the people from the more vital isßues of the war. According to the -American war correspondent, Mr. 0. T. Curtin, who may ibe regarded as no mean authority, the National Liberal party, of 'which Tirpitz is the god, is at the head of the great trust /which embraces Krupps, the mines, shipbuilding yards and manufactures. Their business is to keep the war going and destroy ships, meanwhile ibuilding larger ships than ever wlierewith to capture the cnemv's trade after the war. The majority Socialists are merely tools of the autocrats and the minority Socialists don't count. Possiibly, if we knew tho truth, what Germany most fears is the collapse of Austria. Above all, it is evident the autocrats are playing for safety from the internal menace.