The Daily News. FRIDAY 15, 1918. WILSON'S BISMARKIAN STRATEGY.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 February 1918, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY 15, 1918. WILSON'S BISMARKIAN STRATEGY.

When the United States entered the ranks of the belligerents on the side of the Entente Powers it was little thought that, in addition to the gain of material force and financial aid, the Allies Would obtain such a wise and potent diplomatic strategist as President Wilson lias proved to be. His messages and addresses to Congress have come as a welcome surprise to the world, tor they are replete with sagacity and forcefulness, "besides being searchingly analytical of enemy machinations. Moreover, they have much enhanced weight as coming from the head of the great American democracy which had no part in the cause of the outbreak of war and can, therefore, be regarded as impartial and unprejudiced, though they lack neither determination nor strength of purpose, In his latest and most timely address President Wilson has shown remarkable skill in his method of treating Germany to some of her own medicine. He has noted the disposition of Austria to take advantage of a favorable opportunity for obtaining a peace that will enable her to drop out of active participation in the w.-.r, and with a masterstroke of diplomacy ho has poured oil on Austria's troubled waters while hurling defiance at Germany. There cannot possibly be any misconception of President Wilson's intentions in directly addressing Austria in such an amicable and insinuating manner- The object was clear-" ly" ( to take advantage of the present state of Austrian opinion and to create a rift between Austria and Germany that would widen into an un'bridgable gulf. There is surprising, yet refreshing frankness in the distinction which he draws between Germany and Austria, giving the latter credit for sagacious discernment as to the principles for which America is contending so that she.can, if so disposed, see eye to eye with the United States. He conveniently ignores ail the black deeds which have characterised Austrian rule, as well as the historical fact that it was Austria,acting as Germany's cat's paw, who precipitated war- President Wilson took his cue from Count Czernin's recent pronouncements concerning her domestic and war policy, seeing therein a veiled desire to cut adrift from German domination. It was a bold stroke of diplonucy to attack the Austro-Gcrman alliance at so opportune a moment and at its weakest link. The effect should be all the more forceful by reason of the straight-forward way in which President Wilson discriminated between the aims of the two Central Powers. Aus-tria-Hungary may not be prepared to adopt democratic government, but there is no doubt that the people of the dual monarchy are thoroughly weary of the war, and that unless steps are taken tt mollify them there may be an end of the monarchy. Count fernin evidently recognises the position is one that is capable of ugly developments. It is on .this fertile soil that President Wilson has sown seed which should produce good results, especially as great diseat"faction is felt i„ Austria at Austrian troops being ißnt by Germany to West front. Austria has to consider whether she will risk dismemberment by means of internal upheavals or dis . solve, partnership with Germany, secure Peace and put her fcouse in order but the mam difficulty that is staring her ™ face is tne poSßibiiity J « standing alone after leaning so W on Germany as the only means *,r m a in been attached to G* m » n7 h ~ t «*• have eaten into her vL'oul

heavily than her ally, while the people have become exasperated at their desperate plight. Scarcely a day passes without cable news of riots or other disturbances which reveal that appalling conditions prevail in Austria-Hungary, even the women taking part m frenzied food riots- It would seem the tension is so' great that very little is required to reach breaking point, so that the suave remarks of President Wilson should prove timely and effective in bringing about a cleavage with Germany. He lias put the position clearly and concisely before the Austrians and it is foi them to decide. Count Czcrniivs recent remarks relative tc peace are entirely at variance with those of Baron Hertiing. Germany has now to face the crisis of the struggle and is therefore bent on sending every available Austrian soldier to the West front, where men will be sacrificed like sheep without the slightest advantage accruing to Austria. The declaration of Count Czernin in favor of peace without annexations or indemnities played into the hands of President Wilson, who has been quick to utilise its import. Germany is fighting for conquest, for 9 seaboard that will give ier dominance of sea power, and, by ■parity of reasoning, world dominance. If she attained her ambition, which is unthinkable, she would have no further use for Austria and would merely treat her as a vassal to minister to 'her needs. That is Austria's outlook if she consents to be manipulated by her present partner. President Wilson has shown,l way out of the tangle, but it is a thorny and dangerous road to negotiate, requiring courage and determination. A hold bid for freedom might and probably would have a consolidating effect on the people of the Dual Monarchy, but a vacillating policy can only lead to internal disaster, and dismemberment.