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VOL. XL VII. NO. 191.
OMAHA, SATURDAY MORNING, JANUARY 26, 1918. SIXTEEN PAGES..
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SINGLE COPY TWO CENTS
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WASHINGTON NOT
FOOLED BY PEACE
TALK AT BERLIN
i
! ' '"
Officials Declare No Substantial Advance Has Been Made
Through Von Herding or Count Czernin' Speeches;
Tone of Austrian Premier's Utterances More
Conciliatory, But Not Satisfactory,
AUSTIN
flVVIIlllV is
U. S. TO if AD
PEACE MOVE
Foreign Minister Declares That
Two Countries Agree in
Principles; Will Stick by
Germany to Finish.
GERMAN CHANCELLOR GIVES J
KAISER'S REPLY TO WILSON
Washington, Jan. 25. Based on the short cabled outlines
of the speeches of the German and Austrian premiers to their
respective parliaments, the opinion is expressed by officials
, here that no substantial advance toward the final peace sought
by all belligerents has resulted from these declarations.
, COUNT CZERNIN ft ORE CONCILIATORY.
It is true that expressions of Count Czernin, the Austrian premier, ap
pear, to be more conciliatory in tone than previous utterances from that
quarter, but beyond vague statements that the possibilities of peace nego
tiations are contained in the addresses of President Wilson and Premier
1 Lloyd George there is no suggestion of surrender of any of the extreme
contentions of the military elements by the central powers.
The renunciation by Count Czernin, the Austrian premier, of any claim
against Russia for indemnity or annexation, it is noted, does not extend to
the other nations.
WANT UKRAINE AS BUFFER.
Considering that Germany has undertaken to dominate the Russian Bal-
' sic provinces and that the central powers already have recognized the in
dependence of Ukraine, thus constituting a buffer state between Russia and
Austria, it is easily perceived that Austria is making no special sacrifice
in this renunciation.
As for Poland, the declaration that the population would decide its own
fate is read here in the light of the action already taken by the central
powers to set up a sham kingdom of Poland, which in reality is nothing
more than a dependency of Austria and Germany.
PACKERS FEAR CRIMINAL
PROSECUTION BY U. S ; HEAD
OFF INQUIRY BY CONGRESS
Federal Investigation at Washington Reveals Startling
Conditions; Meat Industry Kept Close Touch With ,
Political Affairs in Washington; Interest
ing Keports on Congressmen.
(Bjr Associated Preaa.)
. London, , Jan. 25. Commenting on
the 14 points in President Wilson's
war aims speech, Count Czernin
said, according to an Exchange Tele
graph dispatch from Copenhagen, that
Austria-Hungary and America were
virtually in agreement regarding the
great principles for new arrange
ments after the war.
"It is obvious to me," said Count
Czernin, "that an exchange of views
between America and Austria-Hungary
might form the starting point
for a conciliatory discussion among
all states which have not yet entered
into peace negotiations.
INTERESTS THE SAME.
Austria-Hungary and America,
Count Czernin said, were two bel
ligerents whose interests were less
incompatible than they seemed.
He characterized the speech of
President Wilson regarding war aims
as an important advance toward the
Austro-Hungarian viewpoint, which
contained some proposals in which
Austria-Hungary would gladly join.
The foreign minister said the popu
lation of Poland would decide its own
fate The Polish question must not
delay peace one day. If Poland, after
the war, wished to advance toward
Austria-Hungary, such an advance
would be welcomed.
Interpretation of the right of free
action of peoples had caused a dir
ference between Russia and 'Get
many, said Count Czernin, but a com'
promise must oe reacnea.
The differences of view were not
great enough to justify abandonment
of the peace negotiations
. Count Czernin qualified his state
ment respecting agreement with
1 1 some of President Wilson's proposals
by saying .-, that Austria-Hungary
, would support Oermany.
PRESIDENT WILSON'S
14 ESSENTIALS OF PEACE
i ' i-
The 14 essentials of peace laid down by President Wilson in his ad.
dress to congress January 8 were:
1 Open covenants of peace without private international understand
ings. 2 Absolute freedom of the seas in peace or war, except as they may
be closed by international action.
3 Removal of all economic barriers and establishment of equality of
trade conditions among nations consenting to peace and associating them
selves for its maintenance,
4 'Guarantees -for the reduction of national armaments to the lowest
point consistent with domestic safety.
5 Impartial adjustment of all colonial claims based upon the principle
that the peoples concerned have equal weight with the interest of the
government.
6 Evacuation of all Russia territory and opportunity for Russia's
political development.
7 Evacuation of Belgium without any attempt to limit its sover
eignty. 8 All French territory to be freed and restored and reparation for the
taking of Alsace-Lorraine.
9 Readjustment of Italy's frontiers along clearly recognizable lines
of nationality.
10 Freest opportunity for autonomous development of the peoples of
Austria-Hungary. ,
11 Evacuation of Roumania, Serbia and Montenegro, with access to
the sea for Serbia and international guarantees of economic and political
independence and territorial integrity of the Balkan states.
12 Secure sovereignty for Turkey's portion of the Ottoman empire,
but with other nationalities under Turkish rule assured security of life and
opportunity for autonomous development, with the Dardanelles perma
nently opened to all nations.
13 Establishment of an independent Polish state, including territories ,
inhabited by indisputably Polish populations, with free access to the sea
and political and economic independence and territorial integrity guaran
eed by international covenant. ,
14 General association of nations under specific covenants for mutual
guarantees of political independence and territorial integrity to large and
small states alike.
Washington, Jan. 25. -How the packers work against fed
oral investigation of their industry, as proposed in congress dur
ing 19116, and how they kept in touch with political affairs in
Washington in an effort to forestall passage of investigation
resolutions, was disclosed today by documents from the files of
Swift & Co. read into the record of the Federal Trade commis
sion's inquiry.
APPTT.AT. TTROM WATJSWORTH O
The name of Senator Wadsworth
Of New York, who, Francis J. Heney
said, is listed as a stockholder in
Swift & Company, was brought into
the testimony in a letter from Louis
F. Swift, appealing for help "in con
. nection with a matter which is pend-
ring in congress."
A report on the situation signed by
r R. C. McManus, J. M. Chaplin and A.
D. White of Swift & Company's
legal staff, and which was sent to G.
F. Swift, jr., H. H. Swift and othei
officers of the firm, said:
Criminal Prosecution.
"We believe the situation to be
: serious and recommend that every
'. thing be done in every direction to
head off the present movement. We
, believe that as it stands today noth
ing could stop criminal ' prosecu
' tions."
The following points were declared
js by the report to be in favor of the
packers:
''This administration has not dis
- ' tributed business by prosecution and
does not wish to be known as appeal
ing to the mob spirit.
"It does not wish to spend money,
-(Continued on Fate- Two, Column Six.)
:', The Weather
For NebraskaSnow; much colder.
. Temperature! at Omaha Yesterday.
i ' . Hour.
( a. m.:
S a. m
7 a. m
8 a. m...
9 a. m,. .
10 a. m.
11 a. m . . .
12 m. ...
1 p. m...
2 p. m. ..
3 p. m . . .
4 p. m...
6 p. m 21
6 p. m 20
7 p. m 19
8 p. m 18
Comparative Local Record.
1918. 1917. 1916.
Highest yetterday .38 22 - -24
jAest yesterday ...20 14 7
"an temperature.. 20 18 18
Precipitation 00 " .00
. Temperature and precipitation departures
from the normal: ,
Normal temperature . . ; 20
Excess for the day : 0
Total deficiency since March 1 GS7
Normal precipitation .02 Inch
Deficiency for the day 02 Inch
Total precipitation since Mar. 1.22.11 Inches
Deficiency Flnce March 1 7.67 Inches
Deficiency for cor. period 1916.12.50 Inches
, Deficiency for eor. period 1916. 1.78 Inches
.. ; Beporta from Stations at 7 P. SI.
Station and State Temp. High- Rain
of Weather. -7p.m.
Cheyenne, cloudy 40
Davenport, cloudy 20
Denver, cloudy ....... SO
Des Moines, cloudy ....16
Dodge City, cloudy 44
Lander, cloudy 22
North Platte, cloudy ...32
Omaha, cloudy 19
Pueblo, near 49
Rapid City, snow 3
Halt Lake City, rain ....34
Santa Fe, cloudy 38
Hherldan, snow ,.14
Kansas City clear ....38
Valentine, snow 6
"T" indicate trace of precipitation.
indicates below zero.
T A. WELSH, Meteoroglst
putch Vessel to Sail
Despite German Threat
Amsterdam, Jan. 25. It is authori
tatively announced that the steamship
Nieuw Amsterdam will sail soon.
A dispatch from Amsterdam yester
day announced that the Holland
America line had obtained permis
sion for the Nieuw Amsterdam to sail
for the United States. The German
government intends to piace all
Dutch shipping firms on the black
list and to refuse Dutch vessels sup
plies of coal because of the agreement
between the shipping firms and the
United States. Outward sailings of
Dutch ships would" be delayed if the
coal supply was to be stopped.
Wilson Publicity Man
Tor Third Liberty Loan
Washington. Jan. 25. Frank R
Wilson, new assistant' secretary of
the federal farm loan board, has
been chosen publicity director for the
third Liberty loan campaign to suc
ceed Oscar A. Price, who is private
secretary to Secretary McAdoo as di
rector general of railroads.
Police Find Alleged
Illicit Still Located On
Hall County Farm
Grand Island, Neb., Jan. 25,
(Special Telegram.) A deputy
United States marshal, Lincoln
chief of police and the sheriff yes
terday made a search of the farm
home of William Niefeldt, south of
here, following rumors of an il
licit still. In the darkest part of the
attic they found a combination
boiler, dried corn particles still ad
hering to its sides. Several bottles
of liquid were also seized for
chemical examination. Nietfeldt
says he had been preparing a medi
cine for cattle. A wire mesh screen
was part of the apparatus.
Remained Too Late
! HAT. ' WHAT'S . J jfPk
. Uw mar ' .
... AW a
mi, , i
10 .36 V
42 .00
14 .14 -- - .
v : iWO
RUSS ARMY IN
STATE OF RUIN,
DECLARES CHIEF
Ensign Krylehko, Commander,
ReJ?iirJr6Qii)tWestern
Front Open and Soldiers,
Deserting in Masses.
(By Associated Press.)
Petrograd, Thursday, Jan. 24.
Major General Bonch-Bruevitch, chief
of staff at the Russian front, paints a
gloomy picture of the condition of the
Aussian armies in a report to Ensign
Krylenko, the commander-in-chief.
The army organizations are utterly
demoralized, he says, the officers are
inexperienced and the maintenance of
discipline is impossible. The only
possible salvation for the army, the
only chance for offering an effective
resistance is for the various sections
of the army to fall back to their
natural defenses and undergo a thor
ough reorganization of the units
under trained leaders.
Many parts of the western front
are. entirely open, General Bonch
Bruevitch reports, there being only
240 infantrymen to the mile at numer
ous places. The reserves arc refusing
to relieve the men in the trenches
and the soldiers are deserting in
masss. Communications are broken
and few horses are available. The
wire entanglements have been de
stroyed to facilitate fraternizing and
the exchange of commodities with the
German armies.
At, many points adds the chief of
staff fortihed points have been de
stroyed, making resistance utterly im
possible on the lines as at present lo
cated even with good troops. Various
branches of the staffs must soon cease
work, he declares because of the dis
ordered conditions and the economic
lite ot the army win tnus oe ruinea.
New Army Official.
Washington, Jan. 25. Edward J.
Stettinius of New York was ap
pointed today surveyor general for
all army supplies..-
AMBASSADORS 111
CONFERENCE; MAY
RECOGNIZE, REDS
Formal Acknowledgement of
Follow f Discussion at. i;
Petrograd. ; ; 1
London, Jan25.-7Sotne of the sm
bassadors at Petrograd are reported to
be conferring with reference to formal
acknowledgment by their govern
ments of the Bolsheviki government.
It is not stated which ambassadors
are concerned and there is no indica
tion as to the decision.
The Russian national commission
ers are reported to have "received the
reply of Great Britain to their inquiry
regarding the arrival of a British
cruiser at Vladivostok.
Although the British exolanation
Hwas not wholly satisfactory, it was
regarded- as acceptable and the fact
that the .reply was addressed to the
commissioners made 'a good impres
sion. According to a wireless dispatch
from Berne, the peace negotiations at
Brest-Litovsk have been comph
cated by the arrival there of a second
Ukrainian delegation. "
This delegation is identified with
the Bolsheviki Ukrainian Center at
Kharkov, which contends that it
alone is entitled to speak in the name
of Ukraine.-. These ; delegates, deny
the right of the first delegation, with
which the Germans have been ne
gotiating, to represent Ukraine. ..
Many Damage Claims Arise
From Fatal Car Accident
Missouri Pacific railroad and street
railway officials are at work on some
plan for. a, basis of settlement of
claims growing out of the fatal crash
at tl.e Ames avenue crossing last
week. A number oi claims have been
filed against both the railroad -and
the street railway, but up to date no
suits have been brought.
WOULD RELINQUISH ALL
CLAIM TO BELGIUM AND I
AGREE ON OTHER POINTS
Asserts Alsace-Lorraine Belongs to Germany; Fate o
Poland to Be Decided Later; Will Discuss French
Occupation with France; In Agreement with
Wilson on Freedom of Sea. ,
(By Associated Press.)
Berlin, Thursday, Jan. 24. -(Via London, Jan. 25.)
Count von Hcrtling, the German imperial chancellor, in answer
ing the recent speeches of President Wilson and Premier Lloyd
George, announced in the Reichstag main committee that Ger
many would not give up Alsace-Lorrane under any circum
stances. ' ' i '
As to Belgium, the chancellor said Germany did not desire
any forcible annexation of its territory. ! ' ; '
Regarding occupied French territory, he declared that
while Germany did not desire annexations of it by violence, he
would discuss the question of this territory only with France."
AGREES ON FOUR POINTS. , , . I f
The German chancellor stated, specifically that Germanv astreed with
the first four points in President Wilson's world peace program,' which cover
the abolition of secret diplomacy, freedom of the seas, equality of trade eon"
ditiona and reduction of national armaments, . '
The chancellor thought some difficulties would be met regarding the
fifth point, which treated with colonial adjustments, and asserted the prin
ciple thst the interests of the population concerned must have equal weight
wiia me ciauni oi me government, wnose uue was to oe aerermineo. ' "
DEFEND GERMANY'S INTEREST.' ' Hf
Austria was primarily concerned with points 9. 10 and 11 In President Wil-
son'r -neech, Chancellor von Hertling pointed out, but Germany's inter
ests ,uld be defended energetically where they were involved.
These points touch upon the readjustment of the Italian frontiers alon&r
clearly recognisable lines of nationality, free opportunity for the autonomous
development of the peoples of Austria-Hungary and with the Balkan ques
tion, including demands for the evacuation of Roumania, Serbia and Monte- '
negro, witn nee access. to tne sea lor seroia. - ;
, n ; WILL ? CLAIM AtSACE-LORRAINE, . vV V i
The chancellor wal notably specific in Us treatment of the Alsace:Lor-
Omaha Red Cross Nurses Called
To rront on Very bhort Notice
On 24 hours' notice two Omaha
Red Cross nurses. Mrs. Effie Ruth
Vliet and Mrs. Mary Soper, left Thurs
day night for Jefferson Barracks, near
31. louis or a penou oi nursing uuiy
before beine sent to France. Mrs.
Vliet received her training in. the
county hospital Vid Mrs. Soper in a
New York hospital. Both were doing
private nursing When called.
Omaha Red Cross chapter may be
asked to take over the new hospital
nearing completion at Fort Omaha,
according to Gould Dietz, chairman.
It is possible we may be called on
at any moment to assume the needs of
the new hospital and probably Fort
Lrook hospital. If we do, there will
be a great demand for Red Cross
nurses, he said.
Miss Gertrude Smith, at Birchmont
hospital, secretary for the state Red
Cross organization, will enroll the
names of nurses.
Merchants Oppose Plan
To Close Port of London
London. Jan. 25. The proposal to
close the port of London to merchant
shipping has created strong opposi
tion from London commercial inter
ests. , v i
A deputation of London commoners .
nas Deen appointed to corner with the
shipping controller.
jS f,l j!
EFFIE RUTH VLIET
raine question, declaring this territory, wa- erlginaUy German,' that it -had
. - 1 ' k . . .1 a. At- . .. t a am a
peen raxen oy sorce irom ucrman possession ana mac me cession oi ioi
was merely, a restoration.-f ' ?'.i- y '';" - ' ' rt-,-..- ;
C; While Count von Hertlinr found Premier Lloyd George more concilia
tory in his recent speech than formerly, showing more of an inclination for
negotiations, he did not consider Him yet as giving the consideration to
Germany's .political, economic and cultural Position?' while he was found
f charging it with being guilty of all possible crimes."
, As to the question of a league of peace, the chancellor said Germany
would be ready to discuss that alter all the other questions had been settled.
Commenting on the 14 points in the program for world peace set forth
n President Wilson's address to congress, the chancellor said an agreement
could be obtained without difficulty on the first four points. ,
' Germany never demanded the incorporation of Belgian territory by vio
ence, the chancellor asserted.
He said, the state of Poland would be decided by Germany and Austria-
Hungary. .
When all other questions had been settled, he added. Germany would be
ready to discuss the question of s league of peace.
The chancellor declared that Germany did not wish annexations by viol
ence, but that the question of northern France could be discussed only by
Germany snd France.
He asserted there could be no talk of the cession of Alsace-Lorraine.
The chancellor demanded that the leaders of the nations at war with
Germany set forth new proposals.
The terms outlined by President Wilson and Premier Lloyd George
contained certain principles which could be accepted by Germany, he said,
but the concrete proposals were unsatisfactory. '
AGREE ON FREEDOM OF SEA.
There il no difference between Germany and President Wilson regard
ing the freedom of the seas, Count von Hertling said. . . , . . - . '
He added that the thorough freedom of navigation during times of war,
as well as in peace, was one of Germany's main demands, it being eminently
important for future free navigation that England should be made to relin
quish its strongly fortified points of support on international sailing routes,
such as Gibraltar, Aden, Hongkong and the Falk islands, v . .
Count von Hertling said the question of the limitation of armaments
was quite open to discussion. . , ;
' The chancellor added that the financial position of all European countries
after the war would probably operate most effectively for the solution of
this problem. ' . j ..; '"'
. "Our negotiations with the Ukrainian representatives are in a more fa
vorable position. .Here, too, difficulties have yet to be overcome, but the
prospects are favorable. We hope shortly to reach conclusions which will
be economically advantageous. . :
PLAN SEPARATE PEACE WITH RUSSIA. 'V
"One result, gentlemen, might be recorded, as you all know. The Rus
sians last month proposed to issue an invitation to all the belligerents to
participate in the negotiations. Russia submitted certain proposals of a very
general character. ' j , , -
"At that time we accepted the proposal to invite the belligerents to
take part in the negotiations, on the condition, however, that the invita
tion should have a definite period for its acceptance. At 10 o'clock on the
evening of January 4 the period expired. , ? ; ,
"No answers had come and as a result we were no longer under obli
gations and had s free hand for separate peace negotiations with Russia.
"Neither were we longer bound, of course, by the general peace pro
posals submitted to us by the Russian delegation." - :i ;
Regarding points 9, 10 and 11 in President Wilson's speech. Count von
Hertlinj said he must leave the answer in the first place to Austria, but that
where German interests were concerned they would be defended energeti
cally. ' " ' 1 ' v I
Count von Hertling said he would not forestall Turkey's attitude to
ward point 12 in Mr. Wilson's address, but he added that the integrity
of Turkey and the safety of its capital closely were connected with the
question of the strait, which was of important vital interest to Germany.
a Tmm a v a v a aiMn vv k '
AU31MAH ALLiXAIMlr U,r Vb.
"The establishment of the German empire in the year 1871." said Count
Vertling. "made an end of dismemberment. By the union of its tribes the
German emoire in Eurone acauired a nosition corresDondinar to its economic
and cultural achievements and the claims founded thereon.:
"Bismarck crowned his work by the alliance with Austria-Hungary. It
was purely a defensive alliance, so conceived and willed by the exalted allies
from the first. ' Not even the slightest thought of its misuse for aggressive
aims ever occurred in the course of decades. The defensive alliance between
Germany and the Danube monarchy, closely connected by old traditions and
allied countries by common interest, was to serve especially for maintenance
of peace.
"The danger of hostile coalitions which menaced the allied central cow
ers often made its appearance. By King Edward's isolation policy the dream
of coalitions became a reality. The German empire, progressing and grow
ing in strength, stood in the way of British imperialism. In France lust of
revenge and Russia's aspiration of expansions, this British imperialism found
only too ready aid. Thus future plans, dangerous for us, were formed.
. DANGER OF WAR. K
"The geographical situation of Germany in itself has always hrousrht ,
near to us the danger of war on two fronts, and now it became increasingly
bisible. Between Russia and France an alliance was concluded whose par
ticipants were twice as numerous as the population of the German empire
and Austria-Hungary. Republican France lent the Russia of the czar billions
to., construct strategical railways in the kingdom of Poland, in order to
facilitate an advance against us. , The French republic drew on its last man
for three years of service. Thus France, with Russia, built up armaments v
extending to the limit of the capabilities of both, thereby pursuing aims
which our enemies now term imperialistic. , .
LConliaed a Tag Two, Colunta Two.) tuuf - - '