AMERICAN PREPARATIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3312, 5 September 1917, Page 18

AMERICAN PREPARATIONS.

DEPARTURE OF TROOPS. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed at tho organised farewell to the American citizen soldiers of the New York Division. They paraded the whole length of F : fth avenue amid the wildest cheers, mixed with tears, from 2.500.000 spectators. All industries and offices were closed down in honour of the occasion. Thirty thousand soldiers participated in the New York parade, which occupied four hours in passing a given point. The Secretary of the United States Navy (Mr Daniels), m a speech to the navy, said fie believed America was preparing for a terrible war, and was takinsr the surest means of securing an effective peace. But rumours of noace would not cause America to abate for a moment her activities in increasing the army and strengthening the

fleet in every -way. America's sword would , not be sheathed until a decisive victory had been obta.'tied. . Baron Islm (Japan), speaking m the Senate at Washington, said that America s entrance into the war was a preat moral victory for the Allies, and would strengthen the Allies in their great struggle against the insane Gorman despoiler of civilisation. America and Japan were one in thejr national aims and determination to.,crush Kaisen'sm. Japan had not entered the war from personal ambitions, but because it believed in tho righteousness of the cause. EXPORTS TO NEUTRALS. The Export Council Administrative Board has abrogated the agreement for the sailing of Dutch grain ships on the ground that investigation revealed tho fact that Holland needs no grain at the present time. It is announced that Holland and other northern neutral nations need not expect any grain till December 1. Pres'dent Wilson has issued a proclamation extending export control to all articles. Ho says that domestic needs must first be met, and he will afterwards sanction exports to neutrals providing the enemy does not benefit directly or indirectly. The United States Shipp : ng Board has contracted to take the whole of the construction at three shipyards, turning out one high-speed sCoo,ton steel ship every 48 hours. [Apparently this message has been mutilated, for the construction of a big ship in 48 hours is somewhat too expeditious even for America.] It is estimated that the United States war expenditure in 1917-18 will be 21 billion dollars, including seven billion dollars which it is proposed to lend to the Allies. Mr Daniels. Secretarv of the Navy, has asked for a vote of 350,000,000 dollars for building destroyers. WHO WILLED THE WAR? In the second instalment of his memoirs Mr Gerard returns to the anxious week prior to the declaration of war. He relates how everything pointed to Germany's hx?d determination to make war. Finally, when Mr Gerard saw there was practically no hope, he addreissed. on July 30, 1914, a last despairing appeal to von BcthmannHollweg, which, he says, was probably unprecedented in the annals of diplomacy; This appeal, made by letter, was: "Is there nothing my country can do, nothing t can do, towards stopping this dreadful War? I am sure that President Wilson will approve any act of mine looking towards peace." Mr Gerard adds airnply: " To this letter I never had a reply. . War was declared on Russia next day." CANADA AND CONSCRIPTION. The Conscription Bill has been signed by the Governor-general, and the Government purposes enforcing it completely and without delay. A general strike was called by the anticonscriptionists' organisation, as a protest against the passage of tho Military Service Bill. The movement ended in a fiasco, as only 100 persons attended the demonstration. There have been numerous arrests of antioonscriptionist3. The Government has announced its intention to strictly enforce the law. V STANDARDISED SHIPS. The London Daily Telegraph states that the shipbuilders have handed over to the Government after satisfactory tests the first standardised ship, of 8000 tons deadweight capacity. The vessel, which was finished in five months, is a good type of cargo-carrier, and was constructed in the quickest time with a minimum amount of material. Every large shipbuilder is constructing standardised ships of 8000, 5000, and 3000 tons. The hulls, machinery, and engines are standardised, and the vessels are equipped with fast loading and discharging gear. Some are specially designed for carrying grain. The orews' quarters are aft, and are provided with steam-heated bathrooms. BRITAIN'S FOOD CONTROL. The British Press Bureau announces that the price of the quartern loaf will bo Sd after September 17. It is officially announced that the Food Controller has fixed a schedule of wholeBale maximum dead meat prices, which comSenced on September 3. The prices are:— nported beef and veal—hinds in September, decreasing' to lOJkl in January; fores lOgd to mutton and lamb, 11-.-for all months; pork, 12|d. The corresponding prices for Home-killed beef and veal will be 13d to lid; mutton and lamb, 13d; pork, The retailer will be allowed a maximum additional 2£d. A proclamation prohibits the importation of bacon, hams, and lard except under license, enabling the Government to take over the whole of the imports and concentrate tho purchases in various countries into a single organisation. The Food Ministry is immediately establishing a buying agency in the United States. The goods will be distributed through the ordinary channels at prices excluding an unreasonable profit. Orders are being issued- fixing the prices of cheese and butter. Official agricultural reports reveal serious damage to the crops. The harvest promised to bo a record one a few weeks ago; but the position is now entirely altered. A National Conference of the engineering and allied trades, representing 200,000 worker's, at Leeds carried a resolution that the price of necessaries must be reduced by one-half bv the middle of October; otherwise immediate action will be recommended.