AMERICA AND THE WAR.

Otago Witness, Issue 3313, 12 September 1917, Page 15

AMERICA AND THE WAR.

President Wilson sent the following message to the Now York quota of the drafted troops, who recently paraded before embarkation: "My thoughts will follow you across the sea with confidence and genuine envy. I would liko to bo with you in-the held in France, where the real final battle will be fought." The United States Congress has adopted a resolution asking for details of the assertion that one-third of tho ammunition sent to General Poshing in France has been found to be defective. Advices from Paris state that M. Poincaro (French President) and General Petain have reviewed the American troops. M. Poincare alluded to the anniversary of tho battle of the Marne and of La Fayette's birth. He then shouted: Long live Wilson ! Long live tho free United States 1" Tremendous enthusiasm was displayed. The United Press learns that the Allies are likely shortly to undertake a now and strong anti-Austrian campaign. Strong pressure is being exerted to induce America to declare war against Austria, The House ot Representatives has passed tho 11,533,000,000d0l Bond Bill. It includes 4.000..000,000d0l advanced to the Allies. Mr M'Adoo (Secretary to the Treasury) announced additional loans of 100,000,0G0d0l each to Great Britain and France. The New York Sun's Washington correspondent states that the next Liberty Loan will be three billion dollars, at 4 per cent. The Japanese Mission in America appeared at the Congress, and the members were enthusiastically received. Baron Ishu, in the course of an address, ■warned Congress of plots to sow discord between the United States and Japan, adding: " Our co-operation should protect us from these forces of evil. Wo bring an assurance of Japan's fullest support in order to defeat Germany. The United States is considering commandeering for service between Australia and the United States a Dutch ship now held up at an American port. It is reported that America intends seizing 270,000 tons of Norwegian shipping now building at American shipyards. Federal agents simultaneously raided the I.W.W. headquarters in a score of American cities, seizing literature and closing tho premises. This is part of a. huge drive to stop pro-German activity. The Labour organisations of tho United States opened their first great convention at Minneapolis, and pledged their unwavering support to tho Government's war programme.

BATTLE OF THE MARNE REVIEWED. The Journal (Paris) published an interview with Viscount French on the anniversary of the battle of the Marne. Viscount French said: "After a 10 days retreat by forced marches the one idea of General Joffre, myself, and all the commanders was to save Paris, avoiding a decisivo defeat. Wo passed days, of the keenest anxiety. I was of opinion that we ought to fall further back in order to gain time until our men got breath before wo attempted to bar tho road. The enemy was superior in effectives and material. General Joffre first proposed to fi<rht at the Marne. Finally camo yon Kluck's extraordinary manoeuvre, moving obliquely southwards. He was doing this when ho learned that the British army was still firm and that the (Sixth French Army had been formed to protect Paris. Von Kluck's flank was thus menaced, and before General Manoury crossed the Ourcq the enemy began a precipitate retreat. Von Kluck saved his army; but I was astonished that he did not continue straight forward in an attempt to forco a passage. The British rapidly advanced, and pressed back tho enemy 30 miles in four days. Unfortunately my bravo men numbered only 67,000." " „.,. Viscount French added: ' During 1915 I continually made representationS ( for guns and munitions. Lord Kitchener's experts on one occasion said that this programme would take eight years to manufacture. Fortunately Mr Lloyd George accomplished the task, to his eternal honour." RESTITUTION OF ALSACE AND LORRAINE. M Ribot, speaking at a cemetery where lie many of tho Marne heroes, said: "France is not fighting to conquer territory, but she wants her own provinces back, which were taken by abuse of strength. We will not compromise on this demand. Ihe restitution of Alsaco and Lorraine cannot be submitted to diplomatists for discussion. It is ono of the first conditions for the establishment of the rights of nations. Franco does not ask punitive damages, but Germany should bo compelled to repair the evil dono in France."