The West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, NOV. 24th, 1915. GERMAN INTRIGUES IN AMERICA.

West Coast Times, 24 November 1915, Page 2

The West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, NOV. 24th, 1915. GERMAN INTRIGUES IN AMERICA.

What with Dumba, liernstorff, von Papen, and now Lieutenant Robert Fay who confessed (and then withdrew the plea) to being implicated in plots to wreck American munition ships with bombs, the aggressively patient and forgiving United -States is being provided with ample oportnnities for demonstration of those qualities which have made her the scorn of Germany, and the laughing stock of the Great Powers generally. The story of Fay makes it abundantly clear that there is no end to the machinations of the Teuton when there is the smallest advantage to lie gained by intrigue, dangerous or merely diplomatic. It would come as no surprise to iind that the States is simply honeycombed with spies who, commanding unlimited means for bribery, are carrying on their nefarious tricks with much .success. No methods are too profoundly vile for Germany's secret agents, and, as has been shown in thesa

columns on more than one occasion, the advantages secured by Teuton arms have been in great part doe to the far-reaching and thorough system of espionage practised since long before the innocent Entente nations dreamed nr what 1911 held for them. So numerous is the Teuton element in the United States that it is, of course, impossible for the American Government to eradicate tho evil which has been so impudently and grossly encouraged, if not instigated, by the Austrian and Gorman Ambassadors. President Milson has at times been scolded when he should have been pitied, but Ins amazing lack of backbone, bis willingness to swallow the sophistry of llerlm so avidly, bare accentuated this domestic trouble until it has gut beyond him. It woidd bo waste of time to become angry with the belligerent who stooped to such barbarian methods of warfare as to place bombs on merchant ships. Germany is out to win it she can, and in, her campaign of “frightfulness’’ on laud, at sea, and in the air she takes no count of ethics. Treachery, perfidy, and cold-blooded murder of non-combatants arc easily justified in German eyes, if their use advances the enemy cause one inch. It is the policy of a desperate foe staking everything, including honour, and the respect of the civilised world, in one terrible throw :of the dice.

THE COVXTY CH.UBAIANSHIP. Tin; statutory mooting of the Westland County Council will bo bold to-day, when the election of County Cliiiirmau foe tbe ensuing year will take place, ft bus been generally agreed by the members in tbe past that the office of Chairman should be a rolling one, and that all other tilings being equal each member in turn should bo allowed tbe opportunity and honor of occupying tbe position. At the election in 1012 Mr. ,T. (irimmond, who has boon a. member for the past 117 years, in return ing thanks for his election stated that in the ordinary course of events it would probably be his hut term as Chairman, for it was generally recognised that each member in turn would occupy the chair, and as there were nine members of the Council, he (the speaker) would he over eighty years of age before his term came round again. TJiis fact has caused us to look up the records of recent elections in order to see from which Councillors the choice is likely to bo made this year. We find from our files that of the gentlemen at present occupying seats at the Council table that the following members hhvo in the years mentioned held the position. Councillor Clifton 1902-1914. Councillor (irimmond 1900-1912. Cr. Dnft' 1904-1910. Cr. Bruce 1907-1911. Cr. Ferguson 1908-1910. Cr. Murdoch 1909.

Of the remaining members O. Wells has only been a member for one year, while Councillors Ward arid Norman | have sat at the Council table for the; past eight years. In view of these facts we must tube it that the contest 1 for the Chairmanship for the next term can only Ho between Councillors Ward and Normafi. Either of the gentle- j men named is fully qualified a ,nd capable of can-ring out the duties of the position, and is justly entitled to the honour. The Chairmanship of a public body such as the Westland County Council is a thankless and arduous task, while in view of the straightened * finances of such bodies, the chairman, 1 in order to make the funds at his dis-1 posal me# all the wants of a scatter- 1 ed district, requires to have the art I

of ii Greenwich luncheon carver who is s'aid to be able to cut a ham to make it cover an acre of ground. Wo have no doubt, however, that either of the Councillors named would ilil the position with credit, ami in the event of Councillors Ward or Norman being elected to the position, the ratepayers of the Westland County will have no cause to regret the action of their representatives in placing one of these gentlemen at the helm for the onsning year.