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About Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937 | View Entire Issue (Aug. 6, 1914)
THE MORNING OREGONIAN, THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 1914. AMERICAN EXPERTS WA WAR ON PAPER United States Army Officers Say Germany Must Ad vance Through Belgium. FRENCH FRONTIER STRONG Division of Kaiser's Fleet Viewed as One of Weakest Places In Ger marn - Lineup Strategists Point Out Flaws. WASHINGTON". Aug. 5. American Array officers think In the campaign through Belgium lies Germany's only hope of marching her soldiers into I-ranee. Kven allowing for the ne cessity of crushing the Belgian army, the experts here regard this as the most feasible point of attack. For nearly 40 years the French en gineers, among the ablest in the world in scientific design, have been labor ing like beavers constructing fortifi cations of earth and steel, even includ ing great revolving turrets like those of a dreadnought, that now practically cover every mile of the frontier be tween France and Germany ana souin of Belgium. In the estimate of Army engineers these defenses are invul nerable except as against an army vastly outnumbering the French forces behind the naraDets and in the rifle pits. American Axiom Applied. American axiom is that one soldier behind such defenses as the French have erected on this frontier is equal t four in the attacking army. This ratio of effective defensive and offensive nower might be greatly re duceri bv systematic siege operations. but this would involve the expenditure of that most precious factor in a cam paign time. Therefore, the beginning of the ramnaign in Belgium had been exnerted here and the outcome is be Ing awaited with great interest by the general staff. The belief is that the Belgians for the present will confine themselves to obstructive tactics in the t,erman front, feinting and skirmishing and falling back so as to reduce the per centage of loss and losing no oppor tunity to harass the advancing German army and If possible to cut Its line of communication. While this is going on American strategists believe the French forces, which are very numerous in the neigh borhood of Rheims and to the north and south of that fortress, will come to the aid of the Belgians. (crnur'n Wenkness Cited. Thus, it was suggested tonight within one year of a century after the defeat of Napoleon at aterloo, the Germans and French and Belgians may come together again In a decisive bat tle in almost the same theater of this war. Today's report of naval engagements In various places were regarded as precursory of many similar events In the four quarters of the globe. Naval strategists are quick to point the les son of the dangers of a division of the fleet. Germany has weakened her po sition by clinging to the old practice of dispersing her naval vessels far and wide in time of peace, failing to guard against the outbreak of a sudden war that would make concentration impossible. ed tonight answers to their messages to Europe. Difficulties In communica tion may delay them several days. Some countries, it was pointed out, may purposely delay their answers until later in the conflict. The President's offer leaves it open to them to accept, if not now, at any time as the situation develops. John Barrett, director-general of the Pan-American Union, who discussed mediation with the British Ambassador today, told him he cpuld count on the hearty support of South American na tions in forwarding mediation. "Brasil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and practically all of South America," said Mr. Barrett, "are hit harder by the war than any other section of the world, and the peculiar situation In South America may prove a powerful argument with the German Emperor in causing him to listen to the President's proposal of mediation, especially on ac count of Germany's great commercial field in South America." Another basis for hope was the fact that Inasmuch as the United States Is in no way party to the European dis pute, a rejection of her ten.der of good offices would be contrary to the spirit of The Hague convention, which spe cifically suggests that "in case of se rious disagreement or conflict, the sig natory powers are to have recourse, as far as circumstances allow, to the good offices or mediation of one or more friendly powers." Article three of The Hague conven tion says: "Powers, strangers to the dispute, have the right to offer good offices or mediation, even during the course of hostilities. "The exercise of this right can never be regarded by one or the other of the parties In conflict as an unfriendly act. AMERICA IS ASKED TO REASSURE CHINA Oriental Government Wants United States to Request Neutrality in Far East. REFUSAL SEEMS LIKELY Action Taken in 18 70 Oaring Fran-co-Prussian Outbreak Not Viewed Applicable Now in Light of Developments. as WASHINGTON. Aug. 5. (Special.) The government of China today ap pealed to the United States to intercede with the warring' powers for the pur pose of assuring maintenance of peace in the Far East. While this Government has not yet made its final answer to the Chinese government, there Is every indication BELGIUM IS KEY TO FRENCH BORDER; MAY BALK GERMAN PLANS. The vital importance of Belgium in a war between France and Germany lies in the fact that unless Germany may move across Bel gian territory, neutralized by treaty, an invasion of France would have to be through the heavily fortified French frontier proper. The entire northeastern frontier of France is, roughly, 440 miles in length. For a distance of about 250 miles these frontier lines separate France from Belgium and Luxemburg. The remainder, about 190 miles, sep arates France from German territory. With the neutrality of Belgium observed the scene of action would be reduced to the splendidly fortified Franco-German frontier proper. This line of defense runs, broadly speaking, from Verdun to Nancy, to Epinal, to Belfort and to Besancon. Each of these cities is the center of a group of fortifications extending northwest and south cast, and all facing the German border. Behind this line of fortifications France has a second line of de fense, running parallel from Rheims to Chalons and to Verdun and from Chalons to Langres to DI.1on and to Besancon. This second line of protection is from SO to 120 miles from Paris, and the first frontier line of fortifications is. roughly speaking, from 140 to 220 miles from the French capital. The French frontier from the Strait of Dover to German territory, the line which separates France from Belgium and Luxemburg, also is well protected. Thus a German advance through Belgium is, in effect, "going around the- end." Your Credit Is Good Prices Reduced $60 1915 Prices on Ford Cars Announced See Us Regarding the FORD MOTOR CO. Buyers' Profit-Sharing Plan Runabouts $440.00 Touring Car $490.00 Town Car . . $690.00 F. O. B. Detroit The above prices guaranteed until August I, 1915, against decline. This year the buy er of a new Ford car, no doubt, will share in the com pany's profit from $40 to $60 on his purchase AMERICA OFFERS TO HELP (Continued From First Page.) and French embassies and Belgian le gation called at the department. Mr. Bryan delivered the message to a representative of the legation of The Netherlands and other countries not directly involved, but as a matter of in formation to their foreign offices. The diplomats expressed no opinion- to the Secretary, but some of them told news papermen afterwards they believed the situation had gone too far to be halted by mediation. The Austrian Ambassador thought, however, that even if the offer were not- accepted, a sudden turn in the military or naval aspect of the war might Influence an acceptance. Move Carefully Weighed. The offer of the United States was made after many days of careful con sideration by the President and his Cabinet. The Cabinet almost unani mously supported the proposal. From the first the idea-had been in the minds of Administration officials, but as the President read dispatches from Ameri can diplomats reciting the failure of re peated efforts on the part of other powers to mediate in the dispute when It was confined to Austria and Servia, and later between Germany and Rus sia, he was not encouraged. As long as European nations them selves were endeavoring to adjust the situation. Mr. Wilson thought it was the traditional duty of the American Government not to interfere. When practically all Europe suddenly became Involved and the United States stood forth as the solitary power of absolute neutrality, the President acted with dispatch. Crial Brings Quick Move. He wrote the brief note, sent it to Secretary Bryan, who promptly ap proved, and late last night the mes sages were sent to Europe. It is be lieved the message to Emperor Wil liam was delivered before the cable to Germany was cut- One of the secre taries of the German embassy, however, said today he would in all events try to get the message to his government by wireless. From the character of the inquiries made by American diplomats of their own initiative, the prospect for an ac ceptance by some of the European na tions was considered bright at the White. House. Great Britain and her allies. It is believed, will accept, but no assurance of any kind has come from Germany. Should the Emperor agree, it is thought the entire situation would be settled by pacific means and a great war averted. Bryan's lnflurr.ee Felt. The most recent example of media tion was the adjustment at Niagara Falls by Argentina, Brazil and Chile of the International side of the Mexican tangle. Secretary Bryan has been an avowed champion of the principle of mediation and was instrumental in urging the American Government to accept "good offices" in the Mexican situation. The centra theme of me diation which is to suspend hostilities without ceasing military preparations and discuss peace in a calm and concil iatory spirit, is embodied in 20 peace treaties drafted by Secretary Bryan, which were favorably reported by the Senate committee on foreign relations today. Action was taken on them at this time with the hope of exerting a moral Influence for peace in the pres ent situation. The treaties would provide an international commission to Investigate causes of disputes within period of six months or more before resorting to arms. The President and Mr, Bryan await- "Independently of this recourse, the signatory powers recommend that one or more powers, strangers to the dis pute, should, on their own initiative and, as far as circumstances may allow, offer their good offices or mediation to the states at variance." None of the powers, it was pointed out, would suffer any disadvantage through the acceptance of mediation. Under The Hague convention the part of the mediator consists in "reconciling the opposing claims and appeasing the feeling of resentment which may have arisen between the states at variance," and mediation "has exclusively the character of advice" and "never binding force." The first step which the United States would take in the event of a general acceptance of its proposal would be to suggest a suspension of hostilities. This wouia not involve any interruption or delay in mobilization or measures of preparation for war. RAINBOW QUITS STRAITS Canadian Cruiser to Ply Outside to Reassure British Ships. SEATTLE. Wash., Aug. 5. The Can adian cruiser Rainbow, which has been stationed at the Esquimau naval sta tion, near Victoria, passed out of the Strait of Fuca at 9 o'clock this morn ing. The Rainbow is an old boat, and her armament is not formidable. It is supposed that she will cruise off Cape Flattery to reassure British ships. So far as known, there is no hostile war vessel nearer than Mazatlan, Mex ico, but rumors have been widely spread that German cruisers were lying in wait off Cape Flattery. Ambassador Willard Returns. ' RICHMOND, Va., July 5. Joseph K. Willard, Ambassador to Spain, will sail aboard the Tennessee, returning to his post in Madrid from the bedside of his sick daughter, Mrs. Kermit Roosevelt, In New York. Dardanelles' and Bosphorus Closed. CONSTANTINOPLE. Aug. 6. The Dardanelles and the Bosphorus were closed today in order to preserve the neutrality of Turkey. that the Chinese government will be informed shortly that the United States does not consider it advisable or prac ticable to take the step requested. It is possible, however, that the United States will undertake to make representations to European belliger ents with a vie wto securing exemption of foreign concessions in China from becoming the scene of conflict. Pro visions in the treaty of 1868 between the United States and China afford a basis for such restricted representation to the powers by the United States, but it is not believed China's broad propo sition win De viewed favorably. Action in 1870 la Basis. The request of the Chinese govern ment was madeby Yung Kwai. secre tary of the Chinese legation. He based his request on action of the United States Government in 1870. during the war between France and Prussia. At that time Secretary of State Fish brought about an agreement among the respective belligerent govern ments and also between respective na val commanders in Chinese waters to refrain from hostilities in those waters. The basis of Secretary Fish's appeal and the reason for its success at that time was his representing that fight ing between French and Germans in Chinese waters might provoke them into a general warfare on all nations. It is understood, however, that the State Department does not view the situation in China and the Far East in the same light as did Secretary of State Fish during the Franco-Prussian war. Present Situation Different. There is not basis for a belief that the belligerents, in view of the large and important Interests and possessions of their respective enemies in China, would pay any attention to proposals that they refrain from striking at their enemies in that part of the world any more than in Europe. Neither is it now considered that hostilities between the European bel ligerentst with the possibility of Japan taking a hand In favor of her ally, England, will arouse China to anti foreign outbreaks. The fear of such outbreaks was the chief reason ad vanced to Secretary Fish and the basis on which French and Prussians then consented to them. Our Credit Terms Reduced $250 Down Balance in Six Monthly Payments . 7 Interest on Deferred Payments Buys a New Ford Car BENJ. E. BOONE & CO. FORD AGENT Portland, Oregon S14 Alder Street GERMAN GABLES ARE GUT COMMUNICATION WITH EMPIRK PRACTICALLY DEMORALIZED. British Vessels Thought to Have Sev ered Line From Asores Warring Nation Well Hemmed In. 5. Direct cable Germany was Great Britain imports more than 20,000.- 00O bottles of mineral waters annually. NEW YORK, Aug. communication with stopped today. The German Atlantic cable lines from New York to Emden. via the Azores, were cut about 1:30 A. M., at some point east of tne Azores, possibly by British warships. The Commercial Cable Company, which operates the American end of this line, made the announcement of the cutting today, and refused to accept messages for Ger many. It was denied that the lines had been cut by British warships on this side of the Atlantic. The cable was working, according to announcement, as far as the Azores. Charles P. Adams, Becond vice-president of the Commercial Cable Company, said there was no trouble with the regular Commercial Cable Company's lines, which run from New York to Nova Scotia and thence to points on the English Coast. Communication with England over these lines was still be ing maintained. No hope was held out, however, for any Immediate restora- WAB MAP SHOWING PRINCIPAL POINTS FIGURING IN WEDNESDAY'S HOSTILITIES. KSBVK . at pert v S f f""" S A v ST fS A - tsr a SV J y ' 1 Guernsey. Channel Inlands. Near Which French Warship Captured German Steamer. 3 Dover. England, Off Which Firing Waa Reported. 3 London. Where There Is Greatest Activity In Mobilisation. 4 Hull, England. Where Several German Steamers Were Seized by Great Britain. 5 Calais, France, Off Which French Torpedo Boats Captured Two German Vessels. Namur, Belgium, Scene of German Belgian Clash. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Brussels, Belgian Capital, and Liege, Vervlera, Stnvllor and Spa, Belgian Cities, Around Which Fighting Raged. 12 Tatburg, Holland, Seised by Germans. 13 Hamburg, Germany, Base for Operations of North Sea Fleet. 14 Nancy, France, Around Which German Invaders Are Fighting French Defenders. 15 Gibraltar. British Fortress and Naval Base for Operations in Mediterranean. IB Algiers, Off Which French Fleet Sank German Warship and Captured Tito Oth ers. IT Dardanelles Straits, Closed by Turkey. Imprisoning Russian Black Sea Fleet. tion of communication with Germany over the direct lines. The cutting of the German cable be tween Emden and the Azores virtually completes the isolation of Germany from communication with the outside world, except so far as messages may be exchanged by wireless. All direct communication with the United States is severed; hereafter all news of happenings in Germany will have to filter through hostile coun tries; Russia, on the east; France on the west, and England on the north. All the submarine lines in the Medi terranean Sea belong to the Eastern Telegraph Company, a British concern, and any German news that did make Its way to Southeastern Europe through Austria-Hungary would not be transmitted over the lines of this com pany. News of the cutting of the German lines between Germany and England may be expected at any moment. Al ready these lines are in the hands of the military authorities, where they land on British territory. All the land lines from Germany in every direction except to Austria-Hungary have been severed. Any cable from Germany to Norway and Sweden which may still be in ope ration is comDarutlvely valueless, for the reason that news, to reach the out side world would have to be relayed to England. WAR MAPS IN DEMAND Books on Lands Involved in War Arc Keadily Sold by Stores. Bookstores in Portland simply have been stripped ot war maps of all kinds and there has been a demand for books on the countries involved in the pres ent war that threatens to call for rush orders to the Eastern houses to keep u i) with the demand. "Maps have been sold ranging all the way from 2d cents to to persons oi every nationality interested in the struggle," said J. T. Hotchkiss, man ager of the book department of Gill's yesterday. "One man bought a colos sal map for $75. "The call is steadily increasing. 1 have wired two orders for maps and it begins to look as though book orders will have to follow. Books on the Kaiser and on Germany are most in de mand, although histories of all other countries involved are in demand." The Public Library has experienced a startling war activity. Miss Hunt has Issued orders for a special "War Library" to be compiled. CANADA BUYS. SUBMARINES Dominion Takes Two Vessels Just Finished for Chile. SEATTLE, Aug. 5. Two powerful submarine vessels just completed at a Seattle shipyaro for the Chilean navy have been sold to the Canadian gov ernment. They proceeded to Victoria, B. C, under their own steam last night. They are each fto feet long and of 420 tons. The Chilean government was to have paid $500,000 for the submarines, which had been christened Iqulque and Anto fagasta. and it is supposed that the Canadian government paid this sum in cash. There had been a controversy between the builders and the Chilean government over whether the boats ful filled their promise in the contract. GERMANS ARE HOSTILE III SSI A AMBASSADOR ABUSED IE QUITS BEI1I.IN. S Crowds Spit In Faces of Enihnssy Staff, Among Whom Is Princess Belos selaky, American. ST. PETERSBURG. Aug. ." (Via Lon don.) The Russian Ambassador In Berlin. M. de Sverbew, and his staff are reported to have been subjected to much abuse after the declaration of war. Some of the members of the Am bassadorial suite, including Princess Belosselsky. who was Miss Susie Whit tier, of Boston, and First Secretary of Embassy Charovitskl are alleged actually to have been struck by per sons In the crowd, which followed their motorcars to the railroad station when they were leaving Berlin. According to an eyewitness, the em bassy was surrounded, and when the Ambassador, who was escorted by mounted police, departed for the sta tion in an automobile, the people hurled storms of abuse at him. The police had the greatest difficulty In protecting him and the members of his staff. Friends of the Ambassador, who fol lowed him in motorcars, also are xnid to have been forced to run a gauntlet of hostile Germans. The crowd followed the rara. abusing the occupants of them, throwing stones, spitting bj th faces of the embassy staff and striking both men and women witli sticks MM umbrellas, it is said. M. Charovitskl was struck MetHC. blow on the had which cut his scalp. He in said to be under special treatment in Copenhagen. Princess Belosselsky was hit on her back and shoulder by an old, well-dressed man. and other persons in the crowd spat at her. Other members of the party are de clared to have been similarly treated. The children were placed In the bot toms of the autmohlles In order to pro- THE LUSITANIA SAILS AWAY Under Cover of Darkness Big Liner Puts Off: No Hostile Ship Seen. NEW YORK, Aug. 5. -The big Cu narder Lusitania. which sailed under the cover of darkness early today, was to the eastward of Nantucket this afternoon and proceeding on her course. There were no hostile warships In the vicinity, as far as could be learned. RED CROWN ihe Gasoline of Quality Standard Oil Company (CALIFORNIA ) Portland Costs least per mile