Baron Von Rautenfels (Diplomatic Messenger from Berlin to Norway): "Not how the bombs came here, but that you dared to open my luggage, is all that matters to Germany."
The police on Saturday arrested a certain Baron von Rautenfels, who declares that he was born in Finland, but is now a German subject, and two Finlanders. At their lodgings and in the luggage of these persons the police found nearly a ton of explosives of a very powerful variety. Part of these explosives was made up to resemble coal briquettes, and was all ready to be mixed with the coal in ships' bunkers. The baron's luggage also contained cigarettes and tobacco mixed with carborundum, which can be used to ruin engines or machinery. The baron and the other arrested persons declare that the bombs and other explosives were to be used in Finland.
Christiania, June 24, 1917.
FRATERNIZING ON THE GALICIAN FRONT AS GENERAL BRUSILOFF UNDERSTANDS IT
M. Kerensky (the Russian War Minister) and General Brusiloff have organised a new offensive in Galicia which has had a magnificent success, a tremendous blow being struck at the enemy. The news of victory has transformed Petrograd, and the pessimism that was paralyzing the people has given way to a flood of eager patriotism.
Times Correspondent,
Petrograd, July 4, 1917.
THE FALL OF THE CHILD SLAYER
Three airships only were able to approach the outskirts of London.
One of them appeared over the northern districts at about 2:15 a.m., where she was at once picked up by searchlights and heavily engaged by anti-aircraft guns and aëroplanes. After a few minutes the airship was seen to burst into flame and to fall rapidly towards the earth. The ship was destroyed; the wreckage, engines, and the half-burned bodies of the crew being found at Cuffley, near Enfield.
British Official, September 3, 1916.
AT THE WORLD'S JUDGMENT SEAT
Since the first day the war has been to us nothing but the defence of our right to existence and freedom. Therefore we were able first and alone to declare our readiness for peace negotiations. I spoke on July 9, 1915, and afterwards repeatedly with sufficient clearness on the subject. Mr. Asquith and Lord Robert Cecil do not get rid of my words by asserting that Germany had announced none, or only intolerable and humiliating peace conditions. We did our part, nor does any one dare to demand that we should make offers to-day when the enemy, as M. Briand recently did, characterises the conclusion of peace to-day as weakness for the memory of the dead. They continue the war because they hope to be able to attain their Utopian war aims.
Bethmann-Hollweg,
Berlin, October 5, 1916.
"WE'LL GIVE THESE YANKEES A TASTE OF OUR STEEL"
Eight vessels (including one passenger liner) have been torpedoed so far by the U-53, which has caused a sensation since her appearance in Newport Harbor only to move again in a few hours. As far as is known no lives have been lost. The crew of one vessel is not yet accounted for.
Times Correspondent,
New York, October 9, 1916.
"We are willing now to make peace so that you may enjoy still more the blessings of our Kultur."
A German Embassy official, who stipulated that his name must not be used, said that the terms include "practically" the restoration of the status quo ante bellum (including the return of Germany's colonies), the creation of new kingdoms of Poland and Lithuania, and changes in the Balkan boundaries, but at least part of Serbia and Rumania to be restored.
Times Correspondent,
New York, December 12, 1916.
THE KAISER HAS ORDERED HIS PEOPLE A FIRE-EATING DIET
Conjointly with the allied rulers I proposed to our enemies to enter forthwith into peace negotiations. Our enemies refused my offer. Their hunger for power desires Germany's destruction. The war will be continued. Before God and humanity I declare that on the enemy Governments alone falls the heavy responsibility for all the further terrible sacrifices from which I wished to save you.
With justified indignation at our enemies' arrogant crime and with determination to defend our holiest possessions and secure the Fatherland's happy future, you will become as steel. Our enemies did not want the understanding offered by me. With God's help our arms will enforce it.
The Kaiser, January 6, 1917.
