OCR Text |
Show SCARING DENMARK. As long as the fortunes .of war favor fa-vor them the Germans will swasbbuckle like brigands among the little nations. As long as ruthless strength brings them the pride and the power of victory vic-tory they will threaten and intimidate. Once the black tide of ill-fortune sets against them they will begin to make moans like lost souls. It is reported that Germany has ordered or-dered Deirrnark to withdraw its ships from allied trade. If the Germans but knew it this is an admission that the U-boats have not achieved their purpose pur-pose and that the allies are building ships so fast that some new means must be found to reduce .the shipping available to Germany's foes. But the onward sweep in France and the partial par-tial successes of earlier drives keep the people of the fatherland in a state of delusive ecstasy. Their government seizes the favorable moment to make its demand upon Denmark. Long ago the world ceased to be moved by Ger many's audacious rejection of the simplest sim-plest principles of international law and the demand upon Denmark will cause no surprise. Denmark would be but a mouthful for Germany, but even a mouthful may be fatal. Germany is just at the critical criti-cal point of its career. It is upon a tide at flood and hopes to be carried swiftly to the goal of success. We are of the opinion that the German people peo-ple are much more confident than, their leaders, but the latter see the need of taking advantage of every element that may win success. Consequently they are trying to intimidate Denmark before be-fore Germany meets with reverse. If Denmark resists, Germany may decide de-cide not to swallow the dangerous mouthful. Should Germany occupy Denmark, the great mine field established in the North sea by the allied navies probably prob-ably could not be maintained intact. It is possible that Germany seeks a new outlet for naval operations, especially es-pecially submarine operations, now that the Belgian ports have, been obstructed obstruct-ed and the mine fields are interfering seriously with attempts to pass to the north of the British isles. |