What Are Germany's Intentions

It is undoubtedly true that in spite of all efforts to the contrary, the recent action of the German commander in Venezuelan waters has had a most unfavorable effect upon American public opinion with reference to Germany. The San Carlos affair is regarded as a wanton assault, uncalled for and unworthy of the German nation under all the circumstances. Negotiations are under way for a settlement of the vexatious questions involved in the Venezuelan dispute and for Germany to go ahead with such an act of war as that involved in the attack on Fort San Carlos has tended to greatly arouse American public opinion against German policy. The newspapers of the highest standing reflect this fact and this high handed attack has had a similar effect on British public opinion. The British military is having no easy task to withstand British public opinion which is strongly against Germany. Even German public opinion seems to be far from a unit in support of the Kaiser's policy, in fact, reports indicate that the German people themselves are beginning to fear for their liberties at the hands of the emperor.  Try to shield it as best we may, it is evident that there is a strong doubt in the American mind as to the profession of the German ruler's intentions.  Every thoughtful citizen is asking himself what is Germany's intentions in this Venezuelan affair. lt is pretty safe to say that much of the good feeling ingendered by the visit of Prince Henry has been sacrificed by Germany's action in this Venezuelan difficulty.

The ralding of car loaded with coal continues in widely separated sections of the country. Seven carloads were confiscated in Brooklyn yesterday. Men, women and children overpowered the trainmen and helped themselves to 200 tons of anthracite. It would seem as though there ought to be something in all this to arouse congress. At least congress ought to make a thorough Investigation of the conditions responsible for the distress which exists throughout the country. There is a wide feeling that coal is being held up for a purpose. And this ought not be allowed no matter who ís responsible, if there be any way to prevent it. Government operations of the mines and the railroads concerned in carrying the coal from the mines would probably allay the difficulty. If it be possible to get coal, neither the greed of the operators, the refusal of miners to mine coal, or anyone looking for revenge, should - permitted to inflict farther suffering upon the people. But if there be no possible relief, then the quicker that is understood and the people turn their attention to some other kind of fuel the better.