_The New York World, February 6, 1917._ [Illustration] _A GOOD JOKE_ _The Hun Barbarian to the Hollander: "I gave you my word--did you really expect me to keep it?"_ * * * * * News of the wholesale destruction of Dutch vessels, after the "solicitude" so considerately shown for their safety by the German authorities, has provoked a degree of feeling far surpassing any hitherto aroused, even by the many "unfortunate occurrences" of a similar nature which Holland has previously experienced at German hands. _Reuter, Amsterdam, February 25, 1917._ [Illustration] _"I hope, dear Holland, this explanation is all you want."_ _Holland: "Yes, thank you, it is quite sufficient."_ * * * * * Seven Dutch Steamers which left Falmouth on February 22 were attacked about 5 P.M. of the same day by a German submarine, without their papers being examined. Three of the ships are known to have been sunk, one has been towed into harbor, the other three, says a Lloyd's telegram, "might still be afloat." If the Dutch reports are correct that these seven vessels perished, this will be deeply regretted, but responsibility for it falls on the ship-owners, who preferred to send out their vessels on February 22 on a promise of relative security instead of waiting until March 17, when absolute security was promised. The report of the submarines has not yet arrived. We regret the rupture with a nation who, by her history, seemed to be predestined to work together with us, not against us, for common ideals. But since our honest desire for peace has only encountered hostile ridicule on the part of our enemies, there is no more "going back," but only "ahead" possible for us. _Imperial Chancellor, Berlin, February 27, 1917._ [Illustration] _President Wilson: "Say! you are using false cards."_ _William: "Yes, but only as a precaution."_ * * * * * The revelation takes the form of a letter from Herr Zimmermann, the German Foreign Secretary, to Eckardt, the German Minister in Mexico, which was forwarded through Count Bernstorff and dated January 19. The letter announces unrestricted submarine warfare for February first, and instructs Eckardt to negotiate an offensive alliance with General Carranza, who should approach Japan, apparently with the object ultimately of getting her to join in an attack upon the United States. _Times Correspondent, Washington, March 1, 1917._ [Illustration] _THE BERLIN-BAGDAD SNAKE_ _"Alas! poor dear snake is dead."_ * * * * * Sir Stanley Maude, telegraphing on March 11, announces that the British forces occupied Bagdad early that morning.