Americus Times Recorder

NORWEGIAN
PRESS
RESENTS
SINKING
OF MERCHANT SHIPS

CRITICISE PARLIAMENT FOR DISCUSSING UNIMPORTANT MEASURES AT A TIME WHEN HONOR OF NATION IS THREATENED
Laboring People Facing a Famine But
Parliament Serenely Discusses "Origin of Norwegian Dialect."

(By Associated Press.)
CHRISTIANIA, July 19.—Although the German government officially has declared its willingness to pay full damage when Norwegian boats have been "accidentally" torpedoed by German submarines, reports of the sinking of Norwegian steamers are becoming so numerous as to offer serious complications.
Many of the leading papers denounce the government for not doing what it ought to in order to protect Norwegian sailors and citizens.
No word has been published from the government regarding what steps it has taken or how it has protested.
The Tidens Tegn says that it now is necessary that the government break its silence and let the people know what it has done and is going to do in order to stop these continued encroachments and "protect our flag, our sailors and peaceful travelers."
The Morgenbladet says:
"While our sailors are met by insidious death, while our flag is offended and Norwegian ships are torpedoed without warning, the government and parliament are busy discussing whether the language we are talking is real Norwegian or whether the hymns and prayers are to be discontinued in public schools. About these events that fill everybody with uneasiness and wrath they say nothing."
The Aftenposten says:
"Everything is all right in Norway! Germany however, by reasons we do not understand, is torpedoing our merchant ships, but what does it matter? In the parliament the meetings are more quiet and undisturbed than ever; nobody seems to be affected or anxious. At the same time our farmers are up against a crop failure; the daily bread is dear for the common laborer and everything seems to be uncertain—but with the government seems to have a rosy hue."
The Shipping Gazette points to the American note to Germany, "which contains the same questions and requests which Norway, as a neutral country, must demand from the German government."