Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1914-12-31

back upon diplomacy in the settlement the present Euro
trouble if indeed diplomacy not already at work seek
ing what might easily have been gained without war
The presence of a former German premier at the Italian
in with other developments has served to
convey the impression the general public that through this
channel way another will eventually the nego
atons preliminary peace and persistent reports are in
circulation that German diplomacy is already seeking the
isolation of Great Britain preliminary to the carrying
out of the Kaisers threat to crush England
have already quoted in these columns the uerances
of the Kaiser German writer's made for the mani
fest purpose of conciatng France through expression of
friendship paving the way for the anagonzng of the
French and English This policy has apparently borne fruit
Former Premier Cemenceau contributes two column arti
Gle to Paris journal in support of the project to bring Jap
soldiers to Europe for the Of helping to crush
Germany speedily.
This proposition pregnant with far-reachng prob
lens but what desire emphasize in this connection is
Cemenceaus declaration that "When Kitchener said the
would last three he evidently overlooked the fact that
it taking place French soil and therefore France who
suffers from destruction and losses of lives and
property. nquesonaby to the interest of all
ed that the allies shall be able to overWhem their foes and
thus end the terrible conflict
NJ Hanoaux, former foreign minister, opposes Japan's
aid in order that France retain much possible the
French character of final victory but Deputy Iucien Mile
voye favors Japans intervention in Europe He the
Kaiser has used the yellow peril thesis to mask his amb
tons whereas the Kaiser is red peril having bathed
northwestern Europe in blood
It conceivable from all this that the time may
when France will tire of furnishing the battle-ground
for England and the very fact that Japanese aid sought
by French leaders demonstrates feeling that Germany is
match for the present allies for long time to state
Of mind which will facilitate favorable consideration of
proposition to stop serving Engands caspaw stated
by Clemenceau
Right here the Kaiser must realize easily he could
have secured through diplomacy the friendly relations with
France he would cultivate after terrible conflict in which
both sides will lose millions Of precious lives, nothing
of the tremendous cost money involved SO the German
Emperor must appreciate his mistake in abandoning Bis
marcks traditional policy of friendship with Russia under
any and all circumstances.
One Of the prizes which German diplomacy is credited
with dangling before the eyes the Russian Gar Constan
nope and the freedom of the Black and its
to the Dadannee and the Bophorus which have long been
the Russian goal.
Manfestly Russia a great power has a natural right
to free passage and from the Black particularly view
of the closing Of its northern ports through the wntry
and Germany without real loss to itself might have
cemented lasting friendship with Russia long ago by thus
proering what England has probably promised Russia thus
cutting off the Kasers railroad to Bagdad and dissipatng
German hopes of acquiring Turkey imperial dominion
like Englands Indian empire
If Germany could win Russia and France peace indie
pendent of Great Britain then the Kaiser evidently believes
he could make short hr of the British in spite of their
great fleet and right here have another impressive
demonstration of the far-sghed British diplomacy which in
sisted at the outset agreement that
should make peace until all were agreed
Whether the time may when either Russia or
France drop out question that must force troubled
dreams Great Britain at times particularly in view of
peated proof in this struggle that treaties scraps
of paper Right here however, is the consideration
that may either France Russia both hesitate
trust any agreement with Germany to drop of the
struggle knowing full we'll that the other allies would
in the face further German aggres
sion.
Belgium found that guaranty Of neutrality did
Italy evidently believed her safety lay in remaining
neutral not in fighting Aus ra instead of joining Austria
and Germany, long her allies in the Triple Alliance. Italy
having been warned by the Kaiser of what she
when he wins will naturally promote German victory,
and her occupation Of the principal port Of Albania
may rightfuy be regarded taken in accordance with
tact understanding with the allies her part in the spo
of victory in addition to the Austrian provinces long conceded
to her in the of the triumph Of the allies
Russia manfesty holds the key to the situation and the
question will the Gar trust the Kaiser having been
betrayed, often browbeaen by threat Of immediate
cupaton Of Russian territory by German forces? The mani
fest need of Russia stretching from the Pacific Asia
the comparatively small counrie Of western Europe not
territory but open ports to tie and the south
England Russia gain both Of these without loss to
herself while German expansion stands in the path in both
directions
The chances Russia will not cease this struggle
until she has gained her natural outlets the open sea
throughout the year. that Austas alleged