Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1915-12-16

Berlin, Dec. $50 long as uncon-
trolled hatred of Germany ana the he
lief that Germany is approaching a COZ
lapse continues to be the dominant idea
of the enemy countries. 1t would be folly
for Germany to take the initiative in
proposing terms of peace. Germany,
however. is ready at any time to con-
slider a peace suggestion from the coun-
tries with which she Is at war; does
not wish "a continuation of the war, and
disassociates herself, under these circuln-
stances, from any responsibility for its
prolongation.
This is the substance of the German
imperial chancellor's reply in the Reich
stay to-day to the socialist intcrpella-
ton on peace. in which he painted a
picture of Germany triumphant on all
sides and supplied with everything. even
if not in abundance, necessary to the
continuation of the war.
Tie Interpolation was introduced by
Ir. Scloidemann in the following terms:
lis the imperial chancellor ready to give
Information as to the conditions under
which he would be willing to enter into
peace negotiations?'
IF our enemies make peace proposals
compatible with Germany disnity and
safety" said Or. Won Bothmann-Hol-
veg, then we shall always be ready
to discues them. So long as in the cCtn-
tries Of our enemies the guilt ana
ignorance OF statesmen arc e~ntaneled
with confusion of public opinion. 1t would
he folly for Germany to make peacc
proposals, which would not shorten, but
would lengthcn the war. First, the
masks must be torn from their faces"
Only two socialists spoke on the inter-
rellation, all the non-socialist parties
uniting in Il short declaration opposing
discussion at this moment The tone OF
the debate was digniied and patriotic
and the imperial chancellor was follow
ed attcntativcly and respectfully, except
for occasional Interruptions and out
bursts of laughter from the socialist,
DR.. Liebknicht, who has not been in ac-
cord with his party since the beginning
of the war and who to-day received no
sympathy,
The imperial chancellor in his first
speech, lasting half an hour, explained
the military situation on all the fronts
and declared ~emphatically that Germany
could not be starved out. The country
had enough food, if properly distributed.
Germany's enemies, he said. We're suf-
fer!ng more than the Germans and pay
ing higher prices for food.
"Rumors that Germany is on the verge
of a collapse said the chancellor, and
the attribution of a peace mission to
every prominent German who goes
abroad, Prime Won Buelow, Prince
MaXimilian of Baden, DR.. Solf, secre-
tary for the colonies, and Cardinal Won
Iiartmann-rcports in which there is not
a word Of truth-arc all part of a DELHI
crate campaign to keep up the spirits Of
the enemy peoples in the face of repeat
ed defeats. There is not a weak point
in the German reckoning. If our enc
mics DO not choose to accept the situa-
ton and end the war now, they must
do so later. Germany can watt
At the conclusion of the imperial chan
oellor's first speech. DR.. Kaempf, presi-
dent of the chamber. read the inter
pellation and put the formal question as
to whether the government was pre-
pared to reply.
I'VE are ready to reply Immediately"
responded DR.. Won Bethmann-Hollweg.
The Roichstag presented the typical APP
pearance of a momentous day, there being
not even standing room in the galleries.
Tho American ambassador, James w.
1eTdIt, WAS dfIlDHS lHe UlNIOI1lulS pres
cnt. The great audience also included
the Duke of Mecklenburg; Admlra. Won
TirpitY. minister of marine: Gottlieb Won
JaGOW, minister of foreign affairs, Count
Zeppelin; DR.. Alfred Zimmerman, under
secretary for foreign affairs: and DR.. Kari
Ilclferich. secretary Of the imperial treas
Wy and former director Of the Deutsch
bank.
In his review Of the military situation
the chancellor said;
In order to induce Bulgaria to fight
for the entente. Serbia was asked to
nll,n a territorial concession, TO which
e.. WAS not inclined. Thus our enemies
""4hcd at variance. The justified ma
- demands Of Bulgaria in Macedonia
the last Balkan war were con-
SD iuhiy restricted in favor of Serbia.
Lott r. Tho lurch by R.Sssia, Bulgaria,
wnn bore the main burden of the war,
lad 20 see the fruits of her victories
fall to her Serbian nelghbor. Serbia was
"a he given preference before all other.
because she was to be advanced ne Tho
power against Austria Hungary
Nov King Ferdinand has redeemed
the pledge h. made to his people Mt tn,
cad of the second Balkan war-that III,
Bulgarian colors which then. aftel
glorious lighting. but severe %dlsappoint
ment. We're folded up should be hyint
free over the country lost at that time.
Serbia, instead OF seeking an under
standing to ssve the country from tn,
sacrifices Of q fresh campaign, decide
not only to oppose the united attack o
the allied German and Austro-Hungarial
armies, but also TO attacl: her easter
pNiphbnrs