Der Deutsche correspondent. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1841-1918, 1916-12-26

We think that Russia has the NOR
al right to the free use of the Bos-
porus and Dardanelles Straits in or
der to have a winter outlet for her
productions and a rightful share in
the worlds trade.
We think that Franco has a moral
right to be guaranteed against ag-
gresson or attack by the overwhelm-
ing military power of Germany, and
to be let alone in peace to develop
her African and Asiatic territories
We think that Hungary
has the moral right 10 be freed from
the constant menaces and disturb
ances I'm the turbulent and half-ciYil-
lied adjoining small States, just as
we have the right to be freed from
the mcnaces and disturbances Of
half-civilizod Mexico
We think that Finland, Poland
and Lithuania have the moral right
to resume their Independent ex-
istence as autonomous States, free
from Russian domination.
We think that Belgium should be
restored to full independence and
that she should bo indemnified for
the losses inflicted upon her
We think that Turkey should be
guaranteed safety, the possession of
her capital city and her territories
and every reasonable opportunity to
develop under the joint guardianship
and encouragement of all the Powers.
And we do earnestly believe that
such a reasonable programme can be
carried out and the peace and well
fare OF Europe made certain for
many years to come. If peace ne
gotiations are entered upon now.
And we arc equally certain that no
such reasonable programme, nor any
reasonable programme at all, can be
expected if this war, with all its
hatefulnoss and horribleness and its
awful waste of life and treasure, is
! prolonged until one alliance crushes
/ the other or until both sink to the
ground exhausted.
In either OF these cases the peace
made viii be only truce, to be
broken the instant either alliance
feels strong enough to begin lighting
again.
We should reflect that the objects
which the principal Powers are fight
ing to obtain are vital objects; that
they will inevitably fight for them
/ again, If they do not obtain enough
of their desires this time to feel safe
and to maintain their growth and
development
Now, it seems to US that there
will never be permanent peace until
the rightful desires of all are grant
ed as fully as they can be, and are
guaranteed by a congress of all ma
} tions, pledged to support each in its
rights and to wage common war
upon any that infringes the rights
of another And we also believe that
there never has been a time so
wholly proptious to such a historic
settlement OF Europes difficulties as
this very time.
Such League for the Enforce
ment Of international Order could
give Russia her rightful outlet
through the Dardanelles; could give
Germany her rightful trade route
and colonies in Mesopotamia; could
guarantee Turkey safety and aid in
development; could guarantee France
peace and her high place in the coun-
ellis of the world; could guarantee
England security in her world col
onies and at home; could guarantee
TO all nations the freedom of the
seas could guarantee to China her
integrity and to Japan her rightful
recognition among civilized Powers
could guarantee the peace Of North
and South America; and could de-
fine and establish and maintain the
rights of small and weak nations "a
pursue their own ways and live their
own national lives unvexed and un-
afraid.
Now, we maintain that it is per.
fectly feasible for the Allied Powers
to accept the proposal Of q confer
ence with the condition precedent
that every civilized Power, great and
small, in the whole world join in a
congress looking to fair and right
full settlement Of peace terms and OF
all the disputes and the conflicting
desires which made this war, and
will make others like II. unless civil.
izatiop now determines TO put an
end to war and to establish CO
operative league of all nations to ad
iudicate disputes and to enforce it,
decisions without war.
For these reasons. which we be
lieve to be sound and sane, we thinl
that the whole weight Of our nation
al influence should now be thrown
in favor of the peace conference
Wliitll Vel many hdo plbpoo'hs
We think that our Government
should be cmphatically told by thu
American people to express plainl.
their anxious desire that the wal
end upon terms honorable TO all thu
combat3nts.
We think that self-interest ant
patriotism and humanity all dictate
just such a course Of action.
And we believe that il we do ac
thus courageously ana unselfishl.
and humanely. the good name ant
the fame OF our dear country will b.
: enhanced more than If we hat
fought and VIGOROUSLY won th'
greatest war; and that from centur.
to century. through all the ages. tn
renown Of our great deed will fill thu
earth.
Friends and countrymen, we stan'
face to face with the noblest oppor
, tunity to serve mankind glomousl.
which has over invited nation, am
= we ought to be worthy Of it.