The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1916-12-13

would violate at the first moment, IL
served her purpose. 1t would not
save us money or effort for.w would
still have to spend every available
penny on munition and equipment In
preparation for Germany's treacher-
GUS blow. 1t would be better and
cheaper by far to fight on"
The Daily News declares that mot
too much attention be paid to the
chancellor,s arrogant invitation" but
holds the allies must not make the
blunder of refusing to enter into ne
gotiations. in view Of Germanys
astute move.
Already Answered.
EBy Ed. L. Keen, United Press Staff
Correspondent
LONDON, Dec. 13.-The British
people have already answered Ger
many's offer of peace-"no. not on
such a basis as proposed"
That answer was perfectly appar-
tent today. 1t was reflected not only
in the newspaper comment, but In
expressions from the people on the
streets.
The nation looks to Lloyd-George
next Tuesday to frame this answer.
It cannot be direct reply, since It
is hardly expected England's con-
sultation with her allies over what
form the diplomatic answer shall be.
can be constructed that soon. But
Saturday will be Lloyd-George's first
appearance as premier before the
house of commons, and before news
of Germany,s proposal came, he had
been announced as ready to outline
on that date, the aims and purposes
n $hn nouy cabinet
Press and public alike look to
Lloyd-George on this occasion to voice
the nations rejection OF any peace
which is based on Germany's idea Of
her victory.
Germanys peace terms, as given
out by a German embassy official in
Washington, were generally regarded
az preposterous and unworthy Of SER
ious consideration here.
Lloyd-George's telegram to Premier
BRAND of France, together with the
formers recent interview granted
the United Press. portions Of which
were literally reproduced in the Brit
ish press today, were considered in
dicative of Britain's attitude toward
Won Bethmann-Hollweg.
The only keynote of difference OBJ
servable in editorial comment today
was whether the allies, in their re-
ply to the German note should set
forth therein their own terms upon
which peace discussion would be con-
sidered. II the practical unanimity
of opinion OF the press and public
means anything, the reply will be re-
jected.
Press comment ranged today all the
way from the Daily Mails suggestion
that Won Bethmann-H ollweg is mo
more entitled to the courtesy of a
reply than an armed burglar in a
private house." to that made by the
Manchester Guardian that negotia-
lions should at least 90 as far as to
ascertain Germany's exact terms.
A number OF newspapers point out
the desirability in view of the manner
in which Germany made her offer
that the allies in replying clearly
inunciate their own aims in the war
for the benefit OF the worlds opin-
ion; that the terms on which the al
lies are willing to enter peace ne
gotiations be, clearly set forth. Such
comment holds that only in this way
can responsibility for the continuance
of the war-which responsibility Ger
many obviously seeks to place upon
the allies-be turned upon the central
powers.
Among numerous interviews with
public men, gathered by the London
press, there is only one advocating ac-
ceptance of Germany's proposition
and immediate entrance into negotia-
tons. That is the opinion voiced by
Philip Snowden, the empires leading
pacifist, who considers that the al
lies will incur an awful responsibility
if they decline. It Is at least their
duty, he holds to see whether the
German proposals contain the pos
sfbility of ending the war on condi-
lions. reasonable and as far as pos
sible satisfactory to everybody.
There was considerable opinion
that the note was merely a Clever
Teutonic trick" for the purpose OF
starting discussion among the allies
and possibly thus to create dissen-
ton. "
Call IL Trap.
PARIS. Dec. 13.-French newspa.
pers regard the German peace pro-
posals as having been made for effect
and strongly typify the public's be-
lief that France and her allies should
not respond to such German trap"
lie Matin disrnisses the proposals
Is pure talk, points out that they con-
tain no specific propositions on which
10 base negotiations and holds the
note is simply a reiteratfon Of Ger
nanys constant plea that she did not
desire the war, wishing only to pro-
tect her rights.
WEST AND SOUTH