Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-12-14
FRENCH VIEWS

Paris. Dec. IA clumsy trap" is
the caption under which morning papers
print Chancellor Won Bethmann-Holl-
wag's, speech in the Reichstag. THE
time for feints is over" says the Petit
Journal. I'VE are no longer in the pres
ence of the trial efforts of those per-
sistent appeals through interviewers and
newspaper articles, Chancellor Won
Hollweg summoned the Reichstag not to
hear his speech, but to be confronte ed
with an act. We do not know if at Ber-
lin there are people so naive as to imag-
inc that the allies are likely to swallow
this clumsy bait. Even on the morrow
OF the events in Rumania. In any case
Field Marshal Won Hindenburg's state
ment shows that the military cherish no
such illusion. What is still more GER
tain is that the treacherous Germa n
move aims at something else than gem
uine peace. 1t seeks an internal and eX-
tcrral effort in Germany. 1t is intend.
cd to convince the people that the gov
eminent is not responsible for the sacri-
fees imposed and that it's adversaries
alone are responsible for the continual
ton of the struggle. Abroad it desires
TO persuade neutrals that the allies are
pursuing policy of ambition. That is
the explanation of the pretended mod
Grafton in the tone of the speech
The speech merely emphasizes essen
tial weakness which temporary success
ses cannot hide.
The Petit Journal continues: 1T is be-
cause Germany knows she cannot win
that she desires to end the war Her
plan however, is doomed. 1t will fail
before the immovabIe resolution of the
allies
The Matin characterizes the peace
proposals as mere talk" saying:
They contain no territorial. political or
other conditions which could serve as a
nasls OF discussion Germany simply says
LOT the hundredth time that she never
! desired war and wishes only to protect
her rights. and that if her enemies will
not listen she will throw the blame Of
further bloodshed on them. The device
is too obvious. 1t could not deceive any
| but the most ignorant.
Another motive is the necessity of
making Germany accept the sufferings
and sacrifices Of another winter c,n,.
paign. If only the civilian ponu,atio,,
mad to endure this, not much harm would
be.felt; but the army is beginning to fee,
the strain. During the last few weeks
ratiohs have been reduced and in three
months time they will be very Door in,
deed. Germany Is compelled to talk of
peace, but she does it as vaguely as nos.
sible IN the hope of spreading dissensions
among her enemies and keeping her coali
ton together"
In an article IN the Figaro, Alfred Ca
pus, dramatist and member of the French
Academy. writes: What of the condi-
tons? What is the whole thing for?. We
want peace, too. but our peace is not
theirs. What, then, are Germany's con-
ditions? Nothing precise. She informs us
only that her pretentions are moderate
and proposes to US to stop the war while
size, defines them. AS soon as we Law
down our arms, as soon as the image OF
peace stall have done its work of disturb.
ing our mirds and a peace party shall
have been formed IL France. Russia am
England, then Germany will enlighten us
or the conditions which she now calls
moderate. Such ID the trap. 1t will be
met by lis and by our allies with grim
contempt. rot even with anger The ma
neuver is too clumsy to be worthy of
Indignation