New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-10
Sense and Nonsense About Peace,

IL Is perfectly clear that Germany Is
beginning another campaign for peace.
Americans should not mistake the machin-
cry that is being employed, nor be sur
prised at the sudden outbreak of peace
talk wherever Germany has friends or in
fuence. This is one more German cam
paign skilfully directed, but designed to
serve German purposes and having no
basis in fact in any of the Allied capitals.
What are the facts, as contrasted with
the fctions in the peace discussion? It
will not be difficult TO make peace now
II Germany, the only nation which is
ready 10 talk of peace, is willing to pay the
price that is asked, but is she? This may
be doubted.
If Germany is prepared 70 accept the
status quo ante in Europe, permit Russia
TO occupy Constantinople and recede
ce-Lorraine to France, there is little
question as TO the peace arrangement.
Italy would insist upon the Trentino and
Trieste Conceivably she might take the
Trentino and a protectorate Of Albania,
deduction being made for the northern
corner.
But the key of the whole question is
Alsace-Lorraine. Germany might be will
ing TO accept the status quo ante, TO evacu-
ate Poland, Belgium, Luxembourg and
Northern France. 1t is exceedingly doubt
full if she would do this, but unless she is
willing to give back what she took from
France in 1871 no peace is yet possible in
Europe.
On the Allied side France has borne the
greatest burden of battle and borne it with
the greatest success. Her victory at the
Marine, won with barely sembance of
British support, really decided the issue of
the conflict. The war has cost her not far
from 100000 lives. Many Of her north
ern departments have been ravaged and
her contribution has been beyond that Of
her Allies.
If France desires Alsace-Lorraine, Great
Britain and Russia cannot do less than
back her, and they will, to the end. France
does desire Alsace-Lorraine. There is no
mistaking the fact that the whole country
has fixed its heart on regaining what was
taken nearly half a century ago. To-day
Frenchmen speak of Lille and Strassburg
in the same tone, in the same spirit. Both
are occupied by the Germans, both are
French. The war must go on until that
which belongs TO France is restored.
Alsace- Lorraine, the restoration of Bel
GUM and Serbia, the occupation Of Con-
stantinople by the Russians: these are the
only terms on which Germany can have
peace, and unless she is prepared to offer
these terms all discussion is empty. 4
year from now if she still holds her lines
Germany may find her enemies too eX-
hausted to insist upon the terms they now
demand, but certainly not for year yet
will they accept less.
All talk about peace in this country
which blinks the facts is nonsense. The
Allies are fighting for the liberation Of
Serbia and Belgium; they are fighting for
the liberation Of France; they will not stop
until they are defeated or exhausted. They
are neither defeated nor exhausted. and
any American interference will accomplish
nothing Of good and may have evil effects
for us.
The fact that Germany desires peace is
significant, but not over-signifcant She
has the gain Of the war in hand, but it is
expensive TO retain. She is doubtless will
ing to part with portion of her conquests.
But her enemies are determined she shall
give up all and the conquests Of 1870 in
addition. Does any American believe Ger
many will yet do this?
Germany wants peace; so do her enemies;
so even more do her allies. But Germany
is not yet in any mood 10 make peace on
the basis Of the agreement which the Allies
have set their hands TO. She may be ready
10 evacuate Antwerp and Brussels, but
what Of Strassburg and Metz?
A great deal of nonsense will be uttered
in this country about peace. But the ma
tons that are fighting Germany have made
I'D their minds to go on to lasting peace
a peace which shall be lasting because II
shall bring no profit to the nation which
drew the sword TO dominate the Continent
Great Britain, France and Russia will
not agree to an end which will leave Ger
many master of Central Europe, from
Hamburg TO Constantinople and from
Warsaw TO Ostend They will not agres
TO a peace that gives Germany virtual
protectorate over Belgium or an actual
hegemony of the Balkans. They will not
agree to a peace that leaves France inse-
cure and still mutilated after her magnih-
cent fight and her tremendous sacrifices.
If Mr. Wilson feels moved TO action by