The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1916-12-15
Associated Press Dispa tch.1
H., Dnnnn, hon. 10 -Iha ind


London. December 13.-The indica-
lions are that the various govern
ments OF the entente allies do not in
tend to act hastily in making joint
response to the peace proposals OF the
central powers. 1t was pointed out IN
we'll informed quarters that while
each one of the allied governments
might indicate its general attitude a
consultation among the allies under a
treaty binding them to such action
probably will require two or three
weeks making it unlikely that joint
reply of all the allies will be available
before the first of the year.
Belief In Washington.
December 13.-It is believed here
that the entente allies will not fatty
refuse Germany's peace proposals, but
will treat them conditionally and will
continue the war To refuse them fatty
would be playing right into Germany's
hands. 1t would mean resumption of
relentless submarine warfare on the
part of Germany. 1t would also mean
more inconsiderate treatment than
ever of Belgium. The neutrals have
heretofore discountenanced both their
treatment of Belgium and the re-
lentless submarine warfare, but if
the allies should fatty turn down
Germany's peace proposals, both of
these German policies would receive
more favor than ever before in the
eyes of the neutral nations.
Not An Expression of Dissent.
Berlin, Via London, December 10
The speech of Chancellor Won Beth
-Hollweg before the reichstag
when he declared that Germany was
willing to make peace, was not mark
ed by single expression of dissent.
While the significant passages were
greeted with hearty cheers, it was
noticeable, however, Count Won Wes-
tary, leader and others of his follow
ing, sat silent and unmoved At the
conclusion of the speech an attempt
was made to force immediate debate,
but was finally resisted because he
believed a general discussion might
injure the cause of peace and place
Germany at diplomatic disadvantage.
Would Paralyze Austria.
The chancellor said Roumania had
entered the war in order to roll up
the German positions in the East and
those of Germany's allies. At the
same time the grand offensive on the
Somme had as its object to pierce the
German Western front, and the re-
newed Italian attacks were intended
to paralyZe Austria Hungary.
"The situation was serious" the
chancellor continued. But with
Gods help our troops shaped condi-
tions so as to give us security which
not only is complete but still more SO
than ever before. The Western front
stands. Not only does it stand, but
in spite of the Roumanian compaign
it is fitted out with larger reserves of
men and material than it had been for
merly. The most effective precau-
tons have been taken against all Ital-
ian diversions, and though on the
Somme and on the Carso the drum
fire resounded while the Russians
launched troops against the Eastern
frontier of Pennsylvania, Field Mar
shall Won Hindenburg captured the
whole of Western Wallachia and the
hostile capital of Bucharest.
Military Operations Progress.
"And Hindenburg does not rest.
Military operations progress. BY
strokes of the sword at the same time
firm foundations for our economic
needs have been laid. Great stocks
of grain, yictuals, oil and other goods,
fell into our hands in Roumania. Their
transport has begun. In spite of the
scarcity we could have lived on our
own supplies, but now our safety is
beyond question"
''To these great events on land"
the chancellor continued, heroic
deeds of equal Importance are added
by our submarines. The specter of
famine, which our enemies intended
to appear before us, now pursues
them without mercy. When after the
termination of the first year of the
war, the emperor addressed the ma.
ton in public appeal, he said: 'Hav.
ing witnessed such great events, my
heart was filled with awe and deter
mination.'
Neither our emperor nor our ma.
ton ever changed their minds in this
respect. Neither have they now. The
genius and heroic acts of our leaders
have fashioned these facts as firm as
iron" 4
London, Dec. 13.-Proposals fol
peace negotiations made by Germany
probably will be rejected by the al
lies. This is the view of those in
close association with the new Brit
ish government, although no officia
statement was made. Before forma
decision is reached, however, the pro
posals must be received and consid
cred by all the allies in concert.
Those said to be close to Premier
Lloyd-George believe the proposals
will prove entirely unacceptable
mainly because they are not likely tt
touch what the ruling authorities re
gard as the most essential basis o.
any peace, namely, such guarantee:
against German militarism as will per
NIT England, France and their allies t:
demOraliZp their vast armieS reduct