Evening journal., 1916-01-01
Ru cARL w. AcKERMAN.

I.
BERLIN. Jan. l-As the 1915
twelvemonth draws to a close the Ger
man campaign had spread TO more Tor
eign lands, TO Turkey and Egypt. Many
enormous battles and campaigns in 1915
have decided the war in certain war
theatres.
In the Russian campaign the Russian
army was pushel into Russia. Serbia
mas been tirely submerged Belgium
is occupied. Eight of Frances richest
provinces, with nearly three million peo-
pie. are under German control
Germany has lost most OF her colonies
and her overseas commerce. But be
tween the central powers and the Allies
there has been no decisive battle, no de-
Gliding campaign.
Both sides await with equal confidence
and determination this contest. Whether
it will be foght or avoided, no one
knows. Events will decide. The fate OF
Belgium depends upon the outcome. II
the war is a draw, Belgium's future VIII
depend upon the peace terms.
Peace today depends upon the so
LUTON Of the Belgian question. Until
England and Germany come to an un-
derstanding on Belgium's future the
war will continue. These statements
have been made so often that the
United Press asked the censor to pass
this article to tell the outside world
what everyone here talks about.
During the last two weeks two
things have become evident. England
declared that she will not make peace
until Belgium is evacuated. Germany
Is determined that Belgium will not
be given Up until Germany is assured
hat it will not be a political or mill
AIRY ally OF Great Britain's.
For several weeks ! have asked high
officials what Germany is going to do
with Belgium. The answer has been
hat not even the Kaiser knows. This
undoubtedly is true. Much seems to
depend upon the future progress of
he war.
In Germany there are two parties
with regard to Belgium. One wishes
10 keep Belgium. The other wants to
give it up. The line is not distinctly
drawn. Many think Germany should
seep Antwerp and the forts of Namur
and Liege. or that Germany should
have the right to garrison those fort
resses. Others believe Germany should
keep Antverp as an outlet to the
channel for Germany Others wish
Germany to keep all Of Belgium, but
his is considered a minority.
There is a general feeling that Bel
gium should never be permitted to re-
urn to the position she held before
he war Il is felt that Belgium was
not neutral because of the documents
In uhn inf }
discussions of conventions between
Belgium and England about landing
British troops in Belgium in case of a
fiolatiOn of its neutrality by Germany,
which Germany considers. i'm effect,
reaties. Tho universal opinion seems
10 be that Germany will not give up
Belgium while there is a probability
Of a renewal of these conventions
The fear exists that England may in
he future, use Belgium to defeat Ger
many.
Germany considers that she holds
within her hands the terms of peace
and that she has won the war-so far
as the war and 1915 is concerned. II
is asserted, however. that through
English control of news channels
what are considered victories here
reach the world as defeats. Or, if nol
as defeats. as indications that Germany
is weakening. This breeds concern il
I Germany that when il comes peace
making time the Allies will caus'
any peace terms to be interpreted al
German defeats, especially if f.Germanl
shows a willingness to evacuate Bel
GUM. II is said here that the Allies
will declare that Germany is de
feated or she would never give VI
Belgium. Many Germans want t
keep Belgium because they think j
will be the best evidence that German.
has won the war.
Many things are interpreted as ev
ience that Germany intends or doe
not intend to keep Belgium. One
hat Germany never would have sper
the millions of marks for bridges
new railroads, public building
and other improvements, If sh
wasn't going to keep Belgium.
large government printing estat
lishment has been erected in Brussel
A wealthy German count. reported I
be a friend Of the Kaisers. has erecte
a large newspaper Office there.