Evening star., 1916-12-13
Pleasure Generally Felt Over
ChanceIIor's Steps to
End the War.
Definite PROPOSALS
READY FOR SUBMISSION
Believed Situation Is Advantageous
; to Teutons Even Though En-
tente Spurns Peace Tenders.
BY the Associated Press,

| bS tne ASSOCIATED Press.
BERLIN, December 12, via London
December 13-Although Chancellor vor
Bethmann-Hollweg did not disclose tn,
definite proposals on which German,
and her allies are prepared to make
peace in his speech before the reichstag
such proposals are ready and will b<
communicated to the entente powers II
the chancellor's offer should fall upor
responsive ears.
where, after the historic twenty-min-
ute session, the members gathered in
keen discussion of the chancellor's
speech, the general opinion expressed
was that the situation would be ad-
vantageous to Germany whether or not
the chancellor's offer was accepted by
the entente. Some of the opponents
of the chancellor are opposed to any
move in the direction of peace except
on the basis of woe to the conquered
Most members of the reichstag. how
ever. express the opinion that the en-
peror's decision was wise and timely
and showed pleasure at the formal step
taken toward ending the war.
Cheers Greet Speech.
The speech of the chancellor was not
marked by a single expression of dis
sent, while the significant passages
were greeted with hearty bravos and
cheers. 1t was noticeable. however,
that Count Friedrich Won Westarp, the
conservative leader. and others of his
u-ivc
when the galleries and newspaper men
Joined demonstrativeiy in the applause.
When the chancellor had concluded
his speech an attempt was made to
force an Immediate debate by the an
nexationist bloc, under Maj. Ernst Bas-
sermann. leader Of the natf0nal liberals
extreme socialists. This move was
firmly resisted by the leaders Of the
moderate parties, who agreed with the
chancellor that general discussion OF
possible peace conditions before the at
titude of the enemy powers was made
known could only injure the cause Of
peace and place Germany at diplo-
matte disadvantage. Their attitude
was that If the central powers exposed
all their cards before peace negotia-
tions began they would be placed at a
disadvantage. o.,
The indefinite adjournment Of the
reichstag by it's own decision leaves
the government a free hand to conduct
further negotiations and is regarded
as tantamount to a vote of confidence.
Enthusiastic Over Overtures.
BERLIN. Tuesday. December IL, via
London, December Recommending on
the peace proposals, Germania, the
Catholic organ. expresses especial
pleasure that the central powers appeal
to the pope as well as to other neutrais.
1t enthusiastically approves the peace
overtures which it terms the privilege
of the stronger in war and a perform
ance of the holiest of duties to human
ity and Christian morality.
The newspaper declares that the en-
peror's note to Germany's opponents
is a document of the love of peace.
than which none could be greater. fair
er or go to further lengths and which
proves that Germany, despite its
enormous military success. does not
wish to strike in cold blood to destroy
it's enemies, but in consonance with
its responsibility to God and the world
offers them the hand o. peace. Only a
fool. it declares, will see in the offer
an indication of weakness.
People Back of Emperor.
newspaper, whether Germany's oppo-
nents viii not reject the overture as
frivoiously as they started the war.
Should they do this. it declares. then
there will be nc one who can fail to see
for himself who the real. systematic
destroyers of the world are. The Ger
man people to a man stand behind the
emperors beace overture it comments,
but Germany will stand behind him lin
holy unity and hoiier anger if his well
meant intentions are frivolously balked.
Then circumstances will have to take
the course which a just God placed in
our hands when He gave us the power
which our enemies already feel SO
acuteiy and which they will have to
teel until the end
Die Post treats the peace overtures In
an exceedingly pessimistic manner. de-
claring that there will be anything ex-
cept willingness in England to recognize
Germany's requirements The newspaper
warns Germany's enemies that, "if you
refuse Germany's hand you will soon feel
her fist with increased force" 1t adds
that the overtures show a super1uity ct
neutral offers on behalf of peace. They
don't need to mix in matters any more.
says Die Post. THE negotiations can
begin Immediately and directly"