The Ozark spectator., 1916-12-16
GERMANY WOULD END THE WAR
 AND LAYS CLAIMS BEFORE VATICAN

~@a VuNe bassadors and ministers of foreign governments were in the diplomatic box.
 The note presented by Dr. von Muhlberg, German minister to the Vatican, to Cardinal Gasparri, papal secretary of state, follows:
 Pope Asked to Be Mediator.
 According to instructions received, l have the honor to send to your en- thence a copy of the declaration which, by the good offices of the pow CTS, entrusted with the protection of German interests in the countries with which the German empire is in state of war, has been transmitted to these states. and in which the imperial gov ernment declares itself ready to enter into peace negotiations. The Austro- Hungarian, Turkish and Bulgarian governments also have sent similar notes.
 The reasons which prompted Ger many and her allies to take this step oiC IAahllCot. TOl lWO ycdIS anu d half terrible war has been devas- tating the European continent. Un- limited treasures of civilization have been destroyed. Extensive areas have been soaked with blood. Millions of brave soldiers have fallen in battle and millions have returned home as invalids. Grief and sorrow fill all most every house.
 Not only upon the belligerent na- tions, but also upon neutrals, the de- structive consequences of the gigan- tic struggle weigh heavily Trade and commerce. carefully built up in years of peace, have been depressed. The best forces of the nations have been withdrawn from the production of use full objects. Europe. which formerly ligion and civilization. which was try ing to find solutions for social prob lems and was the home of science and art and all peaceful labor, now resen. bles an immense war camp in which the achievements and works of many l 0VIoNCS dtC uOOluSQ lO
 Germany is carrying on a war of defense againN her enemies. which aim at her destruction. She fights to assure the integrity of her frontiers and the liberty of the German nation, for the right which she claims to de- velop freely her intellectual and eco. homie energies in peace competition and on an equal footing with other nations. All the efforts of their ene- mics are unable to shatter the heroic armies of the (Teutonic) allies. which l protect the frontiers of their coun. tries, strengthened by the certainty that the enemy shall never pierce the iron wall.
 Move for Humanity.
 Those fighting on the front know that they are supported by the whole nation. which is inspired by love for its country and is ready for the great est sacrifices and determined to de- fend to the last extremity the inher- ited treasure of intellectual and eco homie work and the social organiza. tion and sacred soil of the couttry.
 Certain of her own strength, but realizing Europe's sad future if the war continues; seized with pity in the face of the unspeakable misery of hu. manity. the German empire. in accord with her allies, solemnly repeats what the chancellor already has declared. year ago. that Germany Is ready to give peace to the world by setting be- fore the whole world the question whether or not 1t is possible to find a basis for an understanding.
 Since the first day of the pontifl- cal reign. his holiness. the pope. has unswerv:ngly determined in the most generous fashion. his solicitude for the innumerable victims of this war He has alleviated the sufferings and ameliorated the fate of thousands 0f men injured by this catastrophe. In. spired by the exalted ideas of his min. istry, his holiness has seized every opportunity in the interest of human. ity to end so sanguinary war.
 ''The imperial government is firmly confident that the initiative of the | four powers will find friendly welcome on the part of his holiness. and that the work of peace can count upon the precious support of the holy see" o----~---~~~~-~>-~-~---- ----~-->-->----~--~------- themselves felt, the applause coming ...r..