New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-13
Germany Appeals to Pope
for Support in Offer


Berlin, Dec I2.-Tho note presented
by Dr. Won Muhlberg. German Minister
20 the Vatican. to CARDINAL Gasparri'
Papal Secretary OF state, follows;
According TO instructions received,
| have the honor 20 send TO your emf
nence a copy of the declaration of the
imperial government to-day, which, by
the good Offices Of the powers intrusted
with the protection Of German inter
csts in the countries with which the
German Empire is in state OF wal,
has been transmitted 10 these states
and in which the imperial government
declares itself ready TO enter INTO
peace negotiations. The Austro- Hun
garian, Turkish and Bulgarian govern
mcnts have sent similar notes.
War Devastating Continent
"The reasons which prompted Ger
many and her allies 70 take this step
are manifested. For two years and a
half terrible war has been devastating
the European Continent. Unlimited
treasures of civilization have been dc
stroved. Extensive areas have been
soaked with blood. Millions of brave
soldiers have fallen in battle and mill
ions have returned home as invallds
Grief and sorrow fiji almost every
house.
"Not only upon the beligerent ma
tions. but also upon neutrals the de-
structive consequences of the gigantic
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been Withdrawn from the production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 useful objects. Europe, which for
merly was devoted to the propagation
of religion and civilization, which was
trying TO find solutions for social
problems and was the home of science
and art and all peaceful labor, now
resembles an immense war camp, IN
which the achievements and works of
many decades are doomed to annlhlla-
ton.
Defending Germany's Rights
Germany is carrying on a war of de-
fence against 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 10 develop
freely her intellectual and economic
energies in peaceful competition and
Oh an equal footing with other ma
tions.
"All the efforts Of their enemies are
unable 20 shatter the heroic armies OF
the lTeutonic) allies. which protect the
frontiers of their countries, strength
ened by the certainty that the enemy
shalt never pierce the iron wall.
"Those sighting 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 defend
TO the last extremity the inherited
treasure of intellectual and economic
work and the social organization and
sacred soil Of the country.
Pity for Humanity's Misery
Certain Of our own strength. but
realizing Europe's sad future If the
war continues; seized with pity in the
face of the unspeakable misery OF hu-
mainly, the German Empire, i'm 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 no il Is possible 20 ind a
basis for al understanding.
"Sincc the first day of the pontitcal
reign His Holiness the Pope has un-
swervingly demonstrated in the most
generous fashion his solcitude for the
innumerablo victims Of this war He
has alleviated the suferings and amei-
iorated the fate OF thousands OF men
injured by this catastrophe. Inspired
by the exalted ideas Of his ministry
His Holiness has seized every oppor-
tunity in the interest of humanity TO
end so sanguinary war.
"Thc imperial government is firmly
confident that the initiative OF the four
powers will find friendly welcome on
the part Of His Holiness and the work
of peace can count upon the precious
support Of the Holy See"