davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-12-13

to our troops justifies our expectation of further successes.
 ''If, in spite of this offer of peace and reconciliation the struggle should go on, the four allied Powers are re- solved to continue to a. victorious end, but they disclaim responsibility for this before humanity and history. The imperial government, through the good offices of Your Excellency, ask the government of Chere is inserted the Nname of the neutral: Power ad- dressed in each instance) to bring this communication to the knowledge of the government of (here are inserted the names of the belligerents).'
 After reading the note the Chancel- Tor said:
 "Gentlemen, in August, 1914. our enemies challenged the superiority or power in the world war. Today we raise the question of peace, which is a question of humanity. We await the answer of our enemies with that sereneness of mind which is guaran- teed to us by our, exterior and interior strength and by our clear con- science. If our enemies decline to end the war, if they wish to take upon themselves the worlds heavy bur- den of all these terrors. which here after will follow, then even In the least and smallest homes. in every German heart, will burn in sacred wrath against our enemies, who are unwilling to stop human slaughter in order that their plans of conquest ana annihilation may continue.
 ''In the Hateful hour we took fate full decision. It has been saturated with the blood of hundreds of thous- ands of our sons and brothers who gave their lives for the safety of their home Human wits and human un- derstanding are unable to reach to the extreme and last questions in this struggle of nations, which has un- yelled all the terrors of earthly life, but also the grandeur of human cour- age and human will in ways never seen before. God will be the judge. We can proceed upon our way with out fear and unashamed. We are ready for fighting and we are ready for peace"
 The Chance11or's speech was listen ed to by thronged galleries The roy al box was crowded. All the Ambassa- dors and Ministers of foreign govern ments were in the diplomatic box.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-12-13
THE FARMER: DECEMBER 13. 1y16
DECISION WISE,
 IS OPINION IN
 THE REICHSTAC

Berlin, Dec. 13.-Although Chance1- Tor Von -Hollweg did not
 disclose the definite proposals on which Germany and her allies are prepared to make peace in his speech before the Reichstag, such proposals are ready and will be communicated to the entente powers if the chancel- lor'S offer should fall upon responsive ears.
 In the corridors of the Reichstag, where, after the historic 2O-minute session, the members gathered in keen discussion of the chancellOrS speech the general opinion expressed was that the situation would be advantageo to Germany whether or not the chan cellor's offer was accepted by the en- tente.
 Some of the opponents of the chan cellor are opposed to any move in the direction of peace except on the basis of Woe to the conquered" Most members of the Reichstag, however. express the opinion that the Elm peror's decision was wise and timely.
 The speech of the chancellor was not marked by a single expression of while the significant passages were greeted with hearty cheers. It. was noticeable, however, that Count Friedrich Won Westarp, the conserva-. tive leader, and others of his follow. ing sat silent and unmoved even when the galleries 'and newspapernen joined 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 Major Ernst leader of the National Liberals. and Count Westarp, support. ed by the Extreme Socialists This move was firmly resisted by the lead CTS of the moderate parties who agreed with the chancellor that a general dis cusslon of possible peace conditions, before the attitude of the enemy pow CTS was made known, could only in1 )ure the cause of peace and place Germany at a diplomatic disadvan- tage.
 The indefinite adjournment of the Relchstag by it's own decision leaves to government free hand to conduct further negotiations and is regarded as tantamount to a vote of confidence.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-12-13
AUSTRIAN RULER
 NOTIFIES ARMY
 OF PEACE PLANS

Amsterdam, Dec s13.-A Vienna des- patch says Emperor Charles has is- sued the following to his army and navy:
 With Gods gracious assistance and your, loyal allies endurance. we have created situation in which our final victory is no longer doubtful. In an endeavor to give back to our peoples, who in serious times have held out heroically, the blessings of peace, I and my illustrious allies have attempt. ed to bring about an honorable peace.
 T pray that the Almighty may be- stow His blessings on this step, but I am convinced you will continue to- fight with the same heroism until peace is concluded or the enemy is beaten crushingly.''
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-12-13
DEFENSIVE WAR, VIENNA SAYS IN
 OFFICIAL NOTE

Vienna. Dec. 13-An official Aus. <rian statement, referring to the peace offer, says:
 When in the summer of 1914 the patience of Austria-Hungary was ex- hausted by series of systematically continued and ever increasing provo cations and menaces, and the mon. hrchy after almost fifty years of un- broken peace found itself compelled to draw the sword. this weighty de cision was animated neither by aggres- sive purposes nor by designs of con- quest, but solely by the bitter neces- sity of self-defense, to defend it's ex- lstence and safeguard itself for the future against similar treacherous plots of hostile neighbors.
 That was the task and aim of the monarchy in the present war. In combination with it's allies, we'll tried in loyal comradeship in arms, the Aus tro-Hungarian army and fleet, fight ing, bleeding, but also assailing and ccnquering, gained such successes that they frustrated the intentions of the enemy. The Quadruple Alliance not only, has won an immense series of vi6tories, but also holds in its power extensive hostile territories. Unbroken is it's strength, as our lat est treacherous enemy has just experi- enced:. < ti
 Gan our enemies hope to conquer or shatter this alliance of powers They will never. succeed in breaking 1t. by, blockade and starvation meas ures. Their war aims, to the attain ment. of. which they have come no nearer in the third year of the war, will in the future be proved to have been completely unattainable. Use- less and unavailing, therefore, is the prosecution of the fighting on the part of the enemy.
 "The powers of the Quadruple Ali ance, onsthe other hand, have effec- lively pursued their aims-namely, defense. against attacks on their ex- istence eand integrity, which were planned in concert long since, and the achievement of real guarantees; and they will never allow themselves to be deprived of the basis of their exist ence, which they have secured by ad- vantages won.
 "The continuation of the murder ous war, in which the enemy can de- stroy much, but cannot-as the Quad ruple Alliance is firmly confident-a1- ter fate,ais ever more seen to be an aimless destruction of human lives and property an act of inhumanity justified by no necessity and crime against civilization. -
 '"This conviction, and the hope that similar views may also be begun to be entertained in the enemy camp, has caused the idea to rIpen in the Vienna Eabinet-in full agreement with the Governments of the allied (Teutonfc) powers-of making can- did and loyal endeavor to come to discussion with their enemies for the purpose of paving a way for peace"
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-12-13
GERMAN ENV0YS
 IN WASHINGTON
 DISCUSS MOVES

Washington, Dec. 13-Count von Bernstorff received word from the Berlin Foreign Office early yesterday regarding the peace proposals. After ward he authorized this statement:
 II am gratified by the steps taken by my government and think that even if they should not result in peace they at least are proof that Germany, even in the height of a victorious campaign, has no desire to prolong human woe and suffering.
 Germany wants peace and does not want conquest. cannot say any thing about terms for the reason that do not know what they may be-"
 The Ambassador is understood to regard the possibility of a discussion of peace by the belligerents as the all important point involved in the pro- posal. He does not believe that the Entente Allies will refuse even to talk about peace terms" and is un- derstood to believe that an opening wedge may be forthcoming which ul- tin1ately will lead to an armistice and an understanding.
 It is not believed that the Ambas- sador expects Great Britain or her allies to agree to Germanys proposal at once, or consider an immediate cessation of hostilities. The most he hopes for is that they will be willing to discuss the matter. He believes that Iublic opinion, not only in neu- tfal countries, but in the countries of the Entente, will sanction giving con- to peace discussion.
 Should the Entente decline to con- sider Germany's proposal, the Ambas- sador believes they will be at least duty bound to inform the world what they are fighting for. His position is that Germany has now made it clear that conquest is not the object of pro- Longation of the war, so far as Ger many is concerned, and that Great Britain and her allies must either ad- init that they are fighting to @crush. or consider the offer to stop fighting.
 And if the Entente goes on record as continuing the war to crush 'Prussian militarisn"-w to the means the German na- ,ion-he believes that neutral nations, IS well as belligerents, should fully it.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-12-13
Scandinavia Thinks
 Allies May Propose
 Peace Program Soon

London, Dec 13.-Germany's peace proposal caused the greatest sensation in Scandinavia, according to Co., penhagen despatch to the Exchange, Telegraph company.
 The Dagens Nyheder, of Copenha- gen, says that it learns in authorita- tive Swedish circles that it is believed, there that the German offer will not meet with immediate rejection by the allies The Copenhagen Politiken be- 1ieves that in view of what has hap pened during the last few days in Russia, France and England it is un- likely that the allies will agree to start peace negotiations. This paper says:
 Premier Trepoffs declaration that is the aim of Russia. and the fact that the governments of England and France have been changed into special war governments do not give the impression that .
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-12-13
LONDON PAPERS GLOOMY OVER PEACE PROSPECTS;
 REJECT BERLIN'S PLAN

London. Dec. 13-The late editions of tfie evening newspapers comment sarcasticaIly on the German peace or fer. The Evening News says, that 1n- asmuch as the Germans have obta1ned their maximum of plunder'' and as 'the avenger in the shape of Ltoyd George is about to inf1ict punishment,
 Germany now desires to make peace. '"The chAncellor's declaration IS al- most blasphemous,' the News cont1n- ues After the crushing Of the GIL ixens of Rumania and the deportanon of French and Belgians the Kaiser and Chancellor place on the allies the responsibility for continuing the war.
 The Foreign Office informed the As sociated Press yesterday that 1t Is un- able to discuss the German peace of- fer until the terms have been received Meanwhile the attitude of the British government towards possible peace terms remains as frequently enunc1- ated by the former premier and for eign secretary
 A general note of pessimism prevails in London. One prominent official ex- pressed himself as being very skepti- cal that the proposed. terms would of fer even a basis for negotiation
 This official said, however, that the note was a dramatic coup, which would create interesting developments in the diplomatic situation and pro- vide the first official peace overtnres of the war.
 The offer finds the Foreign Office upset in the midst of a change of ad- ministration, but as the new foreign secretary, A. J. Balfour, has kept most closely in touch with foreign affairs while serving in different depart ment in the late government, it is not expected that 1t will take long for him to be as well prepared as Wis count Grey, the retiring foreign sec retary. to take charge of Great Brit aims end of any negotiations which might follow Germany's offer.
 Although it is still a matter of mere diplomats believe the mo- .dus operandi would follow which end ed the Spanish American war, when France presented the Spanish offer through Jules Cambon, the French ambassador at Washington.
 No action could be taken, of course; without full consultation with Great Britain's allies.
 Much speculation in official circles as to the possible action of the Reich stag yesterday had hardly prepared them for an actual offer of peace. and the utmost curiosity was displayed as to the details of the proposed terms.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-12-13
TEXT OF CHANCELLOR'S NOTE ASKING NEUTRALS
 TO AID IN PEACE MOVE

Berlin, Dec 13-Following is the text of the note addressed by Germany and her allies to the hostile govern ments:
 Tine most terrific war ever exper- fenced in history has been raging for the last two years and a half over a large part of the world-a catastrophe which thousands of years of common civilization was unable to prevent, and which injures the most precious achievements. of humanity.
 "Our aims are not to shatter nor annihilate our adversaries. In spite of our consciousness of our military and economic strength and our readi- ness to continue the war (which has been forced upon us) until the bitter end, if necessary; at the same time prompted by the desire to avoid fur ther bloodshed and make an end to the atrocities of war, the four allied Powers propose to enter forthwith into peace negotiations.
 'The propositions which they bring forward for such negotiations and which have for their object guar antee of the existence. of the honor and liberty of evolution for their na- tions, are, according to their firm be- lief an appropriate basis for the es- tablishment of a lasting peace.
 / ''The four allied Powers have been obliged to take up arms to defend justice and the liberty Of national evolution. The glorious deeds of our armies have in no way altered their purpose. We always maintained the firm belief that our own rights and justified claims in no way control the rights of these nations.
 'The spiritual and material progress which were the pride of Europe at the beginning of the twentieth century are threatened with ruin. Germany and her rallies-Austria-Hu Bull garia and Turkey-gave proof of their unconquerable strength in this strug- gle They gained gigantic advantages over adversaries superior in number and war material. Our lines stand unshaken against ever repeated at tempts made by armies.
 seThe last attack in the Balkans has been rapidly and victoriously over come. The most recent events have demonstrated that further continu- ance of the war will not result in breaking the resistance of our forces, and the whole situation with regard
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-12-13
Federal Grand Jury
 Undertakes Probe of
 High Cost of Living

New York, Dec. 1S-Under the di- rection of Frank M. Swacker assist ant United States attorney-general, a federal grand jury began here today it's investigation into the increased cost of living. The coal situation was the first subject into which the fed eral authorities delved. Subpoenas were issued for representatives of coal companies and of coal-carrying railroads. The announced purpose of the investigation is to obtain infor- nation for the formulation of legisla- ton effecting coal and food.
 Bernard N. Baker of Baltimore was selected by President Wilson as a of the, shipping board.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-12-13
ASKS VATICAN TQeIVE HELP
 IN PEACE PLAN

Berlin, Dec. l 3-The following note was presented yesterday by pr. won MushTBeHg German Minister to the Vatican, to Cardinal Gasparri, Papal Secretary of StatH-
 ]" According to instructions received l have the horror to send to Your Eminence a copy of the declaration which the Imperial government yes- terday,s by the good offices of the powers instrusted with the protection of German interests in the countries with which the German empire is in a state of war, has transmitted to these states, and in which the Im- peria government declares itself ready, to enter into peace negotia- tions. The; Anstro- Hungarian, Turk ish and Bulgarian governments also have sent similar notes.
 'The reasons which prompted Ger many and her allies to take this step are manifest. For two years and a 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 al- most every house.
 "Not only upon belligerent nations but also upon neutrals the destructive 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 ob- jects. Europe, which formerly 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 de- cades are doomed to annihilation.
 Germany is carrying on a war of defense 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 to de- velop freely her intellectual and economic energies in peaceful compe- tition and on an equal footing with other nations. All the efforts of their enemies are unable to shatter the heroic armies of the (Teutonic) allies, which protect the frontiers of their countries, strengthened by the cer- tainty that the enemy shal never pierce the iron wall.
 Those fighting on the front know that they are. supported by the whole nation, which is inspired by love for it's country and is ready for the great est sacrifices: and determined to de- fend to the last extremity the inherited treasure of intellectual and economic work and the social organization and sacred soil of the country"
 Certain of our strength, but real~ izing EurOpe's sad future if the war continues; seized with pity in the face of the unspeakable misery of the German empire, in ac- cord with her allies, solemnly repeats what the Chancellor already had de- clares, a year ago, that Germany is ready to give peace to the world by setting before the whole world the question whether or no it is possible ko find q basis for an understanding"
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-12-13
DUTCH PAPER RAPS WILSON.

Amsterdam, Dec. 13---The Koel- nische Volks Ze1tung publishes sharp attack on President Wilson in connec- tion with the representations to Ger manl regarding the Belgian deporta- tions. The newspaper considers his action incorrect
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-12-13
TOXIC EXCHANGE CLOSED.

PEACE+TOKIO Cos
 Tokio, Dec. 13.-The peace proposal of Germany and her allies caused such a violent slump on the stock exchange that the market has been closed tenn porarily by the directors.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-12-13
SPAIN ACTS AGAINST U-BOATS.

Madrid, Dec. 13-Alejandro Le- roux, leader of the Radical party in the Chamber of Deputies, has intro duced a bill prohibiting Spanish sub jects and vessels from provisioning German submarines in any way.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-12-13

wish for peace exists in those coun1 tries. It will not be surprising, there fore. if the German offer is refused, although it will be difficult for the all lies to give an absolute refusal
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-12-13

United Mine Workers of Atherica have demanded that the 14months old strike on the lines of the Wilkes Barre Railway Co.,. be settled at once.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-12-13

Pope Benedict received Prince and
 Princess Andrea Boncampagni in pri- vate audience.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-12-13
PARIS IS DERISIVE

Paris, Dec. 13-The offer of peace of Chancellor Won Bethmann-Holl- veg is received with a chorus of deri- sion in the French press. The news papers are unanimous that it is an ad- mission that the situation is getting critical in Germany and that the chancellor wants a way out before it is too late. His move is considered to have the additional advantage that in the event of it's failing it will en- able him to throw the blame for the continuation of the war on the allies, which he hopes will have a moral ef- feet on Germany and the neutral na- tiOnS.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-12-13

The general impression was that the German offer was not likely to bring immediate results, particularly if, as the Emperor's pronouncement indi- cated, 1t was made on the basis that the Central Powers are victorious:
 The stock market had adjourned and the House of Commons was dis persing when the news became known. It is believed the government is ac- quainted in general way with the proposals The Exchange Telegraph company says sthat the speech last night of Arthur Henderson, member of the War Council, was made with full knowledge tha+ such proposals were likely to be brought forward.
 The German peace proposal is in dignantly rejected by the Times, which says:
 "Germany's proposal bears no rela- tion whatever to the objects for which we are fighting x She has been trying by all the means at her disposal to induce us to make the suggestion of mediation. The at tempt has lamentably and conspicu- ously failed, and, as she does not judge that any. neutral power could proffer mediation with much advan- tage, she falls back on this indirect offer to the belligerents as pis aller It is above all things a symptom of her conscious weakness X x The allies must absolutely reject any ideas of mediation in any shape and from any quarter as long as the basis pro- posed is the triumph of might and not right. The must refuse with equal firmness to even talk about an armis- tice until thel ands which the enemy has overrun are restored and compen- sation made. They must renew the enunciation of their peace terms laid down once for all in MT. Asquith's Guild Hall speech and must redouble their efforts to force these terms up- on Germany and her acconplices'