The Topeka state journal., 1916-12-28
Russia Sends Reply Thru U. s..
Ambassador at Berlin.
Rejects German-Made Proposal
for Peace Conference.
SPECIFY ENTENTE WAR aims
Conquest Is for Rule of Right
Over Might.
Will Reply to President Wilson
in Like Vein.

London. Dec 2S.-Dispatch of the
allies reply to Germany's peace pro-
posals is imminent.
Information today indicated that the
phraseology of the identical notes. to
be sent by all the entente nations, had
practically been settled upon.
Russia's reply-couched in the
terms agreed upon by the allies-is
already en- route to Paris, where it
will be handed the American ambas-
sador, with Frances note for trans
mission to Berlin some time within
the next few days.
From authoritative sources, it is
learned the allied notes will contain:
Why Allies Are Fighting.
A rejection of a peace based on
German made plans.
vigorously worded summary of
the principles for which the allies
contend they are fighting-to re-
move the menace of militarism, OF
might over right, of the rule of
force over international law
Probably the allies will make still
clearer their aims and purposes by a
recital of the crimes for which they
propose to hold Germany responsible.
The note. however. will not state
specifically the terms on which the al
lies will consent to talk peace. Such
terms must be inferentially drawn
from the statement of the aims and
purposes for which the allies are fight
ing. 1t will not consent to the peace
conference urged by Germany. 1t will
not admit the timeliness of the Ger
man plea, nor of President Wilson's S
suggestions.
Statement of Principles to Z. S.
At the same time these allied notes
go forward to the central powers, thru
the diplomatic agencies of Spain,
Switzerland and America. the allies
will probably forward an Identical note
answering President Wilson's peace
suggestions This note is likely to
point to the German reply and elabo-
rate somewhat in meeting the Amer1-
can presidents plea for statement of
principles.
Probably also it will emphasize the
importance to America of the estab-
lishment. eventually, of a peace of
such permanence as to prevent all re-
currence in the future of another such
world disturbance, according TO au-
thoritative information today. Such
peace. the note will point out, can
only be achieved by victorious estah-
lishment of the principles for which
the allies are striving
SC0ln 10 sec NlOlltC.
The Daily Telegrap phi today. corrot,-
Grating yesterdays dispatches, assert
ed that the entente notes as approved
by the allies will SET forth in plain
words why the allies are fighting and
what they are fighting for.
In view of Washington dispatches
intimating that President Wilson'S
note and Secretary of State Lansing :
original statement that the United
States was ''on the verge of war;
were based on the belief of American
offcialdom that German submarine
warfare would shortly force the put
ting into effect of the threat of a
diplomatic severance with Germany,
made in the Sussex note. press and
public comment was noticeably less
bitter today.
Sees Germany Weakening.
London. Dec 2S.-Germany is
weakening; her peace proffers come
strength and realization of the in
creased strength of her enemies, Gar
Nicholas of Russia asserted in army
orders sent to all Russian fronts to-
day
Germany is feeling that her COM
p1ete defeat is near and near also is
the hour of retribution for all her
wrong doings and violations of moral
law" the order said. "As in the time
of her strength she declared war so
now. feeling her weakness, she sud-
denly offers to enter upon peace nego-
tiations desiring to complete such ne
gotiations before her military talent is
exhausted"
The czar declared his knowledge
that no Russian soldier desires peace
until the enemy is driven from Rus
sian soil and guarantees against repe-
tition of future treacherous attacks
achieved.