The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1916-12-14

three neutrals, the United States, Spain
and Switzerland. 1t is impossible to
discern anything of a chastened Ger
man spirit that the world and the En-
tente particularly had a right to ex-
pect, So far Germany merely proposes
territorial restoration as before the
war. with the exception that she stipu-
lates Poland and Lithuania shall be in
dependent kingdoms and the Balkans
situation shall be the subject of supple
mentary negotiations. In this none of
the conditions for which the Allies have
declared they made war are met. There
is no provision for future security.
There is no tender of reparation for in
| juries in contravention of international
law and in violation of solemn obliga-
tons resting on Germany. True, there
are no demands made. But Germany's
| tender of peace is not made with clean
hands, nor does she propose to alter
her methods or amend her ideals There
is no sign of contrition in the German
proffer. An evil hearts desire Is thy
deadliest foe" and there is no hint
that Germany has changed her heart.
Possibly she awaits a counter offer
from her enemies to draw from her the
more reasonable terms that she must
grant ere she can know peace, or they
either. To call the war draw and end
it with territorial lines as before hos
tilities began would be but to make
fresh start toward the next outbreak.
The world will not be satisfied with
that. much as it longs for peace.
Aside from ideals and principles of
conduct. national justice and national
existence, there are territorial ambi-
tions to be satisfied be fore peace can
come. The Allies will have to decide
whether Germany probably will be will
ing to make concessions and to what
extent if they enter into negotiations.
Turkey, one OF Germany's allies, must
be pushed out of Europe and Byzantium
ceded to Russia if pledges made by
France and Great Britain are to be full
filled and the Great Bear placated.
That would sweep away advantages
gained by German arms in the Balkans
and the Near East. Alsace and Lor.
raine must be restored to France if
that for which the latter country really
entered the war and to which Britain
is pledged is to be realized. Italy must
get the price promised to her in restora-
ton of her lost provinces now held I'M
der the Austrian flag. Belgium and
Serbia must not only be restored to
sovereignty but Unidentified for their
losses Can Germany pay, and would
she pay? The destruction of military
rule in Germany is essential to any last
ing peace, and that carries with it the
| virtual disarmament of the world. How
much of sincerity was there in the
Chancellor's November statement that
Germany is willing to join with the
other powers in forming a league to en-
force peace? All these questions must
be considered by the Allies and salts
factory answers found before they can
agree TO an armistice and peace ne
gotiations.
Then, there are the Individual am
billions of the men just come or coming
into power in the Entente countries.
They have gone to the front as strong
men able to win the war. Are they big
enough to prefer to make a just peace
just to all the world; or will they insist
upon having trial of their own
theories of fighting to victory?