, 1916-12-30

would have placed II limitation upon destruc-
tive wars, has already met with opposition
from Germany. We were the defenders of
pence in 1914 to the very last moment when
Germany declared war on Us. We also
understand to what extent war reacts on the
interests of neutrals, principally on account
OF the manner IN which 1t IS being conducted
by our enemies: But we cannot help keep
ing in view the fact that the American
declaration was made almost simultaneously
with the German one. In its true sense
the German offer is now known 10 all.
Germany considers herself a victor aud
thinks to dictate 10 us terms oil peace.
Under such conditions the beginning of
peace negotiations with Germany would
signify our acknowledgment of sucn a belief.
We are not vauqpished aud cannof thereto,
make an acknowledgment of defeat. We
deeply believe in :le triumph Of right and
Justice for which we are fighting and when
This will prevail then will come the time Tor
sincere peace negotiations.
Berlin, Dee. 26th-The text of Germany's
answer 10 President Wilson's note was trans
united today. Germany proposes an imme-
dmte meeting of belligerent delegates to
discuss peace. The answer says, "lhe Pre-
sidenl points out that VIII ch he has at heart,
ana leaves open the choice of road. To the
An PEI HI OONHI DiuSH MI Z a ItuS
Of views seems to be the most appropriate
road 10 order to reach the desired lesult. 1t
begs the refore as IL The sense of the de clnra-
ton nude Oh December 18th which offered
a hand for peace negotiations to propose an
immediate meeting of The delegates of The
belligerent States at a neural place"
Rome, Dec. 26th-A naval engagement
between French, Italian and Austrian war
ships in the Strait OF Onanto, is AM ounced
in al Official statement issued by he Adm
rally. The statement says, "Sevcral enemy
ships attacked our patrol vessels in the
Otranto Channel on The night OF Dee. 23td.
French and Italian warships came to the
rescue, and the enemy fed under cover Of
darkness after a sharp engagement What
damage he suffered is unknown. Two
French desiroyers and one patIol boat We're
hit and slightly damaged"
Paris, Dec. 26, HIN addresses at the
National Congress of the French Socialist
Party, MIR. Arthur Henderson aud Mr.. S. H.
Robertson OF the British Parliament both
affirmed amidst enthusiastic cheers 'Thnt
the war must be fought out until full qua
runtees have been obtained for a lasting
peace. "In my opinion, said MIR. Hender-
son, "f France aud ourselves were to enter
into negotiations under existing conditions
we should be nations in bondage. Nothing
less than that is the price our enemies would
exact for pence today" Emile Vanderuelde,
the Belgian Socialist Lender, declared "that
the struggle must be cnrried on until Bel
GUM and Servia are delivered aud C"esarisn
is laid low"
London, December 26th-The newspapers
report the engagement of -NIr. Asquifh's
daughter Elizabeth to Mr.. Hugh S Glib
son, Fnsl Secretary of the American En-
bassy in London. 1t is understood the
marriage il not TO take place Immediately.
Rome, Dec. 25th.-The feeling Of pence
in the air has moi affected in the slightest
measure ItaIy's military activity. The new
class, those born III 1898, has been called to
report TO the colours in January, which will
considerably increase the contlngents availa-
bic for the front. and $500 factories running
day and night, turning out arms and mum
tions. While from the peaks of Trentino to
tue sbol es OF the Adriatic Christmas passed in
vi3ilant watching, it was varied III some 81 OTIS
bv sndden attacks, Notwithstanding fearful
weather conditions. Snow III the mountains
is fit teen feet deep.
Berlin, Dec. 26 1.-Two allied patrolboats,
evidently of the Indomito class. were sunk,
and four other w~arships were damaged in
]. the recent IA vaEnugagemeDt in the Strait of