Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1916-12-20

favor of categorical refusal by the
allies to enter into peace negotiations
with Germany.
Paris, Dec. 2O.-Premier BRAND an
nounce1 in the senate that the allied
governments will send their formal re-
ply to Germanys peace bffer at once.
definitely stating that the allied gov
ernments cannot seriously consider 1t.
London, Dec 2O-Premier Lloyd
George said in the house of commons
that it was felt that the allies should
know before entering on negotiations
that Germany was prepared to accede
to the only terms possible for peace to
be obtained and maintained in Europe.
| The premier said that without rep
aration peace would be impossible.
| He declared there were no proposals
for peace. TO enter into proposals Of
which they had no knowledge was to
put their heads into moose with the
| rope end in the hands of Germany.
Lloyd-George quoted the words of
Abraham Lincoln: "The war will end
when the object has been obtained; I'M
der God, it never will end until we
have attained this object"
Much as they longed for it, the pre-
mier added, the central powers note
and the speech preceding it, afforded
small encouragement and hope for an
honorable and lasting peace.
The premier said it was proposed to
appoint director Of national service
and that all industries and services
would be scheduled as essential or non,
essential to the war.
He said:
"Our answer will be given in full ac-
cord with our allies. Each of the allies
separately and independently has ar
rived at the same conclusion. l am
glad of the first answer given by
France and Russia"
Prussian Militarism Must End.
He declared the allies would insist
upon complete guarantee against
Prussian militarism disturbing the
peace of Europe.
The formal reply of the allies, the
premier announced, will be giyen0 an
the course of few days.
1--WE will await until we hear what
terms and guarantees there are surer
than those which Germany broke.
Meanwhile we put our trust IN our un-i
broken army 3-s,.se ss.s.. /.
After declaring peace without rep
aration was impossible, the premier
asked whether All tie i1txages on
land and sea-, 1id1at BIZ,
"a few .ptouS kra ses About huiaaan Il
During the war; the premier said,
shipping would be nationallzed in.
truer sense.
Premier Lloyd George announced. it
had been decided to give recognition
to the agents Of former Premier Veni-
zelos of Greece.
BIunder to Prolong War.
Dealing with the war situation, the
premier said he had to paint stern,
but not gloomy picture. !, The Rou-
manian blunder was an unfortunate
one, but at the worst it only prolonged
txEe war and could not affect it. 1t
fmight have salutary effect, he con-
EfinuM in calling the attention Of the
allieE to obvious defects of organiza-
ton. To prevent the Roumanian situa-
ton from becoming worse they had
taken strong action. In Greece they
were taking no risks. They had de-
cided to recognize the agents of former
Premier Venizelos.
Speaking of the western front, Mr..
Lloyd George referred to the growth of
the British armies there, and con-
tinued:
II am convinced ultimate victory is
sure if the nation shows the same
spirit Of endurance and readiness to
learn as the mud-stained armies at
the front" @f ~
The premier said he was convinced
the Irish question was misunder-
standing, and that he hoped this mis-
understanding would be removed. Set
Element of the Irish question, the pre-
mier added, would be great war
measure.
Mr.. 1loyd-George said the time had
come when the domini0ns should be
consulted more formally as to the war.
An imperial conference would be sum
moned at an early date to discuss vital
questions. YAK
Turning to the more purely political
Of the domestic problems before the
new ministry, Mr.. Lloyd-George said:
"We are anxious to avoid all con-
troversial questions. The functions OF
the premier and leader Of the house of
commons have been separated because
it was believed the double tasks were
too much for one man. The 5organiza-
ton Of the new cabinet Is best adapted
for the purpose of war. In war you
want prompt decision, and the allies
have suffered disaster after disaster
from hardness of decision"
Cites Great Responsibility.
1t was ten minutes past four O'Clock
when the premier rose before the
house of commons.
II appear before the house" ne be-
gan. with the greatest responsibility
which has fallen on any man as cmeI
advisor of the crown-in the midst OF
the most gigantic war ever, Waged, on
which depends the destiny OF nations
and humanity. The responsibilities Oh
the government are accumulated by the
doalarn ton of the German chanCellOr