Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-12-20
PEACE DOOR LEFT OPEN,
OPINION IN ENGLAND

The Allies have not slammed the door on
peace They have simply said TO Ger
many:
Here are our terms; take them or leave
them. It Ia your move-but don't come
again In the role of n victor"
This was the universal British view to-
day, when the public had an opportunity
to digest the full meaning of Premier
Lloyd Georges speech In Commons The
public interpretation was that Lloyd George
had furnished Won Bethmann- -Hollweg an
opportunity to demonstrate his sincerity
II Germany really desires peace, they ar
gued. she now knows how to go about IT,.
Incidentally, II was remarked here to-
day how adroitly and strikingly Lloyd
George had destroyed Gsrmany's Illusion
that England is domlnatirss the policies
OF the Entente nations, Tho Premier, It
was recalled, had stated at the outset that
Russia and France, acting independently
and separately. reached the conclusion to
which England was now acceding.
Lloyd Georges plan for universal ma
tional service and civilian mobilization.
moldlng the nation into an army behind
the army. was popularity accepted today
as though It were the simplest routine OF
peace times Not a complaint. not the
slightest thought OF opposition was mani
fest.
The press and the man In the street re-
fieeted the universal aentLment-'the coun-
try Is with Lloyd George what does he
want us TO do2"
Impending naturalization OF shipping and
mines has been anticipated for some time
tho Welsh miners alone had objected
TO naturalization OF their fields. Taking
over of shipping by the Government had
likewise been expected, as commerce has
long been the target OF measures by those
seeking 10 cut down war profits
Everywhere the new plans were regarded
as "out-Oermaning the Germans" In
concentrated. communized EFFORT 20 swing
all resources 20 the war.
Every indication shows that England Is
preparing 20 wage war more vigorously
than ever. and the program laid down by
the Premier makes 1t plain that he does
not look for an early cessation OF hostlIi-
ties. The same view is apparently main
tanned by former Premier Asquith, who
declared that he could see nothing in the
German peace note giving the least reason
TO believe that the Central Empires are
willing 10 make reparation for the past and
give guarantees for the future
Virtually all the newspapers hail the
speech Of Lloyd George as expressing ex-
aotly the thoughts and desires OF the Brit
ish people. The Daily News. in comment
ing upon the address. declared that the
rejection OF the German peace proposals
does not mean that the people of Great
Britain do not want peace nor does II
mean that the door 70 further interehanEes
While the premier did not 20 into spe-
elfic details on the question OF terms Ms
statements. upon analysis. are believed to
Indicate that the PREPARATION" sought by
the Allies means the evacuation OF an me
territory occupied BY the German allies
since the war began II goes further 10
include indemninties to nations and ameads
to nationals.
Ths Manchester Guardian. which vas a
Leading advocate against summary reiae-
tion Of the German peace proposal heartily
approved Lloyd Georges leaving the door
opan.H but thinks the terms restitution.
and guarantee need greater
asanltlon The editorial particularly COM
graduates ths Premier on 4ona of the beat
conceived passages of his speeeh--fhat re-
Iasflns + good viii toward Garmanv's /
ssassIsI aasslopment This the Guardian /
5HssH*ess aaHEIsss German ual4afism af I
s. hta e sIaadIaz before the neople aa 8
zzzzz = - aazlens Efs.