The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1916-04-12
A Rsy Of Light In the Gloom Of War.


The German Imperial C%hancellor's
address wss q protest and a defiance:
a protest against the design Of the
ALLIES to destroy the military power
VI; Germany, q defiance to them TO do
their worst, with notice that Ger.
many intended to regulate the status
and government Of Belgium to suit
herself. and with Austria would shape
the destiny Of conquered Poland. In
his reply Mr.. AserIrH defined and in
turn dsfed. Peace On your terms.
neveri~ be said in substance.
The British Premier had rather the
advantage OF the German Chancellor
10 an audience Of Allies and friends
who were prepared to applaud every.
thing no said. knowing In advance
that he would declare for q prosecu-
ton Of the war until the TeutOnlc
Powers we're beaten In the Geld. Or.
vow BErnMANN.HoLLwEo was called
upon to make a political speech that
would justify Germany's curse In
the war az every stage. inspire her
people 10 still greater sacrifices. con.
ciliate members Of the Relchstag op-
posed to annexation Of territory. and
Indicate Germany's desire for peace
as q victorious adversary" to use
Mr.. AsQUIrH's phrase. Seldom has
q statesman's task been harder, for
the Chancellor could not BE- oblivious
Of the economic distress Of Germany,
and well known to him were the high
hopes as we'll us the resolute temper
Of the Allies.
Yet II no overture Of peace was
heard OF either side there may be
encouragement In Mr.. AsQuIrH's ex.
PLANTATION Of what he meant by n
previous declaration that an end must
he made Of PrussiSn mi,itnrism. Or.
WON BErHMANN.HoLLwEG had as.
sumed that the purpose Of the Allies
was. to quote him, 1.-THE deinitive and
complete destruction Of Prussia's mil
itary power" Mr.. AsQUIrH softened
this definition. In fact changed IL:
The Allies have intended al a result
Of the war to establish the principle that
International problems shall be handled
by free negotiations IN equal terms be-
tween free peoples, u%nhaInpered or
swayed by the overma<terinS dictation
OF government controlled b. military
caste. That IL what ! NEAR by the
destruction Of the military domination
Of Prussia-nothing more. but nothing
lees
This perhaps IL no more than a
ray OF light penetrating the murk of
conflict. but until the German people
understand that a live and let live
policy Is to prevail Mt the conference
table In the event of the worsting of
the TeutOnic Powers. they will fight
on until famine claims them or the
last cartridge is fired. No statesman
In his tense would propose as a con-
dition Of peace the disarmament of
the German army or elimination of
the German navy nor would he ad.
vOcate an economic policy designed
10 tie hand and foot the manufactur.
ing and trading capacity of 80, 1000, 600
people.
When peace returns the genius and
Industry Of the German people will
he essential to the prosperity Of the
nations nov opposed TO them In war
The Europeans will have to live to.
gether, exchange products, and cult.
yate amity In spite of un%fOrgettable
experiences If peace Is to endure even
for a few years. Al the present time
both. sides see no alternative To h
continuance of the struggle, and both
sides SEEM to desire 1t: but Of one
thing there can he no doubt neither
side, unless hopelessly beaten 10 the
field, will consider peace unless as
sured of tolerant and humane treat.
ment in the negotiations.
The Protection OF tho Flag.