The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-08-22

"a Pre0). The foreign once to-
night issusd the French text Of the
letter from the pope to the king In
cloolng . copy Of his appeal to the
hssds of the bslliserent peoples.
TIE tsxt follows:
"Your Majesty: The Holy Father.
anxious 10 DO everything he can in
~rdes % put an end to the conflict
phich for the last three years has
rsvassd Shs cfvilissd world. has de-
sidsd 10 submit to the leaders of the
bsIiiesrsnt peoples concrete peace
propoeals exposed in q document
which I have tho honor to attach to
IN lsttsr. May God grant that
werds az Hb Holiness will this time
produce the desired effect for the
seoA Of tne whole Of humanity.
'1hs Holy sse. not having diplo-
ms1,s rotations with tho French gov
ssnmsnt o. with the government OF
Italy or the United States. very
respectfully beg your majesty to be
uoo1 sno'igh to have handed a copy
Of His ueliness' appeal to the pres
idsnt Of the United states. also beg
20 add ~ other copies which I re-
quest your majesty to be good enough
70 hand 10 the leaders Of the nations
fsisadly to the allies. with the excep-
tion. however. Of Russia. Belgium
ana Brasil. TO whom the document
has been sent direct.
I'm sxpressing TO your majesty my
sincere thanks for this extreme kind,
nsss ! am happy to take the oppor-
tunity &C. offer you the homage OF
sentiment. a very profound respect
with which I have the honor to sign
myself your majesty's very humble
and devoted servant.
(signed) "Gasparri."
The appeal follows:
TO the Leaders Of the Belligerent
Peoples:
.s"since the beginning Of our pontii-
cate tho horrors OF terrible war let
loose on Europe we have in view
above everything three things to pre-
serve: Perfect impartiality towards
all belligercuts as II suitable for Him
who h the Common Father and who
loves all His children with equal at
fection: continually to attempt to dc
oil the good possible and that with
out exception Of person. without dis
tinction Of nationality or religion az
n dictated to US by the universe
law Of charity which the supreme
spiritual charge has connded to US
with Christ. and. finally as our paci.
nc mission alao requires to omit moth.
ing - long 90 IL was In our power
which might contributs to hasten the
end Of this calamity BY trying to lead
people and their leaders to more
moderate resolution to hasten a 80.
reno dsllbsration Of a peace just and
durable.
'whoever has followed our work
during those three painful year.
which have Just passed has been abb,
easily to recognize that II we had al
ways remained faithful to our re.
solve Of absolute impartiality and &C.
our attitude of benevolence we hav,
not ceased tn exhort the peoples ane
the belllgerent brothers again to be
como brethren although publicity ha.
not been given to all that we have
done to attain this very noble aim.
Towards the end of the nrst year
OF the war We addressed to the ma.
tions In conflict most lovely exhor-
tations. and more we. indicated Tho
part to be followed to arrive at
stable and honorable peace for all
Unfortunately our appeal was not
heard and the war continued desper-
ateiy for another two years with al
Its horrors. 1t became even NOR.
cruel and extended over the earth
over the sea and In the air and one
saw desolation and death descend up
on the cities without defense. upon
peaceful villages and on their inno-
cent population. and now one can
imagine how the sufYerings OF al
would be increased and aggravated ~
other months. or worse still. othe-
years ire about to be added to this
sanguirary triennium.
rs this civilized world to be moth
ing moro than n field OF death? And
Europe 30 glorious and SO flourish
Ing! In II going. as IL stricken by
universal madness. to run to the
abyss and lend It's hand to It's own
suicide?
'Tn such terrible situation and In
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