Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1917-01-19

OfdOie enBencieS OF their defense against
the violence and the wiles Of the enemy.
1t is with satisfaction, therefore, that
they take note Of the declaration that the
American communication is in nowise
associated in its origin with that of the
Central Powers, transmitted on the 18th of
December by the Government OF the United
States. They did not doubt, moreover. the
resolution of that Government to avoid
even the appearance Of support. even
moral, Of the authors responsible for the
war.
The Allied Governments believe that
they must protest in the most friendly but
in the most specific manner against the
assimilation established in the American
note between the two groups of belligerents ;
this assimilation. based upon public decla-
rations by the Central Powers. is in direct
opposition to the evidence. both as regards
responsibility for the past and as concerns
guarantees for the future; President Viii
son in mentioning it certainly had no in
tention Of associatine himself with it.
II there is an historical fact established
at the present date, it is the willful ageres-
sion Of Germany and Austria Hungary to
insure their hegemony over Europe and
their economic domination over the world.
Germany proved by her declaration Of war.
by the immediate violation of Belgium
and Luxembourg and by her manner of
conducting the war. her Stimulating con-
tempt for all principles Of humanity and
all respect for small states; as the conflict
developed the attitude Of the Central Pow
ers and their allies has been a continual
defiance Of humanity and civilization. Is
it necessary to recall the horrors which
accompanied the invasion Of Belgium and
of Servia. the atrocious regime imposed
upon the invaded country. the massacre of
hundreds of thousands Of inoffensive Arme.
mans. the barbarities perpetrated against
the populations of Syria. the raids Of Yep
pelins on open towns. the destruction by
submarines Of passenger steamers and Of
merchantmen even under neutral flags,
the cruel treatment inflicted upon prisoners
Of war. the judicial murders Of Miss Caval.
Of Captain Fryatt. the deportation and the
reduction to slavery Of civil populations.
ct cetera. The execution OF such series
of crimes perpetrated without any regard
for universal reprobation fully explains to
President Wilson the protest Of the Allies.
They consider that the note which they
sent to the United States in reply to the
German note will be a response to the
questions put by the American Govern
ment, and, according to the exact words
of the latter, constitute "a public declara-
ton as to the conditions upon which the
war could be terminated"
President Wilson desires more: he de-
sires that the belligerent powers openly
affirm the objects which they seek by con-
tinuine the war; the Allies experience no
difficulty in replying to this request Their
objects in the war are well known they
have been formulated on many occasions
by their chiefs Of their divers governments.
Their objects in the war will not be made
known in detail with all the equitable
compensations and indemnities for dam
ages suffered until the hour Of negotia-
tons. But the civilized world knows that
they imply in all necessity and in the first
instance the restoration of Belgium. Of
Serbia and Of Montenegro and the indem-
mites which are due them; the evacua-
ton Of the invaded territories Of France
Of Russia and Of Roumania. with just
reparation the reorganization of Europe
guaranteed by stable regime founded al
much upon respect Of nationalities and
full security and liberty Of economic de-
velopment. which all nations. great OF
small, possess, as upon territorial conven-
tons and international agreements suit
able to guarantee territorial and maritime
frontiers against unjustified attacks; the
} restitution of provinces or territories wrested
in the past from the Allies by force OF
against the will of their populations the
liberation Of Italians, Of Slavs. Of Rouma
; mans and Of Tcheco Slovaques from for.
! eign domination the enfranchsement Of
populations subject to the bloody tyranny
! Of the Turks; the expulsion from Europe
OF the Ottoman Empire decidedly {" =,
to western civilization. The intentions o.
His Majesty the Emperor Of Russia re-
garding Poland have been clearly ind
Gated in the proclamation which he ha,
just addressed to his armies. II goes with
out saying that IL the Allies wish TO lib
crate Europe from the brutal covetousnes,
Of Prussian militarism, it never has beer
their design. as has been alleged. to en-
compass the determination Of the German
peoples and their political disappearance
4 That which they desire above all is to in
, sure peace upon the principles of libert,
A and justice, upon the inviolable fidelity t
International obligation with which tn,
2 Government of the United States has neve
I ceased to be inspired.
y United in the pursuits of this suprem,
D object the Allies are determined. individu
4 ally and collectively. to act with all thei
power and to consent to all sacrifices I,
e bring to victorious close conflict upoI
4 which they are convinced not only thei
n own safety and prosperity depends. bu
q also the future Of civilization itself