New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-17
Bethmann Waits


make a speech, the German ChahceiioI'
with great adroitness, said nothing Inc
voallv significant occurrence was the
erecting that the Reichstag gave to the
assertion of the Socialist Scheidemanh
.ha, ;f tho Allies announced programme
Of peace without annexation there would
be a revolution in Germany
What was the verdict of the Relchstag
ON this? There is no mistaking IT,
ecbe;demann's statement was so generally
challenged and hooted that he had finally
to qualify it by saying that the time had
not vet come when what he said would
happen could happen. In other "ofuS'
scbe;demannn confessed and the Relchstag
demonstrated that Germany is not yet
prepared to discuss peace on the basis Oh
m annexation and no indemnity as re-
snIt Of her attack upon Europe
Now. if Germany is still in this state OF
mind there is nothing more unsound than 70
.all about a German collapse or to predict
Immediate infltration of Russia's revo-
lutionary ideas into the German masses IL
. Socialist can speak Of peace without an
roxat;on only as a future possibility, the
sooner the rest of the world recognizes that
:. Lo,J "a war and not peace
he better for all concerned.
Turning now TO Bethmann's address, II
lould be viewed in the light OF MS diili-
cult;es. We know some of them. There
r,, considerable Socialistic element
in Germany which believes that the time
has come TO end the war on the basis oil
fotss quo ante-bel,,m. 1t is not ma
ority of the Socialist party even' but II
:. growing factor in the German situa-
t;on. Conversely, there is very large eie-
ment belonging to the ruling parties which
believes that Germany should not make
neace save as conqueror, and that her
! snnexations should include Belgium, por-
Il ion Of France and Russian Lithuanla, and
hat there should be in addition JOINT
Austro-German protectorate over Poland
and a guaranteed Austro-German hegem-
onv in the Balkans. 1t is interesting to
note that Bethmann did not feel himself
strong enough at this time to declare him.
self openly partisan of the annexation
ists' plan. We may gather from this that
there is a strong demand in Germany for
reace with honor. but not with conquest.
This is hopeful sign. But, on the other
t,pd we have Bethmann's own words and
the Scheidemann incident TO prove that
there is not sufficient vitality or force in
the demand for peace in Germany yet to
-ompel the remuneration of all projects of
annexation.
Now. actually, what is the German point
of view? One can only conjecture. But
vet il would seem very clear that the COL
lapse Of Russia has been interpreted by
large section of the German people as
opening a new horizon of hope for Ger
nan arms in the war. Arthur Brisbane,
?, THE Evening Journal" the other night,
cry shrewdly advised Americans to study
ne history of Frederick the Great. After
Frederick had seized Silesia by piece of
brutality fully comparable to that of the
recent invasion Of Belgium, he was saved
At the point of ruin by a change of Rus
ian policy following change of Russian
'ulcrs. In consequence, Prussia emerged
rom the war still possessing that Silesia
..hich she had stolen from Austria and
maintained against united Europe.
We're it possible for Russia this year to
attack as Brusiof attacked last year,
while the French and the British are at
lacking on the West, there is overwhelm-
irg evidence that German man-power
would not be adequate TO meet the strain;
out Russia is not, able and will not be
able TO attack in any time now TO be COM
outed. With Russia out Of the war actually,
with the possibility of separate peace
with Russia apparent, with the remoter
possibility Of separate peace between
sly and Austria, there is no present rca-
IN save the question Of food that we know
Of why Germany should not expect to re.