Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1917-08-21

hand of the dead man, and, upon
examining it, found it was a copy
Of the statement of the kaiser in
which the kaiser j declared, Ger
many is fighting righteous war of
Defense"
The United States government and
the governments of our allies ought
to try to conclude a separate peace
with Austria-Hungary. That coun-
try is sick and tired Of the war, ac-
.cording to various and divers infor-
nation that sits through the CEN
sors, and would be mighty glad to
have peace. Moreover, the Austria
Hungarian government is not the
bloodthirsty, commissioning, war
made autocracy that the government
of Germany is, and but for Prus-
sjanism this war would not have
been thought of. Austria-Hungary Is
simply a pawn in the hands of the
Prussian military machine. Austria
Hungarian armies are differed by
Germany, and German politics and
politicians dominate Germany's al
lies just as completely as they dom
mate Germany herself. A separate
peace could probably be concluded
with Austria Hungary provided the
allies could guarantee her protec-
ton from Germany. Russia may be
abe to do that before long. OF
course, the government of the dual
monarchy knows that if a separate
peace should be concluded with the
allies 1t would be only question of
time until Germany would demand
satisfaction and the Austria-Hun-
garian government knows what Ger
man satisfaction means. 1t means
the scalp of Austria-Hungary at the
kaiser's belt and the people of that
country. reduced to mere vassals.t
However, 1t would be a good STRAIT
egical move for the allies to press
Austria Hungary for peace. Such
movement might demand some at
tention from German diplomats who
are now devoting their time and
their energies to creating sentiment
In Russia for a separate peace. A
separate peace with Austria-Hun-
gary, in which Great Britain,
France, the United States and their
allies could concur, has much bet
ter appearance to the Freeman
Tribune than would separate peace
with Russia Of the sort Germany is
trying to consummate. This is simply
another case where it makes whole
lot Of difference whose OK is gored,
The suggestion of Senator LaFOl-
lette that all the nations engaged In
the war pay for the damage inflict-
ed upon Belgium, Poland, northern
France and other invaded countries
is very pro-German. 1t is about as
fair to all concerned as would be a
proposition to settle fire damage
losses under some circumstances.
For instance, il some scoundrel
would set fire to a building, result
ing in the loss of millions of dollars
and dozens Of lives, and when he
was in the tolls of the law, some of
his friends would come forward with
the suggestion that the fire COM
pany, which sought to quench the
blaze and save the lives of imperiled
people, should be associated with the
criminal and share half of the pun
ishment, it would be on par with
LaFollettes proposition. Germany
Is responsible for the great European
conflict and Germany alone is re-
sponsible., Germany alone has muir
dered the citizens of neutral coun-
tries upon the high seas. Germany
alone has deported defenseless and
helpless non-combatants. and Ger
many alone violated the neutrality
of country and took possession of
its lands and its industries. Under
these circumstances the suggestions
of Senator LaFollette that other ma
lions come forward and help pay the
losses inflicted by and because of the
great pirate nation of the world, is
an Insult to the intelligence Of the
United States and a reflection upon
tile desire Of this people for fair
play. The entire civilized world,
aside from her allies who hope tc