The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-07-20

fleet-particularly our submarines.
Therefore we look forward to the
further development of military events
with calm security.
'The burning question how long
will the war last can be answered.
For Honorable Peace.
Germany will not prosecute the
war a single day after an honorable
peace is obtainable merely for the
purpose to make conquests by vio-
lence."
The chancellor made vigorous de-
Tense of the German policy of unlim-
tied submarine warfare, declaring it
lawful and justifiable since it was
measure to shorten the war and be-
cause it was a reprisal for England's
illegal blockade.
At the outset of his address,
Michaelis paid high compliment to his
predecessor.
Bitter criticism" he said, has
been made of a highly deserving man
who held his post before me. This
has frequently been inspired by en-
nifty and hate expressed behind closed
doors. When the history of the war
is told, we will all fully appreciate
what DR.. Won Bethmann- Hollweg's
CHARACTERISTIC meant for the enemy"
The new chancellor expressed his
realization of the tasks confronting
him, but said he had taken office
trusting God and German might
Outlines German Aims.
"Our aims" the chancellor con-
tinued, "are:
First, that the territory of the
Fatherland is inviolable. We cannot
parley with an enemy demanding
parts of the empire.
IF we make peace. we must be as
sured that our frontiers are made
secure for all time.
Peace must build a foundation of
lasting reconciliation of nations; it
must prevent nations from plunging
into further snmity thru economic
| blockades and must provide safe
guards that a league of our opponents
does not develop into an economic
offensive alliance against US"
BIames England and Russia.
"Altho," said Chancellor MichaeliS,
English statesmen know as shown by
their Blue Book, that Russian mobil-
ization must lead to war with Ger
many, they addressed not a word of
warning to Russia against military
measures, while my predecessor in in
structions, July 29,e 1914, to the am
bassador at Vienna directed him to
say that we would willingly fulfill our
duty as an ally but must refuse to
! permit ourselves to be involved il a
world war thru Austria Hungary dis
regarding our counsels. The man who
wishes to kindle world war does not
write like this but man who is labor
| ing and has labored for peace to the
| utmost
"The concentration of the Russian
army compelled Germany to seize the
sword. There was no choice left to
us and what is true of the war itself
| is true also of our weapons, partic-
ularly the submarine. We deny the
accusation that the submarine war;
| fare is contrary to international law
and violates the rights of humanity.
| England forced this weapon into
our hands thru an illegal blockade.
| England prevented neutral trade with
| Germany and proclaimed a war of
starvation. Our faint hope that Amer
lea, at the head of the neutrals would
check English illegality, was vain, and
the final attempt we made by an hon
orably intended peace offer to avoid
the last extremity failed.
U-Boats Realize Hopes.
Then Germany had to choose this
| last measure as a counter measure OF
self defense. Now also, it must carry
it thru for the purpose of shortening
the war. The submarine war is ac-
complishing all and more than all it is
expected to. False reports which
| found their way in the press as a
result of the secret session of the
reichstag evoked for a time a certain
| feeling of disappointment which end
ed at a particular time. They did the
| fatherland no service.
| Il declare in fact that the subma-
rine war accomplishes in the destruc-
ton of enemy tonnage what it should
1t impairs England's economic life
and the conduct of the war month by
month in a growing degree so that il
will not be possible to oppose the ne
cessity for peace much longer. We
can look forward to the further labors
of the brave submarine with complete
confidence.
1T is reported from the supreme
army command that the military sit
uation is very good. The great Anglo
French spring offensive in the west
has been shattered by armies which
show their unbroken power and SUI
perior ability.
In the east in consequence of the
confusion in Russia the attack by
Russian millions did not materialize
and there is comparative calm.
Minimizes Russ Drive.
"Only after false reports and in
element by Russias allies had stirred
the Russian soldiers did the present
offensive develop. It's goal was Lem.
berg and Drohobycz. General Brus.
siloff with all his enormous sacrifices
has gained only slight advantage
I'VE look without serious concern
upon the optimistic sentiment in the
entente countries caused by Ameri
cas- intervention.
1T is easy to reckon how much ton
mage is necessary to transport al
army from America to Europe. how
much tonne ge is required to feed sucl
an army. France and England ar,
n scarcely able to feed and supply thei
own armies without influencing tn,
entire situation still further"