Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1917-01-04

schools of Chicago.
guarantees. Germany avoids mention
of any of these.
''In reality these OvertureS made by
the central powers are nothing more
than a calculated attempt to influence
the future course of war and to end it
by imposing a German peace. The OBJ
ject of these Overtures is to create dis
SensiOn in public opinion in the allied
countries. But that public opinion
has, in spite of all the sacrifices en-
dured by the allies, already given it's
answer with admirable firmness and
has denounced the empty pretense of
the declaration of the enemy powers.
'They have the further object Of
stiffening public opinion in Germany
and in the countries allied to her
one and all severely tried by their
losses, worn out by economic pressure
and crushed by the supreme effort
which has been imposed upon their
inhabitants.
Attempts to Deceive NeutraIs.
'"They endeavor to deceive and in
| timidate public opinion in neutral
countries, whose inhabitants have long
since made up their minds where the
initial responsibilities lie and are far
too enlightened to favor the designs
of Germany by abandoning the defense
of human freedom.
FINALLY, these Overtures attempt to
| justify in advance in the eyes of the
world new series of crimeS-subma-
rine warfare, deportations, forced Ia
Dor and forced enlistment of the in
habitants against their own countries
and violations of neutrality
"Fully conscious of the gravity of
this moment but equally conscious Of
it's requirements, the allied govern
ments, closely united to one another
and in perfect sympathy with their
peoples, refuse to consider proposal
which is empty and insincere.
"Once again the allies declare that
no peace is possible SO long as they
have not secured reparation for viOlat-
ed rights and liberties, the recognition
of the principle of nationalities and Of
the free existence of small states; so
long as they have not brought about
settlement calculated to end once
and for all forces which have consti-
tuted perpetual menace to the ma
tons and to afford the only effective
guarantee for the future security of
the world.
"In conclusion, the allied powers
think it necessary to put forward the
following considerations, which show
the special situation of Belgium after
two and a half years of war:
"In virtue of the international
treaties signed by five great European
Belgium enjoyed before the war a spe-
cial status, rendering her territory in
guarantee Of the powers, outside all
violable and placing her, under the
European conflicts. She was, however,
in spite Of these treaties, the first to
suffer the aggression of Germany.
Belgium Demands Preparations.
"For this reason the Belgian gov-
eminent thinks it necessary to define
the aims which Belgium has never
ceased to pursue while fighting side
by side with the entente powers for
right and justice.
Belgium has always scrupulously
fulfilled the duties which her neutral
ity imposed upon her. She has taken
up arms to defend her independence
and her neutrality violated by Ger
many and to show that she remains
faithful to her international obliga-
tons.
"On the 18th Of August, 1914, in the
reichstag the German chancellor ad-
mitted that this aggression constituted
an injustice contrary to the laws of
| nations and pledged himself in the
name of Germany to repair 1t. During
two and a half years this injustice has
been cruelty aggravated by the pro-
ceedings of the occupying forces,
which have exhausted the resources Of
the country, ruined it's industries, de-
vastated its towns and villages and
have been responsible for innumerable
massacres, executions and imprison.
ments.
"At this very moment, while Ger
many is proclaiming peace and HUI
mainly to the world, she is deporting
Belgian citizens by thousands and re-
ducing them to slavery.
Belgium before the war asked for
nothing but to live in harmony with
her neighbors. Her king and her gov
eminent have but one aim-the re-es-
adjustment Of peace and justice. But
they only desire peace which would as
sur TO their country legitimate repara-
ton, guarantees and safeguards for
the future"