The sun., 1917-07-16

Friends of Alsace-Lorraine are
earnestly endeavOring to counteract
the German propaganda in the United
States against the restoration to
France OF those purlOlned provinces.
On the surface, of course, Germany
admits no possibility OF any change
whatsoever In the status of this ter
ritory. AS she refuses to admit
the chance of defeat so she refuses
to discuss any future arrangement
affecting Alsace-Lorraine. But un-
doubtedly in its inner consciousness
the German Government has been
seriously considering this very prob
lem.
From German sources only could
have emanated two suggestions which
have been much discussed in Europe
and have disquieted in no slight de-
gree the people of the countries most
concerned. 1t Is urged that when
peace shall be restored there shall
be taken II plebiscite in Alsace-Lor-
raine to determine what disposition
the people of those provinces desire
should he made Of them. 1t Is fur.
ther suggested that a third proposal
to the obvious .ones of retention
by Germany or restitution to France
shall he offered for their consldera-
ton In the form OF grant of au-
tonomy similar in some degree to
that Of the Duchy Of Luxembourg, to
be given to the two provinces under
treaty guarantees from neighboring
nations.
Since Germany began tearing up
treaties like scraps of paper guaran-
tees bearing her signature have ceased
to have value in the eyes of the world.
What autonomy granted by Germany
means is strikingly shown by the
present state of the Duchy of Luxem-
bourg, made, against the solemn pro-
test OF her ruler, the highway for
German military operations against
France. Not n shadow Of indepen-
dence or self-government remains to
Luxembourg. 1t Is merely a mill
tary satrapy of Germany, governed
by German officers, exploited for Ger
man advantage, The Allies, when
triumphant, will not see Alsace-LOr-
raine consigned to a similar fate.
There is no justice or reason In,
or excuse for the plan of submitting
the fate Of this territory TO its In
habitants by a plebisclte. Cowed by
forty-six years of hard handed and
oppressive German rule, still doml-
mated by German officers, military and
civil, the people cannot be depended
upon to give frank answer to the
question. Germany could hardly be
expected to hand the provinces over
to some other country prior to the
vote. Naturally the vote would have
to be taken under German rule. Oh.
vlously as an expression OF sincere
opinion freely expressed II woald be
worthless.
Halfway methods with Alsace-Lor.
raine will not satisfy the convictions
and sympathies OF the world. They
will do justice neither to France mol
to the people of the provinces In
question. Elated with victory, Ger
many seized these provinces by force
of arms. She should be compelled tC
disgOrge in the same way.
The civilized world to-day stands
in admiration and almost In awe oi
France. Her unbounded courage, hei
limltless self-sacrifce, her consecra
ton to an ideal, her spiritual eleva
tion in the face of calamity which
might we'll plunge people into despair
have won for her the applause ant
the affection of the whole world
Forced to bear the brunt of the con
flct, burdened as never was natioI
before by the tax upon the lives ant
the substance of her people, she ha
fought on uncomplainlngly until vic
tory now Is at hand.
One recompense only can Franc,
receive for the sorrows she has suf
fered-the restoration of the prov