Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-08-17

proposal, and to invite the governments
1T the belliGerents to como to an agree
I1snt upon the following points which
SEEN to be basis Of a just and durable
peace. leaving to them the task OF an
alyzinS and completing them.
First of all the fundamental points
must be that the material force OF arms
be substituted by tho moral force of
right from which shall arise a fair
agreement by all for the Simultaneous
and reciprocal diminution OF ornaments
according to the rules and guarantees
to be established. In a measure noces-
sary and sufficient .or the maintenance
Of public o-d.r IL e1cr state. Then in
the substitution for armies, tho insti-
tuition OF arbitration with its high pa
cifying function. according to the rules
to be laid down and the penalties to
be imposed on a state which would re-
fuse either to submit a national Qucs-
tion to arbitration or to accept Its de-
cision.
Once the supremacy CT right has
thus been established, all obstacles to
tho means of communication Of the
peoples would disappear by assuring,
by rules to be fixed later. the true
liberty and community Of tho seas
which would contribute to the num-
crous causes Of conflict, and would also
open to all new sources OF prosperity
and progress.
FOR REPAIR OF DAMAGES
AND WAR EXPENSES
LAS to the damages to be repaired
and as to the war expenses we SEQ no
other means Of solving the question
than by submitting as general prin-
c,ple the complete and reciprocal con-
donation which would be justified more
over by the immense benefit TO be do
rived from disarmament. SO much so
that one Will understand the continue
ton Of a similar carnage solely for
reasons Of an economic order.
IF for certain cases there exist par.
ticular reasons they would be delib-
Grated upon with justice and equity,
but these pacific agreements with the
immense advantages to be derived from
them are not possible without a reci-
procal restitution OF the territory at
present occupied.
consequently on the part of Ger
many the complete evacuation OF Bel
GUM with the guarantee OF her full
political. military and economic indie
pendence towards It.
The evacuation Of French territory
On the part Of other belligerent par
ties similar restitution Of the German
colonies.
LAS regards the territorial questions
as for example those which have arisen
between Italy and Austria. and between
Germany and France. there is reason
TO hope that in consideration Of the
immense advantages Of durable peace
with disarmament, the parties in con-
iict would wish to examine them with
conciliato-y disposition. taking into
consideration as We have said formerly
the aspirations Of the peoples and the
special interests and OF the general
welfare OF the great human society.
The same spirit Of equity and jus.
t!ce ought TO be followed in the exami.
nation Of other territorial and politi.
cal questions, notably those relative tc
Armenia and the Balkan states and
territories making part Of the ancien,
kingdom of Poland. whose noble and
historical traditions and sufrcrings
which II has endured. especially during
the present war, ought to conciliate
the sympathies of nations.
Such are the principal bases where.
upon we believe the future reorsaniza.
ton OF the peoples ought to be built
They are OF a nature to render impos.
sible the return Of similar conflicts. and
TO prepare solution OF the economic
question so important for the future
and for the material well being of all
belligerent states.
Wherefore. in presenting to you, who
direct at this hour the destinies of the
bellfRerent natiOnS i'm faa IN
see them accepted and to see thus the
conclusion at an early date Of the ter.
rible struggle which more and more
appears a useless massacre.
The whole world recognizes that the
honor of the armies of both sides is
safe. Incline your ears. therefore, ia
vitation which we send you in the name
OF the Divine Redeemer. the Prince OF
Peace. Reflect on your very grave re,
man.
LIFE OF THOUSANDS
RESTS on DECISION
"On your decision depend the repos.
and the Joy OF innumerable families
she life Of thousands Of young people
In a word. the happiness of people
for whom It is your absolute duty e
obtain their welfare.
May the Lord inspire your decisio,
in conformity TO His very holy will
May God grant that while meriting tn
applause OF your contemporaries. 20,
Will also obtain In the future genera
tions splendid name of pacifcator.
| AS for US. closely united in praye
and in penitence with all those faithfu
souls which sigh for peace. we implor
for you the light and counsel of tn
| Divine Spirit.
| (Signed) BENEDICT.