Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-05-16

towards our own people. who come first,
we take into account the interests of
the neutral states. The concessions
which we have made to them have not
been empty promises That is the case
in regard to our frontier neighbors Hol-
land and Scandinavia, as well as those
states which on account of their geo.
graphical position are especially great
ly exposed to enemy pressure. 1 am
thinking in this connection especially of
Spain, which loyal to her noble tradi-
lions is endeavoring under great diff
culties to preserve her independent pol
icy of neutrality. We thankfully rec
ognize this attitude and have only one
wish-that the Spanish people reap the
reward Of their strong independent pol
icy by further developing their power.
Thus time is on our side. With full
confidence we can trust that we are ap-
preaching a satisfactory end. Then the
time will come when we can negotiate
with our enemies about our war aims,
regarding which / am in full harmony
with the supreme army command. Then
we will attain peace which will bring
US liberty to rebuild what the war has
destroyed in the unhampered develop
ment of our strength so that from all
the blood and all the sacrifices, an en-
pire. people, will arise again strong,
Independent and unthreatened by its en-
emies, a bulwark of peace and labor"
In speaking on the Socialist inter-
pellation, Philip Scheidemann. Social
list member and former vice president
of the Reichstag, defended the Socialist
peace program of remuneration and gave
the Chancellor's baiters one of his typ
ical grillings.
A motion to end the debate was lost
after which the Middle Road parties
made up OF the Centerists, National
Liberals, Progressive Peoples Party
and German Faction, presented joint
declaration approving the Chancel1or's
attitude.
Following the chancellor, DR.. Peter
SPAIN, leader of the Catholic Center par
ty, speaking In the name Of the Center
lists, the National Liberals. the Progress
sive Peoples party and the majority OF
the German fraction, said:
We are unanimously agreed that al
present a thorough discussion in the
Reichstag of our war aims rightly under.
stood would not serve the interests of the
Fatherland. The German peoples desire
for peace Is directed towards a settle
ment which will guarantee the existence
of the German empire, her political, eco
nomic and world power and freedom OF
development, and which would prevent
forever our exclusion from the world
markets which Great Britain desires. The
German people also has confidence in a
peace which will approach the aims the
chancellor definitely laid down in former
speeches.
I'VE are at one with him today in re.
fusing under the present circumstances
to disclose to our enemies the details OF
our war aims. 1t is enough that the gov
eminent declares that it pursues neither
boundless plans of conquent nor binds
itself to thoughts of peace without an
nexations and without indemnities. II
the enemy is combating Prussian mill
tarism and the Hohenzollerns it will only
result in bringing His Majesty closer tc
the hearts of the German people.
I'VE resolutely oppose all enemy inter
ference in our domestic affairs. We dr.
not want to interfere with the democrat
ic affairs of Russia We are anxiousl,
following the struggle Of that mighty
people toward political and intellectual
freedom We should rejoice If the gov
eminent were ready at any time to con
clude peace with Russia and establish
permanent good and neighborly relations
THE German people maintains it's de
termination to uphold the imperial idea o.
protection of our political. religious anl
economic treasures. The spirit of the
Easter message insures continued devel
opment of our national life. The people
Emperor. We are sure that our people
will endorse the reserve which the chan
cellor enjoins and our watchword mus
be close the ranks. :
A significant feature of the session
was the introduction into the remarks
by Philippe Scheidemann, the Social
ist-Democratic leader, and Georg lie
debour, the Independent Socialist O
reference to possible revolution ii
Germany. Herr Scheidemann intimat
ed that if the British and French re
nounced the IDEA Of annexation ant
Germany insisted on annexing terri
tory there would be a revolution. Thi
resulted in indignant reputation by 4;
large section OF the House and Her
Scheidemann fastened to say 1t hat
not gone so far as that yet.
Herr Ledebour. however, declared
that republic must soon be estab
liShed in Germany and that his part,
would propose that constitution com
mittee take preparatory steps in tina
direction.