The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1917-08-24

them the task of analyzlng and com
pleting them.
Fundamental Points.
"First Of all, the fundamental points
must be that for the material force
Of arms be substituted the moral force
of right, from which shall arise a fair
agreement by all for the simultaneous
and reciprocal dlminution of arma,
ments, according to the rules and guar.
autees to be established In measure
necessary and sufficient for the
maintenance OF public order In each
state. Then In the substitution for
armies the institution Of arbitration,
with II high paclfying function, ac-
cording to the rules to be laid down,
and the penalties TO be imposed on a
state which would refuse either TO
submit national question to arbitra-
! ton or to accept It's decision.
Once the supremacy Of right has
thus been established. all obstacles 10
the means Of communication Of the
peoples would disappear by assuring,
by rules 10 DO fixed later, the true
liberty aud community of the seas,
, which would contribute TO end the
numerous causes of conflict and would
also open 10 all new sources OF pros
perity and progress.
Reciprocal Condemnation.
"As 10 the damages to be repaired
and as to the war expenses, we see no
other means OF solving the question
than by submitting as general prin-
ciple the complete and reciprocal con-
donation. which would be justified,
moreover, by the immense benefit to
be derived from disarmament, SO much
so that no one will understand the con-
tlnuation OF similar carnage solely
for reasons OF an economic order.
IF for certain cases there exist par
ticular reasons, they would be DELHI
Grated upon with justice and equity,
but these pacific agreements, with the
immense advantages to be derived
from them, are not possible without a
reciprocal 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 toward 1t.
Restitution OF Territory.
"The evacuation Of French territory.
On the part Of other belligerent par
ties similar restitution OF the Ger
man colonies.
"As 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 dura- |
BILE peace with disarmament the par
ties IN conflict would wish to examine |
them with conclliatory disposition,
taking into consideration as we have
said formerly, the aspirations Of the
peoples and the special interests and
the general welfare Of the great hui
man society.
'The same spirit OF equity and JUS
tice ought to be followed in the exam
nation OF other territorial and pollti-
cal questions, notably those relative to
Armenia and the Balkan states, and
territories making part Of the an
Client kingdom Of Poland, whose noble
and historical traditions and sufferings
which II has endured, especially dur
Ing the present war, ought TO concili-
ate the sympathies Of nations.
"Such are the principal bases where
on we believe the future reorganiza-
ton OF the peoples ought to be built
They are Of nature to render Inn
possible the return Of similar con
FLEETS, and to prepare solution of the
economic question so important for
the future, and for the material we'll
being of all belllgerent states.
Useless Massacre.
'rherefore, In presenting these pro-
posals 20 YOU who direct ut this hour
the destlnles OF the belllgerent nations,
We are animated to see them accepted
and to see thus the conclusion at an
early date Of the terrible struggle
which more and more appears use
less massacre.
"The whole world recognizes that
the honor OF the armies OF both sides
Is safe. Incline your ears, therefore,
to our prayer. Accept the frnternal
Invitation which we send you In the
name OF the divine redeemer, the
prince of peace; reflect on your very
grave responsibility before God and
befope man.
ION your decision depend the repose
and the joy Of lnnumerable families,
the life OF thousands OF young people;
In a word, the happiness of people
for whom II is your absolute duty to
obtain their welfare.
MAY the Lord inspire your decision
in conformity to His very holy win,
may God grant that while meriting
the applause of your contemporaries,
you win also obtain In the future gen
eratlons splendid name of paciiica-
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