Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1917-01-05
.hev could never attain it.

caused by the German declaration of
war and the innumcrable outrages com
mittcd by Germany and her allies
against both belligerents and neutrals,
demand penalties, reparation and guar
antees. Germany avoids mention of
any of these.
In reality these overtures made by
the central powers are nothing more
than calculated attempt to influence
the future course of war and to end it
by imposing German peace. The OBJ
iect 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 endured by
the allies, already given its answer with
admirable tirmncss and has denounced
the empty pretence of the declaration of
the enemy powers.
Effect on Teutonic Public Opinion.
"They have the further object of
stifi'ening 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 inhabi-
tants.
"Thcv cndcavor to deceive and in
tmidate 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 defence
of human freedom.
" Finally, these overturcs attempt to
Justify III advance in the eyes of the
world q new series of crimes-sub-
marine warfare, deportations, forced
labor and forced enlistment of the in
| habitants against their own countries
and violations of neutrality.
"'Fullv conscious of the gravity of
this moment, but equally conscious of
it's requirements. the allied govern
mcntS closely united to one another
and in perfect sympathy with their
peoples, refuse to consider proposal
which is empty and insinccre
"Oncc again the allies declare that
no peace is possible SO long as they
have not secured reparation for violat-
ed rights and liberties, the recogni-
ton of the principles 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 constituted a perpetual menace
to the nations and to afford the only
effective guarantee for the future Sc
curity of the world
The Status of Belgium.
"In conclusion the allied powers
think it necessary to put forward the
following considerations, which SHOW
the special situation of Belgium afte1
two and a half years of war. In virtue
of the international treaties signed by
five great European powers, of whom
Germany was one, Belgium enjoyed
before the war a special status, rem
dcring her territory inviolable anC
placing her, under the guarantee O.
the powers, outside of all European
conflicts.
She was, however, in spite of thes'
treaties, the first to suffer the aggrcs
sion of Germany. For this reason tn
Belgian government thinks it necessar'
= to define the aims which Belgium ha
never ceased to pursue while fighting
. side by side with the entente power
for right and justice.
1" Belgium has always scrupulousl,
fulfilled the duties which her neutrali
" imposed upon llef. one mas ldkcH II
arms to defend her independence an
, her neutrality violated by German,
' and to show that she remains faithfl
| to her international obligations.
= "On the fourth of August, 1914, i
+ the reichstag, the German chancello
o admitted that this aggression const
% tutcd an injustice contrary to the law
n of nations and pledged himself in tn
G name of Germany to repair it. Durin
+ two and a half years this injustice ha
been cruelty aggravated by the prt
cecdings of the occupying forces, whic
have exhausted the resources of tn
e country, ruined it's industries, devasta
?, ed its towns and villages and haV
J. been responsible for innumerable ma
/ sacres, executions and imprisonments
o cat this very moment, while &c
many is proclaiming peace and human
n ty to the world, she is deporting BE
II gian citizens by thousands and redu
h ing them to slavery.
r Belgium before the war asked f
n nothing but to live in harmony Wi
T. her neighbors. Her king and her go
eminent have but one aim-the +
IS establishment of peace and Justice. B
e they desire only peace which would q
It sure to their country legitimate repair
% ton, guarantees and safeguards for t
It future.