Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1917-08-22
Pope MAKES PLEA
To BELL|GERENTS
FOR PEACE TERMS
Teuton Influence Seen in PapaI
Proposals.
FOR RETURN OF ALL LANDS
Pontif Wants Supreme Tribunal Of
Arbitration to Settle All Future
International Disputes--Wash-
ington Diplomats See Offer
Inspired by Berlin.


Rome, Italy, Aug. 15.-Peaee pro-
posals made by Pope Benedict have
been delivered 70 all the belligerent
governments.
The pope suggests restoration of
Belgium, Serbia and Roumania and
peaceful solution of the problems of
Alsace-Lorraine. Trent, Trieste and
Poland.
Pope Includes Wilson ideas.
Washington, Aug. 15.-An unofficial
outline of Pope Benedict's peace pro-
posals received here discloses that
the pontin includes some of the
principles of world peace for which
President Wilson has declared Among
the popes proposals are reduction of
ornaments, freedom of the seas and
that there shall be no retaliatory strug-
supremacy. These are regarded as the
foundation stones of the pope's plan.
Included in the restoration OF terri
tory, the pope's proposals insist,
should be the return to Germany of
all her colonies, as well as the COM
plete restoration of Belgium to her
sovereignty.
An accurate outline of the principal
points of the communication is in the
hands OF the government here and has
received thoughtful consideration.
In eloquent language the pontiff de-
in Europe, which he declares is head
ed for destruction unless the belliger-
ents are willing to listen to the APP
peals of diSinterested friends to cease
suicidal war. Such conditions, the
pope feels, amply justify him in TAX
ing the present opportunity to suggest
what may be, he hopes, at least a
foundation upon which peace negotia-
tons may be initiated.
Endorses Plans of President.
Unqualified approval of President
Wilson's plan for the avoidance of fu-
ture wars by some form of interna-
tional organization which shall have
behind it the necessary power to en-
force its judgments is given by Pope
Benedict, who declares that along with
such q splendid project must 20 an
effective arrangement for reduction of
ornaments to a point just sufficient
for defensive purposes or to carry out
the mandates of the world court.
Must Be Freedom of Seas.
ANY attempt TO prevent free econoIn-
&c action between the belligerents, the
pope points out, would be disastrous /;
therefore he says there must be free
dom of the seas in all that the term
implies.
On the important question Of the dis
position of occupied territory and the
territorial ambitions of the belligerents
the pope, by way of preface, admits
that special cases might justify spe-
cial consideration and still be adjust
ed In conformity with the principles
of equity and justice. But, as a gen.
eral proposition, he feels that'a prop
er basis for discussion would be the
restoration Of all territory now in enc
nv occupation. That would involve lib
GRAFTON of Belgium, leaving not trace
of German control, political or mill
tary.
The same principle of unincumbered
freedom in its full sense, he says,
should prevail in regard TO every pow
er and nation. Not only must French
territory now occupied by Germany be
restored to France, he says, but, on
the other hand, all German colonies
which have been occupied by England,
Portugal, Belgium and Japan should
be returned TO Germany.
Would Hear Voice of People.
The more difficult question of Italia
Irredenta, the pope thinks, should be
examined In a spirit of Cancellation and
fairness and that special considera-
ton In the settlement should be given
to national aspirations.
Likewise does the pope hold that the
complex questions involved in readjust-
ment of the Balkan states should be
considered in the same spirit of equity
and justice. He has especially in mind
Armenia. the Balkans and Poland. and
the intimation conveyed is that these
questions can safely I've dealt with by
direct diplomatic exchanges between
the belligerents, once an agreement is
reached upon the general principles of
recognition Of national aspirations and
Justice.
Within the entente diplomatic circle
the opinion was freely and promptly
expressed that the peace proposal was
inspired by Germany and was an at
tempt TO silt the allies in a conflict
ing discussion of their war aims.
British See Hand of Kaiser.
London. Aug 15.-The outline OF
the Vatican's peace proposals received
here demands the restoration Of all
German colonies 70 Germany.
These so-called peace terms have
distinct German flavor" This reply
was given in an authoritative quarter
in London in reply 10 a question by a
correspondent in regard TO the Vatican
proposals.
A Little Of Both.