Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1917-01-12
ALLIES GIVE PEACE TERMS
In NOTE TO PRESIDENT

the first instance, the restoration of
Belginm, OF Seryia and OF montenegro
ana the indemniticS which are due
them; the evacuation OF the invaded
territories of France, of Russia and
OF Rumania, with just reparatiOn: the
reorganization of Europe, guaranteed
by stable government. based alike
upon the principle of nationalities. on
the right which all peoples, whether
small or great, have TO the enjoy
meht OF fun security and Tree
economic Developments, and also Ipon
territorial agreements and interna-
tioila arrangements SO framed as TO
guarantee land and sea frontiers
AGAINST unjust attacks; the restitution
OF provinces or territories wFcstcd in
the past from the allies by force or
against the will of their populations;
the liberation of Italians, OF SIavs, of
Kumanians and OF Tcheco Siovaques
from foreign domination; the enfran-
chsement OF populations subject to
tne bloody tyranny OF the Turks; the
expulsion from Europe of the Ottoman
empire, which has proved itself so
radically alien to western civilization.
! The intentions of his majesty the
emperor of Russia regarding Poland
i have been clearly indicated in the
proclamation which he las lust nd
dressed TO his armies 1t goes with
out saying that il the allies wish to
| llberate Europe from the brutal
IcoNetousness of Prussian milftarism il
never has been their design as has
been alleged, to encompass the exter-
mlnatlon OF the German peoples and
thelr political disappearance. That
which they desire above all is to in
sure peace upon the principles of
nperty and Justice, upon the inViolable
! hdelity to international obligation
with which the government of the
united States has never ceased to be
! inspired.
/ United in the pursuits of this su-
preme object, the allies are deter
mined, individually and collectively.
TO act with all their power and to con-
sent to all sacrifices to bring to a
victorious close a conflict upon which
ttey are convinced not only their own
Hsatety and prosperity depends. but
also the future of civilization itself"
Belgium Sends Separate Note
The translation of the Belgian note
which was handed to Ambassador
Sharp, with the entente reply, fol-
| lows:
THE government of the king. which
has associated itself with the answer
handed by the president of the French
council to the American ambassador
on behalf of all, is particular de-
sirous of paying tribute to the senti-
ment of humanity which prompted
the president of the United States to
send his note to the belligerent pow
ers, and it highly esteems the friend
ship expressed for Belgium through
Lis kindly intermedation. 1t de-
sires as much as Mr.. Woodrow Will
son TO see the present war ended as
early as possible.
But the president seems to believe
that the statesmen of the two op-
| posing camps pursue the same objects
of war. The example OF Belgium, un-
fortunately, demonstrates that this is
In no wise tie tact. Belgium has
never, like the central powers aimed
at conquests. The barbarous fashion
in which the German government has
treated, and is still treating, the Bel
gan nation does not permit the sup
position that Germany will Dreoccupy
herself with guaranteeing in the iu-
ture the rights OF the weak nations
which she has not ceased TO tramDle
under foot Since the war; let loose by
her, began to deSoIate Europe.
'On the other hand, the government
OF tie king has noted with pleasure
and with confidence the assurances
that the United States is impatient TO
cooperate in the measures which will
be taken after the conclusion of peace
TO protect and guarantee the small ma
lions against violence and oppression
Previous to the German ultimatum,
Belgium only asplred to live upon
good terms with all her neighbors,
toward each one of them TIE duties
| imposed by her neutrality In the
same manner she has been rewarded
by Germany for the confidence she
placed in her, through which, from
one day to the other, without any
plausible reason, her neutrality was
violated, and tie chancellor of the
empire, when announcing to the
reichstag this violation OF right and
of treaties, was obliged TO recognize
the iniquity of such an act and prede-
termine that it would be repaired.
But the Germans, after the occu-
patton OF Belgian territory, have dis
, played no better observance of the
rules of international law or the
st1pulations of The Hague convention.
They have by taxation, as heavy as it
is arbitrary, drained the resources OF
the country; they have Intentionally
ruined its industries, ruined Whole
cities, put to death and imprisoned u
considerable number of inha abitants.
Even now, while they are loudly pro-
claiming their desire to put an end to
the horrors of war, they increase the
rfgorS OF the occupation by deporting
into servitudc Belgian workers by the
thousands.
IF there is country which has
the right to say that il has taken up
arms TO defend its existence, il is as
suredly Belgium. Compelled TO fight
OF 10 SUBMIT 10 Shame, she passion
ately desires that an end be brought to
! the unprecedented sufferings of her
population. But she could only ac-
cept peace which would assure her
! as well as equitable reparation, Sc
curity and guarantees for the future
Expresses Gratitude For Assistance
TIE American people, since the
beginning of the war, has manifested
for the oppressed Belgian nation it's
most ardent sympathy 1t Ia an AM
erican committee, the Commission
for Relief in Belgium, which, in close
union with the government of the
king and tho national committee, dis
| plays an untiring devotion and
marvellous activity in revictualing Bel
/ GUM. The government of the king
/ is happy 10 avail itself OF this oppor-
tunity to express lis profound graft
tude to the Commission for Relief, as