The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-08-16
"SOlely Compelled by Senti-
ment of Supreme Duty"
Official Text More PrO-TeutOnic
Than Unofficial Outline.
NO THOUGHT OF ACCEPTING IT
Resent Neutral Attitude To-
wards German FrightfuIness.
No Mention of Belgian Horrors
and DeSpOiling of France.
BY ED Il. KEEN.

London, Aug 16.-With new en-
phasis, following publication of the
official text of the peace appeal of
Pope Benedict, the British press to-
day answered mo" to his proposals
looking toward ending of the war.
The conditions outlined by his holi-
ness are regarded as indicating a
stronger trend of German inspiration
than the unofficial outline.
The message, as made public by the
foreign office last night, suggests the
following principal points as condi-
lions upon which an understanding
can be reached, guaranteeing a dur
able peace:
Provisions in Text.
Substitution of moral force of right
for the material force of arms.
Reciprocal diminution of arma-
ments, leaving only sufficient arma-
ment for the maintenance of order.
Substitution of arbitration for ar
mics.
Each state must accept the inter-
national decision, according to estab-
lished rules and be subject to punish
ment If refusing to submit to arbitra-
ton or accept the decision.
True liberty and freedom of the
seas.
Restitution of all occupied terri
tories.
Evacuation of Belgium. with guar
antee of her full political and eco
nomic independence.
As for the Irredenta territory it is
hoped that in view OF the advantages
of a durable peace with disarmament
the disputing countries will be willing
to examine each question in a con-
ciliatory spirit.
The question of the Balkans, Poland
and Armenia to be examined in the
same spirit of equity and justice.
Square With Wilson's Views.
Pope Benedict's suggestions for re-
ciprocal disarmament, future arbitra-
ton, to insure peace and freedom of
the seas, met with approval here.
They square with President Wilson's
views. But the big stumbling block
was his advocacy of a return of the
territorial status before the war with
negotiations over such disputed lands
as Alsace-Lorraine and Italia ire
denta.
This idea, President Wilson has
said. cannot be accepted
He will doubtless point this fact out
anew in replying to the pope and
will cast upon Germany's government
the burden of responsibility for in
human practices an Unsuitable greed
The impression that Austrian influ-
ences has worked on the pope was
rather dissipated today by publication
of the peace message wherein Bene-
dict declared he was SOLELY compelled
by sentiment of our supreme duty
and not by the suggestions or inter
ests of any of the belligerents.'
OverIoOIxs German Atrocities.
Among diplomats here, however
there was some resentment of the
popes proposal to allow Germany to
return to her undespoilo nation,
whilst the French and others must
repair grave damages without ade-
quate compensation. The allied con-
tention is that the kaiser should have
further retribution visited upon him.
Vigorous exception is taken to the
popes placing all the warning nations
on an equal footing, in view of Ger
rnany's violations of law and atrocities
committed on civil populations.
On the other hand, the common
people, who do the fighting and tax
paying the world over will doubtless
give more thought to peace than here
tofore, since the offer came from such
an influential source as the pope. with
a devoted following of millions.
The government stated today it is
going ahead with war preparations as
vigorously as before. This determina-
ton. coupled with the proposed re-
fusaI of the appeal, is likely to have
the psychological effect in Germany
of striking new despair to an already
suffering population.
Honor of Armies Safe.
England was frankly surprised that
the pope should place the armies of
lutte plane, there being no word of
censure; no protest against the Bel
gian horrors, no mention of expect
ing from Germany some statement
that would give the allies guarantees
that such agreements as His Holiness
suggest might not in The future be
declared scraps of paper" and
thrown aside.
THE whole world recognizes that
the honor of the armies of both sides
is SAFE the pope asserts.
The honor of the army which in
vaded Belgium. has massacred women
and children, which shot Edith Cavell,
which deported helpless men and wo-
men into slavery, which ruthlessly
devastated the rich fields and or
chards of France in its recent 'stra-
tegic retreat" is therefore put on a
level with the honor of the army of