New-York tribune., 1917-07-16
Count Rantzau, Envoy to
Denmark, Aristocrat, Sue
ceeds Zimmerman
Reichstag Proposal
Opposes Conquest
Peace Resolutions Oppose
Forced Acquisitions; DR..
Michaelis Silent


London, July 15.-Reorganization OF
the Imperial German government, fol-
lowing the fall of Won Bethmann-Holl-
veg and General Won Stein, continues
rapidly. Word was received from
Copenhagen to-day not only that DR..
Alfred Zimmerman was out of the
Foreign Secretaryship, but that Coun,
Brockdorff -Rantzau had been chosen
as his successor.
The new Foreign Secretary, who is
a cousin of Count Won Bernstorff, is an
aristocrat born, and his induction into
Office probably means a return of the
arstocratic tradition in the German
service. He has been the German AM
bassador to Copenhagen and is about
the only diplomat in Germany whose
course has been approved by practi-
cally all the critics. In some quarters
his appointment is taken as a repudia-
tion of the Zimmerman policy, which
helped bring the United States into
the war when the German intrigue
with Mexico was discovered. However,
il is said that Count Brockdorff- Rant
Eau will be prompt to recognize the
state of war with the United States,
which has hitherto been officially ig-
nored in Germany
Reichstag Peace Resolution
Copenhagen also furnishes text Of
the proposed peace resolution framed
by Reichstag leaders and intended for
int reduction when the Deputies reas-
sembie. According to the "Tageblatt."
it has been approved by the majority
of the Centre. Radicals and Socialists.
The resolution declares specifically
that Germany has no "lust for con-
quest" and is fighting a defensive war
for her liberty and independence. No
forced acquisitions of territory are
wanted. and a lasting reconciliation
among the nations is prayed for. Free
dom of the seas is demanded and a
reversal of the Allied policy for an
economic blockade; if peace is not
based on these terms Germany and her
allies, united. will fight to the last
man and will prove urconGuerable.
New Chancellor Silent
Maonub;Ia ~. Corp,,r and n.,.roY
papers continue to speculate upon the
probable peace policy of the new Chan
cellor, DR.. Michaelis, as we'll as upon
his internal policies. Neither the Radi-
Gals nor Conservatives have yet ven.
tured to call him their own. Thus far
he has given no indication of mis- atti.
tude, though he has sent for represen.
totives Of both groups in the Reichstag
and listened to their views. The Chan.
cellor was silent, and the conversations
were conducted by DR.. Karl Helfferich,
the Vice-Chsncellor, and the various
deputies. Thus far DR.. Michaelis has
developed as a bureaucrat, but mid.
dle-o -the-road" man.
In connection with the peace discus.
sion, it is said that the appearance in
Berlin Of Won Hindenburg and Won Lu-
dendorf was for the purpose of en-.
couraging the Reichstag members and
assuring them that the military situa.
ton was not alarming The Berlin
papers are unanimous on this point and
declare that neither of the two mill.
tary chiefs attempted TO interfere in
the governmental changes.
A German wireless dispatch received
here summarizes the opinion of tho
German newspapers on the programme
of DR.. Georg Michaels, the new In
perial German Chancellor, a. unity on
internal questions, and confidence and
solidihcation regarding foreign proin.
lens and the maintenance Of the prov !
policy of alliances"
A majority Of the papers, It is stated
by the dispatch, welcome the new
Chancellor.
Blow for Hollweg Programme
The Cologne "Volks Zeitung," the
Catholic organ Of Pan-German sympa-
thies, says that DR.. Michaels undoubt-
edly stands nearer the right than the
left parties. The line OF the commen.
evidently emanating from Wilhelm
strasse is that the ne Chancellor re.
CARDS as his mission the restoration
Of the internal harmony OF the nation.
whatever policy may be adopted. No
matter what else may result. the
change will undoubtedly mean the dis
appearance of the Hollweg peace pro-
gramme.
Dr. Won Bethmann- Hollweg's policy
regarding the ultimate aims Of the
war had from the beginning been
personal one. in which "the Chancellor
above the parties" had formed a pro-
gramme above parliamentary parties.
the military authorities and the En-
peror alike, and he endeavored by gen
tie, steady pressure and suggestion 20
impose il upon a changeful sovereign,
oscillating between vistas OF brilliant
ambition and realization of cold facts
upon the puissant military caste rep
resented by Field Marshal Won Hinden-
burg and General Ludendorf. and
laundering. unbrilliant Parliament.
The appointment of DR.. MichaellT
.pdouhfa adly deal OF the