The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1917-02-02

ciated.
THE attempt of the four allied
powers to bring about peace has fa2-
ed owing to the lust of conquest OF
their enemies, who desire to dictate
the conditions of peace. Under the
pretense of following the principle OF
nationality our enemies have disclos1;
ed their real aims in this war, viz, to
dismember and dishonor Germany,
Austria-Hungary, Turkey and Bulga-
ria. To the wish of reconciliation
they oppose the will of destruction.
They desire a fight to the bitter end.
Forced to New Steps.
"a new situation has thus been
created which forces Germany to new
decisions Since two years and half
England is using her naval power for
a criminal attempt to force Germany
into submission by starvation. In
brutal contempt Of international law
the group of powers led by England
does not only curtail the legitimate
trade Of their opponents but they also,
by ruthless pressure, compel neutral
countries entering altogether to fore
go every trade not agreeable to the
entente powers or to lilaat it accord
ing to their arbitrary DEGREES.
''The American government knows
the steps which have been taken to
cause England and her allies to re-
turn to the rules of international law
and to respect the freedom Of the
seas. The English government, how
ever, insists upon continuing it's war
affect the military powers of its op.
ponents but compels women and
children, the sick and the aged to
suffer. for their country, pains and
privations. which endanger the VI
tality of the nation. Thus British
tyranny mercilessly increases the suf-
ferings of the world Indifferent to
the laws of humanity, Indifferent to
the protests of the neutrals whom
they severely harm Indifferent even to
the silent longing for peace among
England's own allies. Each day Of
the terrible struggle causes new de-
struction, new sufferings. Each day
shortening the war will on both sides
preserve the life Of thousands Of
brave soldiers and be a benefit to
mankind.
THE imperial government could not
justify before it's own conscience, be-
fore the German people and before
history the neglect Of any means des-
tined to bring about the end of the
war. Like the president of the
United States the imperial govern
ment had hoped to reach this goal
by negotiations. After the attempts
to come to an understanding with
the entente powers haze been an
swered by the latter with the an
nouncement of an intensified con-
tinuation of the war, the imperial
government, in order to serve the
welfare of mankind in a higher sense
and not to wrong its own people,
is now compelled to continue the fight
for existence, again forced upon it.
with the full employment of all the
weapons which are at its disposal.
Sincerely trusting that the people
and government Of the United States
will understand the motives for this
decision and its necessity the imper-
ial government hopes that the United
States may view the situation from
the lofty heights of imnartiality and
assist on their part to prevent further
misery and unavoidable sacrifice OF
human life
Enclosing two memoranda, regard
ing the details of the contemplated
military measures at sea, I remain,
etc.
(Signed) y. BernstorH.