Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1917-08-22


erty and community of the seas which
would contribute TO the numerous
causes of conflict and would also open
to all new sources of prosperity and
progress.
"As to the damages TO be repaired
and as to the war expenses We see no
other means of solving the question
than by submitting as a general prin-
ciple the complete and reciprocal con-
donation which would be justified
moreover by the immense benefit TO
be derived from disarmament, so much
so that no one will understand the
continuation of a similar carnage sole
~ for reasons OF an economic order.
Territory Taken Must Be Restored.
IF for certain cases there exist par
ticular reasons why they would be
deliberated upon with justice and
with the immense advantage to be de-
rived from them, are not possible with
out a reciprocal restitution of the
territory at present occupied.
Consequently on the part of Ger
many the complete evacuation of Bel
GUM with the guarantee of her full
political. military and economic indie
pendence toward it.
THE evacuation of French territory.
On the part of other belligerent par
ties similar restitution of the German
colonies.
"As regards the territorial questions,
as. for example. those which have
arisen between Italy and Austria and
between Germany and France. there is
reason to hope that in consideration of
the immense advantages of durable
peace with disarmament, the parties
In conflict would wish TO examine them
with conciliatory disposition, taking
into consideration, as we have said
formerly, the aspirations of the peo-
pies and the special interests and Of
the general welfare of the great hui
man society.
Poland to Be Given Consideration.
'The same spirit of equity and just
ice ought to be followed in the exam
ination of other territorial and politi-
cal questions, notably those relative
to Armenia and the Balkan states, and
territories making a part of the an
cient kingdom of Poland, whose noble
and historical traditions and the suf-
ferings which 1t has endured, espe-
cially during the present war, ought
to conciliate the sympathies of ma
lions.
"Such are the principal bases where
on we believe the future reorganiza-
ton of the peoples ought to he built.
They are of nature TO render impos-
sible the return of similar conflicts,
and to prepare solution of the eco
nomic questions so important for the
future and for the material well-being
of all belligerent states.
Therefore, in presenting them TO
you, who direct at this hour the des-
tines of the belligerent nations, we
are animated to see thus the conclu-
sion at an early date of the terrible
struggle which more and more appears
a useless massacre.
"Tha whole world recognizes that
the honor of the armies of both sides
is safe. Incline your ears. therefore,
to our prayer. Accept the fraternal
invitation which we send you in the
name of the Divine Redeemer, the
Prince of Peace. Reflect on
your very grave responsibility before
God and before man.
ION your decision depend the repOse
and the JOY of innumerable families,
the life of thousands of young people;
in a word. the happiness of a people
for whom it is your absolute duty to
obtain their welfare.
MAY the Lord inspire your decl-
sion in conformity to his very holy
will. May God grant that while mer-
iting the applause of your contempt
raries you will also obtain in the fu-
ture generations a splendid name as
pacificators.
"As for us. as closely united in
prayer and in penitence with all those
faithful souls which sigh for peace, we
implore for you the light and counsel
of the Divine Spirit.
(SgnedD BENEDICT.
"At the Vatican, August l."