davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-29
Troops Coming Home
Sway German People

The German people are deriving
great moral benefit from the peace ne
gotiations with Russia through the fact
that the German troops withdrawn
from the Eastern fronts have been per
mitted 20 return TO their homes as
victors in the war with Russia, ac-
cording TO high army officer.
According TO this authority's infor-
nation, the German soldiers were not
transported directly from the Eastern
fronts to the Western, Italian, Balkan
or Asia Minor fronts, but were permit
ted TO visit their homes as conquerors
for political effect upon the nation.
This manpuvre. it was asserted pos
sessed also important military value,
as it permitted the German General
staff time to concentrate military
stores and at the same time hold these
troops in central locations, where they
might be assembled on short notice at
any moment. In addition, it was said,
Germany's enemies had not been able
either to approximate the number Of
troops withdrawn from the East nor
discover where they would be sent.
The soldiers withdrawn from the
East, il was believed, have been sufii-
cient in number 10 have them spread
throughout the greater part OF the en-
pire, with the result that they will
hearten the people by the visible evil
dence in them Of the success Of the
German arms over one of their foes.
Germany has n sufficient force on
every front to hold il defensively, this
authority declared. and has not needed
reinforcements from the Russian the
atre, and while IL was admitted that
there can be no certainty felt as to
Germany's intentions. it was doubted
if the Berlin General staff would order
an offensive on large scale against
the Franco British fronts before next
spring. II was declared TO be to Ger
many's advantage 20 delay semi-de
cisive military engagements while
awaiting the results she expects from
her submarine warfare.
The forces Germany are at present
maintaining on the Northern Russian
front, according TO information re-
ceived here, are composed chiefly Of
inferior troops, and will be required 20
perform police duties principally, as
the Russian army confronting them is
demoralized. partly demobilized and
inadequately equipped for fighting.
Germany, il was understood. had
been pressing the Bolsheviki govern
ment for the conclusion Of an arrange
ment making possible the early re-
patriation of Austro-German prisoners
of war held in Russia. totalling more
than 100000 men.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-29

TOXIC. Dec. 27.-John F. Stevens,
chief American railway commissioner
TO Russia. arrived az Nagasak on De
cember 10 from Vlsdivostok. He has
taken all the accommodations Of an
entire hotel in Nagasaki for the 500
members Of his staff.
In statement to The Associated
Press Mr. Stevens said he fully eX-
poets soon TO return TO Russia 10 pros
ecute the proposed work Of assisting in
the reorganization Of Russian rail
communications. He denied the report
that he was returning TO America.
The commission is composed Of many
Of Americas best railway engineers,
and their administrators absence from
America involves a sacrifice of his
home interests, but Mr.. Stevens re
CARDS the Russian situation as one Of
the most important in the world. lie
said:
THE demand on America b. the Eu-
ropean war front is important, but the
Russian situation is trebly important,
rs il involves the return OF l,5OO,OOO
German and Austrian electives and
gives unlimited possibilities to the Ger
man organization of Russia's resources
and man-power
Russia Wholly Chaotic
Russia at present presents com
pletely chaotic condition, permeated by
the most clever German propaganda in
every way and everywhere, among all
classes of the people. Nevertheless, |
believe the better judgment of the
mass Of the people will be asserted and
Germany will rot succeed in forcing a
separate peace. Such peace cannot
be concluded If the Allies promptly
give their help and suggestions.
"The MaXimalists now in control are
much stronger than generally credited.
In any future reorganization or attempts
at a stable government the MaXlmallsts
must be considered and handled rightly.
"The chaos is most evident in the
manufactures and railway shops.
where the Workmen's and Soldiers
Delegates are in absolute control. They
work or not, as they please, and every
where may be seen workmen loaiing.
Women are doing much of the work in
the shops, along the railway tracks and
in the fields, and even acting as brake
men. Where one woman is working five
hundred men are loafing.
"a hundred thousand soldiers are
crowding the stations, attempting the
management of the trains and support
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-29
Bank Officials Here
Rely on u. S. Authority

The National City Bank, of this city,
whose Petrograd manager, K. 4. Ste
vens, was arrested in the banks branch
there by Bolshevik soldiers acting
under orders of Finance Minister Men
shinsky, will look TO the government of
the United States TO protect its in
terests. and has no doubt all necessary
steps in this regard will be taken. It
was stated by an official of the bank
here yesterday.
Mr.. Stevens, it was said, has been
in charge of the Petrograd branch
since it was opened, in January. No
direct word has been received from
him inregard to his difficulties, and il
was assumed that he was following the
proper course TO protect the bank :
interests He has about six or eight
men in his Office force. The officials
said that, due'to unsettled conditions in
Russia. no special effort TO push the
business there had been made. He was
unwilling to make public the amount
of assets and liabilities, which were in
terms of rubles.
Mr.. Stevens. who is a Maine man.
was formerly in the foreign Offices Of
the international Banking Corporation,
which has its Offices in the National
City Banks building. At one time he
represented the International firm in
Mexico, and later was manager of its
Panama branch. He resided for some
years in this city.
The National City Bank of New York
was granted a license last January to
commence business in Russia, with par
ticular reference TO the financing Of
railroad construction. The license
given it was the first granted to a for
eign bank to do business in Russia
since 1879.
1t wss stated that no serious loss
could result from the latest disturbance
reported in the Russian capital, as bal
ances in the Petrograd branches of all
local institutions have been drawn
down to small proportions. Other
dealers in Russian exchange here are
the Guaranty Trust Company, the
Equitable Trust Company, the Ameri-
can Express Company and the Irving
National Bank.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-29
British Opinion Is Divided
On Good Faith of German Offer
Central Powers Proposal Through Czenn Regarded as
Really Intended for the Allies Is One View; Trap
for the Entente Several London Papers Say

Count Reventlow and Philip scheide-
mann.
A highly interesting situation. the
Daily Telegraph" thinks. has been
created by the reply Of the Central
Powers, but 1t does not see in it the
prospect of any secure settlement Of
the worlds peace. 1t says:
THE Allies are required to give
undertakings which would thrust back
the liberated peoples Of Palestine and
MesOpotamia under the Turkish yoke,
would insure Alsace-Lorraine remain
ing German and unredeemed Italy re-
naming Austrian, and would exclude
an attempt to place the whole question
of the oppressed nationalities of South
eastern Europe upon foundation Of
internationally guaranteed security"
Such an outcome, the Telegraph"
adds. would be a virtual victory and a
new lease of life for militarism.
The Times" and the Daily Majl'
are opponents of the view that the pro-
posals constitute a trap for the Allies
and II accepted would leave the Cen
trail Powers victors.
"The Manchester Guardian" regards
the German peace offer as an attempt
10 end her losses, and says the terms
would leave her with full liberty 20
start again on the old game. The
newspaper believes that the failure 20
deal drastically with the two open
sores in international sovereignty.
namely, Alsace-Lorraine and Turkey, is
the chief vice in the proposal.
No Hope Given Of Enduring Peace
an both cases, the sovereignty of the
power that has done wrong is express
ly preserved, and all that is held out
is the prospect of internal reforms, y
"The Guardian" declares.
The newspaper sees no prospect Of
an enduring peace on the basis of the
proposals in. their present form, but
says: 1.-THE mere rejection of the Ger
man proposals would do US incalculablc
harm" and calls for a specific, detailed
Allied reply. which would accept every,
thing that can be accepted and stat.
the minimum demands, especially re-
garding Alssce-Lorraine, the Adriatic
shores and Turkey, which are the points
left standing out by Germany.
"If Germany, when these demands
are stated, thinks there still is room
for discussion, it should be entered
upon" 1.-THE Guardian" asserts. mean
while, discussion of the German terms,
vague as they are on many essential
points and bad on others, will do good"
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-29
Rejection
Move Lost

Joseph Havelock Wilson then moved
rejection OF the memorandum put
his motion was lost by a vote OF y
10 345. --o
The conference was attended by 'oo
delegates. and was expected to place
on record an expression OF opinion from
British labor on the war aims OF TINS
country. Us adoption OF the memorah-
dun is considered especially slghlh"'hI
in view Of the peace negotiations De-
tween Germany and Russia.
The statment placed at the forefront
n demand for the restoration and re-
babilitation Of Belgium at the expense
of Germany. Il also dealt with Al
sace-Lorraine. Italy, the Balkans, Po-
land. Turkey and German African col
onieS on lines similar to those suggest
ed in earlier documents on these sub
jects. -.
The original memorandum was dis
cussed and adopted early in August at
a special conference Of the Labor party
and was a sequel 10 the abortive stock
holm conference of last summer. It.
terms have since been considerably
amended by various subcommittee,
hut the main features had been re-
talneU lN lilt lllflltO+ tA+lN'"i't Nt''~-'
to-day.
II had been confidently believed
however. that to-day's action Of the
conference would be taken notwith-
standing amendments from the indie
pendent Labor party and several radi-
cal proposals from the British Socialist
party.
A statement purporting to give in
broad outline the view taken IN high
British political circles of the German
peace terms Is printed by "The Daily
Express" Il says that two things are
known here first. that Germany does
not want d separate peace with Russia,
but general peace; and. second, that
Germany fears Bolshevik influence,
being afraid Of its effect on the Ger
man working classes.
"A stiff upper lip is the attitude in
this country at present the statement
declares. The peace terms are not
sufficient to lead US to lay down our
arms. We must be watchful. II is up
TO Germany to show that she is sim
CORE
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-29

sentatives made the same declaration
at Petrograd, that on the day when
regularly constituted government
founded on the national will existed
in Russia we would be ready TO eN-
anime with 10 our war aims and the
conditions OF a just and durable peace.
The Allies representatives are ell un-
able 10 recognize a government which
made an armistice without consulting
its allies. opened negotiations for an
immediate peace, summoning all bellig-
ercnts TO reply Immediately whether
they accented tine, negotiations. and
threatened 70 declare void all foreign
financial obligations created by previ-
Gus governments.
"Trotzky declared he did not need TO
be recognized by capitalistic govern
ments, as ne was addressing the people
directly. proposing a democratic peace
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-29
German Paper Warns
Against Sanguine Hope
Of Speedy Peace

AMSTERDAM. Dec. 2s.-The Frank
furter Zeitung," a copy of which has
been received here, commenting on the
peace negotiations, says:
"The hope of speedy peace should
not be too sanguine, as the necessary
revolution in the ideas Of the Entente
governments will be much too great
to permit OF general peace being rap
idly accomplished. Even a peace with
Russia is not yet at all certain.
Nevertheless, the negotiations will
give tremendous impetus to the idea
OF peace throughout the world, and
will result in movement which will
compel the Entente to realize that
without peace by an understanding,
such as Germany desires, there is no
way out OF this war"
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-29
Count Andrassy Says
We Can't Save Allies
Hungarian Ex-Premier links
Peace With Russia Means
Central Powers Victory

ZURICH. Switzerland, Dec 70
Count Julius Andrassy, ex-Premier oil
Hungary. writing on the peace ques-
ton, says:
Prom tho moment we were free IN
the East the whole situation tunda,
mentally changed, and the Central
Powers now also will gain supremacy
in the West.
1T is no longer possible for Amer
lea to give us the finishing stroke.
She must save the Entente. II Is no
longer her task TO turn the last stage
of the war into a final victory. She
must create victory out Of defeat. This
will require great strength, and J
doubt il America possesses THIS
strength or can organize it before the
Western powers collapse under our al
tacks."
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-29
Courier From u. S.
Blocked at Russian
Border BY BolsheUiki

STOCKHOLM, Dec. 2s.--An American
diplomatic courier on his way 70 Petro-
grad has been refused admission 10
Russia on the ground that his passport
had not been vised by NJ. Borovsky,
the Bolshevik Minister at Stockholm.
This is the first time that a regular
courier's passport has not been hon
ored.
It is assumed here that the Bolshe-
wiki hope in this way to exert press
ure and compel the indirect recognition
of their foreign representatives.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-29
U-Boat Took 2 Prisoners
From the Jacob Jones

WASHINGTON. Dec. 2s.-Through
the American Red Cross, the Navy De-
partment has confirmed cable dis
patches that two men from the Jacob
Jones were taken prisoner by the sub
marine which sank the destroyer.
One OF the men, the department an
nounced tonight. is Albert de MeIlo.
whose relatives were notified yester-
day. The name of the second man was
20 garbled in transmission that it will
be necessary to make further inquiry
70 determine his identity.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-29
Allies Must Achieve
Present War Aims,
Says Lloyd George

LONDON. Dec. 2s.-Premier Lloyd
George. in a letter which he sent to-day
20 the special National Labor Confer
cncc. declared:
Achievement Of the purposes Tor
which the Allies are fighting is essen
tial 10 the future freedom and peace Of
mankind"
The Premier also asserted that a
statement on war aims could be made
onlv i'm agreement with Great Britain, 5
Allies. The question Of issuing fresn
Joint declaration. he added, was being
constantly kept in view by the entente
Allied governments.
The Premier's statement rs regarded
AS the British reply TO the German
peace offer. ..
Mr.. Lloyd Georges letter said that 70
his mind "the ideals for which we are
lighting to-day are precisely those ior
which the British Empire entered the
war"
Eve accepted the challenge thrown
down BY Prussia" the letter continued,
lin order 20 free the world once and
all from the intolerable menace OF MIL
itaristic civilization and to make posi-
bic a lasting peace by restoring the no
erty OF oppressed nationalities and by
enforcing respect for those laws and
treaties which are the protection oil
all nations. whether great or small
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-29
Peace Negotiators
To Moue to WARSAW,
Say Berlin Papers

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2s.-Dispatches
from Berne to-day quote Berlin news
papers as saying that the peace nego-
tiations between the Germans and the
Russian Bolsheviki will be continued
at Warsaw, because Brest-Litovsk does
not offer sufficient accommodations for
those attending the conference.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-29
World viii
Conquer Then"

at the conference in Paris pro-
gramme was drawn up, and IN con-
sequence unity of action on the part
of the Allies will make itself felt, even
TO Macedonia. Germany and her allies
have undertaken the impossible task
of conquering the world. The world
will conquer them.
IN this war France will have played
a great role. for, as Roosevelt has said,
she will have saved humanity"
VI. Pichon declared that the secret
treaties published by the Bolsheviki
had not compromised France. He said
the German diplomats who were pre-
tending 10 show Indignation were the
very men who sought to negotiate
secret treaty with the old regime IN
Russia, VINO attempted 70 draw Mexico
into war against the United States and
organized plots in Argentina.
After referring TO the German dec
laration that Alsace and Lorraine
would never be surrendered, NJ. Piehon
said:
"The question Of Asace-Lorraine
does not affect France alone. II is a
world question. II is not territorial
problem but moral problem. On its
solution depends whether or not the
world shall have durable peace" This
statement was greeted with applause.
The occupation of Jerusalem, NJ.
/ Pichon said, was a victory for the civ
ilized world. lie added that the city
would he given an international status.
/ Referring 10 the war aims Of France,
/ the Foreign Minister said the first was
B 10 conquer.
But Why" he went on. "To assure
q world peace OF justice and fraternity.
We desire the liberation Of our occu-
pied territories, just reparation for
What has been forcibly torn from us, re-
indignation Of Alsace-Lorrsine, repa-
ration for damages sustained. and n
guarantee Of durable peace by inter
national agreements"
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-29
Allies Buy Argentine Wheat

BUEN0S AYRES, Dec. est is an
nounced that the Argentine government
has arranged to sell 10 the Allies
$500, 900 tons of wheat of the present
harvest.
The details of the credit arrange
ment are expected to be announced to-
morrow.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-29
Repeats and
Emphasizes

Repeat that last phrase" Pierre Re-
naudel interjected.
NJ. Pichon repeated it, adding: "The
reference Is TO society of nations"
you should have said So" NJ. Re-
naudel rejoined.
We are in perfect agreement with
President Wilson on that point" NJ
Pichon said. He then quoted President
Wilson's words 20 the effect that the
immediate task was TO win the war.
adding;
1T never has been the intention Of
President Wilson or the Allies TO de-
stroy the German people"
Referring TO the Russian situation,
NJ. Pichon said:
IAN the Allies through their repre-.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-29
Allies Not
Nindictive

The Premier concluded that he vas
never more convinced that the pur-
poses for which the Allies were con-
tinuing the war were not lmperiallsuc
or vindictive, but that their achieve
ment was essential TO the future Tree
dom and peace of mankind.
After the formal opening Of the con-
ference letter from David Lloyd
George. the British Prime Minister,
was read. After thanking the con-
ference for resolution Of the parlla-
mentarv committee of the Trades
Union Congress and the national com
mittee, which partly suggested that
Great Britain make q declaration OF
the war aims of the Entente, the letter
said:
"A statement in regard TO the war
aims Of the Allies can, of course, only
be made I'm agreement with the other
nations who are lighting IN alliance to-
gether in the war. The question OF
issuing q fresh joint declaration on this
subject is one which Is constantly kept
in view by the Allied governments, but
IT, is possible for the British govern
ment to speak by itself.
I'VE had looked forward TO an inter
change OF views on this subject with
delegates appointed by the Russian
government TO attend the conference
held in Paris; but 20 our regret the
absence Of any representatives Of Rus
sia at that conference made any such
consultation impossible"
As TO Great Britain's war aims. the
Premier referred the conference to his
speech on the adjournment Of Parlla-
ment and expressed the hope that this
speech would remove any misunder-
standing.
The labor conference was convened
iere to-day 10y the parliamentary COM
mittoe Of the Trade Union Congress
and the executive committee OF the
Labor party in the Central Hall al
Westminster 10 consider a "memoran-
dun on war aims" A pronunciamento
was adopted. with a virtually unanl-
nous show OF hands declaring that IN
continuing the war labor Is actuated
by determination TO make the world
safe for democracy hereafter. No SYM
patty was expressed in the text OF the
statement with attempts TO convert the
war into one Of conquest, but it in
sisted that restitution and reparation,
and also certain territorial readjust-
ments. are necessary if the renewal of
armaments and war is to be avoided.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-29
Must Make
Germans Repent

Joseph Havelock Wilson, president OF
the International Seamen's Union,
characterized the memorandum as the
most contradictory document he ever
had seen presented 70 a trades union
congress.
Until We have made the German
nation feel that II has made a grievous
mistake and II has repented Of its
crimes and foul murders, our aim
should be 90 carry on the war" said
Mr. Wilson.
James Henry Thomas. assistant gen
eral secretary Of the Amalgamated
Society Of Railway Servants. said that
when peace was discussed il must be
world peace. lie added that if Ger
many did not agree TO labor's war aims
labor must fght on TO secure what
labor believed 20 be right.
An attempt 10 amend the motion TO
consider the memorandum was made
by Stephen Walsh. Parliamentary sec
rotary OF the local government board
and labor member of Parliament.
Mr.. Walsh eontended that as many
branches OF the national labor move.
ment had not had an opportunity 70
consider the memorandum further dis
cussion Of II should be adjourned for
- month. The proposed amendment
was rejected by vote Of 2.132 70 LIZA
There was considerable opposition
disclosed AZ the opening of the confer
ence 20 the announcement Of the chair
man that the decision Of the confer
enee on the memorandum on war aim,
must be binding. several Of the dele
gates interrupting with the cry. Gee
on with the war"
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-12-29
Regard for
humanity

Arthur Henderson, leader Of the
Labor party in the House Of Commons
and former minister without portfolio
in the British War Council. in moving
the adoption Of the memorandum, said
that in framing the proposals the com
mittee bad regard TO the imperative
needs Of humanity as a whole and the
rights Of free peoples. When he de-
clared that Britons were not fighting
the German people Mr.. Henderson WAS
interrupted by a shout, well, we
ought TO bel" from the delegates %
the Seamen's Union.
Continuing. Mr.. Henderson said the
guiding principles Of the Labor party
were Of essential Importance in seour-
ing a settlement Of the controversy rs