New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-08-16

reason, once more emit the cry Of
peaoc acd renew pressing appeal
20 those who hold in their hands
.ho deStinies Of nations.
Proposes Agreement
But in order no longer 10 speak
in general terms, as the circum-
stances had counselled us in the
past, we now wish 20 make more
concrete and practical proposals
and 20 invite the governments OF
the belligcrent peoples 10 come to
an agreement upon the following
points, which seem to be basis
of a Just and durable peace, leav-
in gto them the task of analyzlng
and completing them.
First of. all the fundamental
points must be that the material
force of arms be substituted by
the moral force of right, from
which shall arise fair agreement
by all for the simultaneous and
reciprocal dimunition of armament,
according to the rules and guar
antees 10 be established, in a meas
ure necessary and sufficient for
the maintenance of public order in
each state. Then in the substltu-
ton for armies the institution OF
arbitration, with its high pacifying
function, according to the rules 10
be laid down and the penalties 10
be imposed on a state which would
refuse either to submit national
question TO arbitration or TO ac-
cept its decision.
Freedom of Seas Urged
"once the supremacy Of right
has thus been established, all OBJ
stacles TO the means of communi-
cation of the peoples would dis
appear by assuring, by rules to be
fixed later, the true liberty and
community of the seas, which
would also open to all new sources
Of prosperity and progress.
"As to the damages TO be re-
haired and as TO the war expenses,
we see no other means of solving
the question than by submitting
as a general principle the com
plete and reciprocal conformation,
which would be justified, moreover,
by the immense benefit to be de-
rived from disarmament, so much
so that no one will understand the
continuation Of similar carnage
solely for reasons Of an economic
order.
IF for certain cases there exist
particular reasons, they would be
deliberated upon with justice and
equity, but these pacific agree
ments. with the immense advan-
tages TO be derived from them, are
not possible without a reciprocal
restitution of the territory at pres
ent occupied.
"The complete evacuation of Be l.
eiunr on the part of Germany, with
the guarantee of her full political,
military and economic indepen-
dence.
THE evacuation of French terri
tory on the part of other oelllger-
emit parties and similar restitution
of the German colonies.
"As regards the territorial ques-
tions. as, for example, those which
have arisen between Italy and Aus
tria and between Germany and
France there is reason TO hope that
in consideration of the immense
advantages of durable peace with
with disarmament the parties IN
conflict would wish to examine
them with a conciliatory disposi-
ton, taking into consideration, as
we have said formerly, the asplra-
lions of the peoples and the spe-
cial interests and the general well
fare of the great human society.
"The same spirit Of equity and
Justice ought to be followed IN the
examination of other territorial
and political questions, notably
those relative to Armenia and the
Balkan states and territories max
ing the ancient Kingdom of Po--
land. whose noble and historical
traditions ard the sufferings which
il has endured, especially during
the present war, ought TO conclll-
ate the sympathies of nations.
Future Wars Is Impossible
"Such are the principal bases
wherein we believe the future re-
organization of the peoples ought
TO be built. They are of a nature
to render impossible the return OF
similar conflicts, and 70 prepare a
solution of the economic question
so important for the future and for
the material well-being Of all bel
ligerent states.
Therefore, in presenting to you,
who direct at this hour the desti-
MES of the belligerent nations we
are animated to see these prlncl-
pies accepted and to see thus the
conclusion at an early date of the
terrible struggle.
Honor of Both ides Safe
"The whole world recognizes
that the honor of the armies of
both sides is safe. Incline your
ears therefore TO our prayer. Ac-
cept 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 be-
fore man.
con your decision depends the
repose and the JOY of innumerable
families, the life Of thousands of
young people, in word the happi-
ness of a people for whom it is
your absolute duty 10 obtain their
welfare.
"May the Lord inspire your de-
cision in conformity TO His Very
Holy VIII. May God grant that
while meriting the applause of
your contemporaries you will also
obtain in the future generations a
splendid name OF pacificator.
"As for US closely united in pray
or and in penitence with all those
faithful souls which sigh for peace,
we implore for you the light and
counsel Of the Divine Spirit"
)SignedD BENEDICT.