The sun., 1917-09-30
BY F. cUNLIFFE.oWEN.


FEVER before has the approach
OF winter presented itself to
the world hi such a formida-
ble aspect as the one upon which we
shall be called to enter within the next
few weeks. Its menace will affect all
mankind. but will weigh in a particu-
larly crushing manner upon the people
Of Germany and OF her allies. To such
an extent Is this the case that specu-
lation IL rife as to whether public senti-
ment in the countries OF the Central
Powers will not by means Of uprisings,
aHd even Of revolutions. compel their
respective Governments to sue for
peace on whatever terms the Entente
may see At to impose.
In this tile masses are at one with
the big business interests of the two
Central Powers concerned-busines
interests that are represented in the
Berlin Government by the Vice. Chan
cellor Of the Empire, DR.. Karl Helf-
6ich. and by the new Sechetary Of State
for Foreign Affairs. Richard Won Kuhl-
mann. These two Ministers, together
with tho Stumms. the Thyssens, the
Gwinners. by Alfred Ballin, the
Henckel-Donnersmarcks ard the other
great captains Of Teuton industry and
commerce are eager for an early peace
nay. for an immediate peace. at any
petce. 20 - to permit the Inauguration
without delay Of the elaborate and
wonderfully ingenious worldwide cam
Daign which they have planned for the
recovery Of Gernlany's former colossal
oversea trade. The authors and pro-
motors Of this project are thoroughly
veil aware that the longer the war
lasts the moro onerous will be the con-
lttions imposed upon them by the
vlctors and tho stronger the determi.
nation Of the Entente to boycott rigor-
ously Teuton commerce and industry
and to close its seaports to Teuton
shipping after the restoration Of peace
This is what the German business IN
toeests dread above everything else.
II would prove an insuperable obstacle
to their cherished plans for the recov-
cry Of commercial equality and to their
dreams Of commercial supremacy.
mat Is why they are anxious to
assuage rather than to augment our
resentment against them. And 1t is
worthy Of note that It Is only since the
Entente plans for the boycotting of
German trade and industry and for
their exclusion from Entente shipping
and railroad facilities have taken form
that the great business interests Of
Germany have given public manifesto
tion Of their determination to secure an
early peace at any price providing It
does not carry with It subsequent eco
nomic ostracism and the barring from
the ports Of the Entente.
OF course the Kaiser Is opposed to
any such peace. For ne has every
reason to dread that a costly peace
It cannot fail to be costly to Germany
and to the Dual Empire-will endanger
his throne. nay. even his dynasty;
and sooner than lose Ills crown he
would sacrifice not only the present
and future welfare but also the lives
Of his people, who made tte cruel
mistake Of believing in his in
vincibility. his infallibility and in
his unselfish devotion to their cause
The militarist junta, by which he
Is to a great extent swayed and
controlled, can hope to preserve its
prominence and power only as long
as the war lasts. Peace-the only
peace to which Germany can look
means the relegation Of its members
to obscurity, to the obloquy of their
fellow countrymen. to their eclipse and
ruin. They, like the Kaiser. are fight
ing with their backs to the wall for
their very existence. Whether they
can retain the upper hand throughout
tte coming winter is extremely
doubtful. The combination Of tie
masses with the big business interests
Of the nation against them and the
rapidly increasing disaffection and de-
moralization not only Of the rank and
file Of the army but even Of the sub