Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-07-03

ternationaI law no more binding at the end of
this war than at the beginning. Peace on Ho-
henzollern terms would be at best the heavily
armed, treacherous, precarious peace that existed
before the war, and at its worst it would be the
peace of the mailed fist holding the world in vas
salage.
None of the Allies, least of all the United
States; could afford to accept peace that would
leave Prussian militarism free to intrench itself
more firmly than at home and to equip itself
more powerfully than for ruthless adven-
lures abroad. 1t is the avowed purpose OF the
Prussian militarists to attack America when they
have done with Europe. Their plans to that end
were carefully laid long ago and they will seize
the earliest opportunity to try them out. we
must settle with Hohenzollern Germany COW, or
face its menace for indefinite time to come
To leave its forces of tyranny and intrigue COM
pIetely organized and unrestrained would be Grim
inaI negligence on the part of nations which can
win a conclusive victory for justice and peace by
lighting resolutely on.
The objects for which the Allies, including the
United States, are contending have been stated
clearly and comprehensively by President Wilson
in his message to the Russian democracy. De-
claring that the status of affairs existing before
the war must be altered in such fashion as to
prevent any such hideous thing from ever hap
out just what are fighting for.
I'VE are fighting for the liberty, the self
government and the indicated development
of all peoples and every feature of the set
Element that concludes this war must be
-ceived and executed for that purpose. Wrongs
must first be righted and then adequate safe
guards must be created to prevent their be-
ing committed again. Practical questions can
be settled only by practical Phrases
will not accomplish the result. Effective
adjustments will; and whatever readjust-
ments are necessary must be made. But
they must follow principle and that princi-
pie is plain. No people must be forced I'M
der sovereignty under which 1t does not wish
to live. No territory must change hands ex-
cept for the purpose of securing those who in
habit 1t fair chance of life and liberty. No
indemnities must be insisted on except those
that constitute payment for manifest wrongs
done. No readjusments of power must be
made except such as will tend to the
future peace of the world and the future well
fare and happines of it's people"
This statement has been approved in England
France, Italy and Russia expression of Allied
aims Application of the principles 1t sets forth
will free and united Poland, the redemp-
ton of the Italian provinces from the Teuton yoke
the restoration of Alsace-Lorraine to France, the
deliverance of the Armenians and other prosecuted
peoples from Turkish bondage and especially
will It a restored and requited Belgium
In addition to those and perhaps, other readJust-
ments and in addition, too, to such indemnities
justice requires, the worlds security would de-
mand absolute guarantees against another out
break of Prussian militarism. When these objects
have been attained when Germany is minded to
grant them, peace will be and it will be en-
during.
Europe will soon Begin to experience the ex-
element of election day.
statesman can distinguish between mob law
and public opinions.