Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1917-08-22

governments.
The pope suggests restoration Of
Belgium, Serbia and Roumania and
peaceful solution Of the problems of
Alsace-Lorraine, Trent, Trieste and
Poland.
Pope Includes Wilson Ideas.
Washington, Aug. 15.-An unofficial
outline of Pope Benedict's peace pro-
poSals received here discloSes that
the pontiff includes some of the
principles of world peace for which
President Wilson has declared. Among
the pope's proposals are reduction of
ornaments, freedom of the seas and
that there shall be no retaliatOry strug-
gle after the war for world commercial
supremacy. These are regarded as the
foundation stones of the pope's plan.
Included in the restoration of terri
tory, the pope's proposals insist,
should be the return to Germany Of
all her colonies, as well as the COM
plete restoration Of Belgium to her
sovereignty.
An accurate outline of the principal
points of the communication is in the
hands of the government here and has
received thoughtful consideration.
In eloquent language the pontiff de-
scribes the terrible condition existing
in Europe, which he declares is head
ed for destruction unless the belliger-'
ents are willing to listen to the ap-
peals of disinterested friends to cease
O suicidal war Such conditions, the
pope feels, amply justify him in TAX
ing the present opportunity to suggest
what may be, he hopes, at least
foundation upon which peace negotia-
tons may be initiated.
Endorses Plans of President.
Unqualified approval of President
Wilson's plan for the avoidance of fu-
ture wars by some form of interna-
tional organization which shall have
behind it the necessary power to en-
force it's judgments is given by Pope
Benedict, who declares that along with
such a splendid project must go an
effective arrangement for reduction of
ornaments to q point just sufficient
for defensive purposes or to carry out
the mandates of the world court.
Must Be Freedom of Seas.
Any attempt to prevent free econom-
ic action between the belligerents, the
pope points out, would be disastrous
therefore he says there must be free
dom of the seas in all that the term
implies.
On the important question of the dis
position of occupied territory and the
territorial ambitions of the belligerents
the pope, by way of preface, admits
that special cases might justify spe-
cial consideration and still be ADJUST
ed In conformity with the principles
Of equity and justice. But, as gen.
eral proposition, he feels that prop
er basis for discussion would be the
restoration of all territory now in enc
my occupation. That would involve lib
eFation of Belgium, leaving not trace
of German control, political or mill
tary.
The same principle Of unincumbered
freedom in its full sense, he says,
should prevail in regard to every pow
er and nation. Not only must French
territory now occupied by Germany be
restored to France, he says, but, on
the other hand, all German colonies
which have been occupied by England,
Portugal, Belgium and Japan should |
be returned to Germany.
Would Hear Voice of People.
The more difficult question of Italia
Irredenta, the\pope thinks, should be
examined In a spirit of Cancellation and |
fairness and that special considera-
ton in the settlement should be given |
to national aspirations.
Likewise does the pope hold that the |
complex questions involved in readjust- |
ment Of the Balkan states should be |
considered in the same spirit Of equity |
and justice. He has especially in mind |
Armenia, the Balkans and Poland, and |
the intimation conveyed is that these !
questions can safely be dealt with by |
direct diplomatic exchanges between |
the belligerentS, once an agreement is |
reached upon the general principles of |
recognition of national aspirations and |
justice.
Within the entente diplomatic circle |
the opinion was freely ana promptly |
expressed that the peace proposal was |
INSPIRED by Germany and was an at |
tempt to split the allies in a conflict
ing discussion of their war aims.
British See Hand of Kaiser.
London, Aug. 15.-The outline of |
the Vatican's peace proposals received |
here demands the restoration of all |
colonies 70,
These so-called peace terms have |
q distinct German flavor" This reply |
was given in an authoritative quarter |
In London in reply TO a question by
correspondent in regard to the Vatican |