The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1917-01-12

OF European nations on q solid basis,
The allied nations are conscious that
they are not fighting for selfish in
terests. but above all to safeguard the
independence of peoples, of right and
of humanity.
The allies are fully aware of the
losses and sufferings which the war
causes to neutrnls, as well aa to bel
ligerents, and they deplore them; but
they do not hold themselves respon-
sble for them, having in no way either
willed or provoked this war; and they
strive to reduce these damages in the
measure compatible with the inexor-
able eXigencies OF their defense against
the violence and the wiles OF the en-
envy.
Disassociates Two Notes.
1t is with satisfaction. therefore,
that they take note of the declaration
that the American communication il
In no wise associated in it's origin
with that of the central powers trans
mitted on the 18th Of December by
the government of the United states.
They did not doubt, moreover the
resolution of that government to avoid
even the appearance Of support,
even moral. of the authors responsible
for the war
The allied governments believe that
they must protest in the most friend
iy. but in the most specific, manner
against the assimilation established in
uee American note between the two
groups of belligerents. this assimila-
ton. based upon public declarations by
the central powers, is n direct opposi-
ton to the evidence, both as regards
responsibility for the past and as con-
Germs guarantees for the future.
President Wilson In mentioning it GER
tainly had no intention Of associatinE
himself with 1t.
Crimes Of Teutons Narrated.
II there is an historic fact estab-
hshed at the present date. 1t Is the
Wiiiul aggression OF Germany and Aus
tria Hungary 10 insure their hegemony
over Europe and their economic dom
ination over the world. Germany proved
by her declaration of war, by the i'm
mediate violation of Belgium and Iux-
"lnhurg and by her manner of con-
ductine the war her stimulating con-
tempt Tor all principles OF humanity
and all respect for small states Az
the conflict developed. the attitude OF
the central powers and their allies has
been continual defiance of humanity
and civilization. Is 1t necessary to
recall the horrors which accompanied
the atrocious regime imposed upon
the invaded countries. the massacres
of hundreds of thousands of inoffen-
.stve Americans. the barbarities per-
petrat"d against the populations OF
Syrm. the raids by Zeppelins on open
towns. the destruction by submarines
OF passenger steamers and of mer-
chantmen. even under neutral flags.
the cruel treatment inflicted upon
prisoners OF war, the juridical mur-
ders of Miss Cavel, of Captain Fryatt,
the deportation and the reduction to
slavery Of civil populations, ct cetera,
the execution of such series of
crimes perpetrated without any regard
for universal reprobation fully ex-
plains to President Wilson the protest
Of the allies.
Stand by Reply to Germany.
They consider that the note which
they sent to the United States in reply
to the German note will be a response
to the questions put by the American
government and, according to the ex-
act words OF the latter constitute n
public declaration. as to the conditions
upon which the war could be termin-
ated."
What They Demand.
President Wilson desires more: He
desires that the beliigerent powers
openly affirm the objects which they
seek by continuing the war: the al
lies experience no difficulty in reply
Ing to this request. Their objects In
the war are well known: they have
been formulated on many occasions
by the chiefs of their divers govern
ments. Their objects in the, war will
not be made known in detail with all
the equitable compensations and In
IDENTITIES for damages suffered until
the hour OF negotiations. But the civ
ilized world knows that they imply In
all necessity and in the first instance
the restoration Of Belgium. of Servia
and of Montenegro aud the indemnities
which are due them: the evacuation
OF the invaded territories of France.
Of Russia and OF Rumania, with Just
reparation; that reorganization OF Eu-
rope guaranteed by: q stable regime
and founded as much upon respect Of
nationalities. and full security and lib
erty OF economic AsvslopmsAt which
all nations srsAt. ss alaa. Possess.