Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-08-11
LA TOILETTE TO FIGHT
FOR PEACE DISCUSSION
Offers Resolution Calling for
Restatement of Allied
Terms


Senator La Follettcs of Wisconsin, to-
day began fight in the Senate to force
worldwide peace discussion. He intro
duced a resolution calling for a restatement
of the Allied peace terms based on q
disavOwal of any advantages, either in
the way of indemnities, territorial acqui-
sitions. commercial privileges or economic
prerogativss. by which one nation shall
strengthen Its power abroad at the expense
OF another nation, rs wholly incompatible
with the establishment Of a durable peace
in the world.
Unless Administration leaders succeed in
burying the resolution in commttee-which
will probably be attempted-there promises
to be one of the most spectacular debates
on the question precipitated since the
President asked for war declaration.
CITES PEACE DECLARATION
La Follettes resolution cited the Russian
statement of May 10 for a peace without
annexation or indemnities, the German
Reichstag's similar declaration on July 10
and the war aims statement of Lord Cecil
in the House Of Commons on May 23
"All these declarations bespeak a will
ingness to adopt the doctrine of a peace
without victory as proclaimed by President
Wilson on January 22, as the only possible
peace that can be enduring" said resolu-
ton. There has recently emanated from
official and unofficial sources, both here and
abroad, statements that we are to continue
the war until a peace is obtained which
gives to the Entente Allies, or some of them,
punitive damages and territorial advantages
as a result Of the war.
"The people of this country do not know
the terms of the secret treaties existing
among the Entente defining the advantages
which each is expected to receive.
There is a naturally expressed demand
from the people of our country Of some
declaration of purpose for which the United
states is expending in the first year Of
the war from thirteen to seventeen billions
Of money and raising, by draft and other
means. an army of two million. ostensibly
for service in foreign countries.
.oThe people have a right to know with
oortaintv for what end their blood is to be
shed and their treasure expended
Congress, in whom the war-making
mower resides under the Constitution. Is
charged with the responsibility of deciding
upon the objects OF the war a' any thie
during its existence.
SNOW. therefore, Congress hereby de-
,,oras that this Government will not con-
tribute to the efforts OF any peliigerent Tor
~ ,,,rnose of prolonging the war to annex
nav territory, either In Europe or OUTSIDE
Europe. nor to enforce the payment Oh IN
demnities to recover the expenses OF the
war but the Congress does herepy oeeiare
w favor of the creation of common fund
~ ha nrovided by all the belligerent nations
~ Ds s,st IN the restoration Of the portions
y, territory in any of the countries most
seriously devastated by the war ana Tor
80. ost ab,ishment of an international COM
tne to decide the allotment Of the COM
mon fund"
TT. then called for the general statement
oi Ia toilette said he would call up his
so,,tion early next week. He Is prepar-
irs a speech in advocacy Of the measure