The evening world., 1917-05-16
HOLLWEG OFFERS
SEPARATE PEACE
WITH RUSSIANS
Hints of Revolution in the
Reichstag, but No Arrests
Are Made.

BERLIN. May 16.-Polltlcnl circles
are discussing to-day tho significant
fact that members OF tho ReichstaE,
at yesterdays stormy session. we're
permitted 70 mention the possibility of
la republican form OF government N
Germany and were not arrested.
This phase OF the debate II looming
larger than Chancellor Won Beth
mann-Hollweg's blunt refusal to dis
cuss Germany's war aims. or his
frank offer OF separate peace to
Russia n she asks lt.
A significant feature OF the session
was the Introduction into their re-
marks by Philip Scheldemann, tho
Social-Democratic leader. and George
Ledebour, the Independent Socialist
leader, OF references TO possible
revolution in Germany
Scheidemann intimated that n the
British and French renounced the
idea Of annexation and Germany in
sisted on annexinR territory, there
would be n revolution.
This resulted In indignant repudla-
tion by q large section OF the house.
and Scheidemann FASTENED to say 1t
has not gone 30 far as that yet.
Ledebour declared that a republic
must soon be established In Germany
and that his party will propose that
Constitution Committee take pre-
paratory steps in that direction.
these interpretations demand from
mo a definite statement on the ques-
tion OF our war aims" said the Cham
cellor. ITO mako such n statement
at tho present moment would not
serve the country's interests. l must
therefore decline 10 make II.
II thoroughly and fully understood
tho passionate interest OF the people
in tho war aims and peace conditions.
l understood the call for clearness
which to-day is addressed TO me from
tho Right and the Left. But in the
discussion of our war aims tho only
guiding line for me Is the early and
satisfactory conclusion OF the war.
Beyond that l cannot do or say any
thing.
For n month past unparalleled
battles have been waginB on the west
front. The entire people. with all its
thoughts and sorrows and feelings. Is
with Its sons up there, who with I'M
exampled tenaclty and defiance Of
death, resist tho daily renewed at
tacks OF the English and French.
"EVsn to-day I see no readiness for
peace on the part OF England or
France, nothing OF tho andonment
OF thelr excessive aims Of conquest
and economic destruction.
"lf, however, Russia wants 10 pre-.
vent further bloodshed and renouneeS
all violent plans Of conquest for her
self, II she wishes to restore durable
relations Of peaceful life side by side
with US, thon surely II is a matter Of
course that we, ns we share this wish,
will not disturb the permanent rela-
tionGhip in the future and will not
render its development impossible by
demands which, indeed, do not ao-
cord with the freedom OF nations and
would deposit In the Russian nation
tho germ OF enmity. (rhunderous ap-
plRuse.)
Scheideinann. In introducing the So
cial- Democratic Interpolation. said:
I'VE adhere to the same point OF
view as contained I'm the demand OF
Aug. 4-thc t,....,4.gl integrity ut
Germany and her economic l.... .pn-
denco ana development. But to-day
we stlll refuse to oppress foreign
peoples, On both sides the nations
are being put Off with tho promise OF
an imminent final decision. II ~ our
task TO expose this playing with tho
life OF peoples, and we cry to all Gov
ernmentS, "lt 10 enough
I'VE are convinced that the Central
Powers will stand fast In rcpelling
intentions OF annihhation, hut also
that the wishes OF the French, Eng
lish and German anncNationists
shall not be realized. Thus think the
Socialists, and millions are with ne.
THE supporters OF conquest shout
! for increase Of power. increase OF ter