New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-07-21
Adopts Middle Course on
Peace; Avoids Subject
of Reforms
American Entry
No Menace, He Says
Declares U-Boats Can Win
War; Reichstag Passes
No-Conquest Resolution


Michaelis, in his eagerly awaited
speech before the German Reichstag
yesterday, revealed that he is for the
present prepared to follow middle
of-the-road policy on all the great ques-
tions of peace, war and internal re-
form. Apparently, his utterances failed
to excite great enthusiasm in Berlin,
though he was accorded respectful at
tention from all the Deputies, with oc-
casional interjections from the Social
lists.
At the same session the peace resolu-
tion drafted by the Reichstag majority
leaders on the basis of mo indemnities
and no annexations" was presented ac-
cording to schedule and passed by a
vote of PA to 1l6, with II not voting,
and the third reading of the bill pro-
viding for a war credit of 15,000,000,-
600 marks $4,000, ,O00,000) was passed.
The Conservatives expressed their con-
demnation of the peace resolution.
DR.. Michaelis said that Germany
would not continue the war a day
longer if it could obtain an honorable
peace. At the same time. he insisted
that the war must be fought to the
bitter end if anx German territory were
demanded, and declared that German
overseas territory must be restored.
Rattles the Sabre
In some quarters his remarks were
interpreted as a mild bid for a peace
by negotiation, though in other por-
tions of his address the sabre was
vigorously ratified.
The Chancellor declared that Amer.
ica's intervention was not regarded
With concern in Germany, and hinted
that it would be impossible for the
United States either to land or supply
an important army in Europe. He as
serted that the military situation was
satisfactory on all fronts, referred to
the latest blow against the Russians as
neutralizing their recent success, and
affirmed that the German feet, par
ticularly the imperial submarines,
would finally master the situation.
Excitement in Berlin
A dispatch received by the Wireless
Press says the speech of Chancellor
Michaelis was awaited with the great
est excitement. The Parliament build
ing was surrounded by large crowd
as early as the noon hour. The House
was filled to overfowing, as on pre-
vious great days. while in the diplo-
matte boxes appeared the ambassadors
Of Austria Hungary and Turkey and
representatives of Bulgaria and all
other nations having diplomatic Of
fcials in Berlin.
pr. Johannes Kaempf, President OF
the Reichstag, opened the session win
a sreech. in which he extolled the ser
vices of DR.. Won Bethmann-Hollw
the former Chancellor. after which
was read the order appointing the new
Chancellor. DR. Michaelis then began
his speech, which consisted OF concise
nhrases in keeping with his energetic
personality. At the conclusion OF ms
address the deputies, many OF wnom
had lust arrived from the trenchcs'
aud the other spectators in all parts
of the house, Joined in loud cheering.
Chancellor Attacks England
"Although.v said Chancellor Mi
cbaelis. English statesmen knew, as
shown by their Blue Book, that Rus
sian mobilization must lead to war with
Germany, they addressed not word OF
warning to Russia against military
measures. while my predecessor, in IN
structions, July 20. 1914. to the am
bassador at Vienna. directed him to say
that we willingly fulfil our duty TO an
ally. but must refuse to permit our
selves to be involved in world war
through Austria Hungary disregarding
our counsels. The man who wishes TO
tindJe a world war does not write Ike
This hut like a man who is laboring and
has labored for peace to the utmost.
"The concentration Of the Russian
armv compelled Germany to seize the
sword There was no choice left to us,
and what Is true of the war itself is
true also of our weapons, particularly
the submarine. We deny the accusa-
tion that the submarine warfare is con-
trarv TO international law and violates
the rights Of humanity. (Applause')
England forced this weapon IN our
hands through an illegal blockade.
England prevented neutral trade with
Germany and proclaimed war OF
starvation. Our faint hope that Amer.
ica. at the head OF the neutrals. would
check English illegality was vain, and
IN. final attempt we made by an honor
ably intended peace offer to avoid the
last extremity failed.
"Then Germany had TO choose thu.
last measure as a counter measure OF
self.defence. Now, also. it must carry
II through for the purpose OF shorten
inc the war. (ApplauseD The subma-
yine war is accomplishing oil and more
than all il is expected to. False re-
ports which found their way in the
nress az a result Of the secret session
Of the Reichstag evoked for time
certain feeling Of disappointment
which ended at a particular time. Ihey
aid the Fatherland no service.
81 declare, in fact, that the subms-
rine war accomplishes in the destrue-
lion Of enemy tonnage what IT should.
I, impairs Englnnd's economic lie ana
,he conduct Of the war month to month