Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1917-08-15
THE pOPE'S PEACE MOVE.

ont nations TO consider certain prop
oSitions which they can, ut least en-
ter into conference, is regarded as
riff in the dark cloud which has
b,pno over the civilized world during
the past three years Most Of the
allies. however, are disposed to reject
the PROPOSALS before they are oiticl-
ally proclaimed by the Vatican, as
it is suspected that the plans were
formulated in Germany and submitted
TO the. Vatican through Austria. This
NAV be true, and there is much TO
strengthen the supposition.
It is generally agreed chat the un-
official terms which the Vatican is said
TO favor at this time are impossible,
as it would leave Germany uncon-
ouered and in position to bring
about another reign of terror as soon
as she can recuperate from the enor-
nous. drain upon her resources.
i While we want nothing but an hon
orable peace, and one which will pre-
vent d recurrence of the scenes of
the past three years, we are not so
sure that sGerany will precipitatc an
other war for many years. The leu
tons have been taught lessen which
they will not forget for generations
to come.
While most persons who have fol
lowed up the history of the present
war, its origin and results, are con-
WINGED that the Pope'% terms for peace
arc impractical, at present, it may be
suggested that all overtures which
are first set forth in war are unac-
ceptable, and almost invariably re-
jected, yet the initial terms are nat
urally subjected to pruning. Hence
there is no telling what will result
from the Pope's overtures.
We cannot say with certainty what
important part Pope Benedict is to
play in this day. He may cause the
breaking away Of Austria from her
alliance with Germany, md tiis
would bring the war to an end almost
Immediately.
Macau1ay in his history Of England
suggests that the Church OF Rome
played an important part in tanning
the Goths and NandalS after thev
had destroyed the government Of
the Caesars. Had they not been in
corporated into the church and curbcL
by the Popes they would have deras
tated Europe. The Gcrmaus. Ans
trlans, Russians and others OF orr
day are the descendants Of the hordcs
VINO broke up the Roman Empire. Is
the church to tame their ..frspring as
It did their progenitorS?
a war which was to have becn
finished in six weeks is entering M
on its fourth year. A warfare of sub
marine frightfulness which was 10
have brought Great Britain to sur
render within 80 days is entering its
seventh month without the promised
'eSuit. The group fighting Germany
has widened into world circle of
seventeen nations all uniting their
resources and power for the dcstruc
ton of the German military autoc
facy. The Imperial Government
which entered the conflict with aims
OF world dominion now would be
satisfied with restoration of the
status before the war.
The Washington Herald describes
the present situation as follows:
Germany, ssipplantin~ suasion with
intrigue, trying one trick after an
otter. Is hammerin@ away at iha
peace idea, because she must have it
and She knows it. And her ally. Aus
tr!a-Hungary, bears even more of a
hunted look than she does. and is
IN a@mnch more chastcned frame of
mind. Austria. the immcmorial strong
! hold of The CATHOLIC Church, has pre-
rallied upon fope BenedictIto use the
vast influence of his great Office to
restore peace to the world Vienna
and Rome are working tcgether. and
Vienna IS in mind 10 accept peace
provided it leaves her wit. homer
and q whole skin
This is the one substantial hope Of
the oyertures now issuing from.
Rasne. Vienna has fashioned them,
WstI tie: approval of Berlin. but if
they Sall it is..q1ite within the scope
c. the situation that. she may break
her Pru2sian puppet wires, and seek
peace. On modified hasis-that is,