The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1917-07-19
CURRENT COMMENT.

WHATEVER the results to come
from the Reichstag stirring II
Germany, one vital thing stands oui
as a consequence of world war in that
aggressive autocracy: 1t is getting
ready to abandon its fundamental
the most far reaching effect of the
war. The historic revolution in Rus
STA was a symptom. King Constan-
tines deposition in Greece paves the
way for Greek republic. The Oldest
of empires, China, has been in the
throes of rebirth for several years
And all over the earth rings out the
final call of free nations and nations
seeking their freedom: "This war is
for democracy" Germany unwilling
Iy answers the call Reluctantly all
elements of the German Empire bow
to the worlds opinion. Still boasting
of their superiority, magnifying their
political system and organization,
asserting confidence in the Army
Rtdatp o'iiitaiio VI all tidbNtS IltNtf-
theless are being swept by force |
that they do not understand and can |
not resist into the democratic tide. |
The present demand for larger
franchise and recognition of popu-
lar and individual right is an indict-
ment of the German Empire. 1t is a |
recognition of its fundamental fallacy
of all-for-the-s state. II is revolution
airy, for it expresses the demand of
the right of the individual above the
state. 81 rule Germany by direct will
of God,' the German Emperor has ex-
planned to his people, who assented be-
cause they had been thoroly indoc-
trinated with the theory of the SUI
premacy of the State over the individ-
ual. Such a theory demands that
some authority should stand for the
State, and the Kaiser's assertion that
he represents that authority, appoint
ed by higher power than the peo- I
Pile, is entirely logical. The present =
revolt, on the other hand, is a denial !
Of the German theory of the State.
Whatever the concessions to be made,
L is not the details that are impor- e
ant, but the principle. This "breaks r
he ice. and democracy will surely n
follow in due time. So far as
more liberal franchise relates to the
question of peace, it is of no conse- "
luence. IL is the recognition by the h
German State of the great democratic n
principle the allies are fighting for o
hat is important. A German peace
'roffer based on the former status in
Europe or upon "no annexations, no
nGemnities" will hardly deceive the :
russian pacifists, and will not interest :
he other ally peoples, because its "
ignificance is fully understood. A
zurich despatch of July reported
he arrival at Vienna July of the !"
.aiser and his wife. This visit fol- ~
w hard upon the visit to Vienna of ~
and Ludendorf. When VI
en-. Hindenburg returned week ago
,om Vienna he gave out an optimistic
Iterview as to how ne found Austro- tn
hungarian sentiment. The kaiser's tn
sit may be regarded as significant, va
blowing this other and just preced- WI
x the critical Reichstag session.
hat the ally governments will un-
,rstani is that the German machine
i'll make no overtures for "no
no indemnities" peace
It'll convinced Of Austria's readiness
unite in the great project of
dittel Europe" Empire. This may
plain the two visits to Vienna by the qu
asters Of Germany's destinies. But asl
peace that means the extension of is
ermany sway over Austria, Hungary aly
llgaria and Turkey is not peace ms
Ised upon the status before 1914. da,
means peace of Germany CON cor
tests, and this the allies do not stand
r.