Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-01-13
GcIlmnnN'S Next NInNc

IN obtaining from the entente allies a turma
1 statement OF their peace terms. President
Wilson has placed the cause Of peace under
new obligations. Even though German diplo-
mats are reported TO regard the allied reply
as mere severe than they had expected and
even though the note itself declares peace i'm
possible q, this time. the door of hope is not
closed. and basis for negotiations al last has
been supplied.
Tho greatest advantage. however. is in the
fact that the allied demands. far as they
are revealed. will receive in substance the
approval Of the neutral world. The repara-
lions. resolutions and guarantees which are
outlined. for the most part are just and right,
and necessary 10 a firm and lasting peace.
With the inevitable rhetoric with which
the note is ornamcntcd, this country and
other ncutrals need feel no concern. for that
part OF the communication is designed rather
Tor home consumption than for export. The
war will not he won or lost. though peace
may be retarded. by such devices. The essen
iial thing is the allied formula for ending the
most destructive conflict the world has ever
known.
This formula includes. as a matter of
course. the restoration OF Belgium. of
Serbia and Of Montenegro and the indcmni-
ties which are due them: The evacuation OF
the invaded territories OF France. OF Russia
and OF Roumana. with just rcparation"
The further demand is the reorganization of
Europe. guaranteed by stable regime. and
founded upon respect OF nationalities
and full security and liberty OF economic de-
velopmont Provinces and territories
''wrested in the past from the allies by force
or against the will OF their populations must
he restored; subject peoples must be freed
from the tyranny which now Expresses them;
the Turk must he banishcd from Europe.
These are just terms. BY their fair opera
ton Germany stands to lose only Asace-
Lorraine and Prussian Poland. territories to
which she has title and which the principle
OF nationalities demands she shall lose The
expulsion from Europe of the unspea kable
Turk is purpose this nation will indorse
Freedom for the South Slavs would mean at
least probable end to the jcalousies and
hatreds which for generations have made the
Ialkans the powder magazine OF Europe.
Rccticaton OF the Italian frontier and the
transfer OF Trieste TO Italy wholly con-
sistent with the expressed determination 10
rcoreaniZe Europe on joint basis OF ma
uona!ity and economic development.
The allies have stated their maximum
terms. but even these maxma do not include
the transfer Of Constantinople TO Russia al
though the thought may be and probably is
in allied satesmcn's minds So far as neu-
trails are concerned, they would be better
satisfied were Constantnople and the Oar
dancllcs intcrnatonaliZed, and this may yet
be the outcome OF the struggle
Al all events, it is FOR Germany now to
meet frankness with frankncss II her peace
offer was made in good faith She is called
on 10 reveal lis terms. so that the world
may compare what she demands and is pre-
pared 10 concod" with the demands and con-
ccssons OF tho entente. Further conceal
mcnt Will divos' her OF every shred OF neutral
sympathy II her desire for peace matches
her protcs,ations, She must lay her cards ON
the table.