The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-10-08

OOlN lOlNo D1I
 In explaining the necessity for care fully considered action at this time, officials point out that the conditions arising from the presentation of sep arate and formal communications from the two great central empires are quite different from those under which Count Burians adroit proposal to hold secret and "nonbiding" con ferences was so summarily dealt with. Now the proposition is for formal and open discussions in manner to bind the principals with hostilities sus- pended in the meantime. Therefore, the fact Is recognized that the people of America and of the entente coun- tries, who are really desirous of peace on fair terms, are entitled to an eX- planation of the reasons which move the government in rejecting proposal which its face might appear to bear evidence of sincerity.
 They must understand, these off cials say. the impossibility of com pliance with these requests without sacrifice of all the safeguards which are regarded as essential to the con clusion of the kind of peace which America and the allies are determin sd to have and for which so many lives already have been given; one that shall rid the world of German military domination and insure it against an- other and even more savage war as sooE as the Germanic war lords can repair their shattered armies and re- habilitate their strained and broken financial and economic conditions
 WAR NOT FOR REVENGE
 It was emphasized that the fdea must not go out that America does n ot desire peace. for the war is waged Por ~,l ,%.s It ideals of democracy and liberty and not for revenge or desire ruthlessly to destroy any nation.
 Another consideration which has in fluenced the officials who are shaping the course of these negotians, is the probable effect upon the German peo- pie themselves of a curt. sharp and unreasoned refusal of their appeal, They have been told by their rulers that the purpose of their enemies was the destruction of Germany and Aus tria.
 Now the people of Germany and Austria are finding out that they are in no danger of eXtermination if they call of their armies and stop fight ing. Work to this end has been done by system of propaganda in the enemy countries by entente and Amer ican agencies. Germany and Austria have been showered with leaflets and pamphlets printed in their own lam guaEe, and, in defiance of the threats Of terrible punishment for doing SO the people have read for themselves clear statements of the reasons which influence America and entente Europe to prosecute the war to complete vic tory.
 So these people are being taken into account in dealing with the German and Austrian appeal. and the replies which will be made must let them understand that it is only because these appeals do not hold out prom ise Of real peace on reasonable terms that they are rejected.
 STEP EXPECTED
 Ever since Count Burian's preceding proposal was rejected it has been realized that the step now taken hy the Teutonic governments must be ex- pected at any time. Therefore, there has been ample opportunity for dis cussion of the course to be followed and the present exchanges between President Wilson and the entente chancellories probably will not be pro- longed. Every possible phase of the