The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1918-10-07

I
cision shall be placed under the chan
cellor's responsibility. (Applause)
ITO this end the order OF the En-
peror will be sent to the military COM
manders. With September 80, the day
of the decree. began a new epoch in
Germany's internal history. The
internal policy whose basic principles
are therein laid down is of deciding
Importance of the question of peace
or war.
United Back of Leaders.
1.-THE striking force which the gov
eminent has in its strivings for peace
depends on whether il has behind 1t
the united, firm and unshakable will
Of the people. Only when our enc
mics deem that the German people
stand united back of their chosen
leaders-then only can words become
deeds. (Applause.)
AT the peace negotiations the
German government will use its ef-
forts to the end that the treaties
shall contain provisions concerning
the protection of labor and insur-
ance of laborers, which provisions
shall oblige the treaty-making states
to institute in their respective lands
within a prescribed time a minimum
of similar, or at least equally eff
ficient institutions for the security
of life and health as for the care OF
laborers in the case OF illness, acci-
dent or invalidism."
After declaring that Germany is
still confident of her strength and
praisinG the troops and Germany's
allies, the Chancellor continued:
Supported by the consent of all
duly authorized persons in the en-
pire, and by consent OF all our allies.
acting in concert with us, / sent on
the night of October AS, through the
mediation OF Switzerland. a note to
the President of the United States,
in which I requested him to take up
the bringing about OF peace and to
communicate to this end with all
the belligerent states.
Accepts United States Terms
G'The note will reach Washington
today or tomorrow. IL f. directed
to the President of the United States
because he, in his message to Con-
gress, January s, 1918, and in his
later procInmAtIons. particularly In
his New York speech Of September
%, proposed n program for n general
peace we can accept as n basis for
negotiations.
81 have taken this step not only
for the salvation of Germany and its
allies, but Of all humanity which has
been suffering for years through the
war.
Il have taken it also because l be-
lieve the thoughts regarding the
future well-being OF the nation which
were proclaimed by Mr.. Wilson are
in accord with the general ideas
cherished by the new German gov
eminent and with it the overwhelm-
ing majority OF our people.
$50 far as I am personally con-
cerned. in earlier speeches to other
Sssemblages my hearers will testify
that the conception which ! hold of
a future peace has undergone no
changes since was entrusted with
the leadership of the empires AFFAIRS.
Awaits Outcome.
"I sec. hence. no distinction what
ever between the national and inter
national mandate of duty in respect
Of peace For me the deciding factor
is solely that all participants shall
with equal honesty acknowledge these
mandates as binding. and respect
them as is the case with me and with
other members Of our new govern
ment And so, with an inner peace
which my clear conscience as man
and as a servant OF the people gives
me, and which rests at the same time
upon Arm faith in this great and true
people. this people capable OF every
devotion. and upon their glorious
armed power. / await the outcome OF
the first action which / have taken as
the leading statesman Of the empire.
whatever this outcome may be. |
know 4 will find Germany firmly re-
solved and united either for an up
right peace which rejects every sell
fish violation of the rights OF others
or for a closing Of the struggle for |
life and death to which our people |
would be forced without our own |
fault IL the answer to our note Of the |
powers opposed to us should be die |
tatcd by a will to destroy MS.
Hopes for Success.
II do not despair over the thought |
that this second alternative may |
come. ] know the greatness Of the /
mighty powers yet possessed by our |
people and ! know that the inCuntro-
vcrtiblG conviction that they were /
My lighting for our life as nation |
would double these powers. Gap
Dlause.)
81 hope, however, for the sake Of
I'll mankind that the President OF the
United States will receive our offer
Is We meant 1t. Then the door would
De opened 10 speedy. honorable
'eace Of Justice and reconciliation for
Is as well as for our opponents"