Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-10-24
NO COMPROMISE EITHER WAY

In the note Of Wednesday addressed by the presi-
dent of the United States to the German government in
response to the request Of that government for an armis-
tice, the people of Germany and of the world are notified
that the issues involved, and to be determined at this
time. are military, and to be determine by the military
forces Of the Allied powers.
All thought Of armistice with the government Of Ger
many as at present constituted or in present prospect,
arrnistice for any purpose. is definitely dismissed by the
statement that if the United States must deal with the
military masters and monarchical autocrats of Germany,
now or in the future, sit must demand, not peace nego-
tiations. but surrender and by the assertion that the
men who have been masters of Germany are masters
still 1t makes no difference, therefore, what the Ger
man autocracy-which is still in the saddle-ofers, or
promises. or agrees to accept. its promises and protesta-
lions will be Of no avail. The Allies will not cease or
slacken their military operations until under a flag Of
truce the German commanders yield themselves and their
soldiers prisoners. to be disposed of as may be determined
by the Allies themselves.
On the assumption not that Germany now has a
truly responsible government, but that one may pres
emily be created, and that it may be desirous of a cessa-
ton Of hostilities in order that it may, promptly and in
good faith. take the steps necessary to put into full eff
feet the principles which have been set forth under the
general term Of the war aims of the Allies, a way is left
open for this to be accomplished. The question Of an
arnistice is taken up with the Allies, in order that they
and the United States may decide on a course. But the
German people themselves are warned that no ar1nistice
will be considered which will not leave the United States
and the powers associated with her in a position to en-
force any arrangements which may be entered into, and
to make a renewal of hostilities on the part of Germany
impossible.
This is ampIfied by the statement that if any armis-
tice is deemed advisable by the governments concerned,
the military advisers of those governments will be asked
70 ray whether Or not such an arnistice is possible from
the military point of view, and, if so, to submit terms
which will insure to the associated governments the I'M
restricted power to safeguard and enforce the details of
Condensed in part, and with the necessary conclu-
stons stated, the president, speaking, as we must under
stand him to speak. for his own nation and it's associates,
notifies the world that If the present government re-
mains in power there will be no dealings with it except
on the basis Of absolute surrender on the field: and if the
people themselves give evidence that they have taken
charge OF their government, they must be prepared to
disarn'. to leave their military stores where they are, and
% consent to the military occupation of such parts of
their territory as the Allies may wish to occupy pending
the working out Of the details of the peace conditions i'm
posed by tho Allies.
The note voices impressively what we believe to be
- blunt and incorporating in its treatment of the Ger.
deplorable situation In which the German people have
placed themselves, or have permitted themselves to be
placed. And 1t points out the only way by which the
German people can save themselves from utter and ir.
retrievable ruin.