Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-10-07

THE striking force which the gov
eminent has in its strivinEs tor
peace depends on whether It has be.
hind it the united. firm and unspeak-
able vii lof the people. Only when
our enemies feel that the German
people stand united hack OF their
chosen leader-then only can words
become deeds. tApplassel
LAT the peace negotiations the
German government VIII use its ef-
forts to the end that the treaties shall
contain provisions concerning the
protection Of labor and insurance Of
laborers. which provisions shalt OBJ
lige the treaty-snaking states In in
stitute in their respective lands with
in a prescribed time a minimum Of
similar. or at least equally efficient
institution for the security OF life and
health as for the care Of labprers In
the case Of illness, accident or inval-
idism.
...Of direct importance are the con-
illusions which the government in the
brief span Of its existence has been
able to draw from the situation in
WHICH, AZ uIlO0 AkS0bA oItu " ARRty
practically TO the situation. More
than four years Of bloodshed against
a world OF numerically superior en-
emies are behind us, years full OF the
hardest battles and most painful
sacrifices. Nevertheiesswe are Of
strong heart and full Of confident
faith In our strength, resolved to bear
stin heavier sacrifices for our honor
and freedom and for the happiness of
our posterity if it can not be other
wise. (App!ause)
Pointing out that, thanks to the Ger
man troops. the western front was un-
broken. the chancellor said that duty
compelled a cessation Of the struggle as
soon as a close OF the war seemed POS
sible which did not affect the nations
honor, and proceeded: Supported by
the consent of all duly authorized per-
CONS in the empire. and by consent of
all our allies acting in concert with US
I sent on the night Of October Al
through the mediation of Switzerland. a
note to the President Of the United
States. in which / requested him to take
up the bringing about Of peace and to
communicate to this end with all the
heiligerent states.
THE note will reach Washington to
day or tomorrow. 1t is directed to the
President Of the United States because
he in his message to Congress January
8. 1913, and in his later proclamations,
particularly in his New York speech Of
September q, proposed . program for
a general peace which we can accept as
a basis for negotiations.
Il have taken this step not only fo-
tho salvation Of Germany and its allies,
but Of all humanity, which has been suf-
fering for years through the war.
II have taken it also because I be.
lieve the thoughts regarding the future
well-being Of the nation which were pro-
claimed by Mr.. Wilson are In accord
with the general ideas cherished by the
new German government and with it the
overwhelming majority Of our people.
so far as I am personally concerned
in earlier speeches to other assem-
blages my hearers will testify that the
conception which ! hold of q future
peace has undergone no chance since :.
was entrusted with the leadership o:
the empires affairs.
Il see. hence. no distinction whatever
between the national and internationa!
mandates OF duty in respect OF peace
For me the deciding factor Is solely that
all participants shall with equal hon.
esty acknowledge these mandates as
binding and respect them. as in the cas-
with me and with the other members OF
our new government. 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 firm faith in thia great and
true people. this people capable OF every
devotion. and upon their glorious armed
power, ! wait the outcome Of the first
action which have taken as the lead
ing statesman OF the empire.
Whatever the outcome may be. ]
know 1t will find Germany firmly re-
solved and united either for an upright
peace which rejects every selfish viola
ton 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 If the answer to
our note Of the powers opposed to Va
should be dictated by will to destroy
US.
Il do not despair over the though.
that this second alternative may come.
know the greatness CT the mighty
powers yet possessed by our people AMI
] know that the incontrovsrtible con-
viction that they were only fighting for
our life as nation would double these
powers (applause). hope. however,
for the sake Of all mankind that the
President Of the United States will re-
ceive our offer as We mean It. Then
the door would be opened to a speedy
honorable peace or justice and reconcil-
iation for US az we'll as for our oppon-
en:s.''
All building records were broken
recently at Grasmere. S. l.. where II,
five hours a force Of 800 men erected
United States base hospital build.
ing :3o feet long and &c feet wide. IN
the building. when the workmen la;j
dow, their tools. were q Steamboat
ing plant. sewer connections. electric
lights and bathroom with tiled .ioor.