Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1918-10-10
MAx'S POSITION DIFFICULT
If Military Rulers Are Re-
pudiated Chancellor's Re-
tirement May Come.
TO SUPPORT DAMAGE CLAIM
Ambassador Sharp Is Max
ing Investigation of Havoc
Wrought by Enemy.

WASHINGTON. oct 9-An early
response to President Wilson's note
OF inquiry to the German ChanCcl-
lor is expected by American Off
cials. While realizing that an an
swer To the three pertinent questions
put to the Prince OF Baden will he
difficult II the original proposal Of
the German government were not
sincere, officials are confident that
Internal conditions in Germany and
the tremendous exigenC.es OF the
military situation will force speedy
action.
So far as the hold of the govern
mcnt upon the people is concerned
conditions In Austria are even far
worse than those In Germany. This
fact Is calculated to strongly affect
the German government. which IL
understood to entertain grave doubts
Of the strength OF purpose Of the
dual monarchy and to fear that
Austria. or perhaps Hungary, act
ing independently will follow Bull
Garia in seeking an unconditional
peace. This would leave Germany
to wage the war alone. for 1t Is a
forcEone conclusion that Turkey al
ready Is lost to the central alliance.
The pointed inquiry directed to
Prince Max as TO whether he Is
speaking merely for the constituted
authorities OF the empire who have
so far conducted the war, II is be-
lieved, will be embarrassing. II the
response is in the affirmative. Ger
many's proposal will be rejected as
the president has already given no
tee that he will have no dealings
with such authorities.
Puts Max in Hole.
The powerful socialist elements in
the reiChstag also are counted upon
to resent any such statement by the
chancellor as directly in conflict
with the reiChstag resolution OF
July. 1917, on which the very recent
pledges to make the cabinet rep
rescntative body, under which the
socialists were Pntiued TO take part
in the government.
on the other hand, II Max at
tempts to repudiatc the military
party he undoubtedly will bring
about demand from that still
powerful organization for his re-
tiromcnt and the adoption of re-
dictionary policy.
The general belief here is that the
chancellor will endeavOr to find "A
middle course and confinc himself In
his reply to halfway admissions,
hoping thus to begin a long diplo-
matte discussion which might de-
vclop differences between the en-
tente allies and America as to war
aims. and to lower the morale OF
the armies opposed to the central
powers.
ANY such move is certain OF fall
urc and in the meantime the Ger
man armies in the west are being
subjected to increasingly hard blows
from Marshal Foch's forces-blows
which are adding to the difficulties
of the German high command In
extricating their forces from an al
ready serious situation.
Sharp Is Investigating.
The fact that American Ambas-
sador Sharp Is making "A personal
investigation of the havoc wrought
by the Germans in their forced re
tircment from French and Belgian
territory has led 10 the heller that
il is the purpose OF the state depart
ment to fully support the enormous
claims for damages which Germany
must meet az a condition OF peace.
So far the American government has
not Indicated "A disposition to join
with the entente allies In continuing
a threat to destroy a German ciiy
or town in retaliation for every such
community destroyed by the Ger
mans in France and Belgium. hut
Mr. Sharpe's investigation might b"
regarded as also indicating pur-
pose to Join in such representations
should the facts sustain the press
reports Of the extent OF the damage
from, the atrocities.