The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1918-10-31
4 MEDLEY OF PEACE TALK.

written) gave the text of Germlny's
answer to President Wilson's latest
note. as follows:
The German government has taken
cosnizance of the answer of the Presi-
dent Of the United States.
The President is aware of the far
reaching changes which have been car
ried out and are being carried out in
the German constitutional structure,
conducted by Il peoples government, in
whose hands rests, both actually and
cOnstitutionally. the power to make the
deciding conclusions.
The military powers are also sub
ject to it.
proposals for an armistice which shall
he the first step toward a just peace, as
the President has described it in his
proclamation
The reader will note that there is
again reference to changes which have
been carried out and are being carried
cut in the German constitutional struct-
ure," also it is asserted that the reins
of the government have been placed in
the hands of the people.
Perhaps true. but who kn0rs it?
And, who doubts it? Surely the trick
cry and double dealing that have been
INDUCED in by the Kaiser would give
reason for doubt by all Americans of
any statements coming from the Ger
man government, and it must be kept
In mind that the Kaiser has been in the
past and is to-day the power in Ger
many-the peoples favorite and idol.
He has been so elevated by the masses
in that benighted country, and will so
remain if the Allies do not break
down the fabric that has given rise to
| and sustained this condition of affairs.
That's all there is to it. and it follows
because the people are schooled that
way-steeped in the very essence of
this gigantic propaganda from infancy
Oh up to maturity.
The German people may rule Ger
many and, if true, very good. for that
is one of the aims sought in continuing
the war. But the people Of democratic
America will have to be shown before
they will subscribe to peace talk and
peace terms. And. after all. through
the people Of this, the richest and most
resourceful nation of all the Allies.
must come the final answer. for our
government is government of the
people.
Every person who reads the press
dispatches Of the day comedies the fore
going. hut it is again stressed here. for
1t Is recognized as the duty of the press
to see that the people are not misled.
Then this brings us to the place where
the purpose Of Germany in advancing
so much peace talk comes in.
| There are many reasons, and num-
Der of channels through which Ger
many has all to gain through the in
strumentality of peace Overtures If
there could follow squabbling be-
tween any two of the Allies as to terms,
with the deadlock that would follow,
that would work great injury to our
cause-and one of the kaiser's plans in
his present moves would have been ac-
cOmplished. Again, as set forth in the
Banner last week, peace talk has a ten
lency to allay the fighting and to curb
the fighting spirit-and in the mean
time would come weather unfavorable
to operations on the battle front, and
the intermissiOn would be taken ad-
vantage of to the fullest by the Ger
MANS The coming of next spring
would find them with reorganized
army and shorter and greatly strength
ened lines of defense. This in addition
to untouched lines Of defense of which
they may boast at the present time.
Germany is not whipped-not by far
She may apparently be whipped for the
time on both land and sea, but there is
yet that power at Berlin to be broken
down. The German diplomat is busy
and, as some one else has said, he is
as cunning as the devil-and just as
mean, too. He has as a backing a far.
reaching spy system. They will hest
tate at nothing; they will resort to any
yet again, do not underestimate the
strength Of the nation as u fighting
fierce. When their country is finally in
vaded its people will give battle as a
single man. The strength and the re
sources of the whole nation will be
given over to but one ainl-to fight t.
save their homes, their cities, towns
and farms from such destruction as ha.
been dealt by their own armies in Bel
GUM. France and Serbia.
The prostitute, lOw-minded Bulgar.
have quit. The murderous. debasei
Turk has enough of war. Austria Hun
gary is now suing for peace. But these
reverses have long in advance beef
reckened with in Germany, and yot
may depend upon it that its militar,
forces will keep a-tield as long as pos
sible, and fight Oh and on. The master
hand in Germany is only castin.
around for n ray of hope-only seekin.
for shadow of an opening through
which an advantage may be gained
Nothing succeeds like success" an(
} the Huns armed forces, could they once
more get in the ascendency and wage
successful offensive battle, could mus
ter help from several sources.
So give no heed whatever to peace
talk. DO not think Of the war as over
or even nearly SO. When the Stars anG
Stripes are flying to the breeze over d
victorious army in Berlin then you will
know that we have won. But to-day
only buckle your girder the tighter anG
lend of your wealth and stamina to oul
own fighting forces. This should appl,