Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-10-09

tirely frank a. to their intentions anu
purposes
senator McCumber, Republican, North
Dakota;
Il do not agree al all with any sug-
gestion Of a cessation Of hostilities so
long as the German armies are in a posi-
ton 10 battle against our armies. I
would make no distinction in our attl-
tude toward an army capable of con-
tinuing the war based on the location of
that army. whether II was on one side OF
on the other side OF the Rhine, The time
10 talk OF a cessation Of hostilities Is
when the German Imperial Government
agrees TO disband it's army. and, further
more. We ought TO make il absolutely
clear 70 the German Government that
We shall insist on reparation for all
wrongs and all damages inflicted con-
trary to the well-establshcd usages Of
civilized warfare. The Presidents mes
sage OF January s, 1918. does not cover
that phase Of the question. As the reply
is not intended as the final word OF the
President / have nothing TO say as to
its adequacy or madequacy.'
senator Gore, Democrat. Okiahoma;
The Presidents question as to
whether or not the Imperial German
government means by it's request 10 sc-
cept the fourteen terms laid down by
the President or merely TO discuss them
As a basis Of peace | suppose has oc-
CURED TO every one. II had occurred
I to me, and an answer is necessary be-
fore We can pass Judgment upon this
proposal. II Germany agrees TO accept
all the terms laid down by the President
and does not propose a mere parley con-
csrning them. this country would be
and authority OF the President alone
binds and commits the people as Gov
ernment and a nation.
II had hoped that somehow as re-
| suit OF this war the thrones OF the
( Hapsburgs and Ilohenzollerns would be
vacated and their history concluded and
the people Of their respective countries
intrusted with their own government.
In 1871 Germany refused to treat with
the accredited representatives of the
French Empire and insisted upon the
people choosing their own representatives
10 conduct the negotiations. In this Ger
many established n precedent which II
might be well TO commend to her OBJ
servance."
! senator Fletcher, Democrat, Florida:
Il had expected something along the
line OF the reply to Austria Hungary
. But perhaps the President is right. He
possibly is aiming to keep the record
straight and clear the air so that there
can be no possible misunderstanding
! But | do not believe he will get any
! very satisfactory answer from Germany
! do not believe that they are sincere :
| their whole idea is TO split the Allies II
! they can, gain delay and get their
I breath, An armistice now I believe
would be great mistake. We ought
not to deal with Germany until she ac-
cep,s our terms and lays down her
arms in complete surrender"
senator Thomas. Democrat. Colorado:
! II think the Presidents requests are
evidence of the very highest statesman
ship under the circumstances ESpe-
rience has shown many times that Ger
man diplomacy is tricky and deceptive.
and that German faith is consistent
only with German self-interes. The
chancellor has. up TO this time. proposed
nothing beyond desire to use the Pres
ident's terms as a basis for negotia tons
Nothing in his speech indicates any
thing more.
These are plain questions and do not
admit Of any possible evasion. The Presi-
dent at the same time clearly intimates
there is TO be no cessation OF arms what
ever the answer. SO long as the armies
/ of the Central Powers are upon the soil
OF our allies. "a
The Chancellor. therefore cannot.
whatever his reply may he. thereafter
complain that ii was made under s mis-
understanding.
Whatever the answer may be. | hope
/ the Kaiser will be made TO take the
count