The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1918-10-18
DENUNCIATlON OF
HUN TRICKERY
Wild Rumors Emanating in Ber.
lin Simply German Peace
Camouflage.
TAKE OR LEAVE IT ALONE
President Laid Down Terms
and 1t Is Up to German
People to Decide.
(By John Edwin Nevin.)

| (By John Edwin Nevin.)
Washington, Oct. 1S.-U N. 81
! Germany's political crisis Is develop
ing very rapidly according to advices
reaching official and diplomatic circles
this afternoon. The liberal leaders are
a unit In demanding that an early
peace be made on the best possible
terms obtainable. The junker and
war party leaders are temporizing,
seeking IA way out that will save their
prestige.
The entire question expected to come
| to head on the floor of the reichstag
| almost Immediately. Should the liber-
ais win, they are expected to force
an immediate political change which
will, in addition to completely taking
from the kaiser all power to make war
or peace, also make the ministry COM
pletely responsible to the reichstag,
which will create 1t.
Such action. according to the infor-
nation reaching here, would be de-
clared by the liberal leaders to be the
step demanded by President Wilson's
decision and would destroy every
, arbitrary power that can separately
secretly, and of its single choice. dis
turb the peace of the world; at the
least its reduction to virtual impo-
| tency."
Washington, Oct. 1S.-Omcialdom
was today more than ever determined
to denounce Hun trickery In connec-
ton with the wild peace rumors now
being fathered by Berlin. AS the time
goes on and 1t Is shown that the varl-
Gus reports Of impending capitulauon
abdication and a new policy of con-
ciliation emanating from Berlin are
simply additional German peace cam
outage, officials here are renewing
their efforts to nullify any possible
danger from such n campaign.
Especially today they were making II
plain that the fourth liberty loan, en-
dangered in many communities where
there has been more or less pro-
nounced pacifst sentiment. must 20
over the top when the books close al
midnight tomorrow night.
Operation Of German Mind.
The report by way of Berlin that
Germany was sending further COM
munlcation dealing with President
Wilson's peace terms to Washington
was cited in official quarters as evi-
dence Of operations OF the German
mind.
President Wilson's reply to the Ger
mans appeal was Il decision. lie set
forth certain things that were neces-
sary II Germany was to get nego-
tiated peace. The reported amendment
of the German constitution so that the
power to make war or peace is taken
from the kaiser Is a step forward.
But, IL the newly promised German
note predicates its appeal for peace on
this single step, there will be decided
disappointment in Berlin. The presi-
dents position Is positive. He will not
enter into any prolonged negotiation
with Berlin. They know how they can
have peace. They can take 1t or leave
1t. But they cannot initiate series
OF communications and count upon
Misleading the American people into
adopting their position through the
circulation of a series of rumors that
Germany has learned her lesson, is
beaten down and realizes 1t and wants
the interests of the German people
looked out for. officials here who
know the presidents mind made 1t
very plain today that they are con-
WINGED that is the present German pro-
gram. and they were outspoken in de-
claring that 1t has failed before 1t has
even got well started.
officials Hopeful.
In adopting this position, however,
officials do not say that an early peace
will not come. They are very hopeful
that when Germany realizes that her
machine everywhere Is on the
defensive and that it's main aggressive
powers have been destroyed, then the
leaders also will realize that President
Wilson meant just what he said when
he pointed out the way to peace, and
his advice then will be followed.
such action will come imme-
diately is hard to say. officials again
today pointed out that the moral and
political factors rather than military
policies loom very large in the present
situation.
Sacrifices Many Men.
The German army still is strong. and
1t is constructing a well-organized re-
treat, sacrificing only such men and
supplies as have to be thrown over
board to save the bulk of the army.
There are few signs of complete col
apse or of n widespread rout, SO that
The enemy army must remain a force
70 be reckoned with at all times. 1t Is
he morale behind the army, at home
n Germany, that has been very badly
and 1t Is the force of pres
sure there that officials here say may
'esult in compelling the downfall of
he Hohenzollern dynasty and the Gre
ltion of conditions which will allow
)eace that would save much to the
ierman people. Meanwhile the situa-
Ion from the Teutonic viewpoint in
Austria- Hungary Is becoming worse.
Phe Croates in the Hungarian parlia-
nent have proclaimed in solemn
manner that they intend to insist on
heir independence. Hungary, through
Ter parliament. has proclaimed that
ereafter there is only to be per
onal union, between Austria and
hungary. The Polish representatives
the Austrian parliament have re-
ewed their declaration that hereafter
ne Poles cannot support the orders of
Emperor Charles. They have adopted
n advanced position on peace and
ave demanded that the government
AXE steps to secure the observance of
resident Wilson's suggestions that
ew political divisions be formed on
olitical lines. thereby bringing all
'ohs under one government.
All of these reports and many ad-
itional ones of stronger sort are be-
ore President Wilson. He is expected
, take every possible advantage of
1is situation when he frames his re-
ly to the Austrian peace note And
here are many officials ard diplomats
ere who believe that the president
Ill be able to make a reply that will
ssult In the detection OF Austria from
10 alliance with Germany