Evening star., 1918-04-14


Militarists' Firm Germany at
Hand Again Shown. juneture is
further Illustrated by events during the
past ten days.
Count Czernin has been talking peace,
but it is pretty definitely established
that he has done nothing more than
arouse vast numbers of the Austrian
people to a point where they are de-
manding serious steps looking toward
an end to the struggle The allies
have turned deaf ear to Czernin's
proposals, their general attitude being
that the Austrian. foreign minister is
but carrying out the general Teutonic
the spirits of the allies and possibly
sow discord among governments OF the
opposition. Count Won Hertling, who.
though under the thumb of the mill
tary ring ruling Germany. has made
several peace speeches. and who was
to have again replied to President VIII
son in the reichsta@. has decided not
to make his proposed statement. This
is unusual, for the German chancellor
invariably communicates with the
richstag when its sessions are resumed.
The hands of Won Hindenburg and Lu--
dendorff are seen. for neither one OF
character at the present juncture. fear
ing the possibility of unruly peoples
not only in Germany. but in Austria.
Won Hindenburg and Won Ludendorn
of war and conquest. now. that they
see peace talk is futile. Germany's
peace propaganda Is only hurting Ger
many militaristic aspirations.
In this connection the recent visit of
Count Czernin to the German head
quarters for conferences with the
kaiser and his war lords is significant.
Czernin's utterances have been par
ticularly obnoxious to the military ele-
ments Of Germany In recent months,
particularly his attempts to firt with
President Wilson and ALLEVIATE this
country from the cause OF the allies.
Czernin's visit was brief-so brief, IN
fact. that Vienna was startled by his
| sudden return to the capital. Undoubt-
edly Czernin has received orders to
cease his 'jibberish," which is so objec-
tionable to the gluttonous junkers OF
the kaisers realm.
The situation in Austria at pres
ent is beclouded by conflicting reports.
It generally is admitted, however. that
| the Czechs and the Slovacs. who have
, gone on record as championtng Presi-
dent Wilson's world principles. are
| sure to offer stumbling blocks to the
governments further support OF the
German junker policies. The people of
Austria are fast awakening to the fact
that the militarists are in the saddle
and have the case of Russia before
their very eyes to prove the absolute
untrustworthiness of German claims to
democratic principles and humanitarian
motives.
| The Czechs and Slovacs have power
full influence in the Austro Hungarian
parliament. and are sure to make 1t
| embarrassing for the government.
Czernin's most recent attempt to make
himself less Objectionable in the eyes
of the German junkers. though still
protesting the principles enunciated by
President Wilson. in the main has fall
| e. and the Slavs and Czechs now are
declared to be centering their fire upon
him.
| Il +
| For some months after he assumed
the throne in Austria Hungary Emperor
| Chs - was
Emperor in Awe believed to be
! Of German Ruler. .a,.n.,s,.
tempts to rid his empire Of pro-German
influence at court, in preparation for
an eventual break with the kaiser. But