El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1918-09-16

Z lection Of the Austrian proposals, IL
/ says that the responsible, sober mind
| ed men should nevertheless face the
proposals squarely.
"An Impudent shame"
An impudent shame" is The Nails
: editorial head over its comment on
I the note which il describes as an
| other form Of an old German trick"
I The newspaper adds
I'VE require reparation. restitution
and guarantees and. since the fresh
( German outrages upon French ter
ritOry, we require the punishment Of
the criminals. We remind the enemy
/ Of president Wilson's words there
can be no compromise; no half way
decision is tOlerable.''
We must find a repentent and con-
/ trite Germany and German policy car
ried out by very different rulers be-
fore we. can even hope to discuss
peace" says The Telegraph.
American residents OF London
celebrated the American victory
in public places last night.
LoudOners generally, informed by
special editions Of the continued sat
isfactory progress of the American
attack and the Austrian peace offer.
displayed delight and hopefulness
that was in marked contrast with
the gloom of the summer months 1t
was felt that with the American army
fighting under the guns Of the for
tress Of Metz, and with Austria max
ing an official bid for peace, things
at last were really moving in the de-
sired direction
In Government Hands.
Austrias note is in the hands OF
the government together with infor-
nation that Germany has made a di-
rect offer of peace 10 Belgium.
1t is needless 10 say that these
peace feelers make no impression on
either the government or the people
They are pointed out, however, as
revelation Of speedy enemy apprecia-
itary participation in the war. The
view is held in political circles that
Germany realizes she soon viii be
compelled TO withdraw from Belgium
and If she could secure a treaty bar
ring Belgian territory 10 allied troops
she would be protecting Germany
against hostile attacks.
Premier Has Replied.
In the speech made al Manchester
by premier Lloyd George il is be-
lieved he replied IN advance 10 any
peace tentatives- In fact, IL is be-
lieved. the premier knew Austria had
this move in mind when he delivered
the speech.
BalfOur Discusses Note.
A. J. BalfOur, the British foreign
points on the Austrian peace note 10
visiting journalists. said:
at is incredible that anything
cnn come OF this proposal"
The foreign secretary said he was
utterly unable TO see that a confer
ence proposed by Austria could have
the desired end.
Il cannot honestly, in the proposals
row made to US, as 1 have been able
to study them" Mr. Balfour said,
see the slightest hope that the goal
We desire-the goal OF a peace which
shall be more than a truce-can really
be attained"
Attempt to Divide Allies"
Coming after the recent speech Of
Friedrich Won Payer. the German i'm
perial vice chancellor, Mr.. Balfour
said this cynical proposal OF the
Austrian government is not a gen
uine attempt 10 obtain peace. 1t is
an attempt TO divide the allies"
Mr.. BalfOur said no one should take
upon himself the task Of regarding
with light heart any proposal which
would shorten the length Of the war.
ever had been so strong as the allied
coalition and that the enemy would
not succeed in breaking IL.
Paris Not Surprised.
Paris, France, Sept. IS (Havas).-
The Austrian proposal for confer
ence Of the belligerents was not
much Of a surprise in Partisan politi-
cal centers, where IL is considered 10
be a consequence Of the recent MILF |
tary successes Of the allies. The gen
eral impression is that the new peace ]
offensive cannot be fruitful