South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-10-18
WILD RUMORS
FROM GERMANY
HUN TRICKERY
Washington Emphatic in De-
CIaring HaIf-meaSureS For
Reform Will Not Meet
Wilson's Demands.
BY JOIN EDWIN NEvIN.

BY JOHN EDWIN NENIN.
international News Service:
WASHINGTON. Oct. 1S.-Oficial-
dom was today more than ever de-
termined 10 denounce Hun tricker5
in connection with the wild peace
rumors now being fathered by Ber-
lin. As the time goes on and it Is
shown that the various reports Of
impending capitulation. abdication
md a new policy OF conciliation
etlanating from Berlin are simply
additional German peace moufiage.
officials here are renewing their ef-
forts TO nuiiify any possible danger
from such a campaign.
Especially today were they max
ing Il plain that the fourth Liberty
loan, endangered in many communi-
tics where there has been a more or
less pronounced pacifst sentiment.
must go over the top when the books
close at midnight tomorrow night.
Wilson Has Made Decision.
The report via Berlin that Ger
many was sending a further COM
mun:cstio dealing with Pres't VIII
sons peace terms to Washington
was cited In official quarters as evil
dence OF operations of the German
mird
Pres't wilson's reply TO the Ger
rams appeal was a decision. He set
forth certain things that were neces-
sary If Germany was to get peace.
The reported amendment OF the
German constitution so that the
power TO make war or peace is taken
from tho kaiser is step forward.
But 4 the newly promised Ger
man note predicates its appeal for
peIce on this single step there will
be decided disappointment in Ber-
lin The presidents position is posi-
tive. He will not enter into any pro-
lo7ped negotiations with Berlin.
They Fnow how they can have peace.
They can take il or leave ii. But
tbey cannot initiate a series Of COM
municatiOns and count upon mis-
leading 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 IL and
wants ne interests OF the German
people looked out for. Officials here
who know the presidents mind
luade it very plain today that they
are cuny inCed that is the present
German program and they were out
spoken IN declaring that it has fail
ed before it has even got we'll start
ed
Door Not shut on Peace.
In ado pting this position. how
ever oihc.als do not say that an
cary Deate will not come. They are
very hopeful that when Germany
realizes that her military machine
everywhere is on the defensive. and
hat ITS main aggressive powers have
been destroyed, then the leaders also
will realize that Pres't Wilson meant
Just WHIST he said when he pointed
cut the way 20 peace and his advice
then viii he followed Whether such
action VIII come Immediately is hard
20 say Officials again today pointed
crt that the moral and political fac
tors rather than military policies
loom very large in the present ST
uation
The German army still is strong
and It is carrying out a we'll or
Sanized retreat. sacrificing only such
men and supplies as have 10 be
thrown overheard 10 save the bulk
of the army. There are few signs Of
complete collapse or Of a widespread
roUt so that the enemy army must
remain a force 20 be reckoned with