The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1918-10-23

| Should We at home maintain az fun
damental the national egoism which
| until short time ago was the domi-
mating force Of the peoples life. there
would be no restitution and no reno
walton for us. There would be a feel
ng of bitterness which would cripple
us for generations.
"But If we comprehend that the sig
niflcance of this frightful war Is, bove
all, victory for the idea OF Justice, and
{ We do not resist this idea, but SUBJ
init with all good faith. then we shall
find Ia it a cure for our present
wounds and a reservoir Of future
strength"
Prince Maximilian said he would not
deny that heavy opposition in Ger
many must be conquered before the
deal league of nations could be real
lied. but he continued:
whether the next few days or
weeks, shall call us to fight on or open
.he way to peace. there Is no doubt
we are now equal to the task of either
war or peace by carrying out the gov
ernments program and definitely
breaking away from the old ystem."
Discussed Electoral Reform.
The imperial chancellor then dis
cussed electoral and parliamentary re-
form. He cited bills before the reich
stag, one of which enables members of
the house to enter the government
without resigning and another pro-
posing a change in the laws regarding
the responsibility of the chancellor.
He continued:
Deputies will take part in the di-
rection of imperial policy, and In the
name of the chancellor, will be re-
sponsible without being ministers.
Thus a new way is opened for arriving
at responsible condu of imperial af-
parliamentary way.
I'VE are convinced that 1t will sup
ply not only the government. but indi-
rectly, parliament, with precious forces
from the people who have hitherto
not been utilized"
Natural Consequence.
Prince Macmillan said he hoped |
soon to announce results of prelimin-
ary negotiations to obtain a legal ex- !
tension Of the chancellors RESPONSE
bility, to be secured by the formation
{ state tribunal.
"The new system" he said, involves
rs a natural consequence, a new mode |
Of government in Alsace Lorraine"
Not Yet Dispensed With.
"The extraordinary wartime meas
lres," the chancellor explained, could
not yet be dispensed with, but they
could Oe carried out only by the chan
cellor, who would be responsible to the |
for their application.
His majesty's DEGREES which I an
nounced recently now have been is
sued. They concern not only the
censorship, the right of public meet
ngs and restrictions on personal lib
,rty, but have to do with economic,
social and political matters
IF local military commanders dis
lgree with the civil authorities, the de-
'ision must be reached Immediately by
he highest commander, who will not
70 able to promulgate any decision to
which agreement is not given by my
elf or my representative, namely.
Secretary of State Groeber.
care Will be taken that the state of
lege Is maintained In the spirit in
Which l assumed the functions of the
government and in which | am re-
olved to discharge them"
Political Authority. ,
The chancellor declared it was the
i'm OF himself and his colleagues to ;
stablish the political authority of the |
ierman people. After saying that he
,elcomed expressions Of opinion and :
hat he and his colleagues were agreed
to methods and purposes, he added:
Our aim Is the political authority
t the German people. This Is the !
uiding star Of my collaborators and
iyself.'
The chancellor said individual men, : :
ers Of the government at first had !,
ifferent standpoints but now had been !
rought nearer together "The German !,
eople have long been in the saddle"
e said. Now 1t Is to ride"
First Thought for Army.
"Our first an. last thought" the y
continued, "is for the brave J
zen who are defending themselves (
sainst superior forces and whom we h
inst defend against unjust charges
o one must think he can attack our
my without also attacking the honor 4
our people. {