Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-09-15

tion Of which must precede and must
form the basis of peace conference
There Is no recognition of the four
principles which the President in his
address to Congress on February II
said provided the test whether II was
possible for either Government to go
further in comparison Of views.
A general peace erected upon the
foundations which the President out
lined could be discussed possibly with
Austria alone, but Austria's dependence
upon Germany renders her proposals sus-
picious now. as they were invalid be-
fore.
Presented merely as an invitation to
examine whether conditions permit of
the Inauguration Of peace negotiations
the Austrian proposal, as at first re-
ceived in summarized form, was regarded
as a trap so obvious that only the will
fully blind could walk into it. Though
an armstice Is not suggested, the hold
ing Of the conference, it was held would
produce results which would initiate
against the vigorous prosecution Of the
war; and that at the very time when II
is the belief of the Allies that an early
peace could only be brought about by
pressing hostilitIes.
with a conference in session. 1t was
thought the eyes Of all the world would
be turned on its meeting place and the
attention of the We rid would be concen-
trated on its discussions.
Meeting Would Aid Germany
To whose advantage would that be, 1t
was asked. Undoubtedly to the advan-
tage of the Teutonic empires. The spirit
CT Germany, even when the fullest allow
ances are made for possible exaggeration
of the reports regarding conditions In
Kaiser Wilhelm's dominion, has received
a shock of the severest description.
One of the best indications of the
German peoples anxiety is found in the
speeches delivered by trade e-union dele
gates who were received by Chancellor
Won Hertling Thursday.
Your correspondent learns that the
Austrian note Is regarded in this coun-
try as a maneuver to needed breathing
space for the sorely tried Central EN-
pires and TO impress their own people
with the desire of their rulers for a
cessation of the struggle which is wear
ing them to a shadow.
The note is believed to have behind 1t
the full weight of all the Germanic
allies. It Is not the voice of Austria
alone. Undoubtedly 1t is a part of the
combined peace Offensive which has been
expected for some time and which has
taken definite form within the last few
days.
As a matter of fact, 1t is one of three
moves which have been made almost
simultaneously by the enemy States. The
most important after the direct offer
from Austria is the secret proposal on
the part Of Germany to Belgium. That
offer. II Is understood, provides for no
indemnity no reparation. but only for L
cessation of hostiliti,s and the evacua-
ton of Belgium If Belgium consents TO
neutrality. Coupled with this is the
suggestion that Belgium shall act as
sort of mediator between her present
allies and Germany with the object of
the restoration Of the German colonies
The consideration offered to Belgium is
the re-establishment of the pre-was sit
uation. There is a stipulation for the
restoring of the old economic treaties
with Germany.
The belief entertained here Is that
there is no reality behind these offers
and no belief among those who made
| them that they have any chance of ac-
ceptance. They are regarded as maneu-
vers to enable the Central Empires to
| convince their people that once again
| they have offered the olive branch. and
that again It has been rejected by their
implacable enemies. In one word. IL is q
bogus peace proposal