Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-10-18
Germany's Dignity"

minister for foreign affairs, says that
Germany is preparing on answer to
President Wilson's note of Monday
relative to peace plans, and indicates,
with what knowledge of Berlin's pur-
poses cannot be accurately determined
that the reply will constitute an ac-
ceptance of the conditions therein
stated. But. adds Baron Burian. Ger
many will insist that no conditions be
imposed which are incompatible with
her dignity. From another source
comes word that the German reply will
probably take exceptions to President
Wilson's tone as Objectionable.
There should be no uneasiness on
the score of a protracted discussion
with Berlin on the subject of peace
terms. The word that went forth last
Monday was the last word that can be
exchanged with the enemy until he
has declared his intention to surrender
Internationally. or until there is
guaranteed evidence of q fundamental
and permanent change in the form of
the government at Berlin, involving the
definite retirement from power of
those who nave brought about this
catastrophe, now reaching its climax
Oh the field of battle.
The voice of the people of this coun-
try has been heard without mistake
on the score of further dealings with
Berlin. There is virtual unanimity of
sentiment against any diplomatic ex-
changes The demand for uncondi-
t'onal surrender has swept from coast
to coast. Evidences that the German
government is seeking by trick and de-
vice to avoid surrender without condi-
tons are regarded by the citizens of
America with suspicion. Reports Of
the progress of the allied armies in
JOY.
There can be but one end now.
That end will be the defeat of Ger
many in the field, through the absolute
crushing of her military power or I'M
conditioned avowal of surrender. If
the government at Berlin can be
changed to eliminate permanently the
autocratic elements there may be deal
ings with it. If there is no such change
the war must continue to the finish that
is so clearly foreshadowed by the
events of the past fortnight.
As for the avoidance of conditions
Incompatible with her dignity" Ger
many can hope now for no such con-
ccsSion. What is the dignity of Ger
many compared with the secured peace
of the world? What is that dignity
compared with the atrocities that have
been committed by that same govern
Jnent. What is that dignity when
weighed in the balance of the murders.
on land and sea, the violations of the
most solemn obligations and the most
sacred laws of humanity What is
that dignity when measured with the
looted cities of France and Belgium
"fou must not lay violent hands
upon me- cries the slayer of his fell
low man, caught with smoking weapon
over the body of his victim. II am
dignifed citizen. and l will not toll
crate rudeneSs OF address or handling.
I must be allowed my freedom while
You are considering some mild pun
ishment suitable to one of my station.
I must not be herded with common
criminals or hailed to court to stand
before the bar of justice like any petty
thief or burglar. You must not offend
my sen>itivcness in any way. Let us
sit down calmly and talk it all over on
equal terms"
Germany is virtually in the grip of
the law. Germany must submit to the
consequences of the crimes she has COM
mitted. and those who are charged with
the duty of her apprehension and pun
ishment cannot pause to parley with
her.