Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-02-27
Austria's Responsibility

The German chancellor, Count Won
Hertlng, says he can agree with the
principles laid down by President
wilson but Germany will not sub
nit 70 world judgment.
That should end all peace attempts
by the enemies Of Germany, SO far as
she, herself is concerned and leaves
10 room COR doubt as to Americas
job-the war masters must be ham,
mcred until they will accept admitted
right.
The western front bluff is kept up
through the medium Of German news
papers warning the people To steel
themselves for the awful losses to
como. DOES this mean that a sudden
drive is to bc made on Italy the mo-
ment that Ietrograd is in the hands Of
Germany?
Germany's most difficult task at the
present moment. is to hold Austria to
her alliance. The falling mask has
revealed beyond the last shadow OF
doubt, the hand OF the Trussian group.
Austria may continue to fight for Ger
many, but the war prizes do not go to
Austria. Poland has seen her fate.
The Ukraine has jumped from the fry
ing pan into the fire. Esthonia. Liv-
(nllrlut1I Einia ey;1
promise to Austria Hungary, nor does
the indemnity to be exacted by Ger
many.
The war devils Of Germany have no
use for peace terms as evidenced by
the treatment of Russia a drive to
Paris would mean the same treatment
% France, serfdom for Belgians, with
England to follow and then what"
Let Anne "icans answer this question
for themselves. while speeding rein
forcemehts for our allies while they
can hold the Teuton at bay.
The fate Of millions Of human be-
inss hangs upon the moral decision Of
Austria. Like Hertlnc, the foreign
minister # Austria agrees that the
principles laid down by America are
right. Is Austria, too, lost to moral
obligations, to human justice. and to
the voluma of voc she may nf1ict by
'hnglng TO her allegiance to the
IIt.t,c 80, r1=
human contract or Divine law as
binding
uon of ono people after another is the
l'ruSs sian aim. and no means, however
un3peakable. Will be neglected 10 ac
-omplish that foul purpose.
Austria understands ana is aware
that all she will receive for her sery
ices 10 Germany will be the hatred Of
the world, even as Germany is hated.
Austria holds control of the awful
disaster now overhanging the world.
She can save millions Of her own
people by ending the war now-by re-
fusing longer TO do the bidding of a
moral monster.
Austria now has power 70 render
the greatest service possible to human
hand. 10 the people of Germany-re-
lease from the yoke of the oppressor.
or course the war masters would be
instantly AZ her throat. but England.
France and America are at the door
70 dash in TO her rescue
\ friendly world tribunal could
bring order and peace out Of the pres
ent chaos in Russia. Poland, Serbia
and Belgi I'm could be restored and
gwen life. hope and self government.
The only hope Of scores of nations
les in world justice. craftsmanship.
end financial and commercial assist
ance
Germany says a world verdict will
not he accepted. Germany is an out.
law and must he treated as such bv
the world. Austria Hungary, Bulgaria.
and Turk are dependent pals now
given opportunity to escape sentence
10y accepting a world verdict and re-
fusing longer to play the inhuman
game OF kultur.
Let Austria recognize her respons-
iollity and her opportunity before 1t is
too late-for her own sake and the
utlhons that must be summoned 10
rush the dragon.