Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-02-01
Friday. February I, 1918.
What II It is propaganda?


ers, When - per cent If the popula-
ton of.a great city like Berlin rise UP
rs one individual and demand relief
from conditions that have become I'M
bcarable, can even Prussianisln
crush il with an iron hand
Tho principal demands of tie masses
manifest full knowledge of the trend
81 events They furnish evidence
tEa: II the masses Of Germany have
been fooled by the military masters,
they have come to understand. The
fires of the highest form of democracy
are burning under the thin banking of
oligarci. Peace without indemni-
tics or annexations." tie first de-
mand, was written in Washington for
the German people. 1t reached the
mark.
Here are eight of the principal de-
mands upon the government, by Berlin
strikers who arc becoming more num-
orou- and threatening every hour:
First-Accelcrated Conclusion Of a
general peace without indemntes or
anresations.
Second-Partieipat of workmen's
delegates Of all the countries in the
peace pourparIers.
INSTRUMENTATION Of the food
situation by better distribution.
Fourth--lmmediat late abolition Of the
state Of siege and restoration Of The
right Of public meeting, suspended by
the military authorities.
FNth-Abolition Of militarization Of
war factories.
S,sth-Immed,ate release of all
political prisoners.
Seventh--F fundamental democ ratiza-
ton Of State institutions.
Eishth-The institution Of equal
electoral suffrage by direct secret bal
lot.
We are asked. Docs all this mean
any thing Is II not propa ganda to
slow up preparation Of the allies be-
fore a terrific German drive" can
not the war party turn the troops upon
the people and end all this disturb
auce in fash" rs not the war
party stronger today. with its abso-
lutte control Of men. munitions and
utilities. than ever before"
Propaganda that permits the doc
triuc Of democracy to spread until the
masses realize that they have been
misled robbed and murdered for a few
rulers, Is nj least dangerous expert
nent Nud not a single move in
preparation among the allies has
slowed up-Germany knows that.
We don't know how far the military
rulers can 90 in turning the troops
upon the people" Always there has
been a breaking point when armed
men OF THE PEOPLE have been or
dered to shoot down the people-their
relatives and friends. In Russia the
troops suddenly about faced, and the
Eomanon dynasty WAS no more.
Autocratic power is high explosive;
It must lie handled with care Wien
surroundings become overheated.
When dumb beasts arc driven TO des-
pcration they as soon die at the hands
~ their masters as in their masters
service The number of revol;s in the
army and naval service of Germany
and Austrit-H Hungary has increased
wltn the Nar-weariness and food
S,arritl
TIC Prussian army Of 1914 is a thing
Vi the past 1t is dead. ncapacitated
ter service. or it's morale broken by re-
peated failure 10 do what the govern
mrnt las promised the people. 1t has
been largely replaced by other millions
not the equal of the famous Prussian
guard. not So well trained. not so loyal
TO Prussianism, not SO far from the
people
Tie troops from Austria Hungary
are opposed Ia giving more for the rul-
ers of Germany. They have gone far
enough. Their presence along the west
front is spreading tie spirit of revolt
Reports from Denmark. Holland and
Switzerland say that in several in
stances the troops have refused to fire
on the strikers. That is the biggest
news in sight. The disaffection is
spreading, even in the army.
! This may all be cunning propaganda,
bu, has the appearance OF a crisis at
hand. If half true. one side or the
other must collapse very soon. A gov
eminent cannot long fight enemies at
home and abroad.
Socialist leaders have urged Presi-
dent kaempf of the Reichstag to sum
mon the Reichstag at once in view OF
the tragic events Of the last few days.
The Reichstag at such a stage Of popu-
lar uprising could destroy the dynasty
In n day. in spite of the fact that II
has been. heretofore, a hgurehead'