Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-09-16
Au Desire Peace.

ITO an unprejudiced observer there
can be no doubt that In all the pellig-
erent states, without exception, n
\ desire for q peace OF understanding
hRs been enormously strengthened.
that the conviction is increasingly
ance Of the bloody struggle must
transform Europe into ruins n INTO
"a state OF exhaustion that will mar its
development for decades to come
and this without n guarantee OF
thereby bringing aboAt that decision
by arms which has been vainly striV-
en- after by both sides in four years
Allied with enormous sacrifices. suner-
ings, and exertions.
in what manner however, ian n
way be paved for a understanding
and an understanding finally attain
ed? Is there any serious prosper
whatever Of reaching this aim by
continuing the discussion OF the peace
problem in the way hitherto followed?
1--WE have not the courage to answer
the latter question in the affirmative.
The discussion from one public trf-
bune to another, as has hitherto taken
place between statesmen Of the var
ious countries, was really only a
series Of monologues. It lacked. above
everything. directness. Speech and
counterspeech did not fit into each
other. The speakers spoke over one
another's head. -
ION the other hand was tho public
ity and the ground Of these discus
sibility of fruitful progress. In all
public statements Of this nature q
form Of eloquence is used which reck-
ons with the effect at great distances
and on the masses.
misunderstanding Produced.
! Consciously or unconsciously, how
ever, one thereby increases the dis
lance of the opponents conception,
produced Misunderstanding which
take root and are not removed, and
makes the frank exchange Of ideas
more difficult. Every pronouncement
of leading statesmen Is directly after
alive quarters of the opposite side car
reply to IL, made the subject Of pas
sionate or exaggerated discussion OF
irresponsible elements.
But anxiety lest they should en-
danger the interests Of their arms by
unfavorably influencing feeling al
home and lest they prefnaturely be.
causes the responsible statesmen them.
selves to strike a higher tone and
stubbornly to adhere to extreme stand.
psints.
IF, therefore, an attempt is made
tv see whether the basis exists for ar
understanding calculated to deliver
Europe from the catastrophe of the
suicidal continuation Of the struggle
then, in any case, another method
should be chosen which renders pos
sible a direct, verbal discussion be-
tween the representatives of the gov.
ernments. and only between them. The
opposing conceptions Of individual,
belligerent states would likewise have
to form the subject of such a discus.
sion. for mutual enlightenment, az
well as the general principles thai
shall serve as the basis for peace and
the future relations of the states tc
one another. and regarding which, ir
the first place. an accord can be sought
with a prospect of success.
LAS soon as an agreement were
reached on the fundamental princi.
Piles an attempt would have to be made
in the course of the discussions con-
cretely to apply them to the individual
peace questions and thereby bring
about their solution.
I'VE venture to hope that there will