The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-10-11
Either Peace Note Talk or
Kaiser's AbdicatiOn.
Washington Expects Attempt
To Eyade the Issue.
SEES REGULAR HUN PRACTICE
Get Around the Main Point II
1t Is Possible.
America Will Stand No Bicker.
ing as to Peace.

washington, Oct. ll.-SpeCulatlOn
here as to the meaning of the confer
'ence of the sovereigns of the German
states, called by the kaiser. ranges all
the way from an appeal to the petty
sovereigns for renewed fea1ty to the
supreme war lord and suppression of
any disaffection in their territories, to
abdication of the kaiser and uncondi-
tional surrender to the allies
Those who suggest the possibility of
abdication argue that the kaiser must
realize that the time when he may get
out with good grace is passing and
that he may be preparing to go before
the people proclaiming his abdication
as a measure for their welfare and to
save further suffering.
1t is assumed, of course, that the
conference will deal with the reply to
President Wilson's inquiries in re-
spQnse to Prince Maximilian's peace
note. If that reply actually is to lead
to peace negotiations, it must be a
prelude to drastic changes in the Ger
man empire in which the subject SOW
ereigns would have a hand.
One official suggested that the con-
ference of kings might have been
called to work out details of reforms
ordered in the decree of September
80 to which Prince Macmillan re-
ferred in his first address to the
reichstag as imperial chancellor. Just
what this decree provides is not
known here.
Washington, Oct. 11.-That the kali
ser and his militaristic crew will at
tempt evasion and counter proposals
when they reply to President Wilson's
peace note inquiries was the convic-
ton in well informed circles here to-
day.
According to reports received here,
the German reply will be submitted to
the reichstag-in order to give 1t the
semblance OF approved by the peo-
ple.'' +t
Many careful observers of German
practices believe the reply will run
about thus:
Germany will accept the presi-
dents fourteen points if they are made
to apply to Americas friends as well
as to her enemies; Germany will evac-
uate Belgium and northern France
forces out of other occupied territory
provided Great Britain evacuates the
German colonies and Japan prepares
to return Kiao-Chu.'
Max Will Reply.
To the presidents pointed inquiry as
to just whom Prince Max represented
in submitting his peace proposal, au-
thorities look for some such reply as
this:
Germany is undergoing a political
revolution and in the process of this
change, insofar as it is possible for
any one man to speak for the people
as whole. Prince Max SO speaks"
Officials here believe Max will ask
the reichstag to approve his peace
proffer or give him a vote of conf
dence that he may put over" this
claim.
That President Wilson will enter no
pickering or quibbling over such eva.
sions, if made. has been definitely as
sured. The allies and America are
the victors-they shall dictate what
shall or shall not be done.
I AS Secretary Lansing declared in an
address at Auburn. N. Y, 1--WE know
the German military leaders and their
cate this governments continued de-
termination to see the Hohenzoilerns
! get their dues" out of the war, Lans-
/ ing stated:
I VIII Not Forget.
! when the time comes to balance
I the account-and it seems to be draw.
ing near as the vassals of Germany
the authors of the .frightful wrongs
committed against mankind shall not
be forgotten
London's Version.
! London, Oct. 11.-Germany's reply
to President Wilson, according to an
] Amsterdam dispatch to the Express
today quoting Authoritative sources''
will be as follows:
Germany will evacuate Belgium
and France, providing peace negotia.
tons start in neutral country before
the evacuation Is completed, and pro-
viding the allies will give their assur.
ance that German territory, including
Aisace-Lorraine and Polish Prussia
will not be demanded.
During the peace negotiations.
German troops are to remain in Rus
sia and Rumania."
4 Peace Ray I'm q Fog.
/ Basel, Oct. 11.-Commenting ON
! President Wilson's response to the
+, German peace note, the StrassburE
/ Post says:
4 THE ray of peace has not yet disap.
peared. but it is enveloped in a thick
fog The only hope lies in the fact