Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-09-16
ASKS CONFERENCE
Continued from Page One)

exclusively by force OF arms IS also
gradually beginning to penetrate into
allied states. save for some excep-
tons in the case Of blinded War-asi-
tators. which are certainly not TO be
estimated lightly.
The Austro- Hungarian govern
ment is aware that after the deep
reaching commissions which have
been caused in the life Of the peoples
by the devastating effects of the
world war it Will not be possible TO
re-esta hlish order in the lettering
world at a single stroke. The path
that leads to the restoration Of
peaceful relations between the peo-
pies is cut by hatred and emaitter-
nent. IT is toilsome and wearysoma.
yet it is our duty to tread this IIth
the path of negotiations-and II
there are still such responsible fac
tors as desire to overcome the oppo-
nent by military means and TO force
tho will to victory upon him there
can nevertheless no longer be doubt
that this aim even assuring that it Ii
attainable would first ntessitate a
further sanguinary and protracted
struggle.
"Eut even a later victorious peace
will no longer be able to make B0od
the consequences Of such a policy
consequences which will be fatal 10
ell the states and peoples of Europe.
The only peace which could right
ecusly adjust the still divergent con
teptions of the opponents would be a
peace desired by all the peoples.
With this consciousness, and in its
answering endeaVor to work IN the
interest of peace the Austro- HunSa-
rian government now again comes
forward With suggestion with the
object of bringing about q direct dis
cusSion between the enemy powers.
The earnest will to peace of wide
classes of the population OF all the
states who are Jointly suffering
through the War-tiie indi*putaele re-
approa chnent in individual, Contro-
versial uuestions-aS Well us the
more conciliatory atmosphere that is
general. seem to the Austro- Hunga :
rian government to give certain
guarantee that a fresh step III the
interest of peace, which also takes
account of past experiences III this
domain, might at the present mo-
ment offer the possibility OF success.
THE Austro Hungarian government
has resolved to point out to all the bel
ligerents, friend and foe, path consd-
cred practicable by it. and to propose to
them jointly to examine in free eX-
change of views whether those prerequi-
sites exist which would make the speedy
inauguration of peace negotiations APP
pear promising To this end the Aus
Hungarian government has today in
vited the governments of all the bellig-
erent states to confidential and un-
binding discussion at neutral meeting
place, and has addressed to them a note
drawn up in this sense.
This step has been brought to the
knowledge of the Holy See in a special
note. and an appeal thereby made to the
Pope's interest in peace. Furthermore
the governments of the neutral states
have been acquainted with the ster
taken.
The constant close accord Which ex-
lists between the four allied powers war
rants the assumption that the allies OF
Austria Hungary, to whom the proposal
is being sent in the same manner, share
the views developed in the note"
The official telegram proceeds to say
that the note has been drawn up in
French and runs as follows:
The peace offer which the powers OF
the Quadruple Alliance addressed to
t!.eir opponents on Dec. 70, 1916, and the
conciliatory basis ideas of which they
have never given up, signifies. despite
the rejection which it experienced, ar
important stage n the history Of his
war. In contrast to the first two and q
half years, the question of peace has
from that moment been the center Of
European. aye. of world discussion. and
dominates it in ever increasing meas
ure.
almost all the belligerent states have
in turn again and again expressed them
selves on the question of peace. its pre-
requisites and conditions. The line Of
development OF this discussion, however
has not been uniform and steady. The
basis standpoint charged under the in
f1uence Of the military and political po'