The Clio messenger., 1918-03-08

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of the central powers. The allied ma.
tions are committed to the terms OF
no annexations and no indemnities for
Germany or her cohorts. To permit
Germany to seize the best provinces OF
Russia would mean simply preparing
the German people for a repetition OF
their attack on the worlds freedom In
the future.
The speech of Count Won Hertling
German imperial chancellor, before the
reichstag, in reply to President VIII
sons most recent address before con-
gress regarding the war aims of the
United States. Is not regarded by lead
ers In the United States or England
as increasing the chance for peace.
Count Won Hertling professed accept
ance Of the four principles Of a demo.
cratic peace enunciated by President
Wilson and disclaimed any intention
Of conquest but these protestations
have not convinced President Wilson
and his advisers, it is said, that Ger
many is ready to forgo ambitions of
conquest. Other parts of the chancel-
lor's speech are regarded as conclusive
proof that Germany intends retaining
control, in ope form or another, Of
nearly all the foreign territory that
she now occupies.
Count Won Hertling's reference to
Belgium Is far from satisfactory.
While limiting that Germany does not
contemplate annexing Belgium. the
chancellor proposes to impose condi-
tions which would restrict the freedom
Of action of the kingdom and place it at
the mercy of the Teutonic empire.
The entente point of view was ex-
pressed by one distinguished diplomat
who declared that Won Hertling's
speech has effectually closed the door
to further peace talk. Belgium is a
question Of honor" he declared. 1T
cannot be discussed. So long as the
enemy refuses to do justice to Belgium
they cannot be expected to perform
justice In any other instances"
While the long distance debate be-
tween the statesmen of the belligerent
countries has been looked upon with
approval by leaders Of thought in this
country on the theory that no chance
Of effecting a peace on terms accept
able to the allies should be overlooked,
at the same time there has been a feel
ing that the continued peace talk may
have a harmful effect upon the public
morale in the allied countries. There
has been q determination In Washing
ton not to permit any peace discus
sions to delay war preparations for
one minute, and the only harmful ef-
feet, 1t is declared, would be upon the
spirit of the people.
While there are still conflicting opin-
ions as to whether Germany will un-
dertake a real offensive on the west
front this spring, reports coming in
directly from Germany indicate that
the German public is being prepared
for the tremendous losses that must
result II such an offensive is attempt
ed. Dispatches from Stockholm de-
clare that the German high command
has given the executive committee Of
the reichstag the confidential informa-
ton that the contemplated offensivewill
cost Germany million men. For this
staggering price, 1t is declared, Gen.
eral Won Hindenburg and General Won
Ludendorf have absolutely guaranteed
success. Leaders of the majority in
the reichstag are said to be reconciled
to the offensive as the only thing left
for Germany to do, but there is wide
spread feeling of pity and horror that
a million lives should be sacrificed
when victory, however great 1t may be,
will not force peace. The Germans, 1t
Is declared, at the most, expect uhat
a big military victory will convince
America and England that Germany Is
unbeatable and to make the western
world amendable to suggestions for a
peace conference.
While the allied commanders realize
that the expected German offensive will
be staggering blow to withstand, they
are confident that the western line will
hold, and that the Hun plans will re-
suit In defeat for the central powers.
America will soon have half million
men on the western front, England has
added nearly half a million more men
to her vast army under General Haig,
and while the French army is not any
larger In numbers than 1t was, 1t Is
stronger in guns and munitions. and
the determination of French troops to
defeat Germany is stronger II posi-
BILE. than II was during the long months
of the verdun campaign.
Both the English, the French and the