Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1918-09-20
4 Wise and Valiant No.

The Huns anticipated peace maneuvers have be-
gun Warned by the frightening shadow OF deieal'
he seeks to shift the issue from the battle front to
debate The new proposal from Vienna, disguised
though it is in of innocence is the old SIMS
ter voice of Berlin trying to tempt the Allies into
a second Brest-Litovsk, trying to divert them from
the sure path of victory into morass of German
intrigue President Wilson has given for the United
States the only answer consistent with American
principles and true to the will of the American
people, terse and emphatic NO.
1t is inconceivable that any worthy end could
be served by yielding this treacherOus suggestion
We could easily play into the enemys hands by
following it's lead at this critical juncture OF the
war We could easily delay the winning of just
and durable peace, making it hundred times more
costly if not impossible. We could easily Imperil
the principles fight for and render unavailng the
heroic sacrifices offered up in their behalf. But we
cannot bring those principles to triumph or obtain
a settlement that would be more than feverish
truce save by driving Prussianism to unconditional
surrender.
To parley with the Hun other basis
would be both idle and perilous. Repeatedly and IN
the plainest terms the Allies have stated the con-
ditions on which they ready and profoundly
eager to end the war. They have sisnihed again
and again their willingness to settle on basis OF
restitution reparation and guarantees: restitution
OF the territory, west anu east, "hlSh 'hO S0h'AN
Powers have seized reparation. far as reparation
is possible for measureess wrongs; and guarantees
that the intriguing autOcrats who forced this war
upon the world shall have chance to repeat
their crime. These broad terms, moreover, have
been made so explicit from time to time that there
can be no doubt of their purport as regards the
important particulars issue, such the restora-
ton of Belgium, together with northern France and
AIsace-L orraine self-determined government for
the oppressed peoples of Italia rredenta and other
regions that groan under the Teuton yoke; the can
collation. of the infamous BrestLito7sk and Bucha-
rest treaties-treaties so-caled, but in fact mere
German swindles; and a breaking up of the Prus-
sian machine of militarism and irresponsible au-
tocracy
Having thus repeatedly avowed the principles
for which they entered the war and the terms upon
which they are ready to end it, America and her
allies could not venture into the dubious and secret
parleys proposed by the Hun without compromising
their entire position. President Wilson has given
the only sort of answer consistent with high prin-
ciples and sound policy. That it voices the convic-
ton and resolution of the American people there
can be no shadow of doubt and there is equal GER
tainty that bespeaks also the conscience and pur
nose of the Allied world Civilization will not
hazard its chance of righteous and abiding peace
by dallying with treacherous foe whom it is press
ing surely toward surrender
Recent battle events convince us that General
Eocb eleans only at sneciied intervals