Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-07-03
H TWO VOICES

surprise IS sonet1meS expressed that Germans OF
prominence dare make public statements of a nature en-
tirely contrary to the will Of the kaiser, as they appea,
to do sometimes. We had an instance Of this just the
other day when the foreign secretary, Won Kuehlmann
in a public address. made statements which. coming from
the secretary declared that Germany could not expect tc
win peace by force of arms alone, but must depend in
part on negotiation: that the idea Of German world dom.
Fination was absurd. and that there was no expectation
that Germany would even dominate the affairs. Of Eu-
rope; and that the power responsible for the war was no,
Britain or France, but Russia. Immediately the kaise,
repudiated the views expressed in this speech, and WORD
of his Indignation was sent abroad without a moments
delay.
It is well understood that In Germany there is no
such thing as freedom Of speech. There is nothing an.
preaching it. The government exercises rigid supervis-
ion over what is spoken and what is written, and drastic
punishment is meted out to those who dare violate the
orders of the government. Yet Won Kuehlmann is still
out of Jail, and is still foreign secretary. What is the az.
PLANTATION?
The incident is but one of many which have occur
red in which the German government has followed the
practice of speaking with two voices, one sometimes gen.
tie and mellifluous. and the other harsh and strident
The German government is very naturally DESTROYS Of a.
certainins the attitude Of its antagonists. and Of what
terms of peace are likely to be given consideration
Hence, without making direct overtures, it permits in.
dividuals from time to time to make suggestions looking
in the direction of peace, and if these suggestions are
such that the government does no. wish to father them
directly. they can be and are disavowed by the kaiser o,
some one authorized directly to speak for him. Thus
there is an opportunity to learn what reception is given
the suggestions abroad, and at the same time the gov.
eminent is able to save its face in the presence Of its own
people by repudiating what might be interpreted as an
attitude Of yielding and compromise.
Regarded in this light, which appears to be only
fair and reasonable. the Kuehlmann incident may be un.
.derstood, to be a roundabout inquiry as to what the AL.
lies would think Of entering into peace negotiations on
the basis Of a material modification Of what have been
understood to be the German demands. and ON the basis
of casting all the odium of the war on Russia. And in
order that the German people at or behind the front may
not be led to believe that any abatement Of the full de-
mands Of Germany is being considered. the kaiser come.
forth with brave words for their benefit, and treasures
them that he will continue to fight until his foes have all
been put to rout.
The German authorities make little Roadway in THU
manner. Their effort recalls tho story Of the cautious
swain who said5to the girl on whose hand he had designs;
Mary. what would you say II I should ask you to marry
me?' And Mary responded promptly: ASK me and see"