The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1918-11-12

fathered.
Germany's challenge to the allied
political front failed as completely as
its effort of last July to break the
military front. Unanimous agreement
on the armistice terms at Versailles
confronted Germany with diplo-
matte Chateau Thierry beyond which
1t was impossible to pass.
sok Asks Mitigation.
LONDON. Nov. 12.-Doctor Soif,
German foreign secretary. in wire
less dispatch from Berlin addressed
to President Wilson last night, plead.
ed for mitigation Of armistice terms
|, Problem Of eoishevism.
BY Robert J. Bender, United Press
Staff Correspondent
WASHINGTON Nov. 12.-America
and the allied nations now face tho
great problem Of rebellion in Ger
many and the spread of Bolshevism
throughout Europe.
President Wilson in his address to
congress announcing the armlsuce
terms carried a direct appeal to the
German people to strive quickly to
gain self control of their present stu.
alton. And countering this DR.. Solf,
German foreign secreatry has sent
the president appeals Of ten condi-
tions imposed upon Germany by her
enemies to assist the new govern
ment in preventing rebellion.
Indications that the terms have
aroused a new spirit to fight in some
quarters of Germany was indicated to-
day by reported orders to the German
fleet from the Command and sol.
diers council to resist the carrying
out Of the armistice terms.
While any resistance OF the German
fleet would be disposed of by the al
lied fleet. President Wilson is vitality
concerned now in checking promptly,
| the Bolshevist movement He has
promised the German people go soon
as they restore order a peace that
will Justly define their place among
nations" and one which will enable
them to live in security and content
ment" THIS he appeals for order
quickly. Until it comes he warns there
is no way of helping and nothing Tor
the united nations, but to wait with
sympathy and patience for the awak-
entng and recovery that will assuredly
come at last
It may De said that the German sit.
uation has changed the whole pro-
gram of peace-and may serve TO
change in some ways the application
of the armjstice terms. WHAT altera'
tions If any in the latter may be posi-
BILE, however. are not yet discussed.
| One modification in the armistice
terms Is believed likely in the mat
/, ter of freeing German ships now idle
4 oy~y,1ia q
would make these subject to seizure,
! brt President Wilson has suggested
"nresently" they should be made
available for carrying needed food sup
plies to the central empires.
In thie connection 1t must be noted
that the terms of the arnlistice were
drawn many days and presented be-
fore Germany revolted and her Kaiser
abdicated.
Since then leading British and
! American statesmen have indicated
{! the terms to be imposed against her
might not be so severe as under her
continued adherence to the kaiser.
It was discussed today that place
for a peace conference will go ahead
II probably will be held in one OF the
! belligerent countries, most nheiy
!. France. The reason for TINS IS tnat
!; revolt in Germany coupled with the
Ro,sheytsm tendencies OF other
+ countries make it inadvisable to hold
the concIaye, in neutral country,
where revolutionary leaders could as
| semble and use the occasion for
means of propagating their views
/! broadcast.
| In France there would be no trouble
ond nndesirables could do no harm.
President Wilson was today to take
,,n means of assisting the liberated
| Continued on page "a