The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1918-10-22

The next logical step appeared 70
be an announcement from Foch OF
the terms on which he would con-
sider an armistice possible Whether
Wilson will request Foch TO make
this statement at this time is purely
problematical.
II is believed In military circles
that Foch's minimum terms will i'm
ciude allied occupation OF Metz.
strassburg and Coblenz.
Meantime public pressure from the
entire nation. In the form OF tele-
grams and editorial opinion was com
bined with the strongest demands
from congress. expressed by mem
bcrs individually. that unconditional
surrender be made the only basis
for further negotiations.
President Wilson will act with ex-
trcrne caution--and probably equal
deilberation-4n handling the situar
ton arising from the latest German
peace response.
The Missouri test. "show me" viii
be applied to the reply TO the presi-
dents demands before further steps
are taken. Time alone can tell as TO
the efficiency OF Germany's restrain
ing orders 10 her submarines and her
troops. and the closest scrutiny must
be made. IL was pointed out. OF the
new German government. to see
whether IL measures up to require
ments set by the president at Mount
Vernon.
The official text OF the German
note has been received by the Swiss
legation. and is now being decoded.
IL will be delivered to Secretary Ian
sing shortly.
Foch 70 Finish Job
II the reply stands the test. peace
maneuvers win pass from diplomatic
to military control. and Marshal
Foch will take the wheel from the
president
President Wilson's task is to deter
mine definitely Ger1nany's accept
ance of the American terms laid
down in his several speeches. and
then turn the whole job over to Foch
to conclude.
A pause in the next step Is neces
Stated by the need for carefully
checking up on the German declara-
ton of intentions. TO preclude any
trickery. Also exchanges OF opinion
already under way must be carried
on between this government and the
allies.
And. further. the reaction OF the
American people to the iatest Ger
man note must be taken into ac-
count.
Demand Surrender
It is deemed likely. however. that
after the president has an opportu-
nifty to study the text OF the German
note, some indication will be given
out as to his attitude. Meantime.
many in congress and the press OF
this and allied nations demand an
end to the pariey and application Of
unconditional surrender"
Confession Of Defeat
Intimates OF the president see Ger
many's latest move as an abtect con
fession OF defeat and culpability. to
which the government would submit
only in the hope OF obtaining n toler-
able peace. or failing that. securing
intense popular determination of her
people to fight against "extermina.
ton"
President Wilson's labors during the
present drive have been to prevent
the pan-German junkers from con-
vincing the German people that mill
tary leadership alone can enable Ger
many to survive. This idea on the
presidents part will figure in the
forthcoming action.
AS to the question OF German sim
ccrity In wanting peace. 1t can be
said that some persons close to the
president and TO the state depart
ment viewed the German reply as ac-
ceptance OF the presidents terms Of