The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1918-10-07

certain that the bloody struggle be
not protracted for single day beyond
the moment when a close OF the war
seems possible to us which does not
affect our honor, have, therefore, not
waited until today to take q step to
further the cause Of peace.
Appeal Sent to Wilson.
Supported by the consent OF all
duly authorized persons in the en-
pire, and by consent OF all our allies
acting in concert whit US, sent on
the night of October As, through the
mediation of Switzerland, a note to
the president of the United States, in
which requested him to take up the
bringing about of peace and to COM
municate to this end with all the bel
ligerent states.
THE note will reach Washington
today or tomorrow. 1t is directed to
the president of the United States, be-
cause he, in his message to congress
on January 8, 1918, and in his later
proclamations, particularly in his
New York speech OF September 81.
proposed a program for a general
peace which we can accept as a basis
for negotiations.
Il have taken this step not only for
the salvation of Germany and its al
lies, but of all humanity which has
been suffering for years through the
war.
Il have taken it also because l be-
lieve the thoughts regarding the flu
ture well being of the nation which
were proclaimed by Mr.. Wilson are in
accord with the general ideas cherish
ed by the German Government and
with it the overwhelming majority of
our people.
$50 far as I am personally concern
ed in earlier speeches to other assem-
blages my hearers will testify that the
conception which l hold Of future
peace has undergone no change since
was entrusted with the leadership
of the empires affairs.
Sees No Distinction.
II see, hence, no distinction what
ever between the nationally and inter
national mandates of duty in respect
of peace. For me the deciding factor
is solely that all participants shall
with equal honesty acknowledge these
mandates as binding and respect them
as is the case with me and with other
members of our new government.
"And so, with an inner peace which
my clear conscience as man and as
a servant of the people gives me, and
which rests at the same time upon
firm faith in this great and true peo-
pie, this people capable of every de-
votion, and upon their glorious armed
power, | await the outcome OF the
first action which / have taken as the
leading statesman of the empire.
Whatever this outcome may be
know it will find Germany firmly re-
solved and united either for an up
right peace, which rejects every sell
fish violation of the rights OF others,
or for closing of the struggle for life
and death to which our people would
be forced without our own fault if the
answer to our note Of the Powers op-
posed to us should be dictated by
will to destroy us.
81 do not despair over the thought
that this second alternative may
come. l know the greatness OF the
mighty powers yet possessed by our
people and l know that the incontro-
vertible conviction that they were
only fighting for our life as a nation
would double these powers. Cap
plause.)
81 hope, however, for the sake OF all
mankind that the president OF the
United States will receive our offer as
we meant it, Then the door will be
opened to a speedy, honorable peace
of Justice and reconciliation for us as
well as for our opponents