Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-09-16

distance of the opponents concep-
ton, produces MISUNDERSTANDING
which take root and are not re.
moved, and makes the frank e.
change of ideas more difficult Ev-
cry pronouncement of leading
statesmen is directly after its ad-
veTsary and before the authorize
tive quarters of the opposite side
can reply to it, made the subject OF
passionate or exaggerated discus
sion of irresponsible elements.
Must Seek Another Method.
but anxiety lest they should en-
danger the interests Of their arms
by unfavorably influencing feeling
at home and lest they prematurely
betray their own ultimate inten-
tions, also causes the responsible
statesmen themselves to strike a
higher tone and stubbornly to ad-
here to extreme stanipoints.
IF, therefore, an attempt Is
made 10 see whether the basis e1-
lists for an understanding calculat-
ed to deliver Europe from the ca
tastrophe of the suicidal continu-
alton Of the struggle, then, in any
case, another method should be
chosen which renders possible
direct, verbal discussion between
the representative OF the govern
ments, and only between them
The opposing conceptions Of in
dividual belIigerent states would
likewise have TO form the subject
OF such a discussion, for mutual
enlightenment, as well as the gen
eral principle that shall serve as
the basis for peace and the future
relations of the states 10 one an
other, and regarding which, In the
first place, an accord can be sought
with a prospect OF success.
Would Not Stop War.
"As soon as an agreement were
reached on the fundamental priH-
ciples, an attempt would have TO
be made in the course of the dis
cussions concretely to apply them
to individual peace questions and
thereby bring about their solution
We venture 10 hope that there
will be no objection on the part OF
any belligerents TO such an e1-
change Of views The war activi'
ties would experience no Interrupt
ton.
The discussions, too, would only
90 so far as was considered by the
participants TO offer a prospect o.
rYg,oog n, Jfaa q fro u apag WOuId
arise thercfrom for the states rep
resented. Far from harming, sucA
an exchange Of views could only %
useful in the cause Of peace
What did not succeed the hFss
time can be repeated, and perhaps
it has already at least contributes
TO the Qualification Of views. Noun
tains Of old Observation-Disclosures
might be removed and many ne"
things perceived Streams OF pent
up human kindness would De re-
leased, in the warmth OF Wnlch
everything essential would remain,
and. on the other hand, much ina.
is antagonistic. 20 which e1cessl,5
importance is still attributed, woua
disappear.
ON Neutral Ground. 81,
According 10 our conviction, a.l
the belligcreuts jointly owe IL "
humanity TO examine whelhtI n.y.
after so many years OF a cosby w.
undecided struggle, the ehuio
course of which points Co an unuel-
standing, il is possible 20 hlaN7
end of the terrible Crappie.
THE royal and imperial cover.
ment would like therefore. 10 pso,
pose to the governments oi AlI ~
belligcrcnt states 10 send delega.s'
TO a confidential and unhInding ~.
cussion on the basic prluclp'es ~,
the conclusion of peace, in 20
in a neutral country and az % ~
date. that would yet have "
agreed upon delegates VINO W.
charged 10 make known 10 one y
other the conception OF their so
ernmeuts regarding those PRIV
pies. and TO receive analogous oo.
municatiOns, as we'll as 10 reql
and give frank and candid eApfb
ations on all those points
need 10 bc precisely dchued. .,.
The ROYAL and imperial gov IA
ment has the honor 90 r'ques' ~,
government of through ~
kind mediation OF your cNceI'el.lt,s
to bring this communication t@ m
knowledge OF the governments
CTbc names or the intermediate
aMNTF-HH'a