Evening journal., 1918-07-19
BY C. @. LYON
On. 3. A. staff Correspondent Attached


to General Pershing's Army, Who Is
Now in This Country on Furlough.)
When the present big German offen-
siye on the western front falls flat, like
the four that have preceded II since
March q, then look out for another
big offensive. but OF an entirely different
kind.
Everything indicates that a peace Of
fensive Is next on Germany's program
,or ending the war.
Four times now, within the last three
months, Germany has failed In her ef-
forts to put over a knockout punch on
the Allies. She started her fifth drive
at time when our side Is stronger In
men, munitions, money, boats, airplanes
and lighting spirit than II was on March
The 2ist.
We're in better shape in every way
20 halt It and flatten out this latest Of
fensive than any Of the preceding ones.
But the German military party will
be the very last crowd in that country
10 see the handwriting on the wall
Four ineffective offensives haven't been
enough 10 pound. into their thick heads
the fact that the tide Of battle long
lgo turned in favor Of the Allies, and
hat Germany is only dashing herself
10 pieces on rocks so long as she keeps
up successive offensive.
They stlll cling to the slender hope
that something may happen that will
let them get into Paris; and they are
childish enough to figure that the war
would be over and peace signed on
German terms, II once Paris were in
German hands.
It is my sanest judgment that even
Paris. with its untold ricnes and art
treasures, could be taken by Germany,
yet the war would still go Onl
Paris isn't all OF France. In fact,
there would stlll be more than three
fourths Of France left in Allied hands, !
nd feel know French sentiment well |
nough TO say that the French nation
VIII never quit so long as there is the /
least chance TO defeat the Hun hordes /
who have already done so much dam !
age to their country.
Now, German statesmen are showing |
themselves keener observers OF the /
present trend OF military events than
German generals.
These statesmen evidently haven't /
much hope Of Germany getting very far /
with this fifth offensive. They see in il /
only another effort Of the military TO
try 10 make good on extravagant prom
ises made 10 the German nation.
The groundwork has already been
laid for a peace offensive and look for
these peace offers to be made very soon
after the present offensive is stopped.
Here's one straw, out OF many, which
shows which way the wind is blow
ing:
Tba C.e-mo, cbanceiIor apno,pcss
that Germany never had any serious
intention Of holding Belgium perma-
nently, but holds Il now as a pawn 70
the peace tablet
Since when has the world understood
that Germany didn't propose TO hold
Belgium permanently
Every act and move that Germany has
made in Belgium indicated that the
Huns proposed TO make II a part Of
The German empire.
Germany would eyacuate Belgium to-
day II, by so doing, she could save her
self from that awful beating the ALLIES
are about TO give her.
Don't be surprised n German states
men next come forward with liberal
pliers in regard to Alssce-Lorraine. I've
had more than one hint that they might
be willing TO divide that province $3.50
NTH France.
Germany is IN no shape to go Through 1
mother year Of a gruelling war. Her
nanpower is low. her food supplies are 1
% short her civilian population is on
he verge OF starvation, and the national
Morale Is at its lowest ebb, because
ierman generals haven't made good on
heir beastful promises Of a German 4
iictory.
German peace offers will become more
iefnjte within the very near future,
because she would rather have a peace
nat would enable her TO save some
hing out Of the wreck-her hold on
russia. for instance-than a peace die
ated entirely by the Allies, which 4
vouId leave her in the position OF
.econd or third rate power.
I do not think Germany can end this
var by mere peace offers, no matter