Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-11-02

Read In conjunction with a number Of stray dispatches
from Austria, the note was Interpreted as proof conclu-.
sive that the Hapsburg monarchy practically conceded
defeat. -
AS if to make certain of efecting the desired impress
sion upon the American government, the recently ap-
pointed Austro-Hungarian foreign minister, Count An
Grassy, a day or two later addressed a personal appeal
to Secretary of State Lansing who was asked to use his
good offices in persuading President Wilson to take i'm
mediate and sweeping steps to have an armistice con-
cluded at once. The document, unique as it is in diplo-
matte history. ELECTED a pathetic interest in government
circles because it was really the first official admission
that conditions in Austria are indescribably chaotic.
= y =
While the Vienna government wrote notes, the Ital-
ian armies fighting the Austrians in the region about
the Piave river smote the enemy with such tremendous
force that he started to run for home. The italians were
aided in their great drive by other Allied armies as we'll
as by American troops, and defeat Of the Austrians was
evident from the beginning. An immense number of
prisoners were taken, hundreds of guns captured and a
countless number Of villages were liberated. When the
Austrian army leader offered to surrender to the Italian
amy, General Diaz sent word back that it was too
late. Subsequent developments. however, seem to indi-
cate that negotiations for a purely military armistice are
in progress. The fact that Kaiser Karl is said to have
fled from Vienna and that a revolutionary government
As being formed. supplies the interesting background for
the events which have taken place in the dual monarchy
during the week.
In Germany things appear to be going from bad to
worse. Early in the week the Berlin government
acknowledged receipt of the latest note of President Will
son and announced that negotiations for peace will be
conducted by a peoples government. Rumors of Kaiser
Wtlhelnn's abdication persist. and although they are not
definitely denied, 1t is claimed that they are premature
"a statement from which much may be inferred. Panics
have taken place on the German exchanges, and it has
been necessary to issue emergency paper. The people
in the largo industrial centers Of the German empire are
reported to be in a state of revolt. and, judging from
information that comes from neutral capitals near the
German borderlines, radical reforms are being carried
out in Germany in an evident effort to comply with some
of the fundamental demands made by President Wilson.
The news of General Ludend orffs resignation as first
quartcrnaaster general was received during the week and
interpreted as meaning that the military party in Ger
many was losing control OF affairs. A rumor to the effect
that Field Marshal Hindenburg had resigned apparently
was without foundation although it seems quite certain
that hts authority has been much impaired by reason
OF the fact that military affairs are reported to be grad
ually placed under control Of the civilian government
49, lF VIZ .
What is perhaps the most distinctive feature or the
week is contained in the news that Turkey has nrac-
tically collapsed. An armistice was concluded, following
right on the heels Of the capture Of Aleppo, one OF the
most important Turkish supply bases, and the terms
upon which a cessation OF hostihties was granted, were
published a couple Of days after the signing of the ar
mistice protocol. The surrender Of the Turks is complete
and unconditional and as a foretaste Of what may be Of
fered Germany in the way of definite proposals which the
German government has invited, the document affords
highly interesting reading. Turkey has been as com
JotaI ono,}sba5 - -. ,.= b.
ing Central Powers undoubtedly are about to be within
a relatively short period.
Meanwhile diplomats and generals of the Entente
countries are gathered at Versailles to formulate the
terms which are to confront Germany as the only condi-
tions upon which an armisttce will be granted. The
conference in which Colonel House, General Bliss and
Admiral Benson are participating as heads. Of the United
States delegation. is not a preliminary peace discussion
as Il appears some people think. It is a meeting Of repre-
gsntativess OF the Allied countries to stipuiate terms "a, 1
general arnistice. Only. brief and scattered Information
has appeared to indicate Of. what nature the proceedings
are, but 50 much il known in advance that when the term.
finally are agreed upon, they Will amount to 4 secure
vfetory. IN a certain sense tbs peace negotiations to fol-
low Will thus become just q perfunctory act MAKING the
ssterntss perfnanent and exacting whatever punishment, is
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