The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-05-02
Series of Recent RumOrs and
Condolences the Start.
Aimed at Undermining the
Allied Morale.
WILSON IS UNCONCERNED
Nothing Yet To Indicate Basis
Of True Peace.
TeutOnic Leaders Grow Uneasy
Over Internal Situation.
BY ROBERT J. BENDER

Washington, May 2.-Germany's ex-
pected peace offensive against al
lied morale seems to have begun.
In the view of authorities here to-
day the sudden and widespread launch
ing of rumors, printed reports and
whispered condolences reaching Wash
ington and involving likelihood of
peace proffers from the pope, Emper-
or Charles of Austria, King Alfonso
of Spain and even the kaiser, is merely
Germany's old game to slacken the
fighting spirit of her enemies.
And it may be stated that President
Wilson is not concerned in this latest
war development. There is nothing
to indicate the frank and open nego-
tiations he demands before peace steps
may be taken.
1t is significant that most of the re-
ports have had their origin in Teuton
newspapers or Teutonic quarters in
neutral countries. There is nothing
to indicate officially that the pope
has changed from his recently known
OPPOSITION to further peace attempts
now. The source and persistence of
rumors of a new papal peace effort led
to general belief here that Teutonic
hope was father to the thought.
Pope to Make Appeal?
However, it is recalled that the
pope's last proposal was heralded in
neutral countries before it was Off
cially launched. And it was about ter
days ago that the Munich Neueste
Nachrichten announced the pope
would again appeal-this time to the
universal conscienoe"-to end the
war.
This report has been followed by
stories emanating from Germany and
Swiss sources that the kaiser was
deeply moved by the scenes of suf-
~.
and he was quoted generously as ex-
pressing grief that his efforts ito pre-
went the tragedy had failed.
The foundation for the peace often
sive had then been carefully laid.
Kaiser Growing Uneasy.
The ieascns for the kaiser's desire
| for peace may be found, it is believed
! here, not only in his advantageous
position to discuss terms now, bu
also in growing uneasiness "bacl
home"
Germany's hope of immediate whea
supplies from the Ukraine and con.
siderable iron and manganese from
elsewhere in Russia has proven will
! o'-the-wisp. o according to official dip
lomatic messages here today.
On top of news of the Monday Teu.
| ton defeat in the Ypres section, word
went to Germany from the Ukraine
that the twelve million pounds Of
wheat per month agreed on could MOI
be provided because the peasants
were objecting. Besides, the war.
ridden Ukraine has no surplus, while
If some centers the population is re.
duced to rationing.
Metal Scarcity Increases.
AS for the vital iron ore anG
manganese, the dispatches said, the
turmoil in Russia had prevented the
mining of them.
Representatives of the central pow,
ers are to confer this week in Vienna
with Ukraine officials over the whear
problem.
! Advices thru diplomatic sources in.
dicate that German women have
caused considerable inconvenience t.
the government by their willingness.
/ to accept peace terms
Alarm has also been occasioned il
Germany by the scarcity of metal. Sc
serious has the situation become thai
the Prussian minister of war has or.
dered that all bronze and copper
statues, without particular artistic
value be sent to foundries to be melt
ed into war materials.