Evening journal., 1918-10-22
Fear Trickery in Huns
Plea For ArmisfiCe

peace. Morale, which is growing weak
er in Germany, would receive a serious
blow in the event OF an Austrian de-
fection. diplomats say
While admitting The cOnciliatory
tenor OF the German note, Entente dip
lomats are not inclined 10 welcome an
armistice without irOn-hand guaran-
tees dictated by Allied military repre-
sentatives at Versailles. Allied diplo-
mats are eager that the war should
end at an early date-but only on terms
which amount TO a German surrender
either forced by more fighting or
agreed 20 through an armistice. But
they do not welcome or seriously con
slider any armistice proposal which In
tlicts less stern terms on Germany 5
military establishment.
As to the alleged constitutional
changes pointed to by Solf In his note
Of yesterday diplomats are skeptical.
That Germany Is on the road TO real
political reform is not doubted but time
must elapse before permanent changes
are effected in the constitution, IL Is
said.
Neutral diplomats while naturally
not speaking for publication express
the view that Germany is sincerely de-
slrous OF peace. They expect the Al
lies 10 follow President Wilson's lead
in meeting the present peace offensive
and look 1Or a considered statement
by President Wilson TO the Allies. Ter
many's original note, they pointed out
was request TO President Wilson 10
propose an armlstice TO the Allies. by
the German reply, II Is now up 10
President Wilson TO either recommend
TO the Allies that an armistice be con
sidered or rejected They do not be-
lleve he VIII go much further Without
bringing the Allies on the play-point-
ing out that thus far the interchange
has been confined entirely to Berlin and
Washington. 10 is possible that Pres
ident Wilson VIII ask the Allied mill
tary commanders for a statement as to
the advisabllity Of an armistice and ms
TO what terms they think desirable
from the Allied point OF vicY. Such a
move would tend TO create a greater
Allied unity, In the political strategy
OF the war toward which President
Wilson Is now making determiped ef-
forts behind the scenes.
Senator Hitchcock, chairman or the
foreign relations committee declared he
believed the note was an acceptance Of
President Wilson's terms. However,
Senator Hitchcock did not think
70 would result Immediately in
an armlstice as he expects General
Foch 20 demand such hard terms that
Germany will delay negotiations, As
for the changes in the German consti-
tuition the foreign relations chairman
felt the Germans had met the Presi-
dents requirements.
senator McCumber characterized the
answer as "camoufage."
Senator Borah said:
"They don't know what a free gov
ernment is.%
senator Lodge. Republican leader
withheld commenting until closer study
OF the German note is made.
Senator Thomas said the President
should refer Germany TO Foch for fur
iher negoiistlons lIa felt Germanys
denial OF atrocities branded the whole
note as false
Senator Aslihurst saw trlckery IN the
Hun response describing it as cunning,
shrewd subtle and ingenious The
Teuton disclaimer regarding brutali-
ties Ashhurst said. reminded him of
convicted criminal standing under the
gallows and proclaiming for himself a
certificate Of good character.