The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1918-10-15
PEACE AFTER VICTORY
DEMAND OF SOLDIERS

With the British Army IN france
Oct. 9.-The soldiers of the allied
armies want peace, but no peace ex'
cept a completely victorious one.
This was the opinion expressed by
officers and men alike to the Asocia,
ted Press correspondent today. II
Germany is willing to admit her utter
defeat, then, say these men who have
been fighting the good fight for the
liberty of the world, so much the
better, but they declare, the grant
ing of an armistice at this time, un-
less the enemy is absolutely sincere,
might prove extremely dangerous.
"Victory first; then peace" This
is the manner in which French civil
ians, who have returned to their
shell wrecked homes in northern
France expressed themselves, when
the subject of an armistice is dis
cussed.
The same idea runs through the
minds of all the allied armies where
men have seen their comrades die
and where the feeling is that they
have died in vain unless victory is
absolute.
The suspension of hostilities, even
for few days would enable the Ger
mans to continue their preparation
of lines to which they might retire
for the winter. At the moment the
Hindenburg system has been smash
ed and the German military leaders
have every reason to believe that
they may soon be fighting back over
country in which at present they
have no lines, no dugouts, no protec-
ton from the advancing allied troops
In Strong Position.
The allied armies are in strong
and advantageous position and the
general feeling here is that the de-
feat of Germany may come sooner
than expected, elsewhere than at the
front.
By retiring unhindered, the Ger
mans could materially shorten then
lines and save men thereby. Thus
they could thicken their ranks and
probably be able to hold until the
new 1920 class of about 100000
young men could be incorporated in
the units on the battle zone.
In addition, a vigorous "coming
out" is in progress in Germany which
will undoubtedly yield reinforce
ments.
A few days suspension of hostili-
ties would permit munitions of all
sorts, including shells, of which at
present there is a great scarcity be-
hind the German lines, to reach the
front.
Right now, army officers declare
the allies are in a position to con-
tinue smashing the enemy and an
armistice might enable the enemy to
escape for a time the defeat which
stares him in the face. AS for Bel
gium, the military leaders themselves
realized some time ago
that they could not hope to hold on
there for German general headquar-
ters was moved from Spa to well
inside Germany's borders. The Ger
mans have not troops enough to
hold it.
Opposite the French and Ameri-
cans on the Champagne front a SIM
liar situation exists. The Germans
dare not take a single man away
from these places and, as matter
of fact they are putting in every
man they can lay hands on.
In the st. Quentin Cambria Sec
ton, the Hindenburg line exists no
more. 1t is no secret that the British
will continue their powerful thrusts
along where the enemy's strong line
of defense has been broken. The
Germans know this, but what they do
not know is when and how and with
what force the attack will be launch
ed. And indications are plentiful
that the British are in a position to
launch it when they see fit.
An arnoictioo would coya +b, e;+,,