New-York tribune., 1918-01-27

end. An honorable, complete reinstate-
ment Of Belgium 10 our duty.
ii cannot see the day" Herr Scheide.
mann went on, "when Germany will
terms. We arc beaten But Just as
little can ! see the day when England,
france and the United States will say
the same to US.
Kaiser Insulted by Austrians
Regarding relations between Ger
many and Austria, Herr Soheidemann
said an indication Of tho Austrian feel
ing toward the present German regime
during the recent demonstrations In
Vienna the Austrian Emperor was
never once attacked by speakers. but
that the German Emperor was openly
and repeatedly insulted. This was
due, he said, to attacks Of the German
iunkers on Austria. He declared the
junker press had been demanding that
Germany should be freed from Aus
tria."
Touching on President Wilson's
peace terms. Herr Scheidemann saidt
Regarding Alsace. there is nothing
for US to redress. 1t will remain ours.
But as for Belgium, let US cease med
ding in Flemish politics.
LET US seek in honor to save the
world from new bloodshed In the
spring. Let US give up illusions on both
sides. Remember that the feeling
among our people is most serious. If
you permit tho Russian negotiations to
break up and the peoples hope 70 be
disappointed, what else can be expect
ed but catsstrophe?"
"Chanceilor Won Hertling's speech
would have been an act for the deliv
erance of the world if it had shown
clearly that no egotistical after-thought
in regard to domination was hidden
says the "Vorwaerts." "This it has
not done. Some parts Of the speech
will increase our opponents distrust OF
the sincerity of the German declara-
tions.
"This is especially the case regard
ing the passages referring to Poland
and Belgium. To the Journalist Of the
average ability it is mere trife to
interpret the Chancellor's words as
a manifestation on the part of lover
of peace. In this respect it is . mas
terpiece, but we are fed up with such
masterpieces and would like to see
clearly"
DR.. Richard Won Kuehlmann, the
German Secretary for Foreign Affairs,
speaking at the sitting yesterday of the
Main Committee of the Reichstsg, dealt
with the peace negotiations at Ryest-
the "tiction that the negotiators went
to Brest-Litovsk and there .concocted
policy to accord with the requirements
of the situation" This, he said, lacked
foundation, as Germany's Eastern poll
icy had been decided upon before he
took Office.
Changed by Entente's Refusal
The Foreign Secretary explained at
some length that the Central Powers
had accepted the first Russian sugges-
tion for a general peace without an
nexations or indemnities as basis for
the negotiations, but that when the En-
tente Powers failed to respond the stu
alton was changed and the proposals
of the Central Powers made on Decem-
Der 25 no longer held good.
DIR. Won Kuehlmann said that, after
the arrival at Brest-LitQysk of M.
Trotzky. the Russian ForeiknS finister,
the friendly spirit whichT eviously
had prevailed on the Russian Side total |
ly vanished. The Russians shut them
negotiations changed. He added:
"At the moment they are at stand
still. but they probably will be resumed
at the beginning of next week"
The Foreign Secretary spoke Of the
Russian dissolution into series of re
publics In which there were further
disintegrating elements, and expressed
the opinion that peace would be ar
ranged with the Ukraine when that re-
public had been recognized. He de-
clared there was still better prospect
OF peace with Finland.
"Our differences with the Bolshevik !,
government" DR.. Won Kuehlmann said,
relate mainly to details regarding the
carrying out of self-determination,
which, after all, is not entirely mod
ern innovation, Bismarck having stipu-
lated it in the peace treaty after the
campaign of 1885,"
Masses Follow Leaders
Discussing the future Of the occupied |
states. Secretary Won Kuehlmann said
that SO far as carrying out the right
OF self-disposal was concerned, there
"The national will. when national
development is in its infancy" he
continued, "is always formed and ex
pressed by relatively small number
of spiritually developed and patriot
ically inspired leaders. The great
masses then follow slowly. 1t is an
undeniable fact that certain elements
of the population, owing to their
territorial position, education and ira
ditions, have an overwhelming inf1u-
cnce in those countries and are en-
titled to speak for them.
II agree with what was explained
here yesterday-that the decision Of a
representative body, expressed on broad
principles, is infinitely more to the pur-
pose than referendum"
Dealing with newspaper criticisms Of
the part played byS*he army in the ne
gotiations, the Secretary said that po-
ltical and military questions were in
terpolated, as it would be impossible to
consult headquarters by telegraph at
every point.
"The chief army administration" he
said, "is a great factor in our life to-
day, and it would not be wise to pass
it by. The tasks which have been put
upon it are tremendous. Upon their
solution still depends the fate Of the
German Empire. By the fact that rep
resentatives of the chief administra-
ton Of the army can only intervene in
debates by agreement with the political
leaders. responsibility for the political
administration is completely secured"
Difficulties were raised for the nego-
tations. continued the secretary, by
the excited and warlike spirit Of the
press. especially the Berlin press,
which had become tremendous power.