Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-02-18
THE SURRENDER is COMPLETE

On two previous occasions the arnistice between
the Entente and Germany, agreed to on November IL.
1918, has been extended without much attention being
paid to it by the general public. The impression. seemed
to prevail that it was just a bit Of stern routine business
and nothing more.
Now comes the report that the third extension has
taken place, and the news arouses considerably more in
terest than the former acts of prolonging the November
agreement, for it has been intimated in advance that this
is the final tightening Of the screw, really synonymous
with the actual terms on which peace will be concluded.
The details of the latest agreement are not known here
at the time of writing, q but. judging from information
that has leaked out from. Paris and London. the demands
must be particularly severe and drastic and Of such a ma
ture as to completely disillusionize the Germans as to any
misplaced mercy having taken the place of stern justice.
1t appears that the new German government has ac-
cepted the latest terms. This is really obvious news, for
there was nothing else to do. All this flamboyant talk Of
resistance. Of Germany being pushed too far" by the
Allies, is as futile as it is ridiculous. Facts, as they are.
show concusively that whatever terms are dictated by
the victors must be acceded to by the vanquished. even
though such a far-reaching measure as complete demob-
ilization of all tho German armies be stipulated.
The third renewal of the armistice serves to remind
Germany that she is absolutely helpless and has no choice
as to whether OF not she wants to submit. In other words
it means that the surrender is final and complete. No
detail has been overlooked. and no possibility for a resur-
rection Of militant and military Prussianism will be al
lowed to remain as a menace to the peace of the world.
1t is interesting to speculate upon the emotions which
the news inspires in Germany. We are told that it was
found impracticable to summon TIE national assembly.
and that for this reason the leaders of each party in that
body gathered at a meeting and accepted the terms. The
question naturally arises: Win the mass Of German voters
feel satisfied that their will was expressed in such a FORM
Of acceptance? And the further question may be asked:
What will the German voters attain by any probably
contemplated protest against the action of theta leaders?
The answer is naturally that whatever they say. or desire
to say. will have no influence whatsoever upon the ulti-
mate outcome. Friction may arise in Germany: political
strifes may go on, and parties may disagree on the attitude
of the country, but the sin1p and undisputed fact remains
the acceptance of the voters or their leaders is nothing
but a matter Of empty formality. anyhow. Protests can
result in no changes where the power to back the pro-
tests is lacking. And it is decidedly lacking in the case
of Germany today. The Allies have considered every
thing, and there need be no fear that they have not made
the state Of paralysis absolute and enduring, as far as
Germanys military intentions are concerned.