Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1920-02-12
.EX.CROWN PRINCE
OFFERS HIMSELF
Writes Letter to President Will
son Suggesting That He Be
Tried for Sins of Germany
Instead of 900 Demanded
PRESIDENT MAY REPLY
An Impression Seems 10 Prevail That
No German Government Which Sur
readers Mcu Demanded by the Allie.
Can Remain in Power

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19-presids nj
Wilson had before him Tonight y
personal cablegram from Frederick
wilhelm. former crown prince OF Ger
many, suggesting IF the allied and
ASSOCIATE ted governments want victim
let them take mu instead of the zoe
Germans who have committed nc
other offense than that of serving
their country il the war
what action the President might
take ON the message, which presum-
ably was identical with That reported
in Amsterdam dispatches as sent to
The rulers and presidents % other
powers opposed to Germany in the
war, was not disclosed. There was 4
suggestion at the White House that
ne might reply making his message
the vehicle for n re-exprossio1 OF the
opposition to trial OF the former Ger
man Emperor or other enemy officials
expressed by American delegates at
Paris. In come quarters. however. the
opinion prevailed that he would not
even acknowledge its receipt since, it
was pointed out. the United States is
not party to the treaty or a member
of the League of Nations and has no
legal voice in any proceedings as to
extradition of German officials or Of
ficers for trial
The message did not come through
state department channels. but direct
from the refuge in Holland of the former
German heir apparent. 1t has not come
officially to the attention of Secretary
Lansing and he would not comment on
it in any way. 1t was indicated. however,
that any action Mr.. Wilson might take
with regard to it would be more of a per
sonal observation of the situation than
! an official expression.
The suggestion that Mr.. Wilson might
frame a reply. it was indicated. was
based rather on knowledge of his atti-
tude towards the proposed wholesale trial
of German officials and officers than on
any intimation of his decision obtained
to-day. There was no doubt among Off
Gals of his strong opposition to the whole
extradition proceedings now convulsing
Germany since the formal demand for
surrender of the long list was made.
! The President was said to believe that
! Germany would be permitted to work out
her own salvation without, the embarrass-
ments that would be involved in making
possible martyrs out OF offenders.
whether the former Emperor or his SON.
or any high officer or official. 1t is
understood that contention that no gov
eminent could remain in power in Ger
| many which agreed to surrender such Off
Gals, is taken seriously by Mr. Wilson
and his advisers. The former Crown
Princes letter follows:
ITO the President of the United States
of North America
Mr. Wilson.
Washington:
Mr. President
The demand for the delivery of Ger
mans of every walk of life has again
confronted by country sorely tried by
four years of war and one year of severe
internal struggles. with a crisis that is
without a precedent in the history of the
world as affecting the life of a people.
That a government can be found in Ger
many which would carry out the de-
manded surrender is out of the question .
forcement of the demands by violence
are incalculable. hatred and revenge
would be made eternal.
'As the former successor to the throne
of my fatherland, am willing at this
Hateful hour to stand up for my COM
patriots If the allied and associated
governments want victim. let them take
me instead of the 900 Germans who have
committed no offense other than that of
serving their country in the war
'WILHELN
"Wieringen Island, February O. 1929"