Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-09-19
GENERAL ERICH LUDENDoRFF.

ErE--tE,.Et -8G.L- -NGgLaH- 20 rE.-tIs-H -,.aH..sf 4
kind, for German armies at that time
had been victorious for many months,
and in those very days a. letter from
Marshal Hindenburg to his wife, i'll
which the idol Of the German armies
promised peace. within a month, was
being read dn political circles Of the
capital. Helfferich had announced in
the Reichstag that 1--WE Germans will
win a glorious victory" but Erzberger
knew better, for he realized that no
matter what happened decisive
German triumph was out Of the ques-
ton. '
His Part in Ar1nistice.
On October l., 1918, -L.udendorff
t~elegraphed the Berlin government
that I'VE mus immediately offer
peace--our lines may hold today, but
sMhat VIII happen tomorrow cannot
An: hour laters Ludendorff Wired /.
1T, is Of no use Is wait for the forma-
ton Of a new government-our lines
be pierced now, atsanytmoment.f.
Baden formed q cabinet whose prin-
cipal> mission was to arrange for an
armistice. In this cabinet Erzberger.
became a member without port
folio"
Then, on November 81, Erzberger
headed the German armistice defega-1
ton sent to the Allied HEADQUARTERS
begging for cessation OF hostilities. In
his book. "Erlebnisse i'm Weltkrtege,''
he says Marshal Foch asked:
SSWhat do you gentlemen want?"
4 Erzberger answered: Fit, "
We have cometo receive proposals
for peace"
Foch retorted:
hava M Enrrrnca1 Il, &n ~aoJy~ - II
Document signed:
Thereupen the chief Of staff of the
French army read the armistice terms
to. Erzbergery and his colleagues.
On November TO-, Hindenburg tele-
graphed the German delegation: Try
to obtain some notifications. If you
do not succeed, sign anyhow" $780,
The following day the document
was signed. y slss ~ II.
During the peace negotiations fol
lowing this event, Erzberger con-
stantly maintained that Germany
must accept the terms imposed upon
her. by the Allies. For him the main,
goal was the preservation. Of German
unity, while the srabble loudly zclaim-
ed that no Unacceptable peace"
could be discussed. Later events show
ed plainly that Erzberger's attitude
was not only logically consistent, but
also just, and Erzberger realized that
all the hatred Of his nation would
turn against him..
Minister Of. Finances +
!. In the new cabinet Erzberser was
made minister Of finances. 1t wassan
Office he detested. for he knew that
upon his shoulders rested the respon-
sibiltty of carrying out an entirely
new tax schedule which meant In
credibly increased burdens 60 the
people, but he accepted from q sense
1T was during his incumbencY OF
this ONCE that Erzberser was attack
ed ferociously by Heliertch,$who &C
cusei the minister Of having derived
monetary profits ssfrom hts position
and the inIiuence surrounding It.
Erzberger was forced to- retire, and
instituted libel proceedings against
EHelffertch who was fonnd guilty and
sentenced to pay 9 small fine, and at
ter that Erzberger retired from the
arena of political life.
In the latter part ofsAugust, this
year, heswas preparing to resume hii
political work. The bullets OF the IS
sassins frustrated all his plans.
Erzberger erred occasionally; but
EGermany, taken a. whole, today
realizes that ut Z time whom all other
4 leaders OF the country lost thetl
heads and became confused. hey WI
the h calm observer Of eyeuts--the
one mar upon whom everyone dtule
rely. Dispassionate. active and Tar
seeing as he was. he understood be-
fore anyone else exactly what the e
sI9quirements . changing situations
were, and he placed his future ca,
49, hfa r,n~Svp II ~tukr = 80 ~ akSn,n x 49,