SOFT-SOAP IN THE REICHSTAG

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 14, 11 October 1917, Page 5

SOFT-SOAP IN THE REICHSTAG

DR. MICHAELIS DEFENDS THE PROPAGANDISTS A SOOTHING ADDRESS i Amsterdam, October 9. Dr. Michaelis, Imperial Chancellor, accompanied by tlio principal members of the Government, soothingly addressed the Reichstag. Ho dealt Willi tlio criticisms regarding the conduct of the Fatherland Party and the propaganda ljy officials. He stated that there was no objection to officials belonging to political,parties; but abuses favouring any particular party could not bo allowed. AH political propaganda, in the Army was excluded. Hβ deplored tho antagonistic forms of propaganda which had recently sprung up. ' Subsequent speakers condemned politics iu the Army, but supported patriotic propaganda. After Herr Helfferich had defended liis attitude (*as reported on Tureday), Dr. Michaelis promised to take action, in any cases which were exposed in which higher officials, on behalf of the Fatherland Party, had unduly influenced lower oflicials. He urged the necessity for propaganda at the front, and denied that the propagandists n-oro working in support of the .Fatherland Party. Tho Supplementary Estimates were then adopted, the Sooial Democrats dissenting.—Reuter. *At the debate referred to Heir Helfferieh (ex-Minister of the Interior, and now spokesman for Dr. Michaelis, Imperial, Chancellor) explained that Dr. Michaelis was absent' because he was burdened with work. The Socialists wanted tho Chancellor to excommunicate the party. This remaTk led to interruptions, and HeiT Helfferich exclaimed: "If that is not true I will waste no further words. If you havo not confidence in the leaders of tho Army and the Government " Shouts of "No!" drowned (ho remainder of the sentence. Herr Helfferich, after a pause, said: "There is no object in my continuing to epeak," and-resumed his seat. The debate was adjourned. PAN-GERMAN CONGRESS RESOLUTIONS' VAST EXTENSION OT FRONTIERS AFFIRMED. • (Rec. October 10, 7.30 p.m.) Amsterdam, October 9. The Pan-German Congress has carried a resolution that Germany's frontiers must be vastly extended east and west, and declared that tho military 'situation is excellent, and that tho naval situation will soon force England' to 6ign a German peace.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ITS LATEST PHASE New York, October 9. Officials in AVashington are interested in the latest phase of Teuton Imperialism, as voiced in the "Cologne Gazette." This paper recently pointed out that Germany has tho choice of being a full partner in a future "syndicate for the division of the world" or of being a despised outsider. It pictures the syndicate as a political combination of Germany, Russia, and Japau; but Great Britain must be defeated before Germany can become a full partner. The "Gazette" clumsily outlines "North American Imperialism," which, it says, "will be expelled from the Pacific," and adds: "Perhaps, later, the future North American-Far Eastern line of separation will run straight to the Australian Continent, which,' as is widely known, Japan covets."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. REPORTED AUSTRO-GERMAN PEACE AGREEMENT ON TERMS TO BE OFFERED. Amsterdam, October 9. The .Berlin "Tages Zeitung" States that Germany and Austria have agreed to make a peace offer on the basis of no territorial aggrandisement, tho surrender of Belgium'and the occupied French territories, and with no indemnity on either side—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. PEACE MANIFESTO BY GERMAN PROTESTANT CLERGY Amsterdam, October 9. A number of Protestant clergymen in Germany have issued a manifesto stating that tlie German Protestants are conscious of mutual Christian aims to promote righteous feelings. They therefore extend the hand of brotherhood to their co-religionists in the enemy countries. Tho manifesto contains the sentiment: "In the name of Christianity, war must disappear from the earth."—Aue.-N.Z.s Cable Assn. _ BOLOTHE SPY FRENCH INQUIRY COMMISSION IN ENGLAND. London, October 9. The French Commission of Inquiry into Hie Bob scandal is visiting England. The Commission possesses documents revealing ramifications of peace plots in every Allied capital. Sensational disclosures are predicted—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.