PROGRESS OF THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 92, 11 January 1918, Page 4

PROGRESS OF THE WAR

In its full scope as it is now available President Wilson's Message to Congress on the subject of peace-terms fully bears out the proraise of the summary which was transmitted yesterday. Tins Message unquestionably ranks as one of the most impressive documents of the war, and in itself splendidly vindicates the claim made in one of its passages that "There is no confusion of counsel among the adversaries of the Central Powers, no uncertainty of principle, no vagueness of detail. The only secrecy of counsel, the only lack of fearless frankness, the only failure to make a definite statement of the objects of the war, lies with Germany and her allies." If Prksident Wilson has at any_ point laid himself open to criticism it is on the ground that he offers Germany more than she deserves or is entitled to in inviting her to take a place, of equality among the peoples of the world—to associate herself with the peace-loving nations of the world in covenants of justice, law, and fair dealing. This on the face of it is a strange invitation to address to a nation which bears the guilt of this war _ and stands indicted in addition with a long list of atrocious crimes on land and sea. jßnfc the invitation is addressed not to Germany as she is now organised and ruled, but to the Gorman people, whom President WiLSON believes to be capable of casting, off the despotism of their military autocrats. And if he invites the German people to work out their own emancipation he is guilty of no subterfuge in regard to the price at which that emancipation must be bought. His Message is redeemed from any taint of weakness by its uncompromising demand that Germany and her vassals shall make all the reparation for their crimes that is humanly possible, and give unmistakablo proofs of their intention to assist in maintaining future peace.

Soiie indications are afforded today that the expression of Allied aims, following upon the negotiations with Russia, has not been without effect in enemy countries. One of tho most striking is tho statement of the Vienna 'Arheikr Zeilyny: "If the Avhole world is fighting us and all nations hate us the fault lies with Germany, who to-day wants a conqueror's pence. It is downright madness to pretend that a victorious pciiee is possible. The madness is typified in the statement that if we hold mil. for <i few months more the whole world will submit." That ;is sum; an appreciation of the facts should have found expression within the borders of the Centra! Empires gives some

promise of a general awakening, and meantime there are various evidences of developing dissension. It is no doubt true, as one message asserts to-day, that the Pan-Ger-mans are intent upon quelling internal revolt and making a last bid for victory by risking a second Verdun, but it is by no means a loregone conclusion "that the nations thoy have led so far on the road to ruin will support them to the end in this policy of desperation.