THE KAISER

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 62, 7 December 1918, Page 6

THE KAISER

Mr. Bon.ui Law's definite declaration that the Allies have decided Io demand the extradition of the Kaiser in order that he may be brought to trial will be received with satisfaction by right-minded men and women of all civilised nations. The formal demand on Holland to give up her criminal guest will be made as soon as. President Wilson has endorsed the decision, and it is not at all likely that he will raise any objection, for he has stated 'in t-heVost emphatic way that the peace must be based upon the dictates of impartial justice. It will be a great scandal if the ringleader of the bloodthirsty gang of military desperadoes win} set out to conquer the world is not brought to judgment and punished in a befitting manner. .The British law officers are of opinion _ that there is a clear case for extradition. But whatever the strict legal position may be, there can be no doubt of the overwhelming moral strength of the demand that the Kaiser should be surrendered for trial. Thedictates of natural justice require that he shall be placed in the dock, and it is almost inconceivable that Holland will take.advantage of any. technicality for • the purpose of Shielding this highly-placed criminal. If she did she would deserve to be. ostracised by civilised nations, and the Allies would be fully justified in using every legitimate form of pressure in order to compel her to do what she, ought manifestly to do of her ;own free .will. A French woman has formally charged the Kaiser, with the murder of her husband,' who was killed when the Sussex -.was" •torpedoed. It is said that this charge : comes within the scope of the extradition treaty [ which exists between' France and Holland. The Kaiser is undoubtedly morally responsible for . this crime, and it should not be difficult to establish his legal responsibility. He always claimed to be the 'supreme authority in Germany whose power mpnc dared to resist. Ho -claimed, that his soldiers had given 'themselves tip to him body and soul, and that-they must obey , , his orders, without question, even if told to shoot down their own parents. He claimed to bq the representative of the Most High, and threatened "death and disaster to all who,resisted, his will; Having'made these claims he -must take the re- j sponsibility for the acts of his naval and military; forces. He cannot shelter himself , behind his subordinates. ' Indeed, he seems to realise that the demand for. his extradition cannot he successfully resisted. He admits that he must\ face • the ■charges which are being broiiehfc against him, and it is slated Unit; be is already .preparing his defence. Tjic trial of.K'AlsEit AVilmaji 1.1 and Iris-aiders and- abettcrs will be followed • \yith the inteiißest interest by the whole world.' If their guilt is established— if the charge, of murder, is nrovcd.airftinst .them—justice demands., that they shall be compelled to pay. the murderer's penalty. ' ■:'■.:'