Wilson's Reply.

Taihape Daily Times, 16 October 1918, Page 5

Wilson's Reply.

GIVES GREAT SATISFACTION AND RELIEF. - AUTOCRACY SIGNS ITS OWN DEATH WARRANT. WAR TO BE PRESSED WITH GREATEST VIGOUR. Received 8.45 a.m. WASHINGTON, Oct 15. President Wilson’s frank, straightforward declaration has been received with the greatest demonstrations ox satisfaction And relief in Congress and diplomatic circles, and througnout the country. It is significant that Mr. Robert Lansing made clear that Wilson’s Note is a decision, not merely a reply, and does not permit of further discussion, therefore the war will be presed with the greatest vigour until the enemy surrenders unconditionally. There is much comment on Wilson’s adroitness is countering the German move by pointing out that in accepting all the points and principles in his speeches since January Germany had practically agreed to “the destruction of every arbitrary power.” Thus Germany’s autocratic Government had signed its own death warrant. FIGHT ON OR SURRENDER. ALLIES’ REPLY TO GERMANY. WASHINGTON, October 14. President Wilson, in his reply, says that unqualified acceptance by the present German Government, end a large majority of the Reichstag, of the terms laid down by the President of the United States in his address to Congress On 9th January,‘ 1918, and subsequent addresses, justifies the President in making a frank and direct statement as to his decision with regard to the German communications of October Bth and 12th. It mfisf be thoroughly understood that the process of evacuation ami the conditions of the armistice are matters which must be loft to the judgment and advice of' themuplitary advisers of the United States Government. The President'feels it his duty to say that” no armistice can J be Accepted'By the’United: States - f Govj eminent ’which' doe'S hCt provide fabsolutly satisfactory.safeguards ~ and guarantees of the ..maintenance of the present supremacy of the United States and Allies in the field. He feels confident that he can safely assume that nothing but this will also be the judgment :and decision of lithe Allied Governments. The President also feels it his duty to say that neither the United States Government nor the Governments with which it is associated as a belligerent, will consent to consider an armistice so long as the armed, forces of Germany,. continue the illegal and inhumane practices in which they persist. At the very time at which the German Government has approached the United • States ■ with:, for peace, its submarines are engaged sinking passenger ships at arid not-' ships alone, but - the very boats in which the passengers and crew sfeek to make their way to safety, and in the present enforced withdrawal from Flanders and France the German armies are pursuing a course of destruction which has always been regarded as a direct violation of the rules and practice of civilised warfare. Cities and villages, if not destroyed, arc stripped cf everything they contain, even the inhabitants. The nations associated against Germany cannot be expected to agree to a cessation of arms while acts of inhumanity, spoliation and desolation are being continued which they justly look upon with burning hearts. The President says that autocracy must cease precedent to peace if peace is to come by action of the German Government itself. The President feels bound to say that the whole process of peace will depend, in his judgment, upon the definitenessand satisfactory character of the guarantees which can be given. This is a fundamental matter. It is indispensable ■ that the Governments associated | against Germany should know beyond' peradventure with whom they are I dealing. I ■ HAGUE, October 14. Leading Dutchmen give the advice: "Beware now more than ever, or Germany will fool you yet.’’ 1 The publication of the German Note has opened the flood-gates of suppresssed feeling. Dutch masses are frankly joyous. ~. They interpret the Note as complete defeat, and toasted the Entente ;at various dinners where the Allies’ national airs were sung. Reuter says there is reason to believe that German telegraphs are rigorously controlled by the military, hence more than the usual caution is necessary in placing construction on the news allowed to get out from Germany, , "HE THAT .DRAWS THE SWORD.” LONDON, October 14. The "Times” in a leader, says. We may rest assured that the American Government is fully conscious that Germany in her present humiliation

must abide by the arbitration of force fo which she appealed in her presumptuous pride four years ago. The general tone of Press comment is one of scepticism regarding- Germany’s sincerity, and insistence on the strongest guarantees or complete surrender, The promptness of the German reply, in taken to indicate fears that Austria-Hungary is likely to follow Bulgaria’s example, und Germany desires to secure the basis of a decision permitting her to retain her hold on the Dual Empire. The French comment shows that suspicion is intensifying. The German attitude is now generally regarded as a plea for mediation, not mercy.

Dutch mesages state that much excitement prevails in Germany, particularly in the large towns. The streets were crowded with people waiting for hours for the Government’s reply. When it was issued men and women wept hysterically. MOTIVES BEHIND THE MOVE. PROSPECTS OF COMPLETE DEFEAT. ' WELLINGTON, October 15. The Ministry of Information cables: "The German peace move has been brought iabout on the one hand by the defection of Bulgaria following upon the prospect of the complete German military defeat, with the loss of all gains and possibly Alsace-Lorraine, and on the other hand by the serious threat in Germany of prospective chaos in the event of military defeat. Probably the ruling classes and the Kaiser believe that while military defeat is ultimately remediable, such a social revolution breed irreparable consequences. Events show vividly how black the situation seems in Germany, but it is darker still to her remaining Allies. Austria has suffered more than Germany both economically and socially. The military disintegration of the Central Powers in the Balkans has increased the power of Austrian deserter marauders, who have long since been known to be frequenting the mountains; in fact, Austria is racing Turkey for peace. Though Turkey still watches developments, it is probable‘she. will not .-wait Jong :to take : steps;i to be done with ;the war. s. i • n» I SDH o'- EYESuON AUSTRIA.■; <■ .'b*!-. 1 ■ - in ...In i oj ! •.-PRESIDENT WILSON TO- MAKE SEPARATE . REPLY.,, ... .... : WASHINGTON, Oct ,15. President Wilson will make a separate reply to Austria in cdnnecftvs with the peace proposals! SOCIALISTS OBJECT TO MAX. AMSTERDAM/ Oct 13. : iii Lif; Advices from Berlin state that the Socialists demand that < yon ri -Payer replace Prince, Max,, whose.. letter • to Alexander Hobenlohe, . sneering av. parliamentarism and democracy and talk about seizing- the .Allies, by .the throat has caused many to believe be is, not the man to arrange peace; There is. talk of fresh restrictions;- to deprive the lSi Kaiser of power to declare war and transferring the same to the Reichstag. THE GERMAN CHANCELLOR. LONDON. Oct 14. It is understood Prince Max has resigned. PACIFIST NUISANCE LONDON, Oct 14. When the House of Commons re--sumes to-morrow the pacifist section will attempt to involve the Government in an immediate debate. It is unlikely the Government leaders win say anything while communications with President Wilson are proceeding. KING IN CONFERENCE. LONDON, Oct 14. The King came from Sandringham this morning and had a lengthy discussion on the situation with Mr. Lloyd George and General Sir H. Wilson, Chief of the General Staff. TURKEY TO PROPOSE .SEPARATE PEACE. LONDON, October 14. Turkey has notified Vienna of her intention to propose a separate peace. The Central Powers have advised Turkey to delay, but Turkey has not replied. SIR ERIC GEDDES’ WISE ADVICE. NEW YORK, October 14. Sir Eric Gcddes, in a speech, said; “Despite the present political situation between the Allies and the Central Powers, Britain is unchanged in her absolute loyalty to those nations associated with her. Britain is determined to continue the war, and not to be diverted from her purpose, until the Allies have secured the only peace which could justify all our terrible sufferings caused by the iniquity of Germany. Wo must not relax the I muscles of our fighting arm. nor our I

war efforts, in any anticipation of early peace. If.- Germany had had command of the sea in 1914, she would have won. the .war iff 1914, We must not assume that Germany is beaten. We must not take for granted the safety of our sea line of communication. We have command of the sea and we must hold that command.” HENDERSON’S VIEWS. Received noon. LONDON, October 15. Mr Arthur Henderson, interviewed, said Germany must give military and naval guarantees before an armistice is considered. Organised Labour should throw its whole weight on the side of Wilson and Lloyd George. Received noon. LONDON, October 15. Lord Reading in a speech at ;a luncheon to M. Pashitch, the Serbian Premier, alluded to the Allied peace terms, and said: Justice should be merciful if there were extenuating circumstances, but it must be stern if there were none. Let us win the regard which is justly ours by the destruction of militarism. President Wilson’s Note has been published in London. The public welcome it as an uncompromising declaration that the condition of an armistice must be left to the army chiefs; also as a stern denunciation of German atrocities. THE BADGE OF AUTHORITY. NEW YORK, Oct 14. The “New York Times” Washington corespondent learns that President Wilson is a member of the Versailles Supreme War Council, and records his votes by cable. BRITAIN’S REPLY TO TURKEY. UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER. Received 12.55 a.m. NEW YORE, October 15. Britain’s reply -to Turkey will demand unconditional surrender. Mr Bonar Law says it is unwise for any of the Allies to state the terms imposed on ' G'crirlaiiy* before an armistice is giahtM. ~ “ HINDBNBURG SUGGESTED ARMISTICE. | Received 12.55 a.m. Oct. 15 j It is officially learned that Hindem burg, not Maximilian, asked the German Government-; to Request an arraisr . tice from President, ~ r . v -|