SIGNS OF PEACE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 248, 29 March 1915, Page 6

SIGNS OF PEACE.

WILL OCTOBER END THE WAR?

COMPETENT AUTHORITIES OPTIMISTIC.

(By Frederic William Wile. Special cable to the Chicago Tribune.)London, February 13. During the last few days a marked feeling has spread among persons who have a finger on the pulse of war that the world will see peace arranged very much sooner than public opinion anticipates. Competent authtorities now express the opinion that the war will he over by October at the latest. This opinion is not confined to England; it extends to France, and perhaps the notion is gaining ground among the well-informed people of others of thi' nations at war.

So far as France and England are concerned, the belief that October will see an end to hostilities is based on what are here considered manifold signs that Germany is feeling the pinch of the unequal struggle in which she lias engaged much more strongly than the outer world has any idea of;

FEAR TO TALK OF PEACE

One rule in war is that each party to the conflict shall abstain from exhibiting symptoms of weakening or proclivities towards peace, in the fear that the enemy will gain renewed determination therefrom. Nevertheless, the impartial observer sees signs that another autumn will bring the end of hostilities. It is known there is among the British au.l French soldiers a recognition of the Germans as brave foemen, and this sentiment is said to be generally "reciprocated.

This feeling of the comradeship of fighting men cropped out along the battle lines in France and Belgium at Christmas time especially. It can safely be predicted that there would he no serious grumbling, in the ranks at least, should the warring Governments declare an armistice and begin peace negotiations.

GERMANY DISAPPOINTED. It is said hero that the highest German authorities have admitted in confidential conversations witli neutrals Miatthe campaign hitherto has proved to them disappointing. The solid mass of the German peoole is, however, clinging to the idea of the invincibility of the German armies, and is prepared to resist 1 to the last and make every conceivable sacrifice rather than accept national humiliation. Furthermore, the personal prestige of the Kaiser is higher in Germany than ever. He has become the national leader of the Empire in arms in wider measure than the founders of the German Empire ever dreamed.of.

This is the consideration which may prolong German resistance, according to well-balanced London opinion,' even after tlie reasonable chance of victory has disappeared.

BRITAIN NOT' UNWILLING. ' Although Earl Grey, ?n his speech in the House of Commons on Thursday, took the position that this was not the time to make any open proposals for a basis on whicli the Allies would treat for peace with Germany, this is taken to mean that the British Government does not want to be put in the position of initiating such a- move. It is not, however, taken to mean that the Government is absolutely unapproachable on the subject of ending the war. Earl Grey said, in answer to a. question asking if, with a ending the terrible loss of life, Great Britain were prepared to declare publicly the basis whereon the Allies were willing to discuss terms of peace, "The recent public utterances in Germany give no reason to suppose that the purpose in view will be promoted by adopting the course suggested."'

This announcement was greeted with cheers, but at the-same time it is undeniable that the feeling exists in England, and in very influential circles, that should peace proposals come from the other side they would'be listened to.

MASSES SEE LONG WAR. The mass of English public opinion is prepared for a long and costly v«r. Those who are in the best position to judge, however, believe the decision will come rapidly in the course of the ensuing months, and that peace will be settled without the necessity of another winter campaign: