AUSTRO-GERMANY.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 December 1917, Page 5

AUSTRO-GERMANY.

, CONTINUANCE OF THE WAR. THE ALLIES ALONE TO BLAME. HERfLING'S HYPOCRISY. London, Xov. 30, Count Hertling, after eulogising tlio patience and endurance of the home population, sftid that all classes lmd responded to seven appeals to finance the war. Severity-three thousand million mark's had been voluntarily subscribed. He asked the 'Reichstag for a new war credit of fifteen thousand million. He referred to the demand for reform and a new adjustment of political affairs, and stated that it was necessary to recognise what right there was in this and to carry out with a firm hand, but not slavishly to imitate the institutions of other countries. The fundamental principles of the Imperial constitution must remain unchanged, but, its framework, the Imperial Government would always lend a willing ear to the wishes and suggcations of the Reichstag. Germany's social policy, which ,fiad preceded that of other countries, w«Suld be further developed. Bills would immediately be introduced to establish Workmen's Chambers and to abolish the limitation on the formation of unions.

. After referring to the fact that the initiative in the recent far-reaching reforms in Prussia had emanated from the Crown he reverted to the war situation, and fervently urged Germans to utand together united and firm until victory had been achieved.

After referring to tlie Leninite overtures he said lie hoped the lands formerly under the Czar's sceptre in Poland, Lithuania, and Courland would be allowed to choose their own Governments and obtain a political form corresponding to their condition and culture. '

Referring next to the Central Powers' acceptance of the basis of the Papal Note, Count Hertling mentioned Baron Sonnino's repudiation of general disarmament and M. Clemenceau's cynical shutting out of Austro-Gernranv from the peaceful community of the nations of the future when right had succeeded armed force.

Mr. TJovtl George had declared that the aim of the war was the destruction of Germar commerce, adding that the war must be continued until that aim had "icen reached

Whore was the lust of conquest, falsolv attributed to' Romany to be sought? Tt was now reveftled in the clearest light through tho Russian Government's publication of secret treaties. GorTnanv's war aim fl-om the first day was the defence of the Fatherland, the inviolability of its territory, and the freedom flnd independence of its economic life. They on -that account could joyfully greet the Pope's peace appeal, and the spirit animating the answer given to the Papal Note was still alive 'Nevertheless, this much the enemy must admit, that this answer signified 'tio license for lengthening the war. The enemy alone bore the responsibility of the continuation of the terrible slaughter and the destruction of irreplaeable works of civilisation and the mad self-mangling of Europe. . ■ This applied especially to Baron Sonnino, If the Italians who drove into the war the population of the beautiful land bound to us by a thousandfold memories had taken the Pope's outstretched hand of peace the frightful defeat of their army would not have occurred. He honed tiiat Italy's friends would accept this as a warning and listen to the voice of reason and humanity.

The Chancellor concluded that Germany's watchword was to wait,-endure, and hold out. Tie asked the -Reichstag to contribute its part, to the final vietorv hy loyally supporting him. FAVORABLE IMPRESSION IN • HOLLAND. Received Dec. 2, 11,30 p.m. Amsterdam, Dec. 1. Baron von Ilertling's speech has favorably impressed Dutch newspapers, It is 'interpreted to mean that the Central Powers are prepared to make peace without annexations, for hoping that the war will be ended before the winter is past. Newspapers comment on Lord Lansdowne's letter as a hopeful message that may lead to an, catty ending of th» insanity of continuous blpodshcd. . GERMAN OFFICIAL REPORT Received Dec. .1, 5.5 ip.m, Loridon, Nov. 30. Wireless Gorman official i There is most violent artlllerving on both sidos of Poelcappelle, northward of Ghetuvelt. We repulsed an English attack west of Bourlon, A GENERAL TRUCE. OPPOSED B? POLITICAL PACTION. Received - Dee. 2, 5.5 |>;m Amsterdam, Doc. I, The German Fatherland party have petitioned the Reichstag to oppose a general truce, believing it to be -advantageous t9 Pnglftnd. GERMAN PEACE'POLICY, "BASED UPON FACTS " ■Renter Service, flecfiivpd Dec. 9, 11.80 p.jji. Amsterdam, Dec, 1.

In t*p fWfiisfeg. Yfln Kuphlnww, Tearing te the Bussed prm&n peape pourparlers, said the floman policy would Ijo rmided by Arm but moderate states. manslMp, ■ ba&d upon facts. He spoke vaguely fifeettt the reorganisation of affairs in East Germany. The Governmonk were fully talcing account of their rights te determine Germany's own destinies with the finaliTvcation that permanent (tnd essential Russfl-German intor* ests must be'' safeguarded. '«► JTe declared that the rumors that Roumsnla had offered ft negotiate for'peace net coafirroeJ,