The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1918. GERMANY'S CAPITULATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 November 1918, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1918. GERMANY'S CAPITULATION.

At last the end has come, and the outburst of heartfelt joy yesterday on the announcement of the armistice having been signed by Germany was as spontaneous as it was sincere. For the space of four and a quarter years the most unjustifiable and bitter war in history has raged over a vast expanse of territory, involving the sacrifice of an unprecedented number of lives on land, on sea and in the air, while the monetary cost has been so vast that the figures have become bewildering—and all because a military despot was obsessed with the dream of becoming master of the world. It has been a hideous business from first to last, a time of untold sacrifices and suffering, and a time of duty well and nobly done. It was. recognised this must be the last war, and to that end the Allies were prepared to shed the last drop of blood and pour out the last of their worldly resources. In her stupendous arrogance Germany dared to attempt world conquest, and to-day she is biting the dust, while the arch fiend who instigated the struggle for mastery is dethroned and a fugitive from his country. The cause of democracy, freer 1 om and justice has triumphed, and the death knell of militarism has been rung. Hostilities have ceased, and the yearning for the end has been appeased. The one predominant feeling to-day is intense gratitude that the war is over, though its effects will be in evidence for many a year to come. The knowledge that right has prevailed against might will add to the thankfulness that is universally felt. There have been occasions during the struggle when our anxiety has been great, but never since the day on which war was declared until the final armistice was signed has there been even a momentary waning of that supreme faith and determination which has inspired the Allies in their terrible strain, which is now over. The peace terms have yet to be settled, but thore need be no concern over that part of the finale. Although full terms of the German armistice have not yet been divulged, there is every reason to believe that they are sufficiently stringent to prevent any further outbreak of hostilities. To-day the civilised world can breathe freely once more because of the elimination of the menace which has been a persistent nightmare of the nations. The lurid pall that has for so long hung over Europe has been lifted, and the bright rays of the new era of peace are already gladdening the hearts of the oppressed nationalities. Britain has borne the brunt of the conflict, and the units of the Empire have drawn into a closer bond than ever. This is not I the time to dwell upon the atrocities, which have marked Germany's conduct of the war, nor to recite the abominable and ruthless cruelties committed. Cities, towns, villages and countrysides have been laid waste as the result of mere lust of destruction and unbridled hate. Reparation, restoration and compensation must be given by Germany for all her crimes, and it will be for the peace conference to take a determined stand in obtaining a just settlement of all claims. The Allies have' been supported in their struggle by the Highest of All Powers, and theirs will be the re-i, sponsibility for ensuring that the future of the world shall be worthy of the colossal cost that the war has entailed. Religion should take on a deeper and truer meaning, for the principles that the Allies have been upholding are based on those of. practical Christianity. Democracy has prevailed against the most evil force that the world has known, and it must show by its future development that it is a force for the uplifting of the people and not for grasping at power. Looking hack over the incidents of the war there are many great lessons to be taken to heart, not the least of which is the benefit to be derived from unity in a I good cause. No more striking phase of the struggle exists than the entrusting to Marshal Poch of the direction of the Allied forces. j It was the turning point of the war, and but for that wise act there might have been irretrievable disaster; certainly the end of the war would not yet have been in sight. The representatives of autocracy have fared badly. Constantine of Greece compelled to abdicate; Nicholas of Russia dethroned and killed; Ferdinand of Bulgaria forced to flee; Carl of Austria-Hungary deposed, and TVilnelm of Germany, ihe once mighty and all-powerful idol of his people, east down from his high estate and .compelled to seek asylum in a neiitrahcountry. There has been a complete sweeping-out of autocracy, and the future lies with the people who have been freed from the yoke of servitude to despots. Never again can the world be as it was before the war. There will be alterations on the map of Europe, but what really matters is that the people can henceforth vuak put %air flsa

destiny free from the menace of tyranny. The overthrow of the German giant opens up a new era bright with promise, and it should also open up a devout feeling of fervent gratitude for the way in which the war has ended. . Germany 's capitulation—practically an unconditional surrender—is equivalent to complete military defeat. The universal rejoicings that are now taking place have a far deeper significance than mere victory by arms. They imply that the high aims and ideals for which the Allies have been contending have been achieved, and to have accomplished their purpose justifies not only mutual congratulations, but combined gladness of heart that finds expression outwardly iD common rejoicings and inwardly in deep gratitude to the Supreme Power who has given them victory.