Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 88, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 February 1918 — THE GERMANS AND PEACE [ARTICLE]

THE GERMANS AND PEACE

The people of German could get, if not peace, at least a discussion of the terms of peace, within twentyfour hours. All they have to do is to surrender the kaiser and other members of the ‘’Potsdam gang,’’ to use Dr. Van'Dyke’s happy phrase, to the French, British, Belgians or Americans. There can be no peace that does not bring with it the punishment of these criminals who forced the war on the world. There can be no peace except as. the result of covenants with men in Germany whose word can be relied on, and who know something of the honor of gentlemen. The longer the war continues the clear-

er does it become that the kaiser must go. We still think that this man ought to be tried on the indictment for murder returned against him by an English jury. His sons who 'have been indicted for theft could also be best dealt with by civil process. These men have made not the slightest response to the terms of peace stated several weeks ago by the American President and the British premier. They do not desire any peace except as dictated by themselves, and will consent to none that does not preserve their own order. Such a peace there newer can be. The kaiser set out to conquer the world. Now the world has resolved that it will “get’’ the kaiser. He is, as the police say, “wanted.” If the Germans will make the arrest and delivery, well and good. It not, the enemies of Germany will have to do the job. The American people, of course, wish to make “the world safe for democracy,” and desire that fuft justice be done to France and Belgium—and Italy. Serbia and Roumania must be restored, and the Mittel-Europa scheme be thwarted. But the allied armies are fundamentally a sheriff’s posse seeking the arrest of a gang of dangerous criniinals. If Germany cares to make their cause her own, she must take the consequences. There can be no justice in the world till these men are made to answer for their crimes.—lndianapolis News.