Jasper County Democrat, Volume 21, Number 58, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 October 1918 — THE QUESTION OF TERMS [ARTICLE]

THE QUESTION OF TERMS

Perhaps it would be well from now on to consider the President’s peace terms simply as in the nature of an agreement among th* allies, and no longer as an offer to Germany. They were formulated nine months ago, and have aver since been before the German government. But they were not even considered till it had become plain, not only that Germany couldnot win, but that she could not hope to escape defeat. There probably wag not a man in the empire who would have suggested the acceptance of them when the German armies were last ’ March plunging through the British line south of Ypres, or in July whan those armies had forced their way clear down to the Marne and were again seriously menacing Paris. The Germans then preferred victory to peace. Now they are forced to accept peace with defeat. Ha* not the time gene by for any dealing with Germany on. the basis, n*t simply of unconditional surrender, but of military disaster? A good many thing* have happened since January. F*r instance, the Balkan problem is practically solved, and n* assent that Germany could give to the

President’s plans for those countries would in any degree contribute to their realization. The peace terms as to the Balkans are now being put into effect. Their success does not depend in >any degree on Germany's agreement to them. Since the President outlined his terms, Turkey has been disposed of, and is about to drop away from- Germany. The near east is now safe. The British control most of Syria and Mesopotamia—which will never be turned back to Turkey—and are in possession of Jerusalem, Bagdad, Damascus and Beirut. This whole situation has been cleaned up gißce January. Germany now has no relation to it of any sort. Therefore, this demand of the President has no further application. » Quite as important is the alteration effected (by us in the status of Austria-Hungary. In January we declared for the maintenance of the sovereignty of this nation with autonomy for certain nationalities living within its borders —presumably the Czechoslovaks. We have gone far beYyond this in recognizing the Czecho-Slovaks as constituting an independent nation. Again the terms fail to meet the present conditions. The acceptance of

them by Germany could hardly be construed as involving an absolutely independent Bohemia. Yet to that we are solemnly pledged. Finally, it should be remembered that the question between 'this country and Germany is not one of arranging a peace program for the world, though that was the theory on which all of us, including our allies, acted last January; that business will be tended to by the United States and those associated with it in this war. Our business with Germany is solely one of bringing hbout an unconditional surrender, and this as a prerequisite to putting into effect any program that we and our friends may decide on for the better ordering of the affairs of the world. Later Germany, when chastened and repentant, may be admitted into the fellowship of nations. —Indianapolis News.