THE GERMAN PROPOSALS

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16341, 12 October 1918, Page 11

THE GERMAN PROPOSALS

TO THE EDITOR OF "THK TRESS." Sir, —If I had supposed that Dean Carrington's letter was written simply to show satisfaction at the improved touo of tho latest German proposals* and to express the hope that they wero genuine. I should certainly with him. The closing sentence of his letter is as follows: 4< lt is liard to forni any dear or decided opinion as yet, but- I believe it will prove a great mistake if we fail to take the German proposals seriously/' From these words I. not unnaturally. I think, supposed that vour correspondent meant more than this, even perhaps, that they might he I used as a basis for a conference. I am ! Had to know that such was not his ! meaning. With regard to the Belgian proposal, I have no knowledge as to which. is the correct version. After the treachery, cruelty, and falsehood of the German Government, we cannot be too careful, and I trust that, iu any dealings with them, we shall remembor the old adage, "He who wishes to hold eels should it that he has sand on his hands.' — Y°" r! ' etC " ' E. J. HALL. October 11th, 1918. TO THE EDITOR OF "THE TRESS." Sir, —May I have space to suggestthe futility of the correspondent under the above" heading, which has occupied a prominent place in your columns of late. "Proposals" coming from "Prince Max," as spokesman of the archcriminal of Europe, whose crimes against humanity admit of no expiation except upon the gibbet, are of necessity out of court, and impossible. Either we must go on and win the war, and, by God's help, adequately punish the criminals who 'started it, or else lose all in open fight. To taint our souls at this stage by. such suggested, or implied, bargaining, instead of bringing tho arch-offenders to book, as in duty bound, would be a betrayal of the wot Id's freedom, than which anything morn damnable is inconceivable. The millions who have shed their blood tbat the world niight be free to live in would havo died in vain, and we should bo unworthy of the sacrifice they have made. The great Napoleon had some redeeming qualities, albeit disproportionate to his failings, and expiated his crimes on St. Helena; but the Ivai6er, who can neither plead Xapoleon's exalted virtues nor his failings, must not escape justice—he can make atonement but upon the gibbet.—Yours, etc., W. L. CHRYSTALL. October 11th, 1918.