THE REICHSTAG AND THE PEACE ISSUE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 29, 29 October 1918, Page 5

THE REICHSTAG AND THE PEACE ISSUE

FURTHER DETAILS OF THE DEBATE "OLD REGIME IN ITS ENTIRETY MUST GO" ■' ' ■ i 1 ' , • Amsterdam, October 27. After President Wilson's last raessago was received, comment in the Eeichstag was largely/devoted to Kr. Solfs denial of any intention to repudiate President Wilson's proposals, expressing willingness to agreo to regulate Aleacelorraino by peace negotiations, and in justide and fairness to loyally fulfil President Wileons programme and to von Payer's expression in favour of unequivocal honesty and' an endeavour to win the confidence of the world. Another subject of comment \was Germany's offer to return to Belgium, the stolen public treasures and pictures, which, it, is asserted, were ojjly taken to ensure their safety. ' According to the "Central News" Agency,' Press comment on fuller reports of the Eeiohstag debate remarks tho notable, chango in the tono of the prinoipal speakers. Dr. Solf is evidently preparing tho German people for the surrender ■of Alsace-Lorraine. , He described a reorganisation by which the people of Alsace and Lorraine would obtain the right to regulate the country's affairs. A similarly plaintive note was detected in the references to Poland. Dr. Solf complained that the claim of the Polish Deputies for the possession of Danzig was a contravention of President Wilson's doctrine of self-determination. Dr. von Payer admitted that the present reforms were not final, and must extend.' Hβ'declared that the German people need peace, and admitted that her enemies' distrust of German's sincerity was not groundless. Dr. von Payer reproached the Conservatives, stating that their whole , , policy was , responsible for Germany's predicament. ,' ' •, ' Herr Ledebour (Socialist) said: "The old regime in its entirety must go. An end must be made' of the whole monarchical system." Dr. von Payer protested, and pointed out that the Kaiser's recent actions were proof of his changed attitude—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. • , v •'■ .• '/ MILITARY COMMANDS SUBORDINATED TO THE OIVIL POWER - , i "• (Eec. October 28, 7.20 p.m.) 1 Copenhagen, October 2". The Eeichstag has passed the Bill placing the military commands under the control of the civil Government by a great majority against the votes of the Conservative^.- E«uter. GERMANY'S REPLY Tp THE PRESIDENT AN ARMISTICE IN THE NAME OF THE GERMAN PEOPLE. (Eec. October 28, 9.5' p.m.) New York, October 27. Germany replied to President Wilson asking for an armistice in the name of the German people. Mr. Lloyd George has gone to France suddenly.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable ,Assn Copenhagen, October 28. The German reply to President Wilson points out the changes in the German •Constitution, and- says that the peace negotiations are being conducted by the people's Government, to which the military powers are subject. The reply saj-3 that/the Government is awaiting proposals for an armistice as a'first step towards a just peace as laid down in President • Wilson's principles.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE ALLIES' ARMISTICE TERMS i . : . ' ', i (Eec. October 28, 9.35 p.m.) 1 London, October 27. Beater's Agency, is informed that the Allies will no: publish the armistice terms until Germany has replied to President Wilson's last Note.—Bouter. GERMAN OPINION ON THE AMERICAN NOTE :■■ "MOST HUMILIATING DOCUMENT SINCE DAYS OF 1 NAPOLEON." Amsterdam, October 27. German Press comments on President Wilson's Note variously describe it as crafty and, insincere, as an attempt to tie German/s hands by an armistice without guaranteeing her against the "mailed fist' , peace, and as "the most humiliating document since the days of Napoleon."—Aus.-N.Z. . Cable Assn.Eeuter, . It is unofficially reported from Berlin that the majority parties in the Eeichstag are disappointed with President Wilson's Note, but recognise that the President's attitude towards Germany's autocratic Government demands the most earnest consideration. It is expected that the Kaiser will shortly issue a proclamation to alky the suspense—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Aesn. 1 . (Eec. Octoßer 28, 7.50 p.m.) ' . , London, October 27. The "Vossische Zeitung" says:—"The Government will make all possible concessions to President Wilson, short of humiliation." The "Kreuz Zeitunß ,, declines that the only answer is to fight to the last.— Reuter. TO DISCUSS THE KAISER'S ABDICATION ' MEETING OF GERMAN CONFEDERATE PRINCES. Berne, October 27. The Confederate Princes of Germany are to meet in Berlin on Wednesday to discuss the abdication of the Kaiser.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Amsterdam, October 27. The "Frankfurter Zeitung" indicates that the Kaiser must abdicate. It deolares that Germany's future depends upon the Kniser's decision, and hopes that a wise decision will soon be taken.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. EVER-GROWING PUBLIC DEMAND. (Eec. October 29, 1.20 a.m.) Amsterdam, October 29. Tlie ever-growing demand in Germany for the Kaiser's abdication is the main topic of public conversation. Tho "Frankfurter Zeitung" state's that although the Kaieer doubtless was actuated by the best intentions, nothing can alter the . fact that during the last thirty years ho has mado himself the symbol of the old regime. The German people's feeling for the Emporor is not such as he perhaps belioves, and tho greater part of the people would bo grateful if the Kaiser drew the obvious deductions from tho radical changes in German policy. Germany has had moro 'than enough of tho old regime.^ ■ The "Arbeiter Zeihmg" also demands tho Kaiser's abdication—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. KAISER CONFIDES IN THE EMPEROR CHARLES LIBELS THE REICHSTAG AND ITS MEMBERS. (Eec. October 28, 7.20 p.m.) London, October 27. "Tho Times" Hague correspondent states that the "Munich Post" has reprinted from the Soviets' newspaper a letter that the Kaiser wrote to tho Emperor Charles: "My Eoichstag exhibits cursedly bad leadership. These Socialists, Jews, and ultra-montaine Catholics should be hanged separately to posts." The correspondent comments on tho ardent desire in even the highest circles that the Kaiser and his son should retire and bo facilitate a solution of the frightful crisis.—"The Times,".