A PLEA TO HUMANITY.

Northern Advocate, 14 December 1916, Page 3

A PLEA TO HUMANITY.

PEXITEXT BEFORE A VIOLATED ALTsA-R.

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LON»ON*j December 12; The German Note efeht to tile iieu-

tral hatiauft iikys:—"The most terrific tfdi 1 in history has been raging for two and a-half years—a catastrophe which two thousand years of civilisation was unable bo prevent. The spiritual and material progress which is Europe's pride is threatened with ruin. Germany and her allies have given proof of : their" unconquerable Strength* slid a continuance of the tfar Will not break 6ur resistance. We were obliged to take up arms to defend justice and liberty and national evolution. We do not aim at shat tering or annihilating our adverea:ies, despite the consciousness of our military and economic strength, and readiness to continue the conflict. We propose a peace guaranteeing the existence of honour, liberty, and evolution. If our enemies refuse reconciliation* Germany and her allies arc resolved to continue to a victorious end. We solemnly decline the responsibility befort? human history. It our enemies refusfc to stop the slaugh. ter in order tt) continue their plans of cOtiqiiiest aha annihilation, everj German heart will burn with sacred wrath-, and God will be our judge. We will proceed, fearless and unashamed, ready for fighting, ready for peace." A Note to the Pope says: "Unlimited treasures of civilisation have been destroyed, extensive areas have been soaked with the blood of millions of brave soldiers who have fallen. Mil. lions have been invalided. .Grief is in every house, and destructive consequences are heavily felt by the belligerents and neutrals. Trade is depressed, and Europe, formerly devoted to the propagation of religion and civilisation is now an immense war caiiiy-/ .