WIDE GERMAN DISCONTENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16966, 27 September 1918, Page 5

WIDE GERMAN DISCONTENT

CHANCELLOR'S REPROACHES

GLORIFYING THE LEADERS.

UNIVERSAL HATE BEWAILED.

(Received 7.50 p.m.) Eeuter. AMSTERDAM. Sept. 28. Tho German Imperial Chancellor, Baron von Hertling, in his speech to the Reichstag, referring to tho deep discontent pre- ! valent in wide circles of the population, said that if this discontent arose from the military situation, it far exceeded justifiable limits. The situation was grave, but there was no reason for faint-hearted-ness, as it was not so bad as during the summer of 1916. Reviewing tho eastern situation, he said the future appeared uncertain, but the former menace had disappeared, hence a considerable part of the eastern army could be employed on the west front. He boasted that Hindenburg and Ludendorff would be equal to the situation. The enemy's premature cries of victory would soon die away. He appealed to the people not to leave tho men at the front in the lurch, now that everything was a*- stake. Defending the invasion of Belgium, he said if Germany had not acted quickly the enemy would have anticipated the move and invaded her. Germany's conscience was clear, because she offered Belgium money for the promise of neutrality when first overrun. The offer was even repeated after the fall of Liege. Von Hertling denied that Germany was striving for world hegemony. Tho world war was prepared years ago by the wellknown encircling policy of King Edward. The match was not put to the powder by the Prussian militarists, while the Kaiser to the last moment was endeavouring to preserve peace. The Russian militarists effected mobilisation against the. will of the weak Tsar, owing to which war became unavoidable. Germany could calmly await the judgment of posterity. It was true that an unparalleled campaign of lies obscured the truth, with the result that hatred of Germany had arisen amongst the enemy population which choked all moderation and just judgment. M. Clemenceau's last speech, in fanatical hatred and coarseness of mind, surpassed everything previously achieved. Von Hertling attributed the American war enthusiasm partly to the huge profits from armaments, and sneered at the British recognition of the " conglomerate rabble" of Czechoslovaks as a belligerent Power. He added that the submarines were slowly but surely fulfilling their task of diminishing tonnage, but above all restricting American reinforcements of men and material. The hour must come when tho enemy would see reason, and be ready to make an end of the war before half the world was ruined and the flower of its manhood dead on the battlefield Von Hertling reiterated his entire sympathy with the idea of a league of nations, provided equal rights to all members of the league were guaranteed. He declared the idea of restricting armaments was thoroughly capablo of discussion. Brueninghaus, on behalf of the Admiralty, declared that more submarines were now operating than at any period of the war.

General von Ewrisberg attributed the failure of the German blow past Rheims to the impossibility of securing a surprise. The subsequent allied success was largely due to the British bringing over their Homo armies and to the intervention of the American divisions. The German withdrawals in Flanders were made in order to prevent a British enveloping attack". He added : " The American armies should not terrify us. Wo will also settle them." Summing up the general military situation he said, " Despite material losses we are well protected."

Herr von Hinlze, the Foreign Secretary, referring to the Austrian Peace Note, said the German Government did not think this the most suitable moment for a renewal of such an appeal, when the enemy was suffering from the intoxication of victory. The appeal, however, had been despatched, and Germany, Turkey, and Bulgaria had forthwith adhered to it. '

ANGRY PRESS COMMENTS.

''MASS OF GENERALITIES."

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association, (Reed. 7.60 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, Sept. 26.

The German newspapers make unfavourable comment on Baron von Hertling's speech. The Lokal Anzciger admits that Hertling was hissed, and adds that the' members of the Reichstag did not expect to listen to a mass of ''generalities. The Tageblatt says that Hertling belongs to another generation and does not understand Germany's present needs.

NOTED ATHLETES KILLED. Renter. LONDON. Sept 25. Sergeant Ben Dzzell, a noted footracer serving with the New Zealand forces, has been killed in action.