CENTRAL POWERS MOVE FOR PEACE.

On December 12 the Central Powers simultaneously presented notes to neutral powers for transmission to the nations of the Entente, containing a proposal for an armistice to discuss the possibilities of peace.  No terms of peace accompanied the German notes and after consultation with the allies of Great Britain Premier Lloyd-George delivered a speech in the House of Commons on December 19, declaring that the proposals of peace could not be entertained, and in which he said: 

“I appear before the House of Commons today with the most terrible responsibility that can fall upon the shoulders of any living man as chief adviser of the Crown in the most gigantic war in which this country was ever engaged—­a war upon the events of which its destiny depends.

“We accepted this war for an object, and a world object, and the war will end when the object is attained under God.  I hope it will never end until that time.

MUST KNOW BERLIN PLANS.

“We feel that we ought to know, before we can give favorable consideration to such an invitation, that Germany is prepared to accede to the only terms on which it is possible peace can be obtained and maintained in Europe, Those terms have been repeatedly stated by all the leading statesmen of the Allies.  They have been stated repeatedly here and outside.  To quote the leader of the House last week: 

“’Reparation and guarantee against repetition, so there shall be no mistake, and it is important that there should be no mistake in a matter of life or death to millions.’

“Let me repeat:  Complete restitution, full reparation, and effectual guarantees.

NO HINT OP REPARATION.

“Did the German Chancellor use a single phrase to indicate that he was prepared to accept such a peace?  Was there a hint of restitution?  Was there a suggestion of reparation?  Was there an implication of any security for the future that this outrage on civilization would not again be perpetrated at the first profitable opportunity?

“The very substance and style of the speech constitutes a denial of peace on the only terms on which peace is possible.  He is not even conscious now that Germany has committed any offense against the rights of free nations.

“Listen to this from the note: 

“’Not for an instant have they [the Central Powers] swerved from the conviction that respect of the rights of other nations is not in any degree incompatible with their own rights and interests.’

“The note and speech prove that they have not yet learned the alphabet of respect for the rights of others.

“The Allies entered this war to defend Europe against the aggression of Prussian military domination, and, having begun it, they must insist that the only end is the most complete effective guarantee against the possibility of that caste ever again disturbing the peace of Europe.