TITE SUNDAY OREGON I AX, PORTLAND. DECEMBER 31, 1916.
ENTENTE
REJECT
NATIONS
PROPOSAL
Mote From Central Powers Is
Declared to Be Merely
"War Maneuver."
BLAME PUT ON GERMANY
Proffer Called Empty and Insincere,
l'oc Accused or Attempting to
Impose German Peace and
to Influence Neutrals.
(Continued From First Page.)
as did Great Britain, France and Rus
sia. A peace concluded upon, the German
idea would only bo to increase the
advantage of the central powers, says
the note, while disasters caused by
the war demand penalties, reparation
and guarantees.
Calculated Attempt Seen.
The German overtures are described
as a calculated attempt to influence
the future course of the war and to
end it by imposing a German peace.
The overtures also are said to have
th effect of intimidating neutral pub
lic opinion, as well as to stiffen opinion
in the central powers, "worn out by
economic pressure and crushed by the
supreme effort which has been imposed
upon their inhabitants."
"Finally," it is asserted, "Jhese over
tures attempt to justify in advance in
the eyes of the world a new series of
crimes submarine warfare, deporta
tions, forced labor and forced enlist
ment of the inhabitants against their
own countries and violations of neu
trality." The text of the note follows:
"The allied governments of Belgium,
France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan.
Montenegro, Portugal. Roumanla, Rus
sia and Serbia, united for the defense
of liberty of their peoples and faithful
to engagements taken not to lay down
their arms separately, however resolved
to reply collectively to the pretended
propositions of peace which were ad
dressed to them on behalf of the enemy
governments through the intermediary
of the United. States, Spain, Switzerland
and Ilollitnd.
Blame for War Repudiated.
"Before making any reply, the allied
powers desire particularly to protest
against the two essential assertions of
the note of the enemy powers that pre
tend to throw upon the allies responsi
bility for the war and proclaim the
victory of the central powers.
"The allied governments cannot ad
mit an affirmation doubly inexact and
which suffices to render sterile all ten
tative negotiation. The allied nations
have sustained for SO months a war
they did everything to avoid. They
have shown by their acts their attach
ment to peace. That attachment is as
strong today as it was in 1914. But
it is not upon the word of Germany,
after the violation of its engagements,
that the peace broken by her may be
based.
Sugsreatlon xt Peace Offer.
"A mere suggestion, without a state
ment of terms, that negotiations should
be opened, is not an offer of peace. The
putting forward by the Imperial gov
ernment of a sham proposal lacking all
substance and precision would appear
to be less an offer of peace than a war
maneuver. It is founded on calculated
misinterpretation of the character of
the struggle in tho past, the present
and the future.
"As for the past, the German note
takes no account of the facts, dates and
figures which establish that the war
was desired, provoked and declared by
Germany and Austria-Hungary.
AuMttia Taken to Taak.
"At The Hague conference it was a
German delegate who refused all pro
posals for disarmament. Tn July, 1914,
it was Austria-Hungary who, after hav
ing addressed to Serbia an unprecedent
ed ultimatum, declared war upon her
in spite of the satisfaction which had
been accorded at once.
"The central empires then rejected all
attempts made by the entente to bring
about a pacific solution of a purely lo
cal conflict. Great Britain suggested
a conference and France proposed an
international commission: tho Emperor
of Russia asked tho German Emneror
go to arbitration, and Russia and
its requirements, the allied govern
ments, closely united to one another
and in perfect sympathy with their
peoples, refuse to consider a proposal
which Is empty and insincere.
"Once again the allies declare that
no peace is possible so long as they
have not secured reparation for vio
lated rights and llberites, the recogni
tion of the principle of nationality and
of the free existence of small states;
so long as they have not brought about
a settlement calculated to end once
and for all forces which have con
stituted a perpetual menace to the na
tions and to afford the only effective
guarantee for the future security of
the world.
Belgian Cine Recited.
"In conclusion, the allied powers
think it necessary to put forward the
following considerations, which show
the special situation of Belgium after
j two and a half years of war. In view of
initniaijunai ireaiies signea oy live
great European powers, of whom Ger
many was one, Belgium enjoyed before
the war a special status, rendering her
territory inviolable and placing her,
under the guarantee of the powers,
outside all European- conflicts. She
was, however, in spite of these trea
ties, the first to suffer tho aggression
of Germany. For this reason the Bel
gian government thinks it necessary tc
define the aims which Belgium has
never ceased, to pursue while fighting
sido by side with the entente powers
for right and Justice.
"Belgium always has scrupulously
fulfilled the duties which her neutral
ity imposed upon her. She has taken
up arms to defend her independence
and her neutrality violated by Germany
and to show that she remains faithful
to her International obligationa.
"On the 4th of August. 1914, in the
Reichstag, the German Chancellor ad
mitted that this aggression constituted
an injustice contrary to the laws of
nations and pledged himself in the
name of Germany to repair it. During
two and a half years this injustice has
been cruelly aggravated by the pro
ceedings of the occupying forces, which
have exhausted tho resources of the
country, ruined its Industries, devas
tated its towns and villages, and have
been responsible for Innumerable mas
sacres, executions and imprisonments.
"At this very moment, while Ger
many is proclaiming peace and human
ity to the world, she is deporting Bel
gian citizens by thousands and reduc
ing them to slavery.
"Belgium, before the war, asked for
nothing but to live in harmony with
her neighbors. Her King and her gov
ernment have but one alms the re
stablishment of peace and Justice. But
they only desire peace which would
assure to their country legitimate
reparation, guarantees and safeguards
lor the future."
PEACE IS OPPOSED
Leading American Churchmen
Think Move Is Premature.
DECISIVE VICTORY FAVORED
PROPOSAL CALLED "ILLUSORY"
Joint Reply of Entente Allies Is Is
sued in All Capitals.
LONDON. Dec. 30. The Joint reply of
the entente allies to the German peace
proposal was Issued today in the form
of an official communication giving the
text of the note. The reply character
izes the German proposal as "illusory,"
declaring that "a mere suggestion,
without a statement of terms, that ne
gotiations should be opened, is not an
offer of peace."
After analyzing Germany's motives
in proposing peace negotiations, the
note says:
"Fully conscious of the gravity of
this moment but equally conscious of
its requirements, the allied govern
ments, closely united to one another
and In perfect sympathy with their
peoples, refuse to consider a proposal
which is empty and insincere."
The note also declares:
"Once again the allies declare that
no peace is possible so long as they
have not secured reparation for vio
lated rights and liberties, the recog
nition of the principle of nationalities
and the free existence of small states;
so long as they have not brought about
a settlement calculated to end once and
for all forces which have constituted a
perpetual menace to the nations and to
afford the only effective guarantees for
the future security of the world."
Movement Airainst Agreement t
This Time Launched in Phila
delphia and Campaign Is to
Be Spread Broadcast.
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 30. Leading
churchmen of the United States, led.
it is said, by church authorities of this
city, have launched a movement in
opposition to tho acceptance of a pre
mature peace agreement by the war
ring nations of Europe.
Details of the movement, according
to an announcement by George Whar
ton Pepper, of this city, a prominent
Episcopalian layman, will be made
public in a statement to be given out
In Washington tomorrow. The move
ment la said to be in the nature of a
countor drive against the pacifist
propaganda conducted by the Church
Peace Union, organized by Andrew Car
negie. .
The statement will bo signed by
churchmen of various faiths, including
several bishops, it is said.
The movement was first discussed at
ameetlng in tho office of Mr. Pepper
Thursday, and was attended by Bishop
Joseph F. Berry, of the Methodist Epis
copal Church; William T. Ellis and
others.
A majority of those present approved
the movement and leading churchmen
all over tho country were communi
cated with by telegraph and telephone
and their signatures to the document
were obtained. It will be sent broad
cast over the country, and it is the ex
pectation of the originators that it will
gain strength daily.
"The main object of the movement Is
to call attention to the fact that peace
founded upon expediency would not be
of permanent benefit to the world."
said Bishop Berry today. "There are
certain great moral principles involved
In the world war, and If It were to
end now they would not be definitely
settled."
RUNAWAY GIRL IS RRIDE
GWENDOLYN STEWART, OK SEAT
TLE, WEDS THEATER USHER.
FOR every one, no matter what
his faith or flag", I wish happi
ness and prosperity throughout
the whole new year.
For all the citizens of your Port
land and my Portland, I wish renewed
devotion to the highest civic and
business ideals, to the end that our
city may abundantly sustain a cheer
ful and a thriving people.
(8
Aronson's January Sale
Diamonds and Silverware
FARMERS DISCUSS WORK
CROOIt AND DESCHUTES COUNTIES
REPRESENTED IN MEETING.
One Member of Council Travels
Mllea to Railway, io as to At
tend Sea.tlon.
REDMOXD, Or., Dec. 30. (Special.)
Perhaps what has been the bet repre
sentative meeting ofthe entire Crook
and Deschutes counties in Central Ore
gon was held at Redmond when 40
farmers and their wives, of the County
Agricultural Council, sat down to
luncheon given by the domestic science
department cf the high school. One
member of th-2 council residing 80 miles
from tho nearest railway point traveled
two days to attend the conference. The
occasion was the annual meeting of
County Agricultural Council, a
the
union or all the 24 farmers' organiza
tlons in the county, which looks after
the best agricultural Interests of the
farmers with the assistance of a Coun
ty Agricultural Agent.
The council adopted a motion In
dorsing the work of the biological sur
vey for the assistance, through Its
.agent. R. A. Ward, in campaigning
against the jackrabbtts with the help
of the County Agent. The council also
aeked assistance for a campaign
against sage rats.
The irrigation question before the
people of Central Oregon also was considered.
LINN BEATS LEAP YEAR
Marriages Are 34 Fewer Than Re
corded for 1915 In County.
Portland didn't spend all her money before Christmas by no
means! .
A gentleman came in this week and asked Rueff if Aronson was
still selling diamonds at a discount. Being assured that he was,
he said he wanted to invest $100 in one.
When he saw the exhibit and the prices, he dug down and pulled
out a "roll" that was good for the eyesight. And his diamond in
vestment ran into hundreds!
Another gentleman in British Columbia wrote to Aronson to
send one of his advertised diamonds to his bank for approval. Aron
son did it, and back came a draft for the price and that ran into
three figures, too!
Then there's that chap Cupid; this cold weather seems only to
warm him up. The young fellows have simply been coming in
shoals, looking for engagement rings; sort of backing each other
up, you know. The record at the County Clerk's office tells the
story.
There's no gainsaying the fact that Aronson's doing the diamond
business of Portland. Look at these:
$25 solitaire diamond rings for $17.63.
$30 solitaire diamond rings for $36.85.
$75 solitaire diamond rings for $52.50.
$100 solitaire diamond rings for $69.65.
$400 cluster diamond rings for $296.50.
$20 diamond lavallieres $15.00.
$75 diamond lavallieres $56.50.
$200 diamond lavallieres $148.50.
$15 genuine cameo brooches, $10.85.
$100 diamond-mounted bracelets, $73.30.
Deep January Reductions Throughout the Store.
ARONSON'S
Jewelers. Goldsmiths, Opticians.
Washington at Broadway.
ALBANY, Or.. Dec. 30. (Special.)
Although the year 1916 Is leap year, the
records show that there were 34 fewer
marriages In Linn County during the
year than were performed the year be
fore. The total was 303, while in 191o
the number was 336.
Coiintv .Turlco O R Mrtin i irh t nrnv.H
the most popular, tying tho knot for 53 L Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Thayer. 6303 Twpn
couples. Other records are? Rev. G. H.
Young. 35: Rev. F. H. Geselbracht, 9:
Rov. D. Llov.t Morgan. .9: Rev. James
Moore. 5: Rev. C. 1. Gibson. 4; Rev. M.
Howard Fagan. 8; Rev. W. P. White, 6:
Rev Arthur Lane, 4: Judge Tercy R
Kelly. 3; Judge L. L. Swann. 3. and
Judge G. P. Skipworth, 1.
Mis Alice li. Burroughs Engaged.
ty-seventh avenue Southeast, yesterday
announced the engagement of their
niece. Miss Alice L. Burroughs, io Will
iam C. Foster, assistant postmaster of
Tillamook, Or. The wedding will take
place Wednesday at tho brlde-eloct'a
home. During the past few weeks a
number of social affairs have been
arranged for Miss Burroughs.
Read The Oregonian classified ads.
Highlights in Allies' Reply.
to
Ansiria-MunRary camo to an nnri.r
standing on the eve of the conflict. But
to all theso efforts Germany gave
neither answer nor effect.
"Belgium was invaded by an empire
which had guaranteed her neutrality
anu unicn nan me assurance to pro
ciaun mac treaties were "scraps of
paper, ana mat necessity knows
law.'
Reparation Sold to Be .Needed.
"At the present moment these sham
offers on the part of Germany rest on
the 'war map' of Europe alone, which
represents notning more than :l suncr-
ficial and passing phase of the situa
tion and not the real strength of the
belligerents. A peaco concluded upon
mew terms wouia oe onlv to the ad
vantage of tho aggressor, who, after
Imagining that they would reach their
goal In two months, discovered after
two years that they could never at
tain it.
"As for .the future tho disasters
caused by tho German declaration of
war and the innumerable outrages com
mitted by Germany and her allies
against both belligerents and neutrals,
demand penalties, reparation and guar
antees. Germany avoids mention of
any of these.
"In reality these overtures made by
the central powers are nothing moro
than a calculated attempt to influence
the future course of war and to end
it by imposing a German peace. The
object of theso overtures Is to create
dissension In public opinion In tho al
lied countries. But that public opinion
lias, in spite of all th sacrifices en
dured by the allies, already given its
answer with admirable firmness and
has denounced tho empty pretense of
the declaration of the enemy powers.
They have tho further object of
stiffening public opinion in Germany
and in the countries allied to her one
and all severely tried by their losses,
worn out by economic pressure and
'rushed by the supreme effort which
has been imposed upon their Inhabi
tants. New rlmcM Charged.
"They endeavor to deceive and intim
Idat public opinion in neutral coun-
tries. whoso inhabitants have long
since, made up their minds where the
Initial responsibilities lie and are far
too enlightened to favor the designs of
Germany by abandoning the defense of
human freedom.
"Finally, these, overtures attempt to
justify in advance In the eyes of the
world a new series of crimes sub
marine warfare, deportations, forced
labor and forced enlistment of the In
habitants against their own countries
and violations of neutrality.
"Fully conscious of the gravity of
this moment, but equally conscious of
A MERE suggestion, without a
statement of terms, that negotia
tions should be opened, is not an offer
of peace.
The disasters caused bv the German
declaration of war and the innumer
able outrages committed by Germany
and her allies against both belligerents
and neutrals, demand penalties, repara
tion and guarantees.
m a
In reality these overtures made by
the central powers are nothing more
than a calculated attempt to influence
the future course of war and to end
it by imposing a German peace.
These overtures attempt to justify
a new series of crimes subma
rine warfare, deportations, forced labor
and forced enlistment of the inhabi
tants against their own countries and
violations of neutrality.
f
Fully conscious of tho gravity of
this moment, hut equally conscious of
Its requirements, the allied govern
ments, closely united to one another
and in perfect sympathy with theii
peoples, refuse to consider a proposal
which is empty and insincere.
Once again, the allies declaro that
no peaoo is possible so long as they
have not secured reparation for vio
lated rights and liberties, the recogni
tion of the principle of nationality and
of the free existence of small slates.
Young Woman Calls at Police Station
at San Francisco to Correct Im
pression Concerning 1 light.
SAN FRANCISCO. Dec. 30. (Special.)
Because she saw a news item which
said that her mother in Seattle had
reported her as a runaway girl to the
police of tho Paciflo Coast cities, pretty
Gwendolyn Stewart, 17 years old, vla-ite-i
police headquarters today and
talked to Mrs. Catherine Elsenhart,
policewoman.
Miss Stewart was not alone. Nor
Is she a miss any longer. She was
accompanied by Lawrence C. Bailey,
31 years old. an usher at a Market2
street theater. Bailey and Miss Stew
art were married Wednesday in this
city.
According to Miss Stewart, she left
her home at 1916 Marion street, Seat
tle November 17 last, when she had a
misunderstanding with h parents.
She came to this city, secured employ
ment, and, while attending the theater
one evening, met young Bailey, whom
she had known several years ago
Bailey proposed rnd the marriage was
Derf ormed.
"I just want it understood," said the
now Mrs. Bailey to Mrs. Kisenhart
"that I am married and not a runaway
girl."
TODAY
TOMORROW
and
TUESDAY
ROBBER HAS CONSUMPTION
Two W1o Held. Up Astoria Man Arc
Caught and Confess.
ASTORIA. Or.. Dec. 30. (Special.)
The two men who held up and robbed
James Lovell and his housekeeper at
the point of revolvers last night, were
arrested today by Chief of Police
Houghton. Both have confessed their
guilt, and liavo been committed to the
County Jail in default of SL'OOO ball
each to await the action of the Circuit
Court errand Jury.
The men gave their names as Harry
Trevelyan and George Demant, tramp
nalnters. who arrived hero from Port
land last Wednesday. Trevelyan. who
Is suffering from consumption, says he
committed the crime because he was
sick and broke.
Oregon City Lodge to Build.
OREGON CITY. Or., Dee. 30. fSpr
cial.) The building committee of the
Moose Lodge today let the contract to
A. F. Fisher for the construction of a
two-story, 66 by 90-foot frame lodge
building at Eleventh and Main streets.
The plans provide for three store
rooms, facing Main street, on the first
floor and modern lodge rooms upstairs.
The cost of the building was not made
public, but the total investment. In
cluding building, ground and furnish
ing will be between jlo.OOO and 330,000.
$615 SUIT CHARGES FRAUD
II. M. Johnson Vile Action Against
Three in PlIJHlflll Wood Co.
Judgment in tho sum of $613..04 it;
asked by H. M. Johnson in a suit filed
in the Circuit Court yesterday against
A. Meyers, C. J. Lundquist and Theo
dore Brugger, doing business under the
name of the Gresham Wood Company!
Mr. Johnson Fays that he was In
duced by false representations to en
ter into a contract with the Gresham
Wood Company to transport 3761 cords
of wood and that as a result of being
compelled to fulfill the contract ho lost
large sums of money.
FIVE
PILGRIM
GIRLS
Versatile Musicians and Singers
GRACE SISTERS
Classy Singers and Dancers
I
TODAY
TOMORROW
and
TUESDAY
SIEBERT
LINDLEY
& CO.
Comedy Skit, "A Fool and His Money"
MLLE. ARMENTA
Slack-Wire Artist
RED FEATHER PHOTOPLAY
"POLLY PUT the KETTLE ON"
Featuring
A Romantic Drama of Tears and Smiles
DOUGLAS GERRARD and Excellent Cast
1 yXy a:at,"I3KN'ii.i..k photopl ays T
BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY
AND PROSPEROUS
NEW YEAR
flfens Curnfsfier &-fiatfer
331 WASHINGTON STREET
EXTRA! ADDED ATTRACTION
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TUESDAY ONLY
The Most Thrilling Mystery Serial
Ever Released
A Moving-Picture Drama That Will
Enthral You With Its Swift Action,
(irip You With Deeds of Daring and
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EE CUMAf k
LET NOTHING INTERFERE WITH
YOUR SEEING THIS FIRST EPI
SODE and REMEMBER it begins next
Monday and Tuesday, January 1 and 2,
and on Monday and Tuesday of each
week following a new episode will be
shown.