_Leipziger Volkszeitung_, July 23rd, 1915.]

The peace programme of the German Socialists has been published. An
official declaration of the party which appeared on August 23rd, 1915,
gives the following conditions.

"While caring for the national interests and rights of our own people,
and at the same time respecting the vital interests of all nations,
German Social Democracy strives for a peace which bears the guarantee of
permanence, and will bring the European States closer together in
matters of justice, culture, and commerce. In this sense we have drawn
up the following scheme:

"I. The security of German independence and the entirety of the German
Empire, which implies the rejection of all annexation plans on the part
of our opponents. That includes the French plan to re-incorporate
Alsace-Lorraine with France, no matter in what form that end may be
sought.

"II. In order to secure free economic development for the German nation,
we demand:

"(_a_) The 'open door,' _i.e._, equal rights for commercial and
such-like activities in all colonial territories.

"(_b_) The inclusion of the most-favoured-nation clause in the articles
of peace of all the nations now at war.

"(_c_) The furthering of an economic entente by abolishing tariffs,
etc., as far as possible.

"(_d_) The equalization and improvement of the social-political
institutions according to ideals aimed at by the workmen's international
party.

"(_e_) The freedom of the seas is to be guaranteed by an international
treaty. To this end the right of capture at sea must be abolished, and
all straits and narrows of importance for world commerce, must be
internationalized.

"III. In the interests of Germany's security and the free exercise of
commercial and economic efforts in South-Eastern Europe, we reject all
the warlike aims of the Quadruple Alliance to weaken or disintegrate
Austria-Hungary and Turkey.

"IV.--In consideration of the fact that the annexation of territories
inhabited by another race transgresses the rights of nations to govern
themselves; furthermore because thereby, the unity and strength of
Germany would be weakened and her foreign relations seriously and
permanently injured, we oppose the plans in that direction cherished by
shortsighted conquest-politicians.[87]

[Footnote 87: There are two and a half lines of dots at this point.
Probably the German censor has cut out a sentence.]

"V.--The terrible destruction and suffer