Cylchgronau Cymru

THE WELSH OUTLOOK OCTOBER, 1917 NOTES OF THE MONTH Our Special We have every confidence that our Articles our readers-an ever-widening circle-will welcome the numerous special articles to which prominence is given in our present issue. The Serbian problem is one which cannot fail to appeal irresistably to Welshmen, for Wales, itself a small nation with high ideals, has a deep and special interest in all that concerns the well- being of other small nationalities which have played so noble a part for the preservation and extension of freedom on the Continent of Europe. The Welsh Outlook, in future issues, will resume consideration and discussion of subjects of more domestic interest to the Principality. Wales, however, is vitally con- cerned in all the great problems of the day which affect the welfare of the British Empire, and no apology is needed for an occasional innovation as in the present issue, with the view of bringing to the immediate notice of Welsh readers the many ques- tions of Imperial and European importance which occupy the minds of leaders of thought and action, and to the solution of which, Wales, by voice and influence, can materially contribute. The Pope It is perhaps natural that the Pope's and Peace appeal for Peace should be re- garded by some of the belligerent powers with a certain amount of suspicion, due largely to the Vatican's well-known friendship with the Central Powers. President Wilson's reply is dignified and statesmanlike and it is difficult to see how the other Allies can improve upon it. The German reply is evidently influenced by the Reich- stag resolution in favour of peace by negotiation, based on no annexations and no indemnities. Such a reply a year ago from Germany would have been impossible. The German reply is probably couched in terms intended for home consumption for the Germans are learning their lesson and the* desire for peace among the people there is becoming intense. The same desireis strong also in all the other countries, belligerent and neutral; every thoughtful man must perceive that the war is rapidly reducing the world into chaos and ruin and every genuine move- ment in the direction of a just peace should be heartily welcomed from whatever source it may emanate. The man who fails to do his utmost to prevent further squandering of blood and treasure is an enemy of mankind. And when the hour for dis- cussing peace terms comes the people must see to it that their voice is heard, and that the settling of terms must be made in public and not behind closed doors as in the past. The fact that the United States, democratic France, and revolutionary Russia will be at the table inspires the hope that the Junker element in Germany and England will not be allowed to make another mess of the map of Europe, such as was the case at the Congress of Vienna. Castle- reagh, the English representative at that Congress, was as much a sinner in this respect as the Tsar of Russia and the best blood of the British people is atoning for his misdeeds on the field of battle to-day. Russia The situation in Russia is equally absorbing and obscure. General Korniloff's attempt to assume control of the Army and the nation has been defeated without bloodshed- a notable triumph for the Revolution, and signifi- cant of the hold which it has on the minds of the people. Few responsible people in this country wished him to succeed; for the stability of the Russian democracy is more important to the future of the world than the immediate pressure of the Russian arms. The troubles of Russia are not past; and will not be past until out of the chaos of