The German conspiracy for a separate peace received a severe setback when the General Congress of Workmen's and Soldiers' Delegates of all Russia, by a vote of 640 to 121, approved the attitude of the Government in expelling from Russia Robert Grimm, a Swiss Socialist pacifist, who had received the following communication, when in Petrograd, from M. Hoffman, member of the Swiss Federal Council: "Germany will not undertake an offensive so long as she considers it possible to arrive at an understanding with Russia. Numerous conversations with prominent politicians lead me to believe that Germany is seeking to conclude with Russia a mutually honorable peace, and a peace which would result in the re-establishment of close economic and commercial relations with Russia; the financial support of Germany to Russia for her restoration; no intervention in the internal affairs of Russia; a friendly understanding with regard to Poland, Lithuania, and Courland; and the restoration to Russia of her occupied territories, in return for the districts of Austria invaded by Russia. I am convinced that if the allies of Russia desired it, Germany and her allies would be ready immediately to open peace negotiations." _Current History, June, 1917._ [Illustration] _THE FALL OF THE MARK_ * * * * * The exchange value of the mark fell to-day to the lowest point yet recorded here, namely, 35.40 florins per 100 marks. The Austrian crown also touched its lowest, the exchange being 22.40fl. The mark has fallen since June from 36.15fl. to the value above mentioned. The pre-war rate was 59.25fl. _Amsterdam, June 7, 1917._ [Illustration] _AMERICA'S CHOICE_ _America refuses the olive branch from "the ugly talons of the sinister power."_ _President Wilson's Address on Flag Day, June 14, 1917._ * * * * * We know now clearly, as we knew before we ourselves were engaged in the war, that we are not enemies of the German people, and they are not our enemies. They did not originate, or desire, this hideous war, or wish that we should be drawn into it, and we are vaguely conscious that we are fighting their cause, as they will some day see it themselves, as well as our own. They themselves are in the grip of the same sinister power that has stretched its ugly talons out and drawn blood from us. PRESIDENT WILSON, _Washington, June 14, 1917._ [Illustration] _OLD AND NEW GLORY_ _"For Liberty, Humanity, and Justice we are coming, 10,000,000 of us."_ * * * * *