Springfield weekly Republican. [volume], December 28, 1916, Page 4, Image 4

About Springfield weekly Republican. [volume] (Springfield, Mass.) 1851-1946

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4
PEACE NOTES SENT
BY PRESIDENT WILSON
aEKs fighting nations
to AVOW THEIR OBJECTS
Offers Services But Declares What
Be Has Done is Not Mediation
। *>-Bredicanient of Neutrals
President Wilson has appealed to all
the belligerents to discuss terms of
peace. Without actually proposing
peace or offering mediation, the presi
deht has sent formal notes to the gov
ernmsnts of all the warring nations
Bu^eeting that “an early occasion lie
bought to call out from the nations
now at war such an avowal of their
respective views as to the terms upon
which the war might be concluded and
the arrangements which would be
deemed satisfactory as a guarantee
against its renewal or the kindling of
any similar conflict in the future as
Would make it possible frankly to com
pare them.”
Surprise te Washington
This latest development in the rap
idly moving world events toward n
* discussion of peace was not permitted
to become known until last week Wed
nesday night, when til* notes were
well on their way to the American
embassadors in the belligerent capi
tals, and probably already In the hands
of some of them.
It was a most distinct surprise to
all official Washington, which had
been led to believe that with the for
mal transmittal of the proposals of
the central powers the officers of the
United States would await further
moves between the belligerents them
■elves, and that certainly, in view of
the speech of Premier Lloyd George
and the announcements in Russia.
France and Italy, further action by
neptrali would depend on the next
careful and delicate moves of the bel
ngSrents.
The whole tenor of official opinion
throughout Washington when the
president's action became known, was
that it Immeasurably improved the
prospects for some sort of exchanges
looking toward an approach to peace
discussions between the belligerents,
without impairing the position of the
United States should they finally he
unable to find a ground on which to
approach one another.
The Notes
Preßident Wilson’s notes to the bel
lifferehts: are prefaced with this in
strUctlon by Secretary Lansing to the
American embassadors presenting
them: ’’The president directs me to
eend you the following communica
tion to be presented immediately to
the minister of foreign affairs of the
government to which you are accred
ited.”
The texts of the notes themselves
then begin identically as follows:—
"The president of the United
States has instructed me to suggest
to the (here is inserted a designation
of the government addressed), a
course of action with regard to the
present war which he hopes that the
government will take under consid
eration as suggested in the most
friendly spirit and as coming not only
from a. friend, but also as coming
from the representative of a neutral
nation whole interests have been
most seriously affected by the war.
and whose concern for its early con
clusion arises out of a manifest
necessity to determine how best to
safeguard those interests if the war is
to continue."
To the Central Powers
At this point the texts vary. In
the notes to the central powers this
paragraph follows next: "The sug
gestion which I am Instructed to
make the president has long had it
iti mind to offer. He is somewhat
embarrassed to offer it at this par
ticular time, because it may now seem
to have been prompted by a desire to
play a part in connection with the re
cent overtures of the central pow
ers.
“It has, in fact, been in no way
suggested by them in its origin, and
the president would have delayed of
fering It until those overtures had
been independently answered, hut for
the fact that it also concerns the
question of peace and may best be
considered in connection with ocher
proposals which have the same end
ih view. The president can only beg
that his suggestion be considered en
tirely on Its own merits and as if it
had been made in other circum
stances."
To the Entente Allies
In the note to the entente allies the
following paragraph takes the place
of the one just quoted:—
"The suggestion which I am in
structed to make the president has
long had it in mind to offer. He is
somewhat embarrassed to offer it at
this particular time because it may
now seem to have been prompted by
the recent overtures of the central
powers.
"It is. in fact, in no way associ
ated with them In its origin, and the
president would have delayed offering
it until those overtures had been an
swered, but for the fact that it also
Concerns the question of peace and
may beat be considered In connection
With other proposals which have the
same end in view. The president can
; Only beg that his suggestion be con-
Sidered entirely on Its oWn merits and
as if it had been made in other clr
is oumstances.”
Offers Mediation to All
/ Then all the notes proceed iden
. tlcally as follows: —
“The president suggests that an
; .early occasion be sought to call out
-from all the nations now at war such
an avowal of their respective views
as to ths terms upon which the war
might be concluded and the arrange
ments which would be deemed satis
factory a« a guaranty against its re
newal or the kindling of any similar
conflict in the future as would make
it possible frankly to compare them.
He is indifferent as to the means taken
to accomplish this.
< "He would be happy himself to
I atrve, or even to take the initiative
In its accomplishment. i B any war'
that might prove acceptable, but he
&Ma no desire to determine the
method or the instrumentality- One
way Will be as acceptable to him as
another, if only the great object he
has in mind ba attained.
» Okjset. of Both BMm the Same
« “He takes the liberty of calling at
tn Ahs-W tkh* atu kt
ents on both sides have in mind in
this war are virtually the same, as
stated in general terms to their own
people and to the world. Each side
desires to make the rights and privi
leges of weak peoples and small states
as secure against aggression or denial
In the future as the rights and privi
leges of the great and powerful states
now at war. Each wishes itself to be
made secure in the future, along with
all other nations and peoples, against
the recurrence of wars like this and
against aggression or selfish Inter
ference of any kind.
“Each would be jealous of the for
mation of any more rival leagues to
preserve an uncertain balance of
power amidst multiplying suspicions;
but each is ready to consider the
formation of a league of nations to
insure peace and justice throughout
the wbrld. Before that final step can
be taken, however, each deems it
necessary first to settle the issues of
the present war upon terms which
will certainly safeguard the indepen
dence, the territorial Integrity and the
political and commercial freedom of
the nations Involved.
“In the measures to be taken to
secure the future peace of the world,
the people and government of the
United States are as vitally and as
directly interested as the govern
ments now at war. Their interest,
moreover, in the means to be adopted
to relieve the smaller and weaker peo
ples of the world of the peril of wrong
and violence is as quick and ardent
as that of any other people or gov
ernment. They stand ready, and even
eager, to co-operate In the accom
plishment of these ends, when the
war is over, with every Influence and
resource at their command.
"But the war must first be con
cluded. The terms upon which It Is
to be concluded they are not at liberty
to suggest; but the president does
feel that it is his right and his duty
to point out their intimate interest in
its conclusion, lest It should presently
be too late to accomplish the greater
things which Ue beyond this conclu
sion, that the situation of neutral na
tions, now exceedingly hard to en
dure, be rendered altogether intoler
able. and lest, more than all. an in
jury be done civilisation itself which
can never be atoned for Or repaired.
Urges Immediate Comparison of Views
"The president therefore feels alto
gether justified in suggesting an im
mediate opportunity for a comparison
of views as to the terms which must
precede those ultimate arrangements
for the peace of the world, which all
desire and in which the neutral na
tions. as well as those at war. are
ready to play the full responsible
parts. If the contest must continue
to proceed toward undefined ends by
slow attrition, until the one group of
belligerents or the other is exhausted,
if 'million after million of human lives
must continue to be offered up until
on the one side or the other there are
no more to offer, if resentments must
be kindled that can never cool and
despairs engendered from which there
can be no recovery, hopes of peace
and of the willing concert of free peo
ples will be rendered vain and idle.
"The life of the entire world has
been profoundly affected. Every part
of the great family of nations has
felt the burden and terror of this un
precedented contest of arms. No na
tion In the civilized world can be said
in truth to stand outside its influence
or to be safe against its disturbing
effects. And yet the concrete objects
for which It is being waged have never
been definitely stated.
World Left In Doubt
"The leaders of the several belliger
ents, have, as has been said, stated
those objects In general terms. But,
stated In general terms, they seem the
same on both sides. Never yet have
the authoritative spokesmen of either
side avowed the precise objects which
would, if attained, satisfy them and
their people that the war had been
fought out. The world has been left
to conjecture what definite results,
what actual exchange of guarantees,
what political or territorial changes
or readjustments, what stage of mili
tary success, even, would bring the
war to an end.
“It may be that peace is nearer
than we know; that the terms which
the belligerents on the one side and
on the other would deem it necessary
to insist upon are not so irreconcilable
as some have feared; that an Inter
change of views would clear the way
at least for conference and make the
permanent concord of the nations a
hope of the immediate future, a con
cert of nations immediately practica
ble.
Merely Proposes Soundings
“The president is not proposing
peace; he is not even offering media
tion. He is merely proposing that
soundings be taken in order that we
may learn, the neutral nations with
the belligerent, how near the haven
of peace may be for which all man
kind longs with an intense and in
creasing longing. He believes that the
spirit in which he speaks and the ob
jects which he seeks will be under
stood by all concerned, and he confi
dently hopes for a response which will
bring a new light into the affairs of
the world."
The note to the entente group will
be delivered to Great Britain. France.
Italy. Japan. Russia. Belgium, Monte
negro, Portugal. Rumania and Servia.
That to the central allies will be deliv
ered to Germany. Austria-Hungary,
Turkey and Bulgaria. It Is being de
livered to all neutral governments for
their information.
Reassurance Given
President Wilson's note to the bel
ligerents. urging discussion of peace,
was officially interpreted at Washing
ton Thursday as not bearing any
threat that the United States might
be forced to enter the war. because
of the continued invasion of its rights
hv the warring powers on both sides
This Interpretation was made lata
Thursday by Secretary Lansing in a
formal statement issued to overtake
what were characterised as widespread
misconstructions placed on one given
out earlier in the day saying that be
cause of the increasingly critical po
sition of the United States as a neu
tral it was entitled to know exactly
what each belligerent seeks in order
that ft might regulate its conduct for
the future.
Secretary Lansing’s final statement,
formally prepared and issued after he
had been called to the White House
for a conference with President Wil
son. declared he had not intended to
Intimate that the United States was
considering any change in its policy
of neutrality and that the whole tone
and language of the note were suffi
cient to Indicate its purpose without
further comment on his part.
Mr Lansing** first statement, made
orally and of which no official copy
was distributed. led to exaggerations
of its language and purpose through
out official Washington. Its most
striking phrases, on which the widest
speculation was based, were that the
United States was "drawing nearer
the verge of war." and that the send
ing of the note "will indicate the pol
icy of our being forced into the war.’
and that neither he nor President Wil
son regarded the note “as a peace
note."
Constamatien Among Diplomata
1 • '* •’ • ’ ’ ;; ' ' - ’• • ■” ‘ s^';
THE SPRINGFIELD WEEKLY REPUBLICAN: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1916
the capital it created the greatest con
sternation in official circles and among
the foreign diplomats, many of whom
were calling at the state department
to receive their copies of the note dis
patched to their capitals. It became
apparent that the secretary's state
ment was not fully approved at the
white House, and that there was
question as to the wisdom of making
any comment that might be regarded
as an addition to the note. The White
House was concerned lest any word
reach the foreign capitals to be con
strued as indicating that the Amer
ican note was anything but what it
indicated on Its face. So. after a con
ference between President Wilson and
Secretary Lansing, the second state
ment was formally prepared and dis
tributed at the state department. The
two statements are printed elsewhere.
Entente diplomats, at first at an ut
ter loss how to handle the unexpect
ed situation, became convinced that a
clearer understanding of the necessi
ties and purposes of the United States
proved that their fear of a move fa
vorable to Oumanv was not contem
plated. and that this country would
not try to force peace on Europe. The
view grew that the United States
feared that, unless the peace propos
als go through now. a period of i-uth
lessn»ss and retaliation may set in on
both sides which will Inevitably force
this country Into action.
Advise Kindly Spirit
It is indicated, therefore, that the
allied diplomats will advise their gov
ernments to view the note in a '-’-317
spirit and go as far as possible toward
meeting the wishes of the United
States. No indication was vouchsafed,
however, as to whether the replies
will be identic or Individual in form
or general or specific in nature.
Secretary Lansing in calling in the
diplomatic representatives of the bel
ligerents Is understood to have made
it clear to them individually that the
United States expected the replies of
their governments to be absolutely
frank in all details. The idea was
gathered that the United States was
looking forward to forming itself into
a clearing house, at least for views
and probably for terms.
The general understanding was that
bhe purpose of this explanation was
to enable the envoys to communicate
to their own governments the under
lying purpose of the president’s action
at this time. Further the opinion pre
vailed that the United States' expected
tn be fully informed of all terms, in
cluding those relating to territory.
Peace Terms to be Passed on Secretly
It is felt In various diplomatic quar
ters that, while statements regarding
terms, especially those concerning ter
ritory, might readily be passed along
by the United States, they must not.
U the negotiations are to have the
slightest chance of success, be eon
ve’-ed to the public generally. Should
definite territorial terms be made pub
lic, it Is feared a certain section of
public opinion In the countries affect
ed would foment* additional embar
rassments.
The world diplomatic crisis seemed
I temporarily moved to Washington dur
. ing the day because of the president’s
note. Secretary Lansing's comment
and the anxiety of the diplomatic
corps to understand the American pur
pose By noon all the ranking dlplo
[ mats from »he belligerent countries
had called at the state department,
necessitating for the first time in
'nn’hs extreme care to prevent meet
; Ings between representatives from hos-
Sile states.
The president’s note was declared
at Washington Thursday to be a
"h:t around the whole circle" without
intention of favoring or condemning
either belligerent group to the
prejudice of the other. Neverthe
less certain facts are cited os indi
cating beyond doubt where the ch'ef
tension lies at present in the rela
tions oi this country as between the
two groups.
With the entente, apart from a
little trouble over Count Tarnowskl.
it was pointed out. there has been no
published diplomatic correspondence
for months This country owes re
plies on both the blacklist and the
mail seizures. Trade matters have
been very vexing, but have largely
beer, settled out of court without pub
licity. ’
Strained Relations With Central
Powers
Toward the central powers, how
ever. and particularly in the past
month, a decided feeling of tension
has been evident in the sending of
about a dozen inquiries on submarine
sink' vm followed by publication of
the • •’tails and also by the corre
spondence on the Belgian deporta
tions.
It became evident that it is on the
Ma it is feared thia country may tie
caught between conflicting belligerent
interests. Lloyd George's statements
tint all British shins will be national
ized. together with the apparently
t fficial German decision to treat such
elnp* a:s liable to sinking on sight,
has leu tn the growing conviction that
ft will tie essential for the safety of
Americans, both passengers and
sailers, to lay down some flat dis
tinctions as to what are private ships
and what are naval auxiliaries.
LANSING’S WORDS ‘
What Excited Capital—Secretary’s
Statement Regarding “Verge of
War” That Disturbed Diplomats
and His Later Explanation
Tte statement given out bv Secre
tary Lansing at Washington Thursday
which caused something of a sensa
tion on account of misinterpretation. Is
printed below, along with a later state
ment explaining the first: —
“The reasons for the sending of the
notes were as follows: It is not our
material interest we had In mind when
the note was sent, but more and
more our own rights are becoming In
volved by the belligerents on both
sides, so that the situation is becom
ing increasingly critical.
"I mean by that that we are drawing
nearer the verge of war ourselves, and
therefore we are entitled to know ex
actly what each belligerent seek* In
order that we may regulate our con
duct In the future.
“No nation has been sounded. No
consideration of the German overtures
or of the speech of Lloyd George wa*
taken into account In the formulation
of the document. The only thing th*
overture* -did was to delay it a few
days. It wa* not decided to send it
until Monday, Of course the difficulties
thst far* the president were that it
might be construed as a movement
toward peace and in aid of the Ger
man bverture*. He specifically de
■nie* that that was the fact in the doc
ument Itself.
"Th* sending of thl* note will Indi
cate the posslbUbv our being forced
Into the war. That possibility ought
to serve a* a restraining and sobering
force, safeguarding American rights.
It may also serve to force an earlier
conclusion of the war. Neither the
to get the belligerents to define the
end for which they are fighting.”
Explains Statement Later
Secretary Lansing later gave oilt
the following supplementary state
ment —
“I have learned from several quar
ters that a wrong impression was made
by the statement which I made this
morning, and I wish to correct that
Impression. My Intention was to sug
gest the very direct and necessary
interest which this country as one of
the neutral nations has in the possible
terms which the belligerents may have
in mind, and I did not intend to inti
mate that the government was consid
ering any change in its policy of neu
trality which it has consistently pur
sued in the face of constantly increas
ing difficulties.
"I regret that my words were open
to any other construction and now
realize that they were. I think that the
whole tone and language of the note
to the belligerents show the purpose
without further comment on my part.
It Is needless to say that I am un
reservedly in support of that purpose
and hope to see it accepted.”
WILL NOT CHANGE POLICY
BRITISH FEELING ON NOTE
Position of Allies Already Deter
mined—Wilson’s Action Still
London Sensation
Chief interest at London concerning
President Wilson’s note to the bel
ligerent and neutral powers on the
possibilities of the belligerents making
known their requirements concerrning
peace, now centers upon the recep
tion of the document by the central
powers, said a dispatch from London
Friday night The first advices received
from Germany regarding the note
show enthusiasm over it, the reverse
of the British attitude. The note con
tinues to be the only subject of in
terest at London. Its only parallel
in Anglo-American relations as re
gards the sensation It created was
President Cleveland’s Venezuelan mes
sage. and the two documents are
coupled as having created a similar
impression.
All discussion in British official
quarters emphasizes the point that
the policy of the allies and their pro
cedure toward the peace overtures of
the central powers will not be altered
by President Wilson's appearance
upon the stage as a participant in
events. The entente allies will pre
sent their reply to the central powers
very soon, and a reply to President
Wilson will come later, but probably
not within a fortnight. The reply to
the central powers had virtually been
arranged when President Wilson’s
note was delivered, and will take its
predestined course.
The answer to President Wilson re
quires a further exchange of views
among the entente, although there Is
little doubt that the general tenor of
both notes will follow the same line,
being based on the official speeches
of David Lloyd George, the British
prime minister. Aristide Briand, the
French premier. Baron Sonnlno, tho
Italian foreign minister, and M Pok
rovsky. the Russian foreign minister.,
as containing a full exposition of the
policy of the entente. > ■ i.c
BRITAIN IS STARTLES ;
.ns.
By Wilson Peace Mote—Berlin. Must
State Terms Before Allies Can 1
Attend Council
Absolute and startling surprise was
the first feeling In Great Britain
aroused by President Wilson’s note,
said a dispatch from London Thurs
day. The government was surprised
and frankly admitted it. The members
of Parliament were equally surprised,
when the news spread through both
houses during the afternoon session.
When the editorials of the British
newspapers were written Secretary
Lansing’s statements had not been re
ceived. No London papers, not even
the semipacifist London Daily News,
welcomes America’s action, while the
Dally Chronicle, always a leader in
movements promoting Anglo-Ameri
can friendship, particularly objects to
its general tenor and says that the
note serves to second Germany’s ad
vances. , ■ .
Bonar Law’s speech in the House
of Commons was regarded at West
minster as a direct answer to Presi
dent Wilson. It. was delivered with
a degree of feeling which Mr Law,
the most unemotional of statesmen,
had never displayed before. Corporal
Hastings B. L. Smith, to whom he re
plied. is a liberal member. who op
posed conscription and he spoke as
one from the ranks at the front.
The newspaper offices were sur
prised and undoubtedly the public will
be equally surprised when they read
Embassador Page's statement to the
British foreign office in the morning
papers. All information from America
in the past feW days, both in dis
patches from the usually best Informed
Washington correspondents and in
advises to the banking and business
firms, has said that the president had
no intention of taking any steps to
ward peace or making any move in
European affairs. When he trans
mitted Germany's note to Great
Britain w'tliout comment, it was as
sumed that this action represented
his general attitude towards the Eu
ropean situation.
Most of the newspapers commented
upon this course with satisfaction.
The tenor of their comments Friday
was that Premier David Lloyd
George’s speech and the speeches of
the Russ'an. French and Italian
statesmen have affirmed the allies’ po
sition and that, unless the German
government gives notice of the nature
of the proposals which It would bring
to a conference, the allies cannot ac
cept the Invitation to ait around a Eu
ropean council table for a discussion
of its terms.
Comment on Lloyd George Speech
The London Dally Mall, which is
close to Premier Lloyd George. Thurs
day morning gave prominence to
the following: “The Germanic and
neutral press views on Mr Lloyd
George’s refusal of the German peace
offer largely take the standpoint, that
be did not clone the door to peace.
The actual fact, however, is that he
entirely declined peace on anything
except the alite*’ terms, and the door
obviously remains open only it Ger
many is willing to accept those
terms, which are complete restitu
tion, full reparation and effectual
guarantees.”
The London ^tar, which, as well
as the Dally New*. has pacifist ten
dencies. says that Premier ’Lloyd
Lloyd George’s statement that the
British welcome the German, de
velopment as long as it-was on the
paths of peace has not received th*
attention It merit*. "On the whole,
the prosprct. before humanity i* no;
mas,” the Star. continues. "The na
tions have reached the stage of talk
ing about peace. If they, are talking,
at each other rather than talking to
each other it is because the dawn of
peace is only starting to break.
There may be many weary hours be
fore dawn blossoms Into sunrise, but
a faint light already is seen in the
eastern sl|y.”
The Evening Globe says: "It to ur
gently necessary that the people of
this country should not think rejec
tion of Germany’s peace proposal will
end the peace plot. On the contrary,
there is certain knowledge that other
moves are to be expected. One of
them is the new bluff of Embassador
von Bernstorff that Germany is ready
to disclose her terms and might even
be willing to compensate Belgium. In
the United States the German's are
even talking of ‘guaranties for the
future.’ The allied governments yClll
know hbw to deal with these and
other developments."
MESSAGE AN INSULT
London Daily Chronicle’s Comment
—Virtual Appendix to German
Note
The London Daily News, which is
the nearest to pacifist among the
London newspapers, said Thursday re
garding President Wilson’s note: :"No
one can fail to appreciate the spirit
in which the' proposal is made or to
approve the cautious terms in which
it is couched. The history of the
great struggle in his Own country is
too recent and too memorable for
President Wilson to be unaware of
the perils of too hasty intervention.
From our side it was the specter of
European intervention that haunted
Lincoln, especially in. those days
when the cause of the North Was
passing through its darkest phase:’’
The Daily Chronicle says: "As a
liberal newspaper which has always
made a special feature of. endeavor
ing to bring Great Britain and Amer
ica closer together and through evil
report as well as good has cham
pioned the progressive ideals of the
United States in this country, we’ask
our friends across the Atlantic to be
lieve us no American state paper in
our generation has been calculated to
cause so much pain, not merely to
Englishmen, but to liberal opinion
throughout southern and western
Europe. The note Is. in effect, how
ever different be its intention, an ap
pendix to that. lately received from
Berlin.”
Saying that it is not based on ths
grounds of humanity or injury to th
United States, the Dally Chronicle
says: “We are bound to observe that
with only the recent exception in the
matter, of the Belgian slave raids in
which the enemy flouted his remon
strances, President Wilson never in
the face of unparalleled openings in
tervened on the ground of humanity
before.” The newspaper then recounts
a list of alleged German outrages in
Belgium and elsewhere on which it
says President Wilson remained silent.
It adds that he protested against the
Lusitania. Ancona and Sussex "massa
cres” not because they were inhumane,
but because Americans perished by
their Inhumanity. "With this llne^-
that humanity did not warrant inter
vention but American interests did —•
we have never quarreled.” continues
the Daily Chronicle, "but since he
omitted to intervene to stop crime Is
it consistent he should intervene now
to hinder others from punishing tha
priminal^?”
The newspaper considers President
Wilson’s statement that the objects
Of both belligerents are virtually the
same is m'bst painful fdr 'European
liberals, and adds: “The president did
not intend his words as ah’ insult, but
they are deeply insulting none the
less, and none of the allied peoples
can be expected to relish them. The
good intentions of the note we do not
impugn. Behind all its infelicities and
Its great inopportuneness stands the
figure of the statesman we respect,
but he has made a profound mistake."
The London Dally Mail says: "The
greatest astonishment will be caused
in this country by the news that the
president of the United States has
signalized his re-election bv dispatch
ing to the allies and enemy powers
a note in which he expresses the
opinion that the time has come for
both sides to state their terms of
peace. The document was evidently
prepared before Mr Lloyd George had
uttered his historic speech Tuesday.
The result is that it has been an
swered before its delivery, for the
allies' terms of peace are now known
to all.
"Nor is there any possibility of
considering peace in any form until
Germany has retired within her own
borders. It would be a simple af
front to the allies to ask them to dis
cusk terms while the enemy Is still
In occupation of Belgium, northern
France. Poland. Rumania. Servia
and Montenegro. We cannot lor a
moment .suppose that Mr Wilson re
gards negotiations possible for
France while the Germans hold Lille
ore almost within sight of Paris, and
are still hammering with their gur.it
upon he noble cathedral of Rheims.
"The United States owes an Im
mense debt, to France, its sister repub
lic. which it cannot liquidate by coun
seling an ignoble surrender.”
The Daily Telegraph in An editorial,
In common with the other newspapers,
says nobody will imputp anything hut
the worthiest of motives and the sin
cerest purpose of impartiality between
the combatants to President Wilson,
tut considers his note inopportune.
The Telegraph believe* that a great
many of President Wilson's fellow
citizens will take th* same view, and
says it thinks It is a misunderstanding
of the high interests of humanity to
believe they can best be served by
bringing about peace. It asks what
the North would have thought if a
neutral power Had addressed such an
appeal to It about the time of Vicks
burg and Gettysburg.
HEAT FROM BONAR LAW
Peace Offers Discussed—Soldier
Member of Commons Urgres
That German Proposals Ba Dis
closed
There was further discussion of
Germany's peace offers In the House
of Common* at London Thursday. Sir
John A. Simon, on behalf of himself
and a group of followers, gave un
qualified support to Premier Lloyd
George’s speech in the Mouse of Com
mons and then Hastings B. L. Smith,
liberal member for Northampton. In
military uniform, sounded a new note
—urging that Mie German proposal*
be allowed to aee the light of day. An.
drew Bonar Law. chancellor of tha
exchequer, and member of the war
council, promptly rose in behalf of the
government and declared that if tha
tone of Mr Smith’s speech permeated i
the country then all the blood and
treasure which had been spent In tha
war would have beep. spent ip vain.
“My understanding.” said Mr Smith
In his address, “is that the reply of the
premier, to the German note wa* to the
man proposals should be allowed to see
the light of day. If they disclose an
aggressive purpose, then the German
people will realize that they are not
suffering and dying for their mere ex
istence, as they have been told. . . .
If It were put to a vote of the men at
the front whether—provided we could
obtain guarantees that our honorable
obligations would be fulfilled—we
should then make a serious effort to
get the parties together, then T am
certain such a proposition would be
carried by virtual unanimity.
“I am not prepared to face the
prospects of a military decision, which
means a war of attrition unless I am
convinced there Is no other way out.
I believe In the security scheme by
which the nations agree together each
to guarantee all and all guarantee
each.' An attempt to hold the cen
tral empires down by a military de
cision, followed by economic strangu
laticn, would mean carrying forward
Into peace all hostilities and hatreds
of the war. It would divide Europe
Into two hostile camps and would
make war more inevitable and deadly
than ever and would fasten conscrip
tion and militarism for ever on all
nations.” Mr Bonar Law said: —
“If the spirit of the speech to ^hich
we have just listened were to perme
ate the country. I believe that all the
blood and treasure which have been
spent In the war would have been
spent in vain. . . .
“It is all very well to say. ‘Let us
get their terms of peace.’ Yes. but
can you get any terms more binding
than the treaty for the protection of
the neutrality of Belgium? Can you
ccme to any conclusions on paper or
by promises that will give us greater
security than we had before this
war? . . .
“Not this nation alone, but the neu
tral nations will, I hope, understand
the position at which we have now
arrived. Germany has made peace
proposals. On what basis? On the
basis of her victorious armies. Is
there a man who. considering the con
ditions underwhlch this war was forced
on us and the conditions under Which
the war has been carried on. honestly
believes that the dangers and insecuri
ties from which we have suffered can
be cured in any way than by making
the Germans realize that frightfuinesi
does not pay: that militarism is not
going to rule the world?
"What are we fighting for? Not ter
ritory. not greater strength as a na
tion. We are fighting for two things
—for peace now and for security for
peace in time to come. Let the House
remember that what has happened in
this war—outrages in Belgium; out
rages by sea and land; massacres in
Armenia which Germany could have
stopped by n word —then realize this:
The war will have been fought in
vain, utterly in vain, unless we can
make sure that it shall never again
be in the power of any state to do
what Germany has done.
“Is peace to come In this war on
the basis that the greatest crime in
the world's history is to go absolutely
unpunished? It is my firm belief that
unless all the nations in the world can
be made to realize that these moral
forces must be vindicated there never
can be an enduring peace.
“I am not afraid. I am sure our
troops will fight to the end. If the
people at home, who up to now have
made few sacrifices, except the
sacrifice of those dear to them, are
determined in this matter and if they
believe that the objects for which
they are fighting can be secured, then
there is no sacrifice we are not
prepared to make.”
NOTE AN ULTIMATUM
Premier Hughes of Australia Says
it is Purely in America’s Inter
ests
A Reuter dispatch from Melbourne
to London Sunday quotes Premier
Hughes of the Australian common
wealth as follows In reference to Se>
retary of State Lansing’s explanation
of President Wilson’s note to the bel
ligerents: —
“Under the guise of an addenda to
tnc peace note deploring the war. the
explanation abruptly discloses that the
situation is critical enough to bring
the mediator to the verge of war. The
peace note cannot be read apart from
the thinly-veiled demand to know the
allies' intentions, not for the purpose
of mediation, but in America’s inter
ests. Seen in this light, the note is
more of an ultimatum than an effert
at mediation."
Premier Hughes, adds the dispatch,
has received an invitation to attend
the imperial conferences early next
year, and it is believed he will ac
cept.
WILL SEND IDENTIC NOTE
Allies Reply to Wilson—London
Feels Sure of Solidarity of En
tente Z '■■■
li. official and diplomatic circles lq
London, it was generally predlcta.l
Friday that President Widaoq'* note
tn the belligerents would be met by an
identic reply from the entente powers.
This method of answering the note
will differ from the reuiv to be made
bv the entente nations to the German
peace note, in which it is understood
that, while agreeing to the general
principles, each member of the entente
will be free to express anv individual
views Which thev may feel it desir
able to utter.
For the foregoing reason it is hard
ly likely there will be an early reply
-o President Wilson’? note, as it is
expected full consultations between
diplomatists of the entente countries
will take place before a formal reply
Is made.
The attitude of both Russia and
Italy in regard to the German peace
note was received in official circles at
London with the utmost pleasure, ee
neoially that of Italy as expressed In
the speech of the Italian foreign min
ister. Baron Sonnlno. While declin
ing to make anv official statement It
in readily apparent that the British
foreign Office feels that the solidarity
of the entente never was stronger than
it 1* to-day.
BERLIN REJOICES
Wilson Peace Move Has a Great
Welcome 1
The announcement of President
V/vson'e peace endeavor, received
through the Associated Pres*, was ao
•rorded a tremendous welcome in Ber
lin. say* a dispatch from the German
capital. The impression of official and
newspaper circles appeared in the
neon • edition* under large display
headlines as th* all-important news of
the Christmas season, reviving the In
terest in the German peace overture,
which had sunk to • low point under
the influence of the preliminary deela
, rations of statesmen of the entente
power*. ■ -
The American embassy, to which
the embassador. Jame* W. Gerard,
returned Uta Thursday night from
New York, th* Associated Press cor-
information concerning the president’*
peace note, but nothing beyond the
press dispatches could be given.
FRANCE’S FRIENDLY VIEW
Newspaper Comment on President
Wilson’s Peace Notes
“A dramatic stroke,?, is tho way
L'lntranslgeant of Paris, heads Pres
ident WHSon's note to the belligerents.
Commenting on the note, the newspa
per says: “Everybody will understand
the importance of America’s act. Mr
Wilson’s proposal is clear. The United
States has had to suffer from the war.
Germany Is torpedoing its boats and
tun United States is sending us materi
al and already has given us financial
aid.
“It is natural that the president
should desire to know the purposes of
the belligerents. Certainly this act
will disarrange the sly maneuver Ger
many is seeking to accomplish at this
time. Since the enemy has provoked
| peace efforts, it is right that he should
explkfi clearly just what he wants and
that he lay down his cards. He will
not be able to escape the request of
the American government. As to us, we
know why we are fighting. Lloyd
George explained It clearly in the Brit
ish House of Commons. We are fight
ing because we were attacked and be
cause we do not want to be attacked
again."
“Oh the eve of the Christmas holi
days,” says La Liberte. "President
Wilson would greet the dove of peace
with greater pleasure, since he fears
to see his country drawn into the'
melee. The submarine warfare which
Germany threatens to wage to the ut
most, regardless of promises made, if
its peace overtures are ineffective, may
draw the United States into the world
conflict. Secretary Lansing expressed
that fear and it is what American
public opinion dreads.
“We should certainly be desolated
if its dignity and interests obliged the
Washington government to break with
perjured and barbarous Germany. More
than any other country France, which
was attacked without the shadow of
a pretext, knows what there is of trag
edy in such an hour, but we cannot
help it. Our American friends must
take into the account the fact that
we are struggling for ends common to
them and to us. For civilization and
right we are making war on war and
to prevent forever the return of heta
eombs such as the universe now con
temnlates with terror.
“To President Wilson’s suggestion
we Frenchmen can make no other re
ply than that of Lloyd George’s, Let
the Germans restore territory, let them
give reparation and let them offer
guarantees assuring a real, not a pre
carious peace, and .we shall be happy
to replv to the prayer of President
Wilson.”
The Paris Temps, which carries
great political weight, after allud
ing to what it terms the courteous
and precise form of President Wil
son’s note, says: “It certainly seems
thar the Washington cabinet in its
desire for peace has neglected to look
the problem in the face and weigh
the real evidence. President Wil
son’s fundamental error dates far
back, to his refusal to pass upon the
initial responsibility for the war.
Judge what the two groups of bel
ligerents say and think about peace!
Can one forget that one of them de
liberately broke the peace while the
other did everything to keep it?”
The Temps remarks that President
Wilson seems to see in Chancellor
von Bethmann-Hollweg’s speech a
declaration of respect for the rights
of small powers, and asks: "Can one
forget in this connection the wrong
of Austria against Servia; the wrongs
of Germany against Belgium?" After
saying that the war map put forward
by Germany in her peace proposals
presents only an outward, momen
tary appearance of the situation, the
Temps concludes: “The wish of the
United States for neace was ours and
that of cur allies 30 months ago. The
war was imposed on us by a people
eager for conquests, and now we
want that victory which alone will
create a durable peace.” ,
LAWSON HAD MARKET TIP
Prophesies Bigger Leak—Similar
News Outlets Have Ocwirred for
Past 20 Years, He Sav*
Special Dispatch to The Republican
BOSTON. Saturday. December 23
Thomas W. tLaWson. who cleaned
up millions in the stock crash that
followed the Wilson peace note, ac
knowledged to-day that information
on the "clean-up” came directly
through official Washington. He said
♦hat an even bigger "leak" would oc
cur this week.
Lawson's statement, which came
out on his "flimsy.” was: —
"Between now and . there will
be something specific and particular
happen that will make last week's
leaks appear cUpid dronhi to reservoir
tappings by comparison.
"There were not only leaks lust
week, but similar leaks In almost al!
Important Washington doings, partic
ularly sunreme court doings, during
the past 20 years, and lieneficiaries of
the leakings were thdse public guardi
ans who howl loudest for leak Investi
gations. What are you going to do
about it?
“Thts week's leaks netted sumo men
millions and netted the public raw
hell: but what are you going to do
about it?
“To assist you in doing something,
I call your attention to the coming
next Week's leak, which should make
prices so low that those of last week
will appear Woolworth top-tower lan
terns by comparison,
“P. B.—Did you know, Messrs
Washington leak tracer*, that the leak
beneficiaries are thumbing their noses
at you? Well, you ought to.”
LANSING WORLD WELCOME IT
Stock Speculation Inquiry Has No
Fears for Him
Secretary Lansing said at Washing
ton Saturday that the state depart
ment would welcome an Investigation
to show whether government officials
profited through stock speculation re
sulting from his two statements re
garding President Wilson’s pfeace note,
such as was proposed in the House
on Friday In a resolution by Repre
sentative Woods of Indiana.
“I don't know much about thl* res
olution.” said Mr Lansing, “but if thebe
1* the slightest doubt about the two
statements issued by me I should wel
come an investigation to remove It.
Personally I don't know, anything
about stocks and should not know how
to speculate If I wanted to. Wall
street has always been e. mystery
tc me."
Counselor Polk said: “It such a
charge Is being pressed In good falrb
'it ought to be investigated without
delay. Officials of the department
would welcome it."
Maj-Gen O’Ryan of the New York
national guard, back from the border,
uyk that the militiamen were the
j snows DB"t spirit.
SWITZERLAND JOINS
NOTE TO BELLIGERENTS
READY TO ACT IN ANY WAY
Message Declares That President’s
Initiative “Will Find a Mighty,,
Echo in Switzerland”
Switzerland in a note to all of tho
warring powers ha's announced its
support of President Wilson’s appeal
for a discussion of peace terms, say
ing. "it would consider itself happy if
It could act in any, no matter how
modest, way for the rapprochement
of the peoples now engaged in the
struggle and for a lasting peace.”
The note was sent to the belliger
ents Saturday by the Swiss federal
council, and Dr Paul Ritter, minister
of Switzerland here, sent a copy to the
White House. Secretary Lansing mgde
it public Sunday night. The trans
lated text follows: —
"The president of the United States
of America, with whom the Swiss fed
eral council, guided by its warm de
sire that the hostilities may soon come
to an end. has for a considerable time
been in touch; had the kindness to
apprise the federal council of the
peace note sent bo the governments of
the central and entente powers. In
this note President Wilson discusses
the great desirability of internal agree- .
ments for the purpose of avoiding
more effectively and permanently the
occurrence of catastrophes such as the
one under which ths people are Suf
fering to-day. In this connection he
lays particular stress on the neces
sity for bringing about the end of
the present war. Without making
peace proposals himself or, offering
mediation, ho confines himself to
sounding as to whether mankind may
hope to have approached the haven of
peace. .
“The most meritorious personal In
itiative of President Wilson will find a
mighty echo in Switzerland. True to
the obligations arising from observing
the strictest neutrality, united by. the
same friendship with the states of
both wai-ring groups of powers.' situat
ed like an island amidst the seething
waves of tho terrible .world war, with
its ideal'and material Interests most
sensibly jeopardized and violated, our
country is filled with a deep longing
for peace, and ready, to assist by Its
small means to stop the endless suf
ferings caused by the war and brought
before its eyes by dally contact with
the interned, the severely wounded
and those expelled, and to establish the
foundation' for a beneficial co-opera
tion of the peoples.
“The Swiss federal -council is there
fore glad to seize the opportunity to
support the efforts of the president of
the United States. It would consider
itself happy if it could act in anv.
no matter how modest, way for the
rapprochement of the peoples now en
gaged in the struggle and for reach
ing a lasting peace.”
FRENCH VIEW OF SWISS NOTE
Press and Public Stirred Anew by
Appearance of Message <
The unanimous vote of the French
Senate, affirming that France can
not conclude peace with ah Cqe^iy
who occupies French territory, com
ing ^t the sanie time as the peace
note of the Swiss government, has
stirred anew the French press and
public. The action of the Senate gave
further indication of the attitude of the
allies toward President Wilson’s pro
posals. while confidence voted in the
Briand ministry was regarded most
favorably. The foreign affairs com
mittee of the Chamber devoted a large
part of the session Saturday to 'an
eximination of President Wilson’s
note. ■ ‘:
The Petit Journal suggests that
President Wilson, in sending the note,
knew he would have the support of
Switzerland; and says: “France
respects its neighbor, menaced like
Belgium perhaps, but France, which
did not want war. knows that there
are suggestions that honor and in
terest prevent it from hearing.''
The Petit I’arislen says that the
Swiss note confirms one of the
declarations of President; Wilson,
referring to discussions engaged in
five weeks ago between Berne’ and
Washington. It adds: "The note de
serves the same courteous examina
tion and reserve. France will not for
! get the treatment by the Swiss of the
Interned and repatriated people, but
has a right to recall that as to the
war the entente nllies cannot lie
place 1 on the same footing as the
central powers.”
The Echo de Paris says: “Guy
resolution will demonstrate once more
I that the federal council would be mis
taken as to the feeling of the allies,
and the French in particular. I* It be
lieved them disposed to negotiate with
Germany. Germans- has attempted the
same effort In Switzerland as in. the
other European neutral countries to
procure benevolent Intervention.
Pw’tzerland needs the victory of the
allies. to prevent her own absorption
by Germany."
The Matin says: "It must be re
marked that the federal council sup
ports the efforts of America without
associating Itself' with regarn to the
questions. Instead of asking the gov
ernments to make known the objects
of the war, it limits Itself to the very
honorable wish that peace be con
cluded now and homage is to be
rendered to the sentiments dictating
the note." '
CONGRATULATED BY BRYAN
WI, ■ ' Illi I —A ' * .
Former Secretary Says President
Haa Rendered World an Invalu
able Service .
President Wilson Thursday received
a telegram from former Secretary Bry
ar. congratulating him on hi» note to
th* belligerents. It said: “You have
rendered an invaluable‘servio* to n
war-strjcken worlu lr asking the- bel
ligerent nations to set -forth tn specific
term* the concession* and assurance*
which they deem necessary to the
establishment of a lasting peace. It
would be a reflection upon the nations
at war to’ doubt that they know the
end* for which they are fighting, or
to assume that they have any "pur
ptues which they are unwilling to re
veal. - v .
"A definite statement by both sides,
no matter how far these statement*
may be apart, wijl clear the ale. and
afford a phslß for negotiations, and
when negotiation* begin they are not
likely to terminate until an agreement,
Is reached, because neither ' side will
consent to assume responsibility fori
continuing the unspeakable horrors oti
thl* conflM. If any reasonable ♦ arms i
cah be secured. t ■ I
“Accept cordial congratu'atlon*' an<i}
my earnest wish for the success at the/
-movement which «you hew* Jmul
Knnor tu inst tiirtimto.?* i