The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-12-21

| forward. All the delegates however
declare that they know nothing about
mediation and that it is extraneous
to their mission here which is limited
to the negotiation of peace, without
| even the power of concluding it,
! For the conclusion of peace eitl.er
| they others must receive the an
thorization Of their respective gov
| ernmentS The delegates did not re-
fusc to discuss the question unotIi-
ciallH and remarked that it would be
impossible for Russia or Austria to
mediate, as both these powers are
too much interested in the settle
ment, nor could Germany, because
She is bound to Austria; nor could
Italy because of the recent war he
tween that country and Turkey.
There only remain England and
France which might be acceptable to
both parties, but their selection
might give umbrage to Germany and
| Austria.
1t was pointed out that the only
great power absolutely dislnterested
ana impartial is the United States
which in 1905 led to the conclusion
of peace between Russia and japan.
this might lead to actual mediation
This would not be the first time
that action by the United States has
made itself felt in matters concern
ing Turkey. Unofficial Intervention
by the United States had a benefcent
effect in the Turco-Italian war, when
last June the American ambassador
at Rome after an understanding with
the Italian premier, notified the
American ambassador at Constanti-
nople Of the peace conditions pro-
posed by Italy. which were exactly
those embodied in the treaty of Lau-
same.
| Ambassador Rockhill representing
county without territory or other
aspirations in the Ottoman empire,
was the main instrument in convinc-
ing the porte of the uselessness Of re-
slsiance and the advisa bility Of COM
ing to terms with Italy. The nego-
tiations through Ambassadors O'Brien
and ROckhill reached so far that Oc-
tober President Taft cabled to the
embassy at Rome, instructing the am
bassador to proffer the good offices
OF the United States officially for the
| settlement Of the war.
The next day Ambassador Brien
beng absent, Mr.. Wheeler, secretary
OF the legation, presented the offer
Of the president to Premier Giolitti,
who, although approaching the friend
ly act, regretted he would be unable
to accept it, as peace then was prac-
tically concluded.
The conference of the ambassadors
which will begin tomorrow Is called
among the diplomats the clearing
house." as they expect to agree on
Elany questions which have arisen
through the Balkan war. These oues-
tions then will be practically solved
Wnen they came up for discussion at
the future conference when the new
map of eastern Europe will be def
| Eitely settled This conference Is
| likely to take place in Paris or at The
Hague.
Russia and Austria are the most d.
rectly interested and their action will
be Of vital Importance, especially as
the Austrian ambassador to Great
Britain. Count Won Mensdorf, Is said
to be carrying with him on his re-
turn journey from Vienna the alterna-
tive OF peace or war. The Austro-
German element declares that IL the
latter course is elected Austria is ready
to draw the sword Immediately
1t is reported through Berlin to-
night that the Servian ministers in
council decided to yield the pert Of
DuraZzO on the Adriatic and that the
Servian premier, M. Patitch, is coming
to London in connection with this de-
: termination.
The first engagement between the
Greek and Turkish fleets occurred to-
day but so far as is known without
SeriOus da mage to oitbor oda