Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-08-03
PRESIDENT STILL
MAY AID IN PEACE
Great Powers of Europe All
Eager to Retain Friendship
of United States.

John CaIlan OLaughlin, Washington
! correspondent OF the Chicago Herald
/ sends his paper the following story:
Washington, u. c.. Aug. 3-Actuated
by high sense of duty to his country
and humanity at large, President VII.
son sought few days ago to develop
a means whereby the United States
could be OF service in restoring peace
in Europe.
His efforts failed, but the president
is by no means at the end of his string
He is considering what other measures
he can take, and If he should find a
plan which gives the slightest hope OF
success he will adopt it. If war should
come. he will keenly watch develop
ments and will seize upon any oppor-
tunity that may appear in order to
bring an end to hostilities.
The president did not construe the
prohibition of President Washington
not to mix in the affairs of Europe as
estopping him from doing all he could
in the interest of world peace. In fact.
he regards it as a duty incumbent upon
him as the chief executive of a nation
that will feel the effects of war TO
search for means TO eliminate the
struggle.
Moreover. his examination of The
Hague treaties convinced him that the
United States was bound morally to
use its influence for peace. That treaty,
which was quoted in the Herald a few
days ago in a dispatch foreshadowing
the presidents action, provides that
Powers strangers TO the dispute have
the right to offer good Offices or media
ton even during the course of hostili-
ties" and further that The contract
ing powers deem il eXpedient and de-
sirable that one or more powers.
TO the dispute, should, on
their own initiative and as far as cir
cumstances may allow. offer their good
Offices or mediation to the states at
variance"
So the president communicated an
discreet inquiry, entirely in
formal in character. directly to the
king OF England, emperor of Germany,
president of France, emperor Of Rus
STA. emperor of Austria and the king OF
Italy.
The inquiry pointed out the natural
interest OF the United States in the |
situation. II referred to our disinter-
estedness, as between the powers |
threatened with war. and our desire /
TO do everything n our power consist /
ant With absolute and impartial neu-
.rality TO prevent hostilities. II closed /
with the suggestion that II this gov
eminent could be OF service it would |
be glad to place its resources for peace
At the disposal OF the concerned states.
The responses received were all OF
he most courteous character and
,reathed friendly regard and gratitude
or the interest of the United States.
The English reply. made by Lord Grey.
vas especially friendly in tone. but 1t
declared. as did all the orner commu-
lications, that there was nothing the
Americans could do to solve the crisis
The fact that every European SOW
reign manifested appreciation Of the
IeIicate suggestion made by President
Wilson IS important. 1t demonstrates
eaIfzation of the power of the United
states and the desire TO preserve It's
friendship. IT means further that the
oor has been opened for new repre-
entations at the appropriate time in
he interest Of peace
II is apparent from the consideration
rniCn Is being SHOWN Dy EuiOpe btH
rally that this country is In an en-
liable position so far as it own peace
3 concerned. Not a single nation or
he old world desires anything but our
friendship. Germany desires US TO take
barge OF her interests In England.
.ussia and France; and Great Britain.
,ussia and France IN Germany and
.ustria This we will do.
Every one OF the powers VIII seek
D avoid action which might compli-
ate relations with US. With reason
Bile precautions on our own part-and
lese precautions will be carefully
.ken-the United States will not only
e free from participation in the war
lreatened but be able to exert pow
-fuI influence for the restoration OF
sace. II is apparent TO the triple al )
auce. made up OF Germany. Austria
nd Italy. that II the United States l
ere 10 Join the triple entente, com J.
,sed OF Great Britain, Russia and 2
rance. there would be only one end
the war. Our cooperation with the
tpIe alliance against the triple en- }
.nte would mean defeat Of the latter. L