Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-08-05

a neutral position the United States natur
ally will be looked to to take the lead
In mediation, and all the nations of the
western hemisphere will sympathize with
the efforts toward that end
The outcome of mediation will leave
sore spots, though, and the national and
international effects may be far-reachins
It was to avoid the difficulties and dangers
that are foreshadowed that some OF the
Presidents advisers wished him to let af-
fairs drift and make no tender, await
ing the time when the nations at war. eA-
hausted with the struggle and horritied
at blood, will turn to this country and
virtually invite the United States to un-
dertake a settlement of the differences
that caused the struggle.
Wilson Gains Friends.
From a national viewpoint democrats
are genuinely confident. The drift Of
everything in the last few weeks, they
assert, has been toward popularizing
the administration with the voters OF
the country. The confident prediction
was made by a high official of the ad-
ministration today, that the democrats
will have n walk-aWay in the Novem-
Der congressional and other elections,
if the President and the leaders will
merely sit tight and prevent any com
plica tions growing out of the European
war that viii offend German American
or other foreign-born citizens who are
voters IN the United States.
That the President did not sit tight
in the tender of his Offices to bring
about peace is disappointing to some of
them, but these said today that if the
administration took no further steps
and held off for solicitation from Eu
rope everything would turn out all
right. They have been apprehensive
that something would turn UP to spoil
the political prospects which they
claim are so good for the party.
The proffer of good offices was for
warded by Secretary Bryan to the
American embassies in the nations in
volved and through them transmitted
to the governments.
1t was said at the White House that
no intimations had been received that
such an offer would be favorably re-
ceived. President Wilson took the po-
sition that the European war was SO
stuperdous and that it's effect on the
entire world was liable to be SO last
ing that the United States, as one of
the few large neutral powers. could not
do otherwise than at least offer to be
the means for bringing about peace.
The proffer Of good offices was not
sent to the governments of Servia and
Montenegro because those countries
are not parties to The Hague conven-
ton.
Effect of Offer.
A hope that the Presidents offer
might he accepted was prevalent in
official circles. because it is not neces-
sary for any Of the warning powers to
change the present military status if
they accept it. Article seven of The
Hague convention provides:
The acceptance of mediation cannot,
unless there be an agreement to the
contrary, have the effect of interrupt
ing. delaying or hindering mobilization
or other measures or preparations for
war
IF it takes place after the commence
ment of hostilities the military opera
tions in progress are not interrupted
in the absence of an agreement to the
contrary"
John Barrett. director of the Pan
American Union, who talked with
President Wilson today. thought that
all South America would be glad to
cooperate with President Wilson for
peace. South America will be badly
hurt by the war unless the United
States can get ships to supply the
countries there with the things they
have been getting from Germany and
other European countries. so Mr.. Bar
rett told the President, and he urged
that the administrations plans to Sc
cure larger transportation be put to
work as fast a possible.
Not only. said Mr.. Barrett. is the