The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1914-08-07
WILSON PROFFERS AID
TOWARDS ENDING WAR
Seeks to Help Restore Peace to Strick
en- Europe-Urges Members of
Hague to Enter Upon Dis
cussiOn of Settlement of
War Troubles.


War Troubles.
Washington, Aug. 5.-President
Wilson today formally offered the SER
vices of the United States govern
ment to the warning nations of Eu-
rope to discuss terms of peace. He
rendered what technically is phrased
as good Offices" which, if accepted
in principle, would be followed by
conference of representatives of the
powers of Europe in which the United
States would play the role of medita-
tor
Under The Hague convention, to
which all European nations except
Servia, are signotories, neutral ma
tion is urged in time of international
conflict to tender her good offices /,
contending powers. Acting under the
terms of The Hague convention the
president cabled Emperor William of
Germany, Emperor Nicholas of Rus
sia, Emperor Francis Joseph of Aus
tria, King George of Great Britain
and President Poincare of France as
follows:
GAS official head of one of the
powers signatory to The Hague con-
vention, / feel it to be my privilege
convention to say to you in a spirit of
most earnest friendship that I should
welcome an opportunity to act in the
interest of European peace either
now or at any other time that might
be thought more suitable as an oc. as
ion to serve you and all concerned in
way that would afford me lasting
cause for gratitude and happiness.
(Signed) "Woodrow Wilson.
Late today Secretary Bryan sum-
moned all European diplomats in the.
city and gave them copy of the tele-
gram, in the hope that they would
transmit it to their governments ant.
urge acceptance of the order. The
Austrian ambassador. representatives
of the British, Russion, German and
French embassies and Belgium le-
cation called at the department.
Mr. Bryan delivered the message to
representatives of the legation of The
Netherlands and other countries indi-
rectly involved as a matter of in
formation to their foreign affices.
Has Gone Too Far.
Some of the diplomats told news
paper men they believed the situation
had gone too far to be halted by me-
diation. The Austrian ambassador
thought, however, sudden turn in
the war might influence an accept
ance.
The offer of the United States was
made after many days of careful con-
sideration, by the president and cabl-
net. From the first idea has been in
the minds of administration officials,
but as long as European nations were
endeavoring to adjust the situation
Mr.. Wilson thought it was the tradi-
tional duty of the American govern
ment not to interfere.
When virtually all Europe suddenly
became involved and the United
States stood forth as the SOLITARY
power of absolute neutrality the pres
ident acted with dispatch. He wrote
the brief note and sent it to Secretary
Bryan, who promptly approved it,
and last night the messages were sent
to Europe.
From the character of inquiries
made by American diplomats of their
own initiative, the prospect for an
acceptance by some of the European
nations was considered bright.
May Avert War.
Great Britain and her allies, it is
believed, will accept, but no assur-
ance has come from Germany. Should
the emperor agree, it is thought the
entire situation will be settled and a
great war averted.
The central theme of mediation,
which is to suspend hostilities with
out ceasing military preparations end
discuss peace in a conciliatory spirit,
is embodied in 20 peace treaties draft-
ed by Secretary Bryan, which were
reported favorably by the senate COM
mittee on foreign relations today. Ac-
tion was taken at this time with the
hope of exerting a moral influence for
peace in the present situation. The
treaties would provide an information
al commission to investigate causes
of disputes within a period Of six
months or more before resorting to
arms.
The president and Mr.. Bryan await
ed tonight answers to their messages
to Europe, which difficulties in com
munication may delay several days
Some countries, it was pointed out,
may purposely delay their answers
until later in the conbict.
The presidents offer leaves it open
to them to accept, if not now, at any
time as the situation develops.