The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-08-06
Diplomats Summoned by Bryan and Urged to Dis cuss Acceptance of Offer
 With Respective Nations
MANY DIPLOMATS THINK SITUATION
 HAS GONE TOO FAR
Great Britain and Allies, It Is Be. lieved, Would Welcome Media ton, But No Assurance Has Come From Ger
 man Ruler

Washington. August 5.-Prcsident Wilson today formally offered the ser vices of the United States eovernment to the warning nations of Europe should they desire to discuss terms of peace. He rendered what technically fs phrnscd as good offices" which if ac- cepted in principle, would be followed by conference of representatives of the powers of Europe in which the Uni ted stntcs would play the role of me- diator.
 Under The Hague convention, to which all European nations, except Scrvia, are signatories, a neutral na- tior is urged in time Of international conflict to tender her good offices to cohtending powers. Acting under the terms of The Hague convention, the President cabled Emperor William of Germany, Emperor Nicholas of Russia Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria, King George of Great Britain and President Poincare of France as follows:
 As official head of one of the pow CTS signatory to The Hague convention, l feel 1t to be my privilege and my duty. under article 3 of that conven- tion, to say to you in spirit of most earnest friendship, that l should well come an opportunity to act in the in- terest of European peace, either now or any other time that might be thought more suitable as an occasion to serve you and all concerned in a way that would afford me lasting cause for grati- tude and happiness.
 WOODROW WILSON"
 Late today Secretary Bryan sum- rsoned all European diplomats in the city and gave them a copy of the tele- Ege.n in the hope that they would transmit it to their governments and urge acceptance of the tender. The Austrian ambassador. representatives of the British, Russian. German and French embassies and Belgian lega- tor called at the department.
 Mir. Bryan delivered the message to Representatives of the legation of The Netherlands and other countries not directly involved as a matter of in- f9s nation to their foreign offices. Some Of the diplomats told newspaper men they believed the situation had gone too far to be halted by mediation. The Austrian ambassador thought, however a sudden turn in the war might in f1uence an acceptance.
 The offer of the United States was made after many days of careful con slderation by the President and cab ii'et. From the first the idea has been in the minds of administration off cials but as long as European nations Were endeavoring to adjust the situa- tlon MT. Wilson thought it was tho traditional duty of the American gov erEment not to interfere.
 When virtually all Europe suddenly 'rcame involved and the United States stood forth as the solitary power of absolute neutrality the President acted with disUltch. He wrote the brief note, sent it to Secretary Bryan, who prompt 1y a%SSoved and late last night the messages were sent to Europe
 From the character of inquiries made Ky American diplomats of their own Initiative the prospect for an accept sice by some of the European nations was considered bright. Great Britain spd her allies. 1t is believed. will ac- celV, but no assurance has come from Gtin>>y. Should the Emperor agree, it is thought the entire situation would be settled by pacific means and grea. war averted.
 The central theme of mediation which is to suspsHS hostilities without ceas- ing military preparations and discuss peace in a conciliatOry spirit is em- bodied in 20 peace treaties drafted by Secretary Bryan, which were reported favorably by the Senate committee on foreign relations today. Action was taken at this time with the hope of exeriing q moral influence for peace in the present situation. The treaties would provide an international com. mission to investigate causes of dis pates within period of six months or more before resorting to arms.
 The President and Mr. Bryan awaited tonight answers to their messages to Europe which difficulties in commun. icativn may delay several days. Some countries. 1t was pointed out, may pur- pose.y delay their answers until later in tho conflict. The Presidents offer leave; it open to them to accept, if not new. at any time as the situation de- velops.
 John Barrett. director general of the Pan American union. told the Presi- dent he could count on the hearty sup port of South American nations in for wnrding mediation.
 Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and dll of South America" said Mir Barrett. "are hit harder by the war .han any other part of the world and the peculiar situation in South Amer lea may prove a powerful argument with the German Emperor in causing him to listen to the Presidents pro : posa1 of mediation, especially because