Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-08-06
PRESIDENT WILSON TENDERS
GOOD OFFICES OF u. S. FOR
PAC|F|CATI0N OF EUROPE
Would Have This Country Play Role of Mediator
Under Terms of the Hague Convention
Bryan Summons All European Diplomats and
Submits Copy of Telegram

son today formally offered the SER
Vices of the United States government
10 the warning nations of Europe
should they desire now or at any flu
ture time in the conflict to discuss
terms ef peace. He rendered what Is
,achniealiy phrased as good offices"
which IL accepted in principle would
be followed by a conference OF rep
resentatives of the Powers of Europe
and which the United States would
play the role of mediator.
Under the Hague Convention to
which all European nations except
Seryia, are signatories, a neutral ma
ton is permitted. even specifically
urged. in time of international con-
flict to tender her good of Offices to
centending powers. Acting under the
terms of The Hague Convention the
President eabied Emperor William OF
Germany, Emperor Nicholas of Rus
STA. emperor Francis Joseph of Aus
uia. King George of Great Britain
and President Peincaire of France as
fellows,
As official head Of one OF the pow
ers signatory to The Hague eonven-
ton, | feel it to be my privilege and
my duty under article three of that
convention to say to you, in spirit OF
NEST earnest friendship. that I should
welcome an opportunity to act in the
interest ef European peace, either now
Or any ether time that might be
thought more suitable as an occasion
10 serve you and all concerned in
way that would afford me lasting
eausa fer gratitude and happiness.
(Signed) "WooDROW WILSON,"
Late today Secretary Bryan sum
moned all European diplomats who
were in the city and gave them a copy
OF the telegram in the hope that they
would transmit 1t to their govern
nents and urge acceptance of the
tender. Mr.. Bryan delivered the mes
sage to a representative of The Meth
sriands and other countries not In
volved, but merely as matter of in
formation for their foreign Offices. The
diplomats told newspaper men they
believed the situation had gone too
Tar to be halted by mediation. The
Austrian ambassador thought, how
ever, that even If the offer were not
now accepted, a sudden turn in the
military or naval aspect of the war
might influence acceptance.
The offer OF the United States was
made after many days of careful con-
sideration by the President and his cab
met The cabinet almost unanimously
supported the proposal. From the first
the idea has been In the minds of adj
mihistration officials, but as long as Eu-
ropean nations themselves were endeav-
oring to adjust the situation Mr.. Will
son thought it was the traditional duty
OF the American government not to In
terfere.
When virtually all Europe beca me SUD-
Denly involved and the United States
: stood forth as the solitary power OF alb
soiute neutrality, the President acted
with dispatch. 1t is believed the message
20 Emperor William was delivered before
'he cable TO Germany was cut. One Of
the secretaries of the German embassy
said today he would in all events try to
get the message to his government by
wireless.
From the character of the inquiries
made by American diplomats of their
own initiative, the prospect for an ac-
cepeahce by some of the European na-
uohs was considered bright at the White
House Great Britain and her allies II
Is believed. will accept. but no assurance
OF any kind has come from Germany
Should tho Emperor agree. II is thoupht
the entire situation would be settled bv
PACING means and great war averted.
secretary Bryan has been an ayowea
champion of tho principle of mediation
aud was instrumental In urging the
american government to accept good
onoes" In the Mexican situation.
The central theme of mediation
which is to suspend hostilities without
ceasing military preparations and dis
cuss peace in a calm and conciliatory
spirit Is embodied in 20 peace treaties
GRATED by Secretary Bryan, which
were favorably reported by the Senate
committee on foreign relations TODAY
action was taken on them at this time
with the hope Of exerting a moral in.
Huence Tor peace in the present situa.
uon. The treaties would provide an In.
ternational commission to investigate
causes Of disputes within a. period q,
six months or more before resort, !
Ia arms.
Tho President and Mr.. BRYAN tonipb,
AWARDED answers to their messages II
Europe. Difficulties in communicative
may delay them several days som.
countries. 1t was pointed out. NAV de.
lay their answers until later in tn,
conflict John Barrett, director genera
OF the Pan-American Union. who dis.
cuseed mediation with the Presiden
today. told him no could count ON Tn,
hearty support of South American ma
lions in forwarding mediation.
Practically all OF South America. :
said Mr.. Barrett, "are hit harder b.
the war than any other section of tn