The Washington times., 1915-04-12
President Announces He Will
Not Go to Panama or San
, Francisco.
PARLEY TO END WAR NEAR
Situation SO Delicate He Thinks
He Must Oversee Negotia.
tionS in Person.

All plans for a trip to Panama this
summer were abandoned today by Pres
ident Wilson. Also 1t was announced
at the White House the President does
not contemplate a trip to the Panama
Pacific Exposition at San Francisco.
II is believed that the decision is
based on an understanding that before
summer arrives negotiations will have
been set on foot for peace In Europe.
with the United states taking an ac-
tive part.
Taken with reports from The Hague
Of international conferences which
have been in progress there, and the
appeal to the United States by Pope
Benedict XIV for aid in bringing an end
to the war, foreign diplomats attach
Significance to the Presidents aban-
donment of all plans to leave Washing
ton.
Consent Conditional.
It was recalled today that the Presi-
dent agreed only conditonally to 60 TO
Panama and San Francisco, because OF
the foreign situation
That he should have invoked this con-
dition at this time, far in advance of
summer, is interpreted as meaning that
the President, through the reports OF
his diplomatic representatives. IN Eu-
rope, has been given to understand that
the time is approaching for the United
States to renew its peace oVertures 10
the warning nations.
With this prospect the Adminstra.
ton feels that only the most cautious
procedure can prevent mishap. For
this reason, it is thought, the Presl-
dent wants to remain in Washington
during all the preliminary exchanges.
1t Is the dearest wish Of his heart to be
instrumental in bringing an end to
the war He will not, it is said, risk
the realization of this hope to the pos
sible bunglins of his subordinates.
AS evidence of the cautious. manner
IN which the Government Is acting, OIL
flcials of the State Department today
claimed to have no official connection
with the conference at Tho Hague. at
which were represented four of the
principal bclligerents. Germany. AUS
tria-Hungary. Belgium. and England.
and the leading neutral powers, the
United States. Holland. Sweden. Nor
way, and Switzerland.
For the present at least. the program
Of the conference. which adjourned
Yesterday. hac been confined to plans
-
views were largely embodied in the pro-
gram, any propaganda resulting from
The conclusions Of the conference will.
1t Is thought, have the influence Of
strong neutral backing.
, Wants Italy Kept Out.
The fact that the Pope should have
chosen this time to send mis- message to
the United States, Is attributed to his
earnest desire that peace should be OBJ
tained before Italy could join in the COM
bat.
High Catholic officials here pointed
out today that if Italy Is drawn into
tho war the Influence Of the Pope IS
a neutral spokesman for peace would
be largely embarrassed. 1t was point
ID out, for example, that should Italy
take sides with the allies the German
and Austrian representatives at the
Vatican, through whom the Pope could
use his good offices with the Kaiser
and Austrian Emperor. would probably
have to leave the country.
The White House today declined to
comment on the report that the Pope
had sent special message to the
President through Cardinal Gibbons 1t
is understood, however, on good auth
ortty. that no message has been re-
ceived. and 1t is thought that the Pope
INTENDED his open message to the
American people to be accepted by the
President as also a message to him.
Following cablegram from King Albert
OF Belgium:
Il thank you heartily for the greet
inSs of friendship you send me on the
occasion of my birthday
"ALBERT."