The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1915-06-29
SEES NO CHANCE
FOR EARLY PEACE
Wilson Doesn't Expect Speedy End Of
War-RepOrtS From Col. Z. VI.
House.

New York, June 24-President VIII
son does not see any prospect for an
early peace in Europe.
Col. E. NJ. House, mis- official en-
vcy to Europe. gave the president to-
day tie results of his sojourn Of sew,
eral months in European capitals,
where he talked intimately with the
responsible officials Of the German,
British and French governments, and
the information he impaired in the
long walks and talks which they en-
ioyed today reflected definitely the
ideas held by both diplomatists and
the military element in each of the
countries at war.
Col. House also disclosed the cur
rents of public opinion in eacn coun-
try as to peace terms. The president
ras been guided largely by what Col.
House has reported to him by cable
and letters in handling the delicate
question of renewing the efforts OF
the United States to bring about a
general acceptance of mediation. No
new tenders of good Offices have been
made to any of the warning powers.
Demand Too Much.
One fundamental thing the presi-
dent mas learned is the unprepared-
ness of public opinion in some of the
belligerent countries as to terms which
they fear their adversaries might ad-
vance, or that already are discussed.
Col House observed that public opin-
ion in some countries insisted on
terms which the governments of those
countries already had learned in va
rious ways would not be acceptable to
their opponents.
In all countries, Col. House found
there had developed among the, masses
a desire for settlement that would
be commensurate with sacrifices made
by tie people. If left to the diplo-
matists in Europe alone, a return to
the territorial status quo perhaps
would not be difficult, some of the in
formation indicated.
In Germany, it seems, according to
information given to the president, the
object of large and influential party
was to prepare public opinion for a
realization of the idea that Germany's
best interests lie in colonial expansion
and the incidental development of
overseas commerce, rather than in
territorial extension in Europe proper.
Question of Sea Traffic.
The question, however, which Col.
House thinks likely will play most
important part in any peace negotia-
tions is freedom of the seas," tie
principle that the property of all pri-
vate citizens, except contraband, shall
be exempt from capture or seizure
on the high seas in time Of war
This point was discussed at the
first and second Hague conferences
and at the London naval conference
which brought forth the socalled
Declaration of London" but no gen
eral ratification or agreement was OBJ
tanned. The American delegations to
tie first and second Hague confer
ences were instructed to vote for the
adoption of this principle.
Col. House is known to be sup
porter of the freedom of the seas"
principle and in his discussion Of the
subject while abroad there is some
reason to believe that he mad the sane
ton of the president. Col. House
found among the allies widely vary
ing opinion.
Neither the president nor Col.
House would make a formal state
ment tonight o., their conference.
Best Peace Chance.
President Wilson is considered by
Col. House as me man most likely
to restore peace to the world. AS the
president was playing golf at the
Piping Rock club on Long Island to-
day Col. House, who was sitting on
the porch of the club house, turned to
It friend and pointed to the president,
saying, "tEere was the man likely to
bring about peace"
Col. House told friends that the
president knew far more about the
European situation than he did and
was handling the problems growing
out of the war in highly intelligent
manner and as we'll as any man could
handle them. He is understood to
Iave said the president displayed re-
mo rly . b1a knowp1doo of the FlTrOnean n