The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-12-23
HOUSE ON PAYROLL
AS SPECIAL AGENT
Lansing Explains Colonel will
Take "Atmosphere" to
ENJOYS Abroad.
SALARY Is KEPT SECRET

WASHINGTON. Dec. 2e.-Col. f. NJ.
House. President Wilson'S close friend,
who II going on a mission TO the bel
liGerent capitals, Is now an oficial OF the
State Department. This was learned to-
day when Secretary Of state Lansing cx-
planned the purposes Of the Coloners
trip.
Col. House. the Secretary said. has
been appointed n special agent OF the
Department OF state" and AZ such will
travel on a special passport OF the kin
furnished all diplomatic agents for the
Department. Tho Secretary refused.
however. to toll what the Colonel would
receive as q salary.
He denied that the Texan would per-
form functions similar to those per-
formed by Gov. John Lind OF Minnesota.
william Bayard Hale. Duball West and
other personal ENJOYS" OF the President
In Mexico.
According TO Secretary Lansing, Col.
Houses particular mission IL 10 carry 20
American diplomatic representatives In
the b~elligerent capitals the Washington
atmosphere" In regard to the various
questions pending between the United
states ard the nations at II was
further explained hat on the return trip
Col. House would be expected to bring
a with him FOR the benefit OF the Dc
partner the "atrnospheres" In the re-
spectivc capitals abroad regarding the
same questions.
From what tho Secretary and other
high officials Of the Department said. the
problem OF transmitting these 'atmos-
pheres' by cable has proved TO be most
difficult
wires Becoming Crossed.
The written word translated into code
has failed. II seems. to acQuaint Ann
bassador Gerard In Berlin. FOR example.
u: the exact Washington atmosphere"
on the submarine controversy. or AM
bassador Peniield IN Vienna OF the
Washington atmosphere on the .inccna
controversy. In the am way. the wires
are becoming crossed III conveying re-
ports from both Ambassadors regarding
the general sentiment In Berlin and
Vienna.
Consequently, Col. House has been
deput!zcd as the official atmosphere
carrier Of the state Department,
AS understood here. Co! House IL to
sail on the steamer Rotterdam leaving
New York Decemoer 2s. His travelling
companions val! include Brand Whit,ock.
United states Minister TO Belgium I:
Capt. Boy-Ed. one OF the two recalled
German Embassy attaches. and Chand-
Ter Anderson. former counsellor 81 'he
state Department. who Is gu!ng ~ Lon
o to represent the American meat
packers in compromise negotiations with
the British authorities responsible FOR
the prize court proceedings against
American meat c.Lgoes
While II is aid at the State Depart
rnent that col. House il being sent TO
Europe on no other mission than that
described Ia the foregoing. Il is admitted
that he will be In position to hear any
peace talk that might be Included In the
"atmosphere' Of the European capitals.
This, IL Is said, he will bring back with
the rest OF his return cargo, although
Il IL not known here when he plans to
m, back.
Secretary Lansing expressed the opin-
that Co. House ~probahly would con-
fire his visits TO o~elligcrea' countries,
although his special passport Yill per-
mt rim 20 70 t. isutral countries
should ! ~ So, fiji