The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-06-16
WILSON GETS PETITION
FOR A SEA POLICE
Action by Neutral Powers Urged
In New Peace Move.

In New Peace Move.
WASHINGTON. June 1.-THE period OF
waiting for Germany TO decide ON = reply
TO President Wilson will probably be
marked by increased efforts to interest
The United States In proposals for action
by neutrals with the double purpose OF
fomentIng discussion as to means OF
ending the war and effecting a change In
the rules of maritime warfare.
AT present Germany is the chief party
jn interest behind both these movements.
Practically all the proposals appearing
with regard to both are either OF Ger
man origin or else from sources sup
posed TO be sympathetic with Germany.
There is a feeling here that one reason
why Germany Is 10 sure that 1t will take
weeks TO reply to the Presidents note Is
her desire to give the propaganda. al
ready under way, time to become eff
fect!ve.
The latest proposal was presented to
President Wilson to-day by Representa-
tive Calder OF New York. II Is a petit
ton bearing the names of prominent
business men. including a number OF
well known Germans.
1t solicits the President To urge a
continuous conference of representa-
tives OF belligerents beginning July 10
which shall consider ways and means
OF terminating the war. and particularly
some action for an international policing
of the seas.
How closely in line with the German
propaganda is this suggestion is indi-
Gated by the statement that actual or
contemplated control of the seas by a
single nation they believe to be the real
cause OF the present war"
Dispatches published in THE Sun to-
day disclosed how the Germans are
bending their efforts toward an early
peace with the purpose OF seeking the
establishment OF new rules for maritime
warfare, which will greatly diminish the
effectiveness OF British sea power. from,
which Germany is now suffering.
1t has become known that the hopes
OF Germany in her efforts 10 induce
action by neutrals have centred on
President Wilson and the United States.
The details cannot at this time be fully
stated. hut the fact is that In more
than one instance the German and Aus
trian embassies conveyed to the White
House. through indirect but wholly re-
liable channels. their views as to the
splendid opportunity for President WILL
son 10 earn fame as the greatest peace
maker the world has ever known.
No by wilson.
There has been no response 10 these
efforts, but this fact, II is believed.
will result only IN increased attempts 20
induce the President to take action.
The Germans are convinced that the
President, desires above all things to
have the United states the medium OF
restoring peace TO Europe.
The President denies reports. inspired
IN Berlin, that the United States IL dis
couraging any efforts among neutrals TO
bring about peace, Thu inaction AT
Washington, however. IL easily explained
BY the fact that there is still every
reason to believe that the Allies VIII no.
even give consideration 10 such terms
as they now believe Germany to be
willing to offer.
1t is author!tatively stated that the
Allies will not accept the German
~rroposition for a virtual restoration OF
the ante-bellum status quo accompanied
by proposals for amending the rules OF
maritime warfare designed TO decrease
the value OF British sea power.
1t also appears, however, that ir
Quarters friendly TO the Allies there Is
nm expectation that Germany eventually
will md strong support for her pro
eramme in the United States. botf
among the public and within the Gov
trnment.
The attractiveness OF the German
phrase "the freedom of the seas II
recognized by the Allies. The predic
ton is also heard that with Mr.. Bryan
announcing his active devotion hence
forth to the cause OF world peace TN
President will be more keen to prov
that the Administration even withou
the mpa of Mr.. Bryan. Is capaol
of service in the cause OF peace.
How firmly imbedded in the German
mind Is the notion that the United state
stands ready TO serve German interest
IN negotiations with England seems I
be indicated by the German press com
ment of the last few days.
German Grievances.
Onicials are now satisfied that thi
conviction on the part OF the German
will he reflected in the German repl
70 President Wilson, II Is believed tina
the German note will be devoted quit
as muon to a discussion OF Germany
grievances against the British use o
their sea power as to the issue whicl
President Wilson called upon German
10 meet.
Expressions of a confident belief tina
ths worst is over, so far as the Unite
States and Germany are concerned ar
now emanating from official quarter
here.
II Ia understood that this confdenc
Is based less on the expectation Una
will squarely meet the Unite
states on the issues raised than on IN
belief that m IN the nope u
getting the United States 10 act In ne
interest with England, will refrain frot
provoking his Government further Z
more submarine attacks on America
lives.
IL has been noted here that all IN
German comment mentions concession
by which the controversy may be am
cably adjusted, but all the concession
suggested get back to the German con
pia;n,s against England.
According 10 dispatches from Berlli
the Germans have reached the point {
convincing themselves that England ha
already notified the United States thi
she Is prepared to modify her blockad
SO tina Germany may make concession
In her submarine operations.
It In officially stated that there IL r
basis In fact for this belief on the pa
Of Berlin. II is conceded. however, thu
Germany viii be able TO make her arg
ment on the submarine and blockaC
issues Jointly In such a way as to I
uul-s tho United States 20 continue Il
discussion, unless in the meantime Anne
leans are the victims Of further su.
marine attacks.
A<aorG!nX 10 the petition presented
the President to-day, the submarine ~
the blockade issues may properly
regarded as the fundamentals OF Il
war. The sieu"rs therefore propO
r-'H!rE 't.s 'tsu "a International POI!
ing ~ IN" seas. which power shall
INVOKED by any country attacked 60
trary TO the laws governing the sea
IL II proposed 10 have this plan adopt
BY general agreement.