The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-09-03
Cardinal Gibbons Brings Mes
sage From the Vatican to
American President
GERMANY is NOW
In RECEPTIVE MOOD
Washington Will Make Move
When Assurances Are Had
Tender Will Be Mutually
Agreeable

Washington, Sept. 2.-Cardinal
Gibbons today handed to Presi-
dent Wilson at the White House
communication from Pope
Benedict on the subject of peace
In Europe, and discussed with
both the President and Secretary
Lansing the possibilities OF bring
ing about a termination of the
war.
At almost the same time Ii was
made clear in an authoritative
manner that Germany is willing
to have tt known to the Washing
ton government that oyertures
looking toward peace discussions
will be acceptable to Berlin.
These developments were followed
by the disclosure that the President
and his advisers are prepared to de-
cline invitations to initiate any peace
movement at this time unless satisfied
that such oyertures will be equally
acceptable to the belligerents on both
sides Washington officials know that
the allied governments would regard
any invitation from the United States
to discuss peace terms at this time as
an act unlike that of a sincere friend.
While no authoritative statement
was made in regard to the message
from the Pope, the understanding
here Is that it was chiefly Informal
tive, but containing an expression Of
hope that the President might use
the good Offices of the United States
In the direction Of peace.
Possibility of an Armistice.
statement was circulated in Cath
olic circles here tonight that the Pope
had suggested that President Wilson
propose to the belligerents an arfnis-
tice, during which there should be no
further military preparations or hos
tilities, this period to be used in dis
cussing possible peace negotiations.
This report is given merely for what
1t Is worth. No confirmation OF it
was obtained from any authoritative
quarters
Though Cardinal Gibbons sounded
note of optimism in discussing his
talk with the President and the pros
pect for restoration of peace in the
near future, there is apparently little.
II any, likelihood OF the United States
taking a step in this direction until
conditions in Europe have materially
changed.
The reception given to the Pope's
message and its bearer was most COR
dial. and the prelate was heartily as
sured by both President Wilson and
Secretary Lansing of the desire of
this government to do whatever 1t
feels it can do to expedite peace In
Europe. Nevertheless, the fact re-
mains that there is no present indica-
ton that todays conference with the
cardinal will have any immediate ef-
feet so far as the United States gov
eminent Is. concerned.
The statement was made by one
familiar with the details of the car
dinars mission that His Eminence
said nothing which would afford a
basis for any inference that the Pope
has acted at the instance Of either
Germany or Austria. There was. 1t
Is declared, absolutely no warrant for
such an assumption.
Has Intimate knowledge.
Nevertheless In view OF the close
sympathy which has always existed
especially between the Vatican and
Austria. II is regarded as no more than
natural that the Pope should have
complete and intimate knowledge Of
the favorable attitude of the Teutonic
allies toward the discussion of peace
terms at this time. That this Is the
attitude Of both Germany and Austria
is no longer a matter of doubt in WASH