Omaha daily bee., 1915-09-19
BRYAN LIKES IDEA
OF PEACE MISSION
Nebraskan Takes Under Advise
ment Editors Suggestion that
He Visit Warning Powers.
NOT SPOKESMAN FOR A GROUP


WASHINGTON. Sept. 1s.---wil-
lam J. Bryan announced tonight that
he had taken under advisement a
suggestion from editors of foreign
language newspapers published in
the United States that he make a
trip to Europe as a private peace en-
voy to the warning powers. In a
statement to committee Of the edi-
tors, who. headed by DR.. William
Fargo, had urged him to undertake
the task. Mr. Bryan indicated that
he might at least visit neutral Euro
pean countries In the hope OF finding
there sentiment 10 aid America in
"the maintaining Of neutrality and
the prevention OF a preparedness
that provokes rather than prevents
war;
Mr.. Bryan's references 10 military
preparedness attracted attention In tho
capital In view OF the possible effect OF
his attitude on some elements in the
house when the Administrations pro-
gram for strengthening the national de-
fences Is considered.
Gives Out Statement.
F'arller IN the day the former secretary
of state had given out a statement de-
oiaring mouoy FOR Increased military ex-
penditures would be difficult to secure
and adding;
Il do not see that there is any reason
for changing the policy of the country
in this respect. The preparedness
which is now being advocated (by tho
national defense and navy leagues) not
only cultIvates the spirit which leads TO
war. but Il involves an expenditure which
the people Will not submit to unless con-
vinced that some nation Is getting ready
to attack us and we cannot single out
nations and prepare against them with
out making hatred y national policy"
In his reply TO the editors committee.
Mr.. Bryan said:
Il need not assure you that / share
your desire for peace and am willing TO
do anything in my power to hasten It.
The service that any one person can
render in such a matter Is OF course
small. but each one is In duty bound
TO do what he can and i am willing 70
do my part Whether Il Is wise for me
TO undertake trip 20 Europe IL a ques-
decide and / am sure you will allow mo
10 take the matter under advlsement.
Even II Il is impossible TO exert any in
fiuence toward the fastening of peace.
a trip to the neutral countries might give
me Information that could use IN the
work which lies before Ne here. namely.
the maintaining Of neutrality and the
prevention OF preparedness that pro-
vokes rather than prevents war"
n Another Task co Re Done.
Another work 70 be done on such a
trip. Mr.. Bryan said, would be the fur
therance Of peace treaty plans inangu-
nted by him. Existence OF peace treaties
with Great Britain. France and Russia,
he declared, enables ua 20 carry on our
diplomatic disputes with them without
any OF the sepeasionalism that has at
tended bur correbpondsnee with Ger
many" and tho acceptance OF sueh treat
les BY Germany. Austria and Belgium.
would silence the lingo press ana TO a
large extent relieve the excuse which has
been used for tho propagation OF the
plan Of greater preparedness"
Having great faith In the plan and
having negotiated the other treatiea.' he
added. Il might be able 10 present the
case more strongly In personal inter
Views than was able 70 do BY diploma
tic correspondence and now that the ad-
vantage OF these treaties has been made
more apparent Il is possible that Ger
many. Austria and Belgium might be
willing 20 enter into such treaties"
Mr.. Bryan said that II he decided 20
make the trip he would 80 mot as
spokesman OF any special group. but ss
representative OF the peace sentiment
OF the United States. which includes the
vast majority Of our people"
N a NLI