Evening star., 1916-12-21

did isolation" which Washington be-
queathed to the country. Significance
is attached to the fact that the Presi-
dent uses the word insure" rather than
enforce" as indicating that he has not
committed himself to any one pro-
gram to accomplish that end. but that
may seem best to the other world ma
tions.
First Official Proposal.
Repeated efforts have been made to
enlist the American government in
some sort of international agreement
| involving responsibility. but always the
answer has been that the United States
| would stand alone. Several months ago
President Wilson spoke most earnestly
before the League to Enforce Peace Of
| his hope that the United States would
| join in some new international ar
| rangements. but not until now Is he
known to have made the proposal OFF,
cially to the nations of the world.
1t is thought here that along these
lines President Wilson's note will find
its most ready reception abroad. for all
parties have indicated their belief that
the war will have been in vain unless
from it come guarantees against its
repetition. Former Foreign Minister
Sir Edward Gray, for England; Premier
BRAND. for France. and Chancellor
Bethman Hollweg. for Germany. have
sort of international reorganization to
secure the ends laid down in the Presi-
dents note. and the official offers Of the
central powers, together with Lloyd
tuated that purpose. As yet, however.
the actual procedure which may be
adopted appears uncertain. Germany
apparently has given up her earlier op-
split the second Hague conference. No
official statement has come from either
England or France on this subject in
the present circumstances. 1t was Eng
land. however, at The Hague confer
ence, second by France and the United
States, that insisted on stating its view
in favor of disarmament.
Await Replies to Notes.
Deepest interest centered today in
the probable time and form Of the bel
ligerents' reply. 1t is assumed that the
members of each group of allies will
consult one another and agree on a uni
form statement of views. but whether
that statement will be joint fdentic or
different in each case is not known. The
solidarity which has been so strikingly
shown both by the central powers
identic proposal and the allies prac-
tically simultaneous response is expect
ed to be continued here. 1t is thought
also that some time may elapse before
the different groups can settle down to
an actual agreement on terms to be
presented. in case 1t is decided to heed
the Presidents request by going into
them fully.
Meanwhile the allied entente's re-
sponses to the central powers proposals
are expected almost any time for trans
mission through this country to their
various destinations.
Relies on Public Opinion.
President Wilson Is relying upon
public opinion in other neutral nations
to add force to his efforts to clarity the
situation. While the American govern
ment acted entirely on it's own respon-
sibilfty, President Wilson feels other
nations. for economic reasons,
are vitality interested in the outcome
It was stated authoritatively today
that the President acted without any
assurances that his move would be ia
vorably received by the entente allies,
He took the position, 1t was said, how
ever, that his note calls for replies, and
that. even though unfavorable. the re-
sponses would tend to make clear the
objects Of the belligerents and estab-
lish some common ground.
There is every indication that Pres
fdent Wilson is hopeful Of the outlook
and he believes the way has been
opened for negotiations. What steps
he takes in the future depend entirely
upon the nature of the responses from
the belligerents.
The President already has made clear
that while the American government
has no interest in the terms on which
peace is made between the belligerents
1t has q very profound ira
terest in bringing about an agreement
for maintaining peace in the future
q. 8. Notes Arouse Diplomats.
The dispatch Of the notes brought the
greatest array of diplomats to the
State Department seen there in months.
The German. British. japanese. Italian
and Brazilian ambassadors were early
visitors. The Bulgarian and Persian
ministers also called. az did charges
from other legations.
Count Won Bsrnstorn conferred with.
Al