Evening journal., 1916-12-21


move was discussed today with mixed
feeling There was outspoken optim-
ism at the German embassy. Com
ment was made on "tho studied Ian
gusge OF the note and 1t was pointed
out that the Pres dents Views on fu-
ture guarantees squared with those
of Lloyd George.
AZ the British embassy. however, II
was stated. as Lloyd George pointed
out In his historic address. that the
Presidents request for specific terms
was matter OF more vital concern
70 France and Russia, whose terri
tory had been invaded. than 10 Great
Britain whose interests are less con.
cerned with territorial adjustments.
Attention was directed. in this conneo'
ton, to reports that Car Nicholas had
pledged himself 10 consider no peace
not predicated on German evacuation
OF Russian provinces.
Germany. in spite Of the optimism of
the embassy here. may prove the hrsi
stumbling block TO President Wilson's
suggestions. No intimation Is given that
she will comply with requests for
specific peace terms Count Won Bern
storff has declared Germsny'a willing
moss to discuss publicly such questions
as disarmament. peace leagues, etc,
but considerations such as repRration,
restitution and territorial limitations
demand conferences behind closed
doors Open correspondence in such
matters he believes would encourage
both sides to play 10 the galleries"
and retard actual contamination OF
peace.
The President, on the other hand. In
his communication says the inter
change Of views should be made 50
that neutral nations with belliBerent'
may observe how near Is the haven
OF peace" One of the prime safe
guards for all nations, he believes, is
not to lot the light In on secret d.
plomacy." He believes the war IN
Europe might have been prevented had
It not sprung suddenly out OF secret
counsels." Recently he uttered the
belief that one lesson that the war
has taught is that "the peace OF the
world must henceforth depend upon a
new and more wholesome diplomacy.
Omen and above board discussion
the President believes would clear
the way at least" for a conference
looking toward peace would make
"the permanent concord OF the ma
tione a hope Of the immediate future
and "a concert of nations" for tho pur-
pose OF insuring peace Immediately
pract cable"
Tho single bit OF information bear
ing on the situation permitted 10 80
to the public yesterday was the state
ment. as carried by tho United Press
that this government in common with
other neutrals would be interested in
world guaranty OF peace and disarma-
ment. This statement squared UP
with the statement In the note;
"Tho measures TO be taken TO Sc
cure the future peace Of the world the
people and tho government OF the
United States are as vitality and d.
recuy interested that the govern
ments now &C war"
incidentally. Il SIS more than inter
esting TO no.e that on Thursday. De
comber "a, the United Press stated
One point, however. became clea
today. This Is that however careful
the President and his advisers ar
that no move be made that might b.
unfavorably received by the Allie,
governments, the President is no
going to overlook a single point Oh
which he m ght hinge an opening
wedge for his avowed belief in peace
when II does come. must be made per
manent by some organ cation as ;
/ world league TO enforce peace
1T has been suggested
a statement concise clear and full
delivered to the American people an,
to the world. might be the enterinl
wedge adopted"
The President adopted the mean,
thus forecasted.
Today. the United Press Is able I,
outline the three cardinal principle
the President believes America stand
for and which a league to enforc
peace would safeguard. These prin
ciples are:
That every people has the right Z
choose the sovereignty under whiC
/, they shall live.
That small States OF the worl
have right 20 enjoy the same 70
/, Epact for their sovereignty and 10
, their territorial integrity that grea
/ and powerful nations expect and in
sist upon.
! That The world has right 10 q
free from every disturbance of j,
peace that has It's origin in aggro,
] sion and disregard OF the rights ,
B. peoples and nations.
The President has previously sal
This nation believed settlement Of Oh
difficulties between the helligerei
p nations rested upon themselves. u
/ expressed Indifference "as TO d
B. means taken 90 accomplish this"
! his communication yesterday. n
l added. however that che would :
! happy himself 10 serve or even tab
! the initiative I'm its Accomplishment
/. in any way that might prove accel
e. table"-regarded IN some circles Z
? al informal offer OF services as med
/ ator
In German quarters. IL was regardC
rs possible that mediation would I
the first step-preceding a conferen,
! If there appeared little likelihood
the belligerents getting together as
result of the overtures now und'
way.
> Now that the President has persons
ly entered the arena. more atcntiC
!, than ever is attached to the weigl
! Of neutral opinion, which will swir
behind him in his efforts.
The President emphasizes the "p
sition OF the neutrals is well nigh Il
/, bearable" and in this connection It d
u veloped today that upon his Ietul
from Shadow Lawn the President
- said 70 have pointed out 20 clio