Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-05-25
President Thinks a Neutral
Could Act Only With That
Understanding.
HOLDS WORLD HAS STAKE
DUE TO BE CONSIDERED
White House Callers Gather impress
sion Early Move by U. S.
Is Unlikely.

President Wilson told callers
TODAY that the intervention of d
neutral in behalf of peace in ku-
rope could rest only on mutual
understanding bv the belligerents
that terms to be arranged are to
conserve the interests of all. and
of the world at large. rather than
those of a particular nation or
group of nations among the
Mr.. Wilson did not disclose any definite
plan of action he may have formulated in
regard to peace nor authorize formal
statement of his attitude. His callers
gained an impression. however. that the
President would entertain suggestions
that he extend his good offices to the
belligerents to bring about peace only
when the conditions he outlined were
likely of fulfillment.
Forecast of Speech.
ject of peace with Mr.. Wilson construed
his remarks as probably forecasting to
some extent what he will say here later in
the week. addressing the League to En-
fo-ce Peace. The impression has obtained
in official circles that his remarks at that
time would have an important bearing on
the peace discussions recently in Berlin
and London. as well as in the American
press.
Mr.. Wilson pointed out to his callers
that there are many elements in the
situation in Europe. all of which must
be taken into account inscopsideration
of peace proposals While he is eager
to see the conflict ended as soon as pos
sible, the White House visitors were
able to gather no impression that
move by the United States to bring 1t
about is in immediate prospect, at
least.
Mr.. Hensley Talks Peace.
Representative Hensley of Missouri
discussed with Mr.. Wilson his amend
ment to the naval bill. adopted by the
naval committee, authorizing the Presi-
dent to invite other nations to partici
pate in a conference at the close of the
war with the object /of setting up a
court or other tribunal to settle inter-
national disputes.
Mr.. Hensley told the President that
he believed this amendmen, .:sade the
naval bill an assurance to foreign ma
tions that the United State; was arm
ing for defense only, not for any Of
fensive purpose, and was ready to en-
ter into an agreement to settle inter-
national disputes amicably.
The President did not commit him
self definitely to the amendment. but
Mr.. Hensley gained the impression that
he was favorable to the general prin-
ciples involved.
Hopeful of the Future.
While Mr.. Hensley would not reveal
details Of his conversation with the
President. he said he wished the people
generally could realize the thoughts in
the Presidents mind in considering
peace. and the many questions bearing
on il which he is considering
MIR Hensley left the White House
satisfied that the President would do
everything possible to bring about
peace in Europe and to maintain it
after the end of the war.
Mr.. Hensley said that ne believed
the people Of the United States gen.
orally were looking to the President to
play important part in minimizing
the danger of war in the future He
told the President he saw no reason
why the time should not come when
same standing as the United States
Supreme Court and when its decisions
would be respected in the Same way