New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-29
Wilson Only Official
Allowed to Discuss
Topic Publicly.
MEDIATION PLAN
MIGHT BE HURT
Presidents Speech on
Ending War Wins Teu-
tons Approval.
From ne Trihune Bureau

'dshInBIoH, way Ambassador
Gerard's peace interview, given TO a
Munich paper and printed in this coun-
try to-day, will call forth a stern ad-
monition from President Wilson to re-
frain from public comment, Admins
tration officials intimated to-day. 1t
was stated fatty that Mr.. Gerard had
received no instructions to talk peace
in any way.
While the ambassador is encouraged
to obtain German views on peace for
the information Of the President, his
discussion of the question publicly is
regarded as highly improper and dam.
aging to the Presidents availability as
a mediator.
President Wilson, it is declared, is
the only American official who will be
allowed to discuss peace publicly while
the matter is still in its informal stage.
His propaganda is personal. The State
Department and diplomatic corps have
no connection with it.
In German quarters here Mr.. Gerard's
interview was thought to SHOW a
friendly feeling for the German cause" "
The hope was expressed that Mr..
Gersrd's statement would help turn
popular favor in Germany toward Pres
ident Wilson as a mediator and heal
the wounds caused by the neutrality
and submarine policies OF this govern
ment.
Want MIR. Gerard to Keep Quiet.
This object is considered entirely
worthy by Administration officials, but
they say there is such thing as over
doing it. and that Mr.. Gerard should
keep quiet and let the President 90
the talking.
President Wilson's peace speech Of
last night was widely discussed in
ception was in Teutonic quarters. In
the absence from the city of. the Ger
man Ambassador no one at the En-
bassy would discuss it for publication.
but unofficial Germans were enthusi-
astic. They declared that President
Wilson had started the ball rolling
toward peace parleys, and they particu-
larly applauded his demand for the
freedom of the seas"
Germans who have attacked the
Presidents neutrality policy have rail-
lied TO his standard on the peace ques-
tion. Their attitude is regarded here
as an unmistakable barometer of the
German vote in the coming election. II
the submarine issue remains quiescent
and the President continues his peace
propaganda there is little doubt, poll
ticans here say, that the Germans in
this country will revise their opinions
of Wilson, TO his benefit on election
day.
The attitude OF the Allies has fol-
lowed the forecasts. Their friends here
see in the Presidents pronouncements
no encouragement for an early peace.
He has made no suggestion, they say,
that has not already been heard in the
speeches of the German Chancellor.
Allies Friends Displeased.
His statement that we are mot con-
cerned with its causes and its objects
is regarded by friends Of the Entente
cause as particularly Disappointing.
They assert that the cause of the war.
Prussian mltaristic domination OF
Europe, and the elimination OF that
factor from European politics, must
receive chief consideration in any
profitable discussion OF peace.
The fact that the Presidents remarks
are considered wholly acceptable by the
Germans, it is stated, IS regarded as
reason enough for the Allies opposition
to them.
"Here is victorious Germany, claim
ing the right TO dictate peace terms on
the basis of the map OF Europe, ac-
claiming President Wilson's terms as
fair PROPOSAL II Germany, claiming
victory. considers the Presidents view
reasonable. how can the Allies accept II
without admitting defeat?
That is the point OF view OF Paris
and London, as nearly as can be learned
here. %,
Allies supporters say il is idle TO
discuss peace at all al this moment
with Germany on the crest OF the wave.
They admit, however, that President
Wilson may convince Americans and
other neutrals that the Allies are pro-
longing the war unnecessarily, and tnus
turn popular sympathy to Germany and
force an earlier peace than would other
wise be possible.
For this reason they consider that
discussion OF the qACoNAph ~ AHHNN'
tisl neutrals is in Germany's interest.
They would prefer that President Will
son refrain from intervening, indirect
ly or otherwise, until asked 10 do so by
one of the belligerents. II Germany
wants peace, they say, let Germany
ask for il directly.
One salutary effect OF the Presidents
peace campaign, Administration sup
porters said to-day. would be to di-
vert the attention OF the German peo-
ple from the fact that the submarines
are relatively inactive. When Ger
many agreed TO abandon illegal SUB.
marine methods at the demand OF
President Wilson, a popular protest
that might have forced the govern
ment 20 reverse itself was feared. Il
is believed that President Wilson, By
mis- espousal OF the cause Of peace,
which is dearer TO the German public
than submhrine successes, has saved
anotbar critical situation