The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-12-17
American Attitude Endorsed 40
Only Correct One to Follow
at This Time
ALL NEUTRALS WILL.
STAND WITH PRESIDENT
This Country. as a Large Suf-
ferer as Result of War. Held
to Have Perfect Right to
Speak Out in Meeting

Washington, Dec 16.-Count Won
Bernstorff, the German ambassa or.
visited the State Department today
and informed Secretary Lansing the
central powers are ready to give the
entente group Q statement OF the pre-
dminary terms upon which they pro-
pose to discuss peace. The German
added that as soon a.
had been organized this
government would present full terms
a. basis for definite peace. It il
understood the formal proposal con-
templates an agreement for partial
disarmament. At the conclusion Of
the conference. Ambassador Won
Bernstorff said:
have not received any formal
terms and the American government
knows ofnciaily that no formal terms
have been proposed. All Germany
get together and talk.
If that proposal il accepted,
definite terms naturally will be dis
cussed, but until then II will not be
proper to indulge in speculation. My
visit to the Secretary OF State was
purely for general discussion"
Bernstorf1 Optimistic.
The German am bassador was in a
most optimistic frame OF mind over
the widespread sentiment for peace
expressed in this country. He ap-
peared entirely satisfied with the
course adopted by this country.
The peace notes were forwarded to
London, Paris and PetroErad before
n31n today. The text Of each COM
nAnicauon was in English. but for
p&rposes OF comparison the original
text in French will be forwarded az
soon az the cables are clear OF the
English text
Hope was expressed at the state
Department that a reply would b re-
ceived from the allies within ten dayA
In anticipation Of this Rresidsnt M
son and Notwithstanding will speA0
Christmas In Wilmington. Ambassa-
dor Won Bernstorn aiso asax c1ncefied
Arrangements for q Christmas vaca-
ton he had expected to spend in
Florida
One Course Open.
The course adopted by President
Wilson and the cabinet in deciding to
transmit the peace offer without COM
ment at this time met with full ap-
prevail among the neutral diplomats.
way to keep the question of peace
open.
Spain and Switzerland, through
their diplomatic representatives in
Washington. have advised the White
House they will be disposed to follow
the lead OF the United States in any
action the President may decide to
take. President Wilson Is said to
have expressed qualification over the
assurance from the neutrals, as II
makes certain no action will be taken
in other quarters which might con-
ffict with the plans OF this govern
ment
1t was said unofflcially at the White
HOUSE today that the chief executive
would not make any move to urge
the acceptance OF the peace offer un-
til David-LAoyd George. the new
British premier. has spoken. Several
of the Presidents advisers have urged
him to defer any appeal he may de-
eide to make until after the reply Of
and transmitted to Germany.
Has Right to Speak Freely.
The White House position, as out
lined today. Ii a. follows:
The President 10 convinced that any
action by this government must be OF
a formal character. The rights Of the
United States are materially concern
ed because Of the continued infringe
ments OF its Uberties under existing
international law. This being 20, the
government has the right to apeak
freely regarding the advisability OF
ending the war without Gtying offenss
to any one.
II was admitted odicially at the
state Department that the United
6tatss Is an interested party to the
war because II has been made to sui
fer through the consequences OF the
world disturbance.
The administration 10 now rsceiv.
Ing through its diplomatic representa-.
tives confidential dispatches ~ e
how the several groups in the entente
countries feel about peace. Tho In
formation has been coming to the
State Department and has not 80 far
been subjected to censorship. Presi-
dent Wilson IL spending much time
studying these rAports
It II believed in oflcial circles thai
Great Britain will decide the reply OF
the allies. England IL financing thu
war to q large extent, and that hel
allies will accept her decision 10 ths
opinion OF the entire diplomatic corps
Secretary Lansing. before leavinl
his Once today. communicated thu
substance OF the conversation with
the German ambassador to Presiden,
Wilson. It II said the Chief Exscu,
Tive was told Germany u hopeful tina,
the powerful influence OF the Unite<
States ana that Of all other nsutrall
and the Vatican win b thrown on thu
siAe Of peace.
Entente diplomats wers greatly In
terestod IN the VISIT Of Count vor
Bernstor1 to the State Department
Both the British ana the Fronch rep
,resentatives inquired whether n,
KAiser's- spokesman had made IN,
sugyesticns concerning possible poAcl
terms. When told he had not done .,
they expressed eradication.
Auto Association lGeaes.
The regular meeting Of The Rich