New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-09-14
Do Not Want Mediation
When Fighting with
Heads Down."
SUPPOSED SCHEME
CALLED POLITICAL
Presidents Friends Abroad
Fear Consequences of
Possible Proposal.
By ARTHUR :. DRAPER.
lBy Cable TO The Tribune !

ny Aatle 70 Inc lrlulAt
London, Sept. 13.-If, as The Trib-
une's Washington correspondent fore
casts, President Wilson makes a new
move toward bringing about peace
among. the European nations while
he is campaigning in the West, ne
will not strengthen relations IN the
least between the United States and
Great Britain. In fact, any offer OF
mediation at this time, or even hint
Of it, would have the same effect upon
the British as a red flag on bull.
Coming just prior to the election in
the United States. any such sugges-
ton on the part of the President
would be Immediately interpreted
here as a political move and would
stir up an immense amount OF latent
feeling.
At present Britain has her head
down, fighting fercely, and Is paying
a big price. She is confident Of sue
cess, but appreciates the fact that
tl-re is much work still to be done.
Although the Central Powers are on
the defensive for the first time, the
Entente does not consider the victory
won, by any means, and until it is an
offer of mediation would be not only
unwelcome, but would be considered
an insult.
have sounded men prominent in
official life for their views on this
question, and I can state this as the
British attitude with assurance. Prob
ably bare per cent Of the British
public is Of pacifst turn Of mind.
The remainder is for continuing the
war until Germany is thoroughly
beaten. There are fewer pacifists here
now than there were three months ago.
Success does not breed paciiists.
Misunderstanding Is Mutual.
The British public fails to under
stand the American attitude even
more than Americans fail 70 appreciate
the British viewpoint. Eventually a.
offer Of mediation must come from
some neutral nation, but the British
will not welcome an American ole p.
II British officials followed British
public sentiment exactly. relations be-
tween the two countries would nov
be more strained than they are.
What American bankers, manufact-
urers, exporters and shippers have
done for the Allies fails 20 impress
the British public. for il considers the
Americans have been well paid AM
that 1t is a purely commercial propo-
stion. When Britain wanted moral
support the British consider Amer
leans failed 70 give IL.
Officials who are fully cognizant o.
Americas help are less critical, but they
have TO consider the views Of their
own people and for that reason they
fear the effect a mediation offer woulc
have.
Statesmen Looking Ahead.
British statesmen are looking ahead
70 the days OF reorganization and re-
adjustment, which will not only be IN
ternal, but will affect the worlds al
fairs. Winston Churchill's remark
LET after the war look after itself.
certainly does not express the attitude
OF most leaders. II u did, mediation
by the United States at the proper
time would be welcome.
To close followers OF the interna-
tional situation here there was no ele-
ment Of surprise in The Tribune
Washington dispatch, especially since
Congress adopted retaliatory measures
as result Of Britain's blacklist.
President Wilson has friends in Brit
ism Official life, and they are the ones
who fear most the consequences OF
peace suggestions by him.
1t is recognized that the United
States has power materially to hasten
peace negotiations. but British states
men hope that for the sake Of future
relations between the United States
and Great Britain nothing will be done
TO interfere with the accomplishment
Of the Allies ultimate aims-to defea
aggression and obtain national rights
This is the attitude not OF people
Jealous OF Americas growing power OF
considering her selfish. as many do.
but Of British friends who hope for
closer and better relations after the
war.