New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-24
NO
ANSWER TO u. 5.
continued from page

r;ohts secure" which has aroused re-
eminent in cvc-y British heart. heF
interpret u y meaning That inc ireS,
dent consider tho Allies ways ana
views no better than those OF the
enemy.
that Germany aims regarding me
liberty Of smaller nations and the re-
snect for treaties arc on oar WIN
those OF the Allies. but otherwise
they heartily support Mr. Wilson.
Majority Fsyors Refusal
Another group, representing grea'
number q Brtons. thinks the IfcSi-
don, should have made his offer ~
secrecy Eve labor is divided lnlo
several factions. but tho representa-
tives Of several groups see 10 harm
m accepting the o'er.
Finally. there Is another section o.
public opinion. perhaps the largest
which wishes that no offer had been
made. but, since II has been. sees no
alternative except respectful decl!na-
ton.
Events have been moving so rapidly
that the situation to-day may be a
moor guide for the country's attitude
a fortnight hence There is always
Ce-many's economic position TO bear
in mind. Britain's new government IS
also keenly alive 20 the situation IN
America. and its reply certainly VIII
be framed with al appreciation OF that
in mind.
Neutrals Support Wilson
From all available reports it seems
Dvaardarr4fe action Viii
have the fullest support OF the tuIo-
pean neutral nations.
How some Of the various British fac
tions regard the note is shown M the
following statements made TO me TO-
day \, =
tho representative Of the advanced navy
After what the responsible states
men among the Allies have ALREADY
laid. there is only one justification TOR
The United States asking Tor terms, ana
that is that she means 20 come IN, anu
naturally. wants 20 know what she Will
be helping TO win.
Even then. however. such a request
would normally be made I'D confidence
Otherwise, this country must be Simply
sstounded at the Presidents course lA
putting the Allies IN the same category
with Germany regarding their po"cy
and objects
Saws Allies Cannot Accep;
General Sir Alfred Turner:
President Wilson's note is sucn inel
none Of the Allies could possibly "c-
cept 1T. lie leaves out OF the accouH'
ali Of Germany's crimes and atrociues'
which never have been cquaAed Ior
brutality i'm the history OF warfare.
As for Bethmann-Holwcg's peace pro
posals. they are tho most impuoeh'
peace bluff ever attempted.
Lord Sydenham, famous admnistra-
tor and soldier:
The close connection IN time be,
tween the German peace move an"
President Wilson's note is very Un-
fortunate. The German Chancct Tor b
idea Of the way 20 peace Is 20 proclaim
the invincibility of Germany ana
threaten darker atrocities II the Alhes
do not Immediately respond.
"To such proposals, SO conveyed
there can be only one answer. II al
ready has been given, independently
and at once, b. all the governments OF
the Allies. We appreciate and share
Mr.. Wilson's desire for peace.
Only One Peace Basis
we regret that some American IN
.erests have suffered from the war
which we were forced into by a shame
fui breach Of treaties. but Americans
can hardly expect us 70 enter mo
negotiations which must fail unless
based upon restitution and reparauoh
and solid guarantee for the future
1--WE are done with German scraps OF
psper. when Germany Is willing TO
negotiate upon this basis the Allies will
not be found wanting in willingness 20
end a war which only the mad ambition
Of Germany forced upon the world.
Meanwhile, the Allies feel sense Of
surprise and soreness 10 learning that
The President has failed completely 20
realize their object and their immense
sacrifices called forth By the dictates
of their honor"
Buxton Approves Move
Noel Buxton. moderate or pacihst
member Of Parliament:
1T is dificult for US In England 20
believe that Germanys aims as TO the
liberty Of nations and respect for
treaties are so similar 10 ours a. Presi-
dent Wilson suggests. But this feel
ing, which explains the coldness Of the
British press TO his offer is passing
away ss We come TO realize the essen