The Sentinel=record., 1916-12-15

conferred today with the British am bassador, Sir Cecil Spring-Rice, and the French ambassador, Jules J. Jus serand 1t was said his visit was a consequence of his recent conference ill Europe with King George and some of the British statesmen. Inasmuch as his engagement with the two am bassadOrs was made several days ago the conference, it was declared, obvl- ously was not brought about by the peace proposals.
 The only official word forthcoming at the white house was that Prosi- dent Wilson still was studying the question closely and has not reached determination on the steps to take He discussed the question with no callers today, but is expected to take it up at least informally tomorrow with his cabinet.
 It would be within the range of diplomatic courtesy for tho United States to go all the way from a mere formal transmission of the belliger- ents' notes without comment or sug- gestion to an actual discussion with an expression of the point of view of this country.
 It has been suggested that where three different parties are bearing the same message to ten different nations and in some cases even bearing the same message from three different sources to the same government, it might be best to arrange for some si- multaneous method of presentation which would put the official infor- nation ia the hands of all beliger- ents &t exactly the same time. Also it is thought i nsome quarters that while each of the three nations should preserve it's own liberty of action, it would be well in a general way for them to agree as nearly as possible on the exact method of transmission.
 The German note asked that the United States "be so good" as to send t on to France, Great Britain, Japan Russia, Serbia and Rumania.
 The Austrian note, the United States was asked to transmit to the same nations as the German note, ex- cept that Belgium was substituted for Rumania. That Japan was included was noted as proving that Austria considers herself at war with the isl and empire Some time ago when the United States issued a neutrality proclamation to that effect the Japan csc ambassador protested, but on presentations of the reasons, let the matter drop.
 The Turkish note was expected during the night and was expected to request transmission to France Great Britain and Japan, where the United States has taken over Turk ish interests. No note is expected for transmission from Bulgaria. as the United States has not taken over Bull gari2n interests anywhere.
 The question of a possible armis tice grew ill interest today as the general feeling that an armistice was not possible in an economic war was discounted in allied circles. where 1t was pointed out that an armistice would not necessarily bring the block. ade or the ammassing of munitions to an end but might merely effect d temporary cessation of the fighting under the basis of the status quo.
 The only notice taken of the situ- ation in congress today was in the introduction by Representative Gard ner of Massachusetts of a concurrent resolution to put congress on record as opposed to any mediation by the United States in the European war. The resolution declares that "a pre- mature and inconclusive peace would fail to punish the central powers for the unbounded misery which they have brought on mankind" It was referred to the foreign affairs com mittee without discussion.