South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-12-15
Tentative Plan of the PreSi-
dents Course is to be Laid
Before His Official
Advisers.
SEN. STONE SAYS HE
SPOKE FOR HIMSELF
Belief is That Statement Re-
fleets Views of President.
United States to Act
Independently.
International News Service.

Internan0na News service
WASHINGTON, Dec. Ia The
course the administration VIII take
as intermediary between the groups
of nations at war viii be settled
definitely at the meeting Of Pres't
Wilson's cabinet late today.
Il was learned from sources close
20 the white house and usually re-
liable. that a tentative plan ~ the
presidents course will be laid be-
fore his official advisers at that
time. From it. it was stated posi-
lively, may be expected the outline
of the role the United states viii
play in the diplomatic game inaug-
urated by Germany's m0mentous
move Tuesday.
The president consulted today
with Sec'y Lansing on the propriety
of action by the United States on
the present situation. Mr. Lansing
refused to make an official statement
following the conference. but il Is
understood he upheld the right OF
neutral with interests AT stake IN
any struggle 10 at least suggest that
the peace proposal Of one side be
given the gravest and fullest study
and consideration by opposing bel
ligerents.
The belief was expressed by state
department officials that any COM
ment from the administration IL il
is decided TO make any. viii not be
sent until it can be thoroughly
worked out
Message on Wire By Tonight
There seemed no doubt al the de-
partment that Germanys note. just
as transmitted by Charge Grew at
Berlin. will be on its way TO the
allied capitals before night. IT has
previously been reported that IL al
ready had been sent.
Despite his statement that he
spoke for himself. Sen. stones dec
/ laration in st. Louis last night that
neutrals have a right, amounting
almost 10 a duty, 20 attempt 20 in
/ tercede between belligerents when
the rights of neutrals and the peace
Of the world are affected. is inter
preted By many here as rejecting
the views OF the president
Sen. stone as chairman Of the
foreign relations committee of the
senate. has repeatedly led the ad-
ministration's fight for its foreign
policies in the legislative branch OF
the government Throughout the
series of crises through which the
American government has passed
since August. 1914. Sen. stone has
been one of the presidents chief
lieutenants in dealings with the
powers at war. Official and diplo-
matte circles here are thoroughly
convinced that the views OF the chief
executive were accurately outlined
by the Missouri senator.
MAY Act With Neurals.
A. todays cabinet meeting The
propriety OF acting in concert. with
ether neutral nations in urging az
least consideration OF peace sugges-
ton Of the central powers viii be
taken up also This point has not
been considered before. II Is re-
garded as probable that the decision
of the administration viii be in
favor OF independent action. unless
other neutrals are willing 10 follow
the American lead throughout. This
would be done, IL was pointed out.
not for selfish motives. but so that
the long delays necessary To agree
ment on concerted action by a
group OF neutrals could be avertej.
IL is possible. IL was pointed OUT
further. that a number OF neutrals
acting together might fail 20 agree
on their course and fail therefore
70 act at the psychological time.