New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-22

bassadors we're early visitors. The
Bulgarian and Persian ministers
also called. as did charges from other
legations.
Among the diplomats representing
belhgerents here and among officials
in the State Department there Is
only one opinion as to the real mean
ins Of President Wilson's notes. To
use the words Of diplomat Of world
fame:
at means mediation OF nothing.
Celebrating that statement, this
diplomat said that he realized the
words Of the President were 40
cautious that IL would be more cor
rect to describe the note as the first
step toward mediation.
Transmission Of Terms
There was great deal Of discus
sion first as 20 whether the bellig-
erents would send 70 the United
States definite and concrete terms
upon which peace might be made.
II was the general belief that such
terms. II sent at all would be sent
confdentally. They would not he
published. but they might be trans
mitted 70 the hostile government.
There was no doubt in any diplo-
matte quarter that reasonably
prompt replies, no matter how gen
eral in terms, would be forthcoming.
II is realized that these replies. or
"soundings." as President Wilson
called them in his note. may be so
contradictory &c TO make the next
step Of the mediator useless. In that
event the government Of the United
States might decide not even TO
transmit 10 the hostile powers the
terms upon which their adversaries
would make terms Of peace.
Tn German circles the words Of the
.o.c that tte position OF the United
states was becoming intolersble and
.hs. there was danger OF break with
che Allies. as well IS the Teutonic
mowers. were seized upon gleefully In
nrport or this the recent statement
o. the Senate Military Committee by
General scott. Chief Of the Army
STAFF. was used as evidence. General
ecott said that this country would
need an army Of 100000 properly TO
defend IL because Of the military
strength of Great Britain recently de-
veloped. and because Of the British
japanese alliance.
Wars End in Sight
In a great many quarters IN Wash
ington The Tribune finds evidence that
President Wilson and other high Off
cials in the American government be
lieye that the end Of the war At less'
is in sight. That belief appears 70 op
based on the feeling 10 is purely emo
iional that none Of the belligerents
will dare 10 take the responsibility OF
rcsuming the terrible slaughter once
negotiations. no matter how vague, are
begun.
Mr.. Draper's London dispatch print
cd I'M The Tribune this morning. which
predicted an armistice IN the spring,
Hnds ready belief in quarters usually
we'll informed az TO true conditions
abroad
MIR. Wilson's personal attitude is re
norted 20 be one of great confidence.
he is said 20 he striving for support
FOR American participation IN what
over world alliance may be formed az
tor the war 20 insure the future peace
Of the world
Pacifsts here have been quick TO use
the known attitude Of the President
ss an argument against universal La
biHty for military service. II is
pointed out however. that dissrma.
vert or restriction Of garrsons,
uavies and the quantities OF ammuni-
ZION on hand would not mean the
abandonment by any power Of the idea
or universal military training.
Germany. IL can be said on the
highest authority, never would give
M the idea Of universal military
training. although the term Of active
service with the colors by German
youth may be greatly reduced by
agreement with other powers.
No news a. the State Department
or any OF the en,bass les AZ 20 the re-