New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-25
SympathizeS with Wilson's
Attitude, but Wants Ger
many to Act First
ITALIAN PAPERS RAP
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
Was Prompted by Central
Powers, They Charge;
Comes IS Months Late

Rome, Dec. 24.-SenAtor Guglelmo
Maroon, the inventor Of wireless
ulegraphy. who returned from the
United States 70 Italy carly in the war
and now holds the rank Of Lieutenant
said to-day regarding President Will
sons note:
81 sympathize with the attitude OF
the President understand the feel
ings Of the American people. but ]
think tho Central Empires should be
tho first to make definite proposals.
Thus far they have not done So
Suggested by Germany.
president Wilson's note was sug-
cested by Germany says The Idea
Nsz;onalc. Germany desired that her
peace proposal should be followed by
a great pacific manifestation and treo
10 obtain II through the Vatican, which
refused. But when Germany declared
70 Washington that She WAS ready TO
examine any peace project OF any neu-
tral government she induced President
Wilson 20 present his note
TIE "Giornale d'1tAlia,' commenting
On the report that the smaller neutral
states arc preparing to support inc
Au.-ican note. asks: rs II a com
b;,cd nannuvrec" The paper further
says:
Three mistakes are observable IN
the case OF the American note: FIRST
+. was sent when the Allies were about
TO reject Germany's peace proposal;
second. IL makes no distinction between
savsges and civilized people third. IL
PROPOSES peace twenty-eleht months 100
late"
"To President Wilson's note con
tinucs the newspaper. "it IS lmposslpIe
10 answer simply NO. Inc ahs"ei
must demonstrate the just and honest
intentions OF the Allies, hghting ior
.he defence o. liberty and rlght'
AGAINST the Central Powers, thirsting
for dominion. intoxicated with baTbar-
itv and responsible for the most afro
ciou- aggression ever committed.
ct is impossible 70 accept confer
oncc for peace. with a relative arms
lice. without obtaining from the enemy
q su~e guarantee that ne VIII not take
advantage Of the cessation Of hostilities
10 escape making PREPARATION.
Terms of the Allies
The "Messaggero" says:
The American note will not change
The course Of events Il 10 is no more
than the pious and noble desire for
peace shared by the powers Of the En-
tente. which did not impose but have
submitted 70 the war let loose by the
Central Empires. That which the
Quadruple Alliance desires IS not
mystery.
England asks the recntry Of Ger
many within Germany's own ooun-
daries. respect for oppressed natlonah-
ties. regard for international agree
nents and equitable damages for the
ruin wrought. France has placed
openly upon the carpet the recovery OF
Alsace and Lorraine.
"Italv. in the same manner. has de-
fined her rights 70 the irrecentist terri
tories on The other de Of the sea
which are essential TO tranquil life on
the Adriatic. Russia wishes 10 be no
longer suffocated in the Black Sea.
The Straits belong 10 her. Serbia like
wise must have her territories and a
free outlet. Rumanis must rescue her
sons suffering under the Magyar yoke. "
Inopportune and Unbecoming
The radical "Secolo." Of Milan, IN its
comment on President Wilson's note 70
belligerents says:
why should neutrsls who kept quiet
when the Germans dishonored Europe
take a stand against war to-day when
The Allies have well founded hopes OF
defeating those responsible for & many
iniouities? Their Intervention nov IS
an act involving partially. Therefore
President Wilson, initiative Is not
only inopportune, but unbecomlne
The conservative Milan "Perseve-
rama" says:
Evidently President Wilson fears
that peace will be concluded without
mis- assistance. but he need not fear, as
pesce is still far off, 900.
The Socialist newspaper "Avanu
praises the President, adding that ms
note marks a noteworthy step toward
the conclusion Of peace, even If Il does
not bring about an immediate definite
result"