The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-12-23
But Entente Representatives at
Washington Are Not Opti-
mistic Over Peace Proposal
REPORT DENIED THAT
LANSING WILL RESIGN
Secretary of State In Complete
Accord With President---Mi-
nority Leader Mann Praises
Action Of President for Peace

washington, Dec. 22.-Washington
became the center Of the worlds
politics tonight, as world diplomacy
prepared to meet the situation created
by President Wilson's initial peace
move. With the Presidents peace
note in the hands OF all Of the bell
Hgerent governments and most of the
European neutrals. the White House
and the state Department waited for
the next move to come from the
warning nations.
Diplomatic circles here were con-
WINGED that no matter what attitude
the Germanic powers and the entente
allies might assume toward the Presi-
dents action, the peace move would
bring about some result which would
tend in the general direction of peace.
There was a well authenticated report
in Washington tonight that the Presi-
dents overtures had been favorably
received in Germany. and that a reply
which would open the way for further
negotiations might be expected 1t
was stated on authority close to the
German embassy that Germany's de-
sire for peace Is sincere and that the
central powers would be even willing
to submit to the United States n clear
and frank statement of the conditions
upon which they would end the war
This statement, however. was quail
fed with the declaration that Ger
many would insist that her peace
terms be kept secret until a similar
statement could be secured outlining
the peace views OF the entente powers
with clarity and definiteness
Would Make Him Mediator
Developments along this line would
put President Wilson in the position
of mediator OF the controversy-tem-
porarily, at least. With definite peace
proposals from both sides in his
hands. he would be in a position to
press for a final settlement through
negotiatlon-even though the terms
submitted differed widely.
There was no doubt here tonight
that Germany is prepared to take full
advantage of the Presidents peace
move Confidential advices from Ber-
lin told of an interview arranged be-
tween Ambassador Gerard, who has
returned to his post in Berlin. and
the German chancellor The interview
was stated to be for the specific pur-
pose of discussing tho prospects for
peace, and It was accepted here to-
night that the plans for the confer
ence undoubtedly showed Germany's
intention to make every effort to bring
about definite peace negotiations.
Entente People Not Optimistic.
Among representatives of the en-
tente allies here. the peace sentiment
was far from optimistic. None of
the diplomats would discuss the Pres
id note or its effect Neither
would they venture an assertion as to
the attitude of their home govern
iuents toward the Presidents pro-
posal that the objects of the warning
nations be clearly set forth All
agreed, however, that the note would
call for deep consideration by all of
the belligerents. and they predicted
considerable delay before the United
States could expect definite replies
from the entente allies. 1t is prac-
tically certain that no move will he
made by the entente powers until
they have considered all angles OF the
peace situation Jointly. 1t is prob
able that these joint conferences will
result in a joint reply by the enemies
Of the central powers.
Attitude of Neutrals.
The attitude OF the European neu-
conjecture in diplomatic converse
lions here tonight. There was specu-
lation as to whether they would Join
forces and act as a unit in an effort
to strengthen their position and has
ten peace. 1t was generally believed
that all of the neutrals would In some
fashion get behind President Wilson's
peace move either jointly or insli-
vidually. Heretofore the closeness OF
the European neutrals to the war
zone and the danger of their becom-
ing involved have prevented them
from taking any action looking to-
ward peace. 1t is expected. however.
that with the United States In the
lead, they will not hesitate to aid in
the movement.
Aid lin the general direction OF
peace is also expected from the Vati-
can, which since the beginning OF
the war has steadfastly sought an ops
portunitv 10 bring the war to an end.
The difficulty which the State De-
partment found in making clear the
exact intent of the Presidents note
and the varying statements issued by
Secretary of State Lansing, led to
considerable speculation tonight. The
fact that Secretary Lansing found 1t
necessary to correct his original state-
ment after an interview with the
President. caused some dissatisfac-
ton among diplomatists. who insisted
that the incident demonstrated that
the President and his premier were
not acting In complete confidence and
accord. They declared that It was
clear that the Secretary of State could
not speak for the President without
specific instructions, and that this
would prove embarrassing Tor diplO-
mats whose communications are all
with the State Department and mos
with the President.
Persistent reports that the Gecra~
tary of State was to resign. or that
he would be forced to retire becAuso
of his health. were In circulation To-
day. but they were categorically -
MED at the State Department.
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