Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-12-23
No Mystery in tile %ote

and newspapers III bolligerent countries
endenvoring to read 4 hidden meaning into
President Wilson'S message. bu; there is no
snch excuse for politicians and newspapers in
this country. who seek to question the presi-
dents motive.
The note is Straightforward and honest. Il,
has no hidden meaning or purpose. Il
makes the same request Of both groups OF
bcl,igcrcnts that each from tinlc to time has
made OF the other-that they declare the
objects 10 attain which they continue the war.
There is nothing novel, startling or dis
ingenious in this request. Short OF the mill
tarE extinction OF one group by the other. the
only road to peace is pointed by ii comparison
oil peace terms.
British newspapers. We are informed. are
frankly amazed" by the note. and much
speculation is INDUCED in as to the motives
or causes which inspired the President"
That sort of talk may express Amusement. but
it does not express frankncss. Is there a
sane man or woman anywhere. familiar with
the facts and the course OF Woodrow Wilson
throughout this long struggle. who does not
believe the President inspired by the motives
he prCclaims--thc instincts OF humanity and
the protection OF his own people?
The time has passed when bclligercn,s may
deny 10 %neutrals all interest in the continue
ance OF hostilitics and IN the way in which
these hostilttics are conducted. The whole
policy OF this country since the war began
has been to define and uphold neutral rights.
These rights have been disregardcd, grossly
and repeatedly, by both Delliserents, and tho
time INA! come. rs the President suggests.
when Il departure from the policy Of ncu-
troiity shall become necessary.
There Is nothing mysterious or ~esoteric
in these plain OF fact. which tho
note makes. They have long been obvious
10 the world. Hundreds OF newspapers in
America have proclaime; them. The sac
fi2ifns 4 ~ .Al.;... I". ,,-J -. -.
now long she must expect 10 make such sac
Iii.Hes. and cntitlc her to know why.
.And this brings up the second phase OF the
note, which Is q request Tor the bcliigercuts'
terms OF peace. These terms never have been
stated exactly BY either party 70 the con-
troversy. both have INDUCED in resoundinG
lhrnses-ihc protection of the Futherland
ana the rights OF small nations. On the one
hand. the rights of small nations and rest;,u-
ton. restoration, rehabilitation and protection
against l'russian militarisms, on the other,
Zach commentator imtarprcts the demands OF
his own side and OF the other side in accord
anco with his own prejudices. For example,
stephen Lausanne, editor OF lie Natin. now
In this country on an official mission for the
French government, says the allies will de-
mand the cession Of Pennsylvania to Rou-
mama, OF ITentino TO Italy. or sacc-Lorrai
10 france. OF ConstantiNOplo to Russia:
Tnrhey driven from Europe: belgium and
Serbia restored and Unidentified: limitation Of
a~rmaneMts. starting With ;le limitation Of
German ornaments; an indemnity Of $50
oV0.uo".o0" and PROOF Of Germany's purpose
to angle by future pledges.
That is :. large order. and We Gre NOT at
all sure That it will he supported in All the
H!!led capitals. Some Of these demands are
more popular in London than they arc III
Rome. in l2ris than IN retrograd. The dc.
inands 81 some OF the allies arc no; included
il NJ. LauZanus's program
Why Should there not be n frank declara-
ton OF peace terms. by The allies as we'll as
by the central powers? II there is anv real
hope OF peace a. this juncturc. that is the
way. and the only way, in which it may be
obtained.