Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-12-23
ANSWER TO PRESIDENT
REQUIRES FURTHER ENCHxNt:t;

~ ~
The answer 10 President Wilson re-
quires n further exchange Of views
among the entente, although there is
little doubt that the general tenor OF
both notes will follow the same line
being based on the official speeches OF
David Lloyd George, the British Prime
Minister; Aristidc BRAND, the French
Premier; Baron Sonnino. the Italian
Foreign Minister. and NJ Pokrovslly,
the Russian Foreign Minister. as con-
tanning full exposition OF the policy
OF the entente.
British public men generally decline
TO speak for publication concerning the
note OF President Wilson and those in
the government cannot do SO without
violation OF official custom. Those out
side Of the government do not desire
20 cmbarrass II.
All tho prominent officials will TO.
m'ain in London during the holidays
Work in the government offices by tn"
new administration, which is graphing
with the numerous and enormous
schemes for the nationalizing OF the
kingdom's activities, is under full
headway
GIVEN BIGGEST DISPLAY
IN LONDON MEM SPApEi,s
Tn" mote il aivcn the biggest dis
play in the morning papers rclcga,iny
the war news to a minor place. Head
lines such as president Wilson's
Strange Peace Essay "Presidcnt vii.
sons Peace Feel.r." Amazing Note"
indicate i'll Sligh; measure the aston
ishment caused By the communication
Much speculation is indulGcd in as
spircd the President to send such a
note after his assumption OF the atti-
tudc that he would not mediate unless
invited by both groups Of belligercnts.
One section OF the press, utterly re-
'-ctinG any idea OF the possibility Of
peace negotiations AS the outcome OF
the recent German note, ilat!y ut'
butcS the Presidents action to tho sue
cess of propaganda conducted BY
Count Won Bernstorn in America and
what thvy describe as the mastery
inactivity OF the late British govern
ment
The evening papers, which do not
print editorials. came out with big
headlines which expressed their views
The f.vcnins News, which is the after
noon edition Of the Daily Mail. heads
= reprint OF the comment of the morn
ing papers with III. one word NO" in
large black type, and under 1t Our an
swcr to president Wilson" and again
NO. No, No: that is the answer Great
Eritain gives to-day without mo-
mcnts hesitation to tho surprising
note from President Wilson"
COMMu NICaTION ASSURED
OF co! RTEOUS TREATMENT
referring to President Wilson'S note.
the Evening standard SAYS:
ANY communication from tho head
OF = great ana friendly power is as
sured Of courteous and respectful con-
s!dcration. but il would be only mis-
leading III, President TO leave him
unde' :hc impression that any move
on his part toward peace at this tine
OF tHe war would be welcomed Nv
Great britain "r her allies. 1t is sin
Gu!ar, indeed. that statesmen OF Air
Wilson's pcrsDicu!ty can labor under
any such illusion. The whole facts OF
th' situation should warn him that his
Intervention is not desired.
~" speaks of league to insure
rcace md justice Such league al
ready exists. II consists OF Great
Britain. Russia, France. Italy and The.
smaller powers All have had an up
hill hsht They now sec the road
fairly clear before them The enemy
has given shrill cry of distress. Tho
next few months ought to complete his
discontinue.
III the Prcaidevt could realize what
'hcse war-worn peoples feel he would
surely not suggest that they should
forogo all their cherished hopes and
CONTINUED on Second Pago)