South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-12-14

e note be sent TO The several ma
Immediately Chief Clerk Ben
Davis Of the state department.. i'm
mediately recoded the instrument
and it was placed on the cables
Announcements was soon after
ward made at the state department
that the note "will 20 forward at
once" The department added that
it has received no other request
other than 20 transmit the communi-
cation.
Receipt of the note has not ended
the problem confronting Pres't vii
son He has not yet decided whether
he Will follow II with another sug-
gestiOn from this government as
the leading neutral nation. asking
that il be given the most careful
consideration and again proffering
the good offices OF this government
in any plan Of mediation or other
wise that may be devised 10 end the
war.
Ii is believed the official version
[
lie some time today or tomorrow
Hasty examination officials said.
indicated that IL wa practically
identical with the unofficial versions
which have reached the United
States. The only differences appar-
ent on a hasty scrutiny. IL was said
could have arisen as the result OF
slight difference in translation
VIII bc Cabied.
The communication will be re-
recorded and vabled to the Amer
lean embassies at London Paris.
Petrograd and Rome for immediate
transmission to the entente embas-
sizes here viii be delivered il was
said
The presidents decision on
Whthr comment will follow the
transmission of the note is not eX-
pected until after tomorrow. when
the cabinet VIII take mp considera-
ton Of the official text Of the offer.
1t was practically assured today
that no suggestion from Pres't Will
son would accompany the German
offer when il was transmitted by
this government 10 the entente
capitals. 10 was pointed out that
the mechanical matter Of forward
fng the German suggestion would
Immediately follow its receipt here
before officials have mad an oppor-
tunity TO inspect thoroughly the
version OF the Teutons offer.
NAV OTcr Suggestion.
It is almost certain. however. that
following the transmission OF the
Austro-German peace suggestions.
Pres't Wilson VIII suggest. directly
or through am unofficial representa-
tive sent aboard for the purpose.
that the time is ripe for considerl-
tion of means 10 terminate the con-
hict and OF the basis on which peace
can be considered. Trless IL rs de-
dnitely set forth by Sec'y Grew %
the American embassy in Berlin
that the United States. Spain and
Switzerland are expected only 20 act
as messengers in conveying the Of
fer OF the Teutonic allies 20 it's
enemies. there Is no reason TO doubt
that the white house VIII strongly
urge the acceptance Of tho offer
Are More Cheerful
Teutonic diplomatic circles today
remained dumb on the entire sub
Ject There was. however in evidence
a feeling of more hopefuluess than
on yesterday. IL was explained that
while the first reply Of the entente
undoubtedly viii be a further de-
nun-iauOu Of Germany and Teut0n
war methods. that will not OF neces-
sity end the hope OF ultimate nego-
tiati0ns TO end the war. ON the con-
traIys j. was said This would have
the effect OF clearing the air." and
would open the way for a general
discussion Of the war and It's effects
I'm all OF the belligerent countries.
Specific denial was made that there
had been any new economic crisis in
either Germany or Austro-Hungary
which. some English sources insist
cd was really responsible for the
peace proposals az this time
Course Guided by Reception.
IL is realized that the American
course probably must be- guided
largely hy the reception given the
Teutonic offer in the entente coun-
tries although If is regarded as cer-
tain that either Informally or for
maliy. quietly or publicly the gov
eminent here viii rra q rr.a.,. az dc