The Washington herald., 1916-12-13
Peace Overtures Welcomed
By Members of Congress
Leading American Statesmen Receive News of
German Proposals with Gratefulness or Else
Decline to Talk

crat. member OF COMMITTEE on Foreign
Relations-I do not believe any OF the
belligerents are sincere in any proposals
they may make for restoration Of peace.
or course I favor mediation at the ear
Hest possible moment compatible with
the dignity Of the nation and the events
in Europe
Senator William J. Stone. Democrat,
Missouri. chairman of Committee on For
eign Relations-I am GLAD to see a
move from either side looking toward
peace and hope this one may lead 10
something
Henry Cabot Lodge. Republican, Mas
sachusetts. senior minority member OF
Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
or course I am intensely interested in
the developments along this line in Eu-
rope, but because of nv connection with
the foreign relations of this government
1t would be manifestly improper for me
to comment at this time
William r. Borah Senator RepuhIican
ldaho-1 do not believe mat this matter
should be commented on at great length.
There is so much hypoCriCy in some of
the expressions mace on both sides that
II is premature TO accept any of these
overtures as the basis for the expression
Of opinion publicly.
Senator Oscar Underwood Democrat.
Alabama-Of course ! am sincerely hope
full. as all Americans are. that the war
will soon be over. l think We had best
leave the affairs i'm the hands of the Pres
ident and let him determine il We should
offer to mediate. and when.
Senator William Hughes. Democrat [.
New Jersey hope that the terms of
peace offered will form a satisfactory
basis for parley at least and that some
thing definite may eventuate from the
smove made today at Berlin
Ollie James, Democrat. Senator from
Kentucky-I think il would be wholly i'm
proper for me TO discuss the German
peace terms. Our foreign affairs are in
the hands OF the President | for one
will not embarrass the Executive by the
Interpolation of my opinion at this time
Albert B. Cummins. Republican, Sena-
tor from lowa-lt is a good sign and
sincerely hope that it will lead to
some definite prospect of peace.
Senator William S. Kenyon. of Iowa
it is a good omen.
Senator Reed Smoot, Republican, Utah
i do not think Great Britain will con-
sent at this time to the overtures for
peace on the basis proposed and neither
do l believe that she would welcome
mediation at this time.
Senator Jacob H. Gallinger, Republican
leader.-I indorse any effort that may
be made to end the war.
Senator Lee S, Overman. Democrat,
North Carolina-The offer of Germany
for peace at this time will no doubt en-
courage many to hope for an end of the
European struggle within a reasonable
time.
Senator James o. PheIan, California
Democrat-If Germany proposes to re-
establish the status quo ante bellum this
is a reasonable ground on which negotia-
tons can begin.
Senator James w. wadsworth, New
York-At first blush, II the newspaper
dispatches accurately describe Germany's
proposal. It looks that the establishment
Of the status quo and the recognition of
Poland and Lithuania as independent
states would make Russia the only loser
in the war. The nation which has borne
the brunt Of the fighting. the greatest
Losses in men, money and material
would be called on 10 sacrifice about one
third Of its European territorial posses
sions. / do not attempt to say how that
proposal would be received IN Rusisa or
elsewhere. but I, in common with the rest
Of mankind, would like to see peace
reign throughout the world as soon as
possible.
Senator John Sharp Williams. Demo.
crat, Mississippi-I do not care to dis
cuss the International situation at this
time.
Vice President Thomas r. Marshall
I am very glad to see anything done to
ward lasting peace. ! am content &c
rely upon the superior Judgment OF the
President Of the United States In al
thsss mattsra