The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1916-12-28
PEACE IS NEARER.

EGkAGE Id NEE1NEN.
Gerrnany's second bid for peace could
not have been made, had not Lloyd
Georges and Premier Brands declara-
tons been clear invitation to further nego-
tiations.
The disappointment expressed in certain
quarters that Germany's reply to the presi-
dents note did not make an avowa1 of
terms, is simply due to an ignorance of dip
lomatic usage in general and of present ne
gotiations in particular No such request
was made by the president-indeed, a
greater breach of international etiquette
could hardly be imagined than such
gratuitous assumption of the catechist's
role. Without proposing peace" or even
offering mediation" the note suggests
that an early occasion be sought to cali out
from all the nations now at war such an
avowal of their respective views as to the
terms upon which the war might be con-
Guided and the arrangements which would
be deemed satisfactory as d guaranty
against its renewal or the kfnd.ino of any
similar conflict in the future, as would
make it possible frankly to compare them
How could Germany's reply be more def
many's original suggestion to center forth
with into peace negotiations" became Pres
ident Wilson's hope that an "early occas-
ion' might be found, and Germany there
upon fastened Ito propose an immediate
meeting of delegates at a neutral place" to
discuss and undertake "the great work of
preventing future wars" A more rapid or
favorable development would be hard to
imagine. In diplomacy every inch of
ground is carefully tested before any step
is taken. Before a government is formally
asked if so-and-so would be persona grata
as ambassador or minister-to give one IL
| lustration of international workings-its
| feelings are unofficially ascertained Then,
| if for any reason he would not be accept
| able, another choice is made and the send
| ing government is saved unnecessary hui
initiation. And knowing the German atti-
| tude already, to give another, President
| Wilson would not have taken the as;arish-
| ing action he did, but for an understanding
with the allies; for antedated though it
was, his note was not dispatched until
after Lloyd Georges famous utterance. If,
therefore, Germany outlined its proposals
to the United States, it would be done IN
conference, that soundings might be taken,
before any public announcement was made.
What then will be the answer of the
Allies?
A corporal in uniform, Hastings B. L.
Smith, liberal member of Northampton,
addressed the House of Commons Thurs
day, praising Lloyd Georges speech, be
cause he understood it to mean that the
door was held open to the German pro-
posa1 Equally significant is the special
war conference announced by Lloyd
George, to consider not only tn: prosecd-
ton of the war. but also the possible con-
ditions on which, in agreement with our
allies, we should assent to- its termination,
and problems which would then imme-
diately arise"
That the Allies first reply will be as
favorable as the German, is not to be ex-
pected. 1t may even be negative. The
eagerness of one side to any bargain is al
ways the measure of the others indiffer-
ence A war for which Germany was
forty years preparing can not be ended in a
day, week, or a month. But from the for
tune telling cards that are now on the ia
bic, the only possible reading is that peace
negotiations have actually been begun.