New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-24
BERLIN PAPERS
DOUBT WILSON
DistruSt His Motives
See Selfish Aims Be-
hind Message

Berlin. Friday Dec. 90 via London,
Dec. 23).-Thc Berlin press receives
President wilson's note 10 the bellig-
erent powers with yarying views,
scarcely any two papers looking alike
at the proposition.
The views range from the cnthus'-
astic welcome accorded the plan by the
"Tageblatt" 20 the unexpectedly cynical
quasi-acauiescence Of the "Vossische
Zeitung." with the middle grounds rep
resented by the "Lokal AnzeIger'
which prefers to await the answer o.
the Entente Powers TO the Emperor
note before deciding for or against.
Calls America Selfish
George Bernhard, in the "Nossische
Zeitung," views President Wilson's pro
posal as sctuated purely from Ameri-
can selfish motives. America, ne says.
finds itself in the position of having
passed the heyday point in its financial
operations with the Entente and now
wants peace and the cooperation OF
England in preparing for what 1t al
ludes to as the inevitable japanese
trouble.
Bernhard refers 10 Secretary Lam
sings statement regarding America
being drawn TO the verge OF war as
distinct tip to Germany. get he is con-
yinced that America desires 10 avoid
such a conflict, primarily FOR selfish
reasons. The suggestion that neutrals
as well as combatants participate IN
the peace conference is energetically
and vigorously rejected by the news
Daper. which declares that this must
not come 10 pass in any circumstances
What may come I'D between Germany
and her foes ia not the business o.
neutrals. t insists, and Germany mas
learned in addition by bitter expert
ence what she might expect in court
in which the judges were neutrals un
der the pressure OF England. In such
a case the world would be against her.
it adds.
Terms VIII Grow Severer
The "Vossische Zeitung" also de
c.ares that President Wilson need not
deceive himself into thinking thar he
can lav down sny precepts for the con
ference. There will be no truce, II
ssvs. bu. the lighting will continue.
With GerInany's terms Increasing IN
.ove-..v as she achieves military sue
ccsses.
President Wilson's step we vel
come" are the Woros with which Theo-
dore WolS opens his comment in the
"Tsgeblatt." He adds that, regardless.
of feeling for or against President
Wilson or the desires IN some circle.
for war with America. no responsible
politician capable Of thinking has the
right 20 reject peace proposals because
they come from Washington.
Wolf points out that President VIII
son undoubtedly has many sources OF
Information as % the feeling toward
neace IN various wsrring countries, and
therefore is not guided by Parliamen-
tary speeches delivered FOR home and
enemy consumption.
Premier Gives Little Hope
Il the real peace conditions Of the
Entente are actually reflected IN the
speeche. OF ". Pokroysay. the Russian
Foreign Minister. or David Lloyd
Gcofge. the British Premier, ne asserts.
then me path 20 peace is not smooth
one, for such a peace would be merely
4 humiliation.
President Wilson. however. ne con-
ciudes. is obviously aiming for a peace
Continued On page ?. column
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