Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-12-22

pointed out that at first the opinion
prevailed that the note itself was
merely 'feeler' and that the most
immediately contemplated in issuing
II was the receipt of some sort of
dehnite of the various warning ma
tions. That the. President should let
1t be known indirectly to the diplo-
mats for their guidance, that he went
even farther than that and counted
on an absolutely frank reply from the
belligerents which would lead to an
actual opportunity for negotiations
proved only less surprising than the
actual note itself.
This feeling was increased by Secre-
tary Lansing's authorized statement
yesterday that no soundings had been
taken of the attitude of the belliger-
ents addressed and the note had been
sent entirely regardless of the Central
Powers proposals or of the reply of
Lloyd George.
The question very much to the fore
to-day was whether the European
neutrals would present n united ap-
peal. The Spanish and Swiss repre-
sentatives here have been at the State
Department repeatedly since those
proposals came out and probably know
fully the plans of this government.
1t is pointed out that the European
neutrals have suffered beyond any
the war and that peace is more es-
sential to them than to any but the
actual belligerents. In addition they
have none of the bitterness of war and
none of it's ambitions and are anxious
more for the coming of peace than
for the accomplishment of any other
purpose. Nevertheless their geo.
graphical positions between the two
contending forces has been so danger
Gus that up to now they have been
able to do no more than maintain
their neutrality without mixing in the
struggle even TO suggesting peace.
Part of this danger is, however,
thought removed by the American
action.
Gradual Qualification among the
entente diplomats here of the Presi-
dents purpose and indications that
they would advise their governments
to reply in friendly spirit proved a
source of deep qualification to-day as
1t was pointed out both in the note
itself and in Secretary Lansing's ex-
planation that one of the dangers was
the allies would consider the step as
a pro-German move. Every effort was
made to remove this impression and
to have the note considered entirely
apart from any other events. The en-
tente diplomats, at first very fearful.
have now accepted this view.
Charge Grew reported to the State
Department to-day that the Presi-
dents peace note had been received
in Berlin
Early London press comment that
the note was painful because, 1t said.
the objects of the belligerents were
practically the same was not unex-
pected here, where attention has al
ready been drawn to the fact that
President Wilson specifically declared
that the published views of the op-
posing statesmen left that impression.
1t is stated officially that the Presi-
dent would not presume to say that
the two groups were fighting for the
same object but merely that their off, |
cial spokesmen had outlined much the
same general program without going
into the actual details which he now
seeks.
Several hundred kilograms con-
President Wilson on his |
note to the belligerents arrived to-
day at the White House. Practically |
all of them construed the note as a /
move for peace. They came from in
dividuals and organizations. The |
White House telegraphers were kept
busy for hours receiving the messages.