The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1916-12-23
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been disposed or Oy the issue OF lhe
secretary's second statement and the
steps taken to inform the foreign gov
ernments Of the facts.
The notes 10 the belligerents, Sec
retary IIansing's explanatory state
ments and recent German submarine
activities furnished the chief topic or
discussion at today's cabinet meeting.
Later it was said that the discussion
was directed towards no particular
end but merely brought forth the
views Of cabinet members.
After the cabinet meeting, Secre-
tary Lansing said that full informa-
ton concerning the sinking of the
British liner Arabia was not at hand.
The American government is ANXIOUS
" awaiting word from Berlin regard
ing the British horse ship Marina,
which admittedly was sunk without
warning by a German submarine ana
which, the state department has oeen
convinced, was not a transport. NO
course of action will be decided on
until Germany has been heard from
further.
II was learned that after full dis
cussion the view Of all was that the
force of the note to the oellgerentS
had not been materially affected by
Secretary Lansing's statement.
President Congratulate
Press comment in both England and
Germany was read with the deepest
interest by members Of the cabinet.
Spokesman from the administration
thought that the unfavorable impress,
sion made at first in England would
be changed when the note was exam
med carefully.
Messages congratulating the presi-
dent poured in TO the White House
today in increasing volume. Almost
without exception the senders inter
preted the action as peace move.
Republican Leader Mann referred
to the note on the floor of the house
today and heartily praised President
Wilson's action. Without regard 10
craftsmanship" he said, 81 believe the
whole people Of the country, warmly
congratulate and commend the presi-
dent in every effort he has made or
NAV make to restore peace in the
world"
II became known during the day
that some members of the diplomatic
corps are worried over their personal
status with their home governments
whom they have been informing for
weeks past that the United States
would take no action in the European
Situation. With the arrival OF the
German proposals and the announced
decision Of this government not TO add
any word of its own. most diplomats
became finally convinced and SO re-
ported to their governments that. no
stem toward peace would be taken
here unless a decided change &C.
Cured.
A Dramatic Stroke.
PARIS Dec 22.-3:40 p MA
dramatic stroke" is the way l.. In
transigeant heads President Wilson's
note to the belligerents. Commenting
on the note. the newspaper says:
Everybody will understand the
Importance of Americas act. Mr.
Wilson'S proposal is clear. The
United States had to suffer from the
war. Germany is torpedoing its
boats and the United States is send
ing us material and she has given us
aid. 1t is natural that the president
should desire to know the purposes
Of the belligerents. Certainly THIS
act will disarrange the sly maneuvre
Germany is seeking to accomplish at
this time. Since the enemy has pro-
voked peace efforts it Is right that
he wants and that he lay down his
cards. He will not be able to es-
cape the request Of the American
government.
As to us. we know why we are
fighting. Lloyd George explained it
clearly in the British house Of COM
mons. We are fighting because we
were attacked and because we do not
want to be attacked again"
"On the eve Of the Christmas mol
idavs said La Liberte president
Wilson would greet the dove Of peace
with greater pleasure since he fears
to see his country drawn into the
melee. The submarine warfare which
Germany threatens to wage 10 the ut
most regardless Of promises made. il
its peace overtures are ineffective.
may draw the United States into the
world conflict Secretary Lansing
expressed that fear and it Is what
American public opinion breads.
ITO President Wilson's suggestion
we Frenchmen can make no other
reply than that OF Lloyd Georges.
Let the Germans restore territory.
let them give PREPARATION and let
them offer guarantees assuring a
real not a precarious peace and we
shall! be happy to reply 10 the prayer
Of President wilson,
Toll