Evening capital news. (Boise, Idaho) 1901-1927, 1916-12-24
REPLY TO GERMANY'S
NOTE TO COME FIRST
Tone of Answer to Chancel-
lor's Proposal Will Be Far
Different From That to
American Suggestion for
Statement of Purposes
and Aims.
BY ROBERT J. BENDER,


Omitted Press Staff corre.pondent)
Washington, Dec. 23.-In
spite. of editorial blasts, from
abroad supplemented by
guarded expressions of an
noyance in entente quarters
here, belief is growing in en-
bassy and official circles
that President Wilson's
overtures to the belligerent
nations are destined to be
successful. It is believed that
no less than a frank express
sion in reply to his commune
cation can be expected and
if this comes, the way will
be opened, it is declared, to
further and more definite
negotiations. Administra-
ton leaders are not inclined
to be over concerned about
the editorial attitude of the
English press.
1t is felt here an accurate perspective
is impossible on the reception of the
presidents note until it has reached
the public and sufficient time has been
given for thorough digestion.
In the meantime, interchange OF Of
ficial views between the entente ma
tions and among the Teutonio powers
must be awaited pretty fair indi-
cation of how the peace wind Is blow
ing is expected in about ten days.
1t is pointed out, however. that tho
tone of this reply will necessarily be
vastly different from the response to
the presidents communication. No
word has been received here as to when
this response will come.
TEUToN REPLY FIRST.
1t Is believed the first reply will
come from the Teutonic allies.
In the wake of rumors of stock trans
actions in Wall Street by government
officials, persons in the cabinet and
kindred gossip which has been buzzin9
in all quarters here. Christmas peace
and quiet settled down over official
Washington tonight.
Administration officials declared to-
night they are ready and willing to
submit to any probe congress might
start to see IL recent Wall Street fur
res could be traced to tips from off,
cia1 sources.
Many officials, however, left the city
tonight and the Christmas spirit sup
planted all war talk. both domestic and
international. for the time being.
SOUTH AMERICAN ATTITUDE.
While attention is now directed to-
ward England for the next move In the
intricate game of peace, there contin-
ued to be vast discussion in embassy
circles here.
The United Press Is able to give q
detailed account of the attitude as
shown by South American ministers
towards the presidents move for peace.
According to one of the highest diplo-
mats the president has given impetus
to peace. because. in the opinion of
leading South American countries:
THE United States note was time
ly.
1T was put forth when the people
of belligerent countries have their
hearts and minds on peace more than
at any time in the last two years.
POSITION OF MEDIATOR.
"By calling for a statement of OBJ
jects from both sides. the president In
bound to get the fullest and frankest
of sessions developed thus far in the
by asking for terms the president
has assumed very much
the position of mediator.
ANY replies sent to him will neces-
sarily mean continuation of the three
discussion, and il the replies
from the two belligerent groups square
In any particular whatever. it will re-
suit in encouraging further efforts.
In the light of the presidents ap-
peal for frankness and Germany's
avowed desire for peace. the Teutonic
powers will give the most generous
terms possible to the president in or
der to further the peace movement