The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1917-01-15
OUTLINE
or the Peace Terms Of aKiser Now
Hoped For BY American Officials
Wilson May Ask Him to Set
Out Conditions.

washington, january lo-A stdte-
ment of terms from Germany and her
allies, at least as comprehensive as
those set forth by the Eentente in re-
plying to President Wilson's note, is
the next step hoped for here in the
peace negotiations.
Whether time will be allowed for
the Teutenoic nations to state their
terms on their own initiative, or
whether President Wilson will make
some move to give an opening, re-
mains undetermined.
There are indications, however, that
II no statement of the Tentonic terms
is forthcoming within a reasonable
time the United States may seek
means to indicate the desirability of
such course.
Keeps His Views to Himself
1t was reiterated today that the
President had not determined on his
-.ti2n and it was pointed out that in
his note he said he was Indifferent as
to the means employed for comparing
terms. He is reluctant to judge be-
tween the two replies and has not
made known his impressions Of the
Entente note. In other adminstra-
ton quarters it has been suggested,
however, that the objects which the
President had in mind could be best
promoted now by the Central Powers
publicly declaring their terms.
Officials are watching particularly
Just now the trend of public sentiment
abroad, and the apparent change since
the dispatch of the Presidents note
has proved source of increasing
qualification. The first feeling of in
dignation among the allies because of
the coincidence of the Presidents pro-
posal with that of the Central Pow
ers has abated, it is believed here, and
is being replaced by conviction that
good may come from the American
note.
Early Peace Not Probable
There is no indication in official cir
Giles, however, that an early peace is
thought probable. On the contrary,
the statement of the allies objects, it
is recognized, has made acceptance by
Germany very difficult for the present,
however far it may have gone toward
establishing preliminary basis which
may facilitate peace negotiations when
the end of hostilities does come. The
Administration is acting on the as
sumption that the bitterness engen-
dered by the war cannot be healed in a
moment, but that every step toward
that end brings a final reapproach-
ment nearer.
First expressions of bitterness in
Germany over the Entente reply are
somewhat discounted here, and it is
felt there may be a change of senti-
inent Just as there was in the Entente
countries in regard to the Presidents
note. 1t Is conceded, however, that
for the present popular desire for a
prosecution of the war will be quick
ened.
Expect TeutOns Would Reply
The German view here is that there
Is little likelihood of a public state
ment Of specific terms by the Teutonic
Allies at this time, unless further
move to that end is made by the Pres
ident. Should request for such
statement be forwarded to Berlin.
however, 1t is declared Germany pro-
badly would comply.
1t has been the contention of Teu-
tonic diplomats that in proposing a
peace conference Germany fulfilled the
Presidents suggestion that an early
occasion be sought for discussion of
terms, and that no other steps is call
ed for unless there is a second and
more specific request.