The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1917-08-15

sires that the text of the pope's peace
appeal reach all governments before
it is given to the public.
For this reason, it was stated today,
publication OF the appeal in the o.
servatore Romano, the vatican official
organ, has been postponed until
Thursday.
Impossible to Accept.
WASHINGTON. Aug. 15.-Allied
'opinion-the United States govern
ment included-swung strongly to the
view today that Pope BenedicTs
peace proposals cannot be accepted In
its present form.
Cables received early at the state
department indicated strong opposi-
ton in England. France and Italy to
favorable view of the new peace
step. Belief that the move was pro-
Austrian was sharply expressed by
high government officials today.
The president has not definitely de-
termfned upon full scope of his reply.
Decision awaits study of the pope's
formal note The president will re-
ply to IT. According to one high in
his councils and who actively paruci-
pates in the formation of this coun-
Ty's policies, the president will re-
fuse to accept IL.
Whether or not he makes sugges-
lions that may lead to further nego-
tiations, awaits an expression Of world
opinion.
According 10 this official, the presi-
dent will outline in simplest terms
why America cannot accept status
Equo ante peace.
! 'Our situation is this" the official
said. "a neighbor has entered our
home, ravaged those things we hold
imost dear. Ne catch the enemy. de
lis within our power. Then another
ineighbor enters. He suggests that we
L rot kill the man who DESTROYED our
happiness. He suggested that we give
/ the beast his freedom, that purse be
taken in the neighborhood to restore
the losses we have suffered and that
we then go on and live in peace. be
side the man who ruined our family.
1.-THE though is mpossible-prepos-
ferrous. It is revolving to even con-
cefve Of a peace with Germany based
| on the terms the pope has outlined.
| Await World Opinion.
BIBy Carl D. Groat, United Press Staff
Correspondent
WASHINGTON, Aug. f5.-Presi-
dent Wilson is awaiting the voice OF
world opinion, before deciding his
course on the pope's Neace offer.
There has been no attempt to min
iimize the Importance of the peace
move.
Coming as it does from q source
outside the realm of diplomacy, at q
time when the world feels a revulsior
at the thought of another winter cam
paign and when all treasures but the
American are at low ebb, it must be
Ireckoned with
To aid in forming judgment, tbs
government has cabled it's represen
tatives abroad to sound out sentiment
land report the reception of the peace
proposal-hoth> lin high and low quar-
tiers. They have been asked to has
ten their reports lest delays indicate
a spirit of indecision.
Officials remain silent It may be
stated, however, that this government
either directly or indirectly viii re
ply to the pope.
officials think, generally. the world
should know where the United State:
and her allies stand, especially IL tbs
offer is rejected.
Entente opinion, with the exception
iof the Russian, tends toward promp'
rejection of the proposal. The sems
Esprit pervades in some government
iquarters here.
But authorities realize that coming
from the pope, the offer carries z
weight. which German "feeleTs" and
mad peace suggestions
have lacked: that the offer viii stil
Ipacitist sentiment; and cause tht
thinking world 10 pause in reflection
The hint is launched that Germany
may have chosen the vatican as Z
means Of surrendering gracefully
without mourning disaster and pos
isible revolution at home.
In any event, be the offer accepted
or rejected, II will serve 70 plan
lpeace seeds in all nations as no,bin9
else has done in recent months.
The state department said recently
the world would hearken thoughtful,
Ito any bonafide peace offer.
The pope, it is believed, has ths
maximum and minimum TeutoI
terms.
His suggestions. manffestly unac
Iceptable TO either the allied o.
Z American standard in some respects
itions, it is held. The proposal Il
leave settlement of the AlsaceI.Or
iraine and Balkan problems TO peace
jful negotiations, is regarded here a
q special stumbling block.
| Allies Stand Together.