Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-01-08

Washington, Jan. s.-The report by
the Overseas News Agency that Amer
lean Ambassador Gerard at welcome
back to Germany, had said that never
since the beginning of the war had
the relations between the United States
and Germany been so cordial as to-
day" was officially inquired into to-
day.
Officials, in making the announce
ment Of the inquiry, refused to add any
further comment except to say that
they wished to know exactly, what he
had said.
The action Of the department was In
terpreted as meaning Importance was
attached to the effect of such an utter
ance, especiaiiyAon public opinion in the
allied countries, where published re-
ports have shown an impression that
the presidents note. was in some wy
connected with the central powers
peace proposals
1t is felt that il the Overseas News
report were allowed to go unchallensed
that feeling would be very much in
creased. AS result the department
was prompt in making public it's in
quiry. to the ambassador.
Banquet Is Lovefeast
Berlin, by wireless to the Associated
Press, Jan. S.-The dinner given by the
American Association of Commerce and
Trade Of Berlin in honor of James w.
Gerard, the American ambassador to
Germany, who has just returned to the
German capital from a visit to the
United States, developed, and appar-
emily with intention, into demonstra-
ton of the good feeling entertained in
the higher government circles and
banking spheres toward the United
States.
The guests included three ministers,
at least two former minister's the vice
president Of the reichstag, the heads OF
Germany's big financial institutions
and other leaders in German public
life.
Toast Kaiser and Wilson.
The usual toasts to Emperor William
and President Wilson were drunk
standing. President Wolf introduced
the principal speakers, Vice Chancellor
Helfferich, Director Won Gwinner and
Mr.. Gerard.
The ambassadors speech was in
formal and avoided touching conten-
tious topics, but he mentioned the large
contributions now being received from
America for the relief Of German wild
ows and orphans and for other nonpar-
tisan works Of mercy.
Director Won Gwinner too. did not
speak from manuscript, hut Or
Helfferich, speaking as the repre-
sentative of Chancellor Won Reth-
nn-Hollweg, delivered set d.
dress, which was followed with the
closest attention by the guests.
Gerard Like Noah's Dove.
In all the speeches the cordial rela-
tionships existing between the gov
ernments Of the United States and
Overseas News Agency.
Ambassador Gerard, who was likenei
by Director Won Gwinner to the "peace
dove Of Noah's Ark" is quoted by
the Overseas News Agency as say
ing that never since the beginning
of the war have relations between
Germany and the United States been
so cordial" and that he had brought
back an olive branch from President
Wilson.
Vice Chancellor Helfferich said he
was pleased to know that Ambas ssador
Gerard had visited the United States.
where he had an opportunity of de-
scrib.ng the rea! state Of affairs in
Germany" and Foreign Minister Zim-
mermann declared he "felt sure the
friendly and trustful relations between
both countries as enuncia.ed by MI.
Gerard will continue"
A telegram expressing the "sincer-
est wishes of the association ain this
crucial time" was sent to President
Wilson, and another message was for
warded TO Emperor William.
New Russo Offensive Gains. ..
Berlin, via wireless to Sayville. l.. l..
jan S.-Russian troops made another
attack yesterday in the northern end of
the Russo -Galician front, near the g",f
OF Riga. Today's official statement sa., )