New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-08-16
Wilson S Action on
Pope S Note Means
More War or Peace
Allies Could Not Continue
Fight if u. S. Made
Terms
By G. w. Gilbert

WASHINGTON, Aug. l5.-Nothing
more definite than a slight indication
of the Administration position with
regard to peace developed here to-day
Secretary Lansing told the newspaper
correspondents that there had been
no change in the war aims or plans OF
the United States since he made his
speech at Madison Barracks. This Is
obviously susceptible of more than
one Interpretation so far as 1t bears
upon the question whether the Pope
proposals meet this country's war
aims. But the general impression that
those proposals would be found not to
be agreeable to this country strength
ened rather than weakened to-day.
There is nothing official on which TO
base this impression, for in the abb
sence Of the exact language of the
Pope's communication, the text not
having been received, official opinion
was impossible to obtain.
1t is regarded as likely that
Germany's reply to the Vatican
will be known before the Allies
frame their reply, but it is not ex-
pected that even though Germany
should make some dramatic effort
to strengthen radical peace opinion
among the peoples with whom she is
at war the refusal of the powers to
make peace now substantially along
the lines proposed will be affected by
any such development. Opinion Is ex-
pressed in British circles here that
the people of England, in spite Of the
Henderson episode, will accept loyalty
the decision Of their government, and
comment in the London press supports
this opinion.
Much Depends on Wilson
Interest turns largely on the posi-
ton Of President Wilson. It is plain
from comment in Allied circles that
the question of war and peace depends
upon the attitude of this Administra-
ton. If the President should profess
himself satisfied with the proposals OF
the Pope the Allies must perforce ac-
cept them, as they cannot fght on
without the aid which is to come from
this country. II, on the other hand,
the President should declare that the
future of the world would be imper-
illed if Germany should gain the sub
stantial diplomatic victory which the
adoption of these terms would bring,
then the radical peace agitation
abroad would be somewhat stilled, and
it would be easier to fight on for the
future.
Americas position seems to be that
of the dominant partner at this june
ture. as it is bound to be more and
more in every way as the war goes on.
1t is plain from the talk in Allied cir
cles that if this country says that this
proposed peace is a just peace there
can be little practical dissent, but If,
as is expected, this country says the
proposed peace is immoral and full of
peril for the future, the other powers
in this war can 60 TO their war-weary
pople and say with better grace that
the war must go on. Americas posi-
tion is the radical position in this war.
and she can speak more effectively 20
the radicals abroad than can their own
governments.
No plans exist, and all that is heard
here about procedure is guesswork.
One guess is that, as Americas posi-
tion is so important, and as her voice
will carry so far, she may be chosen as
the spokesman of Germany's foes TO
tell why the present peace proposals
may be rejected That is to say, she
may be heard from first.
Lansing's Attitude
As TO the Administration position,
il is a matter of inference rather than
of information. | pointed out in a re-
cent dispatch how members of the
State Department acted as If they were
not greatly interested in peace, how
they made light of the Henderson in
cident. which believers in the immi-
nence of peace tended TO magnify, how
reports tending TO show the weakness
of Germany and Austria were no long
er gwen out. These are little things,
but with others they tend TO show
that Mr.. Lansing, as a critic of his
recently charged, was less interested
in the possibility OF shortening the war
by diplomatic means tnan he was in
the recruiting Of an army. The whole
mind of the Administration was di-
ected toward preparing for war. Upon
an Administration thus engrossed this
peace proposal has fallen. The con-
clusion is natural. It is one Washing
ton makes in estimating the attitude Of
the Administration.
Then, too, there are the Presidents
own speeches which support this con-
clusion. In each successive one he has
broadened his reasons for defeating
Germany. In one of his latest speeches
he sponsored the Mittel-Europa charge
against the Kaiser, Allied diplomats
point out that. if the present peace
proposals are adopted. Germany can
consolidate her power throughout the
Near East. make q reality Of Mittel-
Europa and be a tremendous threat 10
the peace Of Europe in the future. Tur-
key and Bulgaria will be practically
vassals. Serbia and Rumania will be
weak, and will be practically forced
into the Central Bund.