The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-08-15
PRES. APPROVES
Continued from Page One,

secured. The pope's peace appeal has
made no change in the war aims of
this country, the state department an
nounced today 4
And Americas aims for the most
part coincide with those of the
allies, it added.
This summarized the situation in
government and allied d1plomatlc
quarters today while Secretary Lam
sing awaited delivery of the formal
note understood to be on its way from
the vatican. 1t reflected an unnlls-
taxable determination to refuse the
popes proffer at this time.
Washington, Aug. 15.-Allied opin-
ion-the United States government IN
cIuded-swung strongly to the view
today that Pope Benedict's peace pro-
posaI cannot be accepted in its pres
ent form.
Cables received early at the state
department indicated strong opposi-
ton in England. France and Italy to
a 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-
termined upon the full scope of his re-
ply. Decision awaits study of the
pope's formal note. The president
will reply to it. According to one high
in his councils and who actively par
ticipates in the formation of this
country'S policies, the president Will
refuse to accept it.
Whether or not he makes sugges-
lions that may lead to further nego-
tiations awaits an expression of world
opinion.
President Will Reply.
According to this official the presi-
dent will outline in simplest terms
why America cannot accept a status
quo ante peace.
Our situation is this" the official
said. "a neighbor has entered our
home. ravaged those things we hold
most dear. We catch the enemy. He
is within ouH power Then another
neighbor enters He suggests that we
not kill the man who destroyed our
happiness. He suggested that we give
the beast his freedom, that a purse be
taken in the neighborhood to restore
the losses we suffered and that we
then go on and live in peace beside
the man who ruined our family.
, THE thought is impossib1e-pre-
posterous. 1t is revolving to even con-
eeive of a peace with Germany based
on the terms the pope has outlined"
= Recognize Desire for Peace.
However, there has been no at
tempt to minimize the importance of
the peace move. Coming as it does
from a source outside the realm of
diplomacy, at a time when the world
feels a revulSion at the thought of an
other winter campaign and when all
treasures but the American are at
low ebb, it must be reckoned with.
To aid in forming judgment, the
government has cabled its representa-
tives abroad to sound out sentiment
nd report the reception of the peace
proposal-both in high and low quar-
tiers. They have been asked to hasten
their reports lest delays indicate a
spirit of indecision.
Officials in the main remain silent
They think, generally, the world
should know where the United States
and her allies stand, especially if the
offer is rejected.
Entente opinion, with the exception
of the Russian, tends toward prompt
rejection of the proposal The same
quarters here.
Plea Carries Weight.
But, authorities realize that com
ing from the pope, the offer carries
weight, which German "feelefs'' and
made in Germany" peace suggestions
have lacked; that the offer will stir
pacifist sentiment; and cause the
thinking world to pause in reflection
The hint is launched thai Germany
may have chosen the vatican as a
means of surrendering gracefully,
without mourning disa ster and posi-
BILE revolution at home.
In any event be the offer accepted
or rejected. it will serve TO plant peace
seeds in all nations as nothing else
has done. in recent months
The state department said recently
the world would hearken tkoughtfully
to any bona fide peace offer.
Pope Has Further Propositions.
The pope, it is believed. has the
maximum and minimum Teuton
terms His suggestions, manifestly
una acceptable to either the allied or
American standard in some respects,
could be used as a basis of negotia-
lions, it is held. The proposal to
leave settlement of the Alsace-Lor-
raine and Balkan problems to peace
full negotiation is regarded here as a
special stumbling block.