The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1917-08-16


oligarchy of the central powers" the
Messagero asserts today.
There is nothing to indicate that
1.-THE entente is prepared to accept the
lpope's proposals." says the Tribune.
1.-The optimism of pacifists was prob
ably premature
Pacifists Take Hope.
WASHINGTON, Aug 16.-Publica-
ton OF the pope's peace message to-
day only renewed and strengthened
appeal for its rejection, in all quar-
| tiers.
President Wilson is expected to re-
ply showing that the program would
not be workable or justifiable. En-
tente diplomats suggested ii would
give the Germans TOO great an ad-
vantage, leaving them far less harm
| ed or punished than the other groups.
Pacifists in congress. stirred by
the new plea, threaten 10 hold UP
vital war legislation while they talk
about peace.
They have created restless feel
ing in the senate, where their efforts
probably will result in a day OF fer
yid oratory soon.
Administration leaders are trying
to dissuade them while the revenue
bill Is pending.
War preparations went ahead siren
uously. General Mann and Major
Macarthur shaped plans for getting
the rainbow division" into camp.
Russia notified the state depart
ment she will remove trade restric-
tons imposed by the 1915 Russo
American agreement. This will !
probably lead eventually to new |
do he two n
Pope Has Germany's Terms
AMSTERDAM, Aug 16.-Pope
Benedict has Germany's peace terms,
according to a prominent politician /
quoted by the Lokal Azeiger today,
who declares he has surely informed
enemies of them
Bryan's Opinion.
KANKAkEE, ILL.,, Aug. 16.-The
pope's peace proposals may start
discussion that will hasten the end
of the war" William Jennings Bry-
an declared here today. /
"I don't care to discuss terms Of
peace" he said, but the proposals
from the vatican will give the var
ious nations an opportunity to ex-
press themselves on the subject OF
terms which may start a discussion
that will hasten an agreement
How to Bring Peace.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 16.-Political
changes in Germany, stripping kais-
erism of its powers, would shorten
the war.
President Wilson has appealed once
to the liberal element in Germany
to cast off its yoke. That he will do
so again is strongly believed here.
bear fruit, allied diplomats say. !
Peace can come only with the
realization of allied war aims" it /
was stated at the British embassy to- i
day The war can be shortened by |
such a political orientation in Ger |
many that will strip kaiserism OF It's |
powers
Liberal diplomats say there must |
be a constructive response to the I
pope That the leaven of democrat |
ization. already at work in Germany,
must be encouraged by hopeful /
word now from the United States |
and the allies, is insisted There +,
must be no summary refusal, which |
might indicate determination to |
thwart every peace move on the |
ground Of German trickery, it is said. |
Germany's reconstruction will |
come from within-not by force from |
without. If the Germans show a dis |!
position to take aggressive action
against their government, the end of |
the great struggle will be in sight
This summarized the official view
here today after two days confer !
ences between allied diplomats and
Secretary Lansing. The state de- !
partment, still awaiting the official
communication from the pope, declin- |
el to discuss the situation. A note
of sarcasm crept into some comment !
on the pope's message today.
Merely the work Of Emperor
Charles to save his throne" said one
diplomat. iHe could then say to his
people: See, l have brought you
peace and be enthroned forever
The only comment at the French
embassy was:
There need not be too much fuss
made about this note. If Berlin itself
is not directly behind it, Vienna
certainly is"
The vatican does not seem to be
enlisting the aid of neutraIs in its
peace move. Spanish Ambassador
Riano today denied that his embassy
is in any way interested In the yati-
cans move or that any communica- /
ton in reference to 1t has been re- !
ceived from Madrid
To SqueIch Paclhsts-
WASHINGTON, Aug 16.-Presi. /
dent Wilson's response to the uoDe's .
peace plea may squelch the threat !
ened outbreak of pacifsts in con
gress.
Strong pressure is being brought (
to bear upon the president by admin .
istration leaders either to speak TO .
congress again on Americas war
aims, or reply to the pope in such
manner as to still the plants OF the 4
pacffists. 4
Secretaries Baker, McAdoo and |
Lane have been appealed to to re-
quest the president TO take this /
course. 1t is necessary, administra-
tim rn