The Washington herald., 1917-08-16

II Germany Is prepared to offer the
restoration of Belgium. France and
Serbia the way viii be open to peace
conversation among the allies.
Washington believes that, though no
matter from what source the offer
from Germany comes. it will be con-
sidered. provided it is authentic.
Can Gain No More.
There are diplomats here almost
rabid in their tdr.. for vengeance
against Germany. IN these men ad
nit that the restoration OF the con-
quered territories is about all that
the allies can hope to win through
force of arms.
II Germany is willing to offer these
things now. the possibility OF reach
ing agBement upon the other impor-
tant objects OF the war is at least
as good as it would be after con-
elusive termination of combat.
Leave IL to President.
There has been no formal express
sion to this effect Officials and dip
lomats continue to maintain the most
guarded silence. Senator Lewis, ad-
ministration spokesman in the Upper
House. yesterday embodied this atti-
utde in a resolution declaring that all
matters Of peace and war must be
left to the President.
But careful checking of the peace
proposals as outlined in dispatches
from Rome with previous administra-
ton utterances and careful Weighing
of comments from semi-oficial sources
leaves no other conclusion to be drawn
than this:
That Germany has apparently put
a nd hat ha h~u
not been rebuffed.
May Come from Spain.
No official information reached here
yesterday as to the actual formal
presentation Of the peace note to this
country.
1t is generally expected that 1t will
come either through Spain or through
one OF the Catholic South American
republics-probably the latter.
1t was stated at the Spanish EN-
bassy that nothing had been heard
there of the transmission of a note
from the Pope. In this connection
the internal troubles in Spain, making
It undesirable for King Alfonso to as
sumo too close relationship with the
Catholic party, were recalled and IL
is not considered probable that the
note will come through Spain.
German Repentance.
The attitude OF Difference toward
the suggestion OF peace talk from the
Holy Father is looked upon as a sure
expression Of the feeling that il Ger
many will now guarantee her repent
ance by the return Of the things her
violence gained for her. the United
states and the other allies cannot but
listen.
There has been no slaekening of
preparations for war, any more than
there was at other rumors Of peace.
The preparation Of the new army and
tae navy is going forward apace. Eut.
il must be said again. the suggestion
OF peace has met with no formal re-
bud.
solution Seen.
The status quo ante difficulty was
solved by one semi-officiaI suggestion
yesterday. 1t has been pointed out
in many quarters. including London
dispatches, that any offer OF peace
which contemplates a return to the
Il tus quo ante will be futile. A
srcwG observer of the diplomatic
game yesterday declared that the most
important suggestion of the whole
peace program as sketched was the
offer for lessening Of armaments.
This would effectually prevent the
restoration Of the status quo ante. 1t
is a suggestion notably in line with
some OF the administrations most
notable utterances. In fact ii coin
cides with the one policy upon which
the Wilson administration has been
most consistent both before and since
the United States entered the war.
Tho policy is not exactly pacifism,
though Mr.. Wilson has been accused
q paciFsm on these grounds. Rather
i represents an extreme aversion for
violence and the relegatiOn Of the ap-
real to arms to the place of a real
last resort