Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1917-08-14

London, Aug. 14.-"There has been
great diplomatic activity recently at
the papaI secretariat. numerous diplo-
mats having long interviews with Car
dinal Gasperri (papa1 secretary Of
state), the Rome correspondent of the
Exchange Telegraph company cables,
4 am able to announce that the Holy
See has addressed q note to belliger-
ents and neutrals. The note makes q
new and formal appeal for peace. IL
invites the belligerents to state their
terms in concrete so as to facilitate
preliminary understanding
This important document has been
communicated TO the Italian govern
meut through the Spanish ambassa-
dor The Osservatore Romano. the
Official Vatican organ, viii publish
the text tonight.
Return German Colonies.
The outline of the Vatican's peace
proposals received here demands the
restoration Of ali German colonies TO
Germany.
Summed up the proposals are for a
restoration of the status quo ante
belium with all question as to the re-
adjustment OF frontiers to be left TO
underlined subsequent negotiations
The pope's proposals, which already
have been delivered to the resident am
bassadors and ministers Of the war
ring powers in Rome. is quite long,
making in print something more than
a column Of large newspaper type.
Although special efforts are being.
made to facilitate its transmission to
the United States, this may not be ef-
feeted for at least a day or two
Given Consideration.
Meanwhile, however. an accurate
outline of the principal points of the
pope's communication is in the hands
of the government here and has al
ready received thoughtful considera-
ton
In eloquent language the pontiH de-
scribes the terrible condition existing
in Europe, which he declares is headed
for destruction unless the belligereuts
are willing 10 listen 70 the appeals of
disin1erested friends to cease a suicidal
war. Such conditions, the pope feels.
amply justify him in taking the pres
ent opportunity 10 suggest what may
be, he hopes at least q foundation up
on which peace negotiations may be
initiated
At best Pope Benedict's proposals
are only suggested as q rough basis
for such negotiations. and he realizes
that the details in all their complexity
must be worked out patiently and in a
spirit of Cancellation by the belliEer-
eDts themselves.
Backs Wilson Plan.
Unqualified approval Of President
Wilson's plan for the avoidance of
future wars by some form Of iuterna-
tional organization which shall have
behind il the necessary power to en-
force its Judgment. is given by Pope
Benedict, who declares that along with
such splendid project must go an
effective arrangement for reduction Of
q ornaments to a point just sufficient
for defensive purposes or to carry OUT
the mandates of the world courts.
Must Unite for Peace.
It is tnconceivable. the pope holds.
that any permanent peace can be
maintained unless the various peoples
are willing to gather in an amity
founded upon recognition of ma
cionai rights.
ANY attempt 20 prevent free eco
monte action between the belliger-
euts. the pope points Out. would be
disastrous therefore he saws there
must be freedom OF the seas in ali
that the term applies. The pontiE
declares that SO extensive has been
the injury 10 all the beHlgerents that
there can be no thought now Of eth
er indemnity or reDaratiou.
Should Accept Losses.
In a spirit of Cancellation and JUS
tice. he says. ali the belligerents must