Omaha daily bee., 1917-04-04
j. s. WOULD NOT
ACCEPT PLEDGE
OF The KAISER
Washington Considers Best
Move Toward Peace Change
in German Government
Toward Democracy.
RESPONSIBLE TO PEOPLE
Inconceivable America. Would
Enter Conference Such as
Rumored Teutons Wish.
GUARANTEES WORTHLESS
RESPONSIBLE TO PEOPLE
GUARANTEES WORTHLESS

Washington, April 3.-The posi-
ton OF this government, as authori-
tatively outlined today, is that the
best move toward peace which can
be made by the German government
is the establishment of universal suf-
frage in the German empire and the
creation of ministry responsible to
the people rather than to the en-
peror.
Government officials here consider
it inconceivable that the United
States could enter into peace con-
ference such as previously outlined
by Germany unless there was some
assurance first that any agreements
made would be adhered to.
Change in Temper.
There was sudden and noticeable
change in the general tenor of tele-
grams received at the White House.
While for the last two weeks the
messages have been almost evenly
divided between those counseling
war and those counseling peace, prac-
tically all today expressed enthusias-
tic support of the president.
The kilograms showed an entire
lack Of partisan feeling. Colonel
George Harvey, strong political op-
ponent of Mr.. Wilson in the last
campaign, sent a strong message OF
support. Many other kilograms came
from men who have neither been
strongly against or at least cool, to-
ward the president.
While the president and cabinet
were discussing means of financing
the war today, leaders in congress
were considering the problem and
agreed. entirely with the presidents
idea that most of the expense should
be met by taxation upon the present
generation.
Ways and means committee mem-
bers feel that the present generation
will derive the greatest benefit from
the war and should pay the greater
share of the expenses. They recog-
nige, however, that coming genera
tions will profit by world peace and
propose to fasten some Of the burden
on citizens of the future.
Although no definite plans have
been laid it is known that the excess
profits tax will be greatly raised.
England now is taking excess profits
in the neighborhood Of 90 per cent
and some leaders feel that if necessary
this country can do as much. Excise
taxes, too, it is declared, are certain to
be raised. O.
Problems Before Cabinet.
As the cabinet assembled members
said the three most pressing problems
facing the government we're:
The raising of sufficient money to
finance war operations and extend
credits to the entente allies.
The raising of large army.
The provision Of adequate means
of fighting German submarines.
in addition to these problems, the
cabinet took up questions of indus
trial preparedness, already considered
thoroughly by the council OF national
defense.
" Ready to Talk Peace.
Berlin, April 3-(Via London)-
The proposal of Count Won Czernin,
Austrian foreign minister, that
peace conference be held by belliger-
ents without requiring the cessation
of hostilities, apparently represents
the attitude of all the central govern
ments. Count Czernin's proposal was
not only sanctioned by Austria and its