The sun., 1917-08-15
ROOT SEES NO
HOPEOF PEACE
"This Country Has Much to
DO," He Says-Here With
Mission to Russia.

The mission to Russia, headed by
Elihu Root, assembled here last night,
and after establishing themselves at the
Plaza Hotel adjourned TO the Metropoh-
tan Club, where a conference lasting un-
I'll midnight was held. It Is the purpose
of the mission to discuss their individual
reports while here before submitting
them to the heads Of the State Depart
ment. A reception will be given them
at the Union League Club tonight.
Although he has been constantly on
the move since ne returned from Russia,
Mr.. Root said last night as he stepped
from the motor car which brought him
from his home at Clinton, n. V, that he
never felt better. He said he has been
busy every minute Of the time since he
left the United States for Russia and
that there Is much work ahead.
Our mission will continue in exist
ence just so long as we can be OF use to
the Administration" Mr.. Root said.
I'VE shall go back to washington to-
morrow. where series OF conferences
at the State Department will be held
Chances are we will be in Washington a
week and then l shall return to my
home at Clinton for much needed
rest"
Assails Stockholm Move.
When Mr.. Root was asked what he
thought OF the Vatican peace proposal
he said:
mot much. But that is a matter I
mustn't discuss. have no doubt ii was
made with the best intentions in the
world, but Just what II will amount to
would rather not speculate on"
But Mr.. Roots manner clearly lndi-
Gated that he had little faith in the pro-
posal being accepted by the warning
powers. for he said that much work had
to be done by this country before the
war concludes.
AS TO the Stockholm convention Mr.
Root said
The prompt refusal by this Govern
ment to those seeking passports to that
gathering was perfectly right and
proper. That convention has no legiti-
mate or official status. and Is but one OF
the many gatherings OF its kind which
Germany has inspired and controls. No
good, temporary or permanent, can come
OF 1t, and therefore II is much better
that we have nothing to do with IT.
RusseII's Views.
Shortly after Mr.. Root arrived at the
Russell. Socialist member of the Mis-
sion; Col. B. E. l.. Michi, Lieut. Bern
hard, Or. John II. Mott, international
secretary OF the Y. NJ. c. A: Samuel
r. Bertron, the New York banker ::
James Duncan. the American Fedora
ton of LabOr's representative in the
Mission: Col T. Bentley Mott. Basil
Miles, secretary TO the Mission, and
Major Stanley Washburn. U. s. A, mill
tary observer in Russia, who Joined the
Mission in Russia and returned to this
country as its assistant secretary.
MaJor-Gen. Hugh l.. Scott, Chief OF
Stan, and Rear Admiral ]. II. GIennon
were TO have Joined the Mission early
In the evening, but their train from
Washington was delayed and they did
not arrive until shortly before midnight.
Charles Edward Russell was out
spoken in his opinion of the Pope's peace
proposal and equally frank in his views
on the situation in Russia and the sig
nificance of the Stockholm conference
Mr. Russell had this to say
Il have no doubt the Pope made his
peace proposal with the best intentions
in the world, inspired by kind thoughts
and humane impulses but IL will come
to naught. In the first place such a
proposal was inspired by Germany, who
is seeking to make catspaw of the
Pope, This Is no time to make any
such proposal. This war must be
fought out to the bitter end. Big issues
are at stake. and IL would be little
short OF criminal to cease hostilitiesi
until those issues have been decided once
for ALL
Last Great Struggle"
I'VE have come TO the last great
struggle between two great principles
autocracy and democracy The latter
must and will prevail The idea OF
government by divine right and that OF
the right of people to rule are para
mount issues and none will he satisfied
| until these issues are decided. Were
we to end this war now as is proposed
II would simply leave all that has gone
behind a draw. That means hostiiities
would be renewed ten or twenty years
hence and a war even more horrible and
more devastating would follow. All OF
us would he glad to see the war end at
the earliest moment, but we don't want
the end to come until we have made Il
certain that no more wars are to follow
Should Intervention such as the Pope
| proposes come now II would mean the