The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1917-01-23

| fore, 1t was stated, Great Britain at
least could not properly take offense
IL Mr.. Wilson set forth the conditions
under which the United States would
accept such an invitation.
Moreover, 1t was contended in these
quarters that with the exception 81
the Presidents insistence that u
| must be q peace without victory"
fair Interpretation on his part of
| what the entente powers themselves
had outlined in their reply to the
Presidents note.
Pleases Germans.
1t Is the peace without victory
dictum. however. that is causing the
most unfayorable comment in entente
quarters while serving to please those
in German circles.
II, II Is declared among the en-
tente Representatives. there was any
one thing that was emphasized abovsl
all others In the entente reply to Mr..
Wilson. II was the view Of these
powers that there could be no thought
of peace until Germany had been
conquered and her militarism crushed.
For the President to take the posi-
tion that peace should come now and
on the basis of draw" 1t is argued.
means nothing less than that he has
taken the German view.
In less heated. though no less emphat-
is fashion. Is the Presidents adoption
OF Germany's plea for freedom of the
seas" resented. This feature of his
address Is interpreted as being aimed
directly at England.
Both Can Take Offense.
On the other hand It is regarded as
certain that not only the Czar of Rus
STA, but the Emperor Of Germany, can
find ground for offense in Mr.. Wilson's
statement that mo peace can last, or
ought to last. which does not recog-
nize and accept the principle that gov
ernments derive all their just powers
from the consent of the governed"-an.
implied challenge of the divine right
Of kings" theory.
Coming from the head Of a nation
which supports a doctrine that no ma
ton of Europe has the right to dictate
the policies of government OF any coun-
try on the Western Hemisphere, il 10
regarded in entente quarters that the
attempt Of Mr.. Wilson to dictate the
policies Of government in Europe Is
certain to be regarded as astounding
In so far as his utterances on this score
may give aid and encouragement to
rebeEious elements on the Continent
and In Ireland, i'll is anticipated that
real mischief may result
Expected to Sit Back.
Now that the President has deliver
ed his message, say his friends in
the Administration, II is probable that
he will sit back quietly and await
developments. They indicate that
there is no further move that he can
well make.
Members of Congress are not SO
sure of this. They believe that in
adopting the bold course he has
taken, the President has demonstrated
a fixed and unalterable determination
to leave no stone unturned in his er-
forts to force cessation OF HOSTILE
ties.
Yet while this view is extremely
pleasing to the pacifists and pro-
Germans of Congress, 1t has created
downright CONSERVATION among the
Republicans, who believe that with
every attempt to press upon the
belligerents his univited counsel and
advice, the President is increasing the
enmity of many of these nations to-
ward the United States and increas-
ing the possibility of the United
States being drawn into the conflict.
Comment Favorable.
The Presidents peace message
evoked generally favorable comment
in the House, although members on
both sides of the chamber were in !
accord in describing 1t as bold and
unprecedented move.
Little else was discussed In cloak
rooms and Hobbies during the after
noon. Approximately 200 members OF
the lower body heard the reading Of
the message in the Senate.
The comment of House members
ranged from the observation of Con-
greeman Carlin of Virginia that ''the
Presidents message is the most re-
markable and wonderful document in
$50 years." to the assertion OF a Re
publican member that lit is a most
revolutionary proposal and cannot
find echo in Europe"
Praise on the Whole.
On the whole, however, there was
praise of the message from members
of both parties, Notwithstanding the
impression in some quarters that the
plan could not be success =.
full.
Responsive Chord.
The Presidents initiative toward (
disarmament struck q responsive
chord among the pacifst members Of
the House. Democratic pacifists and
opponents of a large navy and army
they were with Mr.. Will
son on this plan and would further
the peace move in every way possible.
Chairman Flood, of the House Com
mlttee on Foreign Affairs, was i'll to-
day, but other Democratic members
OF the committee were optimistic con-
corning the outlook for a peace con-
ference, and approved of the unex-
pected and courageous stand of the
President.
1aO ~