Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-01-14
HOPE KAISER WILL
GIVE PEACE TERMS
Officials Believe Move by Ger
many Now Would Do Much
Toward Ending War.
PRESIDENT MAY FIND WAY

Now that the entente nations have
replied to President Wilson's peace
note. setting forth terms upon which
they would be willing to enter peace
negotiations, it is the hope here that
the central powers and their allies will
announce the terms upon which they,
too. are willing to consider peace.
President Wilson. It is believed. may
seek a means to indicate the desirable
ity of such a statement on the part OF
forthcoming. 1t is not known, how
ever, whether the President will wait
to hear from Germany In this connec-
ton or will make some move to give an
opening for such action on the part Of
the central powers.
Has Not Determined Course.
President had not determined his posi-
ton. and it was pointed out that in his
note he said he was Indifferent to the
means employed in comparing terms.
He is reluctant to Judge between the
two replies, and has not made known
his impressions of the entente note. In
other administration quarters it has
been suggested that the objects which
the President had in mind could be best
promoted now by the central powers
publicly declaring their terms.
Officials are watching particularly
just now the trend Of public sentiment
abroad, and the apparent change since
the dispatch Of the Presidents note has
proved a source of increasing gratif-
cation. The first feeling Of indignation
among the allies because Of the coinci-
dence of the Presidents proposal with
that of the central powers has abated.
it is believed here. and is being re-
placed by a conviction that good may
come from the American note.
Early Peace Not Expected.
There is no indication in official cir
cles, however. that an early peace is
thought probable. On the contrary. the
statement Of the allies object. 1t 10
recognized. has made acceptance by
Germany very difIicult for the present,
however far it may have gone toward
esta blishing q preliminary basis which
may facilitate peace negotiations when
the end Of hostilities does come. The
thae the stnn on
dered by the war cannot be healed in
moment, but that every step toward
that end brings final rapprochement
nearer.
First expressions of bitterness in
Germany over the entente reply are
somewhat discounted. and 1t is felt
there may be q change Of sentiment
just as there was in the entente coun-
tries In regard to the Presidents note.
1t is conceded. however. that for the
present popular desire for prosecu-
ton Of the war will be quickened.
SPECIFIC Terms Now Unlikely.
The German view here IL that there
10 little likelihood of q public state
msnt of specific terms by the Teutonic
allies At this time unless q further
move to that end is made by the Presi-
dent. Should . request for such
Statements be forwarded to Berlin, how
ever. it is declared. Germany probably
would comply. :,
It has been the contention Of Teu-
tonic diplomats that in proposing q
peace conference Germany fulfilled the
Presidents suggestion that an early
occasion be sought for discussion Of
terms, and that no other step 10 called
for unless there is second and more
specific request.