Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-01-23

diplomats abroad that the copy had been
received did President Wilson arrange to
make the address to the Senate. There
is nothing in the address pr in the in
structions accompanying its presentation
that viii Of itself .necessitate an answer,
according to the administration view.
but some response nevertheless is expect
ed from both groups Of belligerents. Con-
fidentiSl information that the Entente
reply to President Wilson had convinced
Germany that another step by her would
be unwise convinced American officials
that unless the United States gave a
further opening the whole peace move
ment would come to an end. The address
to the Senate was taken as a possible
means Of avoiding that result.
Fearing leak" only President Will
son, Secretary Lansing and the men who
translated 1t are known definitely to have
been aware. of 1t.
denied any knowledge of its existence
even after it had been delivered.
While Count Won Bernstorff, the
German ambassador, declined tonight
to comment for publication on the ad-
dress, the German view generally was
that the address will strike respon-
sive chord among the people Of Ger
many.
President Wilson and Secretary Lam
sing anticipated the present move will
provoke indignation in the foreign
press much as was the case with the
Presidents original note Of Dec. IS.
They feel that in a statement of posi-
ton as full as the Presidents, both
Justly attacked and as a result they
look for bitter outburst in the more
violent press
The greatest confidence is felt here
that the belligerent peoples want peace
and the chief obstacle to an early peace
is tho uncertainty as to whether that
peace will be permanent. 1t is belieV-
ed that as soon as people abroad see IN
the American. action possible means
of making that peace permanent. any
first reaction to the address will dis
appear and as serious and as friendly
discussion of it will follow as follow
ed the original peace note.
Officials also expect antagonism in
this country to any abandonment of
the traditional policy OF American Is
olation. 1t has been felt in the high
est quarters for some time that no
foreign policy could be taken without
a decided change in the basic attitude
Of public opinion and that wide
campaign must be undertaken by the
President if his program were to be
carried through. The present opportu-
nifty was seen therefore. as offering a
very decided incidental impetus to that
end.
Opposition in the Entente countries
is expected to center on the proposition
that this should be war without vic
tory.
The demand for the freedom of the
seas. while indefinite in actual practice,
is expected to cause resentment III
England, where it will be pointed out
that that has been Germany's chief
rallyin- cry since England entered the
wul'. Throughout England has main
tanned that the seas are indeed Tree:
that her navy does not contain the
menace OF 4 vast land military system
and that it is essential to her far
fiulia empire. Il Is assumed that free
dom OF the .oas would be worked out
b. cxcnpttuG' private property from
seizure. as on land. and by limiting the
it-hts of blockade.
Mention oI disarmament as THE
nos. Immediate and intensely pracu :
cal question connected with the future
fortunes OF nations, and of mankind
caused surprise IN some quarters. as
President " ilS"n vas not INoWn 10
.a,-. had such decided views on that
quest
Tie world federation contemplated
Wv the President is explained as not
being based primarii? on FORCE. but as
having force very distinctly in the
BACKGROUND. Implication OF some KIND
OF force behind his proposal. whether
Practical or economic, Is expected To
bring about opposition on the part OF
many peace organizations that arc al
ready committed to & world re-organi-
zatinn based only on international law
and good faith.