Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-08-15

Washington, Aug. Examinations
that Germany and Austria-Germany
will accept the vatican's peace pro-
posals and place the burden of rejec-
tion if they are to be rejected on the
/ United States and the Entente powers
reached Washington today. This in
/ formation which came through con-
fidential diplomatic circles, added to
the anxiety of the administration
which views with the deepest con-
cern the injection into the war of this
new concrete proposition at the pres
ent moment.
BY specific direction of the presi-
dent officials refrained from all public
discussion of the vatican's proposals.
/ II was emphasized at the White
| House and at The State Department
| that the suggestion OF the His Holi-
ness will receive the utmost consider
alton and that no snap judment will
be taken on them
London, August l5.--The peace pro-
posals delivered to the warning pow
ers by Pope Benedict XIV have re-
ceived a cold reception in London and
Paris
On the other hand there is every
indication that they are acceptable to
Berlin and Vienna.
The attitude which Washington will
adopt is as yet problematcal, but it
is believed here hat it win coincide
with the British and French opinion.
Fears were expressed in some quar-
ters today that peace upon the founda-
ton OF no anneXations and no indem-
mites, as suggested by the Roman
Catholic ponttl would leave the mil
itary caste in Germany intact.
Put at the same time it was pointed
out that the Pope planned against fu-
ture wars when he made disarmament
and the establishment Of a supreme
court of International arbitration two
of the terms.
J. Considerable significance was at
tached to another clause in the pro-
= posals, namely that calling for THE
S freedom Of the seas.
Washington, Aug 15.--Pope Bene-
diets peace proposals have caused
/, grave concern in official circles here.
There is complete recognition every
where in Washington that they were
8 brought forward in the utmost SINGER
ity Officials declare, however, that in
ante the proposals are clothed With Il
4 suggestion already emphatically re-
a jected by the United States and by
the entente allies Accompanying pro-
:, posas that the destiny of Alsace-l.or-
raine and ltaly's claims to Austrian
(, territory as well as suggestions Of re-
duction in armament and establish
/. mcnt Of a league of nations, be left
d to mutual agreement do not remove
h the insurmountable obstacle to accep
e tancc in the views Of officials, who
Il however, acting directly under the or
ders OF President Wilson himself, re
fuse to be quoted on the subject Prt
vately they admit worriment inasmuch
as the peace proposals must specifical
n " be passed upon and responsibility
for rejection must be a heavy one.
Officials say The pope's proposals
le are certain to crystalize all peace sen
u. timent in all Of the countries. includ
le ing The United States. They fear th'
rs effect upon Russia, where the polio!
II. Of peace without anneNations or in
n. IDENTITIES is almost unanimously SUP
ported 1t was accepted today that J
ur will be necessary for the entente an'
/ the United States to exchange view
at on the entire subject
Sc, The state Department expected Il
ln receive an official copy OF the VAT
cans proposals some time during to
day. II was explained that as sool
as il arrived official copies will b.
Oh transmitted to President Wilson
Later the President and Secretary o
state lansing will discuss the action