Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-01-06
GERARD RECEIVES
ENTENTE'S REPLY
Answer of Allies to Germany
Reaches American Embassy
at Berlin.
LEWIS DEFENDS U. S. NOTE

Berlin, Jan. 5.-(Via London. j.
The official text of the entente reply
to the peace proposals note finally was
received by the American embassy by
the roundabout route of Washington
and Copenhagen. 1t will be presented
by Ambassador Gerard to the foreign
office this afternoon. There is no ur-
gency with respect to the presentation,
as the Swiss minister presented the
official text received from Italy Tues
day.
Second thought in official circles
contlrmes the impression expressed on
the day the press version OF the note
was received here that the note puts
an end for the present to all chances
of peace and Germany and its allies
must buckle down to the task of con-
tinuing the struggle with all energy.
May Not Entirely Close Door.
1t is considered in some quarters
that the reply of the entente will not
entirely close the door to the possibil-
lty of peace discussions. Those who
hold that belief contend that thi could
be done either in response to further
invitation from President Wilson to
both sides to state their terms simil-
taneously and confdentially, or per-
haps. through an open declaration of
their terms by the central powers.
Conference of Sovereigns.
London, Jan. 4.-Prominence is
given in London newspapers to re-
ports of conferences to be held in
Vienna and Berlin. The inference is
drawn that, as the war stats are to
take no part, that they will relate to
policy rather than to conduct of the
war.
Emperor William, Emperor Charles,
King Ferdinand of Bulgaria and the
sultan OF Turkey are to meet j.. Wen
ma according to the newspaper reports
while the foreign ministers and presi-
dents OF the parliaments of the Cen
trail powers will assemble in Berlin.
The latter conference has been fixed
for January 10, while that of the SOW
ereigns probably will precede it.
Senate Debates Peace Note.
Washington, Jan. 4.-The American
note to belligerent powers, suggesting
a discussion Of peace terms, was de-
bated again today in the senate but
two hours of attack and defense failed
to bring to vote the Hitchcock reso- |
luton endorsing President Wilson's
action in sending it. The resolution
will come up tomorrow, with tie pros
pect of further antagonistic speeches
by republicans.
An effort by Senator Hitchcock to
secure unanimous consent for a vote
late tomorrow failed on objection of
Senator Brandegee.
Lewis Defends Wilson's Action.
The principal speeches today were
made by Senator Lewis who defended
the presidents action, and by Senator
Lodge, who, concluding his attack be-
gun yesterday declared the adoption
Of the resolution would be leap into
the dark into international negotia-
tons into which congress had no legal
concern and no knowledge.
Senator Lewis answered in detail
the criticisms of the Massachusetts,
senator. Replying to the assertion
that the note had been taken as a ia
vorable move for Germany, he said
it was but natural that one side or
the other to such controversy should
SO interpret move for peace and
declared that this was no reason to
defeat so great an end.
Assails Lodge.
He strongly dissented from the
view expressed by Mr.. Lodge that the
adoption of the resolution would
mean the dragging of the United
States into European politics with
.anger to the Monroe doctrine and
important domestic policies and ac-
;used the Massachusetts, senator of
incorrectly reciting hist ry to put