The evening leader. (Tarpon Springs, Fla.) 191?-19??, 1917-08-17


Lloyd Georges optimistic speech in
the British parliament today was in
terpreted here as a preliminary indi-
cation Of the attitude the allied ma
tions may be expected to adopt toward
any discussion of peace on a basis
which might permit Germany as
ccnquerer to dictate terms.
News of the premier's speech came
while the state department was re-
ceiving by cable from the British for
eign office the text of Pope Benedict's
message to the leaders of all bellig
erent nations, proposing a basis for
peace negotiations and earnestly APP
pealing for its consideration. In En-
tente diplomatic quarters and among
government officials Lloyd Georges
announcement of improvement in food
conditions, removing the danger Of
England being starved into submis-
sion, his assurance that losses through
submarine attacks continued to de-
crease and his declaration that there
would be sufficient tonnage for 1918
and 1919, if necessary, were hailed
joyfully as a sign of Great Britain's
safe position and, firm attitude.
The popes' message was laid before
President Wilson by Secretary Ian
sing. Important conferences which
must precede reply will begin short
~ but necessarily some time must
eiapse before the response goes for
ward. &
A translation of the message made
public by the state department to-
night does not differ materially from
the unofficial version cabled from Eu-
rope. Slight differences are due to
varying translations of French idioms.
Where the unofficial text has the mes
sage addressed TO the rulers" of the
belligerent peoples, the departments
translation makes it Headers. z In
stead Of lovely exhortations, the off
cial translation reads "earnest' ex-
hortations Instead Of Germany being
required to guarantee Belgiun's indie
pendence Of tit the official version
says "of any power whatsoever"
While there already have been many
informal conferences rnong officials
and s.r'omats regarding the pope's
proposals, it may be stated on Secre-
tary Lansing's authority that the sec
rotary, SO far, has not discussed the
subject with the president.
Mr.. Lansing has felt that it would
be improper to indicate even in a per-
sonal way what he thought of the
communication and he has also depre-
cated any attempt by the newspapers
to forecast the action of the govern
ment in this matter.
Among other officials and the diplo-
rats, however. there is no such reti-
cence. While battles have increased in
number and waxed in intensity and
the slaughter has continued in the
most distressful manner, it is pointed
out there has been no change in gen
eral war conditions as would warrant
a different reception for peace pro-.
posals from any quarter than would
have been accorded to those made a
year ago. Attention is directed to the
fact that any such changes as may
have occurred in the military situa-
ton have made it distinctly to the
advantage of the central powers to en-
deavor to make peace now.
Notwithstanding the different and
conflicting statements made by Ger
man and Austrian ministers as to a
basis for peace negotiations, it is de-
clared by some Of the diplomats who
have closely studied the situation, no.
where has there been any real evil
dence of an abandonment Of the first
German demand for peace based 4on
the map, which would assure the
central powers actual military if not
technical and political control of the
territories in possession of the Ger
manic troops when peace is declared
The Germans, in possession of most
of Belgium and large part Of France.
were quite willing year ago to make
peace. But with the Russians in pos
session Of some Of their best eastern
provinces, the Austrians were not n
like mind. Now it is pointed outlece
the entente diplomats, as q sons, by
the collapse Of the RuSe at the frol
and the clearing Of CTS heroes lib Fan
troops. the Ausdgs that will resu3 also
is willingM blement on. the field as
are tha6d, ifsthey die. will INledge
that0vision for the loved onesE tnem
vive them. It will foster tf prop
and dependent, the maimedsion o.
abled, and recognize the inch terri
the nations debt to the valt
tiiotism Of her heroic sonsip iomats
of the regular army, who the vail
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