The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-03-22
NIP IT IN The BUD
See in 1t German Design to Di-
vide Congress.
State Dept Frowns on Report
ed Mediation Move.

Washington, March 22.-The state
department today squelched all sug-
gestions for neutral mediation be-
tween the United States and Germany.
This will continue to be the admins
tration attitude until the slate is
clean between Germany and America.
Suggestions THAT a neutral move
toward mediation was proceeding
brought from the department the def
mite knowledge that this government
is not now disposed to parley.
Administration officials including
Secretary of State Lansing, were
frankly displeased at the mediation
talk, branding it as pro-German and
antiAmerican.
The state department said officially
it had not received a formal media
ton offer, aside from the several Of
fers made at the time of the break
with Germany to do anything that
could be done.
Just who was inspiring the media
ton talk was unknown. But there
was a suspicion that it might be fos-
tered by Swiss sources, especially as
a propaganda move just after the
break was directly traced to the eff
forts of Swiss Minister Ritter.
Must Abandon Ruthlessness First.
Washington, March 22.-Offers of
tween the United States and Germany
are expected among the next develop
ments.
Administration officials heard today
that an European neutral was con-
templating such a plan and they
frankly regarded it as another effort,
backed by Germany, to divide senti-
ment in congress and embarrass the
president.
All administration officials from the
4 h. 4sNn, hot
the United States never has and does
not now desire war with Germany, but
is being forced into it to protect lives
and rights of its citizens against I'M
lawful aggression.
Congress to Declare War.
Unless Germany is prepared to COM
pletely change her position it was de-
clared here, offers of mediation and
discussion are useless. Germany, it
tary Bryan's proposal to sign one of
his peace invest CATION treaties,
which would have bound the United
States to inaction for a year, while a
commission investigated the situation.
Meanwhile every preparation for an
eventuality is being carried forward
by the army and navy. Unless there
is some great change in the situation
before April 2, it is expected the pres
ident will detail in his address to con-
SFoSS now Germany mas, IN TACT, Deen
making war against the United States
by the ruthless operation of her u
boats and leave it to congress to de-
clare a state of war existing and vote
money ard men to protect the interests
Of the United States.
Neutral Diplomats Interceding.
While utter secrecy was observed, it
is believed the neutrals who are inter-
ested in the present movement COM
prise the same diplomats who within
a week after relations with Germany
were broken began a series of infor-
NAL Exchanges" among themselves,
looking to patching up the German
American differences.
The number included the most
prominent Central and South Ameri-
can diplomats, ENJOYS from Scandina-
Wan countries and DR.. Paul Ritter, the
Swiss minister, now representing Ger
many in this country.
Secretary Lansing authorized the
statement that he had not. received
any such information