New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-08-22
Would Satisfy Radicals

The rejection of the proposals would
gain force from the formality. The
radical peace sentiment in all the Al
lied countries wogid probably be better
satisfied if a council were held and acted
upon the Pope's suggestions. And prob
ably by the time a decision could be
I had Germany's answer would be before
the Allies for their guidance in framing
their replies. At such conference the
United States would not be represented,
but it would hardly make It's answer
until the Allies had got through with
their deliberations.
More Importance attaches TO Ambas-
sador Bakhmetef's statement of yes
terday than was at first apparent. The
/ Russian Ambassador announced that
+ Russia would be likely to say "No" 10 the
Pope only after conversation with Sec
retary Lansing. The statement was un-
doubtedly put out with the approval Of
this government, and IN consequence
certain Importance attaches to its lam
guage.
Russia's Reasons
It will be remembered that the am
bassador gave TWO reasons Cor thinking
that the Pope's plan would not be
the feeling that the proposals had been
made with some inspiration from the
Central Powers; second, because "the
very bases of the Vstican's proposals
are inconsistent with the democratic
aims of the Russian people in this
war
Only power in the religious circum-
stances of Russia at present would be
likely to avow the first reason.
But the second reason probably fore
shadows the general grounds which
this country will give for rejecting the
Pcpe's note. There is likely to be an
attempt at least at agreement between
this country's position with regard to
the peace proposals and that OF Russia.
Both countries have similar aims, and
an spproachment between the two is
the best way to hold the people of Rus
sa up 10 their task. The issuance of
this statement, after conversation
with the State Department, appears to
be the beginning Of such en- approach
ment. Other things are 20 follow. which
will be part of Americas role of
democracy TO her duty and aiding her
TO perform it.
The Fate of Small Nations"
Now, the "very bases of the Vat.cans
proposals' that are inconsistent with
democratic ends must oe the sugges-
ton that the fate OF small nations and
racial groups shall De lett TO the tnrov
.rg OF diplomatic dice. The Allies have
once before rejected the negotiation o.
large questions IKE these.
And. undoubtedly, one Of the grounds
for rejection tais time Of tEe Pores
plan viii be that il leavcs too much TO
a negotiation which gives little promise
Of producing that justice 10 peoples
and races Tor which the Allies have
fought.
n Mr.. wilson writes the reply to the
Pope ~ is extremely likely JnGt he viii
,emphssize the essential undemocracy
OF deciding the fate OF the Polish na-
tion and similar racial questions around
diplomatic council table. At least, IL
seems no violence 20 infer this from
what is known of .he history OF the
Dakhmetef statement.
This statement is believed TO have
promoted Russis's interests IN the
United States The members OF the
Russian mission 70 this country ana
Ambassador Bakhmetef, head OF 1t, are
in Boston to-day, bat will return to