The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1917-08-17
REJECT TERMS
LONDON BELIEF
Pope's Peace Proposals Cause
& Some Paper Discussion
EYES TURN TO RUSSIA
Wonder Is What That Country
Will Do in the Premises;
Capitol Silent
ASSOCIATED Press Dispatch.I

Washington, August 15.-The impress
sion that the allies will certainly reject
the pope's peace proposals still prevails.
There is growing probability that in
making clear to the world their refusal
they will restate their war aims.
Washington August 15.-Sena tor Lewis
of Illinois introduced a resolution today
proposing that the senate assure the
American people that the president can
be depended upon to take the proper ac-
ton toward securing peace.
London, August 15.-Some of the
morning newspapers refrain from
commenting on the pope's peace pro-
posals while those discussing them ed
itorially base their genesis to Austria,
either rejecting absolutely or indicat-
ing the belief that the text when re-
ceived will show them to be unac-
ceptable.
Keeping Up Preparations.
Washington, August 15.-While the
peace talk caused by the receipt of
the pope message goes on, the gov
eminent is not relaxing in the least
its measures for vigorous prosecu-
ton of the war. Grain dealers are to
assemble at Washington for con-
ference with Herbert Hoover, the
food administrator, and the new wheat
control board. It is understood that
Secretary of the Treasury McAdoo
will ask for fund of four billion dol
lars for loans to the allies. Half a
billion dollars will be added to the
tax measure that is before the senate.
The house will be convened in daily
sessions. Much interest is taken in the
fact that the Russians have been
able to hold back the Teutons in the
Galicians campaign.
Eyes Turned to Russia.
Eng, August 15.-The eyes
of. officialdom the world over are
turned to Russia and America rather
than to Rome with reference to the
peace proposals of Pope Benedict.
What effect these proposals will have
on Russia and what effect on Ameri-
can Catholics are Questions that are
asked and ~ to- which answers are
eagerly sought. That the pope's pro-
posals will be rejected by England,
France and Italy is regarded as
foregone conclusion. There is every
reason to believe that America will
turn deaf ear to them.
Washington, August 15.-President
Wilson is waiting to hear from the
world at large before deciding what
attitude to take in regard to the
pope's peace proposals. There is no
chance of minimizing the Importance
of these proposals, coming from a
source that is apart from the great
conflict, and at critical time in the
great war. Officialdom remains silent.
Action Frowned Upon.
limited Press pispatch.1
Rome, Italy, August 15.-The Italian
public and press looks with disfavor
on the action taken by the pope in
making his peace appeal. 1t is thought
that this is very inopportune time to
make any such move, now that Ameri-
ca is coming into the fray, throwing
her gigantic power on the side Of the
allies.
Were Not Unexpected.
Washington, Aug. 15.-Pope Bene-
diets peace proposals were not unex-
pected to the United States nor to
any of the entente allies.
The possibility of peace move was
discussed with British Foreign Minis.
ter Balfour and Vice Premier Viviani
when the British and French official
missions were In Washington and it
was agreed that all the allies, includ.
ing the United States, should refuse
to discuss peace terms while Germany
occupies the territories she had taken
by force, and thereby avoid what the
allied statesmen considered German
trap.
Now the pontiff's proposal presents
the question in a somewhat different
light, difficult, perhaps, to meet, but
1t offers to a war weary world hope
for peace. Germany and her allies are
expected to accept the pope's pro.
posals promptly.
American officials acknowledge that
the Vatican's proffer calls for a reply.
Entente diplomats voice unanimous
opinion that it will be rejected.
Cannot Accept Proposals.
American officials realize that a con.
vincing reply is required for the
worlds page of history. That the
proposals cannot be accepted as they
stand is certain. That they will not
he accepted at all is probable.
An official outline of the pope's
communication was received here.
Cabinet members said it was not
discussed at the meeting, but some OF
the presidents official family gave
signs of the difficulty which it has
presented.
The official text has not been re.
ceived and it has not been established
whether it will come through the
Epanish ambassador or the Swiss min.
lister. Spain and Switzerland are the
only European neutrals having rela-
lions with the Vatican
The first appraisal OF the proposal
by officials and diplomats was that ii
was another attempt by Germany, this
8ime working through Austria be-
Continued on Page Two.)