The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1917-01-06


frankly expressed. was that the note
was not an answer to President VIII
sons communication, but rather a
document for circulation in Germany
and in neutral countries with the OBJ
iect OF molding opinion to place the
responsibility for continuing the war
on the entente. Among the Germanic
diplomats, the only view expressed
was one OF surprise that the reply had
preceded receipt of the Entente's re-
Spouse to Germany's original peace
proposal of December II.
Neutral Europe for Peace.
Berlin, Dec 26-The Overseas News
Agency gives out the following regard
ing peace reports:
1.-THE Berne (Switzerland) Tage-
blatt reports that the Scandinavian
governments, according to rumor, viii
in the Immediate future hold confer
ence in order to foster peace negotia-
tons by means OF common proposal.
Likewise the Neue Zuricher lei
tung reports from The Hague that Hol-
land will probably issue a note SINH
lar to that of Switzerland"
from Berne says that it is believed
in certain circles there that the Swed-
ish government is about to approach
the belligerents on the subject Of
peace in the same way as the Swiss
president.
The Pope's Plea.
Rome, Dec 26-Pope Benedict made
a 771o for in q
Christmas reception to the sacred col
lege. Referring to the message OF
Bethlehem. the pope said that good
will amongst men was the essential
condition toward obtaining that just
and durable peace which must put an
end to the horrors of the present war"
The pope urged those in power to
hear the voice of the sacred college
appealing to them to arrest the de-
struction of the peoples to open their
ears to the admonition "of the Father
of the Christian family seeking to
pave the way to justice and peace"
The pope, according to report to-
day, in speaking to Cardinal Gasparri,
papal secretary of state, regarding
President Wilson's note to the belli-
gerents, said:
ct is a document showing the hon
esty, justice and farsightedness of the
American President"
Wilson Note Endorsed.
Washington, Dec. ga large num-
Der of cablegrams from people and or
CARNATIONS in Holland, Switzerland
and the Scandinavian countries were
received at the White House today, in
dorsing President Wilson's recent
note to the belligerent nations. In
connection with the Swiss govern
ment's formal note to the belligerents
published today, pledging support to
the Presidents efforts toward peace,
the cablegrams were read with deep
interest.
London, Dec. 23-In official and dip
lomatic circles in London it was gen
orally predicted today that President
Wilson's note to the bel1igerents
would be met by an identic reply from
the Entente Powers. This method of
answering the note will differ from
the reply to be made by the Entente
nations to the German peace note in
which it is understood that, while
agreeing to its general principles, each
member of the Entente will be free to
express any individual views which
they may feel desirable to utter.
For the foregoing reason it is hard
~ likely there will be an early reply
to President Wilson's note, as it is ex-
pected full consultations between dip
lomatists of the entente countries will
take place before a formal answer is
made.
The attitude of both Russia and
Italy in regard to the German peace
note was received in official circles
with the utmost pleasure, especially
that of Italy. as expressed in the
speech of the Italian foreign minister,
Baron Sonnino.
In SatiricaI Vein
While declining to make any Off
cial statement, it is readily apparent
that the British foreign office feels
that the solidarity of the entente never
was stronger than it is today
Parliament was prorogued this af-
ternoon without the members being
given any further information regard
ing President Wilson's note or what
action the government contemplated
with respect to it.
Neither the note or the German
peace proposal was mentioned in the
kings speech, read in both houses.
The speech from the throne was one
of the briefest on record. 1t expressed
confidence in the ultimate victory of
the Allies and the determination to
prosecute the war until we have vim
Dictated the rights SO ruthIessly violat-
ed by our enemies and established the
| security of Europe on a sure founda-
ton.
King Not Present.
King George was not present at the
Propagation, which was effected by the
lord high chancellor in the house of
lords and by the speaker in the house
of commons reading the kings speech.
Assent also was given by royal COM
mission to a number of acts of parlia-
ment- The Propagation of parliament
is until February z.
A Rush to New Oil Field.
Riru7 Doo