New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-12

not deceived asto the German end OF
the scheme.
Only the fact that the German peace
offer has the powerful support OF
Bryan and his pseifst friends makes 1t
worth the slightest consideration. But
the Administration realizes that Bryan
and the pro-Germans in the United
States have all but forced the Presl-
dent into defensive position.
The same kind Of a moose. with the
rope end in the hands of Germany, IS
being flung toward the neck OF Mr.
Wilson-the same moose, in fact, when,
as Lloyd George stated. was being pre-
nared for the neck of the Allies.
No Real Repentance
"This is no peace offer" one OF the
highest officials of the government said
this afternoon. ave are sure that Ger
many has no intention of stopping her
campaign of frightfulness. The Presi-
dent broke of diplomatic relations
with Germany because Germany threat
ened ruthless disregard Of American
rights. He cannot resume communlca-
ton of any kind with Germany until
that threat is withdrawn.
"The trouble is that Germany has
known how TO put forward her props-
ganda in such form as 70 deceive mill
ions Of people in this country into be-
Heving that she is repentant and now
wants to avoid further trouble with US.
AS a matter of fact we have received
20 intimation of repentance or recanta-
ton. not in the slightest degree
The result Of the Bryan-Bernstorf
conference last Sunday was sent by
wireless to Berlin the next day by DR.:
George Barthelme, correspondent OF
the Cologne Gazette" His dispatch
was ostensibly a press telegram, but
there is reason to believe that actually
IL was a message from Bernstorf to
his government, and was so understood
by the recipients.
The Swiss Legation has been asked
by Germany to designate DR.. Barthelme
as an attache in charge Of the German
Embassy. The nomination has not yet
been offered to the State Department,
but Il can be stated with the utmost
positiveness that he is unacceptable TO
this government.
Suggests Move for Delay
The Barthelme message to the Co.
logne Gazette" outlined the steps that
the German government ought to take
to bolster up the Bryan propaganda
in this country. II suggested the very
step which Germany has taken-a
sounding out of the United States on
the question of discussing the posi-
bility of an amicable settlement,
Since the Barthelme message was
sent the Administration has got wind
Of it's real purpose, and DR.. Barthelme
has been at the State Department
three times in the last three days to
explain his activities-by request Of
the authorities.
Backed by High 0fIicials
The message, an abstract of which
follows, intimated strongly that the
peace plan had the Endorsement Of
prominent government officials.
From high sources whose identity
cannot be disclosed wrote DR.. Bar
thelme, 81 have been requested TO con-
vey to the German people and (some
words omitted) that the Presidents
message must be construed as with
out any desire on the part of the gov
eminent or people of the United
States for war" The remainder of the
Bsrthelme message read, in substance,
as follows:
"Now up TO Germany to provide an
opening. First thing necessary is to
avoid everything which makes main
tenance of friendly relations impos-
sible. Refrain from destruction of
American ships, bHt make clear that
terms German note misunderstood;
that no unrestricted submarine war.
fare contemplated but only blockade
confined within the narrowest limits
compatible with necessary military
aims. When within these limits great
est care taken not TO interfere with in
nocent American commerce, and every
precaution taken 70 limit destruction
of neutral ships 20 those carrying con-
traband, and destruction of enemy YES
sells 10 ships and cargo, but safeguard
ing wherever possible the lives of pas
sengers and crews, as was the recent
practice.
Then propose joint commission for
the negotiation Of code governing
blockade and submarine warfare, such
offer inducing delay, and made as spe-
eial recognition 10 ancient friendship
between the two countries. Then con-
slider possibilities provided in
resolution for calling conference pow
ers which possibilities closed by hasty
action. Some explanation about the
sailing Of only four especially marked
American ships would remove extreme
~ bitter impression created by this
wholly incomprehensible Proved
hurting national pride as nothing else
could.
My informants assure me most en-
phatieallv that country is not for war
The effect Of Bryan's efforts to stir
up the people TO cry out for peace at
any price began to be felt here yester-
day and the day before. IL is growing
in volume, and the White House is the
centre OF the storm. Letters and tele-
grams are pouring in. They come from
all over the country. and the kilograms
follow the same form, unmstakable
evidence that the "accelerstion Of SEN
tinent' is not spontaneous. They ask
for peace at any cost They demand
a conference of neutral nations.
Members Of the House and Senate
also are flooded. Certain sections Of the
State Of New York, for example, have
poured kilograms into the Offices of
their representatives. One Republican
from an upstate city received yesterday
$50 letters and kilograms, most of them
following the same form.
Works. Pacifsm Approved