The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-01-10
Want More Details as to Presi-
dent Wilson's Idea of 1t.
Willing To Disarm if World
Peace Court Prevails
FALL THE WAY, WITH WILSON"
British Liberals Support Whole
of American Program.
Believe 1t Will Meet With Fa-
vOr of German Liberals.
BYLOwELL MELLETT.

London, Jan 1o.-Britain would
like more details concerning Presi-
dent Wilson's aim for freedom OF the
seas"
In the general chorus of editorial
approval voiced in the morning press
over the direct, clear-cut outlines of
peace terms by the American eXecu-
tive, there was, nevertheless, clear
note of anxiety as to exactly what was
meant by freedom of the seas.
The dominant British feeling is
still opposed to complete disarma ment
on the seas-unless there is an eff
fective international league with wild
est powers. Some of the more con-
servative Britishers recognize the pos
sibility of positions being reversed
putting England at Germanys mercy.
In this connection, it was recalled the
Declaration of London in 1910 was
defeated in the house of lords. 1t
sought to deal with this question.
Aimed To Influence Germans.
On the other hand. there was gen
-eral recognition of the fact that the
whole question was one for after-the-
war solution and in the meantime all
factions realized President Wilson's
statement on this as a shrewd move
TO strengthen the German Liberals.
The conservative press today held
doubts as to whether President Will
son has considered the hard reali-
ties of the situation" Stress was laid
on the latest German atrocity in the
sinking of the hospital ship Rewa as
indicative of the sort of foes with
which the British have to deal.
me Liberals expressed emphatic
determination to go the whole dis
lance with President Wilson.
All morning newspapers agreed that
Lloyd Georges and wilson's speeches
We're all embracing as to war aims and
IN I.c
outlines in Germany.
What Effect on Russia.
what Russia will have to say on the
Wilson message was also discussed in
detail
The Times expressed doubt that the
president entirely appreciated the sit
nation in Russia and internal condi-
tons in Germany.
Some proposals." the editorial con-
unued, referring to the Wilson ad-
dress, almost appear to assume a
reign of righteousness on the earth
Is already within reach of realization.
lies" - '''0
Approves Even Freedom of Seas.
The News approved the address
thruoutA-even freedom of the seas"
The Chronicle said lit would he diff
ficult to frame a more moving, or
more sympathetic appeal to the best
Observation-Disclosures to the Russians or
to the non-militarist elements in the
central powers
Insofar as the conditions demand
ed of Germany are concerned. we
agree with America" said the Post,
"but the other conditions require some
modification before our subscription
to freedom of the seas and the league
of nations"
Philip Snewden. noted pacific lead
err. held the presidents speech "a not
able advance over previous utter
ances."
Alsacc-L orraine Delicate Question.
His references to freedom of the
seas and economic barriers should ia
Vora bly, influence the German liberal
opinion" Snowden declared. IF the
president had,placed the restoration of
Alsa ce-LOrraine as a condition for
which America would fight until it
had been achieved, he would have put
an insuperable obstacle in the path
If