Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1918-09-17
Prompt Rejection Of Aus.
trian Peace Proposal
Approved by All.
OTHER REPLIES
EQUALLY DECISIVE
President Establishes Record For
Brevity in Diplomatic Exchange Of
Views-Next Hun Move foreseen--
Kaiser Will Tell People He Is Not
to Blame For Continuance Of Hostil.
ities-Austria May Break Away.

OF the United States government to the
peace proposal adanced by Austria
Hungary unconditional rejection
was before the world today.
The reply. issued by Secretary Ian
sing last night upon authorization OF
President Wilson Immediately upon
delivery of the Austrian communica-
ton by the Swedish minister, speaks
for all the nations arrayed against the
central powers, In the belief Of ofri-
cials today
The direct ,snd clear-cut answer OF
the United States was accentuated by
the promptness Of the reply. which.
officials believe today will demonstrate
fully to the enemy the firm purpose or
the American people in waGing the
war and.se before the world more
clearly the position Of the United
States government.
Comment FofestalIed.
The quickness Of the reply, 1t Is be-
lieved, win forestall any comment
tending to convey a wrong impression
that the United States as a whole
would consider negotiated peace de-
velopeGl from the non-binding discus
sion proposal by Austria. at the in
stance, It is believed. of Germany.
Even tho the other nations allied
with the United SHtes may make
separate answers to the feeler, 1t was
assured today that President Wilson
had sounded the keynote and other
replies would be equally as decisive
in rejection OF the proposal.
Record For Brevity.
.rhe text of the answer constitutes
one OF the shortest notes recorded in
American diplomatic history. After
stating that "the United States feeis
there Is only one reply which 1t can
make to the suggestion OF the imperiai
Austro Hungarian goernment. Prcsi-
dent Wilson sets forth the position OF
the United states in single sentence
as follows:
ut has repeatedly and with entire
can1ior stated the terms upon when
the United States would consider peace
and can and will entertain no proposal
for a conference upon matter con-
cerning which it has made its position
and purpose so plain"
Next Hun Move Foreseen.
with the first Of the expected new
series of peace bids OF the central
powers having met a fiat rejection
speculation turned today to the course
of action to be followed by OFFICIALS III
Germany and Austria Hungary.
1t was believed in some circles thai
these officials would now turn TO the
war-worn people. pointing out that all
that can be done to bring relief from
the suffering of war has been accom-
plished and again to place the entire
blame for the continuance of the war
upon the allies and the United states
In the opinion of obher officials, not
so numerous, 1t was believed that Aus
tria, thru submission of the proposal
and it's rejection. was prepared to take
the next step--a withdrawal from her
alliance with Germany, Turkey and
Bulgaria, and complete acceptance OF
the terms laid down by President Will
son.
Lodge Endorses Wilson's Action.
h Iynuualifled endorsement of President
Wilson'S rejection of the Austrian peace
was given today in the SEN
ate by Senator Lodge, republican
leader.
Senator Lodge said the presidents
prompt and curt refusal was right and
wise and that ne was sure it would re-
ceive universal refusal.
America's position Is becoming so
plain. ne declared. that even the CEN
tral powers soon will begin to under
stand it.
y Germany. he concluded, shall not
now resort to talk and bargain for a
decision. We mean to put her in
bonds"
Senator Lodge said he believed the
presidents action would put an end to
loose and feeble talk helpful to Ger
many about the Austrian peace offers.
'The presidents answer I am sure.
will meet with universal approval
said Senator Lodge, "the prompt and
curt refusal was not only right but
wise, for 1t will, believe, put an end
to loose and feeble talk about these
Austro- Hungarian offers-the kind Of
talk which is not only debilitating, but
distinctly helpful to Germany.
. 'The president, without entering on
any details. says the purpose OF the
United States Is plain. II think that the
purrose and position OF the American
people are plain and growing palmer
and clearer every day. They BECOME
so plain that think even tho central
powers will begin to understand them.
/ think they will learn that the Amer
lean people mean to h1ve complete
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