THE MORNING OREGONIAN, FRIDAY DECEMBER 22, 191G. 3 WAR COUNCILLOR OPPOSES PARLEY Bonar Law Replies to Member of Commons Who Would Listen to Germany. PURPOSE HELD TWO-FOLD All Blood and Treasure Would Have Been Spent in Vain, Says Clian , eel lor, if rightfulness AVeut Unpunished. 'tOXDON', Dec. 21. There was fur ther discussion of Germany's peace of fer in the House of Commons tonight. Sir John A. Simon, on behalf of him self and a group of followers, gave unqualified support to Premier Lloyd George's speech in the House of Com mons and then Hastings B. L. Smith, Liberal member for Northampton, sounded a new note urging: that the German proposals be allowed to see the light of day. Andrew Bonar Law. Chancellor of the Exchequer and member of the war council, promptly rose in behalf of the government and declared that if the tone of Mr. Smith's speech permeated the country then all the blood and treasure which had been spent in the war would have been spent In vain. Military Decision Dreaded. "My understanding," said Mr. Smith In his address, "is that the reply of the Premier to the German note was to the effect that the door was not yet closed. That is a wise answer and the best possible answer at this stage. The German proposals should be al lowed to see the light of day. If they disclose an aggressive purpose then the German people will realize that they are not suffering and dying for their mere existence as they have been told. "I am not prepared to face the pros pects ol a military decision, which means a war of attrition, unless I am convinced there Is no other way out. An attempt to hold the central em pires down by a. military decision, fol lowed by economic strangulation would mean carrying forward into peace all hostilities and hatreds of the war. It would divide Europe into two hostile camps and would make war more in evitable and deadly than ever and would fasten conscription and mili tarism forever on all nations." Mr. Bonar Law said: . "If the spirit of the speech to which we have just listened were to permeate the country I believe that all the blood and treasure which have been spent in the war would have been spent in vain. "It is all very well to say, "Let us get their terms of peace." Yes, but can you get any terms more binding than the treaty for protection of the neutrality of Belgium? Can you come to any conclusions on paper or by promises that will give us greater se curity than we had before the war? "Not this nation alone, but the neu tral nations, will, I hope, understand the position at which we now have arrived. Germany has made peace pro posals. On what basis? On the basis of her victorious armies. Is there a man who, considering the conditions under which, this war was forced on us and the conditions under which the war has been carried on, honestly be lieve that the dangers and insecurities from which we have suffered can be cured in any way than by making the Germans realize that f rightfulness does not pay, that militarism is not going to rule the world? War Has Two Objects. "What are we fighting for? Not ter ritory, not greater strength as a na tion. We are fighting for two things for peace now and for security for peace iri time to come. Let the public remember what has happened in this war, outrages in Belgium, outrages by land and sea, massacres in Armenia which Germany could have stopped by a word, then realize this: The war will have been fought in vain, utterly In vain, unless we can make sure that it shall never again be in the power of any state to do what Germany has done. "Is peace to come in this war on the basis that the greatest crime in the world's history is to go absolutely un punished? It is my firm belief that unless all the nations in the world can be made to realize that these mor al forces must be vindicated there never can be an enduring peace. i am not arraid. I am sure our troops will fight to the end. If the people at home, who up to now have made few sacrifices, except the sacrifice of those dear to them, are determined Jn this matter, and if they believe that the object for which they are fight ing can De secured, then there is no sacrifice we are' not prepared to make TEXT OF SECRETARY LANSING'S EARLY STATEMENT AND SUBSEQUENT EXPLANATION. WASHINGTON, Dec. 21. Secretary of State Lansing early today authorized the following statement of the Goyernment's reasons for sending to the belligerents the note asking them to state the terms on which they would be willing-to make peace. "The reasons for the seeding of the note were as follows: "It isn't our material interest we had In mind when the note waf sent, but more and more our own rights are becoming Involved by the belligerents on both sides, so that the situation is becoming in creasingly critical. "I mean by that that we are drawing nearer the verge of war our selves and therefore we are entitled to know exactly what each belligerent seeks, in order, that we may regulate our conduct in the future. NO NATION HAS BEEN SOUNDED. "No nation has been sounded. No consideration of the German over tures or of the speech of Lloyd George was taken into account in the formulation of the document. The only thing the overtures did waa to delay it a few days. It was not decided to send it until Monday. Of course, the difficulties that face the President were that it might be construed as a movement toward peace and in aid of the German overtures. He specifically denies that that was the fact in the docu ment itself." Secretary Lansing further said: , "The sending of thi note will Indicate the possibility of our being forced into war. That possibility ought to serve as a restraining and sobering force safeguarding American rights. It may also serve to force an earlier conclusion of the war. Neither the President nor myself regard this note as a peace note; It is merely an effort to get the belligerents to define the end for which they are fighting." WRONG IMPRESSION CREATED The statement Issued by Mr. Lansing, after he had been called into conference by the President, was: "I have learned from several quarters that a wrong impression waa made by the statement which I made this morning, and I wish to correct that impression. "My intention was to suggest the very direct and necessary interest which thia country, as one of the neutral nations, has in the possible terms which the belligerents may have in mind, and I do not intend to Intimate that the Government was considering any change in its policy of neutrality, which it has consistently pursued in the face of constantly increasing difficulties. "I regret that my words were open to any other construction, as I now realize they were. I think that the whole tone and language of the note to the belligerents show the purpose without further com ment on my' part. It is needless to say that I am unreservedly in support of that purpose and hope to see it accepted." WELLS-FARGO EXPRESS OFFICE FIRST FLOOR Store Open Tonight Until 9 O'Clock Glove Bonds For Christmas Buy them for any amount; can be used at any time. The easiest way to solve the Christmas question. On sale in Special Booth. First Floor. oLcprn man wovxc v.o. "Merchandise ofc MeritOn! Merchandise Bonds Why not present your friends with merchandise or ders and let them choose their own gifts? These bonds are sold for any amount, and are good at any time. First Floor. o i l i i LANSING VIEW MODIFIED (Continued From First Page.) has been removed by the frank talk at the White House today and by the character of the second statement which the Secretary issued. That sec ond statement, by the way. has ail the earmarks of having been dictated by the President. It is of his character istic phraseology. Besides being given to the press, it was immediately trans mitted to all the American Ambassa dors accredited to the belligerent gov ernments for such use as may be deemed necessary. The President's action n suggesting that the belligerents exchange views as to terms was a sensation in ltsei But a greater sensation was caused by the Lansing declaration that the United fctates was on the verge of war. The Ambassadors of every nation at war went to (he State Department In the course of the day to ask Mr. Lan sing one question: "Why did the Presi dent act?" To each Ambassador the Secretary explained what he said in the original statement that back of the President's action was the fact that "more and more American rignts have been invad ed Dy tne Deingerents on both sides, so that the situation has become in creasingly critical." and the United States has been "drawing nearer and nearer to the verge of war." WHITE HOUSE DEEPLY MOVED German Embassy Silent and Entente Diplomats Plainly Perplexed. WASHINGTON. Dec. 21. It is learned tonight that Secretary Lansing's first statement today, which led to misun derstandings and caused consternation in diplomatic circles, was not approved at the White House and that there was question as to the wisdom of making any comment that might be regarded as an addition to the note. The White House was concerned lest any word reach the foreign capitals to be con strued as Indicating that the American note was anything but what it in dicated on its face. So, after a con ference between President Wilson and Secretary Lansing, the second . state ment was formally prepared and dis tributed at the State Department. At the White House no comment whatever was made on the note Itself' nor on the two statements by Secre tary Lansjng. The German Embassy gave no out ward evidence of concern over the sud den developments. Entente diplomats, at first at an utter loss how to handle the unex pected situation, became convinced that a clearer understanding of the necessities and purposes of the United States proved that their fear of a move favorable to Germany was not contemplated and that this country would not try to force peace on Eu rope. Their view grew that the United States feared that unless the peace proposals go through now a period of ruthlessness and retaliation may set in on both sides which will inevitably force this country into action. It is indicated, therefore, that the allied diplomats will advise their gov ernments to view the note in a friend ly spirit and go as far as possible to ward meeting the wishes of the United States. Secretary Lansing, in calling in the diplomatic representatives of the bel ligerents, is understood to have made it clear to them individually that the United States expects the replies of their governments to be absolutely frank in all details. The idea was gathered that the United States was looking forward to forming itself into a" clearing-house, at least for views and probably for terms. The general understanding was that the punpose of this explanation was to enable the envoys to communicate to their own governments the underlying purpose of the President's action at this time. Further, the opinion pre vailed that the United States expected to be fully informed of all terms, in cluding those relating to territory. It is felt in various diplomatic quar ters that while statements regarding terms, especially those concerning ter ritory, might readily be passed along by the United States, the- roust not, if the negotiations a:e to have the slightest chance of success, be con veyed to the public generally. Should definite territorial terms be made pub lic it is feared a certain section of public opinion in the countries affected would foment additional embar rassments. The world diplomatic crisis seemed temporarily moved to Washington during the day because of the Presi dent's note. Secretary Lansing's state ment and strong desire of the diplo matic corps to understand the' Ameri can position. By noon all the ranking diplomats from the belligerent coun tries had called at the State Depart ment, necessitating for the first time extreme care to prevent meetings be tween representatives from hostile states. The President's note was declared to day to be a "hit around the whole circle" without intention of favor or condemning either belligerent group to the prejudice of the other. Neverthe less, certain facts are cited as indicat ing byond doubt where the chief tension lies at present in the relations of this country as between the two groups. With the entente, apart from a little trouble over Count Tarnowski, it was pointed out there has been no diplo matic correspondence published for many months. This country owes re plies! on both the blacklist and the mail seizures. Trade matters have been vexing, but have largely been settled out of court without publicity. " Toward the central powers, however, and particularly in the pst month, a decided feeling of tension has been evi dent over the sending of about a dozen inquiries on submarine sinkings, fol lowed by publication of the details and also by the correspondence on the Bel gian deportation. It became evident that It is on the sea it is feared that this country may be caught between conflicting belliger ents. Lloyd George's statements that all British ships will be nationalized, together with the apparently official German decision to treat such ships as liable to be sunk on sight, has led to the growing conviction that it will be essential for the safety of Americans, both passengers ana sailors, to lav down some flat distinctions as to what are private ships and what are naval auxiliaries. BRITAIN IS PUZZLED Wilson's Note Asking Peace Terms Absolute Surprise. I This Store Offers the Services j Of Its Regular Force of Efficient Salespeople In Addition to Which Is Added I Hundreds of Extra Salesmen and Saleswomen ! Especially Engaged to Make Your Last -Minute Shopping Pleasant i RESENTMENT IS NOT FELT BRYAN PLEASED BY NOTE PRESIDENT CONGRATULATED HIS PEACE MOVE. FOR Plans of Allies for Sending Joint Reply to German Proposals Probably Will Not Be Changed by Events. LONDON, Dec 21. Absolute and startling surprise was the first feel ing in Great Britain aroused by Presi dent Wilson's note. The government was surprised and frankly admitted so. The members of Parliament were equally surprised when the news spread through, both houses at the afternoon session. The newspaper offices were surprised and undoubtedly the public will be equally surprised when they read Am bassador Page's statement to the for eign office in the morning papers. All information from America in the last few days, both in dispatches from the usually best informed Washington cor respondents and in advices to the bank ing and business firms, has said that the President had no intention of tak ing any steps toward peace or mak ing any move in European affairs. Entente Position Affirmed. Most of the newspapers commented on this course with satisfaction. The tenor of their comments tomorrow will be that Premier Lloyd George's speech and that speeches of the Russian, French and Italian statesmen have af firmed the entente allies' position and that unless the German government gives notice of the nature of the pro posals which it would bring to a con ference, the allies cannot accept the Invitation to sit around a European council table for discussion of its terms. Joint Reply TSot Delayed. It is believed the note will not in terfere with the plans of the allies for sending a joint reply to the German proposals, which probably will be done before Christmas. It is understood that the opinion in official circles is that the speeches delivered within the last fortnight by the spokes men of all the allied governments, the latest by Premier Lloyd George, form the most effective replies to the pro posals of ' Chancellor von Bethmann Hollweg and really state the position of all the allies regarding any peace movement from any quarter. The Star, which, as well as the Daily News, has pacificist tendencies, says that Premier Lloyd George s state ment that the British welcomed Ger man development as long: ms it was on the paths of peace, has not re ceived the attention it merits. Optimistic View Is Taken. On the whole, the prospect before humanity is not quite so black as it was last Christmas," the Star con tinues. "The nations have reached the stage of talking about peace. If they are talking at each other rather than talking to each other, it is because the dawn of peace is only starting to break. There may be - many weary hours before dawn blossoms into sun rise, but a faint light already is seen in the eastern sky Noel E. Buxton, Liberal member for North Norfolk, expressed in the House of Commons today, the hope that "the government will .welcome the aid of America in negotiating the terms of peace." Mr. Buxton paid tribute to the gen erosity of the United States toward Belgium and to the help it had given the entente in the war and said: "There are 30.000 Americans fighting for us. America is with us in the war because of the invasion of Belgium and the German campaign of frightful-ness." Naming; of Conditions by Belligerents, Regardless of Differences, Will Clear Air, Says Ex-Secretary. WASHINGTON. Dec 21. President Wilson today received a telegram from ex-Secretary Bryan congratulating him on his note to the belligerents. It said "You have rendered an invaluable service to a war stricken world in ask ing the belligerent nations to set fortti in specific terms the concessions and assurances which they deem necessary to the establishment of a lasting peace. It would be a reflection upon the na tions at war to doubt that they know the ends for which they are fighting or to assume that they have any pur poses which they are unwilling to reveal. "A definite, statement by both sides, no matter how far these statements may be apart, will clear the air and afford a basis for negotiations and when negotiations begin they are not likely to terminate until an agreement is reached, because neither side will consent to assume responsibility for continuing the unspeakable horrors of this conflict, if any reasonable terms can be secured. "Accept cordial congratulations and my earnest wish for the success of the movement which you have had the honor to inaugurate." The Holiday IBsaai On the Second Floor Offers hundreds of beautiful and useful Christmas gifts which have been collected from all over the store. It is a bazaar that will quickly and economically help you solve your last-minute gift questions. Nothing Over $2.00 Economy IBsemaert Is a Christmas Store in Itself Thousands of pracfical and dainty Christmas gifts may be selected here at remarkable economy prices. Everything from a handkerchief, a hair ribbon or a box of stationery, through the entire list of things, every member of the family will en joy, even to furs, suits and coats for women, and all kinds of men's new furnishings. ThesCgifts have been ai ranged on special tables to make your shopping easy and without delay. 1 Buy Your Xmas Candies Today Fresh, Pure Candies on Sale In Two Stores for Convenience of Shoppers IN THE ECONOMY BASEMENT AND ON THE FIRST FLOOR The- finest homemade candies, made specially for Xmas trade, as well as after-dinner mints, superb chocolates and mixed candies. Special. Salted Almonds, 69c pound. The Remainder of Our Entire Stock of Fashionable Furs Consisting of Sets, Muffs and Animal Scarfs Has Been Specially Reduced to One-Fourth Off Third Floor. The Jewelry Store Is Radiant With the Xmas Spirit You have only to come to this section to see the very gift that you have been wanting for every member of the family, from baby to grandma. And best of all, there are dozens of beautiful jewelry pieces reduced From One-Half to One-Third Off First Floor. The Sixth Floor Gift Room Is a Treasure Store of Xmas Joy Presenting a Stock of $75,000 European Objects of Art From One-Half to One-Third Off The Regular Prices Sixth Floor. Come Today or Tonight and Select Your Christmas Piano ee our Player Pianos priced $427.50 and up. Special Xmas terms to suit your convenience. We are also sole repre sentatives of the famous KNABE "The World s Most Famous Piano" eventh Floor DRYS DEMAND VOTE Prohibition Amendment to Be Pushed Before Congress. FAVORABLE REPORT MADE Prison. Guards Are Shifted. SALEM. Or.. Dec. CI. (Special.) Warden Murphy, of the State Peni tentiary, announced today that he has made a. general reassignment of the guards at the State Penitentiary, changing hours and duties, as a mat ter of efficiency. Some of the guards had been employed longer hours than others, and. by the changes he has made, he believes the general condi tions of safety at the prison will be improved. SCROFULA AND ALL HUMORS GIVE WAY Senate Committee Recommends Pas sage and House Will Be Urged to Adopt Special Rule to Expedite Passage. WASHINGTON. Dec. 21. Immedi ately after the holidays advocates of prohibition in Congress plan to carry on a vigorous campaign for the pro posed Federal constitutional amend ment and to exert every possible effort to get a vote on it at this session, in spite of the general belief that it will be beaten. The Senate Judiciary committee's action today in voting to report thfc amendment with a recommendation for its passage opened the way for the, resolution in both houses, the House Judiciary committee having taKen similar action two weeKs ago. in me House it is proposed to appeal to the rules committee for a special rule to bring the resolution before the House for a vote within a prescribed time. Champions of the resolution in the Sen ate can resort to no such parliamentary expedients and must take their chance of getting the amendment ahead ot other legislation. Senator Sheppard. aathor of the Senate resolution, will urge its consideration at every oppor tunity. The Senate committee amended the wording of the resolution, but its ef fect is unchanged and it would prohibit the manufacture, importation and sale of liquor for beverage purposes in the United States. The District of Columbia prohibition bill will be voted on in the Senate January 9. Another measure to bar liquor advertising from the mails in prohibition states was favorably re ported today from the Senate postoffice committee. TRAIJM REPORTED WRECKED Physicians Are Rushed to Scene In Oklahoma. GAINS VILLE. Tex.. Dec. 21. A spe cial train carrying nhyslcians was dis patched from here tonight on reports that southbound Atchison, Topeka. & There are many things learned from experience and observation that the older generation should impress upon the younger. Among them is the fact that scrofula and other humors, which produce eczema, boils, pimples and other eruptions, can be most success fully treated with Hood's Sarsaparilla. This great medicine is a peculiar combination of remarkably effective blood-purifying and health-giving roots, barks and herbs, which are gathered especially for it. Hood's Sarsaparilla has stood the test of forty years. Get a bottle today now from your nearest drug store. Always keep it on hand. Accept no substitute. TXT liew ivjionev FOR CHRISTMAS Money is more attractive if new, and to enable our customers and friends to make their Christmas gifts in new -money, we have shipped a supply of new, crisp currency for the holiday season. First National Bank of Portland Fifth and Stark Streets Santa Ke passenger train No. 17 had Jumped the track at the end of the Red Illver bridge on the Oklahoma side, seven miles north of here No reports have been received of whether any persons were killed in the wreck. BUCHAREST NOT FINAL GOAL Capital Only One ObjectUe, Mack ensen Tells Kaiser. BERLIN, via London, Dec 21. Field Marshal von Mackinsen. responding to a telegram of Emperor William offer ing congratulations on the capture of Bucharest, says: "Bucharest was one goal, but not tha finnl onp." ELL-AIMS Absolutely Removes Indigestion. One package' proves it 25c at all druggists..! Msie Ma.Fsln Mistress of Laughs and Tears in The Wharf Rat A Story of the Famous Waterfront of 'Frisco Bobby Bear" A Specialty for the Children ii Two Small Town Romeos" Rural Comedy Crammed Full of Laughs COLUMBIA SIXTH AT WASHINGTON BORADEN' THE MILK OF MAGNESM Tooth Paste Cleans and Beautifies r l rt JUST MORE PAYS" To do Your CHRISTMAS SHOPPING