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."
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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.
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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."
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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
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produce eczema, boils, pimples and
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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."
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