The Dominion. FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 1916. PRESIDENT WILSON'S "EYES"

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2680, 28 January 1916, Page 4

The Dominion. FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 1916. PRESIDENT WILSON'S "EYES"

In spite of the fact that Colonel House, President Wilson's envoy to Europe, has declared that his mission is not concerned with media? tion, the German Press states that he is "sounding for peace." Colonel House asserts that his main object is to make inquiries in connection with submarine warfare and the blockade, but he also intends to gain as much information as possible about the position of the belligerents and the general feeling with regard to the war. Though he is not carrying any peace proposals in his pocket, he will probably make it his business to ascertain whether the time is opportune for President Wilson to make a move in the direction of mediation. Judging by the references to the matter contained in the latest American papers it is by no means unreasonable td suppose that Colonel House's mission is indirectly mediatorial—that is to say, he will make it his business to find out what he can about the prospects of peace in order to give tho President a reliable idea as to how things are shaping. Colonel House is an intimate personal friend of the President. It is said that Mr. Wilson regards the Colonel as "his eyes," and has the greatest confidence in his knowledge, tactfulness, judgment, and powers of observation. The mere fact that he goes as the friend and confidential adviser of the President of the United States gives significance to his doings. About six months ago Colonel House paid a visit to Europe, and on his return he expressed the opinion, based on his observations and inquiries, that, Mr. Wilson was the one man who was in a position to mediate for peace. He docs not, however, appear to have been in a position "to report that any of the belligerents had 'suggested, or even hinted, that American mediation would be welcome or acceptable. At any rate, no action was taken. It is quite certain that the British Empire was not looking for a mediator at that time, and is at the present moment more determined than over to fight straight on uatil the objects for which it drew the sword have been fully achieved. Our Allies are just as firmly resolved to continue the struggle until a decisive victory Las been won. Only a few days ago the Tsar declared that Russia's determination was unshakable. He said, if only one nation held out it would be Russia. And France, Italy, and Japan are of the same mind as Britain and Russia in this matter. _ If Colonel House is seeking indications of a desire he may find what ho is looking for among our enemies. He will certainly not discover any longing for mediation among ourselves or our Allies. •

American papers tell us that the President is getting thousands, .of appeals "urging him to call a conference of neutrals, or to. take steps to ascertain the terms of peace which would be acceptable to the various belligerents, arid he is desirous of finding out whether a move for peace can now be initiated with any hope of success. The Washington correspondent of the New York Fost admits that Colonel House's visit "does not necessarily signify that there is anything in the air concerning peace —anything tangible or intangible"; but tho President wants a fresh and independent report by a competent observer who is free from the restrictions that limit the activities of ambassadors and diplomatists. The writer referred to appears to hold the view that peace overtures are more likely to receive consideration in Germany than in Britain.

From ■ everything that can be learned hc-re about the state of official opinion in Germany (he writes) the entry of some new current that might start the movement for peace a going would really bo welcomed. In other words, Germany is not suing for peace, but, on tlie otlier hand, would welcome" it. Her military lines are stretched out as far as they dare go without requiring tremendous sacrifices to sustain communications. German military successes have' been sufficient to satisfy German pride. Submarine- warfare /is not profitable, nor can England be invaded. There' is, indeed, no incentive to continue to war. As for England, one can never tell. Certainly the Allies are determined not to stop until they are at least on a parity with Germany on land. Some impartial persons here whose judgment is worth taking aro inclined to think the tide is indeed turning in favour of the Allies and will continue to do so steadily from now on. What time, therefore, could be more opportune than now to inquire into the diplomatic situation in detail? The preliminary work of arranging the for the making of peace may take six months or even a year, hut, at all events, nothing can be lost by starting in early. In view of the fact 'that Colonel House states that his mission is concerned with submarine warfare and tho blockade, it is interesting to know that he is in favour of the most liberal interpretation of the much-discussed term "freedom of the seas," and is looking forward to the time when the freedom from capture of all private property except munitions will be established. The New •York Post correspondent remarks that this interpretation would harmonise with "the natural interests of tho United States, which would most always be neutral in European troubles and would desire an open and constant market .for the goods that issue from the tremendous resources of America." Possibly it would; but it would not harmonise with the "natural interests" of the British Empire. It would deprive our sea power of half its value. But it is not necessary to trouble about Colonel House's personal opinions on this point. They are not likely to have any effect on British naval policy. And when we are told that lie is going to make inquiries about the blockade, it is instructive to know that when lie started on his previous visit to Europe, "it was given out that he was charged with the mission_ of co-ordinating the Belgian relief work," hut it was generally understood that this announcement was made in order to avoid the possible inconvenience that might result from an official admission that he was acting for the- President or the Government of the United States. Mn. Wilson's "eyes" will be able to see. that Britain is in no humour to talk peace at the present moment, however much her enemies may desire to bring the struggle to 11 n inconclusive finish, ."So Tonjg as a single German sol-.

dier remains on the soil of France or Belgium (and we must now add Serbia, Russia, and Montenegro) there is not one Englishman who will even dream of pcace." These Vords of Mk. Lloyd George arc as true to-day as when they were uttered during the earlier part of last year. ■;