e youthful North American giant. In this war it shall be
decided which is the stronger--the organized inertia of the tired and
envious, or the unfolding of power in the service of a strong and
sacrificing life. To know that we have American friendship in this
struggle will mean a great moral support for us in the coming trying
days, for we know that the country of George Washington and Abraham
Lincoln places itself only on the side of a just cause and one worthy of
humanity's blessing.

* * * * *

[Illustration: WOODROW WILSON,
President of the United States of America.
(_Photo (C) by Bradley Studio._)]

Speculations About Peace, September, 1914

Report by James W. Gerard, American Ambassador at Berlin, to
President Wilson.

By The Associated Press.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17.--Germany has suggested informally that the United
States should undertake to elicit from Great Britain, France, and Russia
a statement of the terms under which the Allies would make peace.

The suggestion was made by the Imperial Chancellor, von
Bethmann-Hollweg, to Ambassador Gerard at Berlin as a result of an
inquiry sent by the American Government to learn whether Emperor William
was desirous of discussing peace, as recently had been reported.

No reply was made by Emperor William himself, nor did the Imperial
Chancellor indicate whether or not he spoke on behalf of the Emperor.
Ambassador Gerard, in a cable dispatch to President Wilson, repeated the
Chancellor's remarks from recollection, substantially as follows:

Germany was appreciative of the American Government's interest and
offer of services in trying to make peace. Germany did not want
war, but had it forced on her. Even if she defeats France, she must
likewise vanquish both Great Britain and Russia, as all three have
made an agreement not to make peace except by common consent.
Similarly, England has announced through Premier Asquith and her
diplomatists and the newspapers that she intends to fight to the
limit of her endurance. In view of that determination on the part
of Great Britain, the United States ought to get proposals of peace
from the Allies. Germany could accept only a lasting peace, one
that would make her people secure against future attacks. To accept
mediation now would be interpreted by the Allies as a sign of
weakness on the part of Germany and would be m