ntaining it at this moment.

England, France, and Russia have no such expectations or desires as
regards the fate of Germany. What they propose to do is to put a stop to
Germany's plan of attaining world empire by militarism. Have you any
means of getting into the minds of some of the present rulers of Germany
the idea that no such alternative as life or death is presented to
Germany in this war, and that the people need only abandon their
world-empire ambitions while securing safety in the heart of Europe and
a chance to develop all that is good in German civilization? Sincerely
yours,

CHARLES W. ELIOT.

Jacob H. Schiff, Esq.

Mr. Schiff to Dr. Eliot.

The Greenbrier,
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va.,
Dec. 1, 1914.

Dear Dr. Eliot:

I have received today your letter of the 28th ult., and I hasten to
reply to it, for I know of nought that is of more importance than the
discussion between earnest men of what might be done to bring to
cessation this horrible and senseless war.

I believe you are mistaken--though in this I am stating nothing,
absolutely, but my personal opinion--that Germany would not listen to
the suggestion for a restoration of peace until it has either come into
a position to dictate the terms or until it is utterly crushed. Indeed,
I rather feel, and I have indications that such is the case, that
England is unwilling to stop short of crushing Germany, and it is now
using all the influence it can bring to bear in this country to prevent
public opinion being aroused in favor of the stoppage of hostilities and
re-establishment of peace.

The same mail which brought your letter this morning brought me also a
letter from a leading semi-military man, whom I know by name, but not
personally. It is so fine and timely that I venture to inclose a copy
for your perusal. Why would not you, and perhaps Dr. Andrew D. White,
who--is it not a coincidence--has likewise written me today on the
subject of my recent TIMES interview, be the very men to carry out the
suggestion made by my correspondent?

Perhaps no other two men in the entire country are so greatly looked up
to by its people for guidance as you--in the first instance--and Dr.
White. You could surely bestow no greater gift upon the entire civilized
world than if now, in the evening of a life which has been of such great
value to mankind, you would call around you a number of leading, earnest
Americans with the view of discussing and framing pl