21 SEPTEMBER 1918, Page 2

The next reply, prompt and decisive, came from President Wilson.

Within half-an-hour after the receipt of the Austrian Note at Washington on Monday, Mr. Lansing was authorized to state the American answer:—

" The Government of the United -States feels that there is. only one reply which it can make to the- suggestion of the Iraperiat Austro-Hungarian Government. . It has repeatedly and with entire -candour stated the terms upon which the United States would 'con- sider peace, and. can and will entertain, no proposal for a Conferenc3 upon a matter conoerning which-it has made its position and. purpose so plain."

That is a complete and final rejoinder to the 'Viennese rhetotioians, whom President Wilson. estimates at their -true value.