f this war and
there is constant pressure upon the President to use his influence
to bring about normal conditions. He does not wish to do anything
to irritate or offend any one of the belligerent nations, but he
has an abiding faith in the efficacy of open and frank discussion
between those that are now at war.

As far as I can see, no harm can be done by a dispassionate
discussion at this stage, even though nothing comes of it. In a
way, it is perhaps better that informal and unofficial
conversations are begun and later the principals can take it up
themselves.

I am sure that Sir Edward is too great a man to let any prejudices
deter him from ending, as soon as possible, the infinite suffering
that each day of war entails.

Faithfully yours,
E.M. HOUSE.

It is apparent that the failure of this first attempt at mediation
discouraged neither Bernstorff nor the Washington administration.
Colonel House was constantly meeting the German and the British
Ambassadors; he was also, as his correspondence shows, in touch with
Zimmermann, the German Under Foreign Secretary. The German desire for
peace grew stronger in the autumn and winter of 1914-1915, as the fact
became more and more clear that Great Britain was summoning all her
resources for the greatest effort in her history, as the stalemate on
the Aisne more and more impressed upon the German chieftains the
impossibility of obtaining any decision against the French Army, and as
the Russians showed signs of great recuperation after the disaster of
Tannenberg. By December 4th Washington had evidently made up its mind to
move again.

_From Edward M. House_
115 East 53rd Street,
New York City.
December 4th, 1914.

DEAR PAGE:

The President desires to start peace parleys at the very earliest
moment, but he does not wish to offend the sensibilities of either
side by making a proposal before the time is opportune. He is
counting upon being given a hint, possibly through me, in an
unofficial way, as to when a proffer from him will be acceptable.

Pressure is being brought upon him to offer his services again, for
this country is suffering, like the rest of the neutral world, from
the effects of the war, and our people are becoming restless.

Would you mind conveying this thought delicately to Sir Edward Grey
and lettin