It would certainly have been a difficult task for any man to avoid this subject on this particular evening; the date was September 5th, the day when the German Army suddenly stopped in its progress toward Paris, and began retreating, the French and the British forces in pursuit.

A few minutes before Count Bernstorff sat down at Mr.Speyer's table, with Mr.Straus opposite, he had learned that the magnificent enterprise which Germany had planned for forty years had failed, and that his country was facing a monstrous disaster.

The Battle of the Marne was raging in all its fury while this pacific conversation at Mr.Speyer's house was taking place.
Of course the war became the immediate topic of discussion.

Count Bernstorff at once plunged into the usual German point of view--that Germany did not want war in the first place, that the Entente had forced the issue, and the like.
"The Emperor and the German Government stood for peace," he said.
Naturally, a man who had spent a considerable part of his life promoting the peace cause pricked up his ears at this statement.
"Does that sentiment still prevail in Germany ?" asked Mr.Straus.
"Yes," replied the German Ambassador.
"Would your government entertain a proposal for mediation now ?" asked Mr.Straus.
"Certainly," Bernstorff promptly replied.

He hastened to add, however, that he was speaking unofficially.