The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1917-10-12

voice. In accordance with the policy
that has been consistently followed
since the outbreak OF the war OF hold
Ing aloof from European combinations
except In the prosecution of the war,
this government probably will not at
tempt to aid In the settlement Of tradi'
tional European Quarrels, except pos
slbly as matter OF friendly interest
II opportunity arises.
House Likely to Be Delegate.
It was said unofiicially that when
the time comes to organize a peace
conference, Colonel House, by virtue
Of his present assignment, would In
all probability be selected as one OF
the delegates from the United States
II will be a part OF Colonel Houses
task to gather intelligence relating to
commercial, economic and political sit
uatlons abroad. He will keep abreast
OF developments In all non-milltary af-
fairs.
Colonel House will have associated
with him. as has been stated, several
experts, probably college professors,
economists and specialists in CONNER
cial and financial affairs. The work
he is to perform will not he connected
with similar undertakings In any OF
the countries with which the United
States is associated IN the war.
The United States government isn't
getting ready to enter into peace ne
gOtlations with Germany isn't going
to meddle In strictly European Ques-
tiOns relating to the war, and isn't ne
gotiatlng Just yet on the problems Of
peace with the Entente, as has fire.
quently been surmlsed.
Must Have Data In Advance.
1t is important for the United States
government now aud will be even
more important later on to have a So
called "who's who .and what's WHAT
In the war in order that all phases in
volved may be properly understood by
reference to data compiled in advance.
In time of war the government that
fails to prepare for peace will ultl-
mately be at a disadvantage, says the
Philadelphia Public Ledger in an edi-
tOrial. The representatives of Great
Britain, Austria, Russia and Prussia,
found this out after the fall Of Ma
poleon when they met Prince Talley-
rand at Vienna. Talleyrand, sent by
France, had learned enough Of the sit
uatiOn as it concerned all of the small
er European powers and as it con-
cerned much of the opinion of Europe
to turn the tables upon the four great |
powers and to stand as the champion |
Of the public rights Of Europe.
Prince Talleyrand Unanswered, and
successfully, according to the rules
of a secret diplomacy. He really
worked in behalf of selfish and ma
interests. The partitioning |
of Europe by the congress of Vienna |
was the outcome Of arbitrary compro-
mise; 1t was prolific of future wars.
The knowledge which the great dip
lOmatic exponent of France displayed
was more comprehensive than that of .
his foes, that is al. Excepting that !
he recognizes the need of precise in
President Wilson acts up
on a principle different from that
which guided Talleyrand He will
urge this nation into no alliance, even
with the nations with whom 1t is as
SOciated in the common war against
the TeutOnic powers. He proposes
simply to equip himself with knowl-
edge pertinent to the rights of all ma
lions in common with America as they
nay be concerned by the proceedingS
If the peace conference.
To Show War Aims.
In this spirit the president has
asked Colonel House to survey the
ield of military, naval and political
conditions in the countries of our en-
emies and our friends; to get at the
economic, political and emotional state
If things in every country, and to tell
rankly to Great Britain, Russia,
france, Italy and the neutral powers
he things that we are doing and that
We luJe0u u uO III TIE war. MORE
'ver, an attempt will be made to lift
he heavy curtain Of censorship In
Germany and Austria-Hungary, In or
Ter to spread among their peoples a
of American war aims
nd potentialitieS.
Officials are anxious that no impress
ion should be created, as a result of
,olOnel Houses appointment, of any
Intention to start peace negotiations
n the near future. So far as the at
ltude of the United States is con-
erned, the presidents reply to the
ope still remains the unaltered view
( the government here.
The appointment Of Colonel House
) recognition by the government of
he fact that the adjustment of peace
erms will be a very complicated pro-
eeding. Many points of dispute must
e settled. Questions of all sorts,
conomic, political, and historical, will
ONE up. for discussion.