Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1917-09-01
EVENTS OF THE WEEK

the emblem 81 liberty. the hope 3 q Of the World. u . : '
EVENTS OF THE WEEK
thing which has attracted more attention than
any other throughout the world during the week is the
reply Of President Wilson to the peace pronosa,s ~ the
Pope. The letter of the Pope contained suggestions for
a peace conference, with certain features relating to the
terms which might be accepted as the general basis for
az discussions. The letter discussed these proposed
terms at considerable length. There were mentioned the
evacuation by Germany of Belgium and France. the SUBJ
mission Of questions relating to the future OF, A1sace-
Lorraine the Italian provinces of Austria and some other
disputed territories. to the conference, the restoration
to Germany Of her colonies. disarmament. and the cre-
auon OF a world court. 1t was also urged that n O indem-
mites be paid.
Most of these things have been discussed informally
IN the past. Many people have pronounced opinions CON
corning them. The substance of them is included in the
German phrase mo annexations and no indenn,+,es "
disarmament ana a world court are generally regarded
as necessary. And there is little doubt that the Germ,n
government would agree to this or almost any other nro.
posal II its execution could be left to the good fai+h ~
the contracting parties. We know about how far the
Sooas latin OF the German government would carry II
The first response to the Pope's message was from
america, Ihere is every reason to believe that this was
in accordance withSa concerted plan of the allies and
the president of the United States NAV therefore he g.
sumed to have expressed the determination Of all the
powers allied with this nation. The reply sent under
tnese conditions was conveyed in what is in many respects
the most important state paper of the war In which
there is reiterated in a brief statement of principles the
principles for which the democracies OF the world con-
tend, and the inflexible purpose Of those democrates r.
fight for the full establishment Of those princinle. nnt;,
success has been gained. The note enters into NO die.
cusslon OF detailed terms of peace. On the contrary. In
: scanning indictment of the autocracy which rules Ger
many and which has aimed to rule the world there ,s
expressed the definite refusal of America andaher allies
8 enter into any negotiations with a Germany undefeat-
ed. unrepentant and unreformed. The note TRANSMITS
to the world the message that there can he n neace
until democracy has been established on a sure founda-
uon' ana to the German people that before they can
again be received on equal terms into the family of ma
lois tney must set their house in order and throw off
the military leadership which has so misguided them,
and which had deluged the world with blood.
The American note has been received with expres-
sions of approval in all the allied capitals. It has scarce
" oeen public in Germany long enough to permit the ut
lerahce O the denunciations which are sure to follow
It's ful publication. In Rome it is said that the replv
has been a bitter disappointment to the pope who had
hoped that his appeal might meet with a response which
would at least provide a basis for further discussion. AS
it is he appears to realize that there is not the slightest
prospect OF peace on the basis Of such compromises as
he has suggested.
OF especial interest in the northern states y -,
general interest Throughout the country has been the
struggle in Washington over the fixing of a price for the
Islf wheat crop. After days of discussion and voting
the price commission agreed on a basic price or 90 40
per bushel for No. 1 northern spring wheat at Chiea 20
with corresponding prices elsewhere. This action is not
the fixing of an absolute price for wheat. The govern
ment prohibits no person from paying or receiving more.
But the United States government is TODAY the largest
purchaser Of wheat in the world. It will buy for the
needs OF its own army. and also for its allies. And it's
decision to pay $3.50 per bushe1 will fix the. commercial
rate at that figure.
Northwestern farmers and representatives Of COM
mercial bodies went to Washington to state the case Of
the northwestern grower to the commission ana To urpe
that the price fixed be the market price as of the day
when the first announcement relating to wheat prices
was made by Mr.. Hoover. These men went to washing
ton in no controversial mood. Then went armed with
facts and figures which they were given an opportunity
20 place before the commission. They were received
courteously and heard attentively. But mischief had been
done by the ill-advised utterances Of members ~ the
North Dakota delegation in congress, and the mischief
could not be repaired.
The government having decided on a reduction in
me price OF wheat which was already lower in price
than most other commodities, whether food or Industrial.
st Is obvious that the only just course will be for Il to re-
pair, SO far as is possible the inequity under which the
farmer suffers by bringing about appropriate REDUCTIONS
n the prices Of other commodities. II the plans now
m progress work out as predicted the consumer viii be
benefited by q reduction in the price Of his LOAF Of bread.
But as y was bread has been the cheapest food that could
pc found on the table. The reduction which is promised
will avail little il other prices are permitted e stand.
and there is now urgent need for the reduction az nricss
in general to a new level. Tais may be brought about
n part by the further work of the food administration.
The Peoples Council has occupied 4 promfnent Mace
on the stage during the week. With 4 great national
gathering Of the society scheduled to be held Il Mime
apolis, the plans Of the leaders were aa1ddenlv thuar,ad
ny the proclamation OK Governor Burnquist, To- whom be
eTerlasting honor for his act, prohibiting the holding of
meetings Of the council in the state Of Minnesota This
was Under recently enacted \ Legislation which the az
semhIies of many other states, North Dakota included.
has not sufhrient patriotisn Or sssaacent foresight to en-
act
At about the same time d memberaof the sociefv
MAS prevented by a popular demonstration from holding
= sassttng ~ Fargo. and plans for the holding 81 the gem