New-York tribune., 1918-02-13
u. S. No Party to Versailles
Decision, Message Shows
It Proves Neither Wilson Nor Lansing Was Consulted
Condemnation of Czernin, Says British Writer-Pres-
ident's Speech Called "Feeler" in Open Diplomacy

strong st line over Poland has always
seemed to be decisive against peace
with Germany, except under absolute
compulsion And this has Jeen the di-
vergence between his attitude and Mr..
Lloyd Georges. for Mr.. LLOYD George
was far less definite than the President
in respect Of the Eastern frontier can
we'll understand the anger of Prussia
and the complacence Of the Dual Mon
archy. Tho Hapsburg dynasty might
renew its youth fairly respectfully as
the link between number Of se!fgov-
erning statesBohemia Croatia, Hun
gary and SO on--formed into one Gus
toms union. but by no means subscrvi-
cnt to the Hohenzollerns. For South
eastern Europe, as for Russia. the
American solution appears to be the
application Of American principles
state rights, into one political union.
Message Open Diplomacy
Some people have read into the mes
sage "a weakcning' Of the fourteen
points. cannot deny that a passage
here and there might be so construed
by a very critical reader. But we must
bear in mind that the message repre-
sents open diplomacy. 1t is what in
England we call "a feeler" or-if the
term be permitted--a very farreachins
"kitc." Now, what were the technical
obstacles that the President had to
sblc allegation that he, from the New
World, was debating terms to the Old
World. Mr.. Wilson had TO make it evil
dent that no improper dictation was
intended that his aim was to suggest
issues for impartial arbitrament. Sec
ondly, he was possibly confronted by
Austria Hungary's reluctance to enter
negotiations on fourteen points-some
of no special concern to her, while
others particularly challenged her
ally, Germany. Hence the new pre-
liminary, if l may SO define it. Given
round table conference with Austria
Hungary and we shall see the whole
American programme on the table.
Events all show how far the Presi-
dent, in that event, would carry with
him the European Allies. His bold
lead is only safe lead because his
character and his ideals lift him so
far beyond the range of suspicion as to
motives. Every one knows that in this
business the President takes action
with detachment and complete disin-
terestedness. Hence, his sedulous care
to adopt. as far as possible, interna.
delicate for British sentiment as nava'
power and the freedom of the seas
AS a result, one notices that even ex.
tremists among labor. who openly dis
like the war and are regarded by
many people as holding opinions that
border on sedition, are forced to con
fess that now the next word lies with
Germany. The message. like its pre-
decessors, keeps Germany in the wrong
It's very moderation, its large conces
sions, its absence from passion, which
somewhat irritate fiery souls, are like
the similar diplomacy of Sir Edward
Grey before the war. 1t needs mucl
faith 10 follow so startling a depend
ence on moral imponderables.
Says Wilson Will Win
I should not be writing the truth :.
I ] did not tell you candiGly that sucf
faith will be hardly universal in Eu
rope, or even in Britain. But, for my
self, l confess that l am thrilled by The
conviction that President Wilson vii
win through, against all the hoary re
action which curses Christendonl. H;
strength lies just here-thet he rallie: