New-York tribune., 1918-12-07

such phrase may mean anything or
nothing. The German Interpretation
thereof is thoroughly mischievous. In
the present war our navy has made
possible our victory over the form-
dabe foe. 1t is unlikely that we are
prepared for anything In the future to
cripple its powers. nor do we believe
cur Allies would for moment favor
such proposal. No doubt when Will
son has conferred with the Allies rep
lesentatives he will see the folly Of
curtalllng the power of our maritime
policing system"
Navy Called Vital
"Thc Pail Mall Gazette,' the organ
ure to read the words of Colonel Rocsc-
Welt, who pays tribute to the British
navy in the present wan. If the war
has proved anything, it is that the
British navy is as vital to the safety
Of every civilized people aS TO our own
To demand the weakening of this
mighty weapon of right and justice on
the ground of what a league of ma
tions might do in its place would be
to sacrifice a great reality for a specu-
lation"
The "Westmirster Gazette" which
critices, but oces not oppose, Lloyd
George, takes \ judicial standpoint
believing Wilson stands for America
playing the leading part in interna-
tional affairs, while Roosevelt is for
the withdrawal to the Western hemis-
pherc when the war is finished. In
discussing the Wilson point of view
the hope is that when he argues the
question, he acknowledge sea warfare
as but one phase of warfare, and not
treat it as subject apart"
Wilson'S Logic Upheld
It continues, "Roosevelt leaves us in
some perpleXity in one sentence when
he says, 1T is our business to stand bV
cur Allies In another, america must
rot undertake any interference in
European, Asiastic or African matters.
wherewth it ought properly have no
concern We believe It would be of
enormous advantage TO the world if
America would go to meet the inevitable
new order in the world policy, and
place her services freely at the dis
posal Of the Allies for the world wide
reorganization, which must now be IN
dertaken. She cannot disintcrest herself
from our European affairs. The re-
turn OF the balance of power to po-
litics as Roosevelt seems to contem-
plate, Will have immediate disastrous
consequences. 1t will prevent disarma-
ment indefinitely and postpone fnan-
clal and economic recovery by compel
ling us to maintain expenditure on
armaments on level immensely higher
than before the war The idea of pro-
curing relief from these world evils is
therefore no fanciful Utopia, but one
OF the steraest practical problems.
Wilson has the right logic on his side.
In urging that we hope he will not let
his usefulness be impaired by exces
slve stress on thc part of his scheme.
which taken by itself. isolated from the
rest, must be attended by insuperable
dltficulties.''
Imperial Conference On
A British imperial conference is be-
ing held in London with the object of
reconciling views on Australia. South
Africa and Canada and other parts of
the empire. Canada desires monetary
indemnity or compensation, proportion
ate to the vast territorial aggrandize
ment which is assured to Australia and
South Africa.
The British idea of the league Of
nations was indicated by Reginald Nc
Kenna, who electioneering to-nirht
said that it was the British povern,
ment's intentions to cooperate with
America to end the war and connect
recuperativc diet in ineua,,,