Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-09-26
AFTER-THE-WA AR PROBLEMS

of Russian control of affairs along the Per-
sian border: the blocking Of German plans for an empire
extending through Europe and Asia to the Persian gulf;
ambitions by another route. Emphasis is placed,
not only on the military features Of the case as applied
to the present war, but to the need for the adoption Of
definite plans for the protection of the small nations of
the east in their political and economic rights after the
war. In this connection the Times says:
What we need is a clear scheme Of what is
desirable in the middle east alike in its economic
development, in the evolution of national ideals,
especially Of the great ideal Of political liberty,
and in the interests OF our great trusteeship Of
the Indian Empire. Perhaps this cear-cut
scheme does not exist in the minds of the gov
eminent, or Of some Of its members. But our
ideas of the future Of the east must be more
than a pattern laid up in heaven It should be
a settled policy Of the Allies, and Of America,
and our war measures must be deliberately and
consciously co-ordinated with it.
Two points brought out in that paragraph are
worthy of particular attention. -
The first is the conception, Of the relation of Britain
to India as that of trustee. That conception has not al
ways existed. 1t may have been entertained by indi-
viduals in the old days of the Dutch occupancy Of India,
and Of the East India company. but it was not the domi-
lions were to be farmed and exploited by the stronger.
But most Of the nations have made progress since those
days. and without exaggeration or distortion it may be
said that the ideal Of exploitation persists today only In
Germany and those portions of neighboring nations which
are distinctly under Prussian junker influence. The more
modern and enlightened tendency has been shown BY
the United States in her treatment Of Cuba, Of Hawaii
and Of the Philippines. and in her abstention from the
war Of conquest against Mexico, for which she could
>o-SH, In~a h--
could speedily have carried to a successful conclusion.
None the less have similar tendencies developed in Great
Britain with reference to the treatment of outlying pos
sessions 1t is a far cry from the tyranny exercised ovey
the American colonies by an imported German king tn
London and his narrow and pie-headed advisers to the
development of Canada. Australia, New Zealand and
South Africa into. independent nations under the British
flag. And it is a fact recognized by most students that
the development of the Anglo-saxon ideals Of self gov
eminent has proceeded as far and as fast in India as
could reasonably have been expected when full account
is taken Of the obstacles to such progress presented by
the obstacles of caste, and religion and the traditions Of
centuries which obtain among the people Of India them
selves. It needs not the assurance Of the 'Thunderer,"
for the facts Of modern history prove it, that the Britain
of today holds the India Of today as a sacred trust for
the people of India So does the world make progress.
The other noteworthy point II the inclusion Of Amer
lea among the powers by whose determination the affairs
of those distant parts Of the earth are to be shaped. This
war has brought most forcefully into the forefront the
real littleness Of our Little Americans-and We shall al
ways have some Of them. The true Little American. in
his attempt to segregate America from the rest of the
world, has been prompted by no spirit Of modesty or
self effacement. for he has been blatant and bombastic.
His attitude has been that he and his kind were 30 su-
perior to the rest Of mankind that they could occupy q
position Of contemptuous exclusiveness and look down
with scorn upon all the rest Of the world. The war has
brought home to US the fact that We are one with the
rest Of the world. sharing the worlds joys and SORROWS,
striving for tho solution Of the same problems, needing
the friendship and confidence. Of our %neighbors, and
of real service to them2 in the working out Of their own
No thoughtful American can view the situa-
ton and ito developments without q thrill Of pride in the
part which his own nation Is called to play, or without
o feeling Of humility ~ he conternplates the magnitude
Of the tasks 70 be accomplished and the limitations Of
the human instruments by means Of whom these great
things are 70 bs wrought.
"A decree Ii said to have been issued by the French
Food Minister fixing the maximum at which . meal may
be served in any Partisan cafe At twenty franco. or ap-
proxinnately 500 There has been no such governmsn-
tai dsterrination Of the maximum pries Of : meal "a
tbs United states. the only Limit thus ~ known md reco-
mixed. 70 the srsat social csnters Of the country. being the
|bius skyr--chrishan scisncs Monitor.