The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1918-12-12

Congressman Visits Minot On Way to
Washington-Thinks Congress
Should Back President in
Peace Efforts.

| non. i. ~. norton, MEMBER OF con-
gress from the Bird Dist. was in the city
last week, visiting friends. He left
on an afternoon train for Washington,
d. c., where he will attend the last
session of Congress before retiring
to private life.
Congressman Norton is contemplat-
ing locating at Minot or Mandan for
the practice Of law, at the expira-
ton of his term of office. Many Mi
not friends hope he may choose this
city.
Mr.. Norton was caller at the indie
pendent office and naturally we took
advantage of the opportunity to inter-
view him concerning many of the live
topics of the day.
! Mr.. Norton had just planned enter
ing the military service when, the arm
istice was declared. He said that Sec
rotary Of War Baker and Gen. March.
whom he interviewed on Nov. 2, did
not hope that the war could possibly
end before next June. The French
officials in Washington had whole
some respect for the power of the Ger
man army even in November. They
pointed out the almost perfect staff
work on the part of the German Of
fcers. The Germans of course were
tired Of fighting They cvould have
kept up the fight for some time to
come, but realized that they would
lose eventually and thot that by Civ
ing in when they did, they might Sc
cure more favorable peace terms. The
Germans still have an army Of 3.OO0,-
900 armed soldiers but they will not
fight again.
Speaking of President Wilson's
peace journey across the Atlantic. the
congressman said: Personally I
| should have preferred to see the pres
! ldent name some great man on the
| Peace Commission instead of going
himself, but now that he has gone, I
thing it only fair that congress should
give him it's undivided support.
You need not worry, but what Ger
many will be given terms that are Sc
we're enough. The United States is
certain to concur with the Allies in
the peace terms to be enforced and Of
course there will be nothing for the
senate to do but to ratify the findings
of the commission. think, however,
Chat it would be wise for the senate to
appoint committee of an equal num-
Der Of democrats and republicans to
attend the conference to aid the presi-
dent in a friendly manner and to fur
nish the other members with their own
views concerning the points to be de-
cided
"What would do with the Kaiser?
Well, that depends largely on circum-
stances and how the Germans will ac-
quit themselves You know we are
going to have our hands full with the
Germans before that country is recon-
structed. You will note that the Amer
lean army has already entered Ger
many. The Germans are sullen and
keep their blinds pulled down, while
the German officers are arrogant,
Germany has not changed. We may
have to keep an immense army Of oc-
cupation in Germany for long time,
unless the Germans can work out their
own salvation. I notice that Austria
would like to saddle the entire war
debt onto Prussia, but if we are ever
to collect the indemnity that is coming
to the Allies, we will have to collect
it from both Germany and Austria.
! would not be at all surprised if the
Kaiser were permitted to return to
Germany. not as it's ruler, however.
Lord Balfour would hang him or i'm
prison him for life. He no doubt de-
serves this, but the Allies might spare
| him if it will have tendency to set
tie affairs in Germany quicker.