The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1918-12-27
safeguarding Civilization.

4 by j. w. L. Mason, Written TOT t0e
United Press
NEW YORK, Dec. 27.-The success
OF the peace conference in safeguard
ing civilization against another world
war will be assured as the result OF
the preliminary conferences Presi-
dent Wilson is now holding in london.
There is no longer doubt that an
agreement in all basic essentials con-
corning the league OF nations can be
reached by the de1nocracies of the
United States and Great Britain. The
delicate question of freedom of the
seas is beginning to fade into the
background insofar as it concerns
any requirement that either the Brit
ish empire or the United States shall
abandon its right to defend its own
possessions by the use of sea power.
The fundamental fact which British
statesmen will place before Presi-
dent Wilson this week is that Great
Britain absolutely refuses to recog-
nize the United States as possible
enemy no matter what may be future
developments in international rela-
lions.
The British navy will be maintained
in the future at sufficient strength to
protect Britain against any possible
combination of enemies in Europe or
the Far East but Britain's naval con-
struction will not take into consider
alton any possibility of conflict at
sea with America.
This means that If the United
States desires to increase its taxes
for the purpose Of having more war
ships than Great Britain, there Will
be no competition against that pro-
gram. Understanding between the
two English-speaking democracies on
such a basis is inevitable. Great
Britain being prepared to recognize
Americas sole right to Judge what
safeguard Americas interests. there
can be no mutual enmity between
these two greatest powers in the
world It is, therefore, only a matter
of arrangement for British and Ameri-
cans to ensure the organization OF the
league of nations. With these two
countries working together the world
will be safe for democracy.
Favors League Of Nations
LBy Lowell Mellett. United Press
Staff Correspondent
LONDON, Dec. 27.-Great Britain
not only is willing, but is determined
that the peace congress shall organ
1Ze permanent league on nat1OnS De- ,
fore its adjournment.
Lord Robert Cecil. foremost British
authority on this subject, made this
clear in an interview with the United
Press today.
Cecil said he had never entertained
any notion of the peace delegates
simply giving the league of nations
idea their blessing and leaving the de-
tails to be worked out In. the future.
On the contrary he wants no opening
left for possible failure OF the league
to materialize.
Investigation in government circles
reveals that Cecil is speaking the
British governments mind as well as
his own.
Now we know the horror Of war"
he said. "A year from now the old
glamour may return. We must guard
against this possibility"
He gave the following provisions
as the necessary foundations of the
league:
First-A permanent secretartat.
Second-A fixed place of meeting.
Third-Per1odical meetings.
These meetings must include work I
ing members, men really entitled to
speak for the peoples of their coun-
iris, such as premiers and foreign
ministers, or their equivalent. Meet
ings must be held at least once
year.
Fourth-It is essential that no war
shall be possible until it is discussed
either at the periodical meeting or at
a meeting especially called for the
purpose.
''Those things are the vital things"
Cecil said. "Of course, as / recently
outlined, the league must have nom
contentious as well as contentious
features. It must have broader pur-
poses than merely prevention OF wars.
1t must have administrative powers as
we'll as the authority to settle dis. I
putes."
It is impossible yet to get the close
dom of the seas.
Other important principles of the
peace settlement are freely discussed,
however. In regard to Consumption,
a high government official suggested
to the United Press that the fact
Germany's millions of trained men
are still available renders abolition of
CONSUMPTION in other European coun-
tries more difficult than at first ap-
peared
The official designated to prepare
the governments case on disarma-
ment, pointed out that it is necessary
TO devise system to prevent fabri-
cation Of submarine and airplane parts
in factories manufacturing peace
time products.
at all involves the necessity for ac-
cepting Germany's word" he said. 'f
a way can be found to make her word
good the problem will be solved.
Otherwise the difficulties OF prevent
ing trickery are almost insuperable."
Indemnities are also serious is
sue 1t is known that President, Will
son adheres to his determination to
keep to the armistice agreement.
Since the recent elections little has
been heard here in regard to compell-