The Greeneville daily sun. (Greeneville, Tenn.) 1918-1920, 1919-09-10
WHAT THE OTHER SIDE THINKS.

stand the Importance of obtaining insight into the
opponents point of view Had Germany understood
other nations she would have committed the suicidal
act of attempting to subjugate them; and had other
tons understood Germany better they could have done
much to prevent her from attacking the world, at
worst they could have defeated her sooner
In this transition stage between active and set
tied peace there danger all countries not excepting
the United States The world is in upheava in which
national mentaities deeply affected. Do the nations
understand another? Or they persstng in pol
ssng in policies based upon mistaken opinions and mis-
leading information? Specifically does the United States
know the state of mind of other nations and do they
know what the United States is driving at?
The United States cannot settle its problems un-
less it adjust itself to other nations Europe GER
ainy cannot adjust itself unless it understand and
be understood by the United States.
The United States and Great Britain supposed to
understand each other Nevertheless, they acting
at cross purposes many important matters The Brit
sh opinion seems to be settling into fixed obsesson that
the United States determined to utilize the peace set
Elements as a means of absorbing British commerce
throughout the world Unfortunately President Wilson,
in one two speeches recently, has appealed to the
commercial instinct of his crowds and thus furnished
to British observers what they regard proof of their
worst fears The reaction in Britain is dstrust of the
Americans belief that all the talk of arusm is "bun-
combe" and determination to seize all advantages
against America before America seizes them against
Britain This latter sentiment is manifest throughout
Turkey, the Balkans and South America. 1t is bad
state of affairs arising purely out of mistaken notions
Yet many Americans are equally mistaken regarding
British Intentions and particularly with reference to
colonial rule they often condemn England without a
hearing.
France and America do not have identical opinions
They are closely in sympathy in the conception of lib
erty regulated by laws voluntarily enacted by free men,
but in the settlement of the they differ radically
France upon the British American alliance to keep
her safe fully expecting another attack by Germany
within SO years. Americans generally skeptcal on
this point France is right, judging by experience. If
France is right is it not we'll for Americans to adjust
their opinions accord with facts rather than with
illusions?
Many Japanese are utterly unable to see any unsefsh
ness dsnteresedness in American aid in Russia The
belief is widespread in Japan that the United States has
secret treaty which gives it control of the Siberian
railroad ports, mines forests &c The American troops
in Siberia are merely the forerunner of American
cupation of Siberia in the opinion of many Japanese.
Has this point of view escaped Americans? Does not
explain several matters? If the japanese think Amer
opposition to the Shantung arrangement is based
upon intentions of extending American imperialism in
ASIA, light is cast upon situation that manacng
at best.
AS tor the Russian people, who could expect them to
under stand America after the oruous of allied
diplomacy touching Russia? In the Russian mind or
large portion of it, the Americans in Siberia are bob
shevk sympathzers They believe firmly that America
is false friend, processing sympathy and promising
support while secretly rejoicing in Russias msforunes
and cooperating with Russias destroyers Meanwhile,
too many Americans cut short their consideration of Rus
sian affairs by condemnng the whole Russian people as
ignorant, unstable, and at heart anarchists. Is it mat
of wonder that conditions do not mend when such
monsrous the guides of purpose and actor?
The elimination of is the first effective method of
making progress. Americans should not lay all the blame
upon other nations. The world does entertain many
errors concerning America and Americans, but these
potent for mischief than the deu-
ons which many Americans cherish toward foreign peo-
pies "Put yourself in his place" is the best possible
rule to follow in the absence of authentic information
Washington Post.
Housewives who talk about jelly and let the fox grapes
get away should put up or shut up.