Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-04-24
zREp0RT0ET Hr cnMNTCcI0N M
MAKING GERMANY PAY

The objections Of one critic to tho terms to be sub
mitted to Germany are set forth in the following letter
to the New York Tribune:
From the way in which the 'reparation terms
are reported in this mornings papers 1t would seem
that their statement is officially authorized. Germany
is to pay $4,000, 100000 for the first two years and a
yearly sum-, not stated, for thirty Cor twenty eighty
years thereafter. Surely, it requires a robust faith in
the power Of words to believe that Germany will con-
tinue to make these yearly payments beyond the time
when she thinks it will be to her interest to cease
doing so. There seems to have come to pass what;
some Of us forecast and published early in 1917,
namely. that Germany would force us into tho war
because she supposed that distance and unprepareu-
ness would make our weishtNin the scales mintarily
negligible. but believed that in this way she would In
sure the presence at the peace conference Of a power
which would vote to treat her tenderly. She mis-
calculated the weight. but apparently this time made
no psychological mistake.
Most of the criticism Of the provisions for money In
demnity to be demanded from Germany has come from
those who believe that the amount which it is proposed
to exact is too large-not larger than Germany deserves
to pay. but larger than she can pay. This writer has the
other view. and is of the opinion that while beaten in the
field, Germany wins a diplomatic victory by having the
peace terms arranged in such a manner as to be excep-
tionally convenient for her. ..
This letter, in such striking contrast to so much that
has been published, is given to illustrate what appears to
be a remarkable incompeteness Of thought. Assuming
that the writer's opinion is correct, and that under the
terms as proposed Germany will pay her installments for
a year or two and then quit, what would be the logical
arrangement?
1t is evident that the writer believes in spot cash
rather than in deferred payments. We should settle with
Germany on a cash basis alone. One of two things must
be done. therefore. Either we must scale down the sum
which Germany is to pay to the point of insignificance,
or we must take possession of everything of value in the
country. leaving the entire population destitute. There is
OF 1t which could be rendered available to France, Bel
GUM and the other nations having just claims would
constitute but a pitiful fraction of what is proposed to
exact in the form Of yearly payments continued over a
long period. Hence even il every bit Of transportable
property were removed from the country only a few bill
lions could be realized, and that removal would involve
the literal determination of several million people.
1t Is not the policy of civilization to exterminate
whole peoples. however noteworthy the German prece-
dent, or to waive, needessly, the righteous demands OF
proposed. therefore. that Germany shall pay now and for
many years to come such sums as her people can raise
while maintaining themselves. And-this point has been
overlooked by the Tribune's correspondents is propos-
ed that the powers now dealing wit, Germany shall re-
tain in their own hands the physical means for the en-
forcement Of the contract, in case Germany should at
any time be negligent or forgetful.