New-York tribune., 1919-02-01

delegation could not withstand the de-
mands Of the dominions, which are un-
prepared to make vital concessions, al
though ready to go a far distance for
the sake of conciliation. The following
extract from "Morning Post" edi-
torial is typical of large section of
opinion here, but even in circles most
opposed to the imposition of harsh
terms upon Germany one finds the cur
rent OF opinion inclined to sympathy
with the dominions.' THE Post" says
"Wllson-for it is obviously he-im-
poses new system, based not upon
national but international principles
We do not see any ethical superiority
IN this new system. The territories to
be administered do not belong to any
league of nations by any title save the
title Of power. If they are admin
istered presumably in the interests of
that league, which may OF may not be
interested in the aboriginal inhabi-
tants, such title is the title of con-
quest But the fact remains that the
Allies conquered these territories long
before the United States entered this
war. They were conquered chiehy-al-
though not -altog ogether--by the power of
the British navy, supporting the sol
dlers of the Bri oish Empire In some
cases France did it. Nowait is proposed
that those Allies, which had taken be-
tween them the German Empire, should
administer it as mandatory for a
league Of nations.
Germany to Reap Benefit
"For example, we are to administer
German East Africa or Mesopotamia as
the factor or agent Of the League of
Nations where we are in a minority of
one. SO it would be with France in
Togoland and the Kameroons; with
Australia in New Guinea; with Japan
in the Marshall Islands. The manda-
tory power is to spend its manh rood
and its capital in administering these
territories, but is to be allowed no ad-
vantage therefrom. The profits, if
any, are to go to the league which is
the owner as we'll as controller
And 1t Is part of the scheme that
Germany be given place in the league
an equal place, we suppose, with
England, France and Japan; in short
Germany is to be saved the expense OF
nistraton, but is to reap the ben
eiit, If these proposals are carried to
their logical conclusion, Alsace and
Lorraine would be governed by France
but remain outside of the French eco
nomlc system; those parts Of the Dal-
matian coast which belong to Italy
under the Treaty of London would be
administer by Italy without benefit to
herself
"1s such principles are put into force
1t Will make not for peace, but rternal
causes of quarrels.'
Indemnity Question Arise
A controversy is also likely to be
waged here around the question of in
demnity. Reliable reports have stated
that the Peace Conference had decided
against demanding of Germany and
her associates heavy indemnities ia
pay the cost of the wars. 1t is believed
to be the present intention of the con-
ference to require Germany to nav
only for wanton damage, not even mil
itary damage.
For instance, where a French town
was blown to pieces for purely mill
tary reasons, noyclaim for indemnity is
to be allowed, but Germany will have
to pay in cases where she exercised
the tendency to mere destruction.
This VIII not meet the views of those
who voted Lloyd George into power at
the recent election on the promise tc
make Germany pay" while the domin-
ions are openly declaring that they ex.
pect to make Germany meet their bill
of costs.
There is also a volume of support
here for Frances claim to the Sarre
Valley, on the ground of guarantee
against future German aggression. and
compensation for wilful destruction in
| the eFrench coal fields