The Washington herald., 1919-01-05

rope some of bis friends were alarmed
II there was mixed with the sympa-
thy of the masses a degree of idolatry.
was 1t not risky to place the idol
amidst the worshippers? And then.
European politics is complex and sub
tie; Europe's international life in
deed is a regular wasp nest.
|. Would not the President by the exi-
gencies of even his aonerents COM
promise that high moral authority.
that kind OF universal magistracy
which, like Pericles. he was exer-
cising over the world?
Furthermore. the old forces of re-
action or resistance might come back
to life. Were not Europes rulers wor-
ried over his coming. which might
mean the preparing of traps? His
coming appeared more dangerous be-
cause, for example, in France .Ae
socialists and workers were often dis
agreeing with Clemenceau. They APP
peared to love Wilson, particularly
love Wilson against Clemenceau."
Perhaps our American friends
have heard mentioned a manifesto
tion which French united labor and
the Socialist societies wanted to or
ganize for the President, a manifes-
tation which he even expected at
his residence in Paris but which was
prevented by certain maneuvers Of
the French government But that
was only a small episode. Truly
Wilson emerges now from the test
victorious. The people of Paris.
especially are not disappointed by
having met him face to face. The
Presidents simplicity and natural
ease have earned him the enthus-
iasm and admiration of the popu-s
lace, always responsive to personal
charm
Reaches Their Hearts.
The pleasure, both amused and
serious with which the President
mingled with our people goes direct
to their hearts. Finally whether in
the Elysee Palace toast, whether in
reply to the Socialist delegation.
whether in the speech to the Ameri-
cans Christmas. or at Manchester,
serious men who follow attentively
each utterance of this statesman
felt genuine satisfaction seeing that
even amidst all the influences OF old
Europe Wilson keeps his ideals in
tact.
But l must warn my American
friends that here come some criti-
cisms in response TO which the Pres
ident ought to give his real measure
Soon two months will have expired
since the signing of the armistIce.
1t is several weeks since Mr.. Wilson
arrived in Europe.
Conversations are multiplying.
Tho -
and of Italy have visited Paris. Will
son goes to London and Rome. But
as yet it does not appear that his
presence has produced a clearer con-
CeptiOn of or greater cohesion be-
tween the entente policies.
Neither for Intervention in Russia
nor as regards the policy regarding
Germany or the procedure to be pur-
sued in establishing a league of ma
tions has a new solution been sug-
gested.
Faithful to Ideals.
There. we must say are the test
ing stones. by his speeches, by his
public diplomacy we feel indeed that
the President remains faithful to all
his ideals. But to what extent will
they be translated into action?
There is a hitch.
The President justified the hopes
of all Europe when upon Germany's
demand for an armistice he was
able. by successive replies to force
her to yield while recognizing the
of justice which should
dominate the peace.
From the material defeat Of Ger
many Wilson has already made arise .
great moral victory for humanity.
but his action must continue. II is