The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-04-14
% < < Early Signing of Peace Seems Now Assured

Early Signing of Peace
 Seems Now Assured
 THE revised covenant of the league U of nations, of which the official summary was published in American newspapers yesterday, may be re- garded as a distinct personal victory for President Wilson. The inviolabil- | ity of the Monroe doctrine, which threatened to be a serious stumbling block to the deliberations in Paris, lis guaranteed, the Japanese amend ment was rejected and the American government will not be called on to act as mandatory of any European nation unless it so desires.
 The effect of some of the construc- tive criticism offered in this country is shown in the revised document. It I is apparent that President Wilson en- deavored to reconcile conflicting views so that there could be no fur ther objection to an unqualified ac- ceptance of the covenant in America.
 The conference has smooth sailing lbefore it now, and it's work will short Iy be completed. It is a foregone conclusion that the Senate will ratify the leagues constitution with little or no objection. The main points in con- tention have been swept away. A great step has been taken toward an early peace and the stabilizing of Flu rope. The American people have ev- cry reason to feel gratified at the trend events have taken at Paris. Our participation in the league of nations will not conflict with any of our na- tional policies. Our national sove- reignty and, to large extent, our freedom from "entangling foreign al lliances." will be maintained in the fu- Iture as in the past. We have great deal to gain and nothing to lose. Ii lthe league should prove failure, or a situation were created inimicable to OUT welfare which would make it un- Idesirable for America to continue as a member of the league, we will have the privilege of withdrawing by mere lly giving two years notice. Any oth- Ter state in the league will have the same privilege, provided 1t has Kept its obligations to date.
 It may be charged that the league has had it's "teeth drawn" yet there lis a general feeling of optimism cv- ervwhere and belief that the con- , ference has acted with wisdom and , discretion and has succeeded in fram- ing a document which, if faithfully lived up to. will assure the world a long and perhaps permanent peace. That is the hone of the world today.
 The Kaiser's threat to commit su'- l eide if brought to trial should not De taken seriously. although it is reported that he frequently shakes hands With | low persons who do him favors, show ing that his spirit is broken
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 Shedding of General Pershing, a Tor" mer A. E. F. telephone operator says "All the phone girls loved the gen oral" The fact that General John is a handsome and distinguished widow CT made it all the easier.
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 some gimlet-eyed, white-l -liyere ed skunk, is the way the editor of the Collinsville Courier refers to an un' known enemyA old-fashioned militant journalism is not dead in the land. k * J
 1 Without naming any names. there is at least one regiment of United State' troops now operating IS Russia wh' twill not be hailed as conquering heroes when they return home.
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 We assume from the attitude Of the city commissioners that the "shimmie' will be strictly taboo in the Pubic Utilities building" at East Lake.
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 Debs denies that he threatened t' call a general strike if he were sen to prison. Somebody is always mis g quoting our celebrated socialists.
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 Feverish "wets" detect strong re y action against prohibition laws. Tha being the case we can't understand tE 9 snug complacency Of the 'drys."