New-York tribune., 1919-09-07
The Roots of the Wrangle

if possible. why it is seemingly as diihcui'
for this country to write peace aS "
win war.
The seeds of trouble were planted lar
back-jn days when American people
vere exhorted to be neutral IN thought
as we'll as in act, when Lusitanla note
writing apparently had no end, when the
Administration campaigned for reelection
on the ground that it had kept US out
Of war. when the President professed
icnorance of what the war was ABOUT
and when, Bernstorff having been sent
home. there was for two months an
effort to limit our action to maintaining
an armed neutrality.
Then the President, reversing himself
leaned upon the war horse, and MS
nolicies and acts became agreeable 10
the major opinion Of the country. Ihe
incapacty at Washington at times was
frichtful and there was an amazing un-
willingness, in a national undertaking.
to take men Of all parties into counsel.
Rut things somehow got done IN big
and Increasing way until Germany,
plainly whipped, sued for peace. Then
came uncertainty and anxiety again.
When the first German peace note was
read, it was seen to be botton,ed on the
idea that the Presidents peace terms
were in some way fundamentally dl1-
ferent from those Of our alsies-that this
country played a lone hand. Instead OF
repelling a suggestion so offensive TO our
partners and asking for unconditional
surrender. the President negotiated The
country rose in protest, ard IN one matter
the President was not obstinate. His
next note was in different temper, and
he finally approved of the Foch armlstlce,
which was plainly based on unconditional
surrender principles.
But in thousands Of minds doubts had
been reborn. Had the Presidents paclf-
ism revived? Did he purpose to be the
Wilson of 1915 and 1916, rather than
the Wilson of 1917 and 1918? While
the misgvings were lively the extraor-
dinary election proclamation appeared.
In form the appeal was 4 partisan one,
but in fact it was more personal than
partisan. The President did not object
to a Republican if assured he would vote
as he dictated. He did not like Demo-
Gratis who were insubordinate to him.
But why was uncontrolled power
sought? Many Americans could not
escape the conclusion that the President
could not be altogether trusted in the
peace making-feared he entertained
ideas which were not those of the coun-
try The impression was not removed
when the leaders of the Senate, constitu
tional partner in treaty making, were
excluded from participation, nor when
the President, naming dummy peace
commission. started for Europe, nor
when he threatened to come home unless
he could get the kind of peace he
wanted.
A deep-scated dubiety thus has colored
the treaty discussion. The friends of an
unmodifed covenant have never clearly
stated their objectives, but the vagueness
has been shot through with disturbing
Implications. The all-of-us plan had been
abandoned because it was obviously i'm
possible to write with the same pen
peace necessarily punitive and restric-
tive and a league of complete equality.
But in the back of thousands of heads
had not really changed.
The twistings and windings have been
difficult to follow. but it has been notice
able that Germany, although often re-
preaching the President for inconsist-
ency, has steadily favored his proposals
rather than those he opposed. Germany
naturally has definite opinions as to what
is to her interest She is united in be-
half of Step from Under principles--is
willing to forget the war and forgive
the Allies if they are virtuous enough
TO trust her and not to ask her to pay
The German preference, Of course, proves
nothing, but it is evidential. as the law
yers say, and has the weight that usually
attaches to expert opinion.
The argument concerning the covenant
IS sinuous and complcated-few are able
TO keep abreast Of it. But it looks as if
once more an attempt were being made
TO solve the problems of the world by
"proelamatons and pious resolutions" to
the neglect of practicslities which gen.
timely make for peace. Against too deep
an entry into such a scheme, common
sense protests.
What is a man to think who is told