New-York tribune., 1919-04-12
Agent or Masser2

day Of his flying visit to the United
States, President Wilson, speaking of the
men who compose the peace conference,
said that they realize as keeny as any
American can realize that they are not
masters of their people, that they are
servants Of their people,"
The American people are thus assumed
to have servants, not masters, at Paris.
The implication is that our standard is
maximum standard; that to the extent
that President Wilson is an agent, bound
to consult with and obey the instructions
of his principal, so other peoples, won
derful to relate, have the same great
power.
This declaration does not seem alto
gether popular in the democratic coun-
tries of Europe. Before going to Paris
Lloyd George called general election,
outlined his general policies and was
approved by record-brcaEing majority.
But the British Prime Minister does not
think this placed any signed blank check
IN his hand. He acknowledges the prin-
ciple of continuing responsibility. A
majority of the members of the British
House OF Commons, disturbed by recent
reports from Paris, having joined in
petition to him to stand firm for lust
reparation, he responds that he is ready
"at any moment to submit to the judg-
ment Of Parliament, and, if necessary,
OF the country, our efforts Loyalty to re-
deem our promises"
Clenenceau has similarly gone before
the French Chamber of DEPUTIES with
accounts of his work He will serve not
a day longer than he possesses the con-
fdence Of the French parliament. Not
long ago, if unofficial reports are to be
credited; he offered to resign.
Similarly the Italian delegation recog-
nizes responsibility to the Italian parlia-
ment. Coincident With the assemblage
OF the peace conference Premier Or
lando consulted with the italian Chamber
and represents not past but a present
majority.
Our delegation at Paris, it is obvious,
does not entertain similar ideas. Neither
the American people nor the American
Congress is consulted No instructions
are asked for and but nominally is there
recognition that the United States IS the
principal and that those speaking in it's
name are agents. Last November the
President asked for a signing Of a blank
check and the request was denied. bat no
change Of attitude has been d:scerned.
Since there has been a steady refusal
to call Congress in extra session, and no
concealment is made of the reason. The
duly authorized spokestncn Of the people
are not to have an opportunity to de-
Aberatc and to present advice which is
not wanted. Public opinion has been
equally fouted. No clear and inteligible
statement Of policy has been published
The people are Intentionally kept in the
dark concerning the conduct of their
affairs. From day to day the President
seems to change his mind, but whatever
he holds at any particular hour, this, and
nothing other, IS assumed to be the man
date OF the American people.
Great decisions are being made, which
Will affect not only the present but an
indefinite future. What they are is a.
closely guarded secret. What is done is
in effect none Of the public's business.
The maxim commonly ascribed to Will
lam II. Vanderbilt is seemingly adopted
as guiding principle. Not only is the
right to make binding agreements with
out reference or consultation asserted.
but it has been widely advertised that
it is proposed so to write and arrange
"a complicated contract as not to allow
the principal any liberty when the for
mality Of signature is demanded.
The Tribune is not one of those spend
ing nights Of anxiety over the fate of
the Constitution. 1t adheres to the idea
That the great instrument is living and
not dead document, and would allow
much to reasonable Interpretation. But
what confronts the country nov is not
a problem Of liberal construction, but
whether the essence of democratic re-
publicanism is to continue Are Amer
leans to accept the doctrine that every
four years an unrecalable dictator is to
be elected, and that during his term Of
Office shall be an uncontrolled master?
Having intcrvcned in the war to make
the world safe for democracy, is repre-
sentative government to be ended here?
Are those citizens hysterical who ask for
action looking to rc9stablishing a repub-
ican form Of government in the United
States?