Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-03-15
EVENTS OF A WEEK

Paris, where he has resumed his work at the esslohs u
the peace conference. He has kept closely in touch with
developments on both sides Of the Atlantic, and Is now at
work on a number of matters concerning which final de-
cision has been postponed, pending his arrival. Among
other things consideration will now be given to the
amendments to the constitution of the league of nations
proposed by Mr.. Taft. 1t has been stated that the gen.
eral disposition of the delegates is to consider these pro-
posals favorably If that can be done without reopening
the entire subject. 1t is also said that IL these proposed
amendments are viewed with favor other suggestions will
be made by Italy and France.
General agreement is reported to have been reached
on a number of points especially affecting Germany.
While the exact form which the conditions will take is in
some doubt, it is certain that the German military force
will be reduced to what is barely necessary as a police
force, and the number Of men to be permitted is now
stated at 100, 900. The present plan is to have these re-
eruited by the volunteer system, and to serve for a period
Of twelve years. An indication of the completely of the
subject is seen in the criticisms of this plan. 1t is alleged
in some quarters that under this plan a German govern
ment could arrange for the acceptance into its army only
of men suitable for officers, and that the entire force
could be given the training Of officials. In a few years, it
is argued, Germany would have 100000 highly trained
officers, and with these the creation of an effective army
Of several millions out of otherwise raw material would
be a task requiring but a short time.
Germany is to be required Immediately to surrender
all her aircraft, and to build no more until after the
peace terms have been signed, and the conditions govern
ing this branch will be specified in the terms. An effort
is being made by the conference to devise a plan which
will make it impossible for Germany to use the air craft
for military purposes without restricting her in the de-
velopment of air navigation along commercial lines.
There has also been reached a tentative agreement
60, A. ~ = ~>r-~-- =.
AS now planned, to all intents the Rhine will be the west
ern boundary of Germany. Alsace-Lorraine will go to
France Internationally: the remainder of the saar mining
basin will be added to Lorraine for industrial purposes,
and 1t will be specially administered, and the lower prov
inces west Of the Rhine will be made an autonomous
state to act as a buffer between Germany and Belgium.
All Notifications along the Rhine are to be prohibited,
and it is likely that the stream may be internationalized
and thrown open to the trade Of the world.
In the matter of reparation there has been a con-
tinuous scaling down Of costs and claims until the total
amount which, it is expected will be required Of Germany
is about forty billion dollars, this being about 20 per cent
Of the original claims. In the fixing of these figures there
has been no question of what, in justice, might be de-
manded from Germany, but regard has been had for her
present prospective ability to pay. The futility Of pre-
scribing impossibilities is generally recognized
In Berlin, where the greatest disorders in the en-
pire have taken place, the government forces have grad
ually beenYclearing out nests Of revolutionists and the re-
volt against the Ebert government appears definitely to
have failed. Comparative quiet has prevailed in the rest
Of the country.
The certain restoration to France of Alsace-Lorraine
in the near future brings to the front an interesting state
Of affairs in relation to the clergy and clericalsm in these
provinces. For several years the church in France has
been de-nationalized, and the bitter controversy over the
sequestration Of the estates Of the church and Of church
revenues is well remembered. In the Rhine provinces,
under German rule, the Catholic church is in possession
Of the states which it formerly held, and the Catholic
clergy has been in receipt of regular stipends from the
German government, Some Of the church authorities
express anxiety over the prospects. and are wondering
II the laws and regulations which prevail in the rest OF
France are to be extended to the returned provinces
This, it seems. is purely a matter Of French domestic
concern. but it is interesting, nevertheless.
#@ 49,
The German government has selected the representa-.
ttves who will be invited to sign the peace articles. The
present understanding is that these men will not be per
mitteds to enter Paris; but will perform their duties al
vssnilles. This Is the desire Of the French government
which is unwilling to assume responsibility for the pro.
lection OF German delegates in Paris. It is stated tina,
there 10 no form Of actual uolencf. but that unpleasan,
Incidents might occur II the Germans were to appear ii
public in the city. Emphasis is also laid on the fact tina
there viii be no argunent with the Germans q TO the e.
ssntiai form Of the peace agreement. That agreement
mi ~ scompleted by the conference. and then the Ger.
mans win be required to dsn.
:
rather impressive indication OF tho manner +
snhich the ceasatioa 81 he var i closing down va worl
= sven II the aansuncement fhat nj work on tie mn.
skisas plant i Nsvfle Island. nsar rittsburssh. 4 ended
go xhaf ne aructures alreaAx hunt hh.r~.r (. !. -.