The sun., 1919-09-19
WILSON EVADES
ISSUES IN REPLY
TO QUESTIONERS
SAYS Irish Have Bad Cause
if They Cannot Apply
to League.
SHIFTING ON SHANTUNG
Asserts Mckinley and Hay
tCondoned Robbing of China
by the Powers.
SHIFTING ON SHANTUNG
Special DespatcA to THE sun.


SAN Francisco, Sept. 1s.-The Presi-
dent has made these answers to the
two questions California shot directly
at him:
The Peace Conference was power
less to help Ireland, but the League
of Nations will take a benevolent
interest in Irish freedom. If the
Irish are not satisfied with that
they have got bad cause.
The Peace Conference could not
prevent the robbery of China by
Japan, but this robbery is no worse
than similar land grabs by other
nations that were condoned by the
Republican statesmen President
Mckinley and John Hay.
Mr.. Wilson skated over the thin ice
OF these matters with light and rapid
feet. He brought to bear all Of the
adroitness of which he is the subtle
master. He employed all of the shad-
ings and qualifications and the back
irgs and filings that characterize his
statements when dangerous topics can
not be evaded. But when his oratory
ia stripped to the bone California got
from him no more than is stated above.
He tells Californians, especially those
of Irish blood. that it was not within the
province of the peace conference to take
up self-determination problems that did
not relate to peoples rescued from Teuton
domination. Therefore Ireland could not
be heard at Paris. But he says the time
will come when ireland. like all other
peoples craving liberty. can stand efore
the Council of the League of Nations
and get hearing.
His Reply to the Irish.
"If the desire for setf-determination
Of any people in the world is likely to
affect the peace of the world" he said
tonight in Oakland and to-day in San
Franc SEQ. "or the good understanding
between nations, 1t becomes the business
Of the league. it becomes the right OF
any member of the league. to call atten-
ton to it. 1t becomes the function OF
the league to bring the whole pressure
of the combined world to bear upon that
very matter. / ask some of my fellow
countrymen (the allusion to the Irish In
America was evidently IL they are not
satisfied with that. If they are not
satisfied their case is not good"
He seeks to justify the Shantung
settlement by referring to the course
taken by the Mex nley Administration In
approving the looting Of China by Ger
many and by Russia Great Britain and
France, and although he spoke Of Mr..
Mckinley and Mr.. Hay as fine spirits.
most honorable men," he nevertheless
coupled with their memory a charge that
they condoned brutal robbery for the
purpose of furthering American trade.
The subtlety of this charge resembled
the method OF his attacks against the
Senate and Senator's He protests vast
respect for the men oppos ng his de-
mands, and then after these protesta-
tons, tells the people that his opponents
are stupid, selfish in purpose. actuated
by dark motives and will be hanged
higher than Haman by the annals Of
history.
Questions Were "Planted.'
When he entered California he real
lied that he was submitting himself to
some very angry and determined people.
It was made possible for him to antici-
pate and to attempt to meet questions
about injustice to China and injustice
To Ireland by a method kown to the
police OF every city. That Is to say
questions were planted for Mr.. Will
sons convenient and lelsurely considera-
tion--lists of questions devised by friends
of the President and supporters of an
unqualified league and given the ap-
pearance of bona flde opposition
queries. One set was wired to him by
the League to Enforce Peace. Another
set was from the Labor Council. or
rather from a group in the Labor Coun-
Gil friendly to Mr.. Wilson.
As he leaves tonight for San Diego
and Los Angeles the question arises.
What has he accomplished by his argu-
ments and his methods? Men in closest
touch with public opinion believe that
he has lost rather than gained support
by his visit to the State. California
expected frank, definite, downright in
formation which would clarity the con-
troversial points in the treaty and league
covenant, especially the points touching
on Shantung. immigration. the Monroe
Doctrine and the question OF manda-
tories. What they got was what is
sometimes alluded to as sob stun" He
hurried before an audience of women
and told them that he will give them
peace and tranquility; that he is fighting
an effort by the United States Senate
to dishonor America and drag us into
another war which would make women
weep; that he sees the visions which
women understand.
Leaves QuestiOns Unanswered.
He went before an audience of men
and women, a most unruly and dlsor-
dArfxy andiauoa In fha Cfutn Auats..l....